The Role of Fdi in India

FDI Policy in India FDI as defined in Dictionary of Economics (Graham Bannock et. al) is investment in a foreign country through the acquisition of a local company or the establishment there of an operation on a new (Greenfield) site. To put in simple words, FDI refers to capital inflows from abroad that is invested in or to enhance the production capacity of the economy. [3] Foreign Investment in India is governed by the FDI policy announced by the Government of India and the provision of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999.The Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) in this regard had issued a notification,[4] which contains the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or issue of security by a person resident outside India) Regulations, 2000. This notification has been amended from time to time. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India is the nodal agency for motoring and reviewing the FDI policy on continued basis and changes in sectoral policy/ sect oral equity cap. The FDI policy is notified through Press Notes by the Secretariat for Industrial Assistance (SIA), Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).The foreign investors are free to invest in India, except few sectors/activities, where prior approval from the RBI or Foreign Investment Promotion Board (‘FIPB’) would be required. FDI Policy with Regard to Retailing in India It will be prudent to look into Press Note 4 of 2006 issued by DIPP and consolidated FDI Policy issued in October 2010[5] which provide the sector specific guidelines for FDI with regard to the conduct of trading activities. a) FDI up to 100% for cash and carry wholesale trading and export trading allowed under the automatic route. ) FDI up to 51 % with prior Government approval (i. e. FIPB) for retail trade of ‘Single Brand’ products, subject to Press Note 3 (2006 Series)[6]. c) FDI is not permitted in Multi Brand Retailing in India. Entry Options For Foreign Players prior to FDI Policy Although prior to Jan 24, 2006, FDI was not authorised in retailing, most general players had been operating in the country. Some of entrance routes used by them have been discussed in sum as below:- 1. Franchise AgreementsIt is an easiest track to come in the Indian market. In franchising and commission agents’ services, FDI (unless otherwise prohibited) is allowed with the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. This is a most usual mode for entrance of quick food bondage opposite a world. Apart from quick food bondage identical to Pizza Hut, players such as Lacoste, Mango, Nike as good as Marks as good as Spencer, have entered Indian marketplace by this route. 2. Cash And Carry Wholesale Trading 00% FDI is allowed in wholesale trading which involves building of a large distribution infrastructure to assist local manufacturers. [7] The wholesaler deals only with smaller retailers and not Consumers. Metro AG of Germany was the first significant global player to enter India through this route. 3. Strategic Licensing Agreements Some foreign brands give exclusive licences and distribution rights to Indian companies. Through these rights, Indian companies can either sell it through their own stores, or enter into shop-in-shop arrangements or distribute the brands to franchisees.Mango, the Spanish apparel brand has entered India through this route with an agreement with Piramyd, Mumbai, SPAR entered into a similar agreement with Radhakrishna Foodlands Pvt. Ltd 4. Manufacturing and Wholly Owned Subsidiaries. The foreign brands such as Nike, Reebok, Adidas, etc. that have wholly-owned subsidiaries in manufacturing are treated as Indian companies and are, therefore, allowed to do retail. These companies have been authorised to sell products to Indian consumers by franchising, internal distributors, existent Indian retailers, own outlets, etc.For instance, Nike entered through an exclusive licen sing agreement with Sierra Enterprises but now has a wholly owned subsidiary, Nike India Private Limited. FDI in Single Brand Retail The Government has not categorically defined the meaning of â€Å"Single Brand† anywhere neither in any of its circulars nor any notifications. In single-brand retail, FDI up to 51 per cent is allowed, subject to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval and subject to the conditions mentioned in Press Note 3[8] that (a) only single brand products would be sold (i. . , retail of goods of multi-brand even if produced by the same manufacturer would not be allowed), (b) products should be sold under the same brand internationally, (c) single-brand product retail would only cover products which are branded during manufacturing and (d) any addition to product categories to be sold under â€Å"single-brand† would require fresh approval from the government. While the phrase ‘single brand’ has not been defined, it implies th at foreign companies would be allowed to sell goods sold internationally under a ‘single brand’, viz. Reebok, Nokia, Adidas. Retailing of goods of multiple brands, even if such products were produced by the same manufacturer, would not be allowed. Going a step further, we examine the concept of ‘single brand’ and the associated conditions: FDI in ‘Single brand’ retail implies that a retail store with foreign investment can only sell one brand. For example, if Adidas were to obtain permission to retail its flagship brand in India, those retail outlets could only sell products under the Adidas brand and not the Reebok brand, for which separate permission is required.If granted permission, Adidas could sell products under the Reebok brand in separate outlets. what is a ‘brand’? Brands could be classified as products and multiple products, or could be manufacturer brands and own-label brands. Assume that a company owns two leading inte rnational brands in the footwear industry – say ‘A’ and ‘R’. If the corporate were to obtain permission to retail its brand in India with a local partner, it would need to specify which of the brands it would sell.A reading of the government release indicates that A and R would need separate approvals, separate legal entities, and may be even separate stores in which to operate in India. However, it should be noted that the retailers would be able to sell multiple products under the same brand, e. g. , a product range under brand ‘A’ Further, it appears that the same joint venture partners could operate various brands, but under separate legal entities Now, taking an example of a large departmental grocery chain, prima facie it appears that it would not be able to enter India.These chains would, typically, source products and, thereafter, brand it under their private labels. Since the regulations require the products to be branded at the manufacturing stage, this model may not work. The regulations appear to discourage own-label products and appear to be tilted heavily towards the foreign manufacturer brands There is ambiguity in the interpretation of the term ‘single brand’. The existing policy does not clearly codify whether retailing of goods with sub-brands bunched under a major parent brand can be considered as single-brand retailing and, accordingly, eligible for 51 per cent FDI.Additionally, the question on whether co-branded goods (specifically branded as such at the time of manufacturing) would qualify as single brand retail trading remains unanswered. FDI in Multi Brand Retail The government has also not defined the term Multi Brand. FDI in Multi Brand retail implies that a retail store with a foreign investment can sell multiple brands under one roof. In July 2010, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce circulated a discussion paper[11] on allowing FDI in multi-brand retail.The paper doesn’t suggest any upper limit on FDI in multi-brand retail. If implemented, it would open the doors for global retail giants to enter and establish their footprints on the retail landscape of India. Opening up FDI in multi-brand retail will mean that global retailers including Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco can open stores offering a range of household items and grocery directly to consumers in the same way as the ubiquitous ’kirana’ store. Foreign Investor’s Concern Regarding FDI Policy in IndiaFor those brands which adopt the franchising route as a matter of policy, the current FDI Policy will not make any difference. They would have preferred that the Government liberalize rules for maximizing their royalty and franchise fees. They must still rely on innovative structuring of franchise arrangements to maximize their returns. Consumer durable majors such as LG and Samsung, which have exclusive franchisee owned stores, are u nlikely to shift from the preferred route right away.For those companies which choose to adopt the route of 51% partnership, they must tie up with a local partner. The key is finding a partner which is reliable and who can also teach a trick or two about the domestic market and the Indian consumer. Currently, the organized retail sector is dominated by the likes of large business groups which decided to diversify into retail to cash in on the boom in the sector – corporates such as Tata through its brand Westside, RPG Group through Foodworld, Pantaloon of the Raheja Group and Shopper’s Stop.Do foreign investors look to tie up with an existing retailer or look to others not necessarily in the business but looking to diversify, as many business groups are doing? An arrangement in the short to medium term may work wonders but what happens if the Government decides to further liberalize the regulations as it is currently contemplating? Will the foreign investor terminate t he agreement with Indian partner and trade in market without him?Either way, the foreign investor must negotiate its joint venture agreements carefully, with an option for a buy-out of the Indian partner’s share if and when regulations so permit. They must also be aware of the regulation which states that once a foreign company enters into a technical or financial collaboration with an Indian partner, it cannot enter into another joint venture with another Indian company or set up its own subsidiary in the ‘same’ field’ without the first partner’s consent if the joint venture agreement does not provide for a ‘conflict of interest’ clause.In effect, it means that foreign brand owners must be extremely careful whom they choose as partners and the brand they introduce in India. The first brand could also be their last if they do not negotiate the strategic arrangement diligently. Concerns for the Government for only Partially Allowing FDI in Retail Sector A number of concerns were expressed with regard to partial opening of the retail sector for FDI.The Hon’ble Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce, in its 90th Report, on ‘Foreign and Domestic Investment in Retail Sector’, laid in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on 8 June, 2009, had made an in-depth study on the subject and identified a number of issues related to FDI in the retail sector. These included: It would lead to unfair competition and ultimately result in large-scale exit of domestic retailers, especially the small family managed outlets, leading to large scale displacement of persons employed in the retail sector.Further, as the manufacturing sector has not been growing fast enough, the persons displaced from the retail sector would not be absorbed there. Another concern is that the Indian retail sector, particularly organized retail, is still under-developed and in a nascent stage and that, therefore, it is important that the domestic retail sector is allowed to grow and consolidate first, before opening this sector to foreign investors. Antagonists of FDI in retail sector oppose the same on various grounds, like, hat the entry of large global retailers such as Wal-Mart would kill local shops and millions of jobs, since the unorganized retail sector employs an enormous percentage of Indian population after the agriculture sector; secondly that the global retailers would conspire and exercise monopolistic power to raise prices and monopolistic (big buying) power to reduce the prices received by the suppliers; thirdly, it would lead to asymmetrical growth in cities, causing discontent and social tension elsewhere.Hence, both the consumers and the suppliers would lose, while the profit margins of such retail chains would go up. LIMITATIONS OF   THE PRESENT SETUP Infrastructure There has been a lack of investment in the logistics of the retail chain, leading to an inefficient market mech anism. Though India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables (about 180 million MT), it has a very limited integrated cold-chain infrastructure, with only 5386 stand-alone cold storages, having a total capacity of 23. 6 million MT. , 80% of this is used only for potatoes.The chain is highly fragmented and hence, perishable horticultural commodities find it difficult to link to distant markets, including overseas markets, round the year. Storage infrastructure is necessary for carrying over the agricultural produce from production periods to the rest of the year and to prevent distress sales. Lack of adequate storage facilities cause heavy losses to farmers in terms of wastage in quality and quantity of produce in general. Though FDI is permitted in cold-chain to the extent of 100%, through the automatic route, in the absence of FDI in retailing; FDI flow to the sector has not been significant.Intermediaries dominate the value chain Intermediaries often flout mandi nor ms and their pricing lacks transparency. Wholesale regulated markets, governed by State APMC Acts, have developed a monopolistic and non-transparent character. According to some reports, Indian farmers realize only 1/3rd of the total price paid by the final consumer, as against 2/3rd by farmers in nations with a higher share of organized retail. Improper Public Distribution System (â€Å"PDS†) There is a big question mark on the efficacy of the public procurement and PDS set-up and the bill on food subsidies is rising.In spite of such heavy subsidies, overall food based inflation has been a matter of great concern. The absence of a ‘farm-to-fork’ retail supply system has led to the ultimate customers paying a premium for shortages and a charge for wastages. No Global Reach The Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (â€Å"MSME†) sector has also suffered due to lack of branding and lack of avenues to reach out to the vast world markets. While India has continued to provide emphasis on the development of MSME sector, the share of unorganised sector in overall manufacturing has declined from 34. % in 1999-2000 to 30. 3% in 2007-08[12]. This has largely been due to the inability of this sector to access latest technology and improve its marketing interface. Rationale behind Allowing FDI in Retail Sector FDI can be a powerful catalyst to spur competition in the retail industry, due to the current scenario of low competition and poor productivity. The policy of single-brand retail was adopted to allow Indian consumers access to foreign brands. Since Indians spend a lot of money shopping abroad, this policy enables them to spend the same money on the same goods in India.FDI in single-brand retailing was permitted in 2006, up to 51 per cent of ownership. Between then and May 2010, a total of 94 proposals have been received. Of these, 57 proposals have been approved. An FDI inflow of US$196. 46 million under the category of single brand retailing w as received between April 2006 and September 2010, comprising 0. 16 per cent of the total FDI inflows during the period. Retail stocks rose by as much as 5%. Shares of Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd ended 4. 84% up at Rs 441 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.Shares of Shopper’s Stop Ltd rose 2. 02% and Trent Ltd, 3. 19%. The exchange’s key index rose 173. 04 points, or 0. 99%, to 17,614. 48. But this is very less as compared to what it would have been had FDI upto 100% been allowed in India for single brand. The policy of allowing 100% FDI in single brand retail can benefit both the foreign retailer and the Indian partner – foreign players get local market knowledge, while Indian companies can access global best management practices, designs and technological knowhow.By partially opening this sector, the government was able to reduce the pressure from its trading partners in bilateral/ multilateral negotiations and could demonstrate India’s intentions in liberal ising this sector in a phased manner. Permitting foreign investment in food-based retailing is likely to ensure adequate flow of capital into the country & its productive use, in a manner likely to promote the welfare of all sections of society, particularly farmers and consumers.It would also help bring about improvements in farmer income & agricultural growth and assist in lowering consumer prices inflation. Apart from this, by allowing FDI in retail trade, India will significantly flourish in terms of quality standards and consumer expectations, since the inflow of FDI in retail sector is bound to pull up the quality standards and cost-competitiveness of Indian producers in all the segments. It is therefore obvious that we should not only permit but encourage FDI in retail trade.Lastly, it is to be noted that the Indian Council of Research in International Economic Relations (ICRIER), a premier economic think tank of the country, which was appointed to look into the impact of BIG capital in the retail sector, has projected the worth of Indian retail sector to reach $496 billion by 2011-12 and ICRIER has also come to conclusion that investment of ‘big’ money (large corporates and FDI) in the retail sector would in the long run not harm interests of small, traditional, retailers.In light of the above, it can be safely concluded that allowing healthy FDI in the retail sector would not only lead to a substantial surge in the country’s GDP and overall economic development, but would inter alia also help in integrating the Indian retail market with that of the global retail market in addition to providing not just employment but a better paying employment, which the unorganized sector (kirana and other small time retailing shops) have undoubtedly failed to provide to the masses employed in them.Industrial organisations such as CII, FICCI, US-India Business Council (USIBC), the American Chamber of Commerce in India, The Retail Association of In dia (RAI) and Shopping Centers Association of India (a 44 member association of Indian multi-brand retailers and shopping malls) favour a phased approach toward liberalising FDI in multi-brand retailing, and most of them agree with considering a cap of 49-51 per cent to start with.The international retail players such as Walmart, Carrefour, Metro, IKEA, and TESCO share the same view and insist on a clear path towards 100 per cent opening up in near future. Large multinational retailers such as US-based Walmart, Germany’s Metro AG and Woolworths Ltd, the largest Australian retailer that operates in wholesale cash-and-carry ventures in India, have been demanding liberalisation of FDI rules on multi-brand retail for some time. Thus, as a matter of fact FDI in the buzzing Indian retail sector should not just be freely allowed but per contra should be significantly encouraged.Allowing FDI in multi brand retail can bring about Supply Chain Improvement, Investment in Technology, Man power and Skill development,Tourism Development, Greater Sourcing From India, Upgradation in Agriculture, Efficient Small and Medium Scale Industries, Growth in market size and Benefits to government through greater GDP, tax income and employment generation. Prerequisites before allowing FDI in Multi Brand Retail and Lifting Cap of Single Brand Retail FDI in multi-brand retailing must be dealt cautiously as it has direct impact on a large chunk of population.Left alone foreign capital will seek ways through which it can only multiply itself, and unthinking application of capital for profit, given our peculiar socio-economic conditions, may spell doom and deepen the gap between the rich and the poor. Thus the proliferation of foreign capital into multi-brand retailing needs to be anchored in such a way that it results in a win-win situation for India. This can be done by integrating into the rules and regulations for FDI in multi-brand retailing certain inbuilt safety valves.For exam ple FDI in multi –brand retailing can be allowed in a calibrated manner with social safeguards so that the effect of possible labour dislocation can be analyzed and policy fine tuned accordingly. To ensure that the foreign investors make a genuine contribution to the development of infrastructure and logistics, it can be stipulated that a percentage of FDI should be spent towards building up of back end infrastructure, logistics or agro processing units.Reconstituting the poverty stricken and stagnating rural sphere into a forward moving and prosperous rural sphere can be one of the justifications for introducing FDI in multi-brand retailing. To actualize this goal it can be stipulated that at least 50% of the jobs in the retail outlet should be reserved for rural youth and that a certain amount of farm produce be procured from the poor farmers. Similarly to develop our small and medium enterprise (SME), it can also be stipulated that a minimum percentage of manufactured prod ucts be sourced from the SME sector in India.PDS is still in many ways the life line of the people living below the poverty line. To ensure that the system is not weakened the government may reserve the right to procure a certain amount of food grains for replenishing the buffer. To protect the interest of small retailers the government may also put in place an exclusive regulatory framework. It will ensure that the retailing giants do resort to predatory pricing or acquire monopolistic tendencies. Besides, the government and RBI need to evolve suitable policies to enable the retailers in the unorganized sector to expand and improve their efficiencies.If Government is allowing FDI, it must do it in a calibrated fashion because it is politically sensitive and link it (with) up some caveat from creating some back-end infrastructure. Further, To take care of the concerns of the Government before allowing 100% FDI in Single Brand Retail and Multi- Brand Retail, the following recommendat ions are being proposed :- Preparation of a legal and regulatory framework and enforcement mechanism to ensure that large retailers are not able to dislocate small retailers by unfair means.Extension of institutional credit, at lower rates, by public sector banks, to help improve efficiencies of small retailers; undertaking of proactive programme for assisting small retailers to upgrade themselves. Enactment of a National Shopping Mall Regulation Act to regulate the fiscal and social aspects of the entire retail sector. Formulation of a Model Central Law regarding FDI of Retail Sector Important highlights of Economic Outlook 2011-12 Agriculture grew at 6. 6% in 2010-11. This year’s monsoon is projected to be in the range of 90 to 96 per cent, based on which Agriculture sector is pegged to grow at 3. % in 2011-12! Industry grew at 7. 9% in 2010-11. Projected to grow at 7. 1% in 2011-12 Services grew at 9. 4% in 2009-10. Projected to grow at 10. 0% in 2011-12 Investment rate pr ojected at 36. 4% in 2010-11 and 36. 7% in 2011-12 Domestic savings rate as ratio of GDP projected at 33. 8% in 2010-11 & 34. 0% in 2011-12 Current Account deficit is $44. 3 billion (2. 6% of GDP) in 2010-11 and projected at $54. 0 billion (2. 7% of GDP) in 2011-12 Merchandise trade deficit is $ 130. 5 billion or 7. 59% of the GDP in 2010-11 and projected at $154. 0 billion or 7. % of GDP in 2011-12 Invisibles trade surplus is $ 86. 2 billion or 5. 0% of the GDP in 2010-11 and projected at $100. 0 billion or 5. 0% in 2011-12 Capital flows at $61. 9 billion in 2010-11 and projected at $72. 0 billion in 2011-12 FDI inflows projected at $35 billion in 2011/12 against the level of $23. 4 billion in 2010-11 FII inflows projected to be $14 billion which is less than half that of the last year i. e $30. 3 billion Accretion to reserves was $15. 2 billion in 2010-11. Projected at $18. 0 billion in 2011-12 Inflation rate would continue to be at 9 per cent in the month of July-October 2011.The re will be some relief starting from November and will decline to 6. 5% in March 2012. Foreign direct investment; net (BoP; US dollar) in India The Foreign direct investment; net (BoP; US dollar) in India was last reported at 11008159606. 75 in 2010, according to a World Bank report released in 2011. The Foreign direct investment; net (BoP; US dollar) in India was 19668790288. 40 in 2009, according to a World Bank report, published in 2010. The Foreign direct investment; net (BoP; US dollar) in India was reported at 24149749829. 71 in 2008, according to the World Bank.Foreign direct investment is net inflows of investment to acquire a lasting management interest (10 percent or more of voting stock) in an enterprise operating in an economy other than that of the investor. It is the sum of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, other long-term capital, and short-term capital as shown in the balance of payments. This series shows total net, that is, net FDI in the reporting economy from foreign sources less net FDI by the reporting economy to the rest of the world. Data are in current U. S. dollars.This page includes a historical data chart, news and forecast for Foreign direct investment; net (BoP; US dollar) in India. India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for more than half of India's output with less than one third of its labour force. The economy has posted an average growth rate of more than 7% in the decade since 1997, reducing poverty by about 10 percentage points. Total 933. 2 100 2705. 0 100 231530. 1 100

Earthquakes result

Earthquakes result from disturbance in the outer layer of the Earth. This causes the vibration of the Earth’s surface. Another reason for the occurrence of earthquakes is the sudden release of energy that had been dormant in the core of the Earth. This energy creates strain in the rocks, subsequently; it is transferred in the form of waves to the Earth’s surface (Bolt, 2005 ). The force or magnitude and the period of time that had elapsed determine the destructive effect of an earthquake. The seismic waves and their intensity determine the destructive power of an earthquake.Structural damages caused by an earthquake depend on the design of the structure and the materials used in its construction. Earthquakes differ in magnitude. They may be small or unnoticeable or they may be so large that their intensity can be detected from distant places. The aftermath of an earthquake may cause the distortion of the ground or damage to buildings. Some earthquakes occur under the se a and cause tsunamis. Whatever the form of the earthquake, many of them endanger the lives of humans through their destructive force (Bolt, 2005 ).The surface of the Earth consists of lithospheric plates. These plates are always in motion and this causes compressional stresses at their edges. The sudden release of such stress can be attributed to earthquakes. Most earthquakes are caused due to the moving of these lithospheric plates. During the course of their movement, these plates collide with each other and enormous tensional stress is released through the faults present in the earth’s crust. The vibrations of the earthquake spread throughout the earth in the form of waves.Shallow earthquakes occur due to volcanic eruptions, the falling of huge rocks, landslides and bomb explosions. Such earthquakes are limited to the area surrounding the place of such occurrences (Earthquake, 2004). The impact of an earthquake spreads through a large area surrounding the epicenter of the earthquake. The surface of earth cracks due to the transmission of faults to the surface from within the earth. This results in horizontal and vertical deformation of the surface for over several meters. There is no such transfer of faults to earth’s surface during major earthquakes.Shallow earthquakes can be felt through the cyclical movements of the earth’s surface, which is termed as fault creep. The characteristics of the ground determine the magnitude of an earthquake’s vibrations and its destructive power. For instance, river beds, or nonintegrated ground surface could carry the effect of an earthquake to large area. Whereas, areas made up of bedrock transmit an earthquake that is significantly weaker. Loss of human lives would be more in places where buildings are not constructed to withstand immense shocks and vibrations.In those areas L waves of an earthquake could cause the pipe lines that supply gas to burst thereby causing destructive fires (Earthqua ke, 2004). Injuries and deaths could result from the collapse of buildings and sharp objects transported by the wind. Structural characteristics could also result in damages. For instance, flexible structures constructed on bedrock suffer less damage where as rigid structures built on loose soil suffer greater damage. In hilly regions, earthquakes cause landslides and mudslides, which could submerge the inhabitants.Earthquakes that occur under the seas could cause tsunamis, which give rise to destructive waves of water from the epicenter of the earthquake and flood the cities on the coast (Earthquake, 2004) The sudden movement of rocks along a fault causes vibrations and the transmission of energy through the Earth. Such waves are termed as body waves and their propagation is subterranean. These waves are classified as P waves or primary waves and S waves or secondary waves. The latter tend to displace the ground forwards and backwards and are consequently known as shearing waves (B olt, 2006).The world experienced a number of earthquakes in the year 1990. The Iranian earthquake in the month of June of that year claimed nearly fifty thousand human lives and its intensity was measured at 7. 7 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes are caused by plate tectonics and most of the earthquakes occur in regions that are in close proximity to the margins of the Earth’s plates. Fault activity is the main reason for earthquakes in these regions. Iran is located on the boundary between the Arabian and the Asian plates.Areas where there was no fault activity also suffered from earthquakes such as Missouri in the US where an earthquake occurred on the 26th of September 1990, Welsh borders and Sheffield in the UK sustained an earthquake on the 2nd of April and the 8th of February 1990 (Seismology: Earthquake Prediction, 2005). Stanford University developed measures to predict the occurrence of earthquakes by detecting the fluctuations in very low frequency radio waves that were transmitted through rocks a few hours before the occurrence of an earthquake.This phenomenon is a result of electrical currents produced by pressure in the rocks and is also attributed to the opening of microscopic cracks in the rocks. Japanese scientists discovered that electromagnetic radiation was emitted before an earthquake. (Seismology: Earthquake Prediction, 2005). A number of earthquakes occur in the seas, which do not cause damage, but major earthquakes occurring in densely populated areas could result in immense destruction to property and life.In order to limit the dangers of an earthquake, it is necessary to develop a system of earthquake prediction. At present the seismic gap theory has met with some success in locating earthquake prone regions. Most earthquakes occur in the region of the San Andreas Fault in California since the North American plate and Pacific plate move past each other. The North Pole is being shifted towards Japan at a slow pace of six centimet ers in every hundred years by earthquakes. This drift of pole is as result of major earthquakes that occur along shore the Pacific Rim (Earthquake, 2005).Despite the fact that earthquakes cannot be prevented the severity of the destruction caused by them can be mitigated appreciably by adopting suitable communication strategies, appropriate structural design of buildings, implementing a well planned course of action during an earthquake, appropriately educating the public and ensuring that safer building standards are in place. Several countries have instituted earthquake safety and regulatory agencies in response to the severe damage caused to life and property by earthquakes.In respect of Tsunamis, a proper early warning system can significantly reduce the damage caused, due to the fact that tsunami waves are propagated at low speeds. These waves are slower than seismic P and S waves and travel at a tenth of the speed of seismic waves in the rocks below. Thus, seismologists have a mple time at their disposal to warn the areas that could be affected by the killer waves (Bolt, 2006). The occurrence of intraplate earthquakes is much less in comparison to plate boundary earthquakes. They occur due to the internal fracturing of rock masses.Examples of such earthquakes were 1811 New Madrid earthquake and the 1812 Missouri earthquake, which were very severe. From the reports of the damage recorded, scientists have opined that their intensity should have been of the order of 8. 0 on the Richter scale (Bolt, 2006). Around eighty percent of the energy released by earthquakes can be attributed to the earthquakes that take place in the area surrounding the Pacific Ocean. More than a thousand tremors of intensity in excess of 3. 5 in magnitude occur in Japan annually.Another region that is notorious for earthquakes is the western coast of North and South America (Pendick). One of the techniques employed by seismologists in order to measure earthquakes is the Richter magni tude scale, which was developed by Charles Richter. The Richter magnitude is determined on the basis of the maximum vibration strength and the distance from earthquake’s epicenter. This scale is logarithmic and accordingly, a 6 magnitude earthquake is ten times stronger than a 5 magnitude earthquake. However, the Richter magnitude is inaccurate if the earthquake being measured is more than 310 miles from the seismograph.Accordingly, seismologists developed other earthquake magnitude scales; however these scales cannot be applied to all type of earthquakes due to the resulting inaccuracies (Pendick). As the distance increases the seismic waves exhibit a loss of strength. In general, the greatest effect of an earthquake will be at its epicenter. Some earthquakes are so powerful that the ground shaking can be greater than the acceleration due to gravity and this could result in rocks and boulders being propelled into the air with great force. This actually transpired in 1897 whe n a major earthquake occurred in Assam, India (Pendick).In the USA, earthquakes are a major cause of loss to property and endanger about seventy – five million US citizens. The loss caused by earthquakes can be significantly mitigated by efficient disaster planning, adoption of preventive measures like implementing better safeguards while constructing buildings and providing information about earthquakes that could occur immediately to the populace. The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the team leader of the effort to warn people in a timely manner regarding earthquakes about to take place in the US (USGS Science Helps Build Safer Communities Earthquake Hazards—A National Threat ).Earthquakes claimed millions of human lives in the past five hundred years. In the year 1976, the infamous T’ang – Shan earthquake that hit China claimed nearly two hundred and forty thousand lives. Earthquakes also cause immense damage to property and structures. Precautionary measures to counter the effects of an earthquake such as education, planning in emergency, and flexible, structural designs could contain the severity of the damage caused by an earthquake . (Bolt, 2005 ). References 1. Bolt, B. (2005 ). â€Å"Earthquake. â€Å". Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2006 [DVD] . Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation.2. Earthquake. (2004). Retrieved June 21, 2007, from 2004: http://www. xreferplus. com/entry. jsp? xrefid=4270901&secid=. 1. – 3. Earthquake. (2004). Retrieved June 21, 2007, from http://www. xreferplus. com/entry. jsp? xrefid=4270901&secid=. 3 4. Earthquake. (2005). Retrieved June 21, 2007, from In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia including Atlas: http://www. xreferplus. com/entry/6422915 5. Seismology: Earthquake Prediction. (2005). Retrieved June 21, 2007, from In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia including Atlas: http://www. xreferplus. com/entry. jsp? xrefid=6481861&secid=. 1

Entrepreneurship Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Entrepreneurship Case study - Essay Example The most obvious reason for branding him as one is that he sought and recognized an opportunity in the niche market took a risk and organized his resources (Harper, 2003; pp 10). He realized that ladders were used in everyday setting thus he created a set of rails that went attached to the ladder would increase the safety levels. This was a new product that is handled well would transform into a profitable venture. By so doing, he hoped to attain financial freedom and provide a better life for his family. He is an entrepreneur as he was future oriented and had a vision that by investing in his business venture, his financial status would be improved and he would spend more time with this family. The only way one can determine his future is by investing in it. He was willing to sacrifice in the short run to reap benefits in the long run. He spent time in developing an idea that had never been tried before but this did not mean that it could not be achieved (Harper, 2003). Sid mobilize d at his all the capital resources at his disposal due to his innovative nature. The general blueprint of his entrepreneurial strategy was rather simple and centralized as Sid wanted to simply sell his product to the local market as he had previous interactions with them (Economic Expert, 2008). Sid Stevens was market driven and was well aware that his success was pegged on the satisfaction of his customers. He was ready to modify his approach to be synonymous with the market demand when there was a demand for different rail specifications. He also managed to create employment and this had an impact on the economy in the long run due to the accelerator and multiplier effects on the economy. Sid Stevens was committed to being the best in his venture and his frustration with his employees on their compromise on quality was unending. He has a strong sense of business ethics that guided his desire to provide quality products. Despite the challenges and frustrations, his resilience in the pursuit of success was undeterred. Initially, his wife, the banker and his former employer expressed their skepticism on the viability of the project. However, Sid's optimism on the possibility of what the future held saw him remain true to his cause (Knight, 1967). Once it took off, he was a f ocused and effective decision maker as any delay in the decision making process will compromise the business. QUESTION 2: The Beermat Entrepreneur notes that four cornerstones are necessary for an entrepreneurial endeavor to succeed. What cornerstones did the Ladder Rail venture have, and which were missing What could Sid have done to fill in these gaps in his business The Beermat entrepreneur demands that ha potential entrepreneur profiles himself so as to determine if one should embark on an entrepreneurial venture or to team up with an actual entrepreneur as a corner stone of a new company or as a member of the dream team of a more established company. A cornerstone is an individual with expertise in certain business areas such as management, leadership, public relations, recruitment, marketing and finance. The four cornerstones according to the Beer Mat entrepreneur are involved in finance, technical operations, business' sales and delivery. These individuals are instrumental in the overall well being of the company as they have the technical know how to deal

Managing the Employment Relationship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Managing the Employment Relationship - Essay Example In other cases, the employee hold over management is strong and the latter often will have to bend to the former’s demands. In the third scenario, there is excellent rapport between both the groups. This paper is an advisory to the management of XYZ Company Ltd (referred to as XYZ throughout the paper) regarding the current set of problems faced by it. It will look at the range of issues involved and will provide practical solutions in overcoming them. The management is advised to be patient and understanding of the situation and also the demands of the employees. The first section of the advisory deals with an overview of employment relations (and related factors) in order to stress its importance to the management of XYX. The next section will deal with solutions by applying the theoretical knowledge into the workplace. The current situation in XYZ: The company is engaged in the business of manufacturing automobile spare parts and is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for some of the automobile manufactures in UK. The quality and commitment of the management and employees ensured consistent growth in business each year. It is also indicative of the outstanding employee relationship that existed within the company in the past. XYZ, has recently expanded in order to keep up with orders and now employs over 100 employees. The growth of the company has meant a lot of change in recent years, communication with staff has suffered, and now a number of the staff has informed management that they wish to be represented by a trade union and for management to recognise that trade union. A few examples of communication issues are provided here. Before expansion, the structure of the company was flat and even the factory workers had (informal) access to top management. Due to its flat structure, communica tion from top to bottom was quick and clear. If workers had any problems or suggestions, they could either communicate it directly

Social intelligence Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social intelligence - Case Study Example There are several ways to keep staff motivated, confident and happy while working, for instance, using rewards or incentives for every job well done. It is suitable for me as the employer to align my own personal economic interests with those of the business (Albrecht, 2006). This will automatically boost my employee’s motivational factor to work even harder with the intention of getting more rewards. This is despite how small or simple a reward may appear similar to a star on the wall or a greater reward. This prompts an employee to work even hard while in quest of competing with fellow peers, hence increase one’s morale and influences the entire workforce (Albrecht, 2006). Another way is by being a leader who leads his employees by example. As the head of the business, I should be true to the business ethics and uphold its brand (Albrecht, 2006). Employees should view me as a role model and put as much effort as I do in successfully running the business. I should show enthusiasm in new projects, display love for the job and ready to take new challenges (Albrecht, 2006). This makes the staff think positively of me and feel secure while working for the business to realize its targets. In addition, I will keep an open working relationship with my employees and let them know their ideas are all important for the business (Albrecht, 2006). I will also offer privileges and few benefits to the workers to know I mind about their welfare and keep them motivated (Albrecht, 2006). These kinds of motivators no matter how small they may appear to them create a big impact where in turn redirect their motivation back to the business. This is through diverse ways like offering breaks for watching television in the office, ordering various supply of fruits for the staff or a half price discount for workers interested in purchasing products from the business. It is also important to motivate employees independently besides motivating them as a group. There are di verse approaches to raising the morale of staff members in a business, for example, by taking an interest in the employees’ future career plans and their balance between work as well as private life. All employees feel appreciated and motivated when they know their leader is mindful of their career plans. I would only achieve this by offering advice to the staff, mentoring them and offering additional training to them for better skills. In addition, I would also assist them in balancing their work and private lives through diverse strategies. For instance, creating a flexible and friendly schedule for all staff and being considerate in personal as well as family commitments incase they arise, for instance, doctor appointments. All employees require public praise. For a job well performed, I praise and commend on the task in front of all the stuff members. Besides, I would run a â€Å"no blame culture† among all the employees. When any worker does not get something righ t, I recommend that they should not blame the person but analyze the issue and establish a solution prior to the business failing. The latter encourages initiative and innovation among the staff, which is extremely essential step of a successful enterprise. 2. Responses or feedbacks are fundamental in changing someone believes and points of view towards a particular issue. In addition, conversation

Tourism in the Experience Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Tourism in the Experience Economy - Essay Example The Maori people of New Zealand have had a long history of involvement in tourism and a new wave of Maori operators are seen to have emerged over the last two decades to provide experiences to meet this demand (Taylor 2001). Much of the tourism product in which Maori have been involved, to date, is cultural performance, such as cultural experience evenings (Maori Tourism Taskforce Report 1992). Thecultural experiences offered are commonly promoted by tour operators as "traditional" or "authentic" experiences of Maori culture. Initially the idea of experience economy became known in businesses but today it has extended its roots to tourism. Experience economy is a well thought out contribution in existing economics. Most of the economies in the past were agricultural based economies. And agricultural based economy was based on raw materials. Then there came the industrial revolution and the leisure time became valuable as it was short. People started getting daily bread, ready-made clothes and tinned food. The era of manufactured goods arrived! This industrial revolution lead to economic prosperity by increases wages and decreasing the number of hours worked. Today, majority of the companies and organizations are transforming their services from services to memorable experiences. Such as Pizza Hut is liked by most of the people because it manages to host a child's birthday party. Here, the workers are the actors and people visiting those areas are the visitors and the place acts as a stage. Gilmore and Pine2 (1998) believe that the experiences and services are distinct to each other. They believe that experiences should provide a memorable activity that will remain with a particular individual for a long time. In order to achieve this and in order to develop that product, visitors must be attracted and drawn into the activity in such a way that they feel the sensation and the thrill. And in order to feel the sensation visitors should participate in that activity. This process demands and requires highly skilled personnel who can personalize each event according to the behavioral traits, the needs and the response of the guests. Providing experiences is not an easy job. It demands and requires a new supplierperspective. Suppliers of such goods consider themselves as manufacturers. It is important for the companies that they should themselves as stagers of events and not just the manufacturers of various products. Like any theatrical event, there should be a designed activity for the sets and dialogue scripting. Actors need to dynamically select individual sentences in response to the body language, questions and statements. In order to be sensational and an experience of thrill for the visitors, it has to be an interactive experience in such a way that the guest has more influence on the actions than the actors. In some situations where the experience is sensitive type then we cannot expect the visitors to open up and engage in that activity on the first encounter. Sometimes it may require a number of encounters so that they reveal themselves over a period of time.3 The process of designing services that convey unforgettable personal experiences is a combination of art, development, knowledge and skill, and an art that is poorly understood. Theatre industry is considered to be someone with perfect control over the process of staging plays.4 An experience enter the minds of the

Healthy Eating and Obesity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Healthy Eating and Obesity - Assignment Example After overcoming difficulties and succeeding in juice fasting, the narrator also undertook the task to help an American driver he met during his trip. The message conveyed in the video includes the necessity to plan one’s diet including right products into it. Moreover, if people were aware of the properties of the products they eat daily and the rules of how to plan their nutrient budget, the problem wouldn’t be so disturbing. At the same time, the narrator conveys the message based on his own experience: if one wants to be healthier and get rid of the weight that causes discomfort and health issues, it only takes motivation and time. 2. The documentary under consideration deals with extremely relevant social phenomena of nowadays – increasing level of obesity and health problems caused by abnormal eating habits and – what goes hand in hand with these two – necessity to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Nowadays people – similar to the man in the video – confuse priorities placing wealth and many other aspects higher than health, although health is the primary value we all have and any further achievements are possible even if this one is present. Unhealthy eating including junk food addiction and the sedentary lifestyle increase the threat of various diseases’ development and obesity. As it was illustrated in the movie, the obesity level growth has already overrun the borders of the U.S. (which is virtually the homeland of fast food) and spread on Australia. That is why people gradually start thinking about this problem and taking measures either to fight or to prevent it. 3. The problem under consideration is, in fact, a product of many societal forces including family, media, and culture. Family as an influential factor might act either positively or negatively as eating habits and priorities on the â€Å"local† level are formed by the family and adopted by a person in childhood.  Ã‚  

Resource Shortage Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Resource Shortage Paper - Essay Example I would not say that this is an immediate problem which must be dealt with immediately. However this situation might become a problem for the future generations of America if nothing is done about it now. The political issue of this problem is that governments do not realize the degree of importance of dealing with this problem now. Any attempts that were made at global level were conveniently ignored by the United States of America for e.g. United States of America refused to sign the Kyoto protocol which was an international agreement for the reduction of some greenhouse gases. The reason behind this is that America thinks that if it signs this treaty, its economic interests would be threatened (BBC News, 2002). While the economic issue behind this problem is that if the country tries to decrease the amount of pollution that it emits, its economy might be affected negatively. One resource management factor that could be used by the government of the United States of America includes putting restrictions on that amount of pollution that can be emitted by factories. This could be done by imposing laws and regulate the amount of pollution that is given out accordingly. Besides this, the government may also start public awareness campaigns which will promote saving the air and water around people. These public awareness campaigns could include informing people of the negative effects of pollution and also the ways that can be adopted by them to fight against it individually. In my opinion, these resource management factors will prove to be very effective and at the same time there would not be a lot of costs involved on the part of the people or the government. They will be effective because by employing the factors mentioned above, the government will succeed in regulating the two most important polluting figures, the factories and general public. The approach that can be used by the government to regulate factories could

Performance Measurement in a Post Merger Integration Process Essay

Performance Measurement in a Post Merger Integration Process - Essay Example The objective of any merger is to increase the value of the enterprise which means the there is always an objective that helps the company to come up with such a strategy to merger with another company. This is mostly seen as a long term strategy culminating from inside research in the market as there is not firm which would like to lose its identity in the market as a result of the merger. (ndrade 2001, p. 106; Ronald and Suzanne 2000, p. 5) In the recent past, there have been increasing interest on the issue of mergers. Many people have tried to look at the effect of those mergers in the face of looking who are the real winners and who are the real losers of merger. There have been many studies which have been looking closely into the issue of outcome of the mergers and acquisitions. The outcome of these two processes has been evaluated on many grounds from economic, communication, and other performance standards. (Caves 1999, p. 4; Lipin 2000, p.4) Once we realize that the objective of any merger is to increase the value of the enterprise in the market in order to create a formidable force the can compete effectively with others in the market, it will be easy for us to analyse then how does a merger affect the operation of each firms after they merge. This paper will concentrate on assessing the post merger effects on trust building performance and communication in the new enterprise. It will review various literature and findings that have come from many researches. (Ghosh 2001, p. 13) Outcome of mergers Many studies that have conducted research on mergers and acquisition have basically centred on some of the interesting characteristics of the mergers. They have been able to categorize the effect of merge on three broad classes. The first class consist of measureing performance after a merger based on share price. The second one has categories it on profitability while the class takes in many studied which have used other effect of merger success. (Paul 2002, p. 49) As we mentioned earlier the aim of any merger is to ensure that there is success of a business. This success should not only be measured in term of finical success but also in the degree of integration the two firms. In this regard cultural integration is one of the most important aspects that help the merger to succeed. Whether a merger can be considered a success based on the financial implication depends on many factors including the benchmark that is used to evaluate the merger. Many studies have concentrated on the share price of the firm pre and post merger as a measure of success in themes. This is often based on the confidence the investors will have on the merger. In this regard, the revenue of the firm is used as bench mark for evaluating the success of the firm since the dynamic trend in the share price of a firm will depend on the revenue collection of the firm. (Sitkin 1996, p. 17; Kaplan 2000, p. 243) Based on the financial performance of the mergers, studies that have been carried out shows that 82% of all mergers evaluated have shown success in the share price and economic performance. However it has also been shown that more that 50% of all mergers do not meet the expectations of the investors with majority of them failing to attain the objectives of the new merger. Once a merger is planned, there

Literature review Essay Example for Free

Literature review Essay According to (Light, Pillerner, 1984), systematic literature review is also useful for it provides literature review needed in the scientific world. Systematic reviews follow a predetermined set of guidelines while being conducted and produces results that are fair. Unbiased reports are of great scientific value for they become the rationale for scientific studies. Through the results, hypotheses that do not have supporting evidence are eliminated and the ones which are based on evidence used for scientific studies. Thus systematic literature reviews define strengths and limits of available researches that are used in the science world. Among the many advantages of systematic literature review is that, unlike ordinary research that provides conclusions and suggests recommendations to a particular study or question, systematic literature review does not limit researchers, practitioners, clinicians, health care managers among other users of systematic review findings. Mulrow (2008) states that systematic literature review leaves room for the findings to be challenged. For instance, if researchers do not agree with a particular study that has been appraised through systematic literature review; room is provided for parties who do not agreeing with the research findings to build their own reviews. The transparent way through which systematic literature review is conducted provides the building blocks through which it can be challenged. In addition, the process of conducting a systematic literature review is less tiring as compared to the primary studies which use data collected from the field. Systematic literature reviews uses the already processed and documented primary data and therefore is less tedious. Power and precision is accorded to systematic reviews through their use of quantitative methodologies in data analysis. When compared with other traditional research literatures, systematic reviews have an advantage over them for they are able to justify their evidence and conclusions qualitatively and also quantitatively. Thomas, Harden et al, (2004) acknowledges that the use of Meta – analysis in systematic reviews gives them a greater command when it comes to evidence over traditional literature reviews that only relies on qualitative evidence. In addition, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies ensures that the results are of greater precision. Systematic literature reviews uses a methodology that does not have room for biasness. The results obtained through systematic literature reviews are valid and can be reproduced when the same procedure is used. Mulrow, (2008) emphasizes that systematic reviews are transparent and researches widely on the available data making policy makers, clinicians, nurses among other users to widely rely on systematic literature reviews. The reviews also provide information that is clear and defined depending on the question or the study under review. Last but not least of the advantages of systematic literature review is the use of quantitative methods in literature reviews. The combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluating existing data contributes to the accuracy of results accorded to systematic literature reviews. Systematic literature review is far from perfect and many professionals argue as to the practicability of the evidence produced through systematic literature reviews. They argue that systematic literature reviews are reviews done by a group of researchers who think that by conducting the review, they have already solved a problem. According to Mulrow, (2008) to most professionals, a systematic literature review only signifies the beginning of a finding and not a way for solving a problem. For instance, while systematic literature reviews makes use of existing researches to make the reviews, the existing research evidence may have been conducted in relation to a particular group of people, area or particular settings. Then, though the systematic review conclusions will be drawn, questions arise as to how systematic literature reviews that may have used research findings that were only meant for a particular group of people or area should be generalized to other regions or people. They raise a problem of generalizing and disseminating quality and clear information to consumers and thereby undermining one of the most important reasons as to why systematic literature reviews should be done.

Comparison of Project Management Methodologies

Comparison of Project Management Methodologies Introduction Project management describes an organizational approach to the management about ongoing operations linked to a project. Project management has an importance since the early 1980s as a distinct discipline. The first step in developing any discipline is to develop a Body of Knowledge on the discipline as detailed concepts, processes and methodologies are developed. Project management has recognition due to the massive growth of the IT industry and managing the problems of projects effectively. Project management has body of knowledge, project management tools and software. The project management body of knowledge is a universal body of knowledge on the discipline and it has developed to make basic competency and knowledge in project management personnel to handle difficult projects in an ordered manner. A methodology is a set of guiding principle that can be modified and useful to a precise condition. A methodology might also be a precise approach, templates, forms, and even checklists used over the project life cycle. A recognized project methodology is supposed to lead the effort of all team members all over the life cycle of a project. All members of a group should be well-known with and use the selected methodology right through their projects. Many project management methodologies agreement with the management of a single project, without appreciating that many other projects in a company compete for the very same assets and awareness. The project management methodology should also suggest project managers with the point of view that there is a project management framework and related methodologies present in the company. In this article, we will be discussing PMBoK of the Project Management Institute (PMI, USA) and APM (Association of Project Managers) (UK). In addition, we will also look at PRINCE2, that is more of a software product for project management, but flexible enough to fit in between, a body of knowledge and a full scale SW product. While both APM and Prince2 have their origin in UK, PMBoK is from PMI of USA. APM represents the BoK from France, Germany, UK, and Switzerland. PMBoK and APM are body of knowledge while PRINC2 is a PM software product and hence branded as prescriptive (defined for the user with limited flexibility within the overall framework), while the BoK is just a body of knowledge, that need to be put to use by defining the operational elements. Benefits of Project Management Methodologies Structured approaches as in PMBOK and products such as Prince2, enable capture all elements of the project upfront; educate project team on the various elements and their relationships /dependencies, to create a workable and accountable team environment. Projects as different from non project (operational) environments are extremely time, resource, dependencies and outcome sensitive, and are not eternal. To implement a project, a team is assembled to execute the project as different from an operational phase where employees work on a consistent / homogeneous environment for long time, and there is a natural learning process of the job and cross dependencies. Projects cannot afford the luxury of natural learning. PM methodologies thus focus on the conscious deliberate approach to build capacity in the project team for execution through training, clear definition of the project, roles and tasks, assets, improvement description and methods of tracking improvement, communication, risk ma nagement and mid course correction, and so on. These are achieved through defined processes and definition of functional areas and their relationships. A project organization structure will deliver the output in line with the processes defined in the PM methodologies. Thus a structured approach greatly helps in avoiding costly and time consuming discoveries during the project phase, and adopting a trial and error method. It is basically an attempt to define and clarify upfront, and put in place processes to implement tasks that are clarified and defined. PM methodologies also ensure through IT technology that drives them, consistency and integrity of project information and the data it relies on, for subsequent actions by various project team actors. Data consistency and timely availability is one of the most critical impediments to any project. Technology induction in PM helps in having one single page view of all facets of the project at any point in time, for all stakeholders, on a need to know basis, within as well as outside the project. As structured approaches removes this shortcoming by capturing data from the business processes itself, there is no need for or time lost in database updating. The updating is thus compulsive, error free and automatic. Structured approaches also helps define criticality and automatic generation of alerts on defined project events for timely intervention as well as tracking performance. This helps avoid costly actions that otherwise would have been taken based on hunch, without access to current data. Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) PMBOK was initiated by the PMI in 1987 to standardize generally accepted project management practices. The focus is on process driven management to ensure standardization of good practices on the lines of ISO 9000 and the Software Engineering Institutes CMMI. PMBOK is structured as five process groups and nine knowledge areas and is compliant with IEEE Std 1490-2003. The five processes are: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. PMBoK processes are project phase driven in terms of Inputs (documents, plans, designs, etc.), Tools and Techniques (mechanisms applied to inputs) and Outputs (documents, products, etc.). The nine knowledge areas address Project Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communications, Risk and Procurement. Each knowledge area is conceived to comprise all or some of the processes. The philosophy of any PM methodology is breaking down the works in a structured manner (WBS), sequencing them, define their relationships, dependencies, start and end dates, resources needed, costs, risks, and follow concepts of critical paths, resource leveling and so on. PM methodologies explicitly identify all above ingredients of a project that are mostly internal to the project. In addition, there are several factors considered to be exogenous to the project itself, which thinking is changing now. These exogenous factors are the human resources, finance, environmental management, stakeholder management, regulations, relationships, risks, project outcomes in terms of quantifiable benefits and the time when they are to occur, Thus project management has extended its boundary by internalizing their forward and backward linkages with the project itself. PM is no longer a pure engineering function, but a critical holistic techno, commercial managerial task. Why PMBOK? The project management body of knowledge is a generalized body of knowledge on the discipline, developed to create basic competence and knowledge, in project management personnel, to handle complex projects in a structured manner. This was important since the people working and managing projects (having to manage projects) in the IT industry, was young and inexperienced, and IT project management itself was an emerging area. Therefore it was felt that a defined body of knowledge is necessary to build the concept of PM. Comparison with Traditional or non-structured methodology (Waterfall Model) Waterfall model is expensive and lengthy to back to a previous phase to fix them if encounter difficulties during one phase. If there have problems with the design during construction, then the only way is to stop all construction work and restart the design process otherwise most of the construction work will not match the new design. Construction can start again only after the new design finalized, documented, and signed off. It makes changes very difficult to implement the PMBOK can formulate waterfall development seem natural and appropriate. PRINCE 2 PRINCE2 project management methodology is a world-class standard for managing projects to a successful conclusion. It is a de facto standard used widely by the UK Government and is broadly recognized and used in the private area, both in the UK and globally. PRINCE2, the method, is in the public area, offering non-proprietorial best-practice guideline on project management. In fact Prince2 is not good enough on the quality management in projects but strong on Risk Management. It covers how to arrange, proceed and control your projects.  As a Project manager, the principles of PRINCE2 and the related training can be used to any type of project to manage risk, control quality and change successfully, as well as build the most of demanding situations and opportunities, that occur within a project. The key features of PRINCE2 are: its spotlight on business justification a definite business constitution for the project management team its product-based development approach its highlighting on isolating the project into controllable and manageable stages its elasticity to be used at a stage suitable to the project PRINCE2 does not explain all aspects of project management.   Fields such as leadership and people management skills, detailed coverage of project management tools and techniques covered by other existing and proven methods are excluded from PRINCE2. Benefits of using PRINCE2 PRINCE2 gives benefits to the managers and directors of a project and to an organization through the apply of resources and the skill to manage business and risk more successfully. PRINCE is broadly recognized, understood and giving a general language for all participants in a project. It also supports formal identification of duties within a project and focuses on what a project is to deliver, why, when and for whom. PRINCE2 supplies projects with a controlled and organized start, middle and end. It helps to review of progress against plan and against the business case and ensure the involvement of management and stakeholders at the right time and place during the project and good communication guide between the project, project management and the organization. Project Managers using PRINCE2 are able to: set up terms of reference as a precondition to the initiate of a project use a defined formation for delegation, authority and communication split the project into controllable phases for more correct planning make sure resource promise from management is part of any approval to proceed give regular but brief management reports maintain meetings with management and stakeholders to a minimum but at the essential points in the project. For senior management PRINCE2 uses the management by exception idea. They are kept fully up to date of the project condition without having to be present at regular, time-consuming meetings. There are many organizations providing teaching, consultancy and tools services for PRINCE2, thus ensuring a competitive supply. In addition, there is an active user group dedicated to the support, promotion and strengthening of the method. APM Body of Knowledge The APM Body of Knowledge is a recognized collection of project management knowledge. It gives introductions and general guides to those areas measured vital to the regulation of managing projects, and it is visibly structured with definitions, explanations and recommended further evaluation material. This information will direct and help those involved in project management in their effort, studies and learning for accepted qualifications. While a structure has been provided to handle the BoK, it should not be construed as one element of the structure, being independent of the other. In fact they are all interdependent and the structure is only for the purpose of logical organization and clarity. They are treated separately due to their significance and to aid in simplicity of their presentation. In reality, many topics may fit into more than one section as they may be applicable to more than one phase of a project. For example, project risk management and project quality management are not to be treated as topics in isolation. APM Body of Knowledge and PRINCE2 Compared There are many similarities that can be found when comparing the APM Body of Knowledge with PRINCE2. For example, they both: Describe generic approaches to project management that can be useful in spite of the type of project Can be applied across geological and cultural boundaries, even though they both originate within the United Kingdom Recognize that they cannot provide a one-size-fits-all formula to project success Cover the topics of Business Case, Organizational Roles, Quality Management, Risk Management, Change Control, Issue Management, Configuration Management, and aspects of Planning and of Progress Control. The key difference between APM Body of Knowledge and PRINCE2 PRINCE 2 is a structured project management method and APM BoK a body of project management knowledge APM BoK provides descriptions and explanations of a broad range of project management topics and takes a discipline-based approach to project management , where PRINCE 2 Provides detailed descriptions of specific approaches that PRINCE2 has for a fairly narrow range of project management topics and takes a process-based approach to project management A brief comparison of PMBOK and APM depicts following salient features In addition to commonalities, PMBOK explicitly addresses socio economics, quality management, risk management, communication, stakeholders and organizational influences, while APM addresses success / failure criteria, post project appraisal, project environment such as law, mobilization, delegation, leadership communication, conflict, negotiation, and industrial relations, marketing skills. IT Governance and Methodologies IT project committee has come into view as an important corporate duty. The capacity to manage strict managerial and board control over main IT projects throughout their lifecycle, has become a decision making issue in shaping businesses bloom and creator with tools at the spirit of most businesses. PRINCE 2 offers a process model that is aimed to be applied, as a set of steps in a coherent sequence by a project manager in planning and managing a project. The application of the process model is adjustable to almost all types of projects and a good number of complexities. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 manual contains a number of materials that are regulations for a project manager in applying the process model. The PMBOK details are a set of processes that descend under nine Knowledge Areas and can be connected in five groups if the project manager prefers. PMBOK offers the project manager a considerable range of data about proven practices in this area and provoke the project manager to relate these where they think appropriate but PRINCE2 provides more regulatory steps for the project manager and teams to follow. Knowledge areas of the PMBOK and the procedures and materials of PRINCE2 and APM have many similar topics. It is clear that all three represent best practice with their difference being in the implementation as a methodology and a number of terminology differences. The PRINCE 2 approach has some advantages that it brings a degree of consistency in an organization. At the same time as allowing for tailoring to a range of projects generally requires undertaking the same processes and using the same terminology for all projects. There have some payback in corporate program management, project staff training programs, project presentation and tracking systems. The disadvantage is restricts creativity in the diversity of methods applied to managing a project. There have some benefits in accepting both PMBOK and PRINCE2 to co-exist in several companies. PMBOK presents the academic knowledge resource that is useful in improving the profession of project management. It also permits flexibility in adoption and implementation that is context driven. PRINCE2 presents a process model that is applied directly by project managers and teams from a diverse range of backgrounds to make consistent project management and project results. Though there are several commonalities across projects of all types one need to have organizational efficiency, flexibility and creativity to make various kind of projects. In short PRINCE2 is a ready to consume food, while PMBOK and APM are ingredients that need to be cooked the way one wants, but one need to know how to do it. Concluding observations While there are only a few initiatives on the Body of Knowledge in Project Management such as PmBok and APM, there are several Software products that help implement a professional and structured project management practice. These products vary from stand alone packages that are implementable on single systems to the most sophisticated ones that are even implementable as a web based system, Some of the products also integrate with the other organizational systems such ERP and functional software packages that help integrate the entire functions of running an organization whether in the excusive business of managing projects or projects are only one of the activities of the organization. While the BoK helps those in project management to understand project management as a structured disciple the products helps in implementing structured project management practice. Project management as any other discipline is still emerging and it should not be surprising if the discipline undergoes a complete transformation as the discipline matures and branches out into further project specific specialties as has happened in the case of Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP). Project management specialists should look out for such evolving opportunities with an open innovative mind.

Taxes and the Deficit: We MUST Return to the Fundamentals of our Consti

The United States of America is not leading into the direction our country was meant to lead. Our Forefathers that came before us and settled in the United Sates, fled here to be free from tyranny. They were escaping from Great Britain’s strict control and harsh taxation. After settling in America the Constitution was drafted to â€Å"form a perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity (Preamble to the United States Constitution).† After reading the preamble, I reread, and wondered how can the US be in the situation were in, if that is what our country ‘was’ built on? What direction is our country headed in, how is taxation hurting or benefiting us, and what can we do to better ours and our children’s future? The direction that our country is taking is far from the direction that Thomas Jefferson, Ben jamin Franklin, or James Madison had originally anticipated for America. The current US budget deficit is close to $1.5 trillion. If Americans were required to pay for government spending this year, we’d have to work an extra thirty-eight days to earn enough money to pay all our taxes. Approximately forty seven percent of Americans will not be eligible for any income tax return, but because of EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and other credits implemented by Obama and Bush a majority will receive a tax credit. I am a supporter of tax credits, but I also think that there should be a ‘cap’ to limit your tax credit. Doing this could provide a credit for everyone, but having a limit can help to utilize money in many different areas. Money that we don’t have is being printed, spent, a... ...e money you invest, you’ll never see, because of government spending. After a ‘clean-house’ within the government and Americans morale improves. I believe that taxes are ‘generally’ good, except when taxing is used to fulfill greed. If more people invested in their future more soon, spent money wiser, saved money, and supported their communities their lead would influence others to do the same. Works Cited: Independence Hall Association. Constitution of the United Sates. Retrieved April 25, 2010, from http://www.ushistory.org/documents/constitution.htm. Cassidy, John. (April 7, 2010). Rational Irrationality. Retrieved April 11th, 2010, from http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/johncassidy/2010/04/who-pays-federal-income-tax.html The Tax Foundation. (2010). America Celebrates Tax Freedom Day. Retrieved from, http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/ Taxes and the Deficit: We MUST Return to the Fundamentals of our Consti The United States of America is not leading into the direction our country was meant to lead. Our Forefathers that came before us and settled in the United Sates, fled here to be free from tyranny. They were escaping from Great Britain’s strict control and harsh taxation. After settling in America the Constitution was drafted to â€Å"form a perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity (Preamble to the United States Constitution).† After reading the preamble, I reread, and wondered how can the US be in the situation were in, if that is what our country ‘was’ built on? What direction is our country headed in, how is taxation hurting or benefiting us, and what can we do to better ours and our children’s future? The direction that our country is taking is far from the direction that Thomas Jefferson, Ben jamin Franklin, or James Madison had originally anticipated for America. The current US budget deficit is close to $1.5 trillion. If Americans were required to pay for government spending this year, we’d have to work an extra thirty-eight days to earn enough money to pay all our taxes. Approximately forty seven percent of Americans will not be eligible for any income tax return, but because of EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and other credits implemented by Obama and Bush a majority will receive a tax credit. I am a supporter of tax credits, but I also think that there should be a ‘cap’ to limit your tax credit. Doing this could provide a credit for everyone, but having a limit can help to utilize money in many different areas. Money that we don’t have is being printed, spent, a... ...e money you invest, you’ll never see, because of government spending. After a ‘clean-house’ within the government and Americans morale improves. I believe that taxes are ‘generally’ good, except when taxing is used to fulfill greed. If more people invested in their future more soon, spent money wiser, saved money, and supported their communities their lead would influence others to do the same. Works Cited: Independence Hall Association. Constitution of the United Sates. Retrieved April 25, 2010, from http://www.ushistory.org/documents/constitution.htm. Cassidy, John. (April 7, 2010). Rational Irrationality. Retrieved April 11th, 2010, from http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/johncassidy/2010/04/who-pays-federal-income-tax.html The Tax Foundation. (2010). America Celebrates Tax Freedom Day. Retrieved from, http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/

Characterization within the Drama Hamlet Essay -- Shakespeare Hamlet E

Characterization within the Drama Hamlet  Ã‚        Ã‚   The purpose of this essay is to enlighten the reader regarding the characters in Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet – whether they are three-dimensional or two-dimensional, dynamic or static, etc.    The genius of the Bard is revealed in his characterization. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt in Literature of the Western World examine the universal appeal of   Shakespeare resulting from his â€Å"sharply etched characters†:    Every age from Shakespeare’s time to the present has found something different in him to admire. All ages, however, have recognized his supreme skill in inventing sharply etched characters; it frequently happens that long after one has forgotten the exact story of a play one remembers its people with absolute vividness. (2155-56)    Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. LaMar in â€Å"Hamlet: A Man Who Thinks Before He Acts† comment on the propensity of the Bard for well-rounded characters in Hamlet: â€Å"We feel that they are living beings with problems that are perennially human† (62).    Hamlet has over 20 characters with speaking roles; in occupations from king to grave-digger; and in 20 different scenes; and with a differentiation in speech, actions, etc. between every single individual character. Where else can such great variety in characterization be found? This aspect of the dramatist is emphasized by Robert B. Heilman in â€Å"The Role We Give Shakespeare†; he says that this variety is â€Å"graspable and possessable to many men at odds with each other, because of the innumerableness of the parts† (10).    The play begins with the changing of the sentinels on a guard platform of the castle of Elsinore in Denmark. Recently the spectral likeness of dead ... ...e.† Essays on Shakespeare. Ed. Gerald Chapman. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1965.    Levin, Harry. General Introduction. The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1974.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html No line nos.    Wilkie, Brian and James Hurt. â€Å"Shakespeare.† Literature of the Western World. Ed. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1992.    Wright, Louis B. and Virginia A. LaMar. â€Å"Hamlet: A Man Who Thinks Before He Acts.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. LaMar. N. p.: Pocket Books, 1958.         

Selfish Ambition Frankenstein Essay -- Essays Papers

Selfish Ambition Frankenstein Selfish Ambition? The question â€Å"What makes us who we are?† has perplexed many scholars, scientists, and theorists over the years. This is a question that we still may have not found an answer to. There are theories that people are born â€Å"good†, â€Å"evil†, and as â€Å"blank slates†, but it is hard to prove any of these theories consistently. There have been countless cases of people who have grown up in â€Å"good† homes with loving parents, yet their destiny was to inflict destruction on others. On the other hand, there have been just as many cases of people who grew up on the streets without the guidance of a parental figure, but they chose to make a bad situation into a good one by growing up to do something worthwhile for mankind. For this reason, it is nearly impossible to determine what makes a human being choose the way he/she behaves. Mary Shelley (1797-1851) published a novel in 1818 to voice her opinions about determining personality and th e consequences and repercussions of alienation. Shelley uses the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau to make her point. Rousseau proposed the idea that man is essentially "good" in the beginning of life, but civilization and education can corrupt and warp a human mind and soul. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (hereafter referred to as Frankenstein), Victor Frankenstein’s creature with human characteristics shows us that people are born with loving, caring, and moral feelings, but the creature demonstrates how the influence of society can change one’s outlook of others and life itself by his reactions to adversity at â€Å"birth†, and his actions after being alienated and rejected by humans several times. In the first chapters of the book, Shelley describes a scientist who was obsessed with "doing something great" for mankind. Victor Frankenstein, an educated man of science, was completely involved with his work, which happened to be the creation of another living being with human qualities. Once Victor’s work was finally completed, he realized that he had created a â€Å"monster†, and he was terrified. Mary Shelley, supporting Rousseau's theory, definitely believed that people are born essentially with good intentions and feelings, and she shows this from the first few moments of the creature’s life. When Victor was lying terrified in his bed, the creature came i... ... good, but can be turned to evil by society’s narrow-minded view of what is normal, and the corruption of the mind through knowledge and education. The repercussions of Victor’s and others alienation of the creature turned a caring individual to an evil one. Shelley succeeds in bringing Rousseau's theory to life, that one is born good, but he can be turned to evil through civilization and education. This story still has a great meaning for us today. Millions of people are outcast by society, not only because of physical appearance, but also because of sexual orientation, social status, and religion. Once people quit looking so narrow-mindedly at one another, the world will be a much better place, and Frankenstein's "monster" will rest in peace! Works Cited Mellor, Anne K. Mary Shelley - Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. New York, New York: Routledge, Chapman, & Hall, Inc., 1989. p 136. Scott, Sir Walter. "Remarks on Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus; A Novel." Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine 1 April 1818. 26 April 2001. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus - 1818 Text. Ed. Marilyn Butler. New York, New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

McDonald’s Current Market Strategies Essay

McDonald’s stands as the world’s largest hamburger chain with over 30,000 stores in 120 countries. Yet as strong as it stands in the hamburger industry, it is still vulnerable to price competition and the current federal unemployment rate. In order to try to overcome a low profit margin, McDonald’s is presently pursuing new strategies to help increase its market share in other industries. The primary objectives being targeted includes, growth in sales, increase in profitability and market share. Current Strategies Being Pursued According to CEO, Jim Skinner, McDonald’s â€Å"Plan to Win† strategy includes, â€Å"Giving our customers a unique balance of food and beverage choices is driving performance in every area of the world.† Skinner also stated, â€Å"We’re offering new menu items and classic favorites, including premium and value selections, all for our customers to enjoy in our convenient, contemporary restaurants. We intend to continue our momentum by further enhancing the McDonald’s experience and giving customers even more reasons to visit† (McDonald’ Corp, 2010). They are executing product development strategies by expanding the famous Dollar Menu. Due to constant price competition McDonald’s is trying to increase sales by attracting more customers into their stores by promoting products in the economical Dollar Menu. After evaluating McDonald’s current strategies, one of the leading strategies McDonald’s is trying to achieve is market penetration by focusing efforts on increasing their presence in the coffee industry. Due to recent closures of Starbuck stores and the current high unemployment level, fewer consumers are able to pay a high price for a cup of coffee. This has given McDonald’s an opportunity to enter the coffee industry, and positioning themselves as the low price option by offering free McCafà ¨ mochas every Monday from 7 am to 7 pm to every customer. In addition, by offering an assortment of lower priced coffee drinks McDonald’s is beginning to attract new customers. According to Michael Bauer from SFGate, â€Å"about 48% of Starbucks customers visit McDonald’s at least once a week.† In response to a decline in demand for Starbucks products, they lowered their prices, yet McDonald’s coffee drinks remain 25%-40% cheaper. Coupled with low prices, increasing marketing efforts within the coffee industry has allowed McDonald’s market share to increase by 5.4%. The use of franchising has always been a central strategy to McDonald’s ability for rapid expansion. McDonald’s involvement in forward integration through the use of proceeds from the sale of company owned stores helping finance franchisees and buy back company stock, while paying higher dividends and creating other investments for benefit shareholders (David, 2011, 2009, 2007) clearly implies McDonald’s intention to focus on franchising and not company owned stores. Through strategies such as â€Å"Plan to Win†, McDonald’s has established themselves as a very effective franchise option. Due to the majority of their stores being franchised, McDonald’s Corporation can continue to rely on constant production from franchisees. Conclusion As previously discussed, the strategies McDonald’s is currently pursuing include, but not limited to, market penetration, forward integration, and product development. Each of these strategies are cruicial to McDonald’s success. â€Å"McDonald’s customer focus, menu innovation and the ongoing modernization of our restaurants continue to drive our business momentum,† said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. â€Å"However, there are additional strategies McDonald’s will consider pursuing to ensure economical market advantage and customer satisfaction . References Baertlin L., Wohl, J. McDonald’s October same-store sales up, U.S. slips. (2009, November 09). Reuters. Retrieved November 8, 2010 from http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5A822F20091109 David, F. R. (2011). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education. McDonald’s Corp. (2010, September 09). Clear Station. Retrieved November 8, 2010, from http://clearstation.etrade.com/cgibin/bbs?post_id=9490105&Refer=http://clearstation.etrade.com/doc/newcoming.html McDonald’s Corp. (2010, October 10). Clear Station. Retrieved November 8, 2010, from http://clearstation.etrade.com/cgi-bin/bbs?post_id=9530212&Refer=http://clearstation.etrade.com/doc/newcoming.html Shepherd, L. Starbucks’ rivals brew up a coffee war. (2007, March 26). MSN Money. Retrieved November 8, 2010 from http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/DunkinAndMcDonaldsTakeOnStarbucks.aspx

Establishment of Unique State Language in Office Work Essay

Acknowledgement We want to acknowledge our parents for participating and helping us to conduct a questionnaire in the state institutions in Astana. Also we would like to thank Saltanat – secretary of head of government – for distribution of questionnaires among respondents and operate actions in delivering results to Almaty. Abstract Nowadays the issue of languages is one of the most actual, disputable. That is why government tries to improve the conditions of state language. This year new law was created; it states that all documentations must be written in Kazakh. This change cause many disputes and discussions and becomes more popular. As an actual issue this problem was chosen by the authors of research. The research question: what is the viewpoint of Astana citizens to establishment of unique state language in office work? Research objectives are to inquire into views of people to this law, find the advantages and disadvantages of change, to define the impact of transition on the process of work. After analyzing possible consequences, following research hypothesis was made: people would have negative point of view on the establishment. In order to achieve more efficiency the instrument of survey design – questionnaire – was chosen. It was conducted among 20 people – the inhabitants of Astana – who work in the state institutions, because change of language in the office work impacts them directly. Convenience sampling was used, because authors chose merely closest persons as respondents. At the base of results of questionnaire it was found that 70% of people have positive, 25% neutral, 5% negative attitude to the change. Thus, the results of questionnaire shows that the authors’ hypothesis was not justified: it was defined that people have positive viewpoint on the establishment, also there is no almost any difficulties connected with the change and it does not impact on the process and quality of the work. I. Introduction A. Reasons for Undertaking Research For almost 300 years Kazakhstan was under the pressure of neighbour Russia, so since it was happened our cultural wealth began to eradicate. Language was almost lost, and nobody knew what would be in the future. Unfortunately, the most powerful and developing country – Soviet Union – fell to pieces (Akishev, 1996). So, since from 1990 year there were born new countries. And Kazakhstan was not exception. Like a newborn baby, country started to do its first steps. In this way new constitution was created. â€Å"Kazakh is a state language, and Russian is official† says the constitution of Kazakhstan. But this year new law took place: â€Å"since 2007 year all documentations must be in Kazakh†, it states. But is the country with only half Kazakh-speaking inhabitancies ready to this change, how the multinational population will react to it? This is our issue. The government made a decision, but can we manage with it? Only 1000 civil servants of 5000 can speak Kazakh in advance or can do office work in it, documentation nowadays executes in Russian and only after that it translates into Kazakh. It is right to ask a question: what will follow after this establishment? Consequences may be different but more obvious thing that there will be many difficulties because of unknowing language. With this poor condition the procedure of work will delay, consequently, the standards, the value of work will decrease. The change of language of office work will lead to discrimination of not Kazakh-speaking population. Because of this it’s important to investigate this issue. After analyzing possible consequences, following research hypothesis was made: the attitude of major population of Astana has negative point of view on this change of language of office work in Kazakh. B. Research Methods In order to achieve more efficiency from research survey is using here. To investigate exact attitudes of people the work need statistics, numerical data, also the viewpoints, position, suggestions of Astana people must be considered in the work. So, survey design is the best way to attain the most systematically organized point here. Also questionnaire is being consumed as instruments of research. It was chosen because, in order to determine the views of people and situation in the country, quantitative method will be helpful. The data and facts that they will give may help to solve partly our problem. As it is written in previous, statistics is necessary, and questionnaire may give new data and numbers, so it is helpful in this area, specific questions in questionnaire (open-ended) the opportunity to determine the exact point of view of people and their suggestions. The questionnaire consists of two parts. The first one is written in order to investigate social status of people and give demographic data. The second section’s aim is to ascertain the attitude of the person to the establishment of unique state language in the office work. The questionnaire was held on the period 14-16 of June in Astana. 20 people working in the state establishments were respondents of the questionnaire. The type of the research was primary, convenience technique was used. Ð ¡. Research Structure The research paper is divided into the six following chapters: Introduction – this part of the research presents brief description of the research, reasons for undertaking it and methods which will be used during this research. Review of the literature — this part of the research is dedicated to information that was found in appropriate literature in order to describe problems of establishment the unique language in the office work. Field research results – is a descriptive part of work, where authors should give only description of results that they receive from questionnaire or/an interview. Analysis and discussion – in this part of research paper all information presented before will be analyzed and will be tried to define future outlook of the industry and investors decision that can be taken. Conclusion – authors make a summary of the research paper. Bibliography – sources that were used in writing research. Appendices – include the questionnaire paper and interview paper. II. Literature review A. Historical background of Kazakh language The gold book of history of Kazakhs includes following pages: at the beginning of XVIII century west part of present territory of Kazakhstan started to join to Russian Empire. In spite of resistance of Orta and Uly Juzes during next hundred years all regions of country wholly became a piece of neighbour state. Since that time by the order of imperator Russian Empire Alexander I commenced the change of ruling power: they chose the heads of juzes. In the 30-40es of XVIII century fortresses were built at the boarders of Kazakhstan. Russian-speaking people started to immigrate into the Kazakh land. So, these were the first steps of colonization policy and active exchange of culture, widely spreading of Russian language and slowing down of Kazakh. (Kozybayev,1995). After formation of the Soviet Union in 1917, the discrimination of all nations with their culture and language that existed on the territory of USSR took place. Politics of state was the creation of unified society, where were the one constitution of USSR, which named Russian the single language of communication. From that period in different parts of the biggest country of the world the policy of inculcation of Russian language started. This process was the ideology, which was considered by government of Russia. Following 70 years lead to the almost wholly losing of native language. As an example of it in 1954 when virgin land started to build up 640.000 people from other countries of Union came to KazSSR. As a consequence of it new educational establishments were built, but with this immigration only in south region of country 700 Kazakh schools were closed, children stayed without needed education. Also the names of water-lands were changed in Russian, in order to make more comfortable the life of our â€Å"guests†. With this problem of eradication of folk wealth faced not only Kazakhstan, but other 12 countries of USSR, especially Moldova, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Georgia, etc (Akishev, Baipakov, 1996). So, after colonization for almost 300 years young independent Republic of Kazakhstan had to face with problem of wholly reconstruction of society, policy and economy of country. As a consequence of this dependence became following data: according to Agency of Statistics from 01.01.2004 the population of country is equal to 14,952 million people: 57, 19 % Kazakhs, 27, 24% Russians, 3, 14% Ukrainians, 2, 74% Uzbeks and other 120 nationalities. For the present time about 3 million Kazakhs do not know their native language. 64,4 % of population possess with Kazakh, when 84,8% speak Russian (Agency of statistics of RK , 2004). B. Status of Kazakh language nowadays With getting sovereignty in 1991 Republic of Kazakhstan got opportunity to raise its national wealth. So, the new constitution from 30th August of 1995, in the 7th article of the first part (general provisions) of it states: â€Å"1. the state language of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall be the Kazak language. 2. In state institutions and local self-administrative bodies the Russian language shall be officially used on equal grounds along with the Kazak language. 3. The state shall promote conditions for the study and development of the languages of the people of Kazakhstan.† (Constitution of RK, 1995). C. Problems and discussions on the issue According to B. Omarov (2005) – the head of Committee on problems of language of Ministry of information, culture and sport – in correspondents of State programme of function and development of languages for 2001-2010 years, affirmatived by decree of the president of RK from 07.02.2001 â„â€"550 in all regions of republic conduct measures of halting-placely change of office work on the state language. Because of this office work of 5 regions (Kyzylorda, Zhambyl, South-Kazkahstan, Atyrau, and Mangistau) was fully translated on state language. On the base of schedule of stagely translation of office work on state language cultivated republic agenda and brought in consideration of Government of RK. In accordance to this graphic from 01.01.2010 is expected fully translation of office work on state language. Due to this law there have been appeared problems of discrimination of not-Kazakh-speaking people in the country. Nowadays majority of people ask question, such â€Å"what this change will lead to?† According to Martha Brill Olcott (1997), there is a strong sense of disquiet among many of the country’s ethnic Russians, who feel that the break-up of the USSR has turned a familiar country into an alien one, and has left them as second-class citizens in what they themselves perceive as their native land. And the translation of language in office work will possibly grow gap between Kazakhstan’s Kazakhs and European communities. But specialists advise not to confuse. As Dariga Nazarbayeva states (2006), the change of language will not lead to discrimination of not-Kazakh-speaking people. Russian will stay as an official language. What just people should do – to learn about hundred of words and do documentations basing on them? Akim of Almaty I. Tasmagambetov (2005) and deputy, poet M. Shahanov (2005) become intimate in the opinion that world experience of states shows that presence of native language impact on stability, security of independent country. Our main aim is to raise the status of using Kazakh on the level of Russian. That is why akims actively accept the new law. They claim that the wealth that our ancestors gave to people should be kept. But there are some opposite points of view on this theme. Some non-Kazakh parts of population of RK think that government tries to slowly eradicate other nations from the land of Kazakhs. Some people, like O. Suleimenov (2005) – the representative of RK in UNESCO – thinks that republic is not yet ready for this change. This change may causes problems of leaving the country of other nations. At first, think this part of country, we should prepare the fundament, prepare people – to recreate grammar of language, to type reliable text books, in order to make easier the studying deeply and efficiently the language. At that time the minister of education and science B. Aitimova (2006) states that state program of Kazakh language for 2001-2010 is developing. She claims that 77% of schools are in Kazakh or mixed. But state Secretary O. Abdikarimov does not agree with that by saying that 500 million tenge was given from budget, nevertheless, there are no results. The minister culture and information – Y. Ertisbaev (2006) – he offers to make social polls. So, after some time, the problem will be partly solved. Summary Thus, there are many views on the issue of changing language of office work in Astana. Arguments of both sights are very strong; they were confirmed with statistics and prognoses of the critics. In discussions of the problem play role all social classes of Kazakhstan, because of this issue relates to all citizens of our country. Although there is no exact answer at the present time, but research will give it in the near future. III. Field research (Questionnaire results) A. General information The research question of present work is intended to find out what is the viewpoint of Astana’s citizens to the establishment of unique state language in office work. Thus, in order to obtain useful statistics and find out what are the precise attitudes of people on this issue, given questionnaire was conducted by researches. The field research was divided into three parts, which will allow to the reader comfortably find useful information (indirect data – common information, direct – specific material). At the period 14-16 of June in state institutions of Astana 20 people, who have full-time work place, have been asked by researches. Target population of the research is adults from 18 years old, in which 11 are female and 9 are male. As respondents were the closest available people, convenience sampling was used. B. Demographic (indirect) data At the process of work the category of age of respondents was divided into four parts: 18-25 (10%), 25-35 (35%), 35-50 (50%), over 50 (5%). 80% are Kazakhs and 20% are Russian respondents. From chart 1 it can be seen that the level of knowing of Kazakh and Russian languages among 20 people: [pic] Researches have investigated that 50 per cent of people know Kazakh in advance, 35 colloquial and 15 % do not speak on state language, while 90 % of people know Russian in advance and 10% colloquially. Table 1 shows the percentage degree of people who knows foreign languages and what are that languages. |Language |Percentage | |English |25% | |German |25% | |Belarusian |5% | |Don’t know other language |45% | Table 1. The quarter part speaks English, another Germany, while 5 % know Belarusian and other 45% do not know any foreign language. It was investigated that all 20 people have high education, from which 14 people studied in Russian (70%) and 6 in Kazakh (30%). The chart 2 shows the in what language people mostly communicate with each other: [pic] Half of respondents communicate in Russian, when 30% talk in Kazakh and 20% of people speak on both languages. At the process of work it was defined that all 20 people have full-time permanent work place, 19 (95%) are state workers, and 1 (5%) is a member of join-stock company. C. Attitudes of people (direct data) The chart 3 demonstrates the position of people toward the establishment. [pic] 80% of people think that it is right to establish such innovation, 15 % has neutral position and 5% are against the law. 70% of respondents have positive point of view to the establishment, 25% are neutral and 5% have negative attitude. From 20 people, who was asked, 12 (60%) are expressed willingness to do office work in Kazakh, while 8 (40%) people are not ready to such work. |Percentage of people who faced with office work in Kazakh | |Faced |60% | |Don’t faced |40% | From table 2 you may see that 60% of respondents have faced with doing office work in Kazakh while 40% do not. Table 2 From table 3 you may find out the percentage level of kinds of spreading of information about the establishment of unique language in the office work. 36,4 % of respondents have got information from work, 20% from relatives, 18,2% from friends, 15,6% through mass-media, 3,2% from another sources, while 6,6% do not know about this law. |Kinds of |Percentage | |Spreading of info | | |Relatives |20% | |Friends |18.2% | |Mass-media |15.6% | |At work |36.4% | |Other |3.2% | |Don’t know about this law |6.6% | Table 3. It was investigated in table 4 that change of language of office work for half of respondents has not any impact, 40% did not give answers, 5% do not know and on 5% has influence. |The influence on work |Percentage | |No |50% | |Yes |5% | |Do not know |5% | |Do not give answers |40% | Table 4 It was defined that 45% of people have not faced with any difficulties on work because of this establishment, 15% have some problems, and 40% did not give answers. It was investigated that the administration of state institutions have provide some conditions in order to prepare personnel to the establishment for 40% of respondents, and 60% have not got any programmes. People have mentioned such conditions like providing CDs, preparing lessons, electronic portal, programmes. 35% are satisfied with conditions that government provides, 15% not utilized, 10% is neutral and 40% did nit give answers. To the open-ended questions 90% respondents have given different answers, 10% preferred do not mention any suggestions. The majority of respondents suggested creating of courses, which will give opportunity to workers improve the level of knowing Kazakh. 20% of people were for establishment, but it was mentioned that this reform should be executed gradually. Another 20% have demonstrated desire to establish this law, because it is the time to raise the authority of state language. Someone was against establishment, and other, vice versus, suggested compulsory change language from Russian to Kazakh. D. Summary In spite the fact that most of people know more Russian that Kazakh, and that they communicate in Russian, it was investigated in generally that people have positive position to this establishment. There is a lack of preparing courses, but people disposed well. IV. Analysis and discussion Univariate analysis The research question of present work is â€Å"what is the attitude of Astana people to the establishment of unique state language in the office work in Kazakhstan?† After analyzing possible consequences the hypothesis stated that people would have negative point of view on the change of the language in the office work. a. Analyzing demographic data. As the change of language takes place in the state establishments, 95% of respondents were chosen from them. At the process of work it was investigated that the level of knowing Russian of 20 people, who were conducted the questionnaire, is higher than Kazakh: 100% know official language, while 15% do not know state language at all. In spite the fact that everyone knows Russian and the major part – 85% – of people know Kazakh, only the half part speak in Russian and 20% use only Kazakh, while 30% speak on both languages. Thus, ignoring the fact that the majority people know Kazakh, language of communication among people still is mostly Russian. b. Analyzing attitudes of people to the establishment (questionnaire, literature review). The main target of given work was to find the viewpoint of Astana people to the establishment. From the tabular form of frequency distribution we may see the main result of research. Table 1. Attitude to the establishment office work in Kazakh | |Frequency |% |Valid % |Cum % | |Positive |14 |70 |70 |70 | |Neutral |5 |25 |25 |95 | |Negative |1 |5 |5 |100 | |Total |20 |100 |100 | | More than half part of respondents have positive point of view on the change and only 5% were against it, so Astana people mostly are for establishment of state language. Analyzing the results of questionnaire, it was discovered that the major part of people think that it is right to change the language of documentation and they are ready to the transition. Authors made a prediction that the change of language may lead to conflicts among nations, it would be the discrimination of not-Kazakh people, the process of work will delay and quality of it would reduce. But the results show opposite thing: main part of people state that they have not faced with any difficulties, that the change does not impact on the done work and its’ efficiency does not decrease. 80% of respondents were Kazakhs; possibly, this is a reason of positive results in the questionnaire. Anyway, every man lives in Kazakhstan, may be that is why they have to answer positively, and may be, they had not other ch oice. Topic is very sensitive and both sides – Kazakh and not-Kazakh people – know it. Nowadays there are many issues on the theme of developing of Kazakh, and people do not react on them similar: someone is for raising the status of state language, someone afraid of this, because of unknowing Kazakh. Already 15 years Kazakhstan is independent country, it is obvious that Kazakh language should have specific status, it should have its own important place, and people should know it. It is already time to raise Kazakh, but not to eradicate Russian, because it is still the language on which all multinational population of country speaks, in which we communicate with our neighbours on international arena. People, by understanding it, should improve state language, by not disturbing official language. So, also, based on the results of questionnaire, it was found that government develops such things as courses, discs, electronic portals, programmes to prepare personnel to the change , but people mostly dissatisfied with these conditions, because almost all people suggest creating new instruments to improve language. This fact means that there is a lack of the books, special methods of studying, good teaching, etc. O. Suleimenov (2005) also came to this conclusion. He thinks that this change may cause problems of leaving the country of other nations. But there is a nuance: for some questions (about have they faced with any difficultiesmbecause of the change, have establishment impact the work, do they satisfied with conditions that government creates to prepare personnel?) the third part of people did not give answers. Does it mean that people are hiding something and expert is right? In the reality the issue of language is very sensitive: government tries to improve the authority of Kazakh while it seems that Russian is under discrimination. Among the members of parliament, government, also there are many debates on this theme. Akims, ministers say that they are undertaking measures as preparing personnel through the course, making privilege to people, who know Kazakh, raising their wages, but relying on opinions of people, we may conclude that it is not enough, because there is no efficient results, especially because the base of courses are very weak. There are some advantages and disadvantages of this issue: for Kazakh people it is good because their language is developing, but for other nations it is difficult, but they can do nothing with it: the law already exists, in spite the fact many people do not know Kazakh and there are no real measures that can prepare them. The data from literature review and questionnaire results are not similar, if some authorities are against establishment, main part of respondents support the change. This means that situation is not as negative as state the data of literature review. More people know or learning Kazakh than official statistics show. The state of Kazakh is improving. V. Conclusion The research question of present work is â€Å"what is the attitude of Astana people to the establishment of unique state language in the office work in Kazakhstan?† By considering the possible consequences and results, following hypotheses was made: the attitude of major population of Astana would have negative point of view on this change of language of office work from Russian into Kazakh. According to the results of questionnaire, the prediction of authors was mistaken: majority of respondents have positive viewpoint on the change, moreover, the ways to improve the situation were suggested by them. There were many disputes on the issue, some people think that will appear conflict that society is not ready, but, fortunately, these were not justified. It is already time to improve the status of Kazakh: people are for the change. The only one problem that should be eliminated: to develop the base of preparing and teaching people. Bibliography Akishev, K. and Baipakov, K., 1996, Kazakhstan tarihi (kone zamannan buginge deiin). Almaty: Atamura [cited 01 June 2006]. Kozybayev, K., 1995, Kazakhstan tarihi. Almaty: Zhalyn. [cited 01 June 2006]. Piskareva, L., 2006, Ne zaboltat’ iazik, Vremia, 21(365), p. 3. [cited 02 June 2006]. Embassy of RK. 2005. The Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. [online]. Available from: http://www.kazakhstanembassy.org.uk/cgi-bin/index/225 [cited 30 May 2006]. Demography. 2004. O chislennosti naselenia [online]. Available from: http://stat.kz/stat/index.aspx?p=dem04-04&1=ru. [cited 02 June 2006]. Nazarbayeva, D. 2005. V Kazakhstane ne planiruetsya perevodit’ deloproizvodstvo tolko na gosudarstvennii yazik. Available from: http://base.zakon.kz/doc/lawyer/?uid=undefined&doc_id=30033184B [cited 01 June 2006]. Spravochnik iurist. 2005. Vopros akimu goroda Almaty. Available from: http://base.zakon.kz/doc/lawyer/?uid=undefined&docid=30036955 [cited 02 June 2006]. Olcott, M. B., 1997. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. [Online]. Central Asian States: An Overview of Fives Years of Independence. Available from: www.ceip.org/people/mosenate.htm [cited 02 June 2006]. Omarov. B, 2005. Comitet po iazikam Ministerstva culture, informacii I sporta RK. [Online]. Skajite pojaluista. Available from: http://base.zakon.kz/doc/lawyer/?uid=undefined &doc_id=30029966 [cited 01 June 2006]. Shahanov, M., and Tereschenko, S., 2005. Problema yazika [Online]. Shahanova I Tereschenko reshili soobscha borot’sya s kolonizatsiei. Available from: http://base.zakon.kz/doc/lawyer/?uid=undefined&doc_id=30048383 [cited 02 June 2006]. Suleimenov, O., 2005. Problema yazika. [Online]. Vibori – examen democratii. Available from: http://base.zakon.kz/doc/lawyer/?uid=undefined&doc_id=30024571 [cited 03 June 2006].