Introduction to Human Settlements

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SETTLEMENTS Why people build environments? In order to understand built environments, one should know how the human mind works. The human mind imposes an order on the world. The world is chaotic and disorderly which; the human mind classifies, orders and onto it, imposes cognitive schemata. Settlements, buildings and landscapes are results of this activity. Hence, built environments including settlements are one way of ordering the world. INTRODUCTIONVancouver Declaration on Human Settlements (1976) defined human settlements as â€Å"the totality of the human community – whether city, town or village – with all the social, material, organizational, spiritual and cultural elements that sustain it. The fabric of human settlements consists of physical elements and services to which these elements provide the material support†. The physical components comprise, Shelter, i. e. the superstructures of different shapes, size, type and materi als erected by mankind for security, privacy and protection from the elements and for his singularity within a community; Infrastructure, i. . the complex networks designed to deliver to or remove from the shelter people, goods, energy or information; Services cover those required by a community for the fulfilment of its functions as a social body, such as education, health, culture, welfare, recreation and nutrition. All settlements essentially involve the making of places. Each place is a differentiated portion of the earth’s surface of previously undifferentiated space, a portion that is distinguishable from other such portions and has a specific meaning. What makes a place is always some schema, some ordering principle, which varies in different cultures.In most traditional cultures these schemata are related to the sacred. The purpose of place is to create a space that is habitable and usable in terms acceptable to the culture. All settlements are ordered and organized. Settlements not only impose an order on the larger domain but also are themselves organized. There is an ordering system both in the settlement, ceremonial centre or whatever and at the larger scale; there are systems within systems. All settlements are designed. Settlements are designed in the sense that they embody human decisions, choices and specific ways of doing things.Designed environments include places that are cleared and planted, areas where rivers have been diverted and fields that have been fenced in certain patterns. In fact many apparently commonplace activities have a greater impact on the earth than design in the traditional sense. The way cities, regions and countries look depends in the final analysis on the design activity of many individuals and groups at different times. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS Origin of settlements can be traced back to the caves where people gathered for protection against the natural forces or for defence against rival trib es.These places of communal living gave way to the village. The village was a by-product of the development of agriculture in areas where there was an adequate water supply and fertile soil. Many of these earliest villages arose adjacent to what are now the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates rivers. In addition to the role of providing shelter to its people, the village was also an appropriate sanctuary for the altar of their Deity, a meeting place for assembly, and a centre for trade. As this environment became increasingly populated, urbanization resulted.Communities larger than the village came as a result of the growth of crops and the breeding of stock on a more permanent basis than before. The production of hard grains that could be stored for a longer period of time offered stability, since it assured insurance against starvation. The ability of these urban areas to preserve food made it possible to diversify into other activities. With a development of div ersified economy not totally dependent on food production, it became possible to attract people into a labour pool, thus providing employment in a variety of forms.This brought about the enlargement of villages or hamlets into towns and cities, which operated on different political and economic bases than had not been possible in the simpler forms. CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS The Influence of Geography Natural factors played an important part in the development and growth of settlements. The danger or fire and flood, extreme climatic conditions, the possibility of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, lack of natural resources or fertile soils – all influenced decisions either to settle in a given area or to move to a more favourable site.Moderate climates were always preferred to settle. Most of the settlements are located between the latitudes 60-degree North and 45-degree South. Although extreme temperatures are found within these boundaries, as the climate is favou rable for habitation for major parts of the year. Geographic studies indicate that settlements seldom form where the topography is steep. Some cities are located at high altitudes, but the slope of the land is relatively level. For example, Denver, Colorado and Mexico City are around 5000 feet above sea level but the terrain at these sites is relatively flat.Accessibility to other settlements also plays a role in the location and development of settlements. Political and Social Organization The village brought something new to the lives of primitive people: the need for mutual responsibility and cooperation. Various social and political organizations emerged as a direct result. People did not adjust easily to the self-discipline that community life required. Personal rivalry flared within the village and the most powerful individual assumed the role of tribal leader. Rivalry between villages often resulted in armed conflict.Several villages might come under the domination of the vic torious tribe with that tribe’s leader rising to the position of ruler. In time empires were created and rulers took the titles of king and emperor. What distinguishes the early city from the primitive village is its higher degree of political and social organization. The more sophisticated social structure allows people to live together in relative peace. Social, economic and political organization is essential to the growth and development of a city. As a result of the more advanced social structure, bold aesthetic changes took place.Temples and other structures of the ruling group became permanent. Tremendous amounts of energy were expended to produce great edifices, such as palaces and cathedrals, which became a source of pride to the public and the seat of power for its rulers. In the mean time, most of the people lived as slave labour in mud huts or worse where none of the basic amenities existed. Such situations still exist in many parts of the world today, where great numbers of people live in slums. Evolution of Physical Form Two basic forms of settlements are noticeable: the walled town and the open city.Within these basic forms a wide variety of patterns are woven. Each form and design is shaped by the character of the society at the time. Few cities that thrived with great cultures began with a plan. They developed by a process of accretion; the growth was irregular, responsive to the changes in the habits of people and dynamic in character. They began as free cities settled voluntarily. Their external form and the physical pattern were introduced according to the structure of the land itself or the manner in which the land was apportioned among the inhabitants.Cities have been subjected to the process of continuous remodelling through the ages and the variety of their forms is the result of the particular force or forces that were dominant during the successive periods of their history. In order to discern the characteristics of a civilizat ion, attention cannot be confined only to the rulers but also to the affairs of the people. More than the great and the impressive structures, common dwellings of the people mark the culture of the cities.

Bosh the Rightful

â€Å"His Airness† – that’s what people call him. Michael Jordan is indeed one of the most notable of all sports superstars. Then came a surprise. Still in his prime and internationally recognized as â€Å"the best basketball player on the planet,† Michael Jordan closed the door on the most glorious NBA stint and walked away in 1997, leaving a tremendous void in the sport and raising the question of who will replace him as the game's ambassador and marquee play.Not since Muhammad Ali has an athlete so dramatically affected a sport on virtually every level — transcending basketball as a sport and becoming an international figure that probably would be recognized in some of the remotest spots in the world. Michael Jordan, born in 1963, is considered by many to be the greatest player in basketball history. The 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) shooting guard first became known as an explosive individual scorer, but as he matured as a player he adopted a more team-ori ented approach to the game.Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association (NBA) championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998). His widespread appeal to fans helped make basketball one of the world’s most popular spectator sports (Stein, 2005). After his retirement, what's the possibility of someone wearing the crown of a guy who brought an unprecedented level of excitement to the game, did things on the court that other players simply couldn't do – and made it look easy while he was doing it?What's the likelihood of someone sharing the pedestal with the guy who won three MVP awards, led his team to three consecutive championships, had seven straight scoring titles, boosted television ratings an average of 17 percent when the Bulls played, collected two Olympic gold medals, earned an estimated $36 million annually in endorsements, and was the top draw on the road, attracting an average of 18,433 fans per game in his last season? Not surprisingly, there's a p opular thought among Jordan fans who say there'll never be another Michael Jordan.However, there are new NBA rookies out there who might match the outstanding mark Jordan made in basketball history. Then, came Chris Bosh of Toronto Raptors. Chris Bosh was born March 4, 1984 and was number 4 in the NBA draft pick in 2003. A power forward, he’s a great inside and outside player. Few are blessed with his athletic prowess as he plays with a good amount of aggressiveness, but doesn't get out of control or lose his composure easily. His long frame and amazing fluidity, he runs the floor exceptionally well.Bosh doesn't have the perimeter skills of Kevin Garnett, namely shooting, but appears to like playing in the post more so than Jordan and could end up filling out into more of a dominating post player. Has great ball handling skills and really can pass the ball. He has some developed post moves and an advanced offensive game for a 21 year old. He can even step out to three point l and and hit a few long range shots. Most sports critics say, he understands the game well, doesn't make unnecessary moves, uses the drop step and jumps hook effectively.Because of his long arms, timing, and explosiveness, he is an excellent shot blocker. The team even goes to him to bring the ball up the court at times as a point forward. He is now dubbed as â€Å"Air Canada† comparable to Michael Jordan’s â€Å"Air Jordan† tag (Forrest, 2005). But, he’s more famous to the title as â€Å"The Future†. When the Raptors claimed the NBA title against the Chicago earlier this year, Bosh is getting a step closer in his path to equal Michael Jordan’s fabulous feats.No one might be comparable to Jordan now, but surely there will be â€Å"The Future† who might be giving us the hopes and the thrills of the game we just love, which is basketball. Works Cited Stein, Marc. â€Å"Michael Jordan. † Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2005 [CD-ROM]. Red mond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2005. Forrest, Ben. The Unveiling of Chris Bosh. Brock Press, Ontario, February 22, 2005. Acquired online last November 17, 2005 at http://www. brockpress. com/media/paper384/news/2005/02/22/Sports/The-Unveiling. Of. Chris. Bosh-872851. shtml? norewrite&sourcedomain=www. brockpress. com

Aggregate Demand and Supply Models Essay

As it stands currently the existing effect of the economic factors on aggregate demand and supply are: unemployment, consumer income, and interest rates. In this paper we identify the existing effect of the economic factors on aggregate demand and supply. The American people have little to no income when unemployed, this in turn causes a decrease in demand for the economy. This type of event causes the aggregate demand to curve to the left. One of the main reasons unemployment remains high to this day is the lack of demand. A shortfall in aggregate demand is precisely the type of issue that can be addressed by monetary policy, however, to do so we need continuous monetary stimulus to progress toward maximum employment stability. The crash of the housing market has set tremendous limitation on consumer and their spending. Sternness on behalf of the government to a certain extent has decreased aggregate demand during this recovery period. These actions have directly impacted growth. Wh at this means to us is that lower government spending and higher taxes call for disposable income for consumers, work for government contractors diminishing, and a decrease in government payroll. Another factor that has had great effect and impact are the levels of uncertainty. The events leading to this state have yet to be resolved which in turn have caused a lack of willingness and confidence within consumers. In the beginning the levels of uncertainty reflected the force of influence the recession had on us as consumers. This is something that had not been experienced in several years which made it difficult for us to handle or even find a way to get by in a more successful demeanor. After extensive research and analysis it is safe to say the supply-side considerations explain some of the rise in unemployment, which once again confirm the lack of demand as well as the fact that the economy is suffering first and foremost of a weak demand rather than a shortage of supply. References Williams, J. C. (2013, February 25). The Economy and Fed Policy: Follow the Demand. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Retrieved from http://www.frbsf.org/economic-research/publications/economic-letter/2013/february/economy-fed-policy-follow-demand/ Thoma, M. (2012, March 28). Demand, not supply, is restraining the economy. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-57405230/demand-not-supply-is-restraining-the-economy/

International Finance and Investments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International Finance and Investments - Essay Example Abundant in natural resources, it has ranked consistently high ranking in nearly all criteria of investment attractiveness. This empirical study will focus on Australias inward FDI profile and performance against the backdrop of global FDI flows. It will thus attempt to achieve some perspective essential to a better appreciation of Australias performance and potential in terms of investment growth and economic leadership in the Pacific rim. Foreign direct investment (FDI), according to Lamborn and Lepgold (2005), is a type of international capital flow that transfers a firms managerial skills and knowledge abroad; it involves the creation of a foreign subsidiary, the assets of which are directly controlled by the parent company. It differs from foreign portfolio investment in that the latter involves the purchase of securities where the businesses are owned or operated by others, and which normally do not exceed 20 percent of issued capital. A distinguishing characteristic of FDIs is the fact that it does not only involve a transfer of resources but also the acquisition of control (Krugman & Obstfeld 1994). It follows that the subsidiary does not only have a financial obligation to the company but also is part of the same organisational structure. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that FDI "reflects the objective of obtaining a lasting interest by a resident entity in one economy ("direct investor") in an entity resident in an economy other than that of the investor ("direct investment enterprise." (OECD Benchmark Definition). It adds that the lasting interest implies the existence of a long-term relationship between the direct investor and the enterprise and a significant degree of influence on the management of the enterprise. For both developed and developing countries alike, the attraction of FDIs lies in the assumption that greater inflows of foreign investments will

The Issue of Discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Issue of Discrimination - Essay Example The country has literally shed blood of innocent civilians to fight for few basic rights that are God-given. Racism and prejudice are clearly present through Terkel’s narration of Ellis as he projects his emotional level of prejudice, his self-justification, and his displaced aggression. One of the main concepts of prejudice and racism that is outlined in Ellis’s narration is his level of prejudice that is prevalent throughout his life. Vincent Parillo, author of Causes of Prejudices questions the whole essence of social categories of racism, which is then depicted in Terkel’s work. When people are nurtured in an environment where they are biased culturally against a group of individuals; they naturally assume that those views are correct. This can be no doubt detrimental as these perspectives are embraced and become the foundation for hatred. Prejudicial attitudes are prevalent amongst many groups and are a key catalyst towards conducing hatred. In this particul ar scenario, the narrator shows his hostility towards African Americans as he terrifies the young African American kid with a gun. The whole narration is brilliantly captured in this scenario below: Clearly, here his emotions got the best of him as he traumatized the African American kid without any remorse. Undoubtedly, his anger got the best of him as he held a hostile attitude for no logical reasoning. Clearly one cannot conduct an analysis of the root causes of prejudices without understanding the true cognitive roots of the psychology that individuals possess regarding this issue. The psychological approach to this issue tends to mainly focus on the levels of prejudice, self-justification, personality and frustrations that become key components of this issue.  Again, Ellis is the remarkable example of that as he joins the KKK to self-justify his actions. The human nature undoubtedly in many matters is to self-justify their actions from their own reasoning. Self-justifying hat red and racism is derived to logical thinking that humans are blessed with. However, philosophers argue that humans although have the great capacity of justifying the wrong reasoning for our actions. A brilliant example of this is prevalent throughout history. The genocide of Jews that occurred during World War II serves as a dark reminder of how an extremist group can rally for support and modify the perspective of a huge society. Another classical example can be seen throughout the reign of the Crusaders in which the Muslims and the Jews suddenly were public enemies for the name of Christ. Sociologists tend to emphasize the fact that self-justification can work the other way too.   A great example of a self-justifying group can be clearly seen through the rise and the terror caused by the KKK. The re-enlightenment of the second era had many different views than its predecessors. Post 1920, the Klan grew a strong membership of 4 to 5 million. Unlike the first Klan movement in the reconstruction era, it extended beyond the traditional motives. The second wave of the Klan continued to focus national agendas at hand that went beyond the agrarian economy. Since the Klan compromised majority of white and Protestant, it was vital that they

The Holocaust through Speak You Also Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Holocaust through Speak You Also - Essay Example It is a startling tale of one boy's survival in Auschwitz, the most notorious death camp the Nazi's created. Steinberg shares his story in just such a way that you can truly feel his desperate need for survival. To choose a single book about the Holocaust, it needs to be a story that does not over-reach what the person will be capable of reading. Because the Holocaust was such a terrible human tragedy, it is of great importance that the book not try and share too much of what happened, but rather limits itself to the story of a few people, or only one. It must also, however, have a human note, one that allows the reader to connect with the main character. By connecting with someone who has been through such a tragedy, the reader will feel a greater desire to understand and be aware of the events that transpired, and not just let it go without trying to learn more, and share with other. In Speak You Also, we are allowed to travel with the author through his memories of what it was like to be a young boy trying to survive in a concentration camp. And not just any camp, Auschwitz, where some of the greatest atrocities ever committed against human beings happened. He tells his story with no whitewashing, allowing the reader to see the desperation in his actions, and his willingness to do anything, even hurt others to survive. By choosing a book that does not limit its... g an imperfect character makes the camp seem just that much more inhumane, because no matter how horrible a person, who deserves to be sent to a death camp, simply because they are the wrong religion Steinberg perfectly illustrates this need for remembering in his book, but he goes further than merely suggesting the Holocaust was horrible, he asks readers to look at why his being desperate to survive is sometimes seen as wrong. Known best for being "Henri," a young boy who worked beside the famous Primo Levi in the laboratory at Auschwitz, he admits he would have done anything to survive, including hurting others. It is a poignant moment when he realizes (both in the book and in life) that his lack of attachment to family and friends may have been what helped to keep him alive. Peter Steinberg could have easily created a book of hate. To lose everything, family, friends, and to almost lose life, is enough to bitter anyone. But he instead, encourages in his book forgiveness, and understanding. "I have no gift for hatred. I know what it's like to be hated I concluded that it would be profoundly degrading to play that same game and perpetuate the cycle" (174). Instead, of hate, he teaches remembrance, and respect for the lessons of diversity that the Holocaust taught. While this book is an excellent introduction to the Holocaust, it is not perfect. There are several detailed areas on which this book does not touch. One of the books greatest strengths, the lack of emotion and family connection, is also one of its greatest weaknesses. It is in the ghettos of Warsaw, and in the transportation and loss of family members that the depth of emotion and pain caused by the Holocaust and Adolf Hitler truly come to light. Because Steinberg did not have to see his family

The Skills In The Identification Of The Hypothesis Essay

The Skills In The Identification Of The Hypothesis - Essay Example There is a suggested cohort study that revolves around the interaction of three variables namely age, cohort and period factor related to the time of study but the regression between the said factors can produce insignificant relationship since the said factors can be considered as demographic values used for baseline data gathering and establishment.   This was perceived to cause a statistical error on the basis of colinearity (Cole et al., 2008).   A suggested method to resolve such issue is the application of partial least squares (PLS) to study the different variables involved which can yield significant data since the method is not totally dependent upon the gathered data and other variables such as repeat purchase and type of brand can also be analyzed (Cole et al., 2008).  Based on the study of the article undertaken it can be considered that the hypothesis then,   is that changes that are associated with the age of a person have effects on the cognition, setting goals , habits, and choices.   Results have confirmed the hypothesis.   The older population can base their choices regarding product and brand choice on a wider perspective compared to the younger population.   The differences can be attributed to different points which include the fact that older consumers possess different fundamental psychological attributes.   Although this is the case there are other factors that can also affect brand choice including the individual experience of the consumer, the environmental effects and the importance of the product (Cole et al., 2008). The hypothesis was confirmed but the further study and exploration of the topic are required to be able to answer the question in the manner the age-related factors affect older consumer’s brand choice.

Cell Structure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cell Structure - Essay Example Plant and animal cells each have a true nucleus because they are both eukaryotic organisms. This central membrane-bound compartment is the site of storage for most of the cell's genetic material. Within the nucleus there is a nucleolus which produces ribosomes. Likewise, both plant and animal cells have corresponding organelle structures with identical functions. This includes: rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, lysosomes, Golgi bodies, secretory vesicles, mitochondria, microtubules and microfilaments, cell membrane, cytosol, and a centrosome. Both plant cells and animal cells have an organelle known as the vacuole, but there are major functional differences between an animal vacuole and a plant vacuole (Cell Models, 2006). In animal cells the vacuole generally has a small size. It is used for storing waste products and serves as an area for digestion. In plant cells the vacuole makes up a much larger percentage of the internal volume. Besides the functions of waste storage and digestion, the plant vacuole has other important roles. Plant vacuoles hold nutrients and water. They help the plant cells to expand during the cellular growth process.

Statement of Alberto Giacometti Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Statement of Alberto Giacometti - Essay Example Alberto preferred the life of the cat over the painting of the supreme Dutch painter of the seventeenth century, Rembrandt, who was an artist of intensely poetic thoughts, without a doubt with an unambiguous penchant towards the implausible, and enthusiastically involved in tribulations of design. Opting to save a cat over Rembrandt painting is not a simple decision as when art lovers imagine masterpiece painting, it is Rembrandt who first appears in mind. And the obsession they worth most is how Rembrandt depicted people, and himself in all those self-portraits, with such impending, compassion, and understanding. Giacometti was right in saving the cat over the Rembrandt paintings as he was a main actor in the Existentialist faction, but his work opposes uncomplicated classification. Several explain it as Formalist, others disagree that it is Expressionist. Still after his excommunication from the Surrealist group, while the intent of his sculpting was frequently simulation, the end products were an expression of his emotional reaction to the subject. He endeavored to produce renditions of his sculpts the approach he saw them, and the way he contemplates they should be seen. Giacometti stands in distressed necessitate of a moral ideal for the dealing of living beings and nonliving beings in society.

Assignment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Assignment - Case Study Example already established is growing as the rate of competition goes high with the example of Mini-mills taking over and setting a price war in the industry. There is also an increase of foreign companies taking the market shares. The third force is the bargaining power that suppliers have. The suppliers are decreasing due to bankruptcy thus; the number of suppliers is low. Few suppliers makes the services that the industry offers to be the same and not unique in any way (Steel Industry Profile, 2013). The fourth force is the buyer’s bargaining power and the number of customers is high. When the number of customers is high then the supply price becomes sensitive. The costs that customers have to go through to switch to a differential product are relatively low. The fifth force is a threat to the substitutes where the prices of switching to substitutes is high and thus the companies must adjust their prices so that they are able to compete with plastics, composites, and aluminum which are

Bailout of Cyprus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bailout of Cyprus - Research Paper Example The two banks lost more than 2.3 billion Euros on Greek sovereign bond, which they asked the state to fill in their regulatory capital (Telegraph, 2012). In addition, Cyprus’ economy had been described as a â€Å"Casino economy.† In other words, the country has a banking sector much larger than the country’s gross domestic product. This has been said to be negligence in following the banking rules, making everyone else vulnerable to such economic crisis (Erlanger & Kanter, 2013). Another major problem according to Erlanger & Kanter that led to Cyprus economic crisis is the threat by Euro zone countries to confiscated significant part of the savings of Cypriot banks’ depositors. The result was that large depositors and ordinary savers in such banks were uncertain about their savings. The private sector was therefore more reluctant to steer more funding to financial institutions in trouble as in the case of Cyprus, which increased the need for the country to look for a bailout from the European Central Bank. Cyprus problems also emanated from the country’s wage bill which as analysts explain is the highest in the Eurozone, implying the country similar to Greece has a lavish life where their GDP is much less than their net expenditure. Cyprus bailout has attracted differing views from policy makers and economists. The bailout has been described as a major victory from Eurozone hardliners such as Germany. The hardliners have over the time made it clear that countries only qualify to be rescued in case they acknowledge and do penance of their past mismanagement as would be determined by their rescuers (Erlanger & Kanter, 2013). The argument is that such bailout will have a higher public support for the euro and demand for greater prudence from other countries. However, the critics of the bailout explain the entire arrangements were haphazardly carried out to an extent that it â€Å"underscored the chaotic nature of European decision making more than

Sports are Necessary Essay Example for Free

Sports are Necessary Essay Ask yourself, â€Å"Is there something beneficial that numerous local neighborhoods and large nations both commonly share? † Likely, your brain isn’t listing sports as embracing such assets. Rather, you could be assessing sports as surpassing any other activity in regards to contentment or as a social pastime that involves to many injurious consequences to both players and audiences. Although underrated for the several benefits it offers, sports affects your communities regardless of whether you value athletics or not. Nevertheless, associating with sports can lead to a barrel jam-packed with underappreciated yet rewarding outcomes including supporting a healthy lifestyle, learning off-the-field skills, acquiring social connections, and creating happiness amongst unhappy moments. Near the conclusion of this essay, you will learn to see sports as a glass half full instead of half empty. Sport-like activities began since the beginning of mankind, but the longstanding purpose of benefiting civilization has remained the same. In the Roaring 1920’s, America was recognized for its emphasis on the eras social, artistic, and cultural interest. Alongside the national boom came baseball and the beginning of ‘sports culture’ as legendary Babe Ruth joined the New York Yankees. After breaking several records and setting the standard for baseball, Americans saw Ruth â€Å"as the most important and infamous† player in sports history (Buckley 10). Ever since that remarkable season, America bounced back from World War I and now lives in a society reliant on sports for reaching optimum satisfactory levels. To begin with, sports of any sort urge, support, and allow people to be healthy and stay fit. Regardless of whether you prefer surfing, riding a bicycle, playing football, or joining soccer over another sport, physical activity is involved and exercise helps burn calories. Rather than sitting on a laptop or watching television, sports decreases chances of becoming obese. Unfortunately, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out obesity in 12- to 19-year-olds rose from 5 percent in 1980 to 18 percent in 2008 (Murphey 22). C. J. Wilson, starting pitcher for the Major League Baseball Texas Rangers, is all about you getting improved and healthier. Its important to get kids healthier and cut down on childhood obesity, he says (Murphey 22). Wilson felt so strongly about young peoples health, he began his own charity to increase assistance against America’s epidemic while urging kids to stay fit. Despite these inspiring efforts, critics of sports claim that obesity increases because sports fans eat unhealthily as they watch the latest intense games on the LCD screen. In advertising and in stereotypes, watching sports undoubtedly appears like a reason to load your liver with beer and sodas and load your stomach with hot dogs, pizza, and assortment of chips and snacks. Although our â€Å"youth are not getting enough exercise to burn off the calories† accumulated from sitting around watching TV, we are probably getting enough exercise if youre into sports (Murphey 23). Although obesity is rising in the United States of America, clearly sports aren’t to blame because that isn’t what sports inspire to teach us, and becoming obese couch potatoes isn’t the lesson to be learned from sports. New Orleans football quarterback Drew Brees also remarks, â€Å"Why not get out and play for 60 minutes a day? † (Murphey 25) Clearly, sports aren’t really part of the problem when another influential athlete like Brees notices the issue of obesity and offers a sincere solution. Moreover, learning skills applicable to real life circumstances are what sports offers, believe it or not. Sport involvement, ranging from light participation to complete absorption or immersion into the game, has had a great impact on our life. Additionally, studies using literature analysis on sports participation have found that â€Å"with the intention, sports do build character† according to The Strategies For Character Building Through Sports Participation, a journal article in the International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences. For instance, researchers at the Josephine Institute Center of Sport Ethics noticed that students athletes have better attendance in school, lower drop-out rates, fewer discipline problems, and less drug use (Soh Kim Geok 50). Negative influences and their subsequent implications brought about outside the classroom are lowered because sports allows for better time management, keeping young adults productive on the field rather than regressing on the streets. Another capability learned in sports is sportsmanship, an aspiration that a sport or activity will be enjoyed for its own sake, with â€Å"apt consideration for fairness, ethics, respect and a sense of fellowship with ones competitors† (Soh Kim Geok 52). Since any job or relationship depends on these attributes, lessons learned across sports can be applied to any social interaction. On the other hand, admonishers of sports are likely to say that sportsmanship isn’t the lesson learned from the playground. In renown pyschologist Sigmund Freud’s analysis of sports, violence, arising from competition, can lead an â€Å"otherwise steadfast moral character, during [battle], to willingly take up arms against their fellow man† (qtd. In Holowchak 713). In other words, Freud is saying that even the utmost principled person is willing to injure another player to better his/her chance at winning. For instance, soccer hooliganism and riots break out as the result of losing or winning. In regards to audience sportsmanship, it is often the loudest annoying fan crowd shown by news networks as opposed to illustrating the bulk of the people who respect opposing team fans. Since it is common knowledge that the news nowadays aims to appeal to interesting storylines, like the small group of unruly sports fans, rather than boring subjects, like respectable sports spectators, cunning broadcasts should not be assumed. But in regards to player sportsmanship, the immense bulk of athletes play for the love of the game despite the substantial aggression involved. Injuring someone in opposing uniform usually occurs as an accident, not from coldblooded intention. A study on the significance for youth attitudes towards physical education and sports illustrated that â€Å"children and adolescents perceived school sport as a physical activity and a social phenomenon rather than a competition area† (Tomik 103). Apart from acquiring useful skills from participating in sports, social benefits can also be achieved by associating yourself with sports. As human beings, we appear to innately need to launch and uphold affiliations among several groups, sport related or not. Likewise, in any social assembly, colleagues aim to jump into the â€Å"cool† crowd and stand accepted by others. There are numerous underlying benefits to these relationships, including the opportunity to â€Å"acquire important social connections and a sense of belonging† that, ultimately, can assist in the supporting of happiness (Wann 189). Because it remains a shared area of interests among conversations, a sport has the ability to change strangers into longtime buddies in a just seconds. According to Amir Abu Dalu, a 19-year-old Arabian Peace Players International coach, you can watch or â€Å"play a game and connect, just like that (qtd.In Wolff). Let’s say Alex, a relatively nerdy, young, yet lonely student, begins his collegiate life at the University of Georgia, an institution that nurtures a respectable business program but also leads the nation by a â€Å"cream of the crop† football team on its shoulders. According to an insightful article on the culture of sports attendance, social needs such as the â€Å"social gratification of being with others who enjoy the same activity and connecting oneself with the need to interact, socialize, and belong are among the fundamental motives for sport consumption† (Armstrong 219). On that note, you will be inclined to become a red and black bleeding UGA fan. Identifying yourself as a bulldog will link you to numerous social connections, â€Å"new relationships with others, and a general sense of connectedness to the campus as a whole† (Wann 189). Now, feelings of alienation are replaced with social connections obtained by being labeled a UGA admirer. As a result, you are jollier than your saddened state of isolation beforehand. Sports are inclined to be able to, for lack of a better term, ‘turn that frown upside down’. Now, let’s suppose that Alex isn’t a Georgia fan or a sports fan at all. Couldn’t he find himself feeling isolated because everyone around him is into sports, and they tend to only bond with people over sports? Surely it is possible, but rationally speaking, it is unlikely that Alex finds himself in complete isolation because there have to be other anti-sporting individuals among the thousands who attend UGA who share common interests in areas besides athletics. A sport allows you to make social connections, but sports aren’t the only approach to linking to new acquaintances. And in a second instance, let’s suppose that Alex isn’t actually a Georgia fan. Let’s say he’s a Tech fan. Wouldn’t he potentially face hostility and isolation as a result of the fact that he’s a fan of UGA’s biggest rival? According to some, rivalries tend to make people reject others and not get along simply because they root for opposing teams. Beforehand, it was assumed that non-sports fan could make friends with other non-sports fans. Likewise, nonlocal sports fans could also make friends with other nonlocal sports fans believe it or not. Many of  these â€Å"fans attempt to maintain a community with other fans of the team via the Internet or by watching their team on television with other fans† (Wann 191). In accordance to making friendship with rival sports fans, friends do not always agree on everything and they shouldn’t become enemies over something silly as sports, no matter how important it is considered. Although these antagonistic relationships are a reality, they shouldnt be since ultimately, a Tech or UGA fan is zealous for the same game and should be able to find common ground based on that fact. Lastly, another advantage for people in sports is that it brings joy and hope in times of unhappiness or sad times. A loss or a losing season can cause temporary sadness, but in unhappy life situations, many of us look at sports as a fantasy leave from reality and the chaos it often brings. According to the International Academy for Suicide Research, it was found that adolescents â€Å"not engaged in physical exercise reported significantly higher hopelessness scores compared to the ones engaged in recreational activity† such as running, bicycling, playing basketball or other sports (Chioqueta 377). By using athletics to tackle the utmost unrelenting issues around the world, visionaries and humanitarians alike are impressively creating optimism and bliss in times of suffering and affliction. Senior writer for Sports Illustrated Alexander Wolff set off on a yearlong journey and noticed remarkable outcomes. In his article, a Brazilian kid avenged his father’s murder positively through boxing, became a light welterweight champion, and a received the opportunity to star in the 2012 London Olympics. Next, Zimbabwean boys learn about the HIV virus through fun and innovative role-playing by running soccer drills. Additionally, basketball facilitated to remove social barriers for Palestinian girls who are not culturally accepted to participate in anything usually done by their male counterparts. Not only do sports serve entertainment purposes, but also games have the effect of relaxing the brain of any ongoing strains. Some athletes use sports to tackle school related issues or concerns. After being asked the range of benefits attained from playing sports, a student reported that athletics can be â€Å"a good stress relief and if you’re like busy with school† (Scherer 494) Although some opponents may say that sports interferes with the learning process because players spend less time on assignments and reading, the same boy also felt â€Å"like [he] worked more efficiently† although sports consumes part of his time (Scherer 494). Lastly, associating with sports can lead to a barrel, jam-packed with underappreciated yet rewarding outcomes including: supporting a healthy lifestyle, learning off-the-field skills, acquiring social connections, and creating happiness amongst unhappy junctures. In all, sports authorize people to use its numerous offered benefits regardless of its limited shortcomings. Bringing both this analogy and the above ideas brought to attention into consideration, you should be able to find a positive stance on sports as it offers significant advantages and useful implications on society. Works Cited (List of References): Armstrong, Ketra L. Consumers Of Color And The Culture Of Sport Attendance: Exploratory Insights. Sport Marketing Quarterly 17. 4 (2008): 218-231. Business Source Complete. Web. 2 April 2013. Buckley, James, and John Walters. Sports In America, 1920-1939. n. p. : Chelsea House, 2010. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 2 April 2013. Chioqueta, Andrea P. , and Tore C. Stiles. Cognitive Factors, Engagement In Sport, And Suicide Risk. Archives Of Suicide Research 11. 4 (2007): 375-390. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 April 2013. Holowchak, M Andrew. Freud On Play, Games, And Sports Fanaticism. The Journal Of The American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry 39. 4 (2011): 695-715. MEDLINE with Full Text. Web. 2 April 2013. Murphey, Paula. Get Fit And Stay Fit. Boys Life 102. 1 (2012): 22. MAS Ultra School Edition. Web. 2 April 2013. Scherer Jay, et al. Benefits And Challenges Associated With Sport Participation By Children And Parents From Low-Income Families. Psychology Of Sport Exercise 12. (n. d. ): 490-499. ScienceDirect. Web. 2 April 2013. Soh Kim Geok, et al. The Strategies For Character Building Through Sports Participation. International Journal Of Academic Research In Business Social Sciences 2. 3 (2012): 48-58. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 April 2013. Tomik, Rajmund, Dorota Olex-Zarychta, and Waldyslaw Mynarski. Social Values Of Sport Participation And Their Significance For Youth Attitudes Towards Physical Education And Sport. Studies In Physical Culture Tourism 19. 3 (2012): 99-104. SPORTDiscus. Web. 2 April 2013. Wann, Daniel L. , Josh Polk, and Gentzy Franz. Examining The State Social Psychological Health Benefits Of Identifying With A Distant Sport Team. Journal Of Sport Behavior 34. 2 (2011): 188-205. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 April 2013. Wolff, Alexander. Sports Saves The World. Sports Illustrated 115. 12 (2011): 62. MAS Ultra School Edition. Web. 2 April 2013.

Progress On E Commerce In Pakistan

Progress On E Commerce In Pakistan Electronic commerce e-commerce was often thought simply to refer to buying and selling using the Internet; people immediately think of consumer retail purchases from companies such as Amazon. But e-commerce involves much more than electronically mediated financial transactions between organizations and customers. Now it is broadally defined as all types of electronic transactions between organizations and stakeholders whether they are financial transactions or exchanges of informaion or other services. (Cheffey, 2009). The Internet is a force for change, creating new business economies (Lambert, 2002) and altering considerably the worlds economies (Rayport and Jaworski, 2001). The literature stresses the importance of such new technologies to the economy as a whole and to SMEs in particular. Although, Martin and Matlay (2003) contend that such wide-ranging beliefs over the Internet have yet to be supported by any empirical evidence. Tidd et al. (2001) consider the Internet to be one of the defining symbols of twenty-first century innovation that has transformed our conceptual notions of how we value knowledge to new economy. E-commerce has become well over 100 billion dollars market with a growth rate of almost seventy percent per year (Aamir Atta 2008). It is not very costly investment to do business on internet. It is estimated that in near future, almost 25% of the traditional business will be converted into internet business. The business and the corporate world, suitably supported by the IT industry, already stands shifted, which is estimated to exceed $400 billion this year (Dr. Mushtaq A. Sajid 2003). At the end of 2008 nearly 1,596 million people or 23.8 % of total populations of the world had access to the Internet. This represents an increase of 342.2% over the year 2000. Asian countries account for 474.9 % growth while rest of the world grew by nearly 280.7 % in the same period (The Internet Coaching Library, 2009). This is a departure from the post-industrial business age that is typified by physical goods, towards a knowledge led economy where service, information and intelligence are the main currencies (Rayport and Jaworski, 2001). There have always been new economies (Clayton, 2002). What makes this innovation different are four distinct characteristics: immediate access to world-wide markets of information; better speed to market; the transformation of business processes; and the shift in the balance of power between suppliers and customers as information becomes more widely available. It is suggested by most studies that e-commerce runs through four steps. The first step is to let the world know about your existence through building your own website. The website contains useful information about your company, the product/services you sell and other related information, which certainly increases the chance to of your success. The second step involves convincing customers to loose their pockets and buy your product/services online. Adoption of advance level of software capable of handling orders is required in this step. In the third step, the business is managed by improving inventory management and last but the most important step is to provide payments facility through online banking partnership between buyers and sellers, which is the most difficult and complex part of e-commerce (Nissanoff, Daniel 2006). The most widespread and admired forms of e-commerce are business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumers (B2C). Government-to-citizens (G2C) and Business-to-government (B2G) and are other forms, running on the internet but with low steam. However, the use of earlier two still dominates the internet (Chaudhury, Abijit; Jean-Pierre Kuilboer 2002). E-commerce in Pakistan In the underdeveloped societies only a few businesses have attempted e-commerce and most have failed to identify economic benefits considering it a waste of time and resources. There is no convincing and detailed study of e-commerce opportunities in poor societies. Most of the parameters, which have contributed to the growth of e-commerce in developed countries, are missing in these underdeveloped societies (Shahid Mahmood 2008). According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), internet access has been available in Pakistan since the mid-1990s. PCTL started offering access via the nationwide local call network in 1995. By early 2006 Internet penetration remained low. There are 18.5 million internet users in Pakistan as of June 2009, which is 10.4% of total population. It was 0.1% in 2000 with total internet users of just 134,000 (Internet World Stat 2009). Since we are now promoting global e-commerce in Pakistan, it should be known to us that almost 78% of the e-commerce activity takes place in the USA. This is obviously not possible without the use of internet in that country (Attock News 2010). Pakistan can make good use of this opportunity with proper planning and execution. To begin with, let us focus on the domestic front before going all out for the global market. Currently the growth of c-commerce in Pakistan is vulnerable by various factors. The pace of growth is slow due to some barriers. It is therefore inevitable to remove these barriers for E-commerce to grow in the country (Business Recorder 2008). A survey about e-commerce in Pakistan was conducted by propakistani that found some hard realities about current status (Teabreak 2008). However, in contrary to my findings, Mr. Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi, CEO of a US based firm get Pakistan.com in an interview says that he sees a lot of activities of e-commerce in the country these days. Committees are formed to discuss various issues and educational institutes are doing seminars. All this may look good on the surface but I still feel for successful adoption of e-commerce we need a greater commitment from regulators and private sector. The key is not identifying the need the key lies in the speed of execution. Unfortunately we are lagging behind other economies in the region in this regard (Getpakistan.com). Progress on E-commerce in Pakistan Pakistan is one of the fifteen members of Asia Pacific Council for the Facilitation of Procedures and Practices for Administration, Commerce and Transport aiming to support the United Nations Centre, a non-governmental organization that promotes trade facilitation, electronic business policies and activities in the Asia-Pacific region (Ecommerce Journal 2009). Global Technology Forum identifies some developments made so far made in this area by the government (Ebusinessforum 2006): Almost 4,000 bank branches are computerised, many of them offer online funds transfers from overseas. E-merchant accounts were permitted by State Bank of Pakistan in February 2001 but due to inadequate infrastructure and security concerns, only Citibank offered these accounts to a limited number of business sectors. In December 2005, the Central Board of Revenue (CBR), the tax authority, started online tax facilities including online tax returns. The Information Technology and Telecommunications Division was established in July 2000. The purpose was to provide various e-commerce related incentives to industry and the provision of resources for educational and infrastructure building. The National Information Technology Policy was launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in August 2000. As per latest information, the total spending (by the government and private sector) on information, communications and technology in Pakistan was US$10bn during 2005/06. Various e-commerce projects and programs were started in both public and private sectors in August 2006. The government had planned new IT and e-commerce projects worth well over PKR 4.5bn up to 2007. The government further aimed to produce 100,000 graduates a year in IT studies from the seven new IT universities it has already set up (Global Technology Forum 2006). The Lahore Chamber of Commerce Industry (LCCI) has recently signed a Memorandum of Undersanding (MoU) with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to improve productivity by providing tailor-made IT solutions to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. PITB will arrange IT Workshops for the staff of the companies in SME sector to develop human resource and businesses in accordance with global IT advancement. Both partners has further agreed to promote awareness about IT parks among business community to explore potential for joint ventures related to technology with foreign computer firms (Aamir Attaa 2010). They have further agreed to improve the strategy to integrate IT into businesses. This will no doubt pave the way of e-commerce for SMEs. The book entitled Secrets of Electronic Commerce (ITC 2009) addresses issues such as understanding of various technical terms, devising electronic commerce strategies, protecting consumer privacy and intellectual property, sending electronic signatures and generating traffic for small/new web sites. SMEs in Pakistan Martin and Matlay (2003) suggest SMEs are a heterogeneous and complex mix of economically active units. Most working definitions of SMEs emanate from the Bolton Committee report of 1971, which defines a small firm as independent, owner managed and with a small market share. The Bolton report offered a variety of statistical definitions, namely that the size of the firm was relevant to the sector it was in and that in certain sectors it was more suitable to classify the size of the firm by the number of employees. The use of so many definitions has its critics who argue that it impedes statistical analysis. Such criticism is often dismissed by claiming that these definitions all have their different uses (Beaver, 2002). Pakistan is more closed to Germany to define the limits of company to fit under SME; with maximum 250 employees, paid up capital of Rs.25 million (USD 0.3 million) and annual sales of up to Rs.250 million (USD 3 million). The Federal Government, in line with the econom ic development of Pakistan may, from time to time modify the eligibility criteria as it sees fit. All providers of services receiving funding from the Government may define more narrow scopes for specific targeting purposes. Moreover, different institutions have set their own criteria to define SME. In Pakistan, SMEDA (Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority), established in October 1998, is a premier institution of the Govt. of Pakistan under Ministry of Industries and Production, to take on the challenge of developing Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. It thrives to provide an enabling environment and business development services to small and medium enterprises. SMEDA is not only an SME policy-advisory body for the government of Pakistan but also facilitates other stakeholders in addressing their SME development agendas (SMEDA 2009). In a survey report arranged by Asian Development Bank (ADB), it has been revealed that Pakistan has become the slowest-growing country in South Asia during the last decade. Large scale manufacturing has recovered significantly in the last couple of days, but there are still concern about its sustainability, spread and robustness. Small and medium scale industry has not made a corresponding recovery yet (Bari, Cheema, Haque 20 05). They have mentioned seven constraints in the growth of SME in the country but none of them covers e-commerce. SME growth in not inhibited by technological barriers to entry (Kemal 1993). E-commerce for SME Issues Challenges E-commerce is an issue-driven field. The issues that concern us are those with the potential to throw weighty spanners in the works of ecommerce players. They form aspects of a climate that affects all players equally. Open legal, technical, and cultural issues have the power to flex the architectures of the best-prepared ecommerce player (May P. 2000). The author in his book has identified some issues e.g. (1) Legal issues such as Intellectual Property, Responsibility Privacy, Regulation Taxation, (2) Technical issues such as Platform risk, Communication disconnect, Skills and (3) Market issues. In this context, we will therefore, try to find issues being faced by SME in Pakistan to adopt e-commerce. Numerous studies into the use of e-commerce in SMEs recently have been of an exploratory and qualitative nature (Drew 2002). While there is rapid growth and development of dot-coms and the new economy, SMEs in developing countries have been slower to adopt e-commerce than their developed countries (Intrapairot and Srivihok 2003). Moreover, there are several issues that have been raised in recent SME literatures, which include: Exploring the advantage and disadvantage of e-commerce in Thai SMEs (Intrapairot and Srivihok, 2003) The importance of e-commerce infrastructure in facilitating the e-commerce adoption initiatives for SMEs in developing countries (Jennex et al. 2004, Stylianou et al. 2003). The use of e-commerce by manufacturing sector of Italian SMEs (Santarelli and DAltri, 2003). Adoption attributes that may affect e-commerce use in Brunei SMEs (Seyal and Rahman 2003) Factors influencing e-commerce adoption decisions in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand (Lertwongsatien and Wongpinunwatana 2003) The use of e-commerce in Australian SMEs (MacGregor et al. 1998). In addition, the business press and trade journals have also given coverage to many of the issues faced by SMEs in moving into e-commerce (Matlay and Addis 2003, Phillips 1998, Schlenker and Crocker 2003). However, there are some issues that have received very little attention in research to date, such as: Framework that helps SMEs evaluate the strategic use of e-commerce as well as guiding the adoption process. Assessment of e-commerce application and post adoption experiences in different sectors of Pakistans SMEs. There is limited research on how businesses have integrated e-commerce strategy into existing business strategy, although authors (such as Doherty and McAulay 2002) have suggested it is important that e-commerce investments be driven by corporate strategies. Strategy Developing an e-commerce strategy requires a fusion of existing approaches to business, marketing, supply chain management and information systems strategy development. In addition to traditional strategy approaches, commentators have exhorted companies to apply innovative techniques to achieve competitive advantage. Around the start of the new millennium, many articles, fuelled by the dot-com hype of the time, urged CEOs to innovate or die (Chaffey 2009). Strategy defines the future direction and actions of an organization or part of an organization. (Johnson and Scholes 2006) define corporate strategy as: the direction and scope of an organization over the long-term: which achieves advantage for the organization through its configuration of resources within a changing environment to meet the needs of markets and to fulfill stakeholder expectations. It can also be described as an organizations sense of purpose. However, he notes that purpose alone is not strategy; plans or actions are also needed (Lynch 2000). E-commerce strategy share much in common with corporate, business and marketing strategies. The organizations have different levels of strategy, particularly for larger or global organizations (Johnson and Scholes 2006). They have not expressly stated about strategy for SMEs but since they have mentioned that larger orgnizations do have different strategy, therefore, we can assume that strategy of SMEs must be different. However, the difference in strategies is not the core of our debate here. We should be familiar with the integeration of e-commerce strategy into existing strategy. One might question why the presence of e-commerce has expanded very rapidly in recent years. The answer is simply because of the opportunities and benefits that are evident from the current implementation by many organisations. The concept of strategic use e-commerce through the utilisation of Internet software and services also endeavours to link Internet use with opportunities it offers to the firm (Sadowski et al. 2002). It further recognises that the strategic potential Internet use allows exercising the control over the bounds of relationships and interfaces used in relationships between customers and the business, which are also related to the firms strategies. E-commerce has offered a variety of potential benefits both to SMEs and large business. Numerous studies claim their findings on the benefit and impact of e-commerce. Those findings are summarised into the following points (Chan 2001, Schneider 2002): E-commerce offers unmatched savings in terms of transaction costs The reduction of cost in advertising and promotion Speed communication between buyer and seller Companies can shorten their traditional supply chains, minimise transport obstacles, and reduce delivery costs. Physical limitations of time and space are removed. Despite the attractive benefits that SMEs may obtain from adopting e-commerce into their business, SMEs possess significant problems in identifying the appropriate application of e-commerce and its strategy due to the lack of knowledge and planning. Consequently, it is hardly surprising to witness that most of the SMEs owner/managers will finally develop their strategy through a trial-and-error method. An assessment of success factors for e-commerce strategy implementation in SMEs has been produced by Jeffcoate et al. (2002). They suggest 11 critical success factors, which can also be usefully applied to larger organizations: 1. Content: The effective presentation of a product or services 2. Convenience: The usability of the web site 3. Control: The extent to which organizations have defined processes that they can manage. 4. Interaction: The means of relationship building with individual customers. 5. Community: The means of relationship building with groups of like-minded individuals or organizations. 6. Price sensitivity: The sensitivity of a product or service to price competition on the Internet. 7. Brand image: The ability to build up a credible brand name for e-commerce 8. Commitment: A strong Motivation for using the Internet and the will to innovate 9. Partnership: The extent to which an e-commerce venture uses partnerships (value chain relationships) to leverage Internet presence and expand its business. 10. Process improvement: The extent to which companies can change and automate business processes. 11. Integration The provision of links between underlying iT systems in support of partnership and process improvement. Adoption E-commerce has introduced new opportunities for small and large organizations to compete in the global marketplace. Many experts have noted that one of the biggest changes introduced by electronic communications is how approaches to transmitting and transforming information can be used for competative advantage. The electronic commerce provides significatn opportunities for many businesses to build closer relationships with their existing customers and suppliers online to help achieve customer retntion. Its usage by stakeholders can significantly reduce costs while providing a new, convenient channel for purchase and customer service. Organizations can build lasting relationships with their stakeholders by providing high-quality online services. We should assess the impact of e-commere on our market place and organizations (Cheffey 2009). Business adoption of e-commerce and e-business is driven by benefits to different parts of their organization. First and foremost, they are concerned how the benefits of e-commerce will impact on profitbility or generating value to an organization. The two main ways in which this can be achieved are: Potential for increased revenue due to extended reach to a large number of customers, repeat transactions among existing customers and encouraging loyality. Reduction in cost achieved by delivering services electronically. This includes staff clost, transport and material cost such as stationery, etc (Cheffey 2009). Until a few years ago, the academic literature was giving very little information on why SMEs adopt e-commerce. However, now rather more information could be found on the broader aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption and the use of the Internet in general. Thus, the reasons for ICT, Internet and e-commerce adoption by SMEs are complex and often interrelated. It is thought that much of this early adoption of the Internet was motivated by a mixture of management eagerness, the need for better communications and that for most businesses it presented an affordable admission price to world markets prior to establishing more important business relationships (Simpson and Docherty 2004). Although Dixon et al. (2002) found a lack of any empirical research on the effect of ICT on SMEs and of the modest amount that there was much of it involved cross-sectional studies rather than longitudinal comparisons. The comparative wealth of research in the area of ICT adoption (compared to e-commerce) suggests that an SMEs inherent qualities of size and flatter organisational structure make them more predisposed to facilitating innovation. According to Tidd et al. (2001) the major factors for successful innovation are a mixture of having a dedicated and motivated individual, usually the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and paying attention to a multitude of good management activities and attitudes. This includes the ability to predict and respond to the business environment and industry changes. In part this concurs with Cragg et al.s (2001) view that SMEs with a CEO with a penchant for Information Technology (IT) and innovation would be more likely to adopt IT. Cragg et al. (2001) concluded that three issues that were likely to have an effect on the take up of the Internet by SMEs was the perceived benefits, organisational readiness and external pressures. However, Dongen et al. (2002) argue that much of the literature supposes that ICT adoption is for opportunistic reasons, based on cost, rather than for strategic reasons. Van Beveren and Thomson (2002) point out that the most cited reasons for e-commerce adoption tend to be those based upon the companys size and their perceived importance of e-commerce to their business purpose. While Daniel and Myers (2002) found that as a company grows in size it becomes more difficult to communicate with customers and this leads to the adoption of e-commerce. Although the work of Bodorick et al. (2002) did not focus specifically on SMEs they suggest that e-commerce readiness and adoption are likely to vary by industry sector. Martin and Matlay (2003) found that micro-businesses that focus on providing business services w ere more likely to adopt ICT than similar sized manufacturing firms while Daniel and Myers (2002) found that the older the SME the less likely they were to use e-commerce. Kalakota and Robinson (2001) see the adoption of e-commerce as more of an external pressure brought about by a new type of customer value proposition of what they want, when and how they want it and at the lowest cost. Daniel and Myers (2002) and Dongen et al. (2002) found that responding to competitors was also likely to be an important driver towards the adoption of e-commerce. Timmers (1999) uses Michael Porters five forces model to argue that e-commerce creates almost perfect competition as barriers to entry are reduced, transaction costs lowered, customers are able to obtain better access to information, customer driven pricing is possible and all with the minimum of legislation and regulation. In addition, low entry costs leading to an early return on investment whilst safeguarding such investment was seen as a major attraction of e-commerce (Timmers, 1999). Daniel and Myers (2002) found that the overall reason for the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs was to enhance c ustomer relationships either through improving customer services, developing the brand, seeking out new customers or to allow for discourse with customers. The notion was that these businesses better understand how competitive differentiation can be achieved by developing superior customer relationships. Kalakota and Robinson (2001) have similar views claiming that through the use of e-commerce companies can become the best, most recognisable and also the cheapest. That is, e-commerce can create opportunities for a combination of differentiation and cost leadership strategies to be employed (Campbell-Hunt, 2000). Cragg et al. (2001) found three types of perceived benefits namely, relative advantage, communication (over more traditional methods such as the telephone) and as a business tool i.e. something that is a part of everyday business. Cragg et al. (2001, p. 172) argue that: Those that have not adopted the Internet must seek a business benefit, for example they may pursue advant ages over traditional methods of advertising. More pragmatic advice can be found in the literature targeted at small businesses and which praises the benefits of e-commerce from both the business and customer perspectives (Bradshaw, 2001). For example, e-commerce allows businesses to trade and receive payments online non-stop and leaves customers satisfied because the business is always open. In addition, e-commerce has other benefits such as lowering the running costs of the business, allowing access to a wider market and saves time for the customer who will also feel in control (Bradshaw, 2001). It has been suggested that some small businesses only exist because of moving onto the Internet and the notion of the Internet as a salvation for some businesses appears to be a relatively new idea (Wroe, 2002). Barriers Cheffey (2009) explains about a DTI study conducted in 2002 evaluating some of the barriers to e-commerce, specially to B2B, which remain valid today. The reason of cost is the most important factor, following by some other factors, eighteen in total, which can cause hurdles in the growth of e-commerce in the industry. Adoption of e-business by established SMEs is generally less han that in larger businesses. This is principally a consequence of he negative attitude of managing directors and CEOs o the business benefits of information and communication technology. Our study will highlight the barriers to e-commerce, if there are any, in the country hurdling in the adoption by SMEs. Tunyo (2008) highlights some barriers to the e-commerce in the country. He says that the size of e-commerce in the country is small and also uncertain at the moment and the growth of e-commerce is hampered by a number of factors and it is inevitable to remove these hurdles for e-commerce to grow in the country. The major barriers are; Misconception about e-commerce Mistruct Traditional nature of society Literacy rate Access to internet services Lack of e-transportation services Poor distribution channels The study will conclude with an overall assessment of the current status of the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs and forecast of the future of e-commerce in this sector.

Best Buy Managing For Competitive Advantage Commerce Essay

Best Buy Managing For Competitive Advantage Commerce Essay The paper is a critical examination of Best Buy managing for competitive advantage. The essay brings forth strategies Best Buy uses as well as how these strategies are put into action in order for it to gain competitive advantage over its competitors. Competitive advantage refers to set of strategic advantages a business have adopted that make it be in a better position to compete or even out shine its rivals. Thus attaining Competitive Advantage fortifies and places an organization in a better position within the competitive business world. According to Pfeffer 21, this theory of competitive advantage was brought forth by Porter Michael back in 1990. He suggested that business entities as well as other non-profit institutions need to adopt some policies, procedures and plans that will help it to develop very high quality goods and services that can be sold at higher prices to consumers. With the fact that almost all kind of business entities do meet very stiff competitions there is thus need for each and every organization to adopt the best strategies that will help them cut themselves an edge in this competitive world of business, Best Buy not being an exception. However various business and management scholars have come to a conclusion that having these strategies is not important unless they are adequately managed; hence competitive advantage management (Pfeffer 142). This refers to set of mechanisms and plans that not only places and organization at an upper hand as compared to its competitors but making it stand out in the business environment. The paper recognizes Best Buy competitive advantage as being it customer-centricity this implies delivering modified and extremely personalized service to clients. All this has been attained by automating the services it provides to customers by using online services. Best Buy customer centered strategy It has been argued out that once an organization clearly understands the need, wants and aspiration of its customers, there is nothing that will block it from excelling provided it takes corrective actions towards attaining the same. Additionally, research as shown that business entities that focus or are customer oriented do have higher chances of securing a competitive advantage which in most cases translates to higher revenue generation, price earnings ratio, highly satisfied customers thus creating customer loyalty. This concept seems to have been well mastered by Best Buy. For instance, since the plan was rolled out, the profit margin for the organization rose by almost 3% (Jaynie Flanagan 122). It is worth mentioning that the strategy has been successful thanks to technological innovation that has allowed customers to even buy good 24/7 even during the holidays. It is important to note although this strategy was recently launched, the organization adequately trained and educated its store-level workforce so that they could be in a position to have in mind the varied needs of the customers on the basis of how they were segmented. One strategy that was a milestone in taking the business where it is to day is customers segmentation. Best Buy segmented its customers into five different levels which include; small-business customers that utilize the business services and products to foster increased profits in their business, busy mothers leaving in suburban that aim at enriching their kids way of life with technological innovation especially in entertainment,, men having families that are in quest of bettering their general way of living through entertainment and other ways, young men who are is thirst of technological innovation and finally very rich professionals that seek the best in terms of entertainment as well as other life experiences. It is worth noting heretthat this I in line with the notion brought forth by Mentzer in his article titles Achieving Competitive Advantage through Supply Chain Management he suggested that not all customers are created equally because there are those that are very crucial to success of any organization while some are not as crucial as other and thus need to be treated by using a different approach. This has been adequately addressed by Best Buy by segmenting its customers (Mentzer 3). According to Mentzer 1 after successfully carrying out a survey, which included slightly over thirty of its stores, Best Buy started rolling the strategy of computerizing the quote-to-order process aimed at making it possible for customers to buy in a 24/7 hour basis even if it is on holidays. In total over hundred of the companys store adopted this strategy. Reports suggested that the company financial result could be boosted and indeed it was and that less cynical outcomes are expected as well as development of a stable link between the company and its customers. Additionally, it is important to remember that for any organization to be prosperous even in its best strategies, the part played by its workforce is of paramount, it is evident that the company did provide education and training to its employees so that they could be well equipped with knowledge to help customers. An example where customer centricity was attained through the efforts of store employees is in Pasadena store in which there was a reconfiguration of the place to appeal to suburban mothers (Peppers Rogers 4) It entailed transferring small electrical appliances to a low rack situated on the walk way of the store from high shelves, this boosted sales of the same to almost two folds. Generally speaking, the company strategy fundamentally rests on viewing its initiatives from the customers point of view, clearly understanding what they need as well as trying its best in meeting these needs (Jaynie Flanagan 211). According to the vice chairman and CEO of the company, this is what gives them a cutting edge in the business environment. On the same note, the company has adopted a way of distributing its goods that is inline with customers demand and aspirations. This has time and a gained been managed by using enterprise resource planning system that seem to have successfully synchronized the need of clients. Additionally, the company best strategy is also its ability to harmonize it various chains of supply together with what its stores need; (Peppers Rogers 2) this has resulted to those employees who work as sales representative having at their disposal a variety of products that meet the needs of those customers that are dear to the company. Similarly, it is worth mentioning that Best Buy has successfully adopted technological innovation whereby customers need not to come to their stores to select or see those appliances they plan to buy. This carries with it a number of advantages for instance convenience and lack of being pressurized by sales persons to buy (Pfeffer 164). Additionally, it give one enough time to scrutinize the features one desire to have in a given appliance. Conclusion From the review of competitive advantage management of Best Buy Company, it is evident that technological innovation adoption and focusing in customer and empowering its employees are among the strategies that have played a better part in shaping the company. What make the company different is that it has clearly understood what its customers need and have taken serious steps towards attaining those things desired by the customers. It is thus no doubt that the company has thrived despite stiff competition from other well known business organizations such as Wal Mart, Dell among other. In my view, every organization must adopt a set of strategies to help it thrive now and in future.

William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- William Shakespeare Macbeth Ess

William Shakespeare's Macbeth In the play of Macbeth, Shakespeare introduces the main character, through the eyes of the one who knows him best, his wife. Lady Macbeth displays to the audience all of Macbeth’s weaknesses; her ambition to have power becomes her husband’s and this will bring out Macbeth’s ambition to be king. She also proves that the strong may become the weak and the weak may become the strong. Lady Macbeth is a main character in this play because she introduces Macbeth and helps the reader to understand his character. At the start of the play she seems to be the more ruthless of the two. When the reader is first introduced to Lady Macbeth she is already planning the death of King Duncan. In order for her to have the courage to do the deed and ask that all woman emotions be removed from her, â€Å"Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full Of direst cruelty! (p 257)† She is a key factor in this play be cause she links the male soul to the female body, showing that ambition can lead to violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Lady Macbeth reads the letter from her husband telling her the news about becoming the Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis and of the three witches that told him he would be king, she was overwhelmed by ambition to have power. She then goes on to plot the death of the King, then realizing that Macbeth would not go through with the plan unless she pushes him to do it, â€Å"Yet do I fear thy nature; it is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it. (p 256)† She knows that Macbeth is a loyal warrior and it would be difficult, and she does it by questioning his manhood, â€Å"But screw your courage to the sticking-place And we’ll not fail. (p 260)† When the King arrives she makes Macbeth stay out of the room because his face releases the secrets that lye within, â€Å"Your face, my Thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters. (p 257)† The King, after dinner, goes to bed and the plan is under way.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lady Macbeth is very confident that they will not be suspected for the murder of the King, and she assures Macbeth that if they do everything right then he will become king. After Macbeth had gone into the King’s room to kill him, he came out with the daggers in hand sayi... ... safe. He then learns of the death of the queen. The news of the woods moving comes to his attention and he is ready to battle. But the men in his army do not stand behind him. As he kills the men entering his castle he begins to battle Macduff. Macbeth then tells Macduff while fighting that he may not kill him because he is to die of a man not born of a woman. Macduff the warns Macbeth, â€Å"Despair thy charm, And let the angel whom thou still served ell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb Utimely ripped. (p 323)† Macbeth then lays down his sword knowing that he has met his dumb. Lady Macbeth was a very important role in this play; she was the antagonist and pushed Macbeth to become an animal. Her main role was to introduce Macbeth and to help the reader to understand more about him. She questioned his manhood to get what she wanted. Lady Macbeth eventually began to feel bad for her crimes and it haunted her where she was most safe, her sleep. The more and more she pushed Macbeth the more willing he was to do it himself. By the end of the play, Macbeth had no emotions and stopped at nothing to remain king. This play showed that ambition would lead to violence and to murder.

Small Classrooms :: Education Teaching Essays

Small Classrooms One of the things that many teachers at Grace Dunn Middle School complain about is the large number of students they have in each class. Likewise, I face this situation in my classes; and since the start of observation there have been a few more additions, thereby making one class twenty-five in total. There are disadvantages for teachers and students in large classes; yet schools, especially in urban districts, still allow them. Although not all large class sizes signify poor academic and social performance, classes with students that are at-risk or classified cannot provide them with proper education and attention. However, in small classrooms, teachers have better management and use more interactive teaching approaches; and students perform academically higher and exhibit positive social skills. Thus, smaller class sizes with less than fifteen students provide a healthier learning environment than those with twenty or more. There are three major factors in smaller classes that allow teachers to better help students. Because of the reduction in class size, classroom management is easier and less time consuming. Smaller classes ensure that students have less of an opportunity to misbehave because teachers can monitor them more closely. Thus, teachers do not have to focus their class time on classroom management but rather on studentsf learning. Since student misbehavior is less problematic, smaller classes yield more time for teachers to develop their learning activities and concentrate on their teaching strategies (Handley 2). On the other hand, with larger classes, teachers spend less direct interaction with students and also tolerate more noises in their classes (Finn 22). For example, in my class of twenty-five, the task of handing out and collecting papers wastes time that can be used for instruction. Thus, classes often fall behind schedule because of these minor tasks that are time consuming . In addition, there are more direct interaction between the teacher and students. There is less competition between students for the teacherfs attention when there are fewer students in the class because with fewer students, the teacher can provide more attention for each student (Finn 18). Thus, teachers can create more student-oriented learning activities. For example, class discussions are more effective in smaller classrooms because students are more engaging and more likely to volunteer (Meier 109, Finn 18). In addition, individual students ask more questions because they are familiar with each other, and it also gives each student more time to speak (Handley 2).

Germination of Seeds

A seed consists essentially of a seed coat, stored food and a young plant, the embryo. The seed coat may be made of inner tegmen and outer testa. On the seed coat a scar (hilum) is present which shows the place of attachment of a seed in the fruit is present. At one end of the hilum is the micropyle. Through micropyle the seed absorbs water during the process of germination. The embryo consists of epicotyl,one or two seed leaves called cotyledons, and a hypocotyle. The portion of the embryo above the point of attachment of cotyledons to embryo axis, and below the plumule is called epicotyl. The plumule forms shoot. the portion of the embryo below the point of attachment of cotyledons to embryo axis but above the radicle, is called hypocotyls. The radicle forms root. The seed also contain the food, derived from the endosperm tissue. The food may remain as such or may be digested and stored in the cotyledons. Thus the cotyledons become thick due to the presence of stored food. This food is supplied to the developing plant during the process of germination of seeds. In the grain of maize, the cotyledon is modified into an organ called scutellum a term that comes from the Latin word meaning â€Å"Shield†. The food stored in scutellum is used first during germination of seed. Later on scutellum absorbs the food of endosperm and supply it to the developing embryo. â€Å"The maize grain is infact a single seeded fruit in which seed coat fruit wall is fused. † Practical Work: investigating structure of seed of gram and maize With the help of hand lens locate micropyle and hilum of the two seeds. With the help of scalpel cut the seeds longitudinally and observe different parts of the embryo along with endosperm with the help of (fig 16. 1) 1. What is the function of micropyle? 2. Why can’t you find endosperm in gram seed? Fig. 16. 11 Structure of seed of gram (a) and maize grain (b) 16. 5. 1 Seed germination During germination (growth and development) of a seed the water is absorbed through micropyle, and the formerly dormant embryo resumes growth and emerges from the seed. The root is normally the first structure emerging the seed, growing rapidly and absorbing water and min erals from the soil. Much of the water is transported to the cells in embryo. As its cells elongate the stem pushes out of the soil. There are two types of germination, epigeal and hypogeal. When the cotyledons appear above Fig 16. 12 (a) Hypogeal germination in gram seed the ground by the elongation of hypocotyl, the type of seed germination is called epigeal, e. g. seeds of melons, cucumber and beans[Fig 16. 12(b)]. 16. 12 (b) Epigeal germination in bean seed When the cotyledons remain below the soil, and epicotyl elongates bringing only plumule above the soil surface, it is described as hypogeal germination, e. g. eed of gram and maize grain[Fig 16. 12(a)] Germination is the onset of growth of a seed, often lollowing a period of dormancy, in response to suitable environmental conditions. 16. 5. 2 Conditions For germination to take place the seed must be viable (living) and should have sufficient food for its germination. The following environmental conditions must exist. In some seeds such as of tobacco plant light is also necessary to trigger germination o f seeds (i) Moisture or water (ii) Air(O2) (iii) Suitable temperature (i) Moisture or water Through micropyle, the seed absorbs water, which swells it causing the seed coat to burst. This helps the root to emerge out of seed. Water absorbed by the germination seed helps to activate the enzymes to digest the food of seed, which is made available to the growing embryo. It also helps to elongate hypocotyls and epicotyl, to grow out. (ii) Air Because oxidative metabolism usually takes over soon after a plant embryo starts to grow, most seeds require oxygen for germination. So air is very important for germination as it contains about 21% of oxygen, which is used during respiration. iii)Suitable temperature Germination of seeds occur over a wide temperatue range between 5-30 C. the optimum temperature for the germination of seeds of most plants ranges between 25-30 C. optimum or suitable temperature is necessary for the enzymes to function. During early germination of seeds, the vital mobilization of food reserves stored in the embryo cotyledons or the endosperm is mediated by h ormones, which in some cases are gibberellins. Practical work: investigating the conditions necessary for germination Set up four test tybes each with ten seeds labeled A, B, C and D as shown in Fig. 16. 13. Put tubes A, C and Din a warm place, in laboratory, Put tube B in a refrigerator. The test tube will have the following environmental conditions: Water, suitable temperature and air Water and the air (low temperature) Suitable temperature and air Water and suitable temperature (no air) Observe the test tubes regularly for about one week. 1. In which tubes the seeds germinate? 2. Did all the seeds in these tubes germinate, if not, why? Name the conditions necessary for the germination of seeds?

Challenges Ahead for Venture Capital Financing in India

Venture chief city is money provided by professionals who invest and recognise young rapidly growing companies that beat the dominance to develop into signifi put forwardt sparing contributors. According to SEBI regulations, proceed capital monetary fund means a fund take a leak in the form of a connection or trust, which raises money through and through loans, donations, rejoinder of securities or units and makes or proposes, to make investments in accordance with these regulations. The property so lay in be available for investment in potenti eithery mettle several(prenominal)ly profitable enterprises at a high attempt of loss. A Venture Capitalist is an individual or a friendship who provides. Investment Capital, concern Expertise, Networking & commercializeing support while patronage and running highly innovative & potential areas of harvest-times as good as service of processs.Thus, the investments make by Venture Capitalists principally involves back ing new and rapidly growing companies. stimulate equity securities. Taking high risk in commandation of higher rewards. Having a long frame of time period, generally of more than 5 6 years. actively working with the companys management to devise strategies pertaining to the boilersuit functioning of the bedevil. Networking and marketing of the harvest-tide /service being offered.In an attempt to playact together highly influential Indians reenforcement across the United States, a networking nightclub named IND US Entrepreneurs or TiE was coif up in 1992. The aim was to get the Indian comm iodin together and to protect enterprisers for wealth creation. A core theme of 10 15 individuals worked hard to establish the organisation. The group (TiE) has now over 600 members with 20 offices spread across the United States. well-nigh of the famous personalities belonging to this group are Vinod Dham (father of the Pentium Chip), Prabhu Goel, K.B. Chandrashekhar (Head of $ 20 0 mn. Exodus Communications, a case optic network carrying 30% of all Internet content traffic hosting websites interchangeable Yahoo, Hotmail and Amazon.)Venture Capital monetary support It generally involves start up funding to uphold technically sound, globally competitive and potential projects to compete in the international markets with the high quality and reasonable cost aspects. The increase of South East Asian economies curiously Hongkong, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia along with India has been due to the gargantuan puss of Venture Capital cash in hand from domestic / offshore arenas.Venture Capitalists scarper their investment funds from a pool of money raised from public and clannish investors. These funds are deployed generally as equity capital (ordinary and preference shares) and some times as subordinated debt which is a fishing rig secured investment in the company (through debenture) be below the secured lenders that often requires periodic repa yment. Today, a VC deal can involve public equity, convertible preferred equity and subordinated debt in different proportions.The Venture Capital financial backing varies across the different stages of growth of a firm. The various stages are 1. Pre seed interpret Here, a relatively small make sense of capital is provided to an entrepreneur to conceive and market a potential idea having approximate future prospects. The funded work in any case involves product increment to some extent.2. Seed portray financing is provided to complete product development and commence initial marketing formalities.3. archaean point / First Stage pay is provided to companies to initiate commercial manufacturing and sales.4. Second Stage In the Second Stage of financing working capital is provided for the expansion of the company in terms of growing accounts due and inventory.5. Third Stage Funds provided for major expansion of a company having change magnitude sales volume. This sta ge is met when the firm crosses the identify even point.6. Bridge / Mezzanine support or Later Stage Financing Bridge / Mezzanine Financing or Later Stage Financing is financing a company just in front its IPO (Initial Public Offer). Often, bridge finance is structured so that it can be repaid, from the proceeds of a public offering. in that respect are basically four detect elements in financing of ventures which are examine in depth by the venture capitalistics. These are 1. Management The strength, expertise & unity of the key people on the gameboard brings significant credibility to the company. The members are to be mature, experienced possessing working knowledge of championship and capable of taking potentially high risks.2. Potential for Capital Gain An in a higher place average rate of impart of or so 30 40% is required by venture capitalists. The rate of return excessively depends upon the stage of the business cycle where funds are being deployed. Earlier t he stage, higher is the risk and hence the return.3. Realistic fiscal Requirement and Projections The venture capitalist requires a realistic view about the deliver health of the organisation as well as future projections regarding scope, nature and execution of the company in terms of cuticle of operations, operating profit and further be related to product development through Research & Development.4. Owners Financial Stake The financial resources owned & committed by the entrepreneur/ owner in the business including the funds invested by family, friends and relatives, play a genuinely important role in change magnitude the viability of the business. It is an important avenue where the venture capitalist keeps an open eye.Problems of Venture Capital Financing VCF is in its nascent stages in India. The emerging scenario of global competitiveness has put an massive pressure on the industrial sphere to improve the quality level with minimisation of cost of products by maki ng persona of latest technological skills. The implication is to keep adequate financing along with the undeniable hi-tech equipments to produce an innovative product which can succeed and grow in the present market condition. Unfortunately, our country lacks on both fronts.The necessary capital can be obtained from the venture capital firms who expect an above average rate of return on the investment. The financing firms expect a sound, experienced, mature and capable management aggroup of the company being financed. Since the innovative project involves a higher risk, there is an forecast of higher returns from the project. The payback period is also generally high (5 7 years).

Pentecostal History Essay

The largest and the nearly important religious g numbers to pop out from the United States is the pentecostal heading. It is considered as the ane-fourth legions in Christendom alongside Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox, and its exponential function growth rate in c all in all of adherents is testimony to its appeal. The Charismatic Renewal vogue has some of its roots in diachronic pentecostalism, and it is now deeply entrenched in most of the mainline Protestant namings, in Catholicism, and in some Orthodox.In the twenty- initiative Century, the total adherents of pentecostals and Charismatics probably exceed the combine numbers of Protestants and Orthodox. Pentecostal statistics show a total adherent base of four hundred zillion in 1993,including the 200 million members designated as nominational Pentecostals and 200 million Charismatics in the main Protestant denominations and Catholicism. When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place . And all at once a sound came from paradise want the rush of a mighty wind, and it fill up all the house where they were sitting.And in that location appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them(Garnett 1987) The Acts of the Apostles, 21-3 (Cox 1995) Background Hi point Adherents of Pentecostalism take their shape from an incident recounted in Chapter two of the Acts of the Apostles. The story describes how the confused followers of a recently crucified Rabbi whom they all believed to be the messiah of the area, had self-contained to mark the fiftieth day after Pass every(prenominal)where.Suddenly there was a supernal sound like the rush of a mighty wind. The sanctum sanctorum Spirit change them, tongues as of fire crowned their heads, and surprisingly they could understand each others language although the gathering comprised people from some different countries and different linguistic affinities. Apparently, the antediluvian pa triarch curse of Babel had been reversed and that god was creating a new inclusive human friendship in which Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia could all live together.Origins of the Pentecostal Faith The number 1 Pentecost appeared on the gibe in 1901 in Topeka, Kansas in a Bible school conducted by Charles frustrate Parham, a piety teacher and causality Methodist pastor. There exists considerable broil about the origins and timings of Parhams emphasis on glossolalia there is general agreement amongst historians that the movement was initiated in the first age of 1901, in the beginning of the Twentieth Century.One of Parhams Bible School students Agnes Ozman , was the first somebody to be baptized in the saintly Spirit and she thereafter began speaking in different tongues on the very first day of the new century on January 1, 1901. According to J. Roswell Flower, the founding Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Ozmans experience was the touch felt round the mankind, an lawsuit which made the Pentecostal impulsion of the Twentieth Century.Due to the Topeka Pentecost, Parham postulated the school of thought that tongues (glossolalia) was the biblical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and that it a was a necromantic ability endowed for the subprogram of sphere ev apotheosisization. Glossolalia is an experiential phenomenon of an ecstatic, altered state of consciousness, in which orgiastic techniques are cultivated to carry out ecstasy in the belief that crotchety psychological and physical states are like with Spirit-possession. He added that since missionaries had the ability to speak in any language, they need not postulate any new language for the purpose of evangelical preaching.Armed with this new theology, Parham founded a church movement which he called the episcopal Faith and began a whirlwind revitalisation interference of the the Statesn Middle West to drive his exciting new experience. sa w an angel coming down from heaven With the identify to the abyss and a great mountain chain in his hand. He seized the dragon and chained him up for a thousand historic period So that he might not seduce the nations until the thousand years were over. Revelation 201-3 Fed by broken packing cases and discarded wrap up paper the fire quickly turn out from the boarded-up Casino to the empty Music Hall.From there sparks flew through the arctic night to the roofs of the expounding(Cox 1995). Prophecy of the Pentecost Traditionally, Americans corroborate always had a strong dose of millenium drilled in to them, covering the time the puritans landed in come neard England to the revival preachers who traveled the middle west on horseback, they were continually being told that the extreme stages of history was unfolding and that America would symbolise a study role in the grand finale. Going in to the twentieth century, prophecies and speculations regarding a new Pentecost and a New Jerusalem were rife.And in the last eld it shall be, God declares, That I will rain cats and dogs out my Spirit upon all class Acts of the Apostles 217-19 The fire from heaven descended on April 9, 1906, on a small caboodle of lightlessness domestic servants and custodial employees gathered for prayer in a woody bungalow at 214 sum decent Brae Avenue in Los Angeles, California. (Cox 1995) minister of religion at Azusa lane Seymour who had learned the tongues-attested baptism in a Bible school that Parham conducted in Houston, Texas in 1905 was invited to pastor a glum righteousness church in Los Angeles in 1906.Seymour opened the historic meeting in April, 1906 in a plaster bandageer African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church structure at 312 Azusa course in business district Los Angeles. The happenings at Azusa have fascinated church historians for decades and have never been fully still or explained (Wackman 1994). For cardinal years thereafter, the Azusa Str eet grandiloquent Faith Mission conducted three services a day, seven days a week, where thousands of seekers received the tongues baptism. Word of the revival was col abroad through The Apostolic Faith, a paper that Seymour sent dispense with of charge to some 50,000 subscribers.From Azusa Street Pentecostalism spread rapidly around the valet de chambre and began its advance toward becoming a major force in Christendom. The Azusa Street movement seems to have been a merger of white American holiness religion with godliness styles derived from the black Christian tradition which had developed since the days of chattel slavery in the South. The expressive worship and praise at Azusa Street, which include shouting and dancing, had been common among Appalachian whites as well as Southern blacks.The variety of tongues and other charisms with black music and worship styles created a new and indigenous form of Pentecostalism that was to prove extremely attractive to disinherit and deprived people, both in America and other nations of the world(MacRoberts 1988). Pentecost has come to Los Angeles, the American Jerusalem. all(prenominal) sect, creed and doctrine under heaven as well as every nation is represented. (Frank Bartleman,1906). The Inter racial typeface The interracial mingling at the congregations was a stark contrast to the existing racial tensions and sequestrations of the times.The interracial aspects of the movement in Los Angeles were a striking exception to the racism and segregation of the times. The phenomenon of blacks and whites worshipping together under a black pastor seemed incredible to many observers. The event also cemented William Seymours place as not only the most influential black leader in American History, but also as a co-founder of world Pentecostalism(Deyoung et al 2003). This is the work of God, and cannot be stopped. While our enemies scold, we pray and the fire burn Household of God, Nov. 1907Spread of Pentecostal The Az usa Street movement in 1906, led by the African-American preacher William Joseph Seymour provided the much postulate impetus for the spread of the Pentecostal faith, which until and then had not really captured popular imagination. The first wave of Azusa pilgrims journeyed throughout the United States bedspread the Pentecostal fire, primarily in holiness churches, missions, and camp meetings. In America Gaston Barnabas Cashwell of North Carolina, who spoke in tongues in 1906 was one of the Azusa Pilgrims, whose six-month preaching tour of the South in 1907 resulted in major inroads among southern holiness folk.Under his ministry, Cashwell saw several holiness denominations swept into the new movement, including the perform of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the Pentecostal Holiness church building, the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church, and the Pentecostal Free-Will Baptist Church. Also in 1906, Charles Harrison Mason ,upon his apply to Memphis from Azusa Street, spread the Pentecosta l fire in the Church of God in Christ. The Church he founded comprised African-Americans only one coevals removed from slavery. (The parents of both Seymour and Mason had been innate(p) as southern slaves).Although tongues caused a set out in the church in 1907, the Church of God in Christ undergo such explosive growth that by 1993, it was by far the largest Pentecostal denomination in North America, claiming some 5,500,000 members in 15,300 local churches. Another Azusa pilgrim was William H. Durham of Chicago. later receiving his tongues experience at Azusa Street in 1907, he returned to Chicago, where he led thousands of mid-western Americans and Canadians into the Pentecostal movement.In 1914, he established the Assemblies of God, which by 1993 had over 2,000,000 members in the U.S. and some 25,000,000 adherents in 150 nations of the world. Conclusion The Pentecostal Movement has proved to be a major force in Christendom throughout the world with unprecedented exponential gr owth of adherents. By the Nineties, The Pentecostals and their charismatic brothers and sisters in the mainline Protestant and Catholic churches had turned their energy and resources to world evangelization. The future will reveal the last-ditch results of this movement which has greatly impacted the world during the Twentieth Century.