The audit framework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The audit framework - Essay Example More focus upon ensuring the independence of the auditors is made. Limitations and restrictions upon the non-audit services provided by the auditors shall remove much of the threat to the independence of the auditors along with the alterations in the mandatory audit rotation. Making it more dynamic and competitive makes the audit market in the European Union much efficient. Encouraging joint audits shall be able to overcome the dominance of the big fours in the market and thus shall increase the competition in the market. The harmonization of the audit standards in the European Union shall be expanding the audit market in the European Union. With the enhanced supervision of the audit sector and much reforms made in the audit sector it shall be affecting various stakeholders and its impact along with the difficulties are elaborated. The long awaited audit reforms have been completed by the EU however now awaits their practical implication it would reveal their impact over the companies. Audit reforms are move that come after the financial crisis that corporates have faced and proximity seen in the relation of the auditors to their clients. Reforms are not only the challenge for the audit firms but also for the companies, they would be required to adapt to new regulations. Some of the factors that would deeply affect companies that undergo are discussed as follow: Even changing of engagement partner was considered auditor rotation however changed reforms require change in audit firm maximum after 24 years including extension period. Companies would have to be more vigilant in their choice of auditor as relationship would be of limited period (more than previous 3 years) and non-audit services would be restricted. Changing of auditors before 10 years would not be appreciated; reforms do not aim to increase the competition in the audit market thus the replacement during first

Private and corporate information Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Private and corporate information - Essay Example Moreover, there are hackers who victimize other people for their own benefit of breaking into computer systems to destroy or steal information in the form of cyber-terrorism. Lastly, there is the spyware, adware, and Trojans, usually installed with other programs without the users consent. They monitor an individual’s behavior on the internet, display targeted advertisements, and even download other malicious software onto a computer. It is the every responsibility of individuals to protect their own information. I play my role in ensuring information security through keeping it safe in backup devices. I secure the information from the system by the use of safe browsing practices. This occurs through an evaluation of the browser’s security settings before making any online transactions. In addition, I am keen when using email attachments, using safely the instant messaging and chat rooms. To improve information security I will install antivirus and antispyware software program and make sure they are up to date for the protection against any attacks. Furthermore, I will disable non-essential software’s from the computer as they increase the opportunities for attack. In conclusion, I will ensure the use of strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access to

Debit Vs Credit Card Analysis

Debit Vs Credit Card Analysis Every time you use a credit card, you are actually borrowing money that is made available to you by a bank or other financial institution. The institution pays the debt to the vendor and, in turn, you pay the money back to the institution. By signing up for a credit card, you agree to pay back the money that you borrowed, in addition to any interest drawn on the amount you borrowed. Odds are, you have a debit card in your wallet or purse right now, since many ATM cards are programmed to have debit options. Issued by your bank, debit cards take funds directly from the money that you have in your bank account acting much like a check, just faster. With a debit card, you dont have to carry cash or checks, and it is very convenient to shop at a variety of places including gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and retail stores. They provide instant access to your money and are accepted worldwide. Debit cards are used much like credit cards, meaning that the store where you are shopping swipes them and you are normally given the option of signing your receipt instead of using a required PIN number (you can enter your PIN number if you prefer). You also typically do not have to show a picture ID. A few reasons why you should pay with credit: When you shop online. When you buy something from the internet you would like to use your credit card because the funds dont come immediately out of your checking. This way if you have any disputes with the online merchant you can call up your credit card company and get the charge removed. This also works to protect your cash balances because if someone somehow gets a hold of your credit card number they can only ring up a bill that you dont have to pay (because you didnt charge it), but if they get ahold of your debit card number they can cause you one major headache. When you buy a big-ticket item. You might not be aware of this but most credit card issuers offer an extended warranty on anything you buy with credit. Obviously youll want to review your credit cards terms but this can come in handy as some credit card issuers automatically double the manufacturers warranty. When you want to build your credit history. Using your debit card wont build you any credit but if you use your credit card and pay it off on a monthly basis youll start to build your credit up quickly. When you want to rent a car. Many credit cards offer damage protection coverage when you pay for a rental car with them. This offers the same coverage as the damage insurance that car rental companies will try to sell you. Pay with your card and save yourself some money. You want to earn points. Most credit cards nowadays offer reward points which can be redeemed for cash, gift cards and even airline tickets. A few reasons why you might want to pay with Debit: You want cash. If you want to get cash quick without paying any ATM fees then just use your debit card and ask for cash back at the merchant. Quick, free and easy. You want to avoid interest charges. Obviously if you use your credit card you will likely be charged interest for any purchases you put on your credit card. This is not the case when you use your debit card because the funds are transferred automatically out of your checking account. You dont want (yet another) bill to pay. Lets face it, were overrun with bills every single month. If you want to streamline your life and just dont want to have yet another bill to pay then use your debit card. If you dont have a balance on your credit card then you dont get a bill. Good stuff! Which Is Better? Maybe you still dont see much difference, besides where the money comes from and when you have to pay up. So which one is better to use? It depends upon how careful you are with your card and why you are using the card. The features that make debit cards convenient instant access to your money, lack of a required PIN number and not having to drag out your photo ID when you use it make fraud that much easier. Unless reported quickly, theft of your debit card can quickly devastate your bank account. This is where you begin to see the difference. Credit card companies are held to strict liability laws; the law limits consumer liability for credit card fraud to $50. For example, if you notice suspicious charges on your credit card statement such as double billing or an incorrect charge, the credit card company is obligated to investigate if you send in a written request within 60 days. For debit card fraud, your liability is $50 if you notify the bank within two days of noticing the fraudulent charges. After two days, your liability increases to $500, and up to your entire account balance after 60 days. So, if you report the theft after two days, you can be held responsible for paying for purchases or charges that you didnt make. Although many banks have started to implement voluntary plans to limit customer liability to $50, there is no federal law regarding this issue. One final advantage of credit cards is that they are helpful for consumers seeking to establish or reestablish an attractive credit history. Responsible credit card usage can improve ones credit rating, which will improve your chances of obtaining favorable credit terms (low interest rates, low fees, etc.) for automobile loans, mortgages and personal loans. Finally, a debit card is not just a card its ready access to your money. Be as careful with it as you would with your wallet if it contained the contents of your entire bank account. Thank you à ¯Ã‚ Ã…  

Unemployment in the US Essay -- essays papers

Unemployment in the US Why I Chose These Indicators I chose these indicators because all are something that ordinary people deal with every day. All of us have control over our own spending and how far into debt we go. If we are not making the salary we want then we are free to look for a new job or an additional job. There is also the possibility of going back to school to raise your educational level in order to get a better job. This may, of course, put us deeper into debt. We are in debt as a country, and as individuals, but with the economy as strong as it is people have no qualms about going deeper into debt. There are increases in delinquency rates on consumer loans, record numbers of bankruptcy filings, and an increasing share of income devoted to paying interest on debt. These are signs that some households are becoming overextended. In this paper I discuss bankruptcy, consumer credit, inherited wealth and the difference in the way some generations handle debt. Executive Summary Personal income, installment debt and unemployment are coincident or lagging economic indicators or both. By many measures the US economy is very healthy, but increasing consumer debt and personal bankruptcies raise concerns about the future. Credit card debt is higher than ever, and personal bankruptcies soared in 1995 and 1996 (Silverman 1997). Over 10% of Americans are expected to declare bankruptcy during the 1990s unless the trend changes, and there is no longer public scorn for those who file bankruptcy (Darlin 1997). Consumer credit remains readily available despite rising bankruptcies. This trend is attributed to a credit-friendly social policy which requires credit to be extended without discrimination. Furthermore, easy credit is needed to allow consumers to buy goods. The lending business also remains lucrative. To manage risks, financial institutions resort to diversification and risk shifting. The cost of bankruptcy is also incorporated in the cost of credit (Lykins and Plankenhorn 1996). The post baby-boom group known as Generation X is accumulating a great deal of debt, mostly through credit cards. The average credit card balance of households headed by someone under 25 nearly doubled from 1990 to 1995. There seems to be little desire among these people to live within their means (Shenk 1997). However,... ...e News, 6 October 1997 v13 n37 p40. Lykins, Gregory B., and Robert L. Plankenhorn. AEven with personal bankruptcies at record levels, easy consumer credit is here to stay,@ Illinois Business Review, Winter 1996 v53 n4 pg32. McGinn, Daniel. ADeadbeat nation: why are so many people in bankruptcy court?,@ Newsweek, 14 April 1997 v129 n15 p50. Murphy, Robert G. AHousehold debt and consumer spending,@ Business Economics, July 1998 v33 n3 p38. Seiberg, Jaret. AFed card study finds surprisingly little pure convenience use,@ American Banker, 19 June 1997, v162 p4. Shafer, Tim. ASailing over the fence: the rewards of good credit,@ Credit World, July-August 1997 v85 n6 p38. Shrenk, Joshua Wolf. AIn debt all the way up to their nose rings,@ U.S. News & World Report, 9 June 1997 v122 n22 p38. Silverman, Dick. AConsumer debt builds a house of cards,@ Daily News Record, 1 August 1997, v27 n92 p10. Time. AWhen boomers become busted,@ Time 31 March, 1997 v149 n13 p64. Topolnicki, Denise. AYou=d be surprised what folks will do for money today,@ Money August 1994, v23 n8 p12. Ventura, Michael. AThe psychology of money,@ Psychology Today, March-April 1995, v28 n2 p50. Unemployment in the US Essay -- essays papers Unemployment in the US Why I Chose These Indicators I chose these indicators because all are something that ordinary people deal with every day. All of us have control over our own spending and how far into debt we go. If we are not making the salary we want then we are free to look for a new job or an additional job. There is also the possibility of going back to school to raise your educational level in order to get a better job. This may, of course, put us deeper into debt. We are in debt as a country, and as individuals, but with the economy as strong as it is people have no qualms about going deeper into debt. There are increases in delinquency rates on consumer loans, record numbers of bankruptcy filings, and an increasing share of income devoted to paying interest on debt. These are signs that some households are becoming overextended. In this paper I discuss bankruptcy, consumer credit, inherited wealth and the difference in the way some generations handle debt. Executive Summary Personal income, installment debt and unemployment are coincident or lagging economic indicators or both. By many measures the US economy is very healthy, but increasing consumer debt and personal bankruptcies raise concerns about the future. Credit card debt is higher than ever, and personal bankruptcies soared in 1995 and 1996 (Silverman 1997). Over 10% of Americans are expected to declare bankruptcy during the 1990s unless the trend changes, and there is no longer public scorn for those who file bankruptcy (Darlin 1997). Consumer credit remains readily available despite rising bankruptcies. This trend is attributed to a credit-friendly social policy which requires credit to be extended without discrimination. Furthermore, easy credit is needed to allow consumers to buy goods. The lending business also remains lucrative. To manage risks, financial institutions resort to diversification and risk shifting. The cost of bankruptcy is also incorporated in the cost of credit (Lykins and Plankenhorn 1996). The post baby-boom group known as Generation X is accumulating a great deal of debt, mostly through credit cards. The average credit card balance of households headed by someone under 25 nearly doubled from 1990 to 1995. There seems to be little desire among these people to live within their means (Shenk 1997). However,... ...e News, 6 October 1997 v13 n37 p40. Lykins, Gregory B., and Robert L. Plankenhorn. AEven with personal bankruptcies at record levels, easy consumer credit is here to stay,@ Illinois Business Review, Winter 1996 v53 n4 pg32. McGinn, Daniel. ADeadbeat nation: why are so many people in bankruptcy court?,@ Newsweek, 14 April 1997 v129 n15 p50. Murphy, Robert G. AHousehold debt and consumer spending,@ Business Economics, July 1998 v33 n3 p38. Seiberg, Jaret. AFed card study finds surprisingly little pure convenience use,@ American Banker, 19 June 1997, v162 p4. Shafer, Tim. ASailing over the fence: the rewards of good credit,@ Credit World, July-August 1997 v85 n6 p38. Shrenk, Joshua Wolf. AIn debt all the way up to their nose rings,@ U.S. News & World Report, 9 June 1997 v122 n22 p38. Silverman, Dick. AConsumer debt builds a house of cards,@ Daily News Record, 1 August 1997, v27 n92 p10. Time. AWhen boomers become busted,@ Time 31 March, 1997 v149 n13 p64. Topolnicki, Denise. AYou=d be surprised what folks will do for money today,@ Money August 1994, v23 n8 p12. Ventura, Michael. AThe psychology of money,@ Psychology Today, March-April 1995, v28 n2 p50.

Rhone-Poulenc

Rhone-Poulenc 1) What are the goals of and constraints faced by the French State? Rhone-Poulenc? Its workers? of Bankers Trust? The goals of the French State: i. Reduce involvement of the state in French economy ii. Cut the budgetary deficit iii. Provide state-owned companies with access to private capital (including foreign capital) necessary for expansion iv. Add industrial diversity and liquidity to the equity market Constraints faced by the French State: i.Concerned that the privatization program must be successful politically as well ii. Desired a broad distribution of stock, in which ultimate buyers would be both private individual investors and institutions – noyaux durs, long-term holders. The goals of Rhone-Poulenc: i. The offering would be fully subscribed with the widest possible participation by employees ii. The offering would not generate any of the financial costs of carrying unsold shares iii.The offering would require the company to grant only minimal investme nt incentives to the employees Constraints faced by Rhone-Poulenc: i. Constrained by Tresor’s limitations on how generous the offering can be outlined, making the deal not so attractive to employees ii. How to encourage employees to purchase the firm’s shares in its forthcoming privatization? The goals of its workers: i. Receive as favourable conditions as possible Constraints faced by its workers: i. Not enough cash ii. Aversion to riskiness of common stocks ii. Might lose job and cash in the future The goals of Bankers Trust: i. Creating a unique deal and perhaps â€Å"success story† for further business ii. Maintain its reputation as being among the world’s most innovative banks and continue being regarded as among the top several banks in derivatives and risk-management expertise. Constraints faced by Bankers Trust: i. Ensure that neither Rhone-Poulenc nor the French bank suffered any losses in conjunction with the provision of the guarantees to the e mployees

Od Interventions

Definition of od interventions: An OD intervention can be defined as â€Å"the set of structured activities in which selected organization units engage with a task or a sequence of tasks where the task goals are related directly or indirectly to organizational improvement † â€Å"A set of sequenced and planned actions or events intended to help the organisation increase its effectiveness†. In an od intervention the entire process of diagnosis, alternative generation and making action choices are jointly conducted and od will also examine the process of such diagnosis, action planning and implementation.Criteria for Effective Interventions: In OD three major criteria define the effectiveness of an intervention: 1. The Extent to Which it (the Intervention) fits the needs of the organization. 2. The degree to which it is based on causal knowledge of intended outcomes 3. The extent to which the OD intervention transfers change-management competence to organization members. Characteristics of od intervention: First An od intervention will focus on the organizational processes apart from the substantive content of an activity.Secondly an od intervention would generally focus on a work team as the unit of analysis and change towards effective behaviour Thirdly od would normally view change as an on-going process and would rely on a collaborative management of work culture Types of od interventions : These interventions can be clubbed into twelve groups and they are diagnostic, team-building, inter-group activities, survey feedback methods, education and training programmes, techno-structural activities, process consultation, the management grid, meditation and negotiation activities, coaching and counseling and planning and goal setting activities. ) Survey Feedback: It recounts to an approach survey through well planned assessment or Interviews. It covers the feedback to the customer organisation. It has a demand and significance in a genuine situation. The attitude survey can have a purpose to measure the process; for instance, communication, decision making and leadership at different levels. The data produced under this system is perceptual and attitudinal.. A review of the product is prepared in a group discussion.Generally feedback of results is specific to the group which prepares the data. As a result strategies are planned to resolve the organisational problems. Consequently, the process of survey feed back includes: collection of data, feedback, development of action plan and follow-up. Therefore, to ensure authentic results, the survey should be applicable and dependable. 2) Management Grid : The method urbanized by Robert Blake and Jane S. Mouton is a step to move toward. This Grid represents a rational support of managing people.Growth of management skills from beginning to end grid program involves wide range of included and instrumented activities are the ways having investigational and planned conditions. The member s are secondary to be pleased about the advances to integrate people and their invention. 3) Team Building: Team building is an attempt to assist the work group to identify, diagnose and solve its own problems. Actually groups develop their own norms of behaviour which pressurize the persons and group behaviour. Organisation is a system to interconnect with groups.OD considers that work groups are the teams which are spinning around to introduce changes in the organization. Team building actions are taken to develop a range of groups in an organization like permanent work teams, task forces, committees etc. Team building actions focus on finding, task achievement, team relationships and organisational process. The component groups in team building activity are: the external advisors, the group leader and the members of the group. In team building movement, associates meet and talk about troubles connecting to their coursework It obtain sincere and courageous argument.In the team bui lding movements, the associate adds the sequence relating to their personal observation of issues, problems and task relationship. 4) Sensitivity Training: It is known as training being carried out by creating an experimental laboratory circumstances where workers will be brought together to do something together in a formless environment. Sensitivity training helps in understanding people well again, to develop appreciation for others, to develop specific behavioral skills and to gain effective approach into the group development. It also aims at falling interpersonal confrontation.The main aim of sensitivity training is to split all the methods through the bond of silence and ease the expression of associates to emphasize on the process of debate to a certain extent than to fulfill the instructions. It is a method which proposes to have brain washing of persons. This training is accepted by formless groups without any agenda, leader and predetermined goals. The group is given inde pendence to expand their plans, contacts and on going process for interaction. Sensitivity training gives a technique to enable special knowledge and development. ) Four System Management : Rensis Likert’s four System Management has given four stage to represent the organizational values to include the essential collection of job bearing and people way. According to Likert management philosophy can be classified into four systems they are: i) Exploitative-Autocratic System ii) Benevolent Autocratic System iii) Consultative Democratic System and iv) Participative Democratic System. This theory explains that three basic concepts of system has four management which will help making the organization effective they are: ) To use the principle of supportive relationship in the organisation b) To use the group decision making and group methods of supervision in the organisation, and c) To emphasize more on the high performance goals. 6) Management by Objectives (MBO): It is another important tool of O. D and involves the process of educating the concerned persons about M. B. O, agreement upon clear cut quantifiable objectives, evaluation of objectives and feedback for deviation and coercive action. . M. B. O is wide-ranging overall managerial philosophies that focuses upon joint goal setting and synthesize the individual’s goal to organisational goals.The entire organization will have the feeling of unity as all levels of management of an organization are involved in goal setting. The programmes relating to M. B. O can be effective if they are properly implemented and needs the support of the top management. 7) Process Consultation: It can be described as the set of activities on the part of the consultant that helps the client to perceive, understand and act upon the process events that take place in the client’s environment. Process consultation concentrates on the analysis of process of activities like communication, leadership etc.It also aim s to attempts to develop initial contacts, define relationships, selecting the method of work, collection of data and diagnosis. Process consultation is a method of intervening in an on going system and is designed to change attitudes, values, interpersonal skills, group norms, and cohesiveness and other process variables. 8) Contingency Approach : This approach was given by P. Lawsence and J. Lorseh. It is based on the principle that an organisation is a multifaceted social system. Its behavior must be included into a united effort to enable it to cope with the environment.Theoretically individuals in different departments have different orientations related to the tasks they perform. Genuinely, the organisational units in their regular operations they are differentiated along with their direction. It appears that with the task discrimination coordination is not possible. According to contingency approach separation and combination are possible for total organisation’s effec tiveness with the help of integrative devices. To sum up, high organisational presentation is well-suited with the existence of both separation as well as combination which are required as per the stress of heir immediate environment. The contingency approach can be useful as an OD intervention in industrial organizations in the form of inter group argument meetings of concerned departmental persons. 9) Role Analysis : In the presentation of their individual roles persons manifest certain behaviour which may upset team efficiency. At times it is established that the persons are unambiguous about their own expected behaviour from the view point of other members of the team. In these circumstances the role analysis procedure is used to clarify the role expectations and obligations of the members of a team.The ensuing role requirements and the expected behavioral mechanism of each other help the member enjoy an equally acceptable behaviour in the team work. In this technique, the indiv idual role players analyze the focal role of the individuals. 10) Inter-group Activity : Meager interpersonal relations are not unusual features in organisational performance . Under these circumstances, inter-group motion spotlights to improve the relationships between the groups. It helps in the interaction and communication between the work groups which eventually avoids dysfunctional inimical competitiveness among them.Inter-group team building entails the procedure of discrimination and combination. 11) Organisation Mirroring: It monitors the activities of group of members and gets the feedback from the members of several other groups about how is it being professed. Organisational mirroring is used when there is complexity with other department in the organisation. A meeting is called and response is sought from other department. During the meeting the correct picture emerges which will determine many mistakes committed between two groups. 2) Third Party Peace Making Intervent ion: This intervention is the foundation of the thoughts to understand the conflicts and their resolutions at the interpersonal level. It helps to confront the method of resolving the conflicts takes place between two parties who are aware of the existence of the conflicts and want to confront the issues. The advisor as a third party must be accomplished in the art of identifies the conflicts and use confrontation as technique. This process focuses on four basic elements of conflicts they are : i) The conflict issues, (ii) The contributory circumstances, (iii) The conflict related behaviour, and (iv) The results of the conflict. 13) Job Design/Redesign : It is task -technology connected approach and aims at making changes in the work procedure of the groups of employees. Job design occupies a well planned reorganization of a job. On the whole it focuses to develop worker’s motivation, commitment, performance, job satisfaction etc. , through job enrichment, job engineering, jo b rotation, job enlargement and socio-technical system. 4) Quality Circles: Quality Circles are semi-autonomous work groups with six persons who volunteer to talk about and solve feature related problems during working hours. It has impact on working conditions, employee’s commitment and self development of employees. 15) Counselling : Counselling is the method to extend the help by a manager to his assistant to enhance his prospective. It plans at hypothesizing and empathize with the workers. It assists to bring about self consciousness in the worker about his capability. Single or group of interventions may be used to resolve the issues.Od intervention used in BHEL-BLOCK5 PAGE33-34(M) In order to develop & improve the effectiveness of the human resources in the Organisation, a committee called ‘Human Resources Committee’ was first constituted by BHEL in Bhopal in 1976. The committee is the central body and plays the central role in implementation of all OD effo rts. With the help of external and internal resource persons, a number of programmes/workshops have been Organised for the development of the members of this committee improving their problem solving capabilities and decision making.The range of OD interventions are described below. Job Redesign and Work commitment as an OD intervention In one of the BHEL units (Hardwar) Job redesign was taken up and as an OD intervention in 1975. This experiment was pursued for around 4 years and very encouraging results were obtained. i) A more satisfying job, due to increased variety and relief from boredom and monotony ii) Personal growth for all, by learning additional skills of other trends and acquiring leadership Qualities iii) Reduction in health/safety hazards iv) An atmosphere with less tension and jealousy ) An improved team spirit and morale resulting in improved communication and human relationship vi) Increased self esteem and pride among the workers. Workshops were conducted and it w as found to be very useful and threw up more questions for wider debate and discussions. By using survey method, a list of programmes or subjects or themes is sent to various. H. O. Ds who respond by ticking the appropriate ones for their executives. As a result of various diagnostic exercises some critical needs of training and development are identified.The workshops on various themes also give valuable idea of the areas requiring more thrust by way of training and development and specific training and development needs are thus identified. Based on role analysis a draft system with the following objectives has been circulated by the Corporate Personnel for the comments of Personnel/Training (HRD)/Divisional Heads. . Helping the executives to become more effective in their present and future jobs. . Enabling the executives to perform at optimum level by determining and meeting their growth needs. . Helping the executives to visualise their roles more clearly. Preventing the obsole scence of their technical and managerial skills. . Optimising the utilization of training resources by providing appropriate inputs. . Facilitating the design of need based programmes and identify the training and development needs. . Preparing data bank of capabilities required for various positions. . Facilitating job rotation, career and succession planning. Once implemented, it will provide a valuable data base for planning, training and development activities and identifying appropriate candidates for programmes. Performance Appraisal and Potenfial AppraisalIn BHEL it has remained so far that the role of superior was limited to evaluator or judge and the role of the appraisee was passive. Now the superiors role is being conceived as helper and counseller and the appraisee is encouraged to become more involved and committed in achieving the objectives. Performance feedback and Counselling The need and importance of performance feedback and counseling has been realized. Attempts are being made to cover maximum number of executives in various programme/workshops on performance feedback and counselling to enable them to practice it as an important tool for Human Resource Development.The supervisors also will be covered in such efforts. Career Planning and Development Time-cum-merit based promotion was practiced which is able to satisfy the individuals and organizational needs to a great extent. The employees are encouraged and helped to plan a career path. They are liberally sponsored to higher educational programmes in IIMS/IITs. Posted bySatish Raj Pathakat9:19 PM Labels:OD intervention Od intervention at NTPC

Five Tips for Writing a Travel Series

Five Tips for Writing a Travel Series Travel writing is considered one of the more glamorous writing gigs. After all, what could be better than getting paid to travel? While the reality is a bit more mundane (generally low pay, tight deadlines, viciously competitive markets) it’s still a load of fun. With the advent of travel blogs, more and more writers are expanding their experiences from single features to longer series. This allows you to focus on various aspects of a destination in different posts and tell a longer story arc. Here are five tips to writing an online travel series. These also work well for print features. 1. You don’t have to start at the beginning: While your journey has a beginning, middle, and end, you aren’t writing a novel. You don’t have to open your series with your arrival. This is usually your worst part of the trip anyway, so why inflict it on your reader? Instead, draw them in with a scene that brings the destination to life, such as when Rolf Potts started his series about going on a Star Trek cruise with the moment everyone discovered he wasn’t a fan of the show. Very rarely are the beginnings of a journey exciting, although my ten-hour drive across the desert to Somaliland made for a good opener. That time, and that time only, the start had excitement, color, vivid experiences, and a bit of danger. The rest of my trips have opened with me jetlagged and grumpy at some foreign airport. 2. Don’t forget that what’s normal to you is new to your reader: As we get accustomed to a new place, we begin to forget the little details that make for a great story. The best photo I never took in Iraq was of my driver eating hummus at a roadside restaurant as a sheep watched him from just outside the window. When I saw this I smiled and thought, â€Å"Appetizer and main course!† What I should have done was take a picture. That juxtaposition wasn’t unusual for me anymore, but I bet my readers would have gotten a good laugh out of it. Well, maybe not the vegetarians. 3. You don’t have to be a good photographer: I’m a mediocre photographer, and yet I’ve sold hundreds of photographs to print and online publications. How? I go to interesting places and take lots of pictures. It’s that simple. 4. Mix short and long pieces: Short, punchy pieces accompanied 5. The story is rarely about you: There are two types of traveler- those who describe the places they’ve been, and those who talk about how they went to a bunch of places. The first person is informative and interesting; the other is a boring braggart. While it’s your journey, you aren’t the most interesting thing about it. The people you meet and the things you see are. Leave yourself out of the picture unless it’s really, truly part of the story. There is very little about me in my series on  living in Harar, Ethiopia. When I visited the little-known Argobba tribe, or interviewed a traditional healer, I let them speak for themselves. In my post about meeting a nine-year-old refugee from Syria, however, my reactions were an important part of the story. A monk examines a medieval illustrated manuscript at his monastery on Lake Tana, Ethiopia. (copyright Sean McLachlan) Marsh Arab children in southern Iraq. (copyright Sean McLachlan)

English Essays - Acapulco, Walking, Elegant Array, Beating Drums

English Essays - Acapulco, Walking, Elegant Array, Beating Drums English While on vacation in Acapulco Mexico, I, along with my family and friends took a tour by boat to a small resort island. As we approached, I was awestruck by it's beauty. I knew this was going to be fun, but had no idea that this place would be forever etched in my mind. We were greeted at the dock by two natives dressed in brightly colored tropical shirts, white pants and shoes. They were also wearing smiles just as bright. They escorted us to an open-air type restaurant with a thatched roof that was actually attached to the pier at which we docked The restaurant had a casual atmosphere that made us very comfortable. The food was served buffet style, with an elegant array of Mexican and American cuisine. The entertainment provided in the restaurant during and after the buffet was de- lightful. A ten minute introduction to the Mexican culture was followed by an intriguing native dance, performed by a man dressed in an authentic looking costume consisting of only a rawhide g-string with a short apron front. His sandals had leather cords winding halfway up his legs. This dance depicted a story of a hunter and his prey. It was narrated by a woman who was also in costume. Brightly dressed Mexican men were beating drums and banging sticks providing the sound effects for the story. This was truly a great beginning to a wonderful afternoon. Behind the restaurant was a low mountainous area, accessible by walking trails only. We hiked one of these trails, observing the brightly colored tropical plants and trees that flourished on this well maintained terrain. A beautiful waterfall added to the splendor, and when we reached the top, a lookout provided a panoramic view of the entire bay. What a breathtaking sight! There was a bar here, and after a cool drink we decided to head down. We took a different trail down that brought us to the base of the mountain. In front of us, about 150 feet was the beach. It was 90 degrees and the Mexican sun made the sand hot under our feet. However, a gentle breeze kept us comfortable otherwise. On the beach we rented a cabana, which is little more than a thatched umbrella, table and beach chairs. There, we sat and enjoyed one of those big tropical drinks that has fruit on the edge of the glass and a small umbrella of its own. Staring out into the bay from my chair, was possibly the most serene feeling I have had in all my life. There were many people around and they were making plenty of noise, but my mind was absorbed with the natural beauty of this place. It was like none that I had ever seen before. Looking across the bay towards the mainland, with all its hustle and bustle, I felt as if I had found paradise. I had been to the ocean twice before, but only in the U.S., and never to a bay. Bay waters are much calmer, and therefore much clearer-so clear, in fact, that at a depth of six feet I was able to see a penny. The color of the water is also amazingly different from ocean water. The intensity of the blue color is almost fluorescent. After we rested, we decided it was time to get wet, so we donned our snorkeling gear and entered the warm water. I had never snorkeled before, but it wasn't long before I felt comfortable. Most of our experience was in very shallow water and I don't think it was ever necessary to go down more than ten feet. The fish didn't seem to be bothered by our presence, and although I don't know what kind they were, I touched two of them, and there reaction was only to flip there tail. About forty feet out from the beach it was still only about seven or eight feet deep, and that's where the coral appeared. This is something that no television or video could do justice to. The vivid colors of the coral alone were enough to make this whole trip worth while. There were many different types of fish, most of them with vibrant colors,

Ac Computer Shop

Chapter 1 Project Summary Introduction Computer shop business is one of the most in demand businesses here in Bulacan. Nowadays, internet cafes are really in demand because of the fast changing technology that the people embraced just like here in the Philippines. Some have their own laptops and bring it to coffee shops so that they could relax and at the same time prepare their assignments and paper works. The people today are very busy and would want to do their jobs in a beautiful and innovative environment that could satisfy their needs and lessen their stress due to busy schedule. Name of the Firm The proposed name of the firm is â€Å"AC COMPUTER SHOP†. The owner will register the firm with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Local Government Unit (LGU) concerned. The firm will be registered as single proprietorship. The business is about computer shop. Location The business will be renting a space along Hi-way near to Government Office, and schools. The target consumers are students, teachers, office workers, and nearby neighborhood especially those people whose relatives or loved ones are abroad. The two hundred (200) meter radius requirements as provided in the existing zoning code and other applicable rules and regulations wherein computer shops and other similar establishments and places of amusements should be put up or constructed at least two hundred (200) meters away from the church, schools, hospitals and other government offices shall be strictly complied with. Long Range Objectives of the Project The AC Computer Shop looks forward to be the most competitive shop in Bocaue and nearby towns of Bulacan. The proponent dreams of making profit and staying long in the business. For operating and establishing â€Å"AC COMPUTER SHOP†, I am having some objectives. 1. To earn profit at less investments. 2. To satisfy our customers providing best quality service at effective price. 3. Providing the service at low cost by providing the best quality at affordable price. 4. To know a fair return on the capital invested by the owner. Feasibility Criteria The following are the most important criteria by which almost every subject is being measured: 1. Raising Funds or Capital – this is the number one need of a business man in putting up a business. Whether he will produce the money by his own pocket or he will have a business loan in a bank. 2. Recognize profit from the business – the main reason of a person for going into business is profit. People tend to enter into this kind of business because of their expectation to earn money or have an income. 3. It helps the economic growth of the area – this company will give a job opportunity to the resident of bulacan. 4. Enhance the availability of the company – the company will become stable if it has the ability to compete to his competitor and ability to continue operations yet there is expected risks in a business. Market Strategies To penetrate the target market, different marketing strategies and promotions will be considered. Leaflets will be distributed and handed out to various business establishments, offices, schools, bus and jeepney stations, friends, and relatives. Games and services offered will be displayed on the store window. I will offer promo’s to attract the consumer like cheaper rate for computer rental, and membership card. I will put a tarpaulin on the place itself where my shop is standing, promoting the opening of my computer shop also one month before the opening. To let the people know that there will be a new Computer Shop on the vicinity. Lastly, I will keep developing my skills by attending seminars to improve my knowledge and to be updated in this business. Chapter 2 Market Study As the popularity of the Internet continues to grow at an exponential rate, easy and affordable access is quickly becoming a necessity of life. â€Å"AC Computer Shop† provides communities with the ability to access the Internet and share Internet experiences in a comfortable environment. People of all ages and backgrounds will come to enjoy the unique, up to date, and innovative environment that â€Å"AC Computer Shop† provides. Service Description AC Computer Shop will provide its customers with full access to the Internet and common computer software and hardware. Some of the Internet and computing services available to AC Computer Shop are listed below: †¢ Surf the web at warp speed! †¢ Chat online using Instant Messenger, Yahoo, IRC or Pal Talk. †¢ Have a video conference with a business associate, family member or friend. †¢ Experience hot Internet games like World of Warcraft, Warcraft III, Counter-Strike, Battle Realms and Dance Audition and autojam (3Mbps downstream and upstream) with outrageous ping times. Hook up your laptop to our Internet connection via Ethernet cable. You can even send a print job from your laptop to our network color laser printer. †¢ Rent AC Computer Shop for your late-night or all-night gaming party. †¢ Send and receive email using your home or business account, or set up a free email account using Yahoo, Hotmail or any other web-based service. à ¢â‚¬ ¢ Create your own greeting cards, flyers, school reports or presentations using Print Shop, Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Publisher and print them in color. Download shareware programs in the blink of an eye and copy them to a CD or Zip Disk. †¢ Scan a picture using one of our self-service photo scanners and send via email. †¢ Plan your next vacation or print out driving directions. †¢ Listen to music clips and watch videos from your favorite performers with iTunes, Yahoo Music or RealVideo/RealAudio. †¢ Type resumes, letters and term papers with Microsoft Word. †¢ Send and receive faxes on AC Computer Shop’s color fax machine. †¢ Find that dream job using CareerBuilder or Monster Jobs. Check out continuously updated news, sports highlights, weather, and stock quotes. †¢ Enjoy quiet online board games from Yahoo. You can even join a Yahoo league! †¢ AC Computer Shop will also accept computer repair. Youll appreciate surfing and gaming at AC Computer Shop. It has super-fast Internet connection; youll be visiting all your favorite sites in record time. Multi-player gaming is quicker and more exciting when you and your friends are able to do battle with no lag and plenty of bonding for everyone. My friendly staff is ready to help with your computer needs. Guidelines of Business †¢ All malicious sites are blocked. †¢ We’re not allowing inserting flash drive or any storage device without the consent of the shop staff. †¢ Eating and drinking in the gaming and typing area is not allowed, they are only allow to eat and drink in the waiting area. †¢ One person for one unit to maintain orderliness. Ambiance †¢ Not too dark and bright because we want the shop more encouraging to work and play. †¢ Our computer tables have a board between users for privacy purposes. †¢ All furniture are fully furnished and labor included. Price Study It is one of the considerations of the customer that enhance them to rent computers. If the price is lower they will rent. The following services are: Amount Internet/GamesPhp. 15. 00 / hour Printing black white(short) 4. 00 (Long) 5. 00 Colored (logo size) 8. 00 Photocopying (short) 0. 75 (Long) 1. 00 Scanning 10. 00 CD burning (max. of 17 songs) 35. 00 Other services: Pay phone (for every 3 min. ) 5. 00 Computer Repair (labor) 250. 00 Factors Affecting the Market Factors that I consider while putting up my own Computer Shop: †¢ Location – picking a good spot is an advantage for me. †¢ Competition – most business – minded people think of competition as a race to charge the lower prices in order to win the customers. †¢ Software Licensing – it’s really important to have an original operating system, because pirated OS can eventually damage the system. †¢ Expected ROI – investing money in a business is a risk in my case the well tabulated if financial statement is my major concern. Internet Connection The major cost of a computer shop is the internet connection. For providing better service, the proposed project will use a high band width connection for better speed as the project is going on to provide service of video chat. It is recommended that the internet connection should be taken from the best internet service provider. Recommended Connection If the project is set up in area, where DSL Internet connection is available, it is recommended to use DSL Internet connection instead of any other Internet connection. This will improve the speed of internet, which will improve the performance of video chat and will also reduce the telephone expense. Marketing Program AC Computer Shop has three main strategies. The first strategy focuses on attracting novice Internet users, by providing a novice friendly environment, AC Computer Shop hopes to educate and train a loyal customer base. The second, and most important, strategy focuses on pulling in power Internet users. Power Internet users are extremely familiar with the Internet and its offerings. This group of customers serves an important function at AC Computer Shop. Power users have knowledge and web-browsing experience that novice Internet users find attractive and exciting. The third strategy focuses on building a social environment for AC Computer Shop customers. A social environment, that provides entertainment, will serve to attract customers that wouldnt normally think about using the Internet. Once on location at AC Computer Shop, these customers that came for the more standard entertainment offerings will realize the potential entertainment value the Internet can provide. Attract Power Internet Users AC Computer Shop’s second strategy will be focused on attracting power Internet users. Power Internet users provide an important function. AC Computer Shop plans on attracting this type of customer by: †¢ Providing the latest in computing technology. †¢ Providing scanning and printing services. †¢ Providing access to powerful software applications The large student and nearby neighborhood population will become an important part of the AC Computer Shop customer base. The student population continues to grow with the success of the educational institutes. Access to the internet, entertainment, and the upscale ambiance will attract the students. Business community is growing rapidly with the addition of new companies day by day. AC Computer Shop will provide an opportunity to local and traveling professionals to check their e-mails communications; this will be an attracting entity for the middle income group and for the residents of Bocaue as they do not have access to the internet at their living places. Market Growth The market for the services AC Computer Shop will offer is growing rapidly. The computer shop hasnt come to this area yet, but similar services are growing rapidly on a global scale. Large cities that cater to large numbers of traveling business people have been saturated with businesses offering the services AC Computer Shop will offer. Business people use the Internet services to catch up on email and communications with their family. My area supports a population that has many of the same needs and interests of this larger group. The student population continues to grow as the University grows in popularity with high-school graduates from out of state. These students tend to have money and an interest in up-scale social centers. AC Computer Shop will target these groups with the use of fliers and tarpaulin. SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis provides us with an opportunity to examine the internal strengths and weaknesses AC Computer Shop must address. It also allows us to examine the opportunities presented to AC Computer Shop as well as potential threats. AC Computer Shop has a useful inventory of strengths that will help it succeed. These strengths include: a knowledgeable and friendly staff, modern computer hardware, and a clear vision of the market need. Strengths are valuable, but it is also important to realize the weaknesses AC Computer Shop must address. These weaknesses include: a dependence on quickly changing technology and the cost factor associated with keeping modern computer hardware. AC Computer Shop’s strengths will help it capitalize on rising opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, a growing population of daily Internet users, and the growing social bonds fostered by the new Internet communities. Threats that AC Computer Shop should be aware of include, the rapidly falling cost of Internet access, and rising local competitors. Strengths 1. Knowledgeable and friendly staff – I’ve gone to great lengths at AC Computer Shop to find people with a passion for teaching and sharing their Internet experiences. My staff is both knowledgeable and eager to please. 2. Modern equipment – Part of the AC Computer Shop experience includes access to modern computer equipment. My customers enjoy beautiful and convenient units’ displays, fast machines, and high-quality printers. 3. Up-scale ambiance – When you walk into AC Computer Shop or even sit at my waiting area, youll feel the technology. Great sound background, nice lighting that sets the mood and the whole area was clean. 4. Clear the vision of the market need – AC Computer Shop knows what it takes to build an upscale computer shop. I and my staff know the customers, the technology, and how to build the service that will bring the two together. Weaknesses 1. A dependence on quickly changing technology – AC Computer Shop is a place for people to experience the technology of the Internet. The technology that is the Internet changes rapidly. Product lifecycles are measured in weeks, not months. AC Computer Shop needs to keep up with the technology because a lot of the AC Computer Shop experience is technology. 2. Cost factor associated with keeping state-of-the-art hardware – Keeping up with the technology of the Internet is an expensive undertaking. AC Computer Shop needs to balance technology needs with the other needs of the business. One aspect of the business cant be sacrificed for the other. Opportunities 1. Growing population of daily Internet users – The importance of the Internet almost equals that of the telephone. As the population of daily Internet users increases, so will the need for the services AC Computer Shop offers. 2. Social bonds fostered by the new Internet communities – The Internet is bringing people from across the world together unlike any other communication medium. AC Computer Shop will capitalize on this social trend by providing a place for smaller and local Internet communities to meet in person. AC Computer Shop will grow some of these communities on its own by establishing chat areas and community programs. These programs will be designed to build customer loyalty Threats 1. Rapidly falling cost of Internet access – The cost of access to the Internet for home users is dropping rapidly. Internet access may become so cheap and affordable that nobody will be willing to pay for access to it. AC Computer Shop is aware of this threat and will closely monitor pricing. . Rising local competitors – Currently, AC Computer Shop is enjoying a first-mover advantage in the local computer shop market. However, additional competitors are on the horizon, and I need to be prepared for their entry into the market. Many of my programs will be designed to build customer loyalty, and it is my hope that my quality service and up-scale ambiance wonà ¢â‚¬â„¢t be easily duplicated. Market Needs As the popularity of internet continues to grow at an exponential rate, easy and affordable access is quickly becoming a necessity of life. Public wants access to the methods of communication and volumes of information now available on the internet, and access at a cost they can afford and in such a way that they are not socially, economically, and politically isolated. Market Trends More than ninety percent of my customers are youngsters and their only objective to get to these is to get enjoyment. Marketing Strategies I create some advertising strategies like I will print a thousand of fliers printed with the total cost of Php. 908. 00 (500 pieces on small fliers that cost Php. 220. 0, while the second fliers are also 500 pieces with the cost of Php. 687. 50), a month before the opening me and my staff will distribute the fliers. I will also put tarpaulin on the place itself where my shop is standing a month before the opening. It will promote the services offered and also the opening of my Computer Shop. To let the people know that there will be a new Computer Shop on the vicinity. The tarpaulin size is 64† x 10 0†and amounting Php. 497. 75. Management Strategies Maintain a focus on quality products with bottom-line growth through cost reduction and optimal performance. I also focus on technology and innovation to make sure our employees skills are up to standard with today’s mode of production. Demand Demand in Internet Services for the last five years: Table 1. 1 |Year |Quantity Demand (in peso) | |2004 |38,720 | |2005 |70,400 | |2006 |82,800 | |2007 |112,250 | |2008 |175,110 | Figure 1. 1 As you can see there is 8. 08 percent of demand in internet service in year 2004 and increase of 6. 6 percent on the next year. In 2006 there is 17. 28 percent of demand in internet service and increase of 6. 14 percent in year 2007 and in the year 2008 there’s a demand of 36. 54 percent in internet services. I will use the â€Å"Arithmetic Straight Line† method in projecting the demand for the next five years. Yc = a + Yi 1Yc = initial value Yn = final value Yi – 1 = value for past years where: a = Yn – Yc N-1 Computation: a = 175,110 – 38,720 = 34,098 5 – 1 2009 = 34,098 + 175,110 = Php. 209,208. 00 2010 = 34,098 + 209,208 = Php. 243,306. 00 2011 = 34,098 + 243,360 = Php. 277,404. 00 2012 = 34,098 + 277,404 = Php. 311,502. 00 013 = 34,098 + 311,502 = Php. 345,600. 00 Projected Demand for five years: Table 1. 2Figure 1. 2 |Year |Quantity Demand (in peso) | |2009 |209,208 | |2010 |243,306 | |2011 |277,404 | |2012 |311,502 | |2013 |345,600 | Supply Supply in the Internet Services for the last five years: Table 2. 1Figure 2. 1 |Year |Quantity Supply (in peso) | |2004 | 21,120 | |2005 |35,200 | 2006 |41,400 | |2007 |51,800 | |2008 |107,770 | As you can see there is 8. 21 percent of supply in internet service in year 2004 and increase of 5. 47 percent on the next year. In 2006 there is 16. 09 percent of supply in internet service and increase of 5. 05 percent in year 2007 and in the year 2008 there’s a supply of 41. 87 percent in internet services. I will use the â€Å"Arithmetic Straight Line† method in projecting the supply for the next five years. Yc = a + Yi 1Yc = initial value Yn = final value Yi – 1 = value for past years where: a = Yn – Yc N-1 Computation: a = 107,770 – 21,120 = 21,663 5 – 1 2009 = 21,663 + 107,770= Php. 129,433. 00 2010 = 21,663 +129,433 = Php. 151,096. 00 2011 = 21,663 + 151,096= Php. 172,759. 00 2012 = 21,663 + 172,759= Php. 194,422. 00 2013 = 21,663 + 194,422= Php. 216,085. 00 Projected Supply for five years: Table 2. 2Figure 2. 2 |Year |Quantity Supplied (in peso) | |2009 |129,433 | |2010 |151,096 | |2011 |172,759 | |2012 |194,422 | 2013 |216,085 | Demand and Supply Analysis The table and figure below will shows the projected demand and supply of AC Computer Shop for the next five years in percentage. Table 3 |Year |Percentage of Quantity |Percentage of Quantity | | |Demand |Supplied | |2009 |15. 08 |14. 98 | |2010 |17. 54 |17. 49 | |2011 |20 |20 | |2012 |22. 46 |22. 51 | |2013 |24. 92 |25. 2 | |   |100% |100% | Figure 3 The figure 3 shows the projected demand and supply of AC Computer Shop for the next five years. In y ear 2009 there is a 15. 08% of demand on internet services, that’s why AC Computer Shop needs a 14. 98% to supply the demand. In 2010 there is 17. 54% in demand and 17. 49% in supply, while in 2011 it has a 20% both in demand and in supply. And in 2012 there is 22. 46% in demand and 22. 51% in supply. For the fifth year 2013 it has a 24. 92% in demand and 25. 02% of supply. In totality, every year AC Computer Shop will increase of 2. 6% in demand and 2. 51% in supply. Chapter 3 Technical Feasibility In this chapter, I will discuss the product, the manufacturing process of my business including the plant size and production schedule. I will also discuss the machinery and equipment and also the other computer application that I will use in the business. In order for me to lessen my expenses, I purchase equipment in packages. I focus much in the hardware and software. I research on how much the hardware and software will cost me, through net surfing. The Services The following s ervices of AC Computer Shop are listed below: Gaming †¢ Typing †¢ Searching the net †¢ Printing/ Photo copying/Fax/Scanning †¢ Down loads †¢ Cd – burning †¢ Computer Repair For gaming I will install popular online games like Warcraft, Counter strike, Battle Realms, Dance Audition, and Autojam. In typing I will install original Operating System of MS Office Professional 2007 like MS Word, Excel, Power point, Access, Desktop Publishing. I will have printer, Scanner, Photocopier, and Fax Machine for the Printing, Photo copying, and faxing. AC Computer Shop will also offer other services like DVD/CD burning, Pay phone, and Computer Repair. Manufacturing Process This is the AC Computer Shop’s manufacturing process. The â€Å"AC Computer Shop† will provide the product and services to the customers, and then the customer will give income or profit to AC Computer Shop in return. The income or profit that the customer gave in return will used to provide the product and services. Plant Size and Production Schedule The â€Å"AC Computer Shop† will operate seven days a week. AC Computer Shop opens at 8:00 am ahead to the other competitors. This will lead my shop of being known. My goal is to give the needs of the students and others in early manner of time. AC Computer Shop’s Time Schedule | |Opening | |Closing |Operating hours | |Monday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 | |Tuesday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 | |Wednesday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 | |Thursday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 | |Friday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 | |Saturday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 |Sunday |8:00 AM | |11:00 PM |15 | |Total Operating Hours per week |105 | Machinery and Equipment The proposed project is going to be of 10 units of computer systems and the details of the equipment required for the project is given below: |List of Hardware: |Brand name |Description |Amount | |Package PC’s |Pentium 4 |10 units of PC w/ Complete |Php. 5,500. 00 | | | |accessories | | |Printer |Samsung SCX-4200 | 3-in-1; Laser Printer, Scanner, |4,999. 00 | | | |Copier | | |Fax Machine |Panasonic KX-FT933 |Fax Machine with Automatic Paper |5,790. 0 | | | |Cutter | | |Modem DSL |Smart Bro | |999. 00 | |Computer Application Software: | | | | |OS MS Office 2007 | | |4,999. 0 | |Anti-virus a nd Anti spy ware | | |7,200. 00 | |Game Software: | | | | |Warcraft (dota) | | |1,450. 00 | |Counter Strike | | |350. 00 | |Battle Realms | | |720. 0 | |Dance Audition | | |1,968. 00 | |Autojam | | |1,968. 00 | |Total Machinery and Equipment Cost | | |Php. 45,943. 00 | Furniture and Fixtures The project is based on Pentium-4 computer systems. Second hand systems are also available in the market at much lower prices. The reason for using the latest system is the new software coming in the market that requires more powerful systems which will provide better service to the customer. The price of computer systems varies with the introduction of new technology in the market. |Description |Quantity |Unit Price |Total Price | |Computer Cabinet |10 |250 |Php. 2,500. 00 | |Table for waiting area |1 |400 |400. 0 | |Air Conditioner |1 |6,500 |6,500. 00 | |Mono block chair |10 |230. 5 |2,305. 00 | |office chair for server |1 |745. 75 |745. 75 | |Cabinet for the supplies |1 |950 |950. 00 | |Pad Lock |2 |750 |1,500. 0 | |Total Furniture and Fixtures Cost | | |Php. 14,900. 75 | Plant Location Plant Layout â€Å"AC Computer Shop† Building and Facilities | Description |Amount | |Rent ( 2,500*12) |Php. 30000. 00 | |Construction of the Shop |3,000. 00 | |Total Building and facility Cost |Php. 33,000. 00 | Raw Materials and Supplies The material needed for the operation of the business: |Description |Price | | |Bond Paper |Php 150. 00 |(500pcs. /rim) | |CD w/ Case |13. 00 |/set | |Ball pen |48. 00 |/box (12pcs) | |Stapler |100. 0 | | |Staple wire |30. 00 | | |HP 96 Black Ink |800. 00 | | |HP 97 Tri-Color |850. 00 | | |Record Book |25. 00 | | |Fire Extinguisher 10 lbs. |3,950. 0 | | |Total Raw Materials and Supplies Cost |Php 5,966. 00 | | Utilities |Description |Monthly Cost |Total Amount (year) | |Electricity |Php. 5,000. 00 |Php. 60,000. 00 | |Water |117. 50 |1,410. 00 | |Total Utility Cost | |Php. 61,410. 0 | Waste Disposal AC Computer Shop can manage the waste disposal properly, because every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday is the schedule in collecting all the garbage in barangay Poblacion, Bocaue. |Cleaning Materials |Price | | |Broom Dust Pan |Php. 105. 00 |– replace every 5 months | |Trash Can |100. 00 | | |Feather Dust |60. 0 |– 2pcs. Good for 3 months | |Mop |250. 00 |– replace every 5 months | |Powder Soap |60. 00 |– 6pcs. Good for 2 months | |Air Freshener |175. 00 |– replace every 2 months | |Total Waste Disposal Cost |Php. 750. 00 | | Legal Requirements ? Registration with BIR ( Bureau of Internal Revenue) ? Registration of Business Name with DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) ? Barangay Clearance and Business Permit ? Mayors Permit Legal Requirements Cost |Barangay Clearance |Php 150. 00 | |Mayor’s Permit |4,000. 00 | | Business Tax |950. 00 | | Business Plate |100. 00 | | Sanitary Permit |250. 0 | | Occupational Tax |400. 00. | | Inspection Fee |500. 00 | | Filing |100. 00 | | Processing |120. 00 | | Zoning |350. 00 | | Electrical Inspection |250. 00 | | Fire Inspection |350. 0 | |BIR |300. 00 | |DTI |5,750. 00 | |Total Legal Requirement Cost | Php 13,570. 00 | Production Cost The details of production cost for the project are given below: Labor Requirements Estimated Annual Cost for Salaries and Wages |Description |Monthly Salary |Annual Salary | |Manager |Php. ,000. 00 |Php. 96,000. 00 | |Employee |4,500. 00 |54,000. 00 | |Total Salaries and Wages Cost | |Php. 150,000. 00 | * Additional fee to my employee for computer repair (labor) Php 250. 00 Requirement on Hiring an Ap plicant Applicant must be 20 years old, residence of Bocaue †¦ †¢ Resume †¢ Two valid I. D. †¢ Birth Certificate (NSO) †¢ N. B. I Clearance †¢ SSS number †¢ Vocational Graduate (computer technician) †¢ Hardworking

Performance Measurement Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Performance Measurement - Assignment Example The weighing will be done in terms of reviewing, comparing and evaluating the two systems to know which of them produces the best performance, effectiveness and efficiency in the execution of fire and emergency duties. The research is undertaken by the use of an evaluative research method, where the researcher seeks to review the two systems by setting very standardized modalities of assessment. The modalities basically include the weaknesses and strengths of the two systems. The research is conducted in a qualitative manner, where conclusions will b drawn for which of the systems is best for specific scenarios of task, based on the outcome of the assessment modalities. The first system is the fire suppression rating schedule (FSRS), which is an adaptation of the Insurance Service Office (ISO) grading system. The ISO (2014) observed that the ISO grading system has two major focal points which are the evaluation of fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities. In both cases however, greater composition of attention is placed on communities and fire protection areas. In the first instance, the system seeks to identify mechanisms put in place by the communities and fire prevention areas as means of avoiding the occurrence of fire and other forms of emergency all together. The FSRS and for that matter ISO can therefore be said to be preventive in nature. In the second instance, the system makes admonition of possible occurrence of fire and emergency situations, no matter the kinds of prevention approaches put in place. Consequently, there are fire suppression capabilities that are measured by the system. By fire suppression capabilities, reference is being made to the ability of the community or fire prevention area to ensure that even in the instance of fire, there can be control of it at its very early stages. The rationale behind this is that fire tends to cause more harm to lives and

International Law and Humanitarian Issues Assignment

International Law and Humanitarian Issues - Assignment Example According to these provisions, N had the right to humane treatment from her host country the United Kingdom. The EU court affirmed the expulsion of N from the UK based on the article 3 of the EU convention on human rights. The judges argued that N had the capability of accessing treatment in her mother country of Uganda (Martin, 2006). Moreover, the court argued that the applicant had the care and support of her family. However, on her side and arguments of many human rights bodies, it was assumed that the country offered HIV/AIDS treatment. They court did not ascertain if it was sufficient in N’s case. Moreover, article 8 of the act was raised claiming that N could not be extradited to Uganda since it this provision allowed respect of her rights (Doyle,  2004). For instance, the ruling disregarded her right to humane treatment and that a person would not be extradited to another country based on health or moral grounds. Question 2 In case the UN General Assembly were given more humanitarian authority to intervene in sovereign nations. The UN general assembly would be in a dilemma in assisting in humanitarian issues and would most likely do less. This is because; currently the United Nations has failed to address many humanitarian issues and interventions in different parts of the world. ... For instance, the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the massacre in Srebrenica are some of the conflicts that the UN failed to prevent (Martin, 2006). The UN has wide and sweeping authority to intervene in humanitarian situations across the globe. The main stumbling block to humanitarian interventions includes the issue of sovereignty. Unless, a country seeks for intervention then the UN cannot intervene in some situations. For instance, the 2008 Myanmar Cyclone was a great catastrophe that required humanitarian intervention but the UN did not intervene (Dunoff,  2010). Some legal framework and reforms have been initiated within the ranks of the UN to solve the issue of sovereignty. For instance, Canada in the year 2000, established the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS). However, several processes made towards interference on humanitarian work have been thwarted by the UN Security Council. This body has heavy political interests in different regions o f the world and therefore, if greater authority would be vested on the UN it could lead to fewer interventions (Weissbrodt, 2007). Question 3 Occupying another nation or country is illegal and it amounts to an act of war against that nation. The sovereignty of a nation is recognized by international laws such as the Geneva Convention. The United Nations and other international bodies do not in many cases advocate for occupation of another country. Occupation of other countries is old fashioned since it overrides the sovereignty of a nation. It would not be prudent for occupiers of another country to change the legal or political systems of the occupied nation (Martin, 2006). Occupiers should not be permitted to transform the nations they occupy since these nations have

Reflection paper about upervisor support Assignment

Reflection paper about upervisor support - Assignment Example In most cases, supervisors have a lot of work experience in comparison to other employees. In effect, they enhance teamwork by supporting other members of the organization in their roles using their gained experience. Furthermore, teamwork leads to job satisfaction in an organization, which further leads to high productivity. Hence, the supervisor greatly influences productivity in an organization. However, it is important to note that, at some instances some employees may fail to see the limit to which the extent of support reaches. In this case, this might be instances in which support is deemed too much. As such, some of these employees may consider themselves equal in standing with the supervisors. In effect, they may become laidback in their roles and effectively decline in productivity. However, such occurrences are rare once an organization establishes the limit to supervisor support. As explained, the role of a supervisor in supporting their staff is crucial in an organization. In this regard, the organization should find ways of improving the role of supervisors in supporting the other members of staff. One way of improving supervisors support is by the management giving the supervisors all the support they need in executing their roles in the organization. Once the management gives the supervisors its undue support, the supervisor reciprocates and offers support to those they are supervising. On the other hand, in-service training of the supervisor and other staff members is crucial to ensure each member plays their role effectively. Griffin, M. A., Patterson, M. G., & West, M. A (2001). Job satisfaction and teamwork: The role of supervisor support. Journal of Organizational Behavior. (Vol. 22, pp. 537-550). New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons,

Discuss the Impact of International trade or Inward FDI on economic Coursework

Discuss the Impact of International trade or Inward FDI on economic growth or development in an Emerging Economy - Coursework Example There are several definitions which are provided by different international organizations like IMF and The United Nations. The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) definition says that FDI refers to an investment that’s main objective is to obtain a ‘lasting interest’ in an entity which operates in an economy that is different from the economy where the investor operates in (Moosa, 2002). A ‘benchmark definition’ of FDI is provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It says â€Å"foreign direct investment reflects the objective of obtaining a lasting interest by a resident entity in one economy (direct investor) in an entity resident in an economy other than that of the investor (direct investment enterprise)† (Organisation For Economic Co-Operation And Development, 1999). This paper discusses the role of FDI in an emerging economy like India. It aims to provide a clear picture about how FDI has played a n important role in the economic growth of the country. Furthermore, the paper also includes a brief overview of the Indian economy and the way in which it is performing over the past two decades. The Economy of India Over the past few years Indian economy is gradually turning into an open-market economy. Since early 1990 the country has experienced significant economic liberalization that includes industrial deregulation, reduction in control over foreign investment and trade and privatization of government owned enterprises. Since 1997, every year Indian economy has grown by almost 7% (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.). The diverse economy of the country encompasses conventional farming, handicrafts, modern agriculture, multitude of services and different modern industries. Over half of the total work force is involved in agriculture whereas only one-third work force is associated with the service sector. However, services are the main source of economic development in the countr y. Almost 50% of the country’s total output is contributed by the service industry. India is enriched with its large educated population that is capable of speaking good English. Capitalizing on this aspect India has become one of the largest exporters of IT (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.). Due to its strong foundation, the Indian economy protected itself very well from the recent global economic crisis, though the growth rate was significantly affected for a certain period. The weak monsoon of 2009 and inefficient food distribution system have resulted in high food prices. Inflation has been one of the key problems for the Indian government over the past two years. The country’s central bank (Reserve bank of India) has hiked the interest rate several times in order to control the inflation. In the fiscal year 2010-11, India experienced a deficit of 6.8% of its GDP and in the coming year the government aims to bring down this deficit to 5.5% of GDP (Central Intelli gence Agency, n.d.). Some of the long standing challenges for Indian economy are widespread poverty, lack of social and physical infrastructure, insufficient access to the basics like higher education and drinking water and limited opportunities regarding non-agricultural employment. In 2010 India’s GDP was $4.046 trillion (in terms of purchasing power parity) and this is increased from the

Organizational Plan for Dr. McDougalls Right Food Asian Entres Essay

Organizational Plan for Dr. McDougalls Right Food Asian Entres - Essay Example Further, a McKinsey 7-S Assessment would be applied, as required. For Dr. McDougall’s Right Food, the management team is comprised of the founder, Dr. John McDougall as chairman of the board of directors; Karen Alden, the CEO and board member; a Vice President and Operations Manager with expertise in natural foods production; a Finance Manager who takes care of accounting and finance; and a Human Resources Manager who takes care the administrative and personnel resources’ needs for the organization. All of the management team are members of the board of directors. The success of the team lies with Karen Alden, reported to have extensive expertise in the areas of strategic planning and marketing (Full Circle Fund, 2011, par. 1). Under the governance of Dr. John McDougall, known as an expert in healthy eating, his qualifications, as noted are â€Å"one of the founders of natural, or organic, wellness and is a board-certified internist. He is also a best-selling author who has been writing about the effects and benefits of good nutrition to health† (Grocery.com, N.D., par. 2). The rest of the team address production, finance and human resources requirements, as needed. The elements of the McKinsey 7S model are: strategy, structure, systems, shared values, style, staff, and skills (Mind Tools, 2011). Applying this model in Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Asian Entrà ©e, the following are revealed: Strategy: To produce and market Asian Entrees entirely on all natural ingredients to be targeted to health conscious people who are always on the go. Despite its premium price strategy, an extensive promotional campaign would assist to enhance product awareness to consumers and therefore, it would be available in all major supermarkets and groceries. Structure: The management team is structured as a lean and flat structure with limited members

Samsung Final Report Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Samsung Final Report - Coursework Example In today’s global electronic market, Samsung is widely recognised for its innovations and also for the quality of the products and services that it offers to its global customers (Samsung, 2012). During the recent decade Samsung has developed its vision as â€Å"Inspire the World, Create the Future.† This vision of the company apparently reflects its commitment towards inspiring the communities within which it has been operating and also wishes to operate in future. The company, in order to follow its vision, has identified three significant strengths, i.e. â€Å"New Technology,† â€Å"Innovative Products† and â€Å"Creative Solutions† (Samsung, 2012). 1.2 Sustainable Innovation of Samsung Samsung has identified it as a responsibility to carry out the business operations in a way that would facilitate in conserving the natural environment. In relation with this, the company has been noticed to carry out a wide array of activities all around the glob e. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Samsung is often categorised to be among the leaders in offering eco-friendly goods to the consumers worldwide. With this concern, the company has introduced a monitoring system known as the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) management system to enhance the level of safety at the work place. This system also assists in minimising the industrial wastes which are hazardous to the environment as it acts significantly for the company in terms of pollution management (Samsung, 2012). In response to the growing interest of sustainable development in the business environment, Samsung has been recuperating the methods of collecting information from the stakeholders about their perspectives and ideas concerning sustainable development in the long-run. This aided the company to develop policies and strategies related to sustainable development by taking into account the modern managerial perspective (Samsung, 2012). 1.3 Objective of the Paper The objective of this paper is to critically evaluate the innovation management of Samsung by utilising the Sustainable Innovative Results (SIR). The SIRs selected in this paper are the solar netbooks and transparent LCD panels introduced by Samsung. The SIRs are evaluated by considering the following points into consideration: determined objectives, needs, resources engaged, influencing factors, success, challenges, leadership and long-term consequences. 2.0 Critical Evaluation: SIR Approaches of Samsung SIRs are quite important for the organizations to develop and also to sustain in the long run. Being sustainable, in the corporate culture, essentially means to satisfy the present without causing much threat to the future. This meaning of sustainability can be directly linked with the innovative results of Samsung’s SIRs as both the products perform effectively in meeting the present needs without causing many hazards to the future. Moreover, SIRs serve the stakeholders concer n to a considerable extent which is an important pre-requisite for the companies to sustain in the long-run. Furthermore, sustainable innovations determine the responsibility of the organizations towards the environment as well as the society. This acts significantly for the company to become widely accepted by the people increasing its brand value.

Organizational Plan for Dr. McDougalls Right Food Asian Entres Essay

Organizational Plan for Dr. McDougalls Right Food Asian Entres - Essay Example Further, a McKinsey 7-S Assessment would be applied, as required. For Dr. McDougall’s Right Food, the management team is comprised of the founder, Dr. John McDougall as chairman of the board of directors; Karen Alden, the CEO and board member; a Vice President and Operations Manager with expertise in natural foods production; a Finance Manager who takes care of accounting and finance; and a Human Resources Manager who takes care the administrative and personnel resources’ needs for the organization. All of the management team are members of the board of directors. The success of the team lies with Karen Alden, reported to have extensive expertise in the areas of strategic planning and marketing (Full Circle Fund, 2011, par. 1). Under the governance of Dr. John McDougall, known as an expert in healthy eating, his qualifications, as noted are â€Å"one of the founders of natural, or organic, wellness and is a board-certified internist. He is also a best-selling author who has been writing about the effects and benefits of good nutrition to health† (Grocery.com, N.D., par. 2). The rest of the team address production, finance and human resources requirements, as needed. The elements of the McKinsey 7S model are: strategy, structure, systems, shared values, style, staff, and skills (Mind Tools, 2011). Applying this model in Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Asian Entrà ©e, the following are revealed: Strategy: To produce and market Asian Entrees entirely on all natural ingredients to be targeted to health conscious people who are always on the go. Despite its premium price strategy, an extensive promotional campaign would assist to enhance product awareness to consumers and therefore, it would be available in all major supermarkets and groceries. Structure: The management team is structured as a lean and flat structure with limited members

Being Virtuous Though Confucius, Krishna and Socrates Essay Example for Free

Being Virtuous Though Confucius, Krishna and Socrates Essay From the beginning of time, the quest of all humans has been to discover how to live the good life. What is a good life exactly? This term will mean different things to different people, and yet I believe there are the same ingredients that all â€Å"good lives† share, even from the classic Eurasian time until present day. Virtues of character, which are also called ‘moral virtues’, seem to be more complex and are an integral part of the completeness of life that is said is necessary for a good life. There seems to be a pattern with people of always trying to achieve being a good person. Is being a good person the answer to having a good life? The Author, Robert W. Strayer makes the point that Confucius, Krishna and Socrates had opinions of ways to a good life but they are all different from one to the other. I will argue that there is a pattern between the three and that the belief to the good life is the same throughout the writings. The saying that history repeats itself is certainly true, but it is also true that people all want to live good lives. Confucius believes living a good life is being virtuous and treating others with respect creates the kind of person that then is given the good life. Being a leader he believed that ruling under an iron fist didn’t create people that respected him and that listened to the law, instead using kindness and sincerity gave the people an example of how to live. He says, â€Å"Let him be ? nal and kind to all; then they will be faithful to him. Let him advance the good and teach the incompetent; then they will eagerly seek to be virtuous† (pg. 218). He also goes on to describe forgiveness which is an essential component in all of the opinions on what is a good life. If one is not being virtuous they can change, which tells us that people are never intended to be perfect but to continue to strive for goodness is always better than to never attempt to be good. That same ideal is true to our modern world. â€Å"To subdue one’s self and return to propriety is perfect virtue. If a man can for one day subdue and return to propriety, all under heaven will ascribe perfect virtue to him† (pg. 219). According to Confucius seeking to be virtuous will bring the good life. In Strayers words he associates the ideas of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita as being different than those of Confucius. I believe that essentially they are one in the same. Krishna says, â€Å"a man possessed of a pure understanding, controlling his self by courage discarding sound and other objects of sense, casting off affection and aversion, who frequents clean places, who eats little, who’s speech, body, and mind are restrained who is always intent with meditation and mental abstraction and has recourse to unconcern who abandoning egoism, stubbornness, arrogance, desire, anger and all belongings, has no thought that this or that is mine, and who is tranquil becomes fit for assimilation with the Brahmah† (pg. 21). Krishna is telling us that controlling one’s self and the environment one keeps one’s self in, the abandonment of being stubborn and arrogant all contributes to a virtuous soul, which in turn leads to the good life. This point is exactly what Confucius and Krishna share the same opinion finding that mean or middle ground, that balance or yin and yang, is essential to establishing a completeness which develops virtue is vital in order to lead a successful, fulfilling life ultimately leading to happiness. Socrates also collaborates these same thoughts He states, â€Å"For I do nothing but go about persuading you all, old and young alike, not to take thought for your persons and your properties, but ? rst and chie? y to care about the greatest improvement of the soul† (pg. 223). He spent his life trying to convince people to strive to be better people. This is one of the most important things to do in order to find happiness. Socrates believed that the state of one’s soul is the answer to happiness and that there is always improvement that can be made to one’s soul. His mission was to encourage people to think for themselves and thus become more virtuous. Socrates was sentenced to death and as he is near his final moments He says, â€Å"The dif? culty, my friends, is not in avoiding death, but in avoiding unrighteousness† (pg. 223). He also shared the same ideas of Confucius and Krishna that living righteously is the key to the good life. In conclusion what creates a good life for an individual person? It appears to be the same answer that Confucius, Krishna and Socrates had during each of their lives. They learned the same thing that people look for and believe in today. We continue to search for the same answers, but I think the answers are very clear in what history tells us and we learn from these brilliant men, Confucius, Krishna, and Socrates. To be virtuous is having a life with moral integrity and having or showing moral goodness or righteousness. It means being honorable to others and yourself in which will gain the honor and respect from others. Virtue is a belief used to make moral decisions. It does not rely on religion, society or culture; it only depends on the individuals themselves. Virtue has more to do with the character of a person than their earthly riches and possessions. As people continual strive to become a better people, practicing virtuous acts regularly helps develop the good life and they are examples to others striving for the same thing. I believe in what Confucius, Krishna and Socrates taught us, that being a good person is the foundation on which everything else in life is built on, and this I believe is the answer to having the good life.

The Mission And Vision Of British Airways Business Essay

The Mission And Vision Of British Airways Business Essay British Airways is one of the oldest and the most reputed airlines functioning in the world. It was started on 1st September in the year 1974. It is the official airline of the United Kingdom. It is owned by the government of the United Kingdom but it is run by private firms. It is also known as BA. It was formed by the merger of four airlines they are The British Overseas Airlines Corporation (BOAC), The British European airways (BEA), Cambrian Airways and finally the Northeast Airlines this took place on 31st march 1974. Thus BA was formed. It was one of the few prestigious airline to fly the Concorde the supersonic passenger plane. It has a large fleet of 239 aircrafts. It flies to 300 destinations. It employees 42,755 employ . It is a public limited company also listed on the London stock exchange. The main headquarters of BA are Heathrow airport and Gatwick airport both are situated in London. It is also a star alliance member. The total revenue earned by BA in the year 2010 was  £7,994 million. Mission And Vision:- Visi Fig1.1 Mission, Vision, goals, objective cycle It is defined as A mission describes the organization basic function in society , in terms of the product and services for its customer -Mintzberg The above definition explains how important a mission is for a organization as it helps in building its own image in front of the customer that it wishes to give services to. It maybe a just a sentence but it creates a image in the mind of the reader what the organization is made up of. It also helps to give the brand a competitive edge as the mission statement will help in showing the uniqueness of the brand. The mission statement of British Airways is as follows One Destination seeks to ensure our customers fly confident that, together, we are acting responsibly to take care of the world we live in. BA mission statement on reading creates a mindset that they always be safe on ground or in air and they want the customer to feel safe and confident when they fly British airways. They have also maintained their mission statement as they have least accident history and they always have new fleets and always updated with latest technology. Values:- Organizational values define the acceptable standards which govern the behaviour of individuals within the organization. Without such values, individuals will pursue behaviours that are in line with their own individual value systems, which may lead to behaviours that the organization doesnt wish to encourage. Thus values are very important for the organisation for achieving the vision that it aims for(Value of Organizational value)(http://www.teal.org.uk/mat/page6.htm)(accsed on 22ndApril 2011) The values of BA are as follows:- OBJECTIVE:- Objectives are normally quantified statements of what the organisation actually intends to achieve over a period of time. According to Mintzberg (1997), Business Enviourment; Viva books. He says that objective help the organisation to conduct activities that will help in acquiring the mission of the organisation. He also says while forming a the objective the organisation must use the SMART technique. The objective should contain these points. Fig 1.2 SMART Objective The objective of BA is as follows:- Fig 1.3 Objective of BA 1.b) Evaluate the extent to which an organization achieves the objectives of three stakeholders. The individual or groups who have interest in how a organisation performs because they have some stake in it and thus it affects them in someway. In the modern world they are mainly of two types which include primary and secondary stakeholders (Stokes D., (2002) Small Business Management (4th edition) Thomson Publications: UK.) The primary and secondary stakeholder of BA have a effect on the airline as they are somehow related to the organization. Thus in the table below the author has shown how both of these can affect the airline Stakeholders General Interest Influence Shareholders .A Steady flow of revenue .Should be well informed about the risk and plans .Continuation of Business -Exercising ones right to vote -Checking the annual book as well as the statements. -To defend against wrong issues Managers .Pay and Status .Job Security .Job Satisfaction -Growth of the organisation -Participating to improve the organisation with recommendations Employees .Job Security .Pay and Condition .Job Satisfaction -The union may go on strike -Exposure Customers .Receiving goods and services of a reasonable quality .Receive optimum level of services .Great value for money paid -Choosing other airline over BA -Bad impression about the airline -Not using it services Suppliers .Being paid promptly for the goods and services delivered .Receiving regular repayment of the capital provided -Not delivery the Services on time. -Serving competitors Government and General Public .The organisation is meeting the relevant legal requirements .Social welfare of public is protected .Helping the nation and public to progress -Licenses, law and permits -Strict laws against them -Social activist -Boycott or appreciate the company. Fig 1.4 Shareholders their interest and influence All the organisation in the world to run smoothly and efficiently need to satisfy its stakeholders as they have a stake in the organisation which can affect the organisation in both good and bad ways as shown in the table above. Thus British airways is no exception even they have tried to meet the satisfaction of the stakeholders so as to progress more and achieve their targets. Below are given the instances where British airways have satisfied its stakeholders Employees they are the most important part of the organisation for the smooth and progressive functioning of the organisation. As BA is a large organisation hence it employs a large no of employees whos need and wants he need to caters. Thus BA has done many changes like improving the workplace where they function reasonable working hours were allotted to them then they have also introduced various crew programme which help them improve the safety of themselves as well as the customer. BA has also started recruiting people from all over the globe so as to maintain a equality among the employees. Their wages are also improved compared to what they were paid earlier some changes were done by BA for some the union had fought to get it done Society are a major concern for organisation like BA because if society is not benefited from them they wont allow smooth functioning of the airline for the same reason BA has contributed a lot towards society by giving them employment in the firm also setting up various NGOs to help the underprivileged society also contributing some amount towards charity. They have even started cutting down their co2 gases by using much more fuel efficient engines as well as machines used at the airport thus contributing o save the enviourment. Customers are the important part for the organisation to progress because e if customers arent there then who will the airline serve and earn money from. As BA is in the service industry they need to take good care of their customers so as to improve their image as well as their market standings. For the same they have improved their economy class cabin by improving the quality of service provided also they have introduced the programme known as CUSTOMER KING which is for the first and business class travellers. They have also increased their security standard so to increase the safety of their passengers. Q.1c) Explain the responsibilities of an organisation and strategies employed to meet them? Social Responsibility of an organisation may be defined as the obligations that the organisation has towards the people and the enviourment in which the business functions. In other words the corporate social responsibility is a process where the organisation can improve its functioning in outdoor as well as indoor processes so as to increase the vision, improvement and add competitive advantage to the company. BA has to maintain the business ethical criterion responsibly they also known the importance of their stakeholders and hence they follow the regulation so as to protect the social, environmental, financial, and economical of the stakeholders. In order to complete these aspects BA follows all the legislation laws and rules laid down for safety, employment and other such stakeholder related aspects. By following these laws and jurisdiction BA shows loyalty towards the corporate social responsibility as a business should show. Below are given few social responsibility that British airways follows and tries to do the needful for it (Corporate responsibilities (2007) one destination [online] (updated on 2010) Available at: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/csr-corporate-responsibility/public/en_gb?link=main_nav [Accessed 15th may 2011]. Environmental Protection Act:- BA has started to contribute a lot towards helping in saving the enviourment the reason being that there have been more strict rules by the government in recent years so to implement those and also create a healthy enviourment they have taken various steps in help protecting the enviourment The steps taken are as follows:- Fig 1.5 Enviourment Protection Act Safety and Security Act:- British airways are known for their stringent security measure that they follow. The safety of the passenger and crew are their highest priority. BA also follows the most advanced and sophisticated machinery in their services so as to assure the passenger that they are in safe hands. They also have a outstanding record in safety and security flied. Fig 1.5 Safety and Security Measures Employees Act:- The staff of a company are those people who work for a particular organisation or a industry, but apart from that they are a part of a large society where the organisation functions. The first labour law in Britain was made in 1974 for the people or employees of and organisation. The law consisted of various aspect that would help the employee to feel secured and satisfied in the workplace. Some of the laws were Self Organisation, Collective Bargains, To work what is suitable to employee, and job security. Thus BA follows these rules laid down by the government and also supports it. So as to keep the employees happy and smooth running of the organisation. 2.)Using PESTLE and any management tool you are familiar with evaluate the impact of macroeconomic policy measures and the influence of the global economy on British Airways and its stakeholders? PESTLE Policy Implications On BA Political Heavy Regulation (AEA,2009) Increased Security due to past terrorist attacks(DFT,2009) .Compliance is necessary if BA wants to continue operations .Enough security measure should be undertaken to maintain the competitive advantage and beliefs in consumers Economic -Economic Crisis the growth projected at only 2%in 2009(IMF,2008) -Pounds weakens against Euro Fluctuations of oil prices .Possible decline in the business travel as companies are using alternate methods like telephone conferencing. .BA will face poor exchange rate as well as due to the fluctuation it will affect their cost base as the rate they might get for the currency might get low Social The population in UK is ageing given by national statistics. Due to recession there is increased unemployment .This a great opportunity for BA as older generations have more money and time to spend. Technological New technologies regarding the fleet and improvement and addition to the fleet The number of people using e-check in has increased a lot .As there are new aircrafts coming in the market BA should keep its fleet updated with these machines .BA should keep itself updated so as to remain in the competition Environmental/ Ethical Expansion of its main terminal is difficult because it comes under Londons green belt area Consumer are aware of what are the effects of air travel as they are increasingly becoming more green. BA has to convert limited space into full utilisation of the capacity that it has BA has to adopt to all its environmental strategies to keep the consumer with them Legal Collusion and Fixed Pricing Open skies Agreement(AEA,2009) Restriction on having mergers will affect their alliance with American airlines .BA has a great opportunity of transferring aircrafts between him and America Fig 2 Pestle on BA (www.scibd.com) The other macroeconomic policy that can effect BA are as follows:- -Monetary Policy in the UK is concerned with the decision of rate of interest and the supply of money in the economy. The one who controls the interest rate in the UK are the Bank of England Monetary Policy committee. The current rate decided by the bank of England is around 2.0% . If they decide to increase the rate then it wont be feasible for BA to borrow loans from them as they will have to pay very high interest rate thus they wont benefit from it. But if they lower the rates then BA can borrow from the bank and achieve their objective much quickly. -Exchange Rate Policy is handled by the government. The exchange rate is controlled by how much amount of gold and foreign exchange currency do they have in reserve in the central bank. The rate is even altered when the interest rates go higher or lower. If the exchange rate is high then BA will benefit as the goods it will buy will be cheaper as the currency they using will be higher and thus they can make profits. But if it goes down then BA will face losses as the things that were cheap will became expensive and they will have to increase the air fares which will see a decline in their sales. These are some policy that the author think can BA . All the organisations in the world are affected by the social economic and enviourment factors globally. As BA is a large organisation operating in more than 300 countries hence it has to fulfil and satisfy all its stakeholder. Britains economy policy affects a lot of organisation below is given their policies that influence them Government Organisations Overall Economic Policy -Market Demand -Cost of Finance -Taxation Industry Policy -Protection vs Free trade grants, -Incentives, Sponsorship Regulation eg:- Investor protection, company law, entry barrier, capacity Social Policy -Work Place regulation, -Employment Law -Labour Supply -Skills, Education Foreign Policy -Trade promotion -Export Credits EU and WTO obligations -Export promotion to allies Environmental and infrastructure Policy -Distribution Fig 2.2 Economic Policies of UK Social Welfare policy which BA follows are it has introduced work place regulation which enables its employees to work freely in the workplace as they have been given high level of training which helps them to do their work with much ease and perfection as well. The safety standard used by BA is also very high and the crew are also given sufficient amount of rest and training to function effectively. BA also has normal working standard and all the aspect that are included in the employment law. The employees are also given a lot benefits which include perks, pension, maternity allowance, social fund as well as other benefits which help make their private life better as well. These are some of the policy that BA follows towards its employees 3.) Explain whether the problems facing the British airways can be found in a planned economic system and discuss whether the economic system in which the BA operates allocates resources better. Different nations of the world use different approaches or types of economic system. The core of the economic problem is infinite desires versus limited assets. The study of economics is basically how nations allocate their resources in the best way so as to maximize the productility and services to fulfil the satisfaction of wants. In modern economies there are various ways of dealing with scarcity. The various kinds of economy are as follows:- Fig3.1The different types of economic systems (BPP, Learning media, (2007) Business essentials: Business environment (3rd edition) viva books Pvt ltd: London) The economy followed by Britain is a mixed economy because there is a balance between the market forces and the state interventions. The advantages of mixed economies are any one can set up a business and choose what to produce and even set their own cost. Even though they pay taxes they reap benefits through social programmes. The disadvantages of mixed economy are many business find it difficult to find a market for their products also they cant control the taxes they pay, merchants always complain that they are very high.(http://www.blurtit.com/q917361.html) accessed on 14th may 2011) In mixed economy the decisions of resources provision would somewhat depend upon the forces of supply and demand curve and it might also depends on the aims and the objectives of the firm. BA after privatization faced a lot of changes as after the merger BA had changed some of its rule and accepted a few of the other airlines rule. It even started to fly to more international destination once the demand for that increased. Because of this reason their whole allocation shifted from one firm to anther and from domestic to international. Because BA is in a mixed economy there is always a chance of growth as the private firms will help them, Also BA has to complete all the requirements that are jotted down by the stakeholders or even the government. But as of now BA is fulfilling all the criteria that are laid down by the government as well as also helping the airline to grow as much as it can. Thus Mixed economy helps BA to allocate its resources better than any other economy would have. 4.) State the market in which the British Airways operate and discuss whether it is easy to merge in that type of market (regulatory environment implication etc)? The level and amount of competition faced by the firms varies a great deal. There are many types of market and no market is similar to each other in some single firms dominate in other there might be a lot of competition for the same product or service. The market structures that the firms operate are different from each other. Figure 4.1 The Different market structures. Perfect competition:- When there are many people in the market, and other condition are such , that no one can influence the price, all other things being equal. This occurs when there are lots of sellers and lots of buyers and nobody can have any effect on the total quantity for sale or the total amount that the buyers want. There is a freedom in the entry and exit of the industry. Monopoly:- When there is only one supplier for a product or service in a market we call that as monopoly market. The business owns a key source for which substitute is very hard to find. The pricing of the product is decided by the firm itself. Duopoly:- It is a market were two sellers compete with each other for a homogenous good . The output of the firm is believed to be fixed. The example can be If BA lowers its transatlantic fares then how will virgin react to it? It is a case between competition ad monopoly. Oligopoly:- When there are a few large suppliers, whose business decisions affect each other they are said to be in oligopoly market. The example that author has chosen is from the airline industry as he can link it to BA. Suppose if BA was to lower their airfare for a particular sector on which even virgin flies then to be in the competitive race even virgin will have to lower its prices. Thus in oligopoly market if one makes a decision then it has to effect the other. New firms cant enter this market as it requires huge amount of investment. This lowering of prices of both the companies is known as price wars. Competition Commission;- The competition commission is an self-governing public body established by competition Act 1998. It replaced the monopolies and Mergers Commission with a superior power to take authoritarian actions or measures in the closure of the company. BPP, Learning media, (2007) Business essentials: Business environment (3rd edition) viva books Pvt ltd: London). This body mainly makes sure that no organisation should form merger or cartels with each other to convert the market from oligopoly to monopoly market. 5.)Explain whether the British airways have benefited from international business/trade and the European Union. What will be the business implication to the BA, if the UK, joins the European Monetary Union (EMU). International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries. An import is the UK purchase of a good or service made overseas. An export is the sale of a UK made good or service overseas. BA is a international airline which operates in more than 300 destination. It operates in continents Asia, Europe, America etc. As BA being a British company it has chosen Europe as its global market. One of the reason being that it is the member of the European union. BA has benefited from international trade big time for many of the events like given below:- -There is free trade of aircraft between BA and American airlines hence they can upgrade their fleet without paying the duties -The land cost in Britain is very high compared to rest of Europe hence they use to set up big factories which they need at places where the land is cheap. -The labour in many parts of Europe is also very cheap compared to Britain. -The currency they use is accepted all over Europe and hence they dont even lose any money on exchange rate. -The raw material which is needed by BA is obtained at much cheaper rate from European countries These are some of the benefits that BA has by doing intenational trade with the European union members. Fig5.1 Trading benefits with Europe