Curing Aging, Television, And Ear Fee Of Mississauga Essay

Executive Summary In the CBC News video broadcast â€Å"Curing ageing,† reporter Kelly Crowe interviews David Rollo’s, professor of the McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., British gerontologist Aubrey de Grey of Cambridge, and Ear Fee of Mississauga, Ont., to discuss the ageing phenomenon of attitude towards a long life expectancy. Their experiments to measure a consumer’s attitude of dietary restriction, supplements, and exercise illustrate the complexity of attitudes. The mix of nutritional supplements might be possible to cure aging, but a heathy life style which getting sufficient exercise can slow down individual’s ageing. Influencing us is a great variety of vitamins, advertising, and social and human behaviors. As consequence, our attitudes towards ageing can help reduce ageing health risks such as cancers, heart issues or other age-related diseases. It is especially important to learn from these studies to address the changing trends both to o ur ageing and wellbeing. Curing Ageing Introduction This case study revolves around the video case â€Å"Curing Aging,† a CBC news broadcast by Kelly Crowe who interviews David Rollo’s, professor of the McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., British gerontologist Aubrey de Grey of Cambridge, and Ear Fee of Mississauga, Ont. In the video case, there are three approaches. First, Prof. David Rollo and his team have a mice-experiment in his biology laboratory which feeding one of the mice with a cocktail of supplements, including B

Margaret Atwood s Handmaid s Tale - 3732 Words

Imagine a world where our basic freedoms are taken away from us; a world where we are not free to say what we want; a world where we are bound by the chains of oppression, and are at the mercy of an elite ruling class government, where even the slightest negativity expressed towards them is strictly prohibited. In this world we would have no identity, no names, and no communication. This obscene idea would ultimately be the dystopian world from our worst nightmares. Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale paints a vivid picture as to the nature of such a dystopia, a world which is ruled by a small wealthy ruling class, and where everybody’s rights have been stripped away from them. This dystopian society is situated in what was once the†¦show more content†¦The relevance of the dystopian society is that it has always been entrenched in the way we live and is evident through male oppression and how it is ironic that the women are in this predicament. It is also shown how religious justification has attempted to justify the oppression, and the acceptance and submission that the citizens resort to in this unideal world. The strict religious fundamentalist government of Gilead is a shocking resemblance to â€Å"the ‘strict theocracy’ of the ‘fundamentalist government’ of the United States’ puritan founding fathers† (Neuman 138). This former operation of government involved white males having a strict grip over the rest of society, particularly women. Society has always functioned in this way, in the sense that men have always ruled women. The Gileadean society is not radically different from the Western world as it once was, and how many places in the world that still are today, specifically in the Middle East. Women as they have always been â€Å"are two legged wombs. That’s all† (Atwood 157). Margaret Atwood is widely known as a feminist writer, saying she is â€Å"an observ er of society? Yes! And no one who observes society can fail to make observations that are feminist. That just is†¦ common sense† (Jamkhandi, 5. Quoted in Neuman 139), and if practical, hardline, anti-male feminists took over

Situational Analysis Free Essays

He has conducted FAA required courses and conducted recurrent flight crew training for DC-10 flight crews. Framing Is a way of labeling different Individual Interpretations of a situation. When Denny heard the explosion when the second engine failed he knew there was something terribly wrong and went to the cockpit to offer any help he could to the crew. We will write a custom essay sample on Situational Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now Without him the crew would not have been able to land the plane since they needed someone with flight experience to manually steer the plan. He used active listening skills paying close attention to the captain and co-pilot’s body language to tell him how serious the emergency was. Body language, including facial expressions, hand gestures and degree of eye contact, can provide clues about the other person’s thoughts and feelings. He found the pilot and co-pilot’s knuckles white with tendons bursting from their hands as they tried to steer the plane. Denny did a great Job of effectively analyzing the situation and Jumped In to help. Although 112 people lost their lives that day 184 were saved to pass on their knowledge and expertise to others. Captain Hayes attributes five factors to the success of landing the airplane in Sioux City Iowa hey are luck, communications, preparations, execution and cooperation. Communication within the cockpit intensified as soon as they realized that they were in very serious trouble (Haynes, 1997). Haynes ordered Dudley to get in touch with the San Francisco Rear Maintenance (SAM) to see if they could help the crew regain control of the plane. Through this communication the Chicago flight center was able to prepare an airplane with medical supplies and people available to help the staff of the Sioux City local hospital some of whom were at Haynes hospital room before he ad even arrived. How to cite Situational Analysis, Papers Situational Analysis Free Essays string(103) " the use of e-government services such as applying for jobs, scholarship, paying bills, and many more\." SARAWAK INFORMATION SYSTEMS SDN BHD (SAINS) Contents SARAWAK INFORMATION SYSTEMS SDN BHD (SAINS)1 CHAPTER ONE4 1. INTRODUCTION4 1. 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Situational Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now Mission, Vision and Core Values of SAINS4 1. 2. Core Competencies5 2. CHAPTER TWO6 2. 1. SAINS Environmental Analysis6 2. 2. SAINS Key Drivers of Change8 2. 3. SAINS Value Chain8 2. 3: 5 M’s of Marketing11 2. 4. Porters 5 Forces of SAINS12 2. 5. Internal analysis and External analysis13 2. 6. Applying Direct Policy Matrix16 2. 7. Potential Strategic Challenge/Issues17 2. 8. SAINS Marketing Objectives19 3. CHAPTER THREE22 3. 1. ANSOFF MATRIX22 Market Penetration22 Market Development23 3. 2. SAINS Marketing Mix24 Product / service24 Promotion24 Price25 Place26 People26 BUDGET AND FINANCIAL FORECAST FOR NEXT 3 YEARS28 CHAPTER FOUR33 4. RECOMMENDATION33 Value33 Rarity33 Imitable33 Organizational Knowledge33 5. CONCLUSION34 CHAPTER ONE 1. INTRODUCTION Sarawak Information Systems SDN BHD (SAINS) is a leading ICT System Integrator and Solution Provider in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. Relevant materials: Corporate Communications It has effectively enlarged and intensified the utilization of ICT resulting in IT growth among state government agencies in Sarawak since the mid 1980’s. In the mid 1980’s, the use of IT among state government agencies in Sarawak started to grow. Shortly thereafter, in 1991 SAINS was formed and was given the task of leading the development and implementation of IT within Sarawak. Today, SAINS reliability, innovatively and cost effectiveness has made it become one of the most highly regarded integrated information and communication technology service providers in Malaysia. SAINS Integrated Court Solution (ICS) won the United Nations’ World Summit Award in 2009 as one of the World’s Best e-Content Application products in the E-Government and Institutions Category. This achievement was the outcome of evaluations by eminent experts from 34 countries on 545 finalist submissions from 157 countries (SAINS. com. my. , 2011) In fulfilling their commitment to their clients, SAINS operates a 24-hour Call Center and Data Centre, servicing over 18,000 users for over 200 Business Applications, Hardware and Network Support. 2. 1. Mission, Vision and Core Values of SAINS SAINS Mission statement is to be the long term ICT Solution and Service Provider based on mutual value creation and trust. They are set out to make SAINS the preferred IT solutions provider by providing and supporting project management services on IT solutions services to achieve project implementation that is within a defined scope, schedule, budget and achieving customer satisfaction. SAINS Vision statement aims to envision, innovate and advance the quality of ICT software and services in the region. SAINS Core value is the passionate pursuit of excellence in IT services. Fig1-1: SAINS Core Value SAINS Pursuit of Excellence Trust in People Customer Orientation 2. 2. Core Competencies In making out core competencies, a company has to make a contribution to the customer’s benefit of the product which is difficult for the competitors to imitate. This could be more attainable when companies focus on internal development. SAINS core competencies are as follows: 2. 3. 1. Specific services SAINS provides major services across Sarawak. Services include; * Data Conversion and Digitization * Geographic Information System Applicant Software Development Integration * IT project Management * IT Training * Management Services * Call Centre 2. CHAPTER TWO In recognizing a company need there have to be a creative process, an organized thinking, disciplined mind and a looking out for challenging situations. In other to know exactly what is needed, the situation have to be analyzed. 3. 3. SAINS Environmental Analysis This sector focuses on the market environmen t so as to identify the needs and to analyze specific marketing and business problems in SAINS. 3. 4. 2. PEST Analysis of SAINS Political Aspect SAINS is protected by the regulations and policies formulated by Sarawak government * SAINS formulate their own protection strategies against governmental restrictions and limitations * The organization has been able to adapt to the policies given by each government to make sure that the company will be able to conduct business operations successfully and effectively. * The political environment of Malaysia is not really that stable, the government of Malaysia makes the countries plan for the future and also for most business. SAINS is also affected by the every 5 years plan that is made by the government. Government task just like every other company in Malaysia SAINS is also entitled to paying all government task to keep the business running not withstanding that the company is also funded by the government. Economic Aspect * SAINS has a steady and successful economic stability being the leading ICT System Integrator and Solution Provider in the state of Sarawak. * Despite threat that SAINS encounter in different parts of Sarawak, their management sees to it to struggle and strives to have better economic condition. * The rate at which interest rate affects SAINS will be very low since it’s the best in providing Sarawak with all I. T services and being funded by the government it would be less affected by interest rate. Social Aspect * SAINS considers it as a compulsory factor to possess good reputation and relations in the society that they belong. * Kuching is well open to new IT development and changes which SAINS provides. * SAINS tries harder to make sure that each ethnicity in Kuching is given equal chances to take advantage of the resources given by the organization. * SAINS is a company that employs both the Malays and Chinese people with no issues of what religion you serve. This shows the point that SAINS and the Malaysian government proves its point on the SATU MALAYSIA (one Malaysia) showing that the government of Malaysia has a good view on culture and religion required for SAINS effectiveness. * Despite different cultural context, SAINS uses a common language of English and Bahasa Malay which quells communication barriers. * With the convergent aid of growing technology, SAINS have been able to make lots of innovations on its products. * SAINS is currently Providing ICT training secondary school students in Lawas, Limbang, Betong, and Asajaya areas. They are also promoting the use of e-government services such as applying for jobs, scholarship, paying bills, and many more. You read "Situational Analysis" in category "Essay examples" Technological Aspect * The Malaysian government has recognized that ICT would serve as a foundation condition that would transform Malaysia from a P-based economy to K-based economy. * Partnership with companies such as, Hp, cicso symmantec, oracle and Microsoft help the company to drive towards innovation and development in their services. The partnership enabled relatively stronger research and development in their service 3. 4. SAINS Key Drivers of Change Demographic Shift SAINS focus has shifted not only in Kuching but also to other parts in Sarawak. However they can still shift focus on other lower economic countries such as Indonesia where competition is less. Disruptive Innovation SAINS must create a new market and value that surpasses that of any substitute company. With increase of technology, changes develop in the IT world as things become less complex and more dynamic. SAINS will be forced to evaluate new market options that will best exploit and fit into the requirement and uniqueness of their capability. Reshaped Global Power Structure This demands that SAINS have to take the bull by the horn by being selfless in their marketing, not just by providing what customers wants but also putting it in a way that can’t be merely comparable or imitable to that of competitors. Government regulations could become less strict and attracting for foreign ICT firms to enter thus creating intense competition for SAINS. However with the liability of foreignness, SAINS has a competitive edge. 3. 5. SAINS Value Chain Value chain is a chain of activities that required bringing a product from its conception to its final consumers (McCormick Schmitz, 2001). The value chain provides an important construct that facilitates the understanding of the distribution of returns from different activities on the value chain (Kaplinsky Morris, 2001). SAINS using ICT consuming services has put their services into informative, integrative and interactive. However, informative is the basic form in which the ICT is used by the society in Kuching. In this form, SAINS uses the internet as a medium for disseminating information through their website but have failed to increase this information to a broader reach via Media. The interactive serves as a two way communication mode whereby SAINS do not only use the internet to disseminate information, but also to collect information. The medium becomes more transactional in nature. In this context, the internet is used by SAINS to offer better services to their customers at minimized cost taking into account the preferences and desires of every customer. Fig 2. 1: Interactive use of ICT in SAINS Sourcing/collecting Information SAINS Interface to customers Networking with branches Information Dissemination There are several components in the above chain, each of which is likely to be affected by a host of factors: Fig 2. 2: Value Chain in SAINS services flow Design Product development Dissemination / Distribution ICT SAINS use Information and Communication Technology as weapon to react to competitive threats, or to seek new opportunities by offering new services. SAINS uses ICT to * Reduce the costs of information exchange * Collect data to better understand their customers’ behaviour * Offer new products or services * Improve their performance 2. 3: 4 M’s of Marketing In setting SAINS Business problems right, the 5 M’s of marketing will be conducted. These include Mission, Money, Message, Media and Measurement. Mission Since SAINS Mission is to be the long term ICT Solution and Service Provider based on mutual value creation and trust, it has to choose an advertising means that proves them right. The advertising objective has to be persuasive, informative and reminding. SAINS target audience are wide ranging from IT students, IT related businesses down to Government agencies, thus their advertising mission must conform to six buyer readiness stages in the figure below. Fig 2. 4: Buyer Readiness Stages cited by Awareness Purchase Conviction Liking Knowledge Preference Message Message contains appeals and themes designed to produce desired result. SAINS advertising message must transfer generic, pre-emptive, unique selling proposition, hyperbole and comparative meaning to the target audience. At the same time, the advertisement should portray some personal values such as self-fulfilment, comfortable life, happiness, security and in most cases inner peace. Media There are two ways of choosing Media; Personal communication method and Non-personal communication channel. The personal communication method includes face to face, phone, mail, and internet chat. However, Non-personal communications will be more effective for SAINS to use. This includes the use of media, atmosphere and event. Knowing SAINS target audience and media habits, a communication method that can reach out to them frequently with positive impact and proper exposure of SAINS services will be best fitting. The most effective media coverage will be Internet, television and Kuching’s popular newspapers such as Borneo Post. Measurement Exposure and awareness is what advertising does, but it is not how success is evaluated. The purpose of advertising for SAINS is not just to create awareness but also to produce a measurable response that advances a sale over a period. In doing so, SAINS will be able to quickly identify those tactics that aren’t working and make a change to it. 3. 6. Porters 5 Forces of SAINS Threat of new entry There has been a very positive development within the information and communication technology industry in Malaysia. Malaysia, in general has developed a strong and diversified ICT industry. However, SAINS partnerships and alliances with leading technology firms and its connection with government entities have created a strong market thus causing entry barrier to be high. New emerging ICT Company must have such strong advantage or will be squeezed out of the picture. Threat of substitutes With advance rapid technology, the web hosting business might be the biggest threat of substitute for the server products in the world where organizations can make their own website accessible through the World Wide Web. The advantages of web hosting include low cost, tech-support, easy to manage and low switching costs. Also, the advanced personal computer might be another threat which could possess software that makes some of SAINS services accessible to clients. Bargaining power of customers In recent years customers have a strong bargaining power since IT business services have grown rapidly but since there are few substitute in Kuching, SAINS gains an advantage given that customers are in a weak bargaining power. This as a return creates an ideal competitive environment. Bargaining power of suppliers SAINS has no bargaining power over their suppliers since the company has its contract and business to business agreement with their suppliers, this agreement is based on innovation and creating of new opportunity and software programs for their business services and switching suppliers would be very expensive for the company. Intensity of competitive rivalry SAINS being recognized as a leader among government in Kuching for cost effective deployment and efficient utilization, faces low intensity of competitive rivalry. However, its branches outside Sarawak must be conscious of other IT providers such as VADs, IBM, and MSC. 3. 7. Internal analysis and External analysis Fig 2. 5: Internal and External SWOT analysis Situation Analysis Internal Analysis External Analysis Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats 3. 8. 3. SAINS Strength Strength – SAINS 24 hour Call centre SAINS operates a 24 hour Call Centre and Data Centre resulting in a public access anytime and anywhere. This provides room for customers to pass and receive useful information at any urgent time of the day regardless of time differences. Strength –Own major branches in Sarawak SAINS operates its Business Development Corporate Communications Unit, Training Centre and Call centre in two different locations in Kuching. Also they have branches within major parts of Sarawak which are Betong, Bintulu, Kapit, Limbang, Miri, Mukah, Sarikei, Sibu and Sri Aman. Strength –Own market power Having a solid mainstream technology and a recommendable recognition with Sarawak government, SAINS have achieved a maximum market power in addition to few substitutes in Kuching. Strength –Control both Government and public contract SAINS gets contract from both Governments and public as they operate business to business and business to customers with effective deployment of IT services. Strength –Partnership and alliance with leading technology firms SAINS has good partnership and alliances with leading technology firms and hardware manufacturers in the industry which allows them to achieve their goal. These partners include Sun, Hp, Cisco, Symantec, 3com, APC, Mlabs and Damatation SDN BHD, Microsoft, Lotus, Autodesk, Trend Micro, Adobe and ESRI (Sains. com). 3. 8. 4. SAINS Weakness Weakness – Lack of motivation resulting to dissatisfaction of workers It is difficult for employees to carry out their basic duties when they are dissatisfied. This often results to poor productivity not only on the part of the employee but also on the part of the company at large. Weakness – Limited advertising Advertising is an important means for facing competition. A limited advertising therefore limits the chances of SAINS to confine Kuching IT market as competitors position the opportunity of having an upper hand. Weakness – Lack of Transparency SAINS annual report is not accessible to the public thus blocking transparency that causes complexity. Complexity can hide the reality about financial condition. This leads to huge doubt in the minds of investors and can cause absurd behaviour among potential stockholders. 3. 8. 5. SAINS Opportunity Opportunity -Training the illiterate local into the IT field SAINS have a developed ‘right program’ to support and grow the use of ICT among communities in rural Sarawak using the current State ICT organizational infrastructure; and ultimately, better the lives of those living in rural ommunities through the use of ICT. With knowledge and skills well transferred, SAINS has potential IT gurus leading the IT world to the next level Opportunity –Expansion to other states 11 Divisions of SAINS all around Sarawak and still growing into new locations. SAINS recently signed an MOU with Multimedia University (MMU) to pave the way for greater collaboration between the two organ izations in the area of Medical Information Technology or Health Informatics. 3. 8. 6. SAINS Threat Threat – Challenges of external Market Growing outside the state of Sarawak and going global could pose few threats to SAINS as they will find it tough to respond to the challenges of the global market, changes, complexity and competitions. 3. 8. Applying Direct Policy Matrix This matrix measures the health of the market and their strength to pursue it. The results indicate the direction for future investment. The recommendation may be to invest, grow, harvest or divest. Looking at SAINS 5 porters, it is seen that the company having high entry barrier, few substitutes in Kuching, weak bargaining power of customer and low intensity of rivalry has therefore created an ideal attractive market. Also, with its Business strengths showed in the SWOT analyses and less weaknesses shows that SAINS business strength level is on a high side. Consequently, an analysis of SAINS position is on ‘Invest’ in view of the fact that there is high market attractiveness and high business strength. SAINS 5 porters SAINS transparency Product/ Services Quality Customer Loyalty Experience Fig 2. : Self-sketch on SAINS Direct Policy Matrix High GROW INVEST Market Attractiveness HARVEST DIVEST Low High Business Strength Low This conveys that those factors in ‘Invest’ are the ideal quadrant. SAINS strengths are focussed at a highly attractive market. It’s best advisable for SAINS to Invest their best resources in those parts which are in the inves t quadrant. Having established and operating for 20 years, SAINS must put more effort as to maintain and sustain experience which is an attribute that creates a competitive advantage over competitors. SAINS transparency lies in an uncomfortable quadrant of growth in the sense that its financial details are kept confidential with an attractive market potential but fails to exhibit the company’s confidence to the public and potential stockholders to see. SAINS customer loyalty needs an upgrade in order to be sustained since it lies in the harvest quadrant indicating high strength in a market but has lost its attractiveness in terms of future potential. Customers in this position may be loyal due to weak bargaining power and few substitutes. Therefore, it is recommended that SAINS increase customer loyalty not just to provide satisfaction but also benefits. 3. 9. Potential Strategic Challenge/Issues Every company begins with the intent of making revenue and gratifying consumer’s want but however some ignored issues or unchecked practices have placed them in a long run to failure. Despite SAINS leading power, the following are marketing issues it will face in the nearest future. From the above analysis, it’s clear what the future is likely to offer but the question lies on whether SAINS has seen ahead of this already? What have they done so far to prevent these marketing issues in the next 12-36 months? Decline due to less Advertising SAINS has less expression and communication as it does not advertise which is an advantage to its competitor’s. This is an issue because advertising is one of the many marketing tools that are used to attract attention of prospective customers to a business or its products or services. The more effective of an advertising campaign, the more customers it draws, and with greater frequency (Anthony Samuel, 2007). SAINS saves a lot of money by not advertising a cost which its competitors reclaim in the price of their services. It is well known that advertising helps a business to be more known and increases sales, then why haven’t SAINS taken it very severe? The sketch below shows SAINS lack of advertising future using the Product Life Cycle (PLC) Fig 2. 7: Self-sketch of PLC on SAINS lack of advertising Maturity Advertisement of competitors Unawareness by distant costumers New Kind of Customer Growth present Decline Future: Advertising in 12-36 months Limited advertising decrease demand, reduce markets and limit sales of existing products. Limited advertising in the long run hinders SAINS from generating new customers and entering into new markets. Advertising is helpful in introducing new products by creating awareness and gain their acceptance. With limited advertising, SAINS would be unable to inform consumers about any new development in product and services thus quelling customer’s interest and persuasion. Consequently, limited advertising will gradually reduce the level of awareness and acceptance as it limits the chances of persuading and getting customers interested in their service. Poor productivity due to poor Employee morale A company’s success frequently depends on the performance of the employee, and performance appraisal of employee should be conducted regularly which will lead to improvement of work quality. When employees are not recognized and valued by SAINS, the employee’s morale becomes low resulting in high employee turnover cost thus leading SAINS into low productivity. By implication therefore, if employees are dissatisfied, there would be a drop in their level of productivity as well as that of the organization which is not profitable for the latter. High Employee turnover cost SAINS stands the chance of losing their employees in the next 12-36 months to another company especially for those workers after intrinsic motivation. This in return would incur more expenses on SAINS such as training expenses and hiring of new employees. In addition to this high turnover does not allow for continuity and this can have negative effects on the SAINS performance. 3. 10. SAINS Marketing Objectives SAINS goal is to imagine, innovate and advance the quality of ICT software and services in the region. SAINS objectives to achieve this goal must point out the SMART criteria. In achieving these goals in passionate pursuit of excellence, SAINS has to develop an increase awareness strategy of 40% via advertising in the next 12 months. From fig (2. 2) indicates SAINS potential decline due to limited advertising. This will boost up awareness and recognition from the public at large. Malaysia being a mixed economy, give SAINS more privilege to involve the government and major multimedia corporations to promote their awareness plan through advertising. This could be done by appointing recommended and experienced people with good skills in advertising and designing. This awareness should be conveyed through posters, TV, radio and Press editorial. SAINS has to extend Staffing and Training program to 2% in the next 12 months since they are dealing with servicing clients which are People and considered a crucial aspect. The employees have to get full understanding and agreement on where SAINS is aiming to go. This could be done as on-the-job training which would be supervised by SAINS superiors or managers. SAINS should further their Customer loyalty to 3% so as to meet up with clients expectations thus encouraging customers complaint which serves as a service providers barometer. This is required so they can put at ease and give explanation to client complains and reduce the chances of them complaining to someone else with appropriate corrective action to prevent a recurrence. SAINS aims to achieve a market share of 30% by 2012. This action must be carried out by changing price or offering incentives to customer. This means that every month market share targets can be measured against SAINS goals. Advertisement has to be measured from the very beginning. In measuring and recording advertisement effectiveness, SAINS must ensure that every enquiry is greeted at some stage with question ‘How did you find us? ’ or ‘How did you hear about us? ’ TV or radio advertisement can be measured via the use of unique phone number, special offers or reference to a specific department to call for information. Again, when those calls come, SAINS call centre must be prepared to record the information so results could be tallied for the particular spot. Increase employees Hierarchy of needs to 5%. This builds motivational plans of satisfying and reaching their employees needs while at the same time attaining their desired goals. It will be difficult for SAINS to achieve its goals if employees are less motivated. This could be done by increasing Job security, encouraging employees to have a sense of achievement and recognition. According to Maslow (1943) all employees that have job satisfaction are high performers in their respective. Also, Public relation effort could be measured by the number of article written about SAINS in newspaper and magazines. This can be done in 12 months time with government budget allocated to SAINS, their resources with 11 branches and 3 major subsidiaries in Sarawak. It must be noted that a plan will not happen by itself, thus SAINS manager need to be responsible for monitoring progress and following up on overdue activities. Better R;D and innovation is required to strengthen the effectiveness and capability for SAINS to easily sustain in the market through increased quality control and de-risking. 3. 11. 7. Assumption SAINS has plans of uniqueness and being the preferred IT providers in Kuching. With this in mind, they hope to expand awareness, sending the right accepted message to the potential clients in many ways freely available than before. This will increase their market share from 15% to 30% all over their Sarawak branches if advertisement remains constant. Indonesia having a total population of 238million people will eventually become the sole profitability of SAINS by year 2014 since Indonesia is a country that is blessed with incredible mineral riches, such as copper and gold mines but are not well endowed with advance technology like that which SAINS has to offer. With a good assumption that economic condition remains balanced, SAINS will be able to leverage its business insights and technological capabilities to drive innovation in business models and across customers, markets and channels in order to create growth and sustainable advantage. SAINS strategy evident improvement will attract competitors into imitating new product and services before the end of the first year. 3. CHAPTER THREE 4. 11. ANSOFF MATRIX The Ansoff matrix outlines the options that SAINS has if they are willing to grow, improve profitability and revenue. Fig 3. 1: Ansoff Matrix Market Penetration Product Development Market Development Diversification Existing Product New Product Existing Market New Market Market Penetration Market penetration occurs when a company penetrates a market with its current products. It is important to note that the market penetration strategy begins with the existing customers of the organization (Ansoff, 1957). SAINS can apply this strategy is to increase sales without wandering from the original product market strategy. This is done by gaining competitors customers, improving customer relationship and convincing current customers to use more of the company’s product, with the use of marketing communications tools like advertising. It is necessary that SAINS abide to this strategy because retaining existing customers is cheaper than attracting new ones. The outcomes of the quality of relationship interactions are satisfaction, profitability, and positive evaluations of service provider, intentions to generate referrals, and the ability to compromise or bargain fairly (P. , Sorce. 2002). This is why SAINS ought to engage in relationship marketing activities to retain their high lifetime value customers. Interpersonal customer relationship must be present between SAINS and their clients and personal customers. SAINS tries to maintain relationship with their customers through their 24 hour call centre service. However, they can also improve relationships with customers through the introduction sales force automation, personalizing a web site experience; and lastly, direct mail. Market Development In this section, SAINS has to find new markets for its existing IT product and services. This could be done by identifying users of different market such as IT students in a new geographic market with similar needs of existing customers. Also, SAINS can create a new use of their multi-media production by working alongside with major film producers and sponsoring Malaysia international movies. 4. 12. SAINS Marketing Mix The marketing mix increases the three drivers of market share which are share of preference, share of voice and share of distribution. From these drivers, SAINS market share can be increased by changing the variables of the marketing mix. Product / service Product / service are asset for any organization that can make or break the company’s revenue situation at least in the short run. Therefore success of the product is very important. SAINS offer wide range of IT services to all its clients both the Sarawak government and its publics. SAINS have a great quality of uniqueness in their service packages ranging from all types of IT service. Despite these good attributes, SAINS also can integrate its activities by signed contracts it has with few technology and software producing companies like HP, Cisco, Microsoft and Oracle. With this they will have a competitive edge over its rivalries. Furthermore, with an experienced and resourceful management team, SAINS can build a track record of achievement dedicated towards producing enterprising solutions and services for its clients. The firm can also provide other advanced IT solutions to always stay strong in the industry by improving the performance, quality ; reliability of its clients’ businesses through designing, developing, deploying and integration of other necessary high tech custom-made application systems. With more focus on continuous research and development, SAINS will be able to come up with better products/solutions to meet the ever changing needs of their clients in a fast and advancing information and communication technology industry. Promotion Promotion represents all of the communications that a marketer may use in the marketplace. Promotion has three distinct elements: advertising, public relations and sales promotion. Developing a strong relationship with their customers and understanding their business objectives and IT needs are principles the company carry from day one. SAINS focus on developing and retaining its relationship with their customers by adding value through a comprehensive understanding of our customers’ current business needs and future direction. SAINS initiates ICT camp for students in Limbang. The 3-day ICT camp is a platform to create awareness among the younger generation on the importance of ICT in daily life. With a combination of lectures, demonstrations, group case studies and quizzes, students are exposed to ICT tools and software resources. The organizers hope that the event would also draw interested parties such as government bodies, corporate bodies and local network-groups to join in the campaign to promote and source funding for ICT development and organize more ICT programs in the rural area of Sarawak. Furthermore, In order to maintain its strong imagine as the leading ICT Company in Sarawak Malaysia, SAINS need to promote its services through online presence such as Advertising through Face-book, Yahoo, and Twitter. SAINS can delve into sponsoring Malaysian international Film and Festivals. They can also promote its services through media by using popular celebrities such as â€Å"Lee Chong Wei† as their spokesperson. This will help to boost the image of the company. SAINS needs to implement Discount strategies such as giving 10% discounts to its customers. This will be a great advantage to the company, because such discounts will attract new customers to the company and such strategy will help them gain more edge over its competitors. Price Price is an important component in consumers’ assessment of value. Consumers often seek reasonable cost in relation to quality. Low QUALITY High Low PRICE High Fig 3. 2: Price Strategies Matrix ECONOMY SKIMMING PENETRATION SAINS PREMIUM SAINS charge their price for each service based on the hours spent in developing each client’s software and also networking and data based installations. SAINS can implement a differentiation strategy and focus more on innovation and quality. This brings out the uniqueness of their services which justifies SAINS premium prices. Premium pricing is used where a substantial competitive advantage exists. However, SAINS needs to take advantage of its new technologies and high cash flow by giving Penetration prices for new products. This will help them have a more market dominance over its competitor and a more reliable and constant customer. Place In recent years, SAINS has extended its reach to all part or Malaysia by opening offices within Sarawak to make their offices available to all. In good implementation of creating recognition and aim of becoming a global I. T company, in 2005, SAINS established its presence in Brunei Darussalam partnering with a prominent local IT service provider known as Zimac Silicon Technologies thus expanding more opportunities and giving rise to new valued clients. However, operating in prominent parts of Sarawak and moving into Brunei is not enough to envision, innovate and advance the quality of SAINS IT software and services in the region. SAINS will have to look in to moving in to countries with potentials like Indonesia, Philippine, Vietnam, and India. Moving into these countries will help SAINS attain recognition in Asia and gradually around the world yielding to higher revenue. SAINS could exploit the advantage of cheap labour in Vietnam and India, providing their unique and core services to foreign Multi-National Corporation needing secured assistance with their business operation. Also, SAINS should begin an E-online customer blog, where customer feedbacks and complains along with open inquiries can be seen and accessed. This will also help in measuring market share and business strategies which are of more or less importance to clients. People People are the most important element of SAINS services as they are the customers, investors which are required to make profit. SAINS has to bear in mind that since People deal with sensitive human views, SAINS services, attitude, skills and appearance of staff has to be first class. Since customers love doing business with friendly people, SAINS should get to know their customers closely. One of the best ways of building such close relationship between SAINS and its customers is to impress and show them unconditional attention giving them a phone call even after their sales had been made. Also with good warranty, Customers are more secure on a company’s services. In making improvement on adding value, SAINS has to upgrade their training and development skills of training and customer services. Every new individual working for SAINS must undergo training to be acquainted with policies and approaches to deal with customers. For an achieving company such as SAINS, ‘Off the job’ is most suitable. Attitude is very crucial as the way customer complaint is handled determines whether the customer is retained or loosed or even jeopardizing SAINS image as an IT service company. | Jan| Feb| Mar| Apr| May| Jun| Jul| Aug| Sep| Oct| Nov| Dec| Cash Flows| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| Salaries/Wages| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. 5mil| 2. mil | Payroll Taxes| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| Bonus| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200| 3,200 | Primary Research| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| Advertising| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| 12,500| Websites| 1,500| __| __| __| __| 1,500| __| __| __| __| __| 1,500| Events| __| __| __| 115,000| 111,000| __| 70,000| __| __| __| __| __| Customer loyalty| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| 29,166| Training/Development| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| Telephone| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| Electricity| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| Rent | 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| Internet| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800 | Water| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000 | Govt Revenue. | 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil | Services Revenue| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 1mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| 1. 91mil| Sales Revenue| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| 1. 47 M| BUDGET AND FINANCIAL FORECAST FOR NEXT 3 YEARS TABLE 3. 1: ACTUAL OPERATIONAL BUDGET OF SAINS (RM) FOR THE YEAR 2011 TABLE 3. 2: PROJECTED OPERATIONAL BUDGET SAINS (RM) FOR THE YEAR 2012 | Jan| Feb| Mar| Apr| May| Jun| Jul| Aug| Sep| Oct| Nov| Dec| Cash Flows| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| RM| Salaries/Wages| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. 7mil| 2. mil| Payroll Taxes| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| 1 mil| Bonus| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| 4,000| Primary Research| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| 41,667| Advertising| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| 13,500| Websites| 1,500| __| __| __| __| 1,500| __| __| __| __| __| 1,500| Events| __| __| __| 115,000| 111,000| __| 70,000| __| __| __| __| ___| Customer loyalty| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000| 30,000 | Training/Development| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| 25,000| Telephone| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| 10,000| Electricity| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| 9,000| Rent | 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| 7,000| Internet| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800| 2,800 | Water| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000| 1,000 | Govt Revenue| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil| 10 mil | Services Revenue| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M| 1. 97 M | Sales Revenue| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| 1. 57 M| TABLE 3. 3: TOTAL PROJECTED BUDGET OF SAINS (RM) | 2012| 2013| 2014| Cash Outflows| RM| RM| RM| | | | | Salaries/wages| 30,200,000| 30,400,000| 30,600,000| Payroll Taxes| 3,200,000| 3,400,000| 3,600,000| Bonus | 12,080,000| 12,160,000| 12,240,000| Primary Research | 500,100| 450,000| 300,000| Advertising | 162,000| 152,000| 142,000| Websites | 4,500| 3,500| 2,500| Events | 296,000| 196,000| 96,000| Customer loyalty | 330,000| 270,000| 240,000| Training/ Development| 300,000| 290,000| 280,000| Telephone| 120,000| 120,000| 120,000| Electricity| 108,000| 108,000| 108,000| Rent | 84,000| 84,000| 84,000| Internet| 33,650| 33,652| 33,653| Water| 12,005| 12,010| 12,015| | | | | Total Cash Outflows| RM 47,430,255| RM 47,679,162| RM 47,858,168| | | | | Cash Inflows| 2012| 2013| 2014| | RM| RM| RM| Govt. Revenue| 10,000,000| 10,000,000| 10,000,000| Sales Revenue| 18,955,900| 19,050,500| 19,100,000| Services Revenue| 23,670,550| 24,670,550| 25,670,550| Total Cash Inflows| RM 52,626,450| RM 53,721,050| RM 54,770,550| TABLE 3. 4: INCOME STATEMENT | 2012| 2013| 2014| | RM| RM| RM| Revenue| | | | Govt. Revenue| 10,000,000| 10,000,000| 10,000,000| Sales Revenue| 18,955,900| 19,050,500| 19,000,000| Services Revenue| 23,670,550| 24,670,550| 25,670,550| | | | | Total Revenue| RM 52,626,450| RM 53,721,050| RM 54,670,550| | | | | Expenses| | | | Salaries/wages| 30,200,000| 30,400,000| 30,600,000| Payroll Taxes| 3,200,000| 3,400,000| 3,600,000| Bonus | 12,080,000| 12,160,000| 12,240,000| Primary Research | 500,100| 450,000| 300,000| Advertising | 162,000| 152,000| 142,000| Websites | 4,500| 3,500| 2,500| Events | 296,000| 196,000| 96,000| Customer loyalty | 330,000| 270,000| 240,000| Training/ Development| 300,000| 290,000| 280,000| Telephone| 120,000| 120,000| 120,000| Electricity| 108,000| 108,000| 108,000| Rent | 84,000| 84,000| 84,000| Internet| 33,650| 33,652| 33,653| Water| 12,005| 12,010| 12,015| | | | | Total Expenses| RM 47,430,255 | RM 47,679,162| RM 47,858,168 | | | | | Net Income| RM 5,196,195| RM 6,041,888| RM 6,912,382| Fig 3. 3: SAINS 3 Years Income Forecast CHAPTER FOUR 4. RECOMMENDATION It’s apparent that SAINS has a firm financial resource through the next three years. However, for SAINS to survive and make increased revenue by 2014, its services have to go beyond threshold capabilities and emerge into more uniqueness. SAINS core competences can increase by applying VRIO framework (G. Johnson, et al. 2005) Value SAINS pursuit of happiness, trust in people and customer orientation has succeeded in developing financial and human resources which can be used to utilize its external opportunities having a good connection to Sarawak government. Nevertheless, SAINS must meet up to the demand of Kuching customers. Rarity The support and rapport SAINS share with the government body is a rare advantage. This alone challenges SAINS to be more flexible and savvier in innovations. SAINS must ensure that their services are rare with distinctive codes of superiority. Imitable SAINS should ensure that their services are inimitable or expensive to imitate. SAINS could go further into producing services that meets customer’s dependent needs. They must keep competitors naive on their next moves. SAINS can shift their pricing strategy mix more from ‘Premium’ to ‘Penetration’ thus reducing price and increasing cost of imitation to competitors. Organizational Knowledge With experience over the years, SAINS must be able to sense changes in the environment both internally and externally. They must be updated with their software and technical services. This will make the company more built as creativity spreads and knowledge broadens among workers. 5. CONCLUSION The antidote to complexity is transparency. High uncertainty avoidance may arise for SAINS where customers cannot tell the difference between those organisations which can meet their financial obligations and those which cannot. SAINS must bear in mind that the initial remedy to future crises is greater transparency in the form of stronger reporting requirements to the public. SAINS meeting up the satisfaction of both their customers and employees will increase their level of performance which would help attain their long term goals. How to cite Situational Analysis, Essay examples

Cyber Security Essay Example For Students

Cyber Security Essay From social networks to online banking, today the Internet has penetrated into our lives and activities. In addition to computers and laptops, we connect smart phones, tablets, refrigerators, televisions and many other portable devices to the World Wide Web. The speech about the importance of the Internet nowadays calls for knowing as much as possible about cyber security. Cyber security is a state of protection of information that the individual, society and the state need. It ensures its existence and progressive development, regardless of the presence of internal and external information threats. It is necessary to find the right ways to protect our privacy when we are online. Many people think that cybersecurity is an illusion, and it is impossible to be protected now because sites collect confidential information so subtly that we do not even know what they know. This may be so, but this uncertainty is another reason to keep your privacy and avoid the leakage of personal data on the Internet. Is there something we can do to be more secure when surfing on the Internet, besides, do not show your passwords, or do not provide a lot of personal information? Update The best protection against viruses is not anti-virus protection, but timely software update. After all, its developers are monitoring possible threats and trying to protect their products with innovations. Therefore, when the device offers updates do not ignore it. Checking sites It is strongly recommended not to enter personal information (login, password, phone number or payment card) to requests of unverified sites. Such data can be provided only to those resources that have already passed your verification, or to well-known networks (for example, Google, Facebook, your blogs on information resources, etc.). And yet always check the name of the site in the address bar of the browser (www.google.com and not www.goolge.com). You can enter information from payment cards or passwords from them only on sites with a lock  icon in the address bar. Such a connection is considered protected, and your data will not fall into the hands of unauthorized persons Phishing Recently, such type of fraud as phishing has become popular. The purpose of phishing is to gain access to the users confidential information (logins, passwords, payment card data, etc.). Phishing messages, as a rule, come to e-mail and prompt for immediate action, leaving no time for reflection. Fraudulent messages most often come from well-known brands, friends or banks and affect the emotional perception of information. They can: trigger an alarm for the state of their bank accounts; promise cash benefits with the application of minimal efforts (lottery, a message about a possible unexpected inheritance, etc.); offer financial transactions with incredibly favorable conditions; call for donations after news of natural disasters or something or appeal to your charity, offering to help sick children. Phishing can use not only the sending of letters to e-mail addresses but also online ads, search engine results, simulation of pop-up windows with system messages, SMS messages disseminating information in social networks. Password As a conclusion, do not forget about the password.   A secure password is the first guarantee that your personal information is under a secure lock. It must be complex, and it shouldn’t contain personal data. Passwords for important resources need to be changed at least once in 3 months. If you have a lot of passwords for different resources, write them down or use password-storing applications, for example, KeePass.

Chemistry Investigation Essay Example

Chemistry Investigation Essay The aim of this experiment is to investigate what affects the rate of reaction between Sodium Thiosulphate and Hydrochloric Acid. This is the Formula; Sodium Hydrochloric Sodium Sulphur Thiosulphate + Acid = Chloride + Sulphur + Dioxide + Water We will write a custom essay sample on Chemistry Investigation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Chemistry Investigation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Chemistry Investigation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Planning: My experiment could go wrong in several ways if I didnt have safety in perspective. These include * Wearing safety goggles as chemicals are being heated as they could spit or splash out of the test tubes and go into your eyes and possibly blind you. * Have ties/hair hidden as Bunsen burners are being used and hair could be singed etc. * Have bags under bench as glass, and hot chemicals are being transported around and chemicals could be spilt on someone or glass could break and someone could fall on to it. * Wiping spills up as someone can slip on the chemical and hurt himself or herself or anyone who is near. * The acids are corrosive and so you need to take care when handling and be careful so no acid goes onto your skin. * Breakages must be notified as someone unaware of the breakage may hurt himself or herself on it. * Using tongs when holding hot glass/chemicals as you may burn yourself or drop a container containing acid. To make this a fair test I will, make sure all of my apparatus is rinsed thoroughly, I will do this because it will remove any particles off previous experiments so the correct concentration and amount of particles will be the same for each experiment, I will make sure that I have the right (same) volumes of liquids for each experiment, I will try and keep the reacting solution as still as possible as this may give rise to any collisions not made by the solution itself which would speed up the reaction, and I will heat the same liquid. I predict that when the temperature increases then the rate of reaction will also increase. I think this because, when the temperature increases, the particles of the liquid would move faster and cause more collisions. So, when the temperature increases, there is more kinetic energy, so there are more collisions and these collisions succeed to react as they have more energy than the activation energy. When the temperature decreases, there will be less kinetic energy so there are less collisions and these collisions fail to react as they have less energy than the activation energy. For my experiment I chose the mixture 10 ml Acid, 10 ml Sodium Thiosulphate and 15 ml water. I chose this mixture because, when I would heat this then the time it gave wouldnt be too slow or too fast. It gave a fair length of time so a good graph can be made from it. The activation energy can be shown in this simple diagram. This diagram clearly shows that when the particles have no or less than the activation energy then, there is no reaction but when they have more energy than the activation energy, then there are reactions. Preliminary Work: I am going to obtain a number of results to find out which is the best concentration of Sodium Thiosulphate, Hydrochloric Acid and Water. Sodium Thiosulphate (cm3) Water (cm3) Acid (cm3) Time (s) 25 0 10 1.21 20 50 10 1.42 15 10 10 2.55 *10 *15 *10 *3.18 5 20 10 4.14 I decided to use a concentration of 10ml of Sodium Thiosulphate, 15ml of water, and 10ml of Acid. I chose this because this has a decent time of reaction at room temperature and when it is heated up it will still be measurable. I think that this wont get too fast or too slow and it will give a good set of results. Obtaining Evidence Results: Temperature (*c) Time(s) Rate (S-1) 20*c 223 4.48 40*c 52 19.23 60*c 20 50.00 80*c 16 62.53 100*c 12 83.33 Back Up Results: These were taken off a computer. When the light shines through the conical flask, which has Sodium Thiosulphate and Hydrochloric Acid inside it. The light that passes through the substance is picked up by the light sensor. We stopped the experiment when the sensor picked up 70% of the light. You can see this on this diagram. You can see the light sensor underneath the conical flask and the lamp above the flask. The light sensor picks up the light coming through the reacting substance. This acts just the same as my original experiment. Backup Results: Temperature (c) Light Intensity Time(s) Rate (S-1) 10 70.0 132 7.58 20 70.0 86 11.63 30 70.0 65 15.38 40 69.8 60 16.67 50 70.0 41 24.39 60 69.8 31 32.26 70 70.0 28 35.71 80 69.8 22 45.45 To work out rate, we took 1000 and divided it by the time leaving me with the rate. Method: For my experiment I am going to * Collect my apparatus, (listed below) and arrange it as shown below. * I will collect 10ml of Sodium Thiosulphate and Hydrochloric Acid and 15ml of Water so it totals to 35cm3. * I will then pour the Hydrochloric Acid into a 100cm3 conical flask. After this I will put the conical flask onto a gauze and tripod and heat it with a Bunsen burner until I get it as close to the desired temperature as possible. * I then take the temperature (either 20,40,60,80,100*c) on a 0-100*c thermometer and put the conical flask on top of a black cross on white paper. I will do this quickly so as little heat as possible is lost. * I will next add the Sodium Thiosulphate and water. * I am going immediately time this with a stop clock. * I will keep looking over the top of the conical flask so this experiment is fair and as soon as the cross has disappeared I will stop the clock. * I am going to make a note of these times. * After the experiment has finished completely then I will rinse my apparatus thoroughly to remove any excess particles and keep the experiment as fair as possible. I will repeat this experiment 5 or more times so any anonymous results will show up. * I will do this at 20,40,60,80,100*c each these temperatures wont be exact as human error will prevent 100% accuracy. * Then, Ill plot a graph showing the speed of reaction with mixture. Apparatus: * A burette, to measure the liquids accurately * 3 X 25ml beakers for all of the different mixtures * A stop clock to time this experiment accurately for finally plotting on a graph. * A conical flask to finally mix all the mixtures together. * A heatproof mat * A Bunsen burner to heat a chosen mixture. * Gauze to rest the chosen substance on whilst heating. Analysing Evidence: I have found out that when the temperature is increased then the rate of reaction also increased. Also when there is more water added then the time it takes to react is much slower. My original prediction was that when the temperature increased then the rate of reaction would decrease. I know this because, when the temperature decreased the time it takes for the reaction to take place increased and when the temperature increased the time it takes to react decreased. e.g. Temperature (*c) Time(s) Rate (S-1) 10*c 134 7.46 100*c 12 83.33 My results also prove my scientific explanation as when the temperature increased, the time decreased and the rate increased. This shows that when the temperature increased the time it took for the reaction to take place also decreased. This shows that more reactions took place in a shorter time so my theory of temperature increase time decrease was correct. Evaluating Evidence On my graphs on the backup results there seems to be an anonymous result on both graphs. I took repeat readings in-case I didnt rinse my apparatus as well, and remaining particles were still in the flask I was using, which would have affected my results. I think my experiment went quite well overall. My range of values were very satisfying as I took a number of readings which show the rule of when the temperature is increased then the rate of reaction is also increased. If I did this experiment again I would change the amount of time I took for getting my temperatures more accurate.

The Apathy of Generation X Essays - Elections, Ross Perot, Bob Dole

The Apathy of Generation X Essays - Elections, Ross Perot, Bob Dole The Apathy of Generation X Subject: Political Science Title: The Apathy of Generation X For the past 25 years it has been wondered why the young people of America have shared the same apathetic attitude towards politics as the older generation of Americans. Indeed, the issues concerning young voters are just as important as those concerning older voters. Why the newest voters choose to abstain their right has long been studied. While it has been proven that the vote of young people can make or a break an election, most candidates are reluctant to relate themselves to young people. When that Tuesday in November comes, young people choose not be heard, assuring themselves future neglect by the part of elected officials. There are reasons that young people do not vote, or get involved in political actions. They range from apathy to just plain not having enough time. One of the larger reasons is that most candidates are much older then those 18-25. This would put the generation gap in between candidates and the youthful voters. A 19 year old Trinity College student remarks about Bob Dole, I think he is making himself look older by speaking about certain issues we (young people) can not relate to. When asked to give an example the student stated, "he made a reference to World War I, I thought he was going to say he fought in that one too!" (www.mtv.com/chooseorlose). While Bob Dole is a isolated instance, many youthful voters feel that there is a ever growing distance between them and the older generations. Another reason that young people are turning away is lack of education towards politics. While this could be said for any age group, it seems to be more prevalent in younger people. The lifestyle of younger people does not allow for a everyday exposure to politics as those of a older generation. Thomas Banks, a 19 year old student, when asked why he was not watching the 1992 Presidential Debates responded, "I guess because I don't really see what's going on at college. I feel pretty isolated. It doesn't seem as important to me as studying. I guess". Although not in a career yet, the life of a student is proving to be just as busy as those in the older generations. People in the full time labor are not the only ones who can use a hassle-full life as an excuse not to get involved. There is another major reason that young people feel isolated and set apart from the political world. For those who take the time to educate themselves, and to participate in what activities they can; they soon find that the major candidates have paid little, if any attention to the issues that effect young people the most. Chris Weinkopf, associate editor of National Review, when speaking about how Bill Clinton and Bob Dole are talking to young voters said, "I think both of them are really just paying lip service to young people in the way they address issues" (www.mtv.com/issues.html). When young voters make themselves heard in an election, they can turn the outcome like no other age group can. Even with minimal turn-out on the part of 18-25 year olds. Elections have been won or lost because of who young people do or do not support. In 1992, 50% of registered voters under the age of 30 turned out to vote. In that election, Bill Clinton received 50% of the under 30 vote (Bush received 30%, Perot 20%). Clintons 20% margin of victory in the young people vote was his largest in any age group and may have very well put him in the White House. Since John Andersons independent run at the White House in 1980, young people have been the strongest supporters for those outside the two party system. Now in 1996, even though Ross Perot has a dismal 5% overall, his support amongst the younger voters is in the double digits. There are many things that will make young people get involved. The biggest thing that gets the attention of youthful voters is the same thing that gets the attention of older voters, money. When the financial status of a young person is threatened, they are more likely to get involved in political activities. Issues such as student loans, tax cuts, minimum wage and Pell Grant minimums are issues that turn the heads of younger voters. Other issues that effect young people and make them get involved include birth control, use of tobacco products and A.I.D.S. research to name a few more. In 1991, Montanas state Legislature enacted a unique referendum.

PERSONAL STATEMENTS FOR TEACHER TRAINING APPLICATION Statement

STATEMENTS FOR TEACHER TRAINING APPLICATION - Personal Statement Example I was initially enthused to pursue teaching in my work experience at XXXX, after completing my A†levels. I was guided by an enthusing primary school teacher who totally included me in helping the children with their writing and reading skills along with Mathematics. Since November 2013, I have volunteered three days every week at YYYY, which has made me more experienced in classroom†based teaching. I usually work together with the class teacher in organizing the class for activities, listening while children read, along with supporting pupils of lower ability. This made me understand the significance of differentiation in planning a lesson and how it is should be run. I have taken part in coming up with Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for pupils encouraging them to learn and personally structuring their learning as per their explicit needs. Moreover, I am extending my various teaching methods like listening exercises, starters, poster making, games, debates, quizzes, and workbooks. To inspire pupils in their learning I have invented some games as well as assessment sheets together with preparing my individual lessons. This year I am overseeing a pupil with Aspergers syndrome during break and lunch times. This chance has been rewarding, helping me to attain a wider perspective on primary school experiences, provide additional support as well as learn new behaviour management techniques. I am through with a two†week experience at this school in June 2014 where I got experience in Key Stage 1 and 2 classroom for two weeks. This enabled me to interact with as well as support children in a diverse range of abilities, lessons, as well as activities and provide them with suitable feedback including targets and rewards. I feel that my degree in history would be appropriate. It is not just an academically hard subject but it assisted me to develop several transferable skills such as the ability to construe and clarify intricate information,

Islam and Muslims in the western Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Islam and Muslims in the western Media - Essay Example Muslim community sees western Media as a representative of America and its European friendly member countries as enemies by and large. Although there have been independent Muslim bodies like the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), which is although not an incorporated association, founded in 1997 yet one can fathom its importance when its Secretary General, Iqbal Sacranie was awarded a knighthood in the 2005 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for the services he rendered to the Muslim community and inter-religious talks. In this regard, it is worth noting the comments of Sunny Hundal, editor of Asians in Media – an online media and current affairs magazine – â€Å"Dump the media circus,† instigating media not to propagate the boycott of MCB on Holocaust Memorial, explaining "The MCB actually enjoys this controversy and the stance it takes because it helps maintain credibility with extremist supporters who think everything is a big 'Zionist conspiracy'ï â€º....ï  It also diverts attention from their own lack of power and influence". On the other hand, the Islamic world due to its poor performance in foresight and clarity of thought becomes a soft target by western journalists although vast population and natural resources of Islamic countries are quite enough to make them a formidable world power. In his book – Islam In the Age of Western Media – Akbar S Ahmed writes on Islam And The West: Confrontation or Consensus? – blaming western media of labeling Islamic countries as â€Å"an arc of crisis† or â€Å"an Islamic crescent of crisis,† referring it as a â€Å"journalistic clichà ©Ã¢â‚¬ . This enmity of western media towards Islamic world gives a negative impression of two so-called infamous â€Å"Oriental prejudices† as called by Akbar S Ahmed, namely instable political scenario and ill-treatment of women in Islam by its male counterparts.

The Demise of Colonial Education Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Demise of Colonial Education - Article Example The first thing that must be understood is how relevant this system of education to the political agenda of the countries asserting their independence. One thing that must be understood is that education is a tool to open the eye about the problems of the world and look for the solutions that are feasible and reasonable. However, this system of education by the colonizers became a tool to forward the deplorable political agenda and harsh practices by the Western powers in very problematic situations. Certain problems that occurred in these colonized systems of education. In Africa back then, education has been focused on the development of family and civilization. This would then result into the development of social roles that is being realized by the kids that complement the lifestyle of the particular group he or she belongs to. However, the advent of the colonized education not only distorted these notions of the family and other socialization processes but have forwarded Western Ideals and the religions, later on turning the system of education as a tool to serve the interests of the colonizer and the missionaries being supportive of the said colonial regime. How underdevelopment happens here? One thing that must be understood as well is that the concentration of education in cities has attracted people to acquire this certain education. In this case, people in the rural areas, wherein most of the economic activity of the African nations is being abandoned.  

Measurement Take Off Works Techniques

Measurement Take Off Works Techniques 1. A new trainee Quantity Surveyor has been provided for you by your Senior Quantity Surveyor and asks you to train him and get his assistant for your work. Now you are planning to give him measurement take off works. Before giving, instruct him by demonstrating the different ways of using measurement in your day to day work and explain how the technique differs according to situations on a construction project. (P1.1) BUDGET If we are going to start our work, first we need to know about the client’s budget. So the first step of a construction is client went to an architect and he/ she gives hoe much of land the client have and what type of building the client need and what are the functional going to happen in that building in future. So the architect will gathered the client’s information’s and the architect will produce some of the design in his mind. So this time is the budget will become a valuable thing. The architect needs to know about the client’s budget. So this times the client and architect coming to the QUANTITY SURVEYOR. This time the QS get the designs and he will calculate the estimated budget or cost to that designs. Than the client can check these designs and the costs of the project and he/she can decide which design will suitable for his/her budget. Like these situations we need to ask the client’s budget and we need to consider about the cost making process. COST CHECKING The next step is cost checking. Sometimes the budget of the client will higher than our estimated cost and sometimes lowers than our cost. So the cost checking will very useful in this situation. In this case if the budget of the project is higher than clients budget we can give some ideas to the client. For an example we can deduct one room or the size of the room. So the cost can change. Sometimes the budget of the client will higher than our cost. In these cases we can give some ideas about the additional works like we can put a roof top garden or add a bathroom for the visitors separately. BOQ (Bill of Quantity) Starting of an extend, foremans QS will need to plan BOQ with faultless estimation and assessing and afterward embed costs into the delicate archive which is given by private or open QS. There are two sorts of agreement record which are bump entirety contract and BOQ contract. Knot entirety contract is the agreement record involves a BOQ without amounts. Thus, the QS will need to do his own particular estimation focused around the drawings and afterward turn out with faultless amounts. BOQ contract implies the agreement archive involve BOQ with amounts. Along these lines, the QS simply need to do estimating for those archives. INTERIM VALUATION Interim valuation method is the like a installment system. We can give some installment paying methods to the client. For example we can ask little much of amount before the site clearance and after finishes of the we ask little much of amount for the foundation process. QS Will plan between time costing to customers QS so that the builder can learn of his money related position and make fitting move made when vital. Builders QS is in charge of caring for the money related enthusiasm of the foreman and work in conjunction with private practice on the planning of between time installments. FINAL ACCOUNT QS Will collecting information for the last record from the begin of the agreement to guarantee that it will be finished in all its perspectives and to give the foreman his legitimate qualification under the agreement. TASK 3 3. Since one of your colleagues is going on a sudden leave, you have to take over one of his urgent work. He has been preparing a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for a hotel project and now it is half way done. Now, you are requested to go through the BOQ, proof read it, make necessary modification make it ready to issue for the tender invitation on day after tomorrow. Even though BOQ is prepared and priced by the Quantity Surveying professionals, it is referred in different stages of the project by several parties such as, design (Consultant), production (Contractor) Maintenance (Facilities Management). Therefore, you have to modify the final BOQ in a way of understandable by all the parties involved. Assess the relationship between measurement such parties. (P1.2) THE DESIGN TEAM At its easiest level, configuration is a situated of arrangements and the procedure by which those arrangements are accomplished. Mechanical configuration is a fundamental piece of the more extensive thought of designing that brings a set of aptitudes, information and understanding to the creation and generation of valuable workmanship effects. Designing configuration learning is regularly implanted in people and hierarchical forms. That outline might be ordered into two sorts: radical and incremental. Radical outline may be considered a completely new idea, outlined sans preparation, starting from the earliest stage . By differentiation, incremental, or ordinary configuration, which is much more regular, takes up a large portion of the configuration time of architects and designing divisions. Typical outline includes delivering new or adjusted relics through the synthesis of off-the-rack innovations, and also minor progressions to existing advances. Outline is a multi-level and various leveled movement. While a few components of the outline process may be performed simultaneously, in different cases specialized demands imply that one thing isnt possible before an alternate. In the outline of complex items, for example, real designing builds, there have a tendency to be expansive quantities of moderate designing configuration assignments. One of the inquiries creators always face is whether measured, discrete segments might be planned autonomously of one another or whether interface instability and unpredictability mean that sub-frameworks need to be planned simultaneously and in connection to one another. Seclusion infers that suppliers will have the capacity to impart normal data and concentrate on their specific regions, as in the machine business where framework integrators, for example, Dell Machines, require not plan or make any of the part parts. For this situation, item architectures are partitioned into semi-autonomous modules which can later be connected to to make the machine framework. In different cases the degree for seclusion is more obliged due to the many-sided quality and iterative nature of the interfaces between segments. At the point when compelling, configuration can achieve a coupling between specialized conceivable outcomes and business sector requests and opportunities. For sure, different advancement studies have demonstrated that outline is regularly a key segment in deciding intensity. In assembling, a significant part of the quality included is presently spotted in outline rather than on the manufacturing plant floor. Configuration is accordingly critical, yet there are few investigations of execution estimation in building situations, and configuration exercises are seldom and inadequately measured. The point of execution estimation is to evaluate the adequacy of designing configuration practices and outline administration inside firms, or systems of firms (counting suppliers and clients) with a perspective to change. Execution estimation is the m ethodology of evaluating the proficiency and adequacy of activity . It typically includes the gathering of individual measures of execution and their mix into an execution estimation framework. A late overview of execution estimation among UK firms demonstrated that few firms have deliberate methodologies to execution estimation, however that formal frameworks were more significant than the typical casual routines ordinarily depended upon. Execution appraisal in assembling has generally centered on account, assembling, and 7 hierarchical estimations. Generally few measures really include outline and planners PRODUCTION TEAM A planner, structural and mechanical architects, a development foreman and many subcontractors, they all look the development process from their own particular perspective. As opposed to transitory nature of task groups, the business has some long and settled in customs. While each one venture is diverse, each undertaking is approached conservatively in methodology terms. Actually, there is no procedure see in average development task, while the undertaking is seen at the same time as autonomous venture stages and diverse performing artists with no regular objective. Focused offering is additionally profoundly established in development custom. The most minimal bidder gets the contract. The builder creates the item which is then reviewed. The task is incrementally acknowledged or rejected focused around conformance to specialized speculation. Different measures of execution which identify with the methodology itself are disregarded or in any event doled out to a removed optional posi tion of significance. In this circumstance the industry cannot keep doing what they have continuously improved and expect results. It need to also new process arranged methodologies to progress their operations. The procedure administration ideal model, concurring to which organizations ought to concentrate on and be sorted out around various center business forms, has been perceive to give critical focal points as far as enhanced hierarchical execution . TASK 4 4. since there are not enough drawing details on Services, your Senior Quantity Surveyor directs you to allow a provisional sum of Rs. 4,500,000.00 for the installment of Services. Explain the terms Prime Cost (PC) and Provisional Sums (PS) and elaborate on their usage. (P3.4) Add a provisional sum for the services bill as mentioned above in the BOQ you have prepared. PROVISIONAL SUM Produced similarly as New Class items above but are for work which cannot be accurately measured at the time of preparing the BOQ.This situation can happen due to incomplete information about the proposed work or in case whereby the extent of work cannot be fully determined until the work is completed. Such work will be subjected to re measurement after the work has been carried out. A temporary entirety is a remittance, generally evaluated by the expense specialist that is embedded into delicate archives for a particular component of the works that is not yet characterized in enough detail at tenderness to cost. This, together with a short depiction, permits tenderness to apply stamp up and participation costs inside their general delicate value and make remittance for the work in the agreement program. An illustration of a circumstance where a temporary aggregate may be suitable is when work is needed underneath a current structure, where the ground conditions cant be dead set until the current structure is obliterated and the ground opened up. Temporary totals could be characterized or unclear: Characterized temporary totals are considered to have been represented inside the builders value and system. In actuality the builder is taking the hazard that their evaluation will be sufficient. Vague temporary totals are not represented in the foremans value and system. This implies that the customer is taking the danger for the works and the builder may be qualified for an expansion of time and extra installments. Temporary totals are accommodated in diverse routes in distinctive manifestations of agreement, and a few types of agreement might be a bit unclear about how temporary entireties ought to be taken care of, specifically in regards to conformity to the system. Temporary totals put either the foreman or the customer at danger of startling expenses or deferrals. Concurring the expense of such work or expansions of time that may be guaranteed can bring about pressure between the builder and customer. Hence, they ought to just be utilized if all else fails, they ought not be a simple fall-back position for experts (who are not bearing any of the danger) when outlines are inadequate or data is hard to get. EXAMPLE:- Weaknesses might be a typical temporary thing. In the event that the builder experiences weaknesses at the structuring level in the framing tray which need to be uncovered out and refilled with granular sub base material before the way is constructed, they can summon the temporary things without expecting to arrange an agreement variety. In the event that no weaknesses are experienced then you get charged nothing whatsoever. PRIME COST NOMINATED CONTRACTORS In the construction process of a project the contractor is the main responsible person in the site. Sometimes the contactor will fix some SUB-CONTRACTORS to do some kind of works. But the sub contractor also works under the contractor in the selected site. Sometimes the client will recommend some parties to do some works. Some times that person is well known person for the client. This type of the person called nominated contractor. EMAMPLE:- THE CLIENT WILL APPOINT A SUB CONTRACTOR FOR DOING THE DOOR AND WIDOWS. BECAUSE THE CLIENT KNOW THE SUB CONTRACTORS. BECAUSE THE SUB CONTRACTOR WORKED BEFORE THE CLIENT’S BROTHERS HOUSE FOR FIXXING THE DOORS AND WINDOWS. THEY ARE VERY GOOD WORKERS TOO. SO THE CLIENT WILL RECOMMEND THIS PERSON TO DO THE DOOR WORK IN HIS HOUSE ALSO†¦ THE MAIN CONTRACTOR ALSO AGREED WITH THAT.BUT THE SALLARY FOR THE SUB-CONTRACTOR WILL CONTROL BY THE MAIN CONTRACTOR. THAT MEANS THE SUB CONTRACTOR ALSO CONTROLLED BY THE MAIN CONTRACTOR IN THE SELECTED SITE. So the sub contractor nominated by the client. But the sub contractors need to work under the main contractor for this project. TASK 5 5. Several forms of Bills of Quantities Contract Documents are used in Construction Industry. a. Analyze the different forms of BOQ and Contract Documents (P4.1) b. Determine the correct form of contract documentation for this project (P4.2) There are different styles of bills of quantities as follows: Trade Bill of Quantities Elemental Bill of Quantities Provisional Bill of Quantities Non-Specified Bill of Quantities Specified Bill of Quantities Builder’s Bill Operational Bill of Quantities ELEMENT BOQ The most widely recognized organization for a BOQ is an essential bill. Components of measured works are organized into arrangement that is clear and straightforward and cost at a settled cost contract (protuberance whole). The BQ might be disconnected effortlessly and rapidly with estimation and descriptions effectively assembled in the natural configuration. Under every component, the request of works for the most part takes after development succession e.g. site readiness lives up to expectations, waste works, earthworks, arrangement layer works, base layer works, surface layer works, and arranging works. TRADE BOQ The customary bill of amounts is orchestrated in exchange request. The request of exchange is regularly in the same request as the detail. Separated from being masterminded in exchange request, each one exchange has the office for every portrayal to be evaluated and totaled to give the aggregate expense of each one exchange. The aggregate exchange expense is then exchanged to a general synopsis to get the aggregate task cost. To have the capacity to allude to any segment in the bill of amounts, every depiction is given a different and unique reference. It is additionally typical practice for each one page to be numbered and named with the venture name and exchange. Provisional Bill of Quantities A bill of amounts containing temporary amounts and issued to tenders on the premise that the charged amounts will be balanced amid development where they vary from the genuine amounts, it is regularly utilized where the drawings and determination cant be settled before calling tenders Non-Specified Bill of Quantities As the name intimates, this archive contains just the things of work and their amounts as a standalone report differentiated from the particulars reports of these works. Specified Bill of Quantities The details are consolidated with the bill of amounts as preface notes and the bill of amounts portrayal. The amounts dont ordinarily structure piece of the agreement yet introductions and depictions are a piece of the agreement. It is Similar to the customary BOQ yet has the expansion of a short kind of particular included with each of the separated materials and work for every particular exchange. Additionally at the start of the Specification Bill are statements blanketing such things as: Notice to tenders General states of agreement Builder’s Bill This technique is utilized by manufacturers to get a fast guide or plan cost. It is focused around the value for every square meter (m2) of comparable sorts of work finished by the developer and is utilized primarily as a part of the Domestic Housing field. A comparative system utilizing the solid shape premise that is the cubic meter (m3) substance of the building is utilized for the Commercial and Industrial field. It must be accentuated that this system for computing is utilized absolutely as an aide or plan cost by the manufacturer. Operational Bill of Quantities Are a tendering archive for evaluating expenses arranged by engineers that depicts a development extend as far as the operations (which incorporate work and plant) required fabricating it. ADVANTAGES Differentiates the expenses of work, materials and plant along these lines empowering expense control Builds the exactness of assessing. Expenses could be identified with elements that specifically focus them, for example, general plant use. Permits the reuse of data made in assessing for venture administration. Empowers better estimation of variety in works. DISADVANTAGES Cumbersome and immoderate to create so expanding the work of the builders estimators. Profoundly changes the assessing methodology. Does not fit in with current contracts as to work variety. It needs machines to permit quick control of the information: this did not exist when it was initially proposed. The configuration group in charge of making the operational bill requires not be extremely acquainted with the construct capability issues as they influence the development process.

Oedipus The King Sophocles :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

THE GREEK THEATRE 2) Is Oedipus a Tragic Hero? Answer this question demonstrating specific understandings of the concepts of Tragedy and the Tragic Hero. In the Greek play, â€Å"King Oedipus† written by Sophocles, certain characteristics, which determine the traits of a tragic hero, reveal themselves as the play unfolds. These traits enable readers to enjoy a more enhanced reading of the play and also serve to evoke a particular response from the reader. Readers acknowledge that King Oedipus is a tragic hero because he is he is an important and influential man. He isn’t just looked up to because he’s the king; he is genuinely admired and respected from the people of Thebes who come to seek comfort and advice from Oedipus, the â€Å"wisest in the ways of the gods.† This is demonstrated in the opening of the play when King Oedipus appears and is concerned about what ‘his’ people are worried about. Readers acknowledge King Oedipus’ wisdom and love; â€Å"I would willingly do anything to help you.† Through this quote readers respond favorably towards this character as readers are aware that King Oedipus actually genuinely cares about his people and Thebes as he steps down from the throne and makes the effort to correspond with the people and get to the bottom of the dilemma. King Oedipus can also be classified as a tragic hero because he is not perfect but most certainly has tragic flaws, one of them being excessive hubris and self- righteousness and he refuses to believe anyone who doesn’t agree with himself. This is evident in the beginning of the play when Teiresias and Oedipus are debating about who killed Laios. Hence readers are aware through the following quote, â€Å"Do you think you can say such things with impunity?† that King Oedipus has a strong passion for the truth and high moral standards. As the play progresses further, King Oedipus’ hubris becomes more prominent as he is determined to find out about his birth no matter what the cost is. Oedipus’ search for the truth leads him to the discovery that he isn’t a â€Å"child of luck† but, â€Å"a man of misfortune† which of course horrifies him as he learns that at birth he was nailed to the top of a mountain top and was considered to be of low standing social class. King Oedipus’ pride seems to be more injured as he went to such great depths to discover the truth – only to discover that he was born of low class.

New businesses Essay

Consistent findings have imperatively indicated that the correlation between firm entry and survival is negative. Out of every one hundred new businesses introduced in the UK, 50 percent of them become obsolete before their third anniversary. Such high attrition levels are not only evident UK in alone but also in most modern economies and can be said to be a generic ‘rule of thumb’. Just why is it that so many nascent firms end up accomplishing little or nothing before they finally become extinct? Is it that their owners do not put enough efforts into the business development or are there other internal and external causes of this prevalent occurrence of business failure? Many theories have been put forth to explain the possible causes of the high rates of new business failure. It is not surprising that major diagnoses of the root causes of low survival rate in new businesses identify management inefficiency as one of the causes of the high attrition levels. Policy makers have also been blamed for recommending entrepreneurship as the solution to rejuvenating the economy yet little is done to educate people on what to expect amid globalization pressures, competition and technological changes that are likely to impact on the business survival. Other theories put forward include the supportive environment thesis, nature of activity and industry theory. Firm survival can however be properly classified in three explanatory dimensions: The firm’s specific characteristics; Operational factors and the business cycle. This paper explores the characteristics of business failure under these three dimensions and at the same time introduces a discussion on how entrepreneurs can enhance their business’s chances of survival by providing possible solutions to the low levels of survival witnessed in infant businesses. II. Analysis a) Definitions Birth of the firm: The introduction of a business marks the birth of a firm. This may actually start when the idea of the business is borne. Consequent activities such as registering the company, acquiring premises and capital are secondary elements in the birth of a business. Survival of the firm: Survival of the firm refers to its ability to withstand internal and external pressures to meet the objectives for which it was established. Survival determines whether a firm makes it through its lifetime or whether it fails and consequently exits the market. Death of the firm: This denotes the final stage in a business at a point where nothing can be done to revive the business and the only solution is complete closure. Termination of the firm as a legal entity: This means that the business is no longer recognized by the law. It means that a business in the context of the law is no longer operational and it is therefore not liable to debts, taxes among other liabilities to stakeholders. b) New Firms Survival Literature New businesses in the UK have in the past shown high levels of business failures witnessed within the first three years of inception. According to Caliendo and Fossen (2009: 154) at least fifty out of every one hundred new businesses introduced did not make it to their third birthday. A study by the DTI Small Business Service from 1995 to 2004 reveals that these failures are actually vary with industries which could be attributed to the various conditions that exist in these sectors (DTI, 2007: 13). On average, 82% of new businesses established survived the first year in business. Improvement has been recorded and by 2004, an average of 58% of new businesses survived the first three years over all the sectors. Detailed survey results are shown in table 1 and 2. c) Why Half of Nascent Firms Fail: The Survival Explanatory Dimensions 1) Firm Specific Characteristics i)Managerial Organization Discernible management errors and high incidents of poor management highly contribute to the low survival rates of newly established firms. The death of many firms is mostly characterized by management which has turned out to be reactionary. Inefficient decision making and inadequate or non-existent planning will have contributed to the failure of the business in at least 30 percent of nascent firms (Phillips, 2004: 68-70). Veronique and Wever (2000: 138) note that manager’s inability to react to various forces affecting the business operations such as competition, technological advancements, economic trends and money issues could lead to the ultimate downfall of a business. Inadequacy in management expertise is essentially attributable for the business’ failure to explore alternative financing options leading to bankruptcy. ii)Inadequacy of Cash Reserves Inadequate financing comes in as a close second after poor management. New owners with little or no prior experience in business may fail to effectively predict cash flow. Miscalculation of amounts required to sustain the business before it picks up and underestimation of the costs associated with borrowing money are the major causes of financial strain (Lane and Schary, 1991: 101-103). Exhaustion of cash reserves is also likely to be influenced by poor pricing, over-investment in fixed assets and uncontrolled growth. Uncontrolled growth occurs when the owners want to take up every opportunity that comes so that at the end of it all they cannot satisfy all their customers. In this case, firms end up borrowing large amounts to meet the high demand and when the loans cannot be paid effectively, what results is collapse of the firm (Audretsch and Keilbach, 2004: 423). Other causes include over dependence on a few customers, fraud and uncontrolled drawings by the owner. iii)Poor debt management and Over-borrowing This is closely associated with cash inadequacy and it results where managers are ill-equipped in financial management. Small business owners are likely to obtain the wrong type of financing and worse still take more than the business can afford to pay (Jostarndt, 2007: 139). This may lead to borrowing loans to clear existing ones which is not a good debt management strategy. Inability to pay debts on time and lack of coordination between incoming cash and outgoing cash may lead to the business finally going bankrupt and consequently causing its death. iv)Ownership Status There are two ways of looking at this perspective: the legal ownership and the reasons for starting the business. A sole proprietorship business is more likely to fail due to financial and management problems than a partnership or a limited company. The reasons for starting the business can highly influence a firm’s survival. Moore and Gooderl (2008: 8-10) name two types of entrepreneurs: the opportunity entrepreneur and the necessity entrepreneur. The former establishes a business to exploit available business opportunity while the latter may start up a business for the purpose of sustaining himself probably if he cannot find a job. According to Moore and Gooderl (2008: 16-17) the opportunity entrepreneur is likely to succeed while the necessity entrepreneur may not exert enough efforts towards the business. The increased number of necessity entrepreneurs in the UK has highly increased the failure levels in new businesses. v)Personal Characteristics of the owner This mostly has to do with the attitude of the owner and the manner in which he or she applies these in the business context. Owners make a mistake of taking up all responsibilities without making use of delegation to junior employees as a result of fearing that they may not do it perfectly. Jensen (1976: 335) describes this as the ‘challenge of letting go’. Owners normally find themselves exhausted from overwork and yet do not find time to address important issues facing the business. Use of business funds by the owner can also cause detrimental effects on the business. Personal attitudes such as aggressiveness and lack of concern for the employees may cause high rate of employee turnover as well as keep away customers (Daily et al, 2002: 398-343). vi)Innovation and reaction to technological changes The world is advancing at a high rate and technology is one of the areas that a business needs to keep up with. Many new businesses fail due to being left behind in technological advancements such that they are overtaken by their competitors who take with them all the customers (Agarwal, 1996: 103-106). Innovation is one of the major tools for a successful business and this is one area that new businesses have not been able to address mainly due to lack of enough capital to come up with new products and services. viii)Poor knowledge of the market Most business owners enter the market with little knowledge about what to expect. Failing to conduct market feasibility studies limit the owner’s knowledge on the competitors in the market and their influence; the customers’ characteristics and behaviour and various market fluctuations they are likely to encounter (Covin et al, 2000: 199-206). 2) Operational factors i) Competition New businesses are often overwhelmed by the efforts required to counter competition from already existing firms. This is considering that these firms have already established their customer base and winning loyal customers could prove quite a challenging task for new businesses. Usually, dominant competitors may even device ways of putting new entrants out of business such as lowering prices and offering discounts (Covin et al, 2000: 200). Their aim is to push the new competitors until they cannot keep up with the situation such that they eventually quit. ii) Location The location of a business is a major determinant for its survival. New businesses in rural areas are likely to fail due to limited local markets and isolation. On the other hand high costs, presence of large firms and regulatory barriers pose challenges to businesses located in the urban areas (Sutaria and Donald, 2004: 250-253). 3)Changes in Business Cycle i)Macroeconomic growth and economic pressures New businesses are usually unable to handle economic shocks that may result from high interest rates, fluctuations in exchange rates and general inflation. According to David and Mahmood (1995: 89-93) not many businesses survive an economic surge or a recessionary period which may lead to skyrocketing of supply prices and high costs of borrowing. ii)Entering Cohorts’ exit rate Cohorts refer to groups with similar characteristics. The result of exit of similar businesses can either have a positive or negative effect on a new business. Exit may mean less competition which is an advantage. New firms however rely on one another for inspiration. A person operating a business where everyone is quitting due to one reason or another is bound to get disillusioned and have the attitude that his business may fail too (Phillips, 2004: 69-71). iii)Changes in legal environment When the laws of a country change, new businesses are likely to suffer since they are not yet stable enough to cushion themselves from such changes. Amendment of tax laws and business requirements may cause a new business to go bankrupt. d) Increasing Survival Chances Strategies to increase the chances of survival for a business entail addressing the leading causes of failure. The most fundamental requirement is the improvement of the management capabilities. When there is good management in a firm, other factors will follow suit because every operation of the business is determined by the management (Sutaria and Donald, 2004: 253-255). Improvement of communication within the business and proper sharing of duties are skills that the owners of the business need to acquire. This can be done through attending management and entrepreneurial seminars and conferences so as to learn secrets of firm survival from professionals. Proper planning is the ideal solution to financial problems. Veronique and Wever, 2000: 139-141) refers adequate anticipation of cash flow as the secret to overcoming financial problems for starters. This could be done through the help of an expert if the owner is not in a position to do so. Finding alternative sources of finance apart from the usual ones is key in preventing the collapse of a business due to lack of funds. There are many available sources of finance including bank loans, credit card advances, sale of assets among others (Moore and Gooderl, 2008: 298-299). Care should then be taken to make sure the finances are properly utilized. The firm should avoid relying on a few customers because huge losses can be felt if the customers suddenly withdraw. Instead, they should aim at a large customer base. Over-borrowing can be reduced through making proper cash forecasts and using the limited resources that the business has. In essence, the firm can adopt a steady growth over time instead of rushing to expand at once (Daily et al, 2002: 399-401). Finally, the management should be keen in managing the debts of the business keenly balancing the income and expenditure so as to cover all liabilities and debts in time. A business must clearly identify its customers and establish whether they can sustain the business effectively considering the level of competition. This can be done prior to the business establishment through a market feasibility studies while answering the following questions: How many competitors are in the area you plan to establish your business? Who will be the business’s customers and what are their buying habits? What is the level of loyalty of these potential customers to the current suppliers? Are they likely to buy your product? Is the product seasonal? Is it possible to make profit out of the business? Once these questions are answered, the likelihood of failure can be minimized as specific strategies to address the issues can be formulated (Audretsch and Thurik, 2007: 113-141). Business owners must realize that they cannot do everything by themselves. Employers can delegate and allow employees to make certain decisions. Consequently, owners will have ample time to concentrate on more important business issues such as finding new customers, getting more funds for the business as well as solving the current issues facing the business (Daily et al, 2002: 403-405). The need for long-term planning is inevitable. This involves planning for growth and transition in the future. It also involves planning for uncertainties such as loss of employees, customers and suppliers. In the wake of the high global trade advancement and changes in the market, businesses should always be alert to avoid being taken unaware by advancements in technology, innovation and changes in customer preferences and culture (Zoltan, 1988: 321). Legal changes and changes in tax systems should be catered for in the long-term business plan. The state of the economy is bound to change from time to time which is why firms must anticipate for any future economic shocks through investing in stocks, futures, options among others. Insurance is also an option for more larger firms. III. Conclusion No environment can be said to specifically favour new firms in all angles hence the need for those starting new firms to be overly cautious. Firms are most definitely exposed to numerous risks that may lead to their extinction as indicated in this discussion. Management is identified as the root cause of low survival rates among nascent firms and its improvement could work to solve the predicament presently being witnessed in new firm survival. Proper balancing of the firm’s cash reserves; being generally alert to any changes in the business environment; making informed decisions to deal with these changes coupled with excellent management practices is exactly what is needed to save young firms from their predicament and promote their longevity.