Is Foreign Debt a Problem for Bangladesh?

Is Foreign Debt a Problem for Bangladesh? Part-A Foreign debt in Bangladesh Introduction: External debt is one of the sources of financing capital formation in any economy. Developing countries like Bangladesh are characterized by inadequate internal capital formation due to the vicious circle of low productivity, low income, and low savings. Therefore, this situation calls for technical, managerial, and financial support from Western countries to bridge the resource gap. On the other hand, external debt acts as a major constraint to capital formation in developing nations.The burden and dynamics of external debt show that they do not contribute significantly to financing economic development in developing countries. In most cases, debt accumulates because of the servicing requirements and the principal itself. In view of the above, external debt becomes a self-perpetuating mechanism of poverty aggravation, work over-exploitation, and a constraint on development in developing economi es. Public borrowing can be seen by private investors as a warning signal of the government becoming bankrupt within the foreseeable future.They may also fear that government will impose higher taxes in future in order to facilitate the repayment and servicing of the loan. In that case private investors will become less enthusiastic to invest. However, policy makers have to know whether public borrowing is followed by any crowding- out effect on investment, through whatever channel, and to what extent and whether the detrimental effect of such actions outweighs the benefit coming from the use of borrowed money, as is argued by the classical. What is public debt?Public debt is the entry records of cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign e xchange earnings. Government debt is one method of financing government operations, but it is not the only method. Governments can also create money to monetize their debts, thereby removing the need to pay interest.But this practice simply reduces government interest costs rather than truly canceling government debt and can result in hyperinflation if used unsparingly. Governments usually borrow by issuing securities, government bonds and bills. Less creditworthy countries sometimes borrow directly from a supranational organization (e. g. the World Bank) or international financial institutions. Sources of public debt: A. Internal Sources. I. Borrowing from individual by issuing govt bond, notes, etc II. Borrowing from commercial bank III. Borrowing from central bankIV. Borrowing from nan-bank Financial institution B. External Sources I. Foreign Government II. Foreign private institution III. International financial institution like IMF, WB etc. Why Bangladesh economy is dependent o n Public debt? To utilize natural resources Economic development Financing deficit budget Strong social and economic structure Crucial economic contingencies Implement annual development Program Import financing Implementation of fiscal policy To strong national defense Modernization of agriculture Facilitate quick industrialization.Factors Which Influence How Much a Government Can Borrow †¢ Domestic Savings. If consumers have a high savings ratio, there will be a greater ability for the private sector to buy bonds. †¢ Relative Interest rates. If government bonds pay a relatively high interest rate compared to other investments, then ceteris paribus, it should be easier for the government to borrow. Sometimes, the government can borrow large amounts, even with low interest rates because government bonds are seen as more attractive than other investments. †¢ Lender of Last Resort.If a country has a Central Bank willing to buy bonds in case of a liquidity shortages, inv estors are less likely to fear a liquidity shortage. If there is no lender of last resort (e. g. in the Euro) then markets have a greater fear of liquidity shortages and so are more reluctant to buy bonds. †¢ Prospects for Economic Growth. If one country faces prospect of recession, then tax revenues will fall, the debt to GDP ratio will rise. Markets will be much more reluctant to buy bonds. If there is forecast for higher growth. This will make it much easier to reduce debt to GDP ratios.The irony is that cutting government spending to reduce deficits, can lead to lower economic growth and increase debt to GDP ratios. †¢ Confidence and Security. Usually, governments are seen as a safe investment. Many governments have never defaulted on debt payments so people are willing to buy bonds because at least they are safe. However, if investors feel a government is too stretched and could default, then it will be more difficult to borrow. †¢ Foreign Purchase. A country lik e the US attracts substantial foreign buyers for its debt (Japan, China, UK).This foreign demand makes it easier for government to borrow. However, if investors feared a country could experience inflation and a rapid devaluation, foreigners would not want to hold securities in that country. †¢ Inflation. Financing the debt by increasing the money supply is risky because of the inflationary effect. Inflation reduces the real value of the government debt, but, that means people will be less willing to hold government bonds. Inflation will require higher interest rates to attract people to keep bonds.In theory, the government can print money to reduce the real value of debt; but existing savers will lose out. If the government creates inflation, it will be more difficult to attract savings in the future. Is foreign debt a problem to Bangladesh? Excessive reliance on debt, whether domestic or external, carries macroeconomic risks that can hinder economic and social development. Cou ntries macro-economic is thus disturbed by this factor alone. Scarcity of resources has already compelled the government to borrow afresh and/or impose new taxes on the citizenry to meet debt service obligations.High domestic public debt pushes up interest rates and crowds out private investment, which is much needed to promote economic growth. When most government revenues are devoted to debt servicing, fiscal policy cannot be used to provide basic services, such as education, health, safe drinking water and housing. Unfortunately, the national budget — annual statement of the government’s income and expenditure — does not recognize the gravity of the situation characterized by its serious problem to finance the external debt servicing at the cost of basic human services.Every year Bangladesh pays, on an average $ 1070 million, to its foreign creditors. A 2003 study (SUPRO: 2003) exclusively revealed the fact that for every dollar in foreign grant aid received, the government spends over $1. 5 in debt service to foreign creditors annually. While there is no denying that Bangladesh is heavily dependent on foreign aid and loans to finance its annual budget, it is also true that aid agencies and multilateral lenders in the West have to carry a lion’s share of the blame for Bangladesh’s burden of debt. Between 1980 and 2012, Bangladesh’s total outstanding international debt quadrupled.The bulk of this surge in lending to the autocratic regimes came from the International Development Association, the soft-loan window of the World Bank. Can the World Bank and the IMF morally impose the burden of this debt on the Bangladeshi people, when in fact that money provided valuable succor to an autocratic regime that the people were struggling to topple at the time? How sustainable Bangladesh Debt is? Bangladesh is classified as a low-income country and is home to the third highest absolute number of poor people in the world, after China and India.Despite the huge amounts it spends servicing debt ($1551. 3 million in 2011), the World Bank describes it neither as ‘severely’ nor even ‘moderately’ indebted, but instead classifies Bangladesh as ‘less indebted’. Instead of rewarding Bangladesh for its track record of prompt debt servicing, the World Bank has interpreted this to mean that Bangladesh’s debt must be sustainable. Arbitrary thresholds on indicators like debt/exports made Bangladesh ineligible for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative or the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative.Bangladesh will not receive through either of these initiatives the debt relief that it desperately needs to finance public expenditures on school and hospitals among other basic necessities. One of the Bangladeshi development experts remarked that- â€Å"Bangladesh has regularly paid its debts, expanded exports and are now being punished for its success† (Bhattac harya: 2006). The whole argument is that, since these countries are able to repay they must have â€Å"sustainable† levels of debt.The sustainability of debt is primarily measured on the economic matrix called Debt Sustainable Analysis (DSA) introduced by the World Bank and IMF, which lays too much emphasis on the country’s exports and does not fully reflect the true nature of the debt burden on government expenses. How can Bangladesh’s debt be sustainable especially when it pays back on an average $1070 million to its foreign creditors in general and $870 million to its so-called benevolent development partners (multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors) annually?For a poor country like Bangladesh, would it be realistic to calculate ‘debt sustainability’ without looking at how much money it spends on schools, hospitals and roads, on teachers, medicines, clean water and on everything else that is needed to combat the dire poverty blighting so many lives? If a country cannot afford to meet the basic needs of its own people, then how can one argue that giving money to the rich world is affordable or â€Å"sustainable†? How can its debt be sustainable when the cost of external debt servicing exceeds the public spending on health and education, for example?In what criteria, the Bangladesh external debt can be measured as sustainable when it clearly demonstrates that MDG progress is being seriously hampered due to the excesses of debt servicing? Presumably, the international community has left a single choice for Bangladesh: servicing external debt at the cost of basic services let alone the MDG progress! Why Bangladesh deserves full debt cancellation? Undeniably, Bangladesh cannot afford to pay on average $1060 million a year to foreign creditors.Even though the country is making some progress with regard to the implementation of the MDGs, it is still home to 70 million people living in poverty. It has the highest incidence of po verty in South-Asia. In fact, Bangladesh cannot afford to pay a single dollar in debt service. If debt sustainability is based on the financing needs for the MDGs, Bangladesh would receive full debt cancellation. Bangladesh needs US$ 7. 5 billion a year to finance the implementation of the MDGs. A growing number of NGOs, governments and analysts have come to the conclusion that debt cancellation should be expanded.As independent expert Bernards Mudho explained earlier this year (2007) in a report commissioned for the United Nations: â€Å"There†¦ is a need for further comprehensive solutions to the debt problems of poor countries, including further debt relief by other multilateral institutions and for permanent solutions to the problems of bilateral and commercial debts. Bangladesh Debt must be cancelled, because †¦ ? Debt costs too much to Bangladeshi people in general and poor and marginalized in particular. People need a healthy and prosperous life that requires incre ased government spending on basic services such as health, education, water-sanitation etc. ? Bangladesh needs to achieve the MDG targets in time. To finance the Millennium Development Goals, every year a staggering US7. 5 billion in external budget support is needed. This is about four times the amount of aid and concessional loans currently provided by foreign donors and creditors. ? At this juncture, Bangladesh can no longer afford to pay a single dollar for debt servicing. Because†¦.. Every dollar paid in debt service is a dollar lost for the MDGs†. Part-B Impact of Foreign debt on Bangladesh 1. Effects on Economic growth 2. Effects on NNP 3. Effects on Inflation 4. Effects on Investment 5. Effects on consumption 6. Effects on Production 7. Effects on Distribution 8. Effects on Risk, uncertainty, liquidity Part-C Statistical Analysis 1. Trend Analysis of Foreign Debt: Trend Analysis of External debt of last 10 years is given below Y=1714. 5+0. 8647x R? = 0. 9247 Appen dix Table 1 shows the summary of trend equation and r2 of External debt of Bangladesh.The trend equation of Foreign debt is, Y=1714. 5+0. 8647x and the square of correlation coefficient (r2) = . 9247. Interpretation: The trend equation indicates that during the period from 2003 to 2012 debt increase at the rate of . 8647 billion per year and 1714. 5 is the average external debt of Bangladesh. It is reflected from the table that trend equation of foreign debt are positive and goodness of fit of all the equations are very high. 2. Descriptive Analysis of Foreign Debt: Descriptive Statistical Analysis of External debt of last 10 years is given below: (All amounts are in billions) Descriptive Statistics | |N |Range |Minimum |Maximum |Mean |Std. Deviation |Variance |Skewness |Kurtosis | | |Statistic |Statistic |Statistic |Statistic |Statistic |Statistic |Statistic |Statistic |Std. Error |Statistic |Std. Error | |Foreign_Debt |11 |8. 7200 |16. 5000 |25. 2200 |2. 103273E1 |2. 9825127 |8. 8 95 |-. 169 |. 661 |-1. 108 |1. 279 | |Valid N (listwise) |11 | | | | | | | | | | | | Interpretation: This table provides statistical information about the data set, such as showing mean value of foreign debt individually and its deviation.For this information, for instance we found that minimum value of the variable is 16. 5bill, Maximum value is 25. 22billon, its mean 2. 103273e1 and Standard deviation is 2. 9825127. 3. Correlation Analysis: Table shows the correlation matrix for estimating interrelationships between chosen economic parameters of Bangladesh. Variables |GDP real Growth |Amount of Foreign Debt |Inflation rate |Investment Amount |Remittance Inflow |Import |Export Amount |Foreign Reserve | |GDP real Growth Rate |1 |. 635 |. 638 |. 748 |. 427 |. 457 |. 485 |. 352 | |Amount of Foreign Debt |. 35 |1 |. 819 |. 555 |. 919 |. 901 |. 920 |. 846 | |Inflation rate |. 638 |. 819 |1 |. 518 |. 686 |. 742 |. 763 |. 494 | |Investment Amount |. 748 |. 555 |. 518 |1 |. 406 |. 433 |. 4 68 |. 222 | |Remittance Inflow Amount |. 427 |. 919 |. 686 |. 406 |1 |. 915 |. 935 |. 920 | |Import Amount |. 457 |. 901 |. 742 |. 433 |. 915 |1 |. 994 |. 888 | |Export Amount |. 485 |. 920 |. 763 |. 468 |. 935 |. 994 |1 |. 885 | |Foreign Reserve Amount |. 352 |. 846 |. 494 |. 222 |. 920 |. 888 |. 885 |1 | | From the correlation matrix we have observed the followings; GDP real Growth has moderate correlation with foreign debt, inflation rate, investment and low degree of correlation with remittance, import, export and very low correlation with GDP per capita. †¢ Foreign debt has strong correlation with. †¢ Inflation rate have strong correlation with. †¢ Investment have strong correlation with. †¢ Remittance inflow has moderate correlation with †¢ Import has strong correlation with †¢ Export has low correlation with †¢ Foreign exchange Reserve has low correlation with Part-D Recommendation & Conclusion Recommendation: The international community inc luding the G-8 must take necessary steps immediately to ensure full Debt cancellation for Bangladesh; †¢ Debts must be cancelled as a matter of justice: creditors must accept their share of responsibility in creating the current debt crisis, and cancel debts on this basis; †¢ A â€Å"MDG-consistent† frame-work of Debt Sustainability should be applied and cancellation must be available to all that need it; †¢ The issue of Climate Change and its adverse effect must be taken into account and additional fund should be released to overcome the adversity linking it with MDG process; †¢ The governments of indebted countries must demonstrate to their citizens that they are spending money well and accountably.But this must not be used as an excuse to impose economic policy conditions or to limit those countries receiving debt cancellation by the donor community; †¢ Rich countries, institutions and commercial creditors must cancel all illegitimate and un-payabl e debts being claimed from all poor countries; †¢ Total Debt stocks must be cancelled, not just Service; debt service cancellation for a limited period is not enough. †¢ Debt cancellation of any kind must not be conditional and it must not be considered again as ODA Conclusion: The study has been conducted with a view to examining the presence of crowding- out effect of public borrowing on the private investment in the Bangladesh economy.To accomplish the task, a model for investment function has been specified and estimated considering public borrowing, GDP and interest rate as independent variables. A long -run relationship has been estimated and analyzed by performing unit root test, co – integration test and an error correction model. The main findings of the study confirm with statistical significance that there is no crowding- out effect in Bangladesh, rather, the crowding- in effect is evident. This result is indeed somewhat paradoxical in terms of convention al wisdom. The study has attempted to offer a rationale for this seemingly paradoxical finding from a macroeconomic point of view.In doing so, it has analyzed a couple of macroeconomic issues and ended up with the conclusion that the presence of crowding- in instead of crowding – out effect can be attributed to such factors as excess liquidity in the banking system, imperceptible government competition with the private sector, relatively sustainable public debt scenario, government expenditure for transfer payment program , significant development expenditure for producing those goods and services which has the potential to discharge positive externalities, government microcredit programs and ADP -black money linkages. The results of the study have important implications for the fiscal management.Existence of excess liquidity and possibility of crowding – in effect together put the fiscal authority in a position to foster private investment and hence economic growth th rough expanding borrowing backed public expenditure. However, the overall criteria that public expenditure authority ought to ensure is the transparency and efficiency in its programs. Moreover, government can avoid unnecessary inflation and external indebtedness by reducing reliance for funds on Bangladesh Bank and foreign sources as long as excess liquidity in the banking system prevails. In view of the perceived limitations inherent in this study, the following aspects may be taken up by future researchers: Decomposing private investment by category and taking each of them as separate dependent variable; †¢ Segregating borrowing by government itself and borrowing by other public sector corporations, and considering them as separate explanatory variables; †¢ Splitting public borrowing by sources (not only banks, NBDC or general public but also Bangladesh Bank and external sources) and taking all of them as explanatory variable s; †¢ Incorporating a dummy variable fo r capturing the issue of economic reform and structural variation between after and before 1990 periods; and †¢ Finally, if possible, carrying on the whole study on the basis of quarterly data to make the analytical framework parsimonious. [pic] ———————– 10

Heavy Drug Usage: Why Some Individuals Have More Addiction Over Others Essay

In order to understand why some individuals are more addictive than others, we need to look at the issue of addiction in our country’s usage of cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine. We also need to look at their dependency on them, and why some addictions carry more weight for some than for others. Heavy drug use is the highest among youth and young adolescents   especially young males   which is presently at its highest level in 9 years for that age, according to the 2006 PRIDE statistics. (PRIDE, 2006). According to their surveys, the fourth grade and the ninth grade were the highest users of heavy drugs (i. . other drugs or illicit drugs), even though they had a more difficult time getting them than the older adolescents. Marijuana is a minor drug, but one that the majority of drug users begin with to start the addictive path. Addiction begins in the brain, with the brainstem considered as the most primitive part of our body, controlling the heart rate, inhalation and exhaling, and resting. How drugs influence this area in regard to addiction is because the drug particle is similar in size and shape to natural neurotransmitters. Once they lock into the brain, they begin to release neurotransmitters. More and more â€Å"drugs† once entered into the brain will lock and release, with more and more neurotransmitters that become unnatural flooding into the brain. Many of the illegal drugs – – nicotine, crack, crank, cocaine, and marijuana – – affect the limbic system of the brain, which is the â€Å"reward† system, responding to pleasurable experiences by releasing dopamine, the main creator of pleasurable feelings or simply â€Å"feeling good†. Excess drugs will bring on a â€Å"drug high† or overdosing. Without addictions, there would not be serious drug usage for any individual. Addictions cause the â€Å"I have to have it† feeling that originally began as an minor experiment or a fun thing to do. As the body and mind becomes dependant on the drug for a good feeling, it eventually needs more and more in the system to maintain that feeling of goodness, until the craving becomes a number one obsession – – with the level of craving depending on the type of drug used. According to the American Heritage English Dictionary, the word addiction means, â€Å"Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance,† or â€Å"The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something. This compulsion or addiction has ruined many lives, with drug incarceration in the U. S. the highest it ever has been, with an increase in 35% since 1995. (Colson, 2006, pg 2). Addictions begin because drugs are considered â€Å"the painkillers of physical and emotional pain. † Not everyone becomes addicted because not everyone is unhappy, has physical or emotional pain, or lives with huge amounts of unsolvable problems. But the foremost causes of addiction in youth or adolescents are also peer pressure, manipulation, or boredom, with other factors being included. There are three theories why addictions occur in someone: the first is the â€Å"biochemical† predisposition where some people react different than others do, regardless of the situation; the second theory is the â€Å"disease concept† where addiction is considered an inherited disease, where the individual is permanently ill at a genetic level; and the third theory is that addiction is a â€Å"mental weakness or flaw†, where a person can overcome it through will-power or mental processes – – another part of this theory is that of â€Å"falling from grace†, where recovery comes from a higher power. But so far, none of these theories have proved correct, which is why they are still theories. Kids continue using drugs because the feelings of unhappiness or hopelessness are buried by drug usage when using them. The addiction becomes the only way of life to live for someone to experience â€Å"happiness† or to feel â€Å"pleasure† – – anyway, as long as the money holds out for the drug purchases. If not, theft and selling drugs will begin another way of life for them to support their habit. After that, prison or death is the next and final level. Different levels of addictions are experienced by different individuals, because people are different: they are mentally and physically different; their life experiences are different; their values and ethics are different; and their problems or happiness are on different levels. Because of this, peer pressure and powers of persuasion affects different people in different ways. Peer pressure has a lot to do with influencing youth to begin using drugs of any kind. After all, nobody wants to look like they don’t belong, do they? Combined with the power of persuasion, an unhappy individual with lots of problems or filled with boredom cannot fight against it, as it promises a false sense of happiness that does not really exist, yet they still believe it is the easy way out. Self-concept of an individual has a lot to do with the usage of drugs and is considered the most vital ingredient in a happy and content individual. Once this begins to go down, drug usage and depression have an open door, as it falsely raises the lowered self-esteem. By keeping this part of the personality up, peer pressure and manipulation won’t have such a hold on the individual. To develop peer pressure, the individual needs to have friends or a group they run with – – or seek to belong to – – by doing things that goes against their personal moral beliefs, such as using drugs for the first time. Individuals who do not care what others think, will not be influenced on the same level of peer pressure. To impress someone, these peer groups exert a lot of influence over prospective new members, forcing them to conform to the group standards. Adolescent peer pressure has always been referred to in a harmful undertone, causing members to become involved in destructive behavior, such as using alcohol or drugs. Peer pressure or drug pushers use the power of persuasion as a marketing tool to obtain desire results. New members are prodded, manipulated, and debased by peer groups to do things they never would have done before, working against an individual’s vulnerable inability to fight against it. Once the individual is on the drugs, it usually is a one-way street to nowhere. Culture and social beliefs come into play with what is accepted as normal in a certain segment of society. Various racial or ethnic groups may hold specific morals, ethics, or biases about certain things that will affect what they consider normal or abnormal. But recent developments in our professional field over the past ten years or so have found that each culture has its own strengths, limitations, and differences – – yet that does not mean they are unequal to another race or culture as they were previously judged by courts, laws, and professionals. Prior to 1990, the U. S. began to undergo a lot of radical demographic changes with diverse populations. Unfortunately, drug usage began to go up with these changes, as it was not considered as abnormal in their own countries as here. When President Reagan began his drug war in October of 1982, certain segments of society, based on certain cultures, felt they were being targeted. But prior to that, society had already set the scene against drugs, â€Å"In 1982, when the drug war began, the recreational use of illegal drugs was in decline. Tonry points out that in 1982, surveys conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed significant drops in drug usage over long periods for a wide range of age groups. This decline impacted the use of both legal and illegal substances. For example, the percentages of respondents 18 to 25 years of age reporting marijuana use during the preceding year dropped by approximately 15% between 1979 and 1982, and continued to decline sharply throughout the decade of the 80s. Reported use of cocaine by the same age group also dropped by approximately 15% between 1979 and 1982, and continued to decline throughout the decade. Finally, 18 to 25 year olds who reported using alcohol during the preceding year rose only slightly from 1979 to 1982, but also declined sharply following a peak in 1985. According to Tonry, these statistics ‘signal a broadly based and widely shared change in American attitudes toward the ingestion of dangerous or unhealthy substances that can have little to do with the deterrent effects of law enforcement strategies or criminal sanctions. ‘ Consequently, Reagan’s declaration of war tapped into a growing public sentiment against illegal drug use. (Nunn, 2006). Drug efficacy is the power of a drug to produce a desire effect, or its effectiveness. Another meaning is the treatment against the drug users; â€Å"medical professionals have called for a greater emphasis on treatment for drug users rather than incarceration and felony convictions that made it hard for former users to get their lives on track. † (Connecticut News, 2005). The prisons are already over-crowded, and the drug usage does not seem to be getting any better. The drugs alcohol and marijuana are considered â€Å"gateways† to the heavier drugs or more addictive substances. Under the newer laws where non-violent events are punished with prison terms, and the youth or adolescent individual is convicted of these minor drugs, they carry a lifetime of punishment that prevents them from getting on with their lives. They feel the mistake stays with them the rest of their life, so why quit anyway? Professionals feel that because of this attitude, better treatment instead of prison or jail punishment needs to be the number one choice; due to the fact the United States has a highest population of their own citizens in prison than any other industrialized nation. (Nunn, 2006). Bibliography http://www.pridesurveys.com/customercenter/ue05ns.pdf http://www.socialistworker.org/2006-2/613/613_02_Prison.shtml http://academic.udayton.edu/race/03justice/crime09.htm

Cyber war Vs Cyber terrorism Essay

In this time and era, we have witnessed the emergence of electronic resources as the most important development of the modern day communication system. Technologies such as cellular phones, home computers, the internet and websites have added another dimension to the way we live our lives today. This presentation seeks to address and analyse the negative and positive aspects in view of the introduction of computers and telecommunications techniques as follows: Firstly, it raises awareness with regard to the new age of crimes, termed as cyber crimes. The paper focuses, in particular, on the difference between the two common types of cyber crimes, cyber war and cyber terrorism. Secondly, the paper examines the limitations and impact of having graduates through e-learning. Thirdly and lastly, the paper discusses on whether computer practitioners should be required to have a practicing license as it is with other professionals such as doctors, lawyers and teachers. 1. (a) Difference Between Cyber War and Cyber Terrorism The end result of both cyber war and cyber terrorism is the same, to damage critical infrastructures and computer systems. The major difference being  that cyber war is launched by governments whereas cyber terrorism is launched by individuals or a group of individuals. Cyber war, often done in conjunction with traditional military attacks, is an organised attack by one nation against another nation’s information and communication systems with an aim of gaining an advantage over the enemy by disrupting their ability to fight back. Cyber war attacks often targets an enemies systems such as command and control systems, intelligence collection and distribution, information processing and distribution, tactical communication, troop and weapons positioning and so on. For instance, when the United States of America invaded Iraq, they disrupted the country’s communication and defence systems, crippling their ability to find and take down US aircrafts. On the other hand, cybe r terrorism is when individuals or terrorist groups use computers, computer networks and the internet against persons or property to intimidate or coerce government, civilians, society in order to reach political, religious or ideological agenda. The things that are targeted are power plant systems, telephone systems, transportation systems, water or oil pipelines, financial institutions and so on. ([online] Available at: community.mis.temple.edu/mis2901001†¦[Accessed 5 April 2014]) Cyber terrorism takes many forms. One of the more popular is to threaten a large bank. The terrorist hacks into the bank’s system and then leave an encrypted message for senior directors demanding for a sum of money. If the bank does not cooperate, the terrorist threatens to use anything from logic bombs to electromagnetic pulses and high-emission guns to destroy the bank’s files. Most banks would rather pay the money than have the public know how vulnerable they are for fear of loss of business. ([online] Available at: csciwww.etsu.edu/../cases.htm [Accessed 6 April 2014]) One practical example is where banks in Zambia have lost an estimated US$4 million to cybercrime through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) withdrawals. This was reported in the local Post newspaper dated 14 June 2013. This was after the state police discovered a scam in which three foreign criminals had recruited and trained Zambians in cyber-crime. ([online] Available at: www.postzambia.com/post-read †¦article [Accessed 6 April 2014]) Cyber terrorism can also include terrorists getting secret data from defence files, network with other terrorists, or raise and manage funds for terrorism by hacking. (b) Limitations and Impact of Having Graduates   Through E-learning E-learning has become an increasingly popular learning approach in higher educational institutions due to the rapid growth of internet technologies. Many foreign renowned universities offer all types of programmes ranging from Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes, to Short Courses. Essentially, emerging evidence suggests that having graduates through e-learning has substantial beneficial impact on social and economic development of our societies today and includes the following. It has enhanced skills development to would be graduates and their countries to cope with the demands of the 21st century where rapid change and globalisation is taking place. For instance, graduates have acquired an improved ability to conduct independent research, think critically to solve problems through the use of e-technology to communicate and collaborate. It has lead to an increased student turnover because of its flexibility and cost effectiveness and hence has broadened educati onal opportunity for many, especially financially disadvantaged students and those with disabilities. This has resulted in an increased human resource base and enhanced economic progress from direct job creation in the technology industry as well as from developing a better educated work force, much needed in developing countries such as Zambia. Online access promises a new access route for millions of students. This new approach of learning facilitates different students at different continents to attend the same classes almost at the same time. It has brought about improved learning methods and teachers have a more positive attitude towards their work and are able to provide personalized learning. On the other hand, although e-learning has brought about many benefits for students and organizations alike, it also has its limitations. In order to perform the tasks required by system, an e-learning environment requires basic state of the art equipment and minimum level of computer skills. Thus, a student that does not have the minimum computer knowledge, or have access to these equipment is disadvantaged and will not succeed in an e-learning program. Certain subjects, such as sports and public speaking, require physical exertion and practice. Thus, they cannot be applied in an e-learning environment. Needless to say, it can be a useful companion to traditional education for teaching backgroun d and technical information. A successful e-learning program requires students that are well organised, self motivated and have  good time management skills. In other words, an e-learning program is directly related to the amount of effort applied. Successful e-learning students are able to study independently and incorporate study time into their busy lives. Students that lack discipline and are not good at time management are disadvantaged and will not succeed. E-learning requires good reading and writing skills. Most activities and communications are written, and thus, the ability to efficiently interpret instructions is a critical skill to a successful e-learning program. Students that are not comfortable with the ability to express themselves through writing will not succeed in e-learning. 2. Are computer practitioners similar enough to other professionals that they should be required to have a License too? Licensing is not currently required for computer practitioners but is being considered by several professional computing organizations and is believed, in principle, as necessary as the certification and licensing of doctors, lawyers, teachers, hairdressers and other professionals. The question of licensing professional s in general is a very controversial and political question. Licensing generally means that to practice a certain profession requires a government licensee, usually administered through a professional organization. The general theory of licensing professional is that it is supposed to help the general public outside the professional to be assured that someone else is capable of doing certain jobs. For instance,  one of the top e-learning institutions, the University of Liverpool in conjunction with Laureate Online Education offer 41 distance learning courses from a wide area of disciplines. The notion that degrees through e-learning are perceived not to be as rewarding or valuable as full-time traditional degree has been proved not to be the case. In fact, in the late 1990s, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education of the British Government measured academic excellence in more than 100 universities, including the Open University. Surprisingly, the Open University was ranked in the top ten of British Universities in terms of academic excellence. The only underlying difference between a traditional degree and e-learning degree is the manner in which information is conveyed. The traditional setup has been based on a face to face communication where students and lecturers are brought together at the same time and the same place in classes,  laboratories and recreation centers for the purpose of learning, whereas in e-learning systems use technology to separate the learner from the teacher, and the learner from the learning group while maintaining the integrity of the learning process. Follow up statistics placing the Open University in the top 10 with Oxford and Cambridge have been repeated for several years and cannot be statistically be explained as a mere coincidence. ([online] Available at: http.//www.webbasedtraining.com/ [Accessed 3 March 2014]) The main focus of this presentation is to gain insights into critical issues confronting two major stakeholders in the new era of WBT, the student and faculty. The question at hand requires objective views on the advantages and disadvantages of WBT from a student’s point of view as well as advantages of WBT from the college’s point of view. It further requires identifying ways that studying from a website is better than studying from written text as well as discuss in details the social and economical benefits and limitations of E-technology in Zambia. Systems Development Life Cycle The second part of this presentation discusses a linier Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) which is a technique used to assist developers effectively develop information systems. ‘Gaining competitive advantage and improving information delivery will urge an organization to restructure its activities. The information system has to be developed to suite the business scenario and objectives. It needs to be carefully planned and activities well thought of.’ (Ndhlovu, 2009). Thus, in an effort to answer the question at hand a description of the stages involved in a SDLC using annotated diagram shall be discussed. In addition, the discussion shall also include a description of techniques which can be used to investigate the existing system of an organization identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each and also give an alternative to SDLC for developing systems. Having said that, details of the mentioned topics in question is as follows. a) Web-Based Training Advantages and Disadvantages of WBT: Student’s Point of View Advantages Utilisation of the World Wide Web is a current and extensive source of  information and relatively easy to use. Some of the advantages from a student’s point of view include the following. There is unlimited source of information on the internet as compared to textbooks and class lectures as it provides a variety and quality of learning materials. Encountering a new experience of sourcing information on the web increases a motivation to learn among students. For example, the web allows browsing from one link to another on a particular subject or topic Access to meaningful resources foster critical thinking skills and allows the student to see new ways of interpreting and evaluating information. For instance, gathering view points and knowledge from various internet sites cause students to debate previously held values and ideas which they may have had misconceptions. Gain of competence with technology by learning to navigate and use the web successfully, apply computer skill s, use of conferencing tools such as e-mail and listservs. Integration of technology with content-related work provided a more meaningful interaction with the subject matter. For example, students reflected on the lack of relevance in acquiring computer skills in isolation noting that when combined with content, those applications become a tool to improve learning in their field of study. Technological aspects of course assignments encourage cooperative dialogue rather than isolation. For example, e-mail and listservs are used regularly providing a valuable resource for support and collaboration among classmates for help in completing assignments, support with technological frustration and to share acquired skills or content resources. In addition, e-mail communication with instructors gives a student individual attention that is not apparent in a traditional coursework setup. E-mail utilization has many assets that face-to-face classroom contact lacks. For example, student need not wait for class time in order to get or clarify a piece of information. The student who would normally shy away and not ask a question in class or participate in a class discus sion are more comfortable using e-mail as a medium of communication and thus is not left out on the much needed information. For the student, online course allows them to integrate work, family and school more efficiently as it eliminates travel time to and from class for commuters. Disadvantages The positive aspects of WBT are countered with some frustrations that are  experienced by some students. These include the following. Student lack of computer skills, internet server being down, difficulty in accessing computer, use of obsolete computers and lack of technical and instructional support are some of the frustrations that a student may encounter. Required assignments are time consuming as mastering computer application tools and learning to navigate the web efficiently take up most of the time. Advantages of WBT: College’s Point of View Higher education is evolving, consumer needs are shifting, and competition for students is increasing. Consequently, institutions must be driven to some extent by the needs and demands of the consumer. To satisfy the unique needs of growing numbers of nontraditional students and to make graduate degrees more attractive and feasible, the availability of online courses and distance learning opportunities is essential. Most of the faculties consider technology applications in university courses as the wave of the future citing their main reason for wanting its continuity as mainly being the benefits they believe their students receive. Moreover, in this time and era, a faculty member who does not use technology is often considered out of date and out of touch with skills that are needed for the coming millennium. Faculty respondents consistently identified convenience and improved learning as advantages for students enrolled in Web-based instruction. Other advantages identified by facul ty are as follows. Students gain knowledge on how to use numerous technology-based applications such as e-mail, PowerPoint, listservs, graphics programs, and HTML, many of which are considered essential skills for today’s workforce. Students also gain comfort with the medium, anxiety levels are reduced, and they are more willing to explore the potential of technology applications. Students tend to become independent learners, are more motivated to explore related topics on their own, and develop critical thinking skills. The quality of completed assignments is often better than in the traditional classroom because students have more time for reflection and better access to resources. More information can be included in a course with the potential for students to expand on the information received by providing links to related sites. Many students will click on a link more readily than obtaining a print resource identified in a bibliography. Students learning how to access the extensive  resources available on the WWW, online databases, and other technology-based resources. Student convenience. For example, online classes provide students with 24-hour access, eliminate the need to travel or find parking, and eliminate scheduling conflicts with jobs or family. These advantages may particularly benefit graduate students and nontraditional students. Connecting s tudents with technology allows the student to become part of a global community. Information and ideas can be exchanged with other students and experts throughout the world using e-mail and listserv discussions. Collaboration and communication among students are fostered, as well as communication between instructor and student. Online Studying Vs. Written Text Studying Among the several ways that studying from a website is better than studying from written text three distinct ways include the following. Text books become outdated almost immediately after publication and cannot be updated until the next publication which may take several years down the line. Information on the website can be updated daily and printing errors are corrected immediately. Written text is limited to the information on the page whereas educational websites can link to an infinite number of other educational sites to give supplemental detail in as much as possible on a particular subject or topic. Textbooks are limited to the points of view of their authors whereas the website allows multiple view points, which is essential for critical thinking especially if the author is too vague about a particular topic. ([online] Available at: English.varsavskyfoundation.org/education [Accessed 7 March 2014]) b) Social and Economical Benefits and Limitations of E-technology in Zambia Zambia is one of a number of countries in the Southern African region that have sought to include e-technology in its national development plans. E-technology is believed to contribute to improving development outcomes in two main ways: E-technology-based knowledge and products contribute directly to wealth creation. The use of e-technology contributes indirectly to national development through its impact in social and economic sectors such as agriculture, health and education, and by empowering individuals to take advantage of new opportunities. For example,  AfriConnect, in partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Education, have been piloting a project aimed at bringing web-based e-learning to schools in different parts of the country. The objective is to move from the traditional chalk-and-talk pedagogy to enquiry-based learning, while at the same time bringing the option of lifelong learning to people who have already left school. Individuals also benefit from the availability and use of e-technology in a number of ways. For example, by substituting phone calls for travel, which saves time and money, and by using e-technology to obtain information on prices, for their own produce and for purchases. In these various ways, e-technology can have a significant impact on a country’s ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There are, however, also constraints on the potential impact of e-technology in many developing countries. These constraints include inadequate technical infrastructure, limited human skills to use available networks and services, the relatively high cost of communications equipment, and poor policy and regulatory environments. These factors reduce the scope for countries and communities to realise the potential of e-technology for development. Question 2 Solution (a) Model of the Systems Development Life Cycle highlighting the maintenance PhaseThe systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. In general, an SDLC methodology follows the following steps: 1. Planning Stage The existing system is evaluated. Deficiencies are identified. This can be done by interviewing users of the system and consulting with support personnel. 2. Analysis Stage The new system requirements are defined. In particular, the deficiencies in the existing system must be addressed with specific proposals for improvement. 3. Design Stage The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out concerning the physical  construction, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security issues. The new system is developed. The new components and programs must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use, and all aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage. 4. Implementation Stage The system is put into use. This can be done in various ways. The new system can be phased in, according to application or location, and the old system gradually replaced. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to shut down the old system and implement the new system all at once. 5. Maintenance Stage Once the new system is up and running for a while, it should be exhaustively evaluated. Maintenance must be kept up rigorously at all times. Users of the system should be kept up-to-date concerning the latest modifications and procedures. (b) The systems development life cycle (SDLC), also referred to as the application development life-cycle, is a term used in systems engineering, information systems and software engineering to describe a process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an information system.[1] The systems development life-cycle concept applies to a range of hardware and software configurations, as a system can be composed of hardware only, software only, or a combination of both.[2] The waterfall model is a sequential design process, often used in software development processes, in which progress is seen as flowing steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases of Conception, Initiation, Analysis, Design, Construction, Testing, Production/Implementation, and Maintenance. What is systems development life cycle (SDLC)? (SDLC is also an abbreviation for Synchronous Data Link Control.) The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project  management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to guide the processes involved, including the waterfall model (which was the original SDLC method); rapid application development (RAD); joint application development (JAD); the fountain model; the spiral model; build and fix; and synchronize-and-stabilize. Frequently, several models are combined into some sort of hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial regardless of the type of model chosen or devised for any application, and is usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods work better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important factor for the success of a project may be how closely the particular plan was followed. In general, an SDLC methodology follows the following steps: 6. The existing system is evaluated. Deficiencies are identified. This can be done by interviewing users of the system and consulting with support personnel. 7. The new system requirements are defined. In particular, the deficiencies in the existing system must be addressed with specific proposals for improvement. 8. The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out concerning the physical construction, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security issues. 9. The new system is developed. The new components and programs must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use, and all aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage. 10. The system is put into use. This can be done in various ways. The new system can phased in, according to application or location, and the old system gradually replaced. In some cases, it may be more c ost-effective to shut down the old system and implement the new system all at once. 11. Once the new system is up and running for a while, it should be exhaustively evaluated. Maintenance must be kept up rigorously at all times. Users of the system should be kept up-to-date concerning the latest modifications and procedures.

News during the Vietnam War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

News during the Vietnam War - Essay Example Americans were against communism, and therefore, sent soldiers to Vietnam. The foremost reason for the Vietnam War was to stop the northern region, led by Ho Chi Minch, to take over leadership forcefully. They were against the government, and had planned to overturn the ruling authority to take control of the country. Vietnam War is the longest war that has been witnessed in the world history. It ended when Americans withdrew their troops after realizing their goals. The Vietnam War resulted in misunderstandings between countries worldwide, especially owing to the ideological differences. In this essay, the Vietnam War is discussed in detail and news the media broadcasted across the world highlighted. During the war, the public had been exposed to the activities happening at the Vietnam War fought in Vietnam through media. This explains why human beings are more interested in revising history rather than understanding the meaning of the war to people (Samantha). The story about Vietnam War was wrongly broadcasted in the news, magazines, books and journals. This made people have negative mind-sets toward the war. Surprisingly, the Vietnam War is greatly misunderstood than the history of Americans, because the media gave distrustful reports about the war results, hence, the citizens received incorrect information. This affected negatively the way people associated with war, which was meant to promote peace and stop Vietnam government form being overturned by the dictators. The negative reporting of the Vietnam War has caused many individuals to forget the essential details about the war. The production of books, magazines, articles and documentaries by various artists has spread the message of Vietnam, as myths rather than suppositions. Kennedy condemned the media houses that published irrelevant information. The Washington office and Kennedy’s administration involved themselves in the consulting editors of the top media house in America. They accused the editors of publishing wrong reports about the Saigon Press Corps. This made the American government to clash with reporters and the media house that confused the citizens by giving wrong information to the people. The big question from the press was whether USA had joined the war to help the Vietnam country or they wanted to prove their potency as a world superpower. The media is accused of giving irrelevant information to the public, creating several considerations. According to research done, the press and journalist only gave two thirds of the report as accurate information got from the Vietnam War. The main motive of the press and the media house were to elevate the sales of the literature they pro duced, since people were eager to get information on how the war was proceeding. They also lacked the source of getting information; therefore, they were forced to twist the stories to appeal to the citizens (Rhodes). The information looked attractive and people purchased the magazines and books. Vietnam War was the longest war ever in world’s history, and this made it unmatched. Therefore, people wanted to know more about the developing stories of the historical war. The information published by the press and the media houses was condemned by the American administration and most journalists faced trials to substantiate their reports. Conversely, the media also played an imperative part during the war since it was able to update and inform the world the real situation on the ground. It updated the world with current news making headlines, hence reducing the tension in citizens. Therefore, the media should be watchful in transmitting insubstantial issues to the populace. The n ews broadcasted during the war was spread by the media, which was exceptionally active and determined

CHANGE MANAGEMENT ON AN UNDERPERFOMING VDP Essay

CHANGE MANAGEMENT ON AN UNDERPERFOMING VDP - Essay Example es and frameworks, in their efforts to bring about the necessary changes by the VDPs to increase the performance levels and thereby patient satisfaction. The practise of dentistry in the United Kingdom requires all dentists to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC is the monitoring body for the dentistry practice and in its perspective the register of dentists â€Å"is not simply a list of those who call themselves a dentist. It is a list of professionals, who are recognised under the Law to be properly trained, qualified and fit for current practise and subject to regulations†. (1) Vocational Training (VT) has become mandatory for dentists to retain their own contract with a PCT. VT in general dental practice originates from the generic term ‘on-the-job-training’ (OJT). OJT for long has been acknowledged, as the preferred means for developing practical and other workplace skills. Trainers with adequate teaching and assessment skills are responsible for the work of VDPs. Through weekly tutorials; trainers supply their VDPs with help on demand and adequate supervision. Development of peer and self-review and the need for enhanced professional education, training and audit, as a lifelong continuous process are encouraged throughout the VT. (2). R Rattan Curbing unsatisfactory performance has become necessary. To this end the GDC utilises the assistance of the National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS), to provide the assessment service. The GDC has effected this assessment through the new powers it received since July2006, to strengthen its procedures in taking decisions on the fitness of a registrant to practise, in case of misconduct, ill health, and in establishing new procedures to check unsatisfactory performance. I faced such a challenge in my dental practice last year, when several factors including an increase in patient complaints identified trainee performing unsatisfactorily. For improvement change initiatives were proposed,

Business Strategy for Nucleon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Strategy for Nucleon - Essay Example This favors Nucleon building its own plant which means higher costs and more time, although it also implies greater control. Contracting also involves more time and an estimated expense of about 4 million dollars. Moreover, there is the danger of confidential information about manufacturing leaking out, although it would free Nucleon’s R&D people to focus exclusively on their specialty which is research – this is also the factor that has propelled Nucleon to the top.   However, in my view, vertical integration is not favored in this case. The reason is that Phase I and II trials are still an experimental stage of development of the drug and all investments made on the pilot plant could be lost, while also deflecting funds from other research work. Contracting out is not a good option due to loss of confidentiality. However, the licensing option offers an excellent situation because it allows risks associated with clinical trials and expenses related to development, marketing and sales of the drug to a third Company, while also protecting Nucleon’s patent on the product. This will allow the Company to focus on its core competencies, i.e, research, and development. One of the developments in management theory is the belief that most firms have only a few â€Å"core competencies† where they possess exceptional skills and abilities.

Definition of Queer in Relation to Gender and Sexuality Essay

Definition of Queer in Relation to Gender and Sexuality - Essay Example The theory seeks to address the definition of identities of different people who choose to hold onto values that society considers abnormal. Queer defines any behavior, act or approach related to gender, sex, sexuality and feminism that contradicts what society considers normal. The existing gender system is highly regarded by society and the normal class comprises only those who conform to societal values attached to gender. Society uses gender to define different aspects of sexuality. The current gender system faces some challenges because it is binary. One can only be male or female. The aspect of being male or female is used to judge the behavior of an individual as either acceptable in society or not. This brings about the issue of being normal, which is criticized by Warner. Warner challenges the need of homosexuals and transsexuals to receive a ‘normal’ tag from society. Currently, as a matter of fact, society only considers heterosexuals. The gay and lesbians in society face defamation and rejection. Society norms insist that they break the very rules of nature that should remain unbroken. They belong to a third gender, probably, because they defy the rules of the binary gender system that society esteems. Michael Warner challenges the use of the term ‘queer’ which, in his opinion, should be referred to those individuals who claim that sexuality is irrelevant but still strive to be regarded as normal. According to Warner’s critique, the society should reconsider the standards of what qualifies to be normal. He further challenges homosexuals and their Queer theory in a bid to receive the normal tag. According to him, issues of being normal or not only came about when man could keep statistics. Statistics of different aspects have led to determination of a normal value for such an aspect. A variety was acceptable in society before. Logically, each one of us deviates from the normal standards of a society in one way or anot her. Therefore, deviation from the norm should not give rise to shame, rebellion or self-defense. On top of that, Warner argues that society should not condemn to rejection and stigmatization those deviating from the norm (48). Bornstein, on the other hand, blames the stigma attached to those deviating from the societal norm which insists on the binary gender system. Bornstein asserts that the binary status of gender leaves an individual with no choice to express the self-cultivated ideals. It condemns one to conform to the system. In her opinion, society should drop the gender system that condemns one side to oppression and allows the other to enjoy privileges (Bornstein 111). Bornstein wishes society was more accommodating to the class of individuals who choose not to belong to any of the two gender options. She calls them a third class of people or transsexuals. Bornstein envisages a transgendered society in which humans will treat each other fairly, without oppression and superi ority. In her opinion, the future without gender will be a safer place for everyone in society. According to my definition, ‘queer’ refers to any form of expression and identity regarding gender that is not common in society. However, the standards of determining what is normal usually leave no space for self-expression and identity in an innovative way. Therefore, the ‘

Business Ethics-What Should Barner do Term Paper

Business Ethics-What Should Barner do - Term Paper Example The following case circumstance therefore is more of a challenge to the policies that they have and the values that they purport to uphold. The use of child labor is an unacceptable part of any contemporary society or conceivable reality. While this may be the general and ideal case, there are certain countries that still use children to make profits. The case presents Barner with a significant opportunity for the company. IKEA should clearly come out and accept this fact and the complexities that it possesses. Even in situation that child labor may be camouflaged as household chores; they should be in a position to distinguish the two and strengthen their policies (Jeruissen, 135). First of all, it gives her an opportunity to review the policies that they have in place as to trade practices. Secondly, it presents her with an opportunity to start validating the type of suppliers that IKEA trades with. Thirdly, it provides her with the chance to ensure that the suppliers that she deal s with conform to the policies that IKEA holds as strong values and finally, it presents her with the chance to show that IKEA is more than an organization that is out to make profit by any means necessary. All these instances are ethically based and not commercially focused. If they were commercially focused, the interest of the child would be the least of concerns because the suppliers would argue that the children are paid for their services. Next Move One major step that ought to be taken before any other moves is to first apologize for the ignorance about the issue in which IKEA has found itself in. this apology should bring out the point that the company intends to take the necessary corrective measures to clear the mess. It should also include how this corrective move is going to be applied so as to ensure that such mistakes are not commonplace in the future. In this way, the brand value that IKEA has developed over the past as the case shows, will not only increase but will also sell out. Most people appreciate the fact that they are dealing with company’s that appreciate social values. It is however essential that Barner finds the best way to understand the situation in which this supplier has put them. It would be wrong to take harsh measures on a company that was otherwise following genuine policies. This is because global outsourcing also has its share of cultural, social and regulatory differences that have to be dealt with. In dealing with such issues, the effect should in no way interfere with the supply and distribution chain. IKEA as a company has already built a customer niche that has grown loyal. If actions that Marianne Barner takes interfere with their demand for products, it would not only interfere with the sales but customer confidence too. Therefore, any decision on any of the proposals that IKEA has received should also not be unethical (Griseri, & Seppala, 227). It should be noted that the production of carpets in India is sp read over a geographical area that is very large. From the vast countryside to several smaller units; at times to even individual looms within the villages in these farms. This would therefore make it impossible for IKEA or any other organization that deals in a similar supply chain to effectively guarantee that there is no use of child labor at any point in this wide and long chain. Therefore, the idea that IKEA should sign up to an industry-wide response to the growing concerns

Researsh Methods (critical review) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Researsh Methods (critical review) - Essay Example tly, the authors also investigated the organizational factors that have facilitated SIA’s chance to implement its inspirations; they used the method of illustrating its strategic position. Finally, they drew their conclusions and explored the prospective challenges for SIA. The authors reviewed the available literature that investigated the differentiation and cost leadership, they referred to the work of (Porter, 1985) who claimed that differentiation and cost leadership has to be mutually exclusive as they require various kinds of investments across the value chain. Porter’s recognized generic strategy framework and suggests that companies when looking for sustainable competitive advantage they must choose between a cost-leadership or differentiation approach, alongside with a preference about the scope of the market they are seeking to compete in. Porter argued that if a company tries to apply both would lead to inconsistency and the achievement of neither strategy. And as a result the company would be â€Å"stuck in the middle† (Porter, 1985). Since each selection should be supported and applied through relevant resource allocation decisions and other strategic actions. However, the authors have argued that SIA has effectively blended differentiation regarding market positioning and quality of offering, with a low-cost strategy regarding internal operational costs to achieve greater results. Indeed, both advanced quality and high levels of efficiency have been part of the aims and objectives of SIA since its creation, there purpose was to: The authors have used several of resources and different methodologies; the most important among them is the interviews with experts which significantly helped to draw their conclusions and outcomes. Additionally to examining database resources on SIA and the airline industry, authors have undertaken 18 in-depth interviews. The authors argued that the interview data have given them an opportunity to achieve a greater

PAR (Participatory Action Research) and immigration Essay

PAR (Participatory Action Research) and immigration - Essay Example There are powerful people in every society and this knowledge seeks to unveil the extent to which these people are represented and their positions reinforced. There are different sides to participatory action research. One side shows that experience is a good teacher. Some of the issues encountered in public health and other areas might be the first but the lessons they produce can be used in future judgments. From the two sides, people who teach adults in countries with low income got ideas and went ahead to come up with a unique form of research now known as PAR 1 . This form of research enables researchers to work with people in communities and empower them in making significant changes to their health. This is different compared to most research methods where the community is only used in data collection and the final decisions made by a committee or a group of professionals. With the above information, PAR may be simply defined as a research method whose aim is to understand and make improvements to the world by making a change in it. The communities in subject are highly involved in making these changes. Immigration happens every day in different countries around the world for various reasons. It is a major topic especially in public policy matters in developed countries like the UK. In this report, the PAR approach will be used in finding out what the public perceives of immigrants in the UK, brain drain and the exploitation of immigrant workers. The people’s movement in and out of a country is due to various reasons such as economic and political. People from different countries tend to move to the UK in search of better opportunities. The population in the UK has increased over the years mainly due to an increase in resident immigrants. Perceptions are brought about by the knowledge available to people. One public perception of immigrants in the UK is that they have largely

In the United Kingdom the big four supermarkets of Tesco, Asda, Essay

In the United Kingdom the big four supermarkets of Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Wm Morrison have gained a steadily increasing - Essay Example In recent time some of the retail giants of United Kingdom like Sainsbury, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco have been accused of swindling the suppliers by paying them the bottom prices or finding some other way by which they can pressurise the suppliers to pay the cost of the unsold or perished goods. There are also other ways by which the suppliers are exploited that includes paying lower than the agreed price after the delivery of the order, delaying to pay them, make changes in the order at the last moment, making the suppliers to bear the cost, forcing the supplier to use certain specific expensive hauliers for delivering their goods and often ruining the supplier due to lack of cash flow. The supermarket retailers even pressurised the suppliers to pay for the shoplifted goods and making their profits to rise high, when they are expected to be lower. The study focuses on this issue. Supermarket competition Relentless rise in the supermarkets has given rise to the concern regarding thei r holdings over the suppliers and the customers. A research conducted by TNS Worldpanel, the market research group has concluded that the big four retail giants of UK Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco holds almost three quarter of the grocery market that amounts to about 74.4%. Tesco is the leading supermarket that holds the biggest share. The report suggests that for every ?8 the consumer spends ?1 goes towards the business of Tesco. In 2004 it has been recorded that the retail sector of UK amounts to almost ?246bn, which is more than the amount if the economies of Ireland and Switzerland are combined together. This implies that the retail sector offers quite a significant amount (BBC News, 2006). (Source: BBC News, 2006) According to the reports of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, almost half of 278,630 shops in UK are managed and owned by a sole trader. These small local stores are losing their market because of the growth of the supermarkets that are gradually moving towards the convenience store format. As per the report of Association of Convenience Store for the last twelve months till June of 2005, 2000 independent convenience stores closed their operations owning to the growing competition of the supermarkets. The Office of fair Trading (OFT) has been investigating the two main issues firstly the competition that surrounds the worries regarding the competition in the supermarkets and abusing relationship between the supermarket and the suppliers. The OFT has claimed that there is no restriction on the grocery market, which prompts a widespread scorn from the action group and the local shops. OFT further states that there is no need of incorporating any type of reform in the ways the super markets are operating; though there are claims regarding application of bullying tactics by the four big supermarkets. According to the recent declaration of OFT there are significant indications regarding increase in the purchasing power of the cu stomer of the supermarket (BBC News, 2006). Area of Concern The corner and local shop areas are becoming the potential places for the growth of the supermarkets. The four big supermarkets face certain restrictive measures that pave the pathway for expanding their operations by following the convenient store format. This also helps the supermarkets to target the customers who are cash rich

Christmas past Essay Example for Free

Christmas past Essay The fog and darkness thickened so, that people ran out with flaring links And The ancient tower of a church, whose gruff old bell was always peeping slily down at Scrooge out of a gothic window in the wall, became invisible This sums up Scrooge, dark and dull, and sets the scene for the events that are to follow. The weather is essentially used to make the picture mysterious and dismal, and foretells the proceedings in the remainder of the novel. The second ghost whom we witness is the ghost of Christmas past. Its facial features arent quite distinguishable as it looks like a young child and an old man at the same time. It was a strange figure like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man, viewed through some supernatural medium This may be because it resembles memories, which are also distorted and blurry. He shows Scrooge as a child, and Scrooges sheds tears at the sight of himself missing out on the fun, sitting in a corner reading a book. Scrooge sat down upon a form, and wept to see his poor forgotten self as he used to be. The ghost of Christmas past also manages to show Scrooge his sister and former employer and how nice they are. He is trying to show Scrooge what a real Employer and uncle should act like. The third ghost that appears is the ghost of Christmas present. This is once again a warning ghost; a ghost who is there to warn Scrooge of what his actions are doing to other people. The ghost of Christmas present takes Scrooge to see other people who are less fortunate than him but still manage to be jolly and enjoy what they have at Christmas time. The spirit accompanies Scrooge to the house of Bob Cratchit, Scrooges clerk. Scrooge pays Bob a very low salary but the Cratchit family still manage to enjoy Christmas and make the most of what they do have even though they have a sick son, Tiny Tim, who will most likely die. Scrooge looks at the family, and becomes attached to Tiny Tim, and the fact that he is so ill, has a huge effect on Scrooge. Scrooge was touched in the same way as the reader is by Tiny Tim. Even Tiny Tim, excited by the two young Cratchits, beat on the table with the handle of his knife, and feebly cried Hurrah! Scrooge wants to know more about Tiny Tim. Say he will be spared. The Spirit also repeats Scrooges words to him that he said to some portly gentlemen collecting for the poor, Scrooge had said If he is going to die hed better hurry up and do it and decrease the surplus population. Scrooge feels extremely guilty at having his own words thrown back at him, and he realises he needs to be kinder and give Bob a rise in salary. The last spirit to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas yet to come. This spirit is very different to the Ghost of Christmas present. It is much more frightening in manner and appearance and is the genus of ghost you might expect to find in an archetypal ghost story. Like all the other spirits, he is described in tremendous detail, but in a slightly different way to the others. The others were definitely inspiring, but the last one is shrouded in mystery and the classic tension and atmosphere starts to build-up. The spirit is said to be shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible, save one outstretched hand. This description portrays the ghost as being gloomy and mysterious. The spirit reveals how things will turn out if Scrooge does not change. He shows Scrooge the death of a young, helpless child, Bob Cratchits son, Tiny Tim. He also shows him what things will be like after he dies if he doesnt change. This ghost shows what people thought of Scrooge too. He frightened every one away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead. Others were pleased about his death. It was a happier house for this mans death! There are some men talking in the street about Scrooges death. One said, What has he done with his money. I havent heard, replied the other Left it to his company, perhaps. He hasnt left it to me. Thats all I know. These comments just go to show how much the general public despised Scrooge. Dickens uses the three spirits to go through his life and show the real Ebenezer Scrooge, not the grumpy, rich and sinful one. He also wants to show that inside every typical rich human being, there is a true person; it just takes something to bring it out.

Scenario Of Family Business Management Information Technology Essay

Scenario Of Family Business Management Information Technology Essay A family business is a business in which one or more members of one or more families have a significant ownership interest and significant commitments toward the business overall well-being. In some countries, many of the largest publicly listed firms are family-owned. A firm is said to be family-owned if a person is the controlling shareholder; that is, a person (rather than a state, corporation, management trust, or mutual fund) can garner enough shares to assure at least 20% of the voting rights and the highest percentage of voting rights in comparison to other shareholders. Family businesses may have owners who are not family members. Family businesses may also be managed by individuals who are not members of the family. However, family members are often involved in the operations of their family business in some capacity and, in smaller companies, usually one or more family members are the senior officers and managers. Many businesses that are now public companies were family businesses. Family participation as managers and/or owners of a business can strengthen the company because family members are often loyal and dedicated to the family enterprise. However, family participation as managers and/or owners of a business can present unique problems because the dynamics of the family system and the dynamics of the business systems are often not in balance. PROBLEMS IN FAMILY BUSINESSMANAGEMENT The interests of a family member may not be aligned with the interest of the business. For example, if a family member wants to be president but is not as competent as a non-family member, the personal interest of the family member and the well being of the business may be in conflict. The interests of the entire family may not be balanced with the interests of their business. For example, if a family needs its business to distribute funds for living expenses and retirement but the business requires those to stay competitive, the interests of the entire family and the business are not aligned. Finally, the interest of one family member may not be aligned with another family member. For example, a family member who is an owner may want to sell the business to maximize their return, but a family member who is an owner and also a manager may want to keep the company because it represents their career and they want their children to have the opportunity to work in the business. . For example, if a family needs its business to distribute funds for living expenses and retirement but the business requires those to stay competitive, the interests of the entire family and the business are not aligned. Finally, the interest of one family member may not be aligned with another family member. For example, a family member who is an owner may want to sell the business to maximize their return, but a family member who is an owner and also a manager may want to keep the company because it represents their career and they want their children to have the opportunity to work in the business. SCENARIOS OF FAMILY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT But balancing competing interests often become difficult in three situations. The first situation is when the founder wants to change they are involved in the business. Usually the founder begins this transition by involving others to manage the business. Involving someone else to manage the company requires the founder to be more conscious and formal in balancing personal interests with the interests of the business because they can no longer do this alignment automatically-someone else is involved. The second situation is when more than one person owns the business and no single person has the power and support of the other owners to determine collective interests. For example, if a founder intends to transfer ownership in the family business to their four children, two of whom work in the business, how do they balance these unequal differences? The four siblings need a system to do this themselves when the founder is no longer involved. The third situation is when there are multiple owners and some or all of the owners are not in management. Given the situation above, there is a higher chance that the interests of the two sons not employed in the family business may be different than the interests of the two sons who are employed in the business. Their potential for differences does not mean that the interests cannot be aligned, it just means that there is a greater need for the four owners to have a system in place that differences can be identified and balanced. SUCCESS OF FAMILY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Successfully balancing the differing interests of family members and/or the interests of one or more family members on the one hand and the interests of the business on the other hand require the people involved to have the competencies, character and commitment to do this work. Often family members can benefit from involving more than one professional advisor, each having the particular skill set needed by the family. Some of the skill sets that might be needed include communication, conflict resolution, family systems, finance, legal, accounting, insurance, investing, leadership development, management development, and strategic planning. INNOVATIVE TRENDS IN FAMILY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT . There are three major trends among the most innovative family business management that together will have a strong impact on wealth holders and the providers to these families: Develop new sources of knowledge. Family business continuously gather practical information from a wide variety of sources. As a result, much of the information these families receive comes from providers of products and services, who have a commercial motive. To further complicate matters, products and advice are often bundled together, with free services subsidized by the revenues generated from other components of the package. Unsurprisingly, the most complex and/or illiquid offerings tend to have the highest embedded costs. Family business management increasingly supplement these sources of information through peering communicating with each other to compare experiences and solutions.At its best, this is a global exercise in which family business actively seek to learn from their peers around the world. Leading families recognize that local networks must be supplemented to ensure that they access more than a location-specific consensus shared by those who, for example, live in the same place, share the same social network, or rely upon the same sources of information. Unbundle, measure, and innovate. The most sophisticated family business recognize that products, platforms, and advice, are fundamentally distinct. They are creating customized solutions from select providers in each category, rather than accepting a bundled offering from a single source. This unbundling allows for more accurate measurement of the value provided by each component. This in turn allows family business management to see new areas of opportunity and to swap out only the individual components that are not working according to specific performance criteria. While trust remains paramount, the foundation of trust is shifting to be based on competence and track record rather than simply a personal relationship. The most enduring relationships are being built upon informed trust, which requires a clear understanding of the way a providers business works. Family business are increasingly focused on measuring inputs and outputs. This means that they are paying closer attention to the transaction costs of interm ediation and actively seeking to calibrate economic incentives to better align costs with value. This requires a nuanced understanding of the inner workings of products and services so that meaningful benchmarks and cross-comparisons can be established. The most sophisticated families consider both absolute and relative value, using peer-based benchmarks as an input to their evaluations. Pursue opportunities globally. The inputs that family business use to create their solutions increasingly come from all over the world, not just their home countries. This trend is a direct result of the two trends described above. Family business have both the means and the incentives to invest in understanding foreign markets and practices. The empirical case for doing so is strong, particularly when local knowledge can be applied to less efficient markets. In addition to globalizing their portfolios, family business increasingly seek opportunities from direct investments. Family business are pursuing returns through country-specific direct investments, such as real estate or private equity, which require a greater level of due diligence and commitment (and offer greater potential rewards). These investments are often made in partnership with other sophisticated private investors who have relevant expertise in co-direct investment or club investing arrangements. The pervasive changes underway in the family busin ess market reinforce each other. Increased knowledge leads to better analysis of a wider set of opportunities, and this allows investors to unbundle and measure, so that they can be more creative in devising comprehensive, global solutions. The more innovation that occurs in the market as a result of this creativity, the greater the additional knowledge creation and sharing.While the effects of this shift are now being felt. STRUCTURING OF FAMILY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT When the family business is basically owned and operated by one person, that person usually does the necessary balancing automatically. For example, the founder may decide the business needs to build a new plant and take less money out of the business for a period so the business can accumulate cash needed to expand. In making this decision, the founder is balancing his personal interests (taking cash out) with the needs of the business (expansion). ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Organizational structure defines the roles and activities required of people in order to meet the objectives of the business. The structure should also help people accomplish their own career and personal goals. Concern with motivation and communication should influence the organizational structure. In defining an organizational structure, the manager has four objectives in mind: (1)- division of tasks, (2)- coordination of efforts and tasks among people and enterprises, (3)- control over the way in which tasks are performed and (4)- flow of information. To accomplish these four objectives, the manager must decide the positions to be filled and the duties, responsibilities and authority attached to each position. PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF ORGANIZING Regardless of the specific characteristics of a horticultural business, some principles of organizing will be helpful. These principles have two uses. First, they are helpful in the actual design of the organizational structure. Second, they can serve as a check list for evaluating and improving the current organizational structure. EXCEPTION PRINCIPLE Someone must be available to handle the exceptions to the usual, i.e., someone must be in charge. When an employee or worker has a problem he or she can not handle, the organizational structure should provide for someone higher in the organization to provide assistance. DECENTRALIZATION Decisions should be pushed down to the lowest level possible in the organization. The more routine a decision, the lower the level in the organization where it should be handled. To illustrate, workers waiting each morning to be told what to do and where to do it can be a great waste of manager and worker time. Workers having a routine not requiring daily instruction, and workers being trained to handle with confidence decisions within their job descriptions illustrate decentralization. The objective is to overcome the waste of time stemming from too much centralization of decision making. Working managers rather than managed workers should be the goal. PARITY PRINCIPLE Decentralization requires delegation. With delegation comes responsibility. Authority should be delegated along with responsibility. To illustrate, assume the 18 year old son of the owner of a landscape firm has been given the responsibility of taking a crew of 3 people, each over 25 years old, to a landscaping site to plant 5 trees and 30 bushes. Further assume that the son has no authority to decide how hard it has to be raining before the crew stops working, no authority to correct a person who is digging the holes for the trees and bushes too deep and no authority to reward the crew member who is doing by far the best job. It is easy for the 3 workers to ignore the son if they have been accustomed to taking orders only from the owner and the owner has given the workers no indication of what authority the son does and does not have. SPAN OF CONTROL The span of control is the number of people a manager supervises. The organizational decision to be made is the number of subordinates a manager can effectively lead. The typical guideline is a span of control of no more than 5-6 people. However, a larger span of control is possible depending on the complexity, variety and proximity of jobs. The ability, experience and style of the manager also affects the desirable span of control. Finally, worker characteristics should affect the span of control. Well trained, motivated, experienced and satisfied workers require relatively little supervision. Owner/operators of family businesses often have span of control problems because of a me attitude. As a family business grows and people are added, the manager still may want everyone reporting to her rather than delegate responsibility and authority to a middle manager. UNITY PRINCIPLE Ideally, no one in an organization reports to more than one supervisor. Having more than one supervisor causes an employee relatively few problems if the supervisors have good coordination and frequent communication. However, supervisors typically lack the time for the necessary coordination and communication. Too often, employees get conflicting instructions and assignments. Employees should not have to decide which of their supervisors to make unhappy because of the impossibility of following all the instructions given them. OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE There is no one family or ownership structure; it have family businesses that are owned by one sole owner. When it comes to the second generation, most of them turn into a sibling partnership with very few but strong owners who hold large shares in the company. In the next generation, it come to a cousin federation and maybe one day we are a family dynasty like Haniel or Wendel. Each stage has its own problems. It must understand the stage you are at, asking the right questions and giving the right answers relevant to that stage. The transition from one stage to another creates a crisis because, in the next generation, you have different questions and you have to give different answers. If you understand that there is a crisis and find the right answers, this crisis may create a chance. Owner strategy starts, like every strategy, with some simple key questions: what is our vision, what is the mission statement we have as owner family. More specific questions for owner families include the following: who can become a member of the owner group. From whom can member groups inherit their shares  and to whom can they sell shares? How do we want to deal with in-laws and the next generation Emotions must be dealt with effectively when managing a family business and managing a family that owns a business. Successful families are families who are better at addressing emotional problems and then solving them. Values and aims must be clarified if any group wants to be successful. This helps prevent conflict when making decisions. Knowing the company goals and the family aims is important otherwise, a family cannot determine whether it is successful or not. In successful family businesses, strategies will change, but the values remain very stable over generations. BUSINESS STRUCTURE This is the business model follow. It often starts with the entrepreneurial stage and then it turns to a traditional and classical family business. There are several different business models and each family should address some essential questions when choosing the correct one. Do we want to be a more focused or more diversified owner family? How do we want to influence the business? Do we want to run it or just control it? Do we want only to act as owners and let outside people control it? How should we manage the owner family so that we maintain family unity and commitment? New Ideas We must formulate a family code that is sensitive to new membership values, aims and a changing business model. Family Education All the owners should know what it means to own a family business, and what  professional ownership means. Emotion-Added Value It is important to come together and have family days so that you have the chance to enjoy being a member of the group. Family Office You may want to start a family office and do family philanthropy together. FUNDS AND INVESTMENT STRUCTURE With a dedicated funds, investment and tax team, including lawyers with corporate, tax and trust experience, we are able to provide the targeted investment structuring advice on which family offices depend. leading investment managers and fund managers, to ensure that private investments are designed and structured to mitigate taxation and provide the greatest opportunity for returns. LEGAL RISK STRUCTURE Risks from many directions, including legal liability, risk of investment loss or devaluation, compliance failure, tax and property law change, security (this includes risks to property and person) family dissension, divorce and indiscretion. The mitigation and balancing of risk in all its forms is of paramount importance for many family business management. Wealthy families and family members are faced with many legal and investment challenges, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. These issues become more acute in the case of multi-generational families with members based in various countries who have international asset holdings Another key risk for clients is breach of confidentiality, especially in a world where the Internet means information anywhere is information everywhere.. It is possible to reduce such risks by the use of appropriate structuring and third party contracts but these measures should be taken when the office is established. If a breach occurs our Reputation Management team can help. . These include the offices of substantial international families with assets and family members in numerous countries, as well as more traditional families with large landed estates or entrepreneurial interests. Theses point should be consider: Conducting an audit of various substantial wealth-holding structures, to ensure they were watertight from a fiduciary and tax perspective. Undertaking a major review of the trust and asset structures of a large international family with international assets. One of the main purposes was to identify potential areas of risk for the family and take measures to safeguard against such risks going forward. CONCLUSION To conclude , we can say that this was the aforesaid explained report on innovative family business. Main facts that are dicussed in study are 1 meaning of family business management 2 current scenario 3 Type of structure for family business management 4 problems 5 innovative trends in family business management After studying all the above given study it is been very clearly understood that family business structure is one of the very common structure of business structure that is been used worldwide. As every business structure has its scenario, advantages , disadvantages, problems, and its new and emerging trends, it is similarly applied here. We can say that family business management is a trend that has been followed for years. Innovative method could be used for more flexibility in family business. RECOMMENDATIONS 1 overcome the internal dispute 2 proper engagement of all members 3 follow the structure that is bet suited to ones business 4 proper management 5 go as by the time. 6 properly implementing the strategy BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFRENCES http//www.family-business-experts.com http//www.familybusinessmagzine.com http//www.businessweek.com/magazine.com Astrachan, J. and Shanker, M. (2003). Family Businesses Contribution to the U.S. Economy: A Closer Look. Family Business Review, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 211-219. Colli, A. (2003). The History of Family Business, 1850 2000. Economic History Society. Chua, J., Chrisman, J., and Sharma, P. (1999). Defining the Family Business by Behavior. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 19-39. Davis, J., Pitts, E., and Cormier, K. (1997). Challenges Facing the Family Companies .