The Benefits and Dangers of Nuclear Energy Essay

The Benefits and Dangers of Nuclear Energy - Essay Example However, there are plenty of risks associated with the exploitation of nuclear energy. â€Å"What makes decisions on nuclear energy hard is that they do not call for one final apocalyptic choice between the obviously good civilian uses that lead to peace and the obviously bad military alternatives that lead to war† (Wohlstetter, 1968, p.2). This paper analyses the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy Advantages of nuclear energy A 1,000 megawatt equivalent (MWe) coal plant with optimal pollution abatement equipment will annually emit into the atmosphere 900 tons of sulfur dioxide, 4,500 tons of nitrous oxide, 1,300 tons of particulates, and 6.5 million tons of carbon dioxide. By contrast, a nuclear plant of 1,000 MWe capacity produces annually some 35 tons of highly radioactive spent fuel (Sovacool, 2007, p.107-108). The above statistics clearly suggest that nuclear energy is more environmental friendly than other energy sources. While majority of the other prominent energy sources are causing huge damages to the environment, nuclear energy is comparatively safe and secure as far as environmental problems are concerned. Rangarajan, (2010) mentioned that â€Å"Reduction in the CO^ emissions is one of the most important benefits in the use of nuclear energy† (Rangarajan, 2010, p.6). ... Carbon emission is not at all a problem for nuclear energy as the technology used to exploit nuclear energy liberates no greenhouse gases. Edelhart, (1976) pointed out that â€Å"In spite of the high construction costs, uranium fuel was so cheap that it kept overall investment on a par with other energy ‘systems† (Edelhart, 1976, p.52). Uranium is abundant in many of the countries and it can be sued effectively as a fuel to operate nuclear power plants. In short, nuclear energy is highly economical compared to other energy sources even though the construction costs of nuclear power plants are slightly expensive. â€Å"The amount of energy generated in a nuclear plant is many times greater than that produced by other conventional means† (Rangarajan, 2010, p.6). Einstein’s famous formula E=MC2 can be used to calculate the energy produced by nuclear power plants. Here E represents energy, M represents mass of the nuclear fuel and C represents the velocity of l ight. Since velocity of light is 3 X 108 m/s, 1 kilo gram of nuclear fuel can generate an energy equivalent to 9 X 1016 Joules. No other energy source can provide such huge amounts of energy as nuclear power plants do. Nuclear fission is the technology used in nuclear power plants. Chain reaction is taking place in nuclear fission process. If not controlled properly, chain reaction can cause explosions. However, we can control chain reactions with the help of suitable materials. According to Sakharov, (1978) â€Å"Nuclear energy is the only economically feasible energy source in the next few decades-of replacing the use of oil†(Sakharov, 1978, p.13). â€Å"It is also not necessary to develop the technology needed for

How far can acts of violence and coercion be attributed to beliefs and Essay

How far can acts of violence and coercion be attributed to beliefs and ideologies Discuss with reference to Block 6 and one oth - Essay Example In many parts of the globe today, there are places where violence is experienced. Violence however, can be prevented through various ways. Evidence shows that there are various implementations that can help do away with violence in the society. Among these implementations are: Developing good relationships between parents and children Education on how to prevent maltreatment Practicing gender equality Having programs in schools that address gender issues and attitudes Reducing the availability of alcohol since the effects are known to be negative to the users Supporting the economic empowerment to avoid misunderstandings among individuals. These are some of the strategies that can be implemented to make certain that violence is done away with. Coercion on the other hand, refers to the use of forceful activity to make an individual or a group of people take to take part in something in a manner which is involuntary. This means it is a situation where individuals are forced to undertak e some activities without their will. Coercion can be in action or inaction through the use of intimidation and threats and some other forces of pressure. This is therefore an act that violates the free will of individuals because they take part in activities when they do not want to. Coercion generally includes blackmail, extortion and torture among other forceful-natured actions. It is an act forcing individuals to act against their own interests resulting to cooperation by the individuals being coerced. In this case, they have to cooperate because there are consequences faced by those who are not willing to do so. To avoid these consequences, they end up obeying all the rules and regulations they are given making sure that they do what is expected of them. This essay seeks to explain the degree to which the acts of violence and coercion can be attributed to beliefs and ideologies. The two issues that will be discussed in this essay are Religion and economy. These are some of the issues that have been influencing how people live with each other for a long time now all over the world. This gives a clear impression that they are sensitive issues and affect the lives of people. They have direct impacts on lives of people because practices therein are undertaken in day-today life. They are among those factors that contribute to differences and the ways in which people associate with each other. This essay will therefore cover Europe as a region in the world to see how these two issues had influence on humans and to what degree they can be attributed to beliefs and ideologies. Looking at the first issue of religion, it is clear that individuals were ordered on what to believe in and how they were to carry out their worship. The nature of the teachings in churches would not change rapidly because there was a specific thing that was supposed to be taught. Following the rules and regulations, it was quite hard for the church leaders to teach what they chose to becau se they could not do it. Attending the communion was a compulsory thing which mans individuals had no choice but to do what they were told. The fact that individuals were forced to worship in some way following rules and regulations they were not willing to, made them have issues with their leaders and at times engaged in violent activities. These leaders practiced coercion out of beliefs that there are some things that were not supposed to be practiced in churches (Wallace, 2004, 48). They came up with the idea that they should control

SWOT Analysis of Honda

SWOT Analysis of Honda Jump to: SWOT Analysis Honda is truly a global company like no other. With 134 production facilities in 28 countries, plus another 31 research and development centers in 15 countries, we are achieving our goal of providing satisfaction to customers around the world. More than 160,000 Honda Associates help more than 23 million customers every year. As of March 2007, the Honda Group comprised 507 companies worldwide. We have developed our global operations strategy based on the principle of manufacturing products close to the customer. Local information is key, and the hiring of Associates and procuring parts and materials is all done close to each Honda centre. However, certain functions such as production planning, customer service and administration are performed on a global scale to ensure optimal, integrated and forward-looking strategies. Honda first established a commercial presence in the UK in 1961 when it opened an office in central London. In 1965 the operation was moved to a larger facility in Cheswick, west London, and sales of Honda vehicles started. First year sales reached 4,000 units with a model range that was initially the S600 and then the S800 sports car. This was followed by the Honda Civic in 1971. In 2000 the business relocated to a purpose-built office in Langley, Berkshire. The building amalgamated the Head Office functions of Honda (UK) with Honda Motor Europe (HME), and subsequent growth of both organizations has led to staff numbers reaching in excess of 600 people. Extending Hondas established policy of building its products close to its customers, Hondas manufacturing presence in the UK began in 1985. Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) was established in Swindon, Wiltshire. Honda has an extensive dealer network in the UK, with the current total standing at 203 (car), 118 (motorcycle) and 530 (marine, energy, lawn and garden) sites. In excess of 10,000 people are either directly or indirectly employed by Honda in the UK. Annual sales of cars in the UK passed the 50,000 mark in 1995, and in 2007 broke through the 100,000 barrier. HISTORY OF THE COMPANY: Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) was established in 1985 and began operations in August 1986 with a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) unit in Swindon, Wiltshire. The Engine Plant was the second part of the Swindon site to open, and production of petrol engines for the Concerto began in 1989. Three years later, in October 1992, the first cars start edrolling off the line when Car Plant 1 with a capacity of 150, 000 vehicles per year began manufacturing the Accord. Car Plant 2 was completed in 2001, boosting annual capacity to an impressive 250,000 units. Total investment by HUM in these state-of-the-art, fully integrated Car and Engine Plants currently stands at  £1.38billion. When it celebrated its 20th anniversary in August 2006, Masaaki Kato, Managing Director of HUM, said: HUM has developed into a mature and successful car and engine manufacturing operation, which could not have been achieved without the strong driving force of our dedicated Associates. His comment illustrated perfectly the value we place on all our staff, not just in the UK but globally. Following the creation of 700 new jobs in September 2006, HUM currently employs 5,000 Associates 50% of our total for the whole of Europe. 1986: Honda begins research in Japan on both small aircraft and jet engines. 1993: Honda begins research on composite body aircraft with Mississippi State University (MSU), leading to development of aircraft called MH-02 that is jointly fabricated and tested by Honda and MSU. Research continues until 1996. 1995: Honda begins high altitude testing of its first generation turbofan engine, HFX-01, conducting more than 70 hours of tests through 1996. 1999: Development begins of the HF118 turbofan jet engine in the 1,000 to 3,500-pound thrust class, featuring a compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient design. 2000: Honda RD Americas establishes a research facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina in October 2000 for the purpose of researching, fabricating and flight testing of Honda Jet. 2002: Honda conducts high altitude tests of the HF118 engine starting in June 2002. Honda publishes and reports its first technical paper in June 2002 concerning technological achievements of the new airframe. Honda continues publishing technical papers, with the most recent paper in June 2005. 2003: Honda Jet takes first test flight, December 3, 2003. Honda makes first public announcement of the achievement days later. 2004: Honda and GE Aviation announce February 16, 2004, an alliance to commercialize the HF 118 engine, and establish a joint venture, GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC, in October 2004, to pursue the development, production and sales of Hondas HF118 turbofan engine in the light business jet market. In July 2004, Honda establishes Honda Aero, Inc. to manage its aircraft engine business in the U.S. and the Wako Nishi RD Center in Japan to research and develop turbofan jet and piston aviation engines. 2005: Honda Jet makes its public world debut at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Air Venture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 28, 2005. 2006: Honda announces that it will commercialize Honda Jet at the EAA Air Venture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 25, 2006. Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. (HACI) established in August 2006, responsible for Hondas overall airframe business strategy, and the further development, sales promotion and production of the innovative Honda Jet. GE Honda Aero Engines successfully runs a proof-of-concept version of the GE Honda HF120 turbofan engine, exceeding the companys internal development targets for both thrust performance and specific fuel consumption (SFP) on the engines first test run. GE Honda Aero Engines announced that it had secured orders for the new HF120 engine (a higher thrust successor to the HF118), from Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., maker of the Honda Jet advanced light jet; and Spectrum Aeronautical, maker of the Spectrum Freedom business jet. The announcement was made at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Orlando, Florida, October 16, 2006. Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. begins sales of Honda Jet at the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) annual convention in Orlando, Florida, on October 17. Honda Jet will be powered by the HF120 turbofan engine. Honda Jet is targeted for type certification in 3-4 years with production in the U.S. beginning 2010. 2007: Honda Aircraft Company announces place of its $100 million world headquarters and production facility at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2007. Honda Aircraft Company breaks ground for new headquarters and production facility, June 27, 2007. Construction of the 219,000 sq. ft. offices and airplane hanger is scheduled for completion in spring 2008. The remaining 150,000 sq. ft. production facility is expected to be completed by fall 2009. Honda Aero announced plans, July 17, 2007, to establish its headquarters and jet engine manufacturing facility in Burlington, North Carolina, beginning with production of the GE Honda HF120 turbofan engine in 2010. Honda Aero conducted an official groundbreaking ceremony, November 28, 2007, for its new headquarters and engine manufacturing facility in Burlington, North Carolina, near the Burlington Alamance County regional airport. Current strategic situation Europe has significantly strengthened its marketing operation to provide greater strategic leadership and expertise to the 27 markets it serves from the companys headquarters at Langley, near Slough. As part of a root and branch reform, Tom Gardner has been appointed to the role of Head of European Marketing, Honda Motor Europe (moving from Head of Marketing, Honda (UK), and Cars). Tom will lead an expanded team, working closely with the in-country marketing departments to build a national media schedule and creative. Toms team is also charged with developing the long range marketing strategy for the business. Starcom Media vest has been appointed as Hondas European media buying agency. Ian Armstrong has moved across to Honda Motor Europe as Manager European Communications from his previous role in Honda (UK), Cars. Ian will oversee a European-wide creative to balance Brand Building Campaigns and Product Launch campaigns. A new version of Hondas Impossible Dream advertisement featuring the voice of Andy Williams will lead the charge. Within the European team, Harry Cooklin and Teresa Rizza will manage motorcycle communications with Lucy Powell looking after comms for Power Equipment. I am excited by the prospect of designing and creating the structures to enable Honda to deliver a consistent and powerful message to consumers in all 27 countries across Europe, said Ian Armstrong. Theres a lot to do in the next few months and I look forward to working with markets and agencies to ensuring we have the best possible presence in the European market. Meanwhile, Martin Moll takes on the role of Head of Marketing at Honda (UK), covering cars, motorcycles and power equipment. This move follows Martins three years as Head of Marketing, Power Equipment. Martin will provide the vital interface between the European strategic function and its tactical implementation in the UK market for all three product divisions. SWOT ANALYSIS: While Honda has abundant backbone to their name, they as well ache from some above weaknesses. The primary weakness of Honda is oftentimes one of their above strengths as well. By afraid to their accouterments as the technology innovator aural their industry, Honda divests abundant of its assets in exploring new methods to enhance their products. However, they generally conduct analysis and accession in fields that accept no applied appliance until continued into the approaching (Corporate Info, nag). Take for archetype their ammunition adeptness research; Honda was the industry baton in ammunition adeptness from 1985 to present (Investor Guide, nag). However, alone until afresh did gas prices accession top abundant to accreditation the ammunition abridgement as a cogent advantage. Had Honda bald added of their assets to added top end upgrades such as aggressive aural the SUV market, they adeptness accept fabricated abundant added profits. Thus, award the antithesis amid approaching analysis and accepted profits is one of the above weaknesses with Honda. Another one of its weaknesses is that Honda relies on its entry first, organizes later action for new bazaar assimilation (Wright Report, nag). Its accumulated action appears to be to access accustomed markets with their avant-garde articles and advance an basement and alignment afterwards they beam how the bazaar reacts. Although this action has formed able-bodied in some cases such as Hondas access into the ablaze barter division, area its Ridgeline won Barter of the Year, about in added cases such as the barrage of Acura success was met aboriginal by years of balloon and error. Acura was launched in the mid 1980s, and it was the aboriginal Japanese produced affluence car, about it lacked abounding of the appearance that barter were searching for in top end cars and Acura went through about 5 years of net losses afore Honda assuredly ample out their architecture and administration methods. Honda depends too abundant on their adeptness and adeptness to acclimatize already a artifact enters the market, and as a result, they generally accomplish hasty and adulterated decisions that they accept to again absorb millions and yea rs to fix. Strengths High RD Innovation Market share leadership Strong brand equity Unique products Exotic interior Unique aerodynamic shape Developed afterwards connected RD with the latest technology Various models targeting assorted chump segments. Honda FCX is the aboriginal ammunition corpuscle car in the world Fuel efficient Revolutionary engine technology Comfortable Road grip Weaknesses Uses of Cutting bend technology gives acceleration to problems Interior design Civic models could cause abashing for the customer High cost structure Honda requires a deposit for higher purchase but Nissan and Toyota dont. They depend greatly on profits coming in internationally, where they need to focus more on domestic sales in case something were to happen with others economies. Opportunities Due to increased interest from consumers into more fuel efficient and lower pollution cars, Honda can use its strength in high RD to develop these kind of cars to suit consumers needs. Emerging markets and expansion abroad Innovation There is an advance of absorption in environmentally affable vehicles, and Hondas RD focus agency that it is able-bodied assertive to capitalize on its ability in this industry. Honda Borough has assorted models that alter in discharge ratings, Honda borough GX NGV is termed as the cleanest car on Earth as far as centralized agitation engines are concerned In addition, Honda is a above amateur in the arising markets like Pakistan. Car leasing in Pakistan is a befalling for Honda borough to become added widespread. Various borough models that ambition altered chump segments. Threats Economic slowdown External changes (government, politics, taxes, etc) Lower cost competitors or imports Price wars Rising oil and raw actual prices in the apple bazaar can advance to decreased appeal for automotive vehicles. In addition, added costs accept led to decreased customer spending and the aggressive animosity is actual top in this industry.

Computer Implementation in Learning Environments :: Technology Technological Essays

Computer Implementation in Learning Environments Abstract This paper seeks to analyze the current research and reports on computer implementation in learning environments. The three articles discussed come from Annual Editions—Computers in Education 04/05, 11th edition, edited by J. Hirschbuhl and D. Bishop (2004). For analysis are the proposals of investing in e-learning in higher education, more effective use of computers through initiation, implementation, and institutionalization, and improving student/computer interaction through the use of computer tutor programs. This paper concludes with some suggestions for the practice and implementation of the aforementioned strategies and/or programs, and highlights for educators the most relevant points made by these articles on the topic of computer implementation in learning environments. Computer Implementation Analysis in Learning Environments Computers as a form of technology are assisting daily the advancement of various societal fields, from business, to science, to education. This particular innovation in technology has literally taken the world by storm and countless authors and experts are continually determining its effects on our society. Indeed, newspapers, educational journals, and even the evening news are each eager to report the successes and failures of technology in education. In this paper, I will analyze three articles on the subject of computer implementation in learning environments. I will seek to summarize the main points for computer technology use in education and conclude with the authors’ suggestions for practicing technology in these learning environments. Each of the analyzed articles can be found in Annual Editions—Computers in Education 04/05, Eleventh Edition edited by J. Hirschbuhl and D. Bishop. The first article, Investing in Digital Resources (McArthur, 2002), seeks to define educational technology and its related vocabulary, outline reasons for planning e-learning, and describe the necessary steps for implementation, chiefly in respect to higher education. McArthur (2002) states, â€Å"it no longer makes sense to debate whether e-learning should be accepted or rejected—either in individual schools or by higher education as a whole—just as it is no longer reasonable to consider spurning the Web in business or at home.† He defines various e-learning options, such as web displayed, web enhanced, hybrid, and on-line, and maintains that, â€Å"none of these e-learning options necessarily diminishes the role of the instructor in learning and teaching† (McArthur, 2002). The defense for e-learning is that it provides an environment where students can easily and flexibly shape and own their learning (McArthur, 2002).

My Career in Psychology Essay

As I was doing the MBTI test, I was thinking about my career goal, and I was hoping, the results gave more motivation to keep studying Psychology. At first, some of the question didn’t make sense to me because they were repeat it, but when I was done with test I started to review the answer sheet and every single that was asked made sense. When I finished reviewing my score my results came to ESFJ. ESFJ fits perfect with me because I love to work with people; I have always felt that I’m connected to everyone around me and I have to value that connection. I’m hoping to continue to work with people after I accomplish my goal of becoming a therapist or a counselor. As an ESFJ, your method of living is to focus externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit in with your personal value system. The secondary method is internal, where you take things n via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. ESFJ is consider to be the caregiver and therefore, people has the options to choose for their career like nursing, teaching, child care, family practice physician, counselors/ social worker, and etc†¦ Like, I have mentioned before I want to be a therapist/counselor and work with the young population. I wan to give back to my community by teaching others that nothing is impossible. I will guide others by example. When I got pregnant at the age of fifteen, people thought that it was going to be end for me. My family used to tell me that I was not going to finish high school or college, and I have proved that they wrong. I received my high school diploma, and I achieved two associates degree one in Accounting and one in Liberal arts. Through my experiences, I feel more sensitive around other people. I consider myself a caring person who always put others first, and I leave myself last. I’m very please with my MBTI result, and I have no disagreement or question. Now, I know that being sensitive is not a bad thing or weakness. Being sensitive to other is quality because it makes me understand others. ESFJ will keep me motivated to achieve my main goal of becoming a therapist later in my life.

Ufone Organizational Development

Introduction of Organisation PTML is a subsidiary of PTCL (Pakistan Telecom Company Limited), the largest operator in Pakistan. PTML was established to operate cellular telephony. The company commenced its operations, under the brand name of Ufone from Islamabad on January 29 2001. Since Etisalat took over PTCL in 2006,  during the year as a  consequence of PTCL’s privatization, 26% of its shares were acquired by Emirates Telecommunication Corporation (Etisalat). Being part of  PTCL, the management of Ufone has also been handed over  to Etisalat.In September 2006, Ufone selected Huawei to deploy the nationwide GSM network at a contract value of above USD550  million. Ufone adopted Huawei's new-generation GSM solution, including All-IP core network and BTS, to  construct a GSM network covering 1,500 cities and towns of Pakistan. Ufone has a subscriber base of 20. 23 million as of September 2010. During2006 Ufone successfully completed the network expansion of Phase 4  in existing as well as in new cities and towns which amounted to more than US Dollar 170 million. As a  result the asset  base of the Company has  increased from Rs. 0 billion to Rs. 27  billion. Ufone adopted the policy of simplified tariffs with no  hidden charges, which resulted in positive impacts on total subscriber base, Ufone currently caters for international roaming to more than 195 live operators across 119  countries and introduced International roaming facility for Prepaid subscribers in Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, United  Arab Emirates, Singapore,  Portugal and Kuwait with lowest rates, featuring no security deposit and activation charges. GPRS roaming facility is available with more than 75 Live Operators across 59 countries.The Company  has also  been awarded a new License for providing cellular services in Azad Jammu ; Kashmir and the  Northern Areas. Organization structure Organizational structure defines how job tasks are formally desig ned, grouped and coordinated. Ufone is a decentralized structured organization at branch level but overall the whole setup is centralized. The organizational structure is horizontal or lean. In this way flow of communication becomes very easy and simple. It is divided into different departments and each department has a head which take decisions. All departments are interlinked.The concept of departmentalization is effectively practiced at ufone. All departments contribute to the overall goal of the organization. Ufone has 7 departments. 1. Finance 2. Marketing 3. Information technology department 4. Customer operations department 5. Engineering dept 6. Sales dept 7. Human resource dept. Formal Structure or Informal Structure? When a company wants to compete in innovation, it needs to maximize flexibility. Flexibility is maximized by aggregating work into larger, holistic pieces that are executed by teams of higher wages, high skilled workers.Giving the units their own support syste ms and decision-making authority to take advantage of local opportunities in regional or specialized product markets also enhances flexibility. Keeping in view of all these factors the structure of Ufone is designed i. e. the overall Structure of the Ufone is Divisional (More flexible and innovative). Mainly Ufone has four regions and within those regions the structure is functional . The decision making authority is centralized at the top but within the regions it is decentralized i. e. egional heads have to inform top management before making any decisions. This is what Ufone looks from the organizational hierarchy point of view. There are 7 different departments each headed by a Project Director. They report directly to the CEO. There are four BU (Business Unit) each Project Director is responsible for these eight divisions. BUs are divided geographically into three divisions: * BU North (Peshawar to Jehlum, including Islamabad) * BU Central-1 (Gujranwala till Sialkot) * BU Centr al-2 (Multan till Rahim Yar Khan) * BUM South (Sindh and Balochistan)Nature of Organization Cultural Dimensions Organizational culture refers to a system of shared meaning held by members that distinguishes the organization from the other organization. Ufone is following clan culture which competitors are lacking in that term. Oriented organization looks like a very personal place, employee relations are shaped around mentoring and nurturing, workplace looks like an extended form of family, a general encouragement of participation is the building block of day to day routines of organization, and work is designed around flexibility and self sufficiency.Human development with high trust and openness is the basic agenda of clan oriented organizations. Ufone has hierarchy culture dominance, the only organization having a substantially different cultural orientation, to be singled out, is U-Fone, which is a public sector organization. People find their jobs more secure in public sector, moreover the workload and timings of job are much relaxed mostly in public sector organizations. These might be some of the reasons why U-Fone is perceived to be a Clan oriented organization by its employees.The disparity in the current and preferred culture is prevalent in individual organizations and industry as well. Clan is the preferred culture by most of the organizations, leading towards an industry preference as well. Ufone culture is very innovative due to a dynamic organization with a powerful culture that allows people to make the  most of their skills, personality and career in very less time. Ufone empower their employees to compete with others in term of innovation and bringing new ideas. People in ufone utilize their team effort optimally and their marketing strategies are the concrete evidence for that.Communication Communication can flow vertically or laterally. The vertical dimensions can be further divided into downward and upward communication. 1. Internal Comm unication in Ufone: Internal Communication of Ufone is given below, Downward and upward communication is called vertical communication within organization: Upward communication in Ufone: Upward communication is the flow of information from subordinates to superiors, or from employees to management. In Ufone communication is an important source that is considered for success.Upward Communication in Ufone is a mean for staff to: * Exchange information to management, Ufone having organic structure employees does not feel hesitation to exchange information. * Offer ideas in which they already have edge like their advertising strategies and package offering are very effective. * Express enthusiasm as the matter of fact they have been given empowerment so they come up with interesting ideas. * Achieve job satisfaction that is related with the satisfaction employees achieve from the job. * Provide feedback on the internal system.Downward Communication Information flowing from the top of th e organizational management hierarchy and telling people in the organization what is important (mission) and what is valued (policies). Employees working in Ufone are instructed clearly on the most important issues and policies. This has encouraged two way discussions to discuss employee’s problem and customer relationship issues. Normally Ufone announces important decisions and it falls in this category of communication where employee needs to get all clear information on what to do in the organization.Upper level management motivates employees and gets feedback and if any policy or issue is not being resolved is discussed to remove. Horizontal/Lateral Communication in Ufone: Ufone has always been serious for having efficient teams working for different objectives like promotion and other important issues. Communication among employees at the same level is crucial for the accomplishment of work. Ufone has always encouraged team effort and innovation. Ufone has one more thing to get to its credit is building goodwill by boosting efficiency and improving teamwork. Employees always cooperate and perform well. . External Communication in Ufone Communication with people outside the company is called â€Å"external communication†. Supervisors communicate with sources outside the organization, such as vendors and customers. It leads to better; * Sales volume * Public credibility * Operational efficiency * Company profits Ufone believes in Integrated Marketing Communication which is a carefully blended mix of  promotion tools. Ufone employ different marketing activities and channels to communicate and deliver value to customer. These activities are coordinated to provide maximum communication output.These communication channels includes:-Advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing ; personal selling. Ufone strategize to carry out promotion in  order to increase its market share. Strategies: Ufone strategize to widen its coverage to all places in Pakistan in order to meet the requirements of its increasing customer base. Now Ufone is heading from cities to remote northern areas in expanding its network and also has developed some sites there. Ufone has intensive promotion in cities, but it is also considering improving its promotion in rural areas as well.Customer Relationship Management Ufone focuses on the 10 commandments rule it has posted on its office wall. Ufone believes in â€Å"SERVICE FIRST† rule and trains to its employees (personnel) to follow this rule. It treats its customers as a king because one dissatisfied customer dissatisfies the other customers as well. Ufone  personnel  are  taught  to  deal  with  the  customers  with  the  courteous  attitude. Also promotion policies are developed from time to time to retain the customers lost. This is done by giving discounts on calls rates, giving free SMS bundles, free minutes etc. to the customers who don’t us e their SIMs for 2 to 3 months. Call centre records the calls done by customers to maintain quality assurance. Greeting messages are sent to customers on religious events. Also, birthday messages or cards are sent to the loyal customers. Door step services are provided to the customers. These services give a competitive edge to Ufone. Sales Promotion: Ufone strategize to take aid of sales promotion whenever it sees a minor drop in its usage by its customers. They mostly go for pull strategy in promotion i. e. hey spend a lot on advertising and consumer promotion to induce final customers to avail their services. Ufone applies sales promotion schemes continually in order to keep its customers loyal and happy. Sales promotions are short term incentives to encourage the purchase or sale of a product or services. Ufone utilizes sales promotion activities to boost its sales. It follows all four of  the promotion budgeting methods viz affordable method, percentage of sales method, compe titive parity method and objective ; task method. Ufone uses following sales promotion tools.Contests, Games, Premium tickets and promotional packages. Which type of Network Ufone follows? Type of network which Ufone is following is all channel network, where employees coordinate with each other but still there is central authority and team work is more encouraged. It is rather blend of wheel and all channel network, self managed teams are made and all objectives being performed are checked by central authority. Interpersonal Relationships Individual in Ufone share common goals and objectives. They have more or less similar interests and think on the same lines.Since they come from the similar background and so they develop good relationship. It has always been better for Ufone. Employees in Ufone respect each other point of view and maintain humble climate throughout. There is most important factor associated with interpersonal relationship is having transparency which plays a vita l role and since all relation must not be biased and so they also focus on honest relationship. Since they have teams that perform most of the time on different issues and they do not indulge in criticism, backbiting and do not interfere each other. This creates a pleasant environment.Baseless rumors are always discouraged and since they have been motivated all the time from upper management and their productivity increases and they try to perform even better and come up with some innovative ideas and they are also satisfied employees. According to a survey conducted, most of the employees do not want to leave this organization for the only reason that they have become satisfied and all the policies and procedures are quite good and criticism has been very low. The reason being the Ufone success could also be the interpersonal relationship which encourages efficiency.Ethics The word â€Å"ethics† is often in the news these days. Ethics is a philosophical term derived from the Greek word â€Å"ethos† meaning character or custom. This definition is germane to effective leadership in organizations in that it connotes an organization code conveying moral integrity and consistent values in service to the public. Ufone always consider ethics while making their policies and recruitment policies. Even marketing strategies are made in the way that shows ethical behavior as compared to competitors so they are strictly following it.Customer relationship management is another important thing which should be taken seriously for ethics. Your customer is your only way for making your organization survives in the market. So ethics are important for Ufone to maintain good relationship with customers and in this regard customer service has been given clear instruction on how to deal customers and they have even promoted ten codes for customers in different franchise of Ufone and also customer complaint cell has been formed if someone behaves wrong then it should b e taken in to consideration. How Ufone encourages ethical behavior?Also quality service department checks the ongoing calls of customer support and also feedback is checked so these are all the policies in regard for customer relationship and to maintain ethics so customer should feel respected. Recruitment policy of is designed in way that makes sure that everyone should apply for different position in organization and no gender discrimination is made. Even training is given to new employees rather leaving them alone in initial stages. They even hire diverse people and they think it is for the best interest of the company to follow such steps.Ufone also holds different issues for showing their love for Pakistan. The events like cultural diversity and workshops are good steps taken by Ufone. Employees are given motivation good extrinsic and intrinsic rewards to make them efficient. Performance Appraisal Objective of the Performance Management: The basic objective for performance UFO NE employees circles around the following: * To look at Performance system as a means to an end * Setting an individual’s goal * Aligning goals across the company * Ensuring employees get coaching from managers Determining merit pay * Identifying training and development needs * Providing data for promotion decision * Input from multiple source on worker performance The performance appraisal process: The Performance appraisal system used by UFONE for reviewing the performance status of its employee starts with identifying specific appraisal goals set by each Group for each cadre. After this a detail job analysis is done with looking in account the job expectation and then matching the actual performance with the desired performance.Afterward the performance is appraised according to the set standards and this appraisal is not done by the supervisor alone, their major focus is on taking into the account the employee’s perspective as well. Therefore whenever the appraisa l is done employee is fully participative in the process. Performance Appraisal Method Use by UFONE UFONE is using 180-Degree Performance Appraisal Method. Within this method, managers, peers, customers or colleagues are asked to complete questionnaire on the employee being assessed. In UFONE, performance of an employee is appraises twice a year. Once in June while other in December.In the questionnaire there are five sections and in each section there are five questions related to the performance of employee. There are total 100 points from which an employee gets. Performance appraisal: 360 ° Behavior 20% Results 80% Total 100% Total 500 Marks| Best ;400| Good ;300| Average ;250| Compensation Responsibilities of Ufone HR Department Compensation Administration (designing and installing job evaluation program, pay structure, analyzing jobs and their dollar-worth, maintaining suitable records, wage and salary surveys of the labor market). * Health and Safety (health programs, safety programs, Medical facility). Employee relations (wages, rates of pay, hours of work, conditions of employment, negotiation, contract interpretation and administration, grievance handling, allocation of overtime). * Benefits and Services (insurance programs, Transportation facility, sick leave pay plans, loan funds, LFA salary, Yearly bonus programs along with special bonuses for achieving high targets). Employees Reaction to the system As mentioned above that Ufone follow the job based and competitive structure, so this thing is in the nature of human that to react against any system because by implementing structure everybody in the organization thinks that e or she is doing much and organization is not treating them well with the comparison of others. But at Ufone as we observed mostly of the permanent employees are quite satisfied with this system as compared to the contractual employees. Their reaction towards the system is cooperative because of their appraisal system; the Ufo ne performance appraisal system is very effective after every six months everybody knows that what their score is.Ufone is a performance oriented organization so they compensate their employees on the basis of their performance so everybody know that if they show the results then the organization will compensate them good if not then they will never expect, This is a good approach for performance oriented organizations to implement the system like this because of this system everybody interests involves in it. And the Ufone also adopted the Competitive approach for compensation, because of this system every employee know what the other organizations are paying for the same job and what they are getting is fair or not.Some are not satisfied because they think that we are very senior and the organization should have to compensate us for our seniority not for our work done, (Loyalty factor involves). Satisfaction Reward System at Telecom Sector: There is a department which looks after the motivational factors of the employees. Rewards are performance based. But incentives are something related to job tenure and attached to every job title accordingly. They offer both type of rewards 1. Extrinsic 2. Intrinsic Intrinsic rewards are motivation, making them feel good and giving them empowerment and extrinsic rewards are salary, and different pay plans.Salary at telecom sector: According to the field of experience and job description every employee is compensated. Salaries are reviewed every year in January. Beside these fixed salaries there are various ways of rewarding one 1. If the employers complete their tasks within time and with quality they are recognized at the end of the year and they get bonuses accordingly, 2. If they show excellent performance in their departments, they can be promoted before seniors, 3. There are some commissions given to their employees on the basis of revenue they generate or the customers they make, they get more money. . Medical care ,( the employees get medical for their husband/wife/children and parents) 5. Life insurance, 6. Vacations, 7. Relocation, 8. Credit advance policy provident policy/ advance against provident fund and occupying of gratuity, 9. Recreation, 10. Club policy travel, 11. Education assistance policy, 12. Mobile phone, 13. Business mobile phone policy, 14. Official blackberry policy, Supervisory Support At Telecom Sector: Supervisory support is excellent in these companies. They guide their employees about their customers, about the company, about their rights and help them in every manner.Even if the performance of employees is not satisfactory, their supervisors ask them to look for the department of their choice. In the call centers of these companies the agents are constantly monitored by their supervisors, in case agents get stuck with a caller question then the supervisor come to them and help them with the answer because supervisors are senior persons, the supervisors appreciate thei r agents before the whole team if an agent takes more calls in their group. Empowerment Empowerment is the transfer of authorities from a senior to a junior or we can say delegating powers to another person is empowerment.Ufone is a very friendly employer and lets every personnel work efficiently. It lets every individual have the authority of taking decisions and performing tasks at his own level in the best possible way. This freedom creates a sense of  ownership in each employee and he becomes more concerned about his job. When the freedom level is created, employees feel happy to work with the organization and hence interact in a friendly way with the customers, thus enhancing the organization’s goodwill. Teams Work Teams:Rather than having people attend committee meetings where very little gets done, or relegate people to their workspace where work may or may not get done, Ufone assign people to work teams. People can share the workload with each other and competition between work teams will help to encourage productivity. This will allow you to share some of your resources rather than buy one for every desk (like a stapler, for example. Sure, it's a small expense but it adds up quickly). Because responsibility is spread among team members, work won't get missed because someone goes away on holidays.Work teams should be semi-permanent arrangements between people. Self managed team: The phrase self-directed work team — or self-managed  team — doesn’t mean that the team doesn’t need a leader or manager. It just means that the team is responsible and  accountablefor its decisions, as opposed to proposing action that will be approved or denied by someone outside the team. So Ufone always go for self managed team to resolve different issues and if some package plan has to be introduced in case competitor has introduced some cheap package.Virtual Teams: Ufone often go for Virtual teams that help to reduce expenses and in crease productivity. While meetings are essential, it's not always necessary for one person to fly to another city or drive to another office to attend the meeting. Virtual teams take care of that by using technology (like Webex or GoToMeeting) to connect teams. The first 3 types of teams are specific groups of people who get together to do the work they've been mandated to do. The 4th team is simply a mindset to improve productivity while reducing travel expenditures.So lot of team member without traveling to other city gets their work done in no time. Leadership Leadership style What makes a good leader or manager? For many it is someone who can inspire and get the most from their staff. There are many qualities that are needed to be a good leader or manager. Ufone upper level management has certain qualities to deal with employees. * Be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems * Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions * Possess excel lent two-way communication skills Have the desire to achieve great things * Be well informed and knowledgeable about matters relating to the business * Possess an air of authority Managers deal with their employees in different ways. Some are strict with their staff and like to be in complete control, whilst others are more relaxed and allow workers the freedom to run their own working lives (just like the different approaches you may see in teachers! ). Whatever approach is predominately used it will be vital to the success of the business. An organization is only as good as the person running it†. There are three main categories of leadership styles:  autocratic, paternalistic and democratic. Ufone follows democratic  style of management that will put trust in employees and encourage them to make decisions. They will delegate to them the authority to do this (empowerment) and listen to their advice. This requires good two-way communication and often involves democratic d iscussion groups, which can offer useful suggestions and ideas. Managers must be willing to encourage leadership skills in subordinates.

Deterrence of Death Penalty essays

Deterrence of Death Penalty essays The death penalty has been used for centuries as a form of retributive justice for felonies committed by criminals. The code of Hammurabi, written approximately 3,700 years ago, stated that if a man destroys another mans eye, the offenders eye should be taken out; if a son strikes his father, the son shall have his hand cut off.(246) Early legal codes tried to provide justice by matching the punishment with the offense. This approach was also evident in numerous places within the Old Testament. For example, in the Book of Deuteronomy we read, Life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.(8:12) However, even with these early philosophies of justice, punishment was not merely meant to serve as revenge for the victims and their relatives. Instead, punishment was intended to make life and property more secure by reducing the likelihood of a person committing a crime or a second offence. This aspect of social control is called deterrence: the use of punishment to deter people from deviance. As Plato expounded 2,300 years ago, Punishment brings wisdom; it is the healing act of wickedness.(199) This occurs, Plato explained, because the point of punishment is not to retaliate for a past wrong but rather to make sure that the man who is punished, and he who sees him punished, may be deterred from doing wrong again. (199) As human societies evolved into complex states, governments increasingly sought to deter crime; hence punishments became increasingly severe as crimes continued to occur. Capital punishment became common during the eighteenth century in England where more then two hundred different crimes carried the death penalty. In addition, executions were typically conducted in public places in an effort to deter those who witnessed the punishment from committing similar acts. Soon after the implementation of the death penalty into Eng...

Norms and Values Essay Essays

Norms and Values Essay Essays Norms and Values Essay Essay Norms and Values Essay Essay Beginning of Life Culture is an acquired style of living. At birth children do not have any knowledge of their cultures nor do they have any influence on which culture they can emulate. The process through which a person acquires certain values and norms is called socialization. At the beginning of ones life, the major influences on the behaviors, conceptions, and values of infants are their immediate social circles. Family and friends often make for the primary influences of individuals. Another important influence is the cultural context in which socialization occurs. The norms and values that are in India may not be the same as how people are socialized in Canada. Cultural diversity often influences the socialization (Kallivayalil 535-559). Looking at the differences in the socialization process in India and Canada can give important insight into the norms and values of both societies. Socialization pushes people towards an ideology or philosophy that governs social and cultural life (Kallivayalil 535-559). In India, there are many different ethnicities. This phenomenon, therefore, complicates the socialization process of the country. For instance, Yanomamo Indian boys are brought up to be aggressive and thought. They are taught to embrace violence and overwhelming emotions. For the most part, socialization is often culturally motivated in India, compared to European and Western Cultures. The family unit is an important social and political unit. In India, a lot of families practice joint living with the extended family (Kallivayalil 535-559). The mother is the nurturer while the father represents the bread winner of the family. In Indian culture, males are permissive, and females are meant to be submissive. The respect for elders also makes important competency for these students. The gender lines in India are given priority in nurturing children. For instance, theyre taught how they ought to behave and even have arranged marriage. In fact, the filing of divorce is not taken well by the society. Western cultures bring up their children in a different method. For one, the value for culture is limited given the diverse mix of people. It is difficult to find parents and peers whose cultural and social belief coincide. For this reason, one of the approaches through which values and norms are imparted to children (Pike and Zureik 1). Education and political socialization, therefore, present as the acceptable and most widely used measures for socialization. It is important to note that these measures only improve the outcome of how youth grow. Through learning about stratification methods and incorporating the ideologies deemed universal in civic education, is the primary approach towards socialization in western cultures (Pike and Zureik 1). Political socialization is a method through which people are socialized in Canada. Through civic education, the value of having and practicing certain moral values and coin conceptualizations is instilled in the lives of young people. However, it is important to note that there are different approaches towards civic education. The intent for Canada, however, is to stir political participation in the people (Claes, Hooghe and Stolle 613). Still, through civic education, small children can grow up having value for social service. Social service inspires more participation in community and therefore inspires more responsibility and character in peoples. It is, however, important to note that in its diversity, social stratification and socialization is one of the priorities of political socialization. The country is ultimately focused on protecting the ethnicities and the values that they hold. They country, therefore, is better positioned regarding liberal and culturally motivated socia lization(Claes, Hooghe and Stolle 613). Work Cited Claes, Ellen, Marc Hooghe, and Dietlind Stolle. The Political Socialization Of Adolescents In Canada: Differential Effects Of Civic Education On Visible Minorities. Canadian Journal of Political Science 42.03 (2009): 613. Web. 20 Mar. 2017. Kallivayalil, D. Gender And Cultural Socialization In Indian Immigrant Families In The United States. Feminism Psychology 14.4 (2004): 535-559. Web. 20 Mar. 2017. Pike, Robert M., and Elia Zureik. Socialization And Values In Canadian Society: Socialization, Social Stratification And Ethnicity On JSTOR. Jstor.org. N.p., 1978. Web. 20 Mar. 2017.

Microplastics and Their Environmental Effects

Microplastics and Their Environmental Effects Microplastics are small fragments of plastic material, generally defined as smaller than what can be seen by the naked eye.  Our increased reliance on plastics for countless applications has negative consequences to the environment. For example, the plastic manufacturing process is associated with air pollution, and volatile organic compounds released over the life of the plastic have deleterious health effects for humans. Plastic waste takes up significant space in landfills. However, microplastics in the aquatic environment  has been a newly emerging concern in the public consciousness. As the name implies, microplastics are very small, generally too small to see although some scientists include pieces up to 5mm in diameter (about a fifth of an inch). They are of various types, including polyethylene (e.g., plastic bags, bottles), polystyrene (e.g., food containers), nylon, or PVC. These plastic items become degraded by heat, UV light, oxidation, mechanical action, and biodegradation by living organisms like bacteria. These processes yield increasingly small particles that eventually can be classified as microplastics. Microplastics On the Beach   It appears that the beach environment, with its abundant sunlight and very high temperatures at ground level, is where the degradation processes operate fastest. On the hot sand surface, plastic trash fades, becomes brittle, then cracks and breaks down. High tides and wind pick up the tiny plastic particles and eventually add them to the growing great garbage patches found in the oceans. Since beach pollution is a major contributor of microplastic pollution, beach cleanup efforts turn out to be much more than esthetic exercises.   Environmental Effects of Microplastics Many persistent organic pollutants (for example, pesticides, PCBs, DDT, and dioxins) float around the oceans at low concentrations, but their hydrophobic nature concentrates them on the surface of plastic particles. Marine animals mistakenly feed on the microplastics, and at the same time ingest the toxic pollutants. The chemicals accumulate in the animal tissues and then increase in concentration as the pollutants are transferred up the food chain.As the plastics degrade and become brittle, they leach out monomers like BPA which can then be absorbed by marine life, with relatively little known consequences.Besides the associated chemical loads, ingested plastic materials can be damaging for marine organisms, as they can lead to digestive blockage or internal damage from abrasion. There is still much research needed to properly evaluate this issue.Being so numerous, microplastics provide abundant surfaces for small organisms to attach. This dramatic increase in colonization opportuni ties can have population-level consequences. In addition, these plastics are essentially rafts for organisms to travel further than they usually would, making them vectors for spreading invasive marine species. Microbeads A more recent source of trash in the oceans is the tiny polyethylene spheres, or microbeads, increasingly found in many consumer products. These microplastics do not come from the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic but instead are engineered additives to cosmetics and personal care products. They are most often used in skin care products and toothpaste and wash down drains, pass through water treatment plants, and end up in freshwater and marine environments. There is increased pressure for countries and states to regulate microbead use, and many large personal care product companies have pledged to find other alternatives. Sources Andrady, A. 2011. Microplastics in the Marine Environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin.Wright et al. 2013. The Physical Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Organisms: A Review. Environmental Pollution.

The Hero's Journey - The Mythological Structure of Films Research Paper - 1

The Hero's Journey - The Mythological Structure of Films - Research Paper Example For purposes of clarity, the heroes journey will be herein defined to exhibit the following 12 traits: 1)the heroes are introduced in the ordinary world, 2) they receive the call to action or adventure, 3) they are reluctant at first or refuse the call, 4) they are encouraged by a mentor, 5) they cross the threshold and enter the â€Å"special world†, 6) the encounter a series of tests, allies and enemies 7) they approach the in-most cave and cross a second threshold, 8) within this second cave they endure the ordeal, 9) they take possession of their reward, 10) they are pursued on the road back to the ordinary world, 11)they cross the third threshold and experience a resurrection/transformation, 12) they return with the elixir or treasure to benefit the ordinary world (Vogler 2). In this way, Volger sets out to express that the way in which a screenwriter interacts with his chosen topic, works to force it into a reality, and hones the acumen of its message follows precisely t he same steps as that the heroes journey represents. What is particularly interesting about this â€Å"mythological† approach to any given subject matter is that it nearly perfectly applies to the way that almost every story can be told. The author begins by recounting how the â€Å"ordinary world† presents the known reality and easy confines within which the actor(s) will develop. In this way, the hero is presented as an entity that is uncomfortable and/or unaware of the underlying tension and struggle that brews beneath the surface. This develops the actor into the secondary stage or â€Å"call to adventure†. This call to adventure is the impetus and or need that is exhibited by the deficiencies of the â€Å"ordinary world†. As a result of this imperfection this â€Å"call to adventure† exists as a means to answer this inequality. An interesting component of this call to adventure/action is the fact that the protagonist/character/actor is oftentimes reticent to heed its direction. This

Dannon Company Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Dannon Company - Research Paper Example Dannon has since become the yoghurt founding company in America. Dannon is one of the leading producers of beverages, packaged foods and top selling yoghurt brands globally. The main value of the company is Health and Nutrition. The mission of the company is towards the provision of health through the food supply to the largest number of people possible (Dannon’s CSR 2009 Overview). The vision of the company is health for all people. The company is always looking for different ways of encouraging people to eat healthier and delightful tasting dairy products. Dannon produces and sells over 100 different products across the globe which varies in different sizes, styles and flavors of cultured dairy products. Transparency 1. Level of public disclosure. The company has a high level of public disclosure. That is, Dannon Company makes the information about its company public and makes it open to investors and shareholders. In every financial year, the company makes public its CSR re port, events and all annual reports. The company gives a press release of all activities taking place including company awards and all nutrition grants. All this is done with the aim of enhancing investor and shareholder confidence on the company. 2. Responsibility for environment/sustainable development. Dannon Company engages in Corporate Social Responsibility activities. ... nt, company has also increased its health and nutrition and nature of its produces which include packaging, energy consumption and manufacturing (Dannon’s CSR 2009 Overview). The company has also cut by 10% on its overall carbon footprint during the 2009 financial year. As part of its responsibility towards sustainable development, Dannon Company helps people in making informed food choices in order to improve their health and nutrition. Dannon Company also supports initiatives which encourage nutrition education, supports research and education which help in exploration of the relationship between better health and nutrition. To Dannon Company, its responsibility goes beyond the usual business of just producing yogurt products as it the company’s privilege to be an active partner in the provision of families with information and tools required for health lives. Dannon Company is committed to three core values in its corporate social responsibility activities, and they include health and nutrition, nature and people. The company is highly committed in the production of those products which are quite useful to the consumer (Laszlo, 2003). The company strives to makes nutritious products, engages families and children at the community level, and makes use of Dannon Next Generation Nutrition to help children in understanding the usefulness of healthy eating habits. The company also limits the kind of products to advertise to children and engages in childhood nutrition education programs. When it comes to nature, the company is highly committed to environmental sustainability as it has been saving on its carbon foot print, has reduced the quantity of its primary packaging and also saves fuel by re-inventing different ways of making energy saving bottles and cups. The

Risk and value management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Risk and value management - Essay Example Based on the primary objective of value management to develop project objectives with uttermost clarity, the process facilitates quest for background information on the project as well as the project’s needs. These initiatives facilitate an extensive development of knowledge on the project towards management competency of business knowledge. As a result, value management provides an opportunity for developing insights into a project for proper management of the strategic management stage and the entire project. Value management also creates time resource between the initiation stage of a project and the project’s implementation stage. With an outlined budget for value management’s time, an organization is able to identify and evaluate outlined objectives in a project for improvement. This therefore means that apart from the benefits of the value management, its incorporation in the project’s budget adds value to the briefing process as well as the entire p roject (Turner, p. 307). Value management also facilitates identification of client’s needs and expectations from a project. The analytical approach of the management that aims at identification of the objectives of the project particularly leads to an understanding of what the customer wants out of the project. This further facilitates development of objective and establishment of ground for customer utility at the completion of the project. Establishing customers’ needs is also important in the strategic briefing stage because the success and feasibility of a project is measured against expectations of the stakeholders. With all needs of the client identified by the value management process, the strategic briefing process develops the capacity to evaluate feasibility of the needs as well as incorporating the need into the project’s objectives. There is also an induced benefit of empowerment and development of team members in value management. The interactive approach in

The food crisis of 2008 had been threatening for a few years, mostly Essay - 1

The food crisis of 2008 had been threatening for a few years, mostly affecting the poor. A variety of causes but mostly man-made - Essay Example In this essay, the writer attempts to explicate that among variegated causes of food crisis are population explosion, mismatch of developmental priorities, environmental degradation and climate change. Population explosion The world has reached a population of 6.85 billion in the mid-year of 2010 and is estimated to reach 7 billion by the end of 2011 (Rosenberg, 2011). This increasing statistics of population could reach a peak that challenges the limited resources of the world. This situation is further compounded with massive influx of people from the rural communities, with whom nations relied for agricultural production, into the urban community in search for jobs that can immediately transform labor to money. Most of whom unfortunately dwell in ghettos and less conductive urban communities, except for those who were lucky to land in corporate jobs or in entrepreneurial initiatives. This rise of global population and anent urbanization trend, if uncontrolled, has serious implicat ion to food insecurity, mortality rate or severe malnourishment of children. It will generally affect the quality of life, delivery of social services, cause resource conflicts and increase of criminal rates and social malaise (Rosenberg, 2011). Thus, governments especially in developing countries have been advocating for reproductive health matters to limit populations in consideration to limited resources and services to be accorded to people. This is evidenced as crises are more felt in urban areas where people are vulnerable to volatile markets. On the other hand, rural communities are also confronted with difficulties in feeding their families with low income from farm produce against costly farm inputs and inflation (Lean, 2008) of prime commodities e.g. rice, sugar, oil and including skyrocketing prices of tuition fees in educational institutions, transportation and livestock’s food. Housing is incredibly a problem and albeit construction of villages, these homes are a ffordable only for those who have achieved a certain level of affluence to purchase properties. Indeed, increase of population means scaling up of utilization and maximization of resources, hence the wanton use of rainforests and wildlife. The inability to balance human needs and protection of environment presents detrimental condition—a world’s peril and damaging conflict of resource. Mismatch of Developmental Needs Recent developments made people grow grain to make fuel. Others raise crocodiles to fashion expensive bags. The worst side of this is that some countries are producing massive pineapples, mangoes, vegetation, rice and got best fishes only to be exported to rich countries while farmers, fishers and laborer were paid barely an amount for subsistence. In some developing countries, hug trees are cut to meet the construction needs of foreign nations while those who are leaving in logged sites content themselves with indigenous materials to live. People live in such irony. In United States, while there is recognition of decreasing wheat production as food in the last decades, whilst grain and oilseeds were also diverted for biofuel  production (US Department of State, 2009). Such impacted to the prices of wheat and rice just as how the use of palm oil for biofuel is affecting soybeans and vegetable oils’s pricing. This is further influenced by monopolistic capitals which dictate prices in the market and exacerbated the effects of inflation rates. There is therefore an urgent need to evaluate development programs

Fires in the built environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fires in the built environment - Essay Example Furthermore, in major conflagrations long hooks with ropes were used to pull down buildings in the path of an approaching fire to create firebreaks. Steven Edward's career began, not in the Fire Brigade, but in the Film Industry. He had a great job cutting and editing film, great salary and prospects but no excitement. For years he wanted more than "just a job", he wanted the "thrill factor" to go with it. It was talking to his uncle, a retired Senior Officer commended for bravery and stationed in Harrow, who encouraged and convinced him that he had the makings of being a great fire fighter and that that the way forward. He told him all he needed to know to join the Brigade from applying for the job, training and how his career would develop. He was full of praise for the fire fighters who he considered to be his "extended family" and very proud to be a fire fighter. Newly married at the age of 26 years old in November 1980 he decided to take the plunge and with the support from his wife, he joined the Brigade. He first had to undergo a medical, which included physical strength and lung capacity, good vision and hearing. He then spent 18 weeks training which covered theory lessons and practical skills such as searching rooms, working in smoke and using fire-fighting and rescue equipment. At home he was difficult to live with but managed to pass with flying colours whilst others failed to make the grade. He began his career at Soho Fire Station in London and was put to work ventilating fires once they were extinguished. It was a further six months before he was able to assist his colleagues in tackling fires and to eventually get to do what he was trained for. A typical rota for each fire fighter consisted of 2 days working 9am -6pm day shifts, followed by 2 nights working 6pm-9am in the morning, which followed by 4 days leave. The duties during the day consisted of: equipment check - especially breathing apparatus and any machinery to be used tea break a list of "to do's" is always in place for each station to carry out on a daily basis which cover each day of the year a list of "monthly tests" which are carried out; and a list of yearly tests, which might be carried out. There is then what is known as a period of "stand easy" which is a break of about 15 minutes at 11am where each officer can talk and discuss anything with their fellow officers. After that time there are numerous Fire Safety visits whereby Fire Officers visit Schools, Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc. in the Local Community to help in the prevention of fires and promote safety. On duty at Soho Station were 3 engines ready for action at any one time. After lunchtime a series of training schedules and/or lectures would be carried out. By 4pm some officers would then attend the gym. It is the general consensus nowadays that fire fighters are fitter than ever before (this can only be said for this country at least) with the trends changing - encouraging healthy eating and a consistent gym training schedule. His most vivid memory during his time as a fire fighter was when he was on night duty almost 10 years ago. It was during a night shift that a "shout" was received reporting a fire in

In instruction box Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

In instruction box - Essay Example It is indeed not an uncommon phenomenon to encounter businesses marketing and selling their products online either through their own portals or by relying on sites owned and managed by third parties. In the first case, the company produces and markets the product online without necessarily relying on players in the traditional distribution channel such as distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. This paper will discuss how technological advancements and the Internet have impacted product distribution in the world today. The Case of Fujian Wanhua Electron and Technology Company Limited One company that relies on the Internet to distribute its products is the Fujian Wanhua Electron and Technology Company Limited. The company is based in China and was established in 1996 (Fujian Wanhua Electron & Technology Co. Ltd., 2013). The company produces a variety of electrical and electronic appliances for home, business, office, and corporate use. Some of the products that the company manufact ures and markets include car alarm systems, cordless telephone communication systems, network management systems, and home/office wireless burglar systems (Fujian Wanhua Electron & Technology Co. Ltd., 2013). ... Advantages of Direct Online Distribution of Products There are several advantages associated with direct distribution of products using the Internet. One main advantage with this method of distribution is its association with low overhead costs according to Time (2013). What this means is that the company is able to make a bigger profit that it would with the inclusion of intermediaries. This is the case considering that the company does not share the profits it gets with the intermediaries. Furthermore, a business that does direct online distribution is guaranteed to reach a global audience (Time, 2013). For example, although Fujian Wanhua Electron and Technology Company Limited is based in China, many people know about it or at least about its products across the globe. This may not be the case with businesses that rely on the traditional method of distribution. In many cases, they end up having a market that is limited in reach and therefore a smaller capital base. Yet another adv antage of direct distribution through the Internet is that it offers customers/consumers a lot of convenience (Time, 2013). Consumers can get to shop for the products they desire at any time of the day or night and at their convenience wherever they are as long as they have access to the Internet. What this means is that the consumers are not limited to shopping by time. Since intermediaries are not involved in the transactions, the customers benefit from the direct arrangement in that they get products at prices much cheaper than they would otherwise get with the involvement of intermediaries (Gillai & Lee, 2009). Many customers tend to like the idea of dealing directly with product producers (Time, 2013). Furthermore, the customers are more likely to receive superior customer care

Fires in the built environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fires in the built environment - Essay Example Furthermore, in major conflagrations long hooks with ropes were used to pull down buildings in the path of an approaching fire to create firebreaks. Steven Edward's career began, not in the Fire Brigade, but in the Film Industry. He had a great job cutting and editing film, great salary and prospects but no excitement. For years he wanted more than "just a job", he wanted the "thrill factor" to go with it. It was talking to his uncle, a retired Senior Officer commended for bravery and stationed in Harrow, who encouraged and convinced him that he had the makings of being a great fire fighter and that that the way forward. He told him all he needed to know to join the Brigade from applying for the job, training and how his career would develop. He was full of praise for the fire fighters who he considered to be his "extended family" and very proud to be a fire fighter. Newly married at the age of 26 years old in November 1980 he decided to take the plunge and with the support from his wife, he joined the Brigade. He first had to undergo a medical, which included physical strength and lung capacity, good vision and hearing. He then spent 18 weeks training which covered theory lessons and practical skills such as searching rooms, working in smoke and using fire-fighting and rescue equipment. At home he was difficult to live with but managed to pass with flying colours whilst others failed to make the grade. He began his career at Soho Fire Station in London and was put to work ventilating fires once they were extinguished. It was a further six months before he was able to assist his colleagues in tackling fires and to eventually get to do what he was trained for. A typical rota for each fire fighter consisted of 2 days working 9am -6pm day shifts, followed by 2 nights working 6pm-9am in the morning, which followed by 4 days leave. The duties during the day consisted of: equipment check - especially breathing apparatus and any machinery to be used tea break a list of "to do's" is always in place for each station to carry out on a daily basis which cover each day of the year a list of "monthly tests" which are carried out; and a list of yearly tests, which might be carried out. There is then what is known as a period of "stand easy" which is a break of about 15 minutes at 11am where each officer can talk and discuss anything with their fellow officers. After that time there are numerous Fire Safety visits whereby Fire Officers visit Schools, Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc. in the Local Community to help in the prevention of fires and promote safety. On duty at Soho Station were 3 engines ready for action at any one time. After lunchtime a series of training schedules and/or lectures would be carried out. By 4pm some officers would then attend the gym. It is the general consensus nowadays that fire fighters are fitter than ever before (this can only be said for this country at least) with the trends changing - encouraging healthy eating and a consistent gym training schedule. His most vivid memory during his time as a fire fighter was when he was on night duty almost 10 years ago. It was during a night shift that a "shout" was received reporting a fire in

The Australian Wine Industry Essay Example for Free

The Australian Wine Industry Essay The Mcguigan interest in the Australian Wine Industry goes back four generations. Owner Patrick McGuigan the first of four generations to enter the wine industry was a dairy farmer by trade. Percy McGuigans career was spent at Penfolds. Prior to retirement in 1968 Percy purchased Dalwood estate and renamed it Wyndham Estate. Two years later he sold it to his son Brian McGuigan. Brian McGuigan has been involved in the wine industry for over thirty five years. He developed Wyndham Estate Wine Company in the Hunter Valley and built sales in excess of 1,250,000 cases to become the leading exporter of Australian wine. In 1992 Wyndham Estate was acquired by French Company ? Pernod-Ricard group, Orlando Wines. Later that year, after the acquisition Brian McGuigan established a new company McGuigan Wines as a publicly listed company. In 2001 McGuigan wines merged with Simeon Wines to create Australias 4th largest wine company and in October 2003 McGuigan Simeon Wines Limited (MSWL) purchased Miranda wines. MSWL distributes to over 25 countries including United States, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany and other mainland countries in Europe. They export over 20 million litres (30% of MSWL wine production) annually. (www. mcguiganwines. com. au) MSWL reported a 2004/05 net profit of $35. 9 million, down 10. 8% on the previous year. Brian McGuigan believes this is mainly due to the oversupply of grapes and does not foresee any positive movement in grape prices for the next two years. (AAP Newswire 13/9/2005) ?MGSW is targeting focus on a number of things but in particular costs, costs, costs. He said he had been ? embarrassed by the 2004/05 result as a stronger local currency and an over supply of grapes in Australia and overseas weighed on profit growth. (AAP Newswire 13/9/2005) Financial Analysis The following key financial ratios for MSWL are for the period 2003 to 2005. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003) Working Capital 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 377418 ? 124905 = 252,513 332319 135304 = 197,015 255854 ? 105775 = 150,079 Profitability Profit Margin Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 45112 368050 = 12. 2% 40248 305708 = 13. 1% 32204 283450 = 11. 3% Gross Profit Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 91111 368050 = 24. 7% 88931 305708 = 29% 74096 283450 = 26%. Return on ordinary shareholders equity ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 35895 (361288 + 332641)/2 35895 346964. 5 = 10% 40248 (332641 + 270452)/2 40248 301546. 5 = 13% 32204 (270452 + 226093)/2 32204 248272. 5 = 12. 9% Return on Assets 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 35895 (681471 +625006)/2 35895 653238. 5 = 5. 4% 40248 (625006+566916)/2 40248 595961 = 6. 7% 32204 (566916+471306)/2 32204 519111 = 6. 2% Asset Turnover 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 368050 (681471 +625006)/2 368050 653238. 5 = . 56 305708 (625006+566916)/2 305708 595961 = . 51 283450 (566916+471306)/2 283450 519111 = . 54 Operating Expenses to Sales Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 30809 368050 = 8. 3% 31953 305708 = 10. 4% 18937 283450 = 6. 6% Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 377418 124905 = 3. 02:1 332319 135304 = 2. 45:1 255854 105775 = 2. 41:1 Quick ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 12728+361288+ 120698 124905 = 494714 124905 = 3. 96:1 2654+332641+ 126534 135304 = 461829 135304 = 3. 41:1 773+270452+ 125028 105775 = 396253 105775 = 3. 74:1 Current Cash Debt Coverage Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 2523 124905+135304/2 = 2523 130104. 50 = 0. 019 times 5768 135304+105775/2 = 5768 120539. 50 = 0. 047 times (10040) 105775+119523/2 = (10040) 112649 = (0. 089) times Receivables turnover ratio 2005 ($000). 2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 320422+47628 120698+ 126534/2 = 368050 123616 = 2. 97 times 262025+43683 126534+125028/2 = 305708 125781 = 2. 43 times 248381+35069 125028 +87486/2 = 283450 106257 = 2. 66 times Average collection period in days 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 365 2. 97 = 123 days 365 2. 43 = 150 days 365 2. 66 = 137 days Inventory turnover 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) (276939) 60018+51176/2 = (276939) 55597 = 4. 98 times (216777) 51176+32271/2 = (216777) 41723. 5 = 5. 19 times (209354) 32271+15817/2 = (209354) 24044 = 8. 70 times Average Days in Inventory 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 365 4. 98 = 73. 29 days 365 5. 19 = 70. 32 days 365 8. 70 = 41. 95 days Solvency Ratios Debt to total assets ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 320183 681471 = 46% 292365 625006 = 46% 296464 566916 = 52% Cash debt coverage 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 2523 320183+292365/2 = 2523 306274 = 0. 008 times 5768 292365+296464/2 = 5768 294414. 50 = 0. 019 times (10040) 296464+245213/2 = (10040) 270838. 50 = (0. 037) times Times Interest Earned ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 45112+1232+ 176690 1232+176690 = 223034. 177922 = 1. 25 times 51311+6004+ 145383 6004+145383 = 202698 151387 = 1. 33 times 46071+2559+ 175071 2559+175071 = 223701 177630 = 1. 25 times Free Cash Flow 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 2523-(22211) = (19688) 5768-(25006) = (19238) (10040)-(18913) = (28953) Summary of Financials (Working Capital, Profitability, Liquidity Solvency) Working Capital Management The working capital has incrementally increased from 2003 to 2005. This is due to the rapid expansion of the company during this period; and in particular the acquisition of Miranda Wines and a bottling plant at Merbein near Mildura. This expansion has required a significant increase in working capital. MSWL has a working capital of $252. 5 million for the financial year ended June 30 2005, which indicates that the company has an ability to pay its liabilities. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003) Profitability The decrease in return on assets from 6. 2 percent in 2003 to 5. 4 percent in 2005 can also be attributed to the rapid expansion of the business during this period. The return on these assets may take up to three financial years to realise their full earnings potential. The 1 percent decrease in the profit margin ratio indicates that the decrease in return on assets was due to the decline in net profit rather than increasing assets. Return on shareholders equity has decreased from 13% in 2003 to 10% in 2005. ROE20052004 McGuigan 10%13% (June 04) South Corp-5% (Dec 04) Evans Tate-12% (Jun 04) When benchmarked against Southcorp and Evans and Tate the results are 5% and 12% respectively. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003, Half year report Southcorp December 2004 Annual Report Evans Tate 2004). The downturn in net profit for 2005 has had a negative effect (decrease) on the following ratios; ?Return on Ordinary Shareholders Equity ?Return on Assets ?Profit Margin ?Asset Turnover ?Gross Profit (Kimmel et al, 2003 p 520, figure 11. 22) Liquidity Analysis of the current ratio indicates that it has been consistently high during the last three years ranging from 3. 02 to 2. 4 (2003). This can be explained by the high inventory levels carried by MSWL; resulting from the processing and bottling of the over-supply of domestic grapes. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June. 2005 30 June 2003). Deloitte (2005) suggest that all wineries have a high current ratio as the wine sector is forced to hold high levels of inventories and generally has high current receivables and low current debt, as compared with other industries. The quick ratio indicates that the levels of liquidity for MSWL have remained relatively stable at 1. 2 times. This suggests the company is able to repay short term debt. However, it needs to be recognised that this figure of 1. 2 does not include the contribution of shareholder equity. Including shareholder equity inflates this figure to 3.96 times. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003). The companys collection period of 123 days is the lowest for the period 2003 to 2005. However, it remains unacceptable high, perhaps reflecting the depressed state of the market. Deloitte, 2005 state that the intensified competition, high levels of production of red wine and increased consolidation within the retail sector are some of the factors that have presented financial challenges for the Australian Wine Industry over the past 12 months as evidenced in the 2004 Annual Financial Benchmarking Survey. MSWL, Australias third biggest listed wine maker has clearly suffered during this retail consolidation and continues to experience slow payment for its product via the domestic distributor duopoly (Woolworths and Coles-Myer). (MSWL Annual Report 30 June 2005 June 2003) Inventory turnover has decreased from 8. 7 times in 2003 to 4. 98 times in 2005. The results for 2005 indicate that inventory was sold and replaced approximately 50% less often than during 2003. This result reflects the oversupply of grapes in the market for the last two years. (MSWL Annual Report 30 June 2005 June 2003). Average days inventory has also been impacted by the oversupply of grapes with results increasing from 41. 9 days in 2003 to 73. 3 days in 2005, a 57% increase. These higher inventory levels also increase storage and interest costs. (MSWL Annual Report 30 June 2005 June 2003) Solvency Debt to equity ratio has decreased to 46% in 2005, indicating that 46% of assets have been provided by creditors. Debt to Equity Ratio20052004 McGuigan 46%46% South Corp-42% Evans Tate-64% When benchmarked against Southcorp and Evans and Tate the results are 42% and 64% respectively. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003, Half year report Southcorp December 2004 Annual Report Evans Tate 2004) Times interest earned ratio has declined from 1. 33 in 2004 to 1. 25 in 2005, indicating that the companies interest expense was 1. 25 times the amount needed to cover interest expense. The reduction in the times interest earned ration is a reflection of the reported decline in profit at the 30th June 2005. (MSWL Annual Report June 30 2005 June 2003) Free cash flow has been negative for the last three years leaving limited opportunity for expansion. It would be unlikely that MSWL would make any major acquisitions in the near future but rather focus on reducing cost and processing efficiency. (MSWL Annual Report June 30 2005 June 2003) Significant key opportunities and risks for the company and investors in McGuigan; Opportunity MSWL primary focus is on improving bottling efficiency and cost by relocating their wine making bottling and storage to the newly acquired facility near Mildura. ?The acquisition consolidates our export production and packaging operations around the inland port of Mildura. Its proximity of our major wineries will bring significant operational efficiency gains and transport savings. (ASX Announcement 25/1/05) MSWL is negotiating with other wine companies wanting to outsource the production of their less expensive brands. ?This is very good for us because were a producer of a lot of that product and we look to continue to expand our business. (Adelaide Advertiser 26/1/2005) MSWL has experienced significant increases in export sales for the period 2004 to 2005. MSWL states, ? Total export sales, bottled and bulk, increased by 34% in dollar terms with significant increases in the UK/Europe and the United States. Actual sales volume by 40%. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005). As the export trend is increasing with new markets such as Japan this would be a significant opportunity for MSWL to further capitalise on overseas growth. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). Risks Distribution and operating costs are high therefore creating efficiencies to reduce expenses is essential. Net cash provided by operating activities has decreased in the period 2004 to 2005. (MSWL Annual Report June 2005). MSWLs Production is in direct competition from Australian wine packager and premium cork specialist Vinpac International, who service 183 Australian wine makers (www. vinpac. com. au). MSWL would need to remain competitive in cost and quality. Competition is increasing at the retail shelf space level due to the proliferation of global wine production over the past ten years. As production increases from South Africa and South America in the next several years, grape prices are likely to fall and will force Australian wine makers to reduce prices, which is adding to earning uncertainty. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). Other financial and non-financial factors that impact upon McGuigans performance and attractiveness as an investment opportunity. Exchange rate movements are leading to increased import competition affecting the Australian dollar returns that local producers receive from exports. They also impact on the demand for imports by altering their competitiveness. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). ?To a degree, the past decade has been subsidised by the falling Australian dollar. Now we have to pull our belt in and be super competitive. (Adelaide Review 2/9/2005). Branding is imperative for success in this industry since consumers typically choose a brand that they are familiar with, and hence, know that they can rely on its quality and taste. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). MSWL domestic and export bottled sales increased reflecting the continued focus on brand awareness. (MSWL Annual Report June 2005). Ownership of industry participants has included a phase of mergers and acquisitions, with larger firms taking an increase control of the market. This indicates consolidation, and an industry that is rapidly approaching maturity therefore marketing, distribution and export capabilities are growing in importance. MCWL would need to ensure they keep up with this growing industry pattern. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). Limitations of the analysis implications of these limitations for any investment decision Industry Diversification The financial analysis of MSWL has been benchmarked against two other known competitors, Southcorp and Evans and Tate. However, diversification may impede comparison with both competitors and industry. For example, Southcorp has diversified into other industries over the last twenty five years which hinders comparisons with MSWL who remain primarily focused on the wine industry. Alternative Accounting Methods Variations in accounting methods may also impact financial analysis when compared with other companies. For example, depreciation on Property Plant and equipment is calculated using straight line depreciation for MSWL and Southcorp whilst Evans and Tate have used a combination of straight line and reducing balance to calculate depreciation between 2003 and 2004. Cost Cost is traditionally not adjusted for price level changes and often unadjusted from different financial periods which leads to invalid representation of inflation or deflation (Kimmel et al 2005). MSWL has consolidated infrastructure in the form of bottling and wineries, whilst sourcing grapes from owned vineyards rather than contract growers representing a short to medium term cost. However, MSWLs vertical integration allows it to control the volume of its wine sold on the market thus regulating revenue growth. The inflationary increases in cost can be negated with the strategic sales of product at margins above these cost price increases. In conclusion; the above limitations and their implications need to be taken into consideration when making an investment decision. Certain analyses can mask the true investment potential of a company. Consideration of the industry and its trends, the accounting method employed and the costs involved in doing business all require careful deliberation before an investment decision can be made.Appendix A. References: www. mcguiganwines. com. au Accessed 12/10/05 AAP Newswire 13/9/05 MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2003 Half year report Southcorp December 2004 Annual Report Evans Tate 2004 Kimmel et al, 2003 p520, figure 11. 22 Deloitte Annual Financial benchmarking Survey for Australian Wine Industry ? Vintage 2004 ASX Announcement 25/1/05 Adelaide Advertiser 26/1/05 IBIS World Pty Ltd accessed 1/11/05 www. vinpac. com. au ? accessed 1/11/05 Adelaide Review 2/9/05 Kimmel et al 2005.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Longevity Sociology Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Longevity Sociology Essay The dramatic increase in average life expectancy during the twentieth century ranks as one of societys greatest achievements. While most babies born in 1900 did not live past age 50, life expectancy at birth now exceeds eighty-three years in Japan and is at least eighty-one years in several other countries (United Nations, 2011). Life expectancy is increasing so fast that half the babies born in 2007 will live to be at least 103, while half the Japanese babies born in the same year will reach the age of 107 (Boseley, 2009). It is certain that people are glad to live a longer life since longevity is the pursuit of most humans. However, longevity has also caused a lot of problems to society, such as financial burden, lack of resources and so on. This essay is to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of the fact that people are living a longer life so that a clear picture of the situation is shown. The advantages of longevity can be seen from both individuals and the society. As for individuals, longevity has always been considered as a kind of treasure and fortune. And wisdom is usually linked with the elder. Death has always been regarded as something frightening and most people want to live a long life. Living longer means one can stay with his or her family longer and enjoy a happy later life. People spend most of their life working and taking care of their family. So it is simple common sense that people deserve a healthy and peaceful old age after the amount of paid work. Some people die without enjoying a pleasant twilight years, which is a great pity. On the other hand, that people live longer provides an opportunity for their children to return the care they have received from parents. As a saying goes, the tree may crave calm, but the wind will not drop and the off springs want to support but for the non-existent families. It is a pain and lifelong regret for many people. With parents living longer, children can have more time to stay with and s how filial respect to them. So longevity helps to promote the harmonious relationship among family members. As for society, longevity allows people to contribute more to the world with their talent and wisdom. So many prominent scientists and scholars and other elites died with regret that they could not accomplish their plan. For example, Zhu Shenghao, a talented Chinese translator of Shakespeares works, passed away at the age of 32 due to illness. If he could live longer, there might be more Chinese versions of Shakespeare and more people could appreciate the Chinese translation art. Another illustration is the early death of English poets such as Byron who died at 36, Shelley at 29 and Keats at 25. All of them are supremely gifted and great treasure to the academia but die so young. When their poems are read by people nowadays in modern time, their rich talent can still raise great admiration. What a pity it is for the world to witness the loss of so many extraordinary talents. Since people are enjoying a longer life now, scientists can discover and invent more, scholars can write more and artists can compose more. Therefore, people living longer can make more contributions to the world. Moreover, business markets can also benefit from the reality that people live longer. Traditionally, it is believed that a person has three major periods of life: childhood, adulthood and old age. However, old age is now evolving into two segments, a third age (young old) and a fourth age (oldest old). Recognition of the older population as a major market for business is beginning, as evidenced by an increasing number of articles about the silver market. Because a great deal of wealth is held by the older population and the number of elders is increasing relative to other age groups, it makes sense for business to design products appealing to the older market, and to direct advertising to them. Consumption by the older population can stimulate the economy. The economic power of older adults also can act as a force to change the ageist stereotypes often perpetuated by advertising (Uhlenberg, 2013). In addition, since old people need to be taken care of, more nursing homes need to be b uilt. This offers more jobs so that the unemployment can be reduced and social stability can be maintained. Thus, it is beneficial to both individuals and the society with people living longer from the perspective presented above. The Disadvantages of Longevity The most obvious disadvantage of longevity people are facing now is the aging problem. The U.N. Population Division projects that people older than age 60 will increase from just less than 800 million in 2011 (11 percent of world population) to more than 2 billion in 2050 (22 percent). That is to say, by 2050, almost a quarter of the world population will be the aged. When walking in the street, one old person out of four will be seen. In a world with low fertility, low mortality, and restricted immigration, countries must deal with the reality of having 20 percent or 30 percent of their populations older than age 65 (Uhlenberg, 2013). The aging population causes a series of problems to the society. First of all, old people have to be taken care of, which leave great burden to their family as well as the society. According to an article published in the journal Corporate Adviser, MGM Advantage calculates the current level of annual household expenditure where the main occupant is aged 75 and over at more than  £6,000. So if someone lived until they were 100, between their 75th and 100th birthday not including inflation, they would need to find around  £400,000 to live. This, combined with falling annuity rates, will lead to more pensioners falling below the poverty line. (Corporate Adviser 2011) Though that people live longer is good news, the fact that should not be neglected is that this has a huge financial burden on people. The great pressure to support old parents may lead to the cracks of relationship between children and parents. There are reports about old people who cannot afford to live in nursing homes and have no child to rely on. So it is the responsibility of t he government to help the old. In developed countries, where acute care and institutional long-term-care services are widely available, the use of medical care services by adults rises with age, and per capita expenditures on healthcare are relatively high among older age groups. Accordingly, the rising proportion of older people places upward pressure on overall healthcare spending in the developed world (Kinsella, Beard and Suzman, 2013). Secondly, longevity does not necessary mean health. The rate of getting illness increases with the growth of old age. In spite of the advances in medical technology, there are still many diseases that cannot be treated efficiently. For example, the prevalence of dementia increases dramatically with age, and the projected costs of caring for the growing numbers of people with dementia are daunting. The World Alzheimer Report 2012 (Alzheimers Disease International, 2012) estimates that the total worldwide cost of dementia exceeded US$600 billion in 2010, including informal care provided by family and others, social care provided by community care professionals, and direct costs of medical care. An Australian study has estimated that around 10 percent of the expected increase in healthcare costs anticipated over the next twenty years will be due to this condition alone (Vos, et al., 2007). In addition, longer life expectancy and lower fertility rate may lead to lack of young working forces. The world with less young people will become less vigorous. And the increasing population is challenging the tolerance of the planet people are living on for most of the resources people are consuming are non-renewable. So it is urgent for human beings to do the best to protect the environment and save energy. Otherwise, longevity will become meaningless if one cannot live with contentment Therefore, longer life expectancy of human beings creates burden to society and environment. However, the problems can be dealt with if people around the world work together. Conclusion Both the advantages and disadvantages of longevity have been discussed in detail above in this essay. Overall, the advantages of longer life span outweigh its disadvantages. It is obvious that though longer life expectancy puts burden on the society and environment, the problems caused can be tackled with the joint efforts made by people and it is urgent for human beings to do the best to save the environment and find out solution to the difficulties caused by the larger and larger population on the planet. On the other hand, the benefits both people and the world can get from the phenomenon of people living longer are irreplaceable and undeniable. It is the truth that longevity is a symbol of civilization and better life.