Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing Essay
With the unprecedented growth and spread of information, there is no wonder why large Information Technology companies have been investing in the â€Å"cloud†. To expand, when referring to Cloud Computing, this means to access and store information not stored with in your computer whether it be public, private, or hybrid cloud computing. In technological terms, the server you are accessing is somewhere else and therefore, the information and tools you are using are â€Å"up in the clouds†but more so stored in another server space. However, whether you are paying for services through software, total usage, or free usage (hence the types of cloud services) Cloud Computing seems to be everywhere. Yet, it is important to recognize what is to gain by using cloud computing from big businesses to individual users and what are some risky moves when utilizing cloud storage over the Internet. Hence, the content of this paper will discuss the pros and cons of cloud computing and where cloud computing is headed in todays online society. Discussion: Moving forward, large companies use private cloud computing on the grounds that it is far more affordable to store and run programs in a server space designed for processing, saving and running information applications and so on. The biggest noticeable advantages in cloud computing have to be the ease of running programs with out installing any new applications (since the provider installs it for you in their cloud), and payment depends on membership, and which billing method you chose; for example, monitored payment or a flat rate (Mitchell). However, there are competing companies such as Google Apps Marketplace, Windows Azure, Amazon Web Services, Success Factors, and so on, that make cloud computing affordable on different user levels. These levels range from individual interest to larger company interests. For example, a company may need thousands of gigabytes worth of storage while I may need a few gigabytes of storage. So when paying for space I will be able to only buy what I need. Additionally, using the cloud allows a user greater mobility since an individual with an account can access the cloud from any computing device (laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone) that has available Internet access. More importantly, it’s easier for multiple users to access the same document and not overload the system and backs up data without someone having to worry about the location. Therefore, utilizing a third-party system server, Cloud Computing perks offer cheaper, reliable storage and retrieval of information. Figure [ 1 ] Although Cloud Computing sounds like a convenient service for businesses and users to take advantage of, there are downsides for paying or using cloud servers. Instances include, system shut downs for maintenance, access of data after canceling a membership, and more importantly privacy. Yet, a simple downside would be â€Å"What if someone uploads data into the cloud server and suddenly loses Internet connection?†The answer would be lost time and an incomplete data upload, not to mention the hassle of finding Internet connection again to access the cloud’s server only to attempt to upload the same work once more. On the other hand, looking back at the 2011 Google Docs incident, when an outage delayed user interaction for an hour starting in the UK and then reached the US (McCaney). Many organizations and people couldn’t access or exchange files via the cloud. So accidents happen, and although people lost out on time and information sharing, no files were reportedly lost. Even so, accidents including shutdown to outages, are rare natural occurrences, yet, inevitable for the current time. Not only are there outages to worry for also, according to Hamad Subani, he asserts that â€Å"Since most of the major Cloud Computing servers are operated by companies based in the United States, data you put on your Cloud is subject to American law.† Which is also true since authorities only need to file a subpoena to get the information, yet, once information is shared warrants are needed and such (Subani). Hence, privacy is compromised, but to an extent. If someone is engaging in illegal file transfers on a cloud server, it already violates the consumer to provider contract; therefore a person is better off keeping their illegal activities to themselves. Other than that, cloud computing is relatively safe. | Cloud Computing Simplified| Pros| Cheap services, reliable, extra storage space, no worry about the server location| Cons| No privacy, and you must have internet access, maintenance. | After going through the pros and cons of cloud computing, it is necessary to analyze where such services are headed in the near to distant future. According to Brian Donaghy,  â€Å"Market Research Media says the cloud market will reach $270 billion in 2012 and Gartner predicts it will be over the $148 billion mark by 2014, much greater than Forrester’s forecast of over $118 billion for the same year.†Without a doubt, cloud computing will continue to rake in the profits since increasing needs for IT services are inflating the cloud’s development. In perspective, social networks (like YouTube or Skype) outsource their work to cloud services to help store user data. More so, it seems as if digital life is linked to the storage systems of cloud servers. Think about it, with out a back up storage in the cloud, there wouldn’t be a free YouTube, Tumbler, and blogging would essentially be news posts by big businesses. Cloud computing will continue to advance in ways that further accommodates all online users. About the only disadvantage of this are those with out Internet connection, the people left out of the Internet community. However, for the time being, cloud computing’s growth in the United States and American websites using cloud resources, prove to be helpful in the spreading of information from social to private perspectives of data usage. Conclusion: Hence, it is evident that cloud computing will be growing exponentially so long as the Information Technology sector continues to be in high demand. Therefore it is up to the consumers individual needs to decide if cloud computing would help them keep tabs with their data usage online or if using their own memory on their computer is a better decision. On the other end, companies should use Cloud Computing servers as a cheaper form of Information Technology management. Especially since investing in a mainframe computer would be far more costly than having some other company do all the work for you for a smaller fee. Therefore, cloud computing will definitely be a primary factor in the growth and facilitation of online data usage and continue to revolutionize modern technology. Bibliography Bauer, Eric and Randee Adams. The Reliability and Availability of Cloud Computing. Hoboken: Wiley, 2012. Donaghy, Brian. Where is Cloud Computing Headed in 2013? 8 November 2012. 1 February 2013 . McCaney, Kevin. Google, Microsoft cloud crashes: Is this the new normal? 12 September 2011. 15 February 2013 . Mitchell, Bradley. What is Cloud Computing. 2013. 15 February 2013 . Mururgesan, San. â€Å"Cloud Computing: The New Normal?†January 2013. IEEE Xplore (digital library). 1 February 2013. Subani, Hamad. Ten Reasons Why Cloud Computing is a Bad Idea. 2 June 2009. 14 February 2013 . Weinman, Joe. â€Å"Cloudonomics: the business value of cloud computing.†4 September 2012. WorldCat (database engine). 1 February 2013.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
A Critique on the Article: Avoiding Ethical Danger Zones Essay
According to the Business Roundtable Institute for Corporate Ethics (â€Å"BRICE†) business leaders of the 21st century face a number of difficult and complex challenges that greatly affect their businesses as well as the various stakeholders (Messick, Bazerman, & Stewart, 2006). This is nothing new considering the fallout of the recent global financial crisis as well as the events preceding which can be summarized by unethical business practices perpetuated by giant corporations like Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and many more (Kiviat, 2008). However, these three companies only represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unethical business practices. There are many firms with secrets that are kept hidden but not for long. In this regard BRICE suggested that the problems related to business ethics can be remedied by going to the root of the matter which is the process of making decisions. BRICE asserted that there are â€Å"ethical danger zones†that a leader must learn to avoid when making crucial decisions. Furthermore, BRICE added that this can be achieved by focusing on three areas: quality, breadth, and honesty. This paper will analyze how these principles can be applied in the real world. Quality            According to BRICE the quality of the decision making process is determined by the collection and consideration of all meaningful facts regarding a decision’s consequences (Messick, Bazerman, & Stewart, 2006). This is a good idea but the question is how will the leader know that nothing was left out? According to the said resource this can be done by identifying danger zones such as ethnocentrism, stereotypes, inability to perceive the correct cause of a problem, sin of omission, and the inability to focus on people.            The authors were doing just fine up until they added the concept of sin of omission and the inability to focus on people. It is easy to understand why they pinpointed ethnocentrism, stereotypes and wrong perception of causes as pitfalls in achieving quality in decision making. This is due to the fact that ethnocentrism automatically creates a biased worldview. The leader automatically has this false sense of security, that his or her system of beliefs and values are the best and he or she need not adapt to a rapidly changing world. The same thing can be said about using stereotypes especially in a global economy where the headquarters of a particular firm can be found in the United States but its factories are located in China.            The ability to know for certain the root cause of a problem is also a useful skill in decision making but when the authors added the need to focus on people and to watch out for the sin of omission the discussion suddenly went off course. There should have been more discussion in clarifying the three aforementioned principles to help explain in detail how to improve the quality of the decision making process because the authors stated clearly in the very beginning that quality can only be achieved by considering and collecting pertinent information. But the added sub-topic immediately went to the details of how to solve a particular problem.            The authors should have clarified the reason why leaders make assumptions. In other words they should have added more explanation and illustrations why leaders are unable to collect and consider necessary information to help them in making accurate judgments and creating solutions to their problems. It was too early to go into specifics, and more importantly, the authors were only able to scratch the surface when they attempted to go in-depth when it comes to the discussion of perception of causes. If they are not willing to develop the discussion even further they should have stayed with generalizations and not start off with a quest that they could not complete. Breadth            According to the authors, another way to improve the decision making process is to consider the potential effects of a particular decision on all stakeholders (Messick, Bazerman, & Stewart, 2006). They even contended that leaders must utilize their imagination to determine possible moral implications of their decisions that could impact other stakeholders; these are stakeholders that may lie outside their sphere of responsibility. This is a good point. Clearly the leaders of Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco did not consider the impact of their unethical behavior (Thomas, 2006). However, the authors did not clarify the boundaries for this principle to work effectively.            If there are no limitations then corporate leaders will be hard presses to please everyone. In a global economy it is impossible to know the exact implication of a corporate decision. This should make CEOs extra cautious when it comes to making crucial decisions but an objective assessment of the market will lead to the conclusion that it is impossible to consider the opinion of everyone. More importantly nothing has been said when it comes to priorities. It is nice to hear that a company is doing its best to be produce environmentally friendly products so that it can lessen its impact on the environment and therefore create positive impact for future generations, however, their number one priority should be the investors and the stockholders of the company.            No one is foolish enough to make an investment without making a reasonable profit in return. Although the authors clarified that a leader must have a realistic worldview, nothing was said regarding the firm’s bottom line. These statements are even harder to accept if it turns out that the authors never had any experience when it comes to making decisions in the corporate level or at least as an entrepreneur. They may have no idea what it feels like to put everything on the line only to find out that the business venture is losing money.            It is important to have leaders that think beyond dollars and cents and perform in such a way that they are not only thinking about the wishes and commands of investors and shareholders. On the other hand it must be made clear that a firm has to have revenues and increase its value or else it will cease to exist. Examining every decision made in light of moral and ethical principles is the best way to do business; nevertheless the primary commitment of the company is not with outsiders but the shareholders and the employees. The CEO must keep in mind that the moment the company is no longer making profit then employees will no longer have jobs and those who come to depend upon their products and services will be greatly inconvenienced.            The authors were correct in saying that it is unwise to assume that the public may never find out. But there is really no need to devote much space regarding this topic. It is an important topic by the way; nevertheless, it does not seem to fit the target audience of BRICE. The message makes sense but it is not what top corporate leaders are interested in reading. In the foreword the authors stated that BRICE has come into partnership with Business Roundtable – an association of chief executive officers of leading corporations with a combined workforce of more than ten million people and $4 trillion in revenues (Messick, Bazerman, & Stewart, 2006). These are the type of leaders that will read this document and they will never assume that the general public will never find out.            The authors may have been trying to say that even if the fall of greedy corporate executives such as the former CEOs of Enron and Tyco are well known there are still leaders who are not afraid to walk the same path and so they assumed that these leaders are not conscious of the fact that their actions will never be made public. There could be a better way to discuss this issue and it is to find out why CEOs are sometimes forced to ignore the low-probability events and other waning signs. It is because they are under tremendous pressure to perform, to make money for the firm. Corporate leaders managing multinational companies with a global presence will never assume that the general public will never find out. The authors should have explained why some CEOs are willing to walk near the edge when they know that they are courting disaster. The authors should have delved deeper into the psychology behind bending the rules for the sake of profit. There is an explanation why CEOs find it hard to resist the temptation to use a scheme that will guarantee a sudden increase in profit even if they knew that somehow they had to break a few rules. If the authors focused on this angle instead of giving generalizations then the article could have been an interesting read for CEOs leading multi-million dollar companies. The authors should have focused more on the tension that exists when leaders are pulled into different directions – the company’s bottom line is pulling the company that way while business ethics is pulling the other way. The authors should have elaborated more on what Mulcahy the CEO of Xerox said regarding the proper way to manage this tension and it can be truncated into this one statement: The company will pay for performance but the company will hire, promote, and fire based on values; employees will have to deliver the top line and the bottom line and do it in the most ethical manner (Messick, Bazerman, & Stewart, 2006). The authors should have expounded more on this. Honesty            The last portion of the article dealt with the concept of honesty, integrity, and overconfidence. It is easy to see that the last word does not belong to the previous statement. Honesty, integrity and moral compass are like complimentary objects and deserve to be grouped together. The question remains why overconfidence was a sub-topic that was used to elucidate the meaning of honesty. The authors linked honesty and overconfidence by stating that a leader must be honest about his or her overconfidence. With great effort this premise will work but there is a less strenuous way to get the point across. There is a much better way to communicate without forcing the reader to perform some extreme mental calisthenics. Quite frankly there is really nothing wrong with the said statement but it just does not sound right and it is confusing for those whose who may not have time to go through the document more than one time.            Those who are expected to read this document are CEOs, and although they appreciate statistics and factual reporting they also like simplicity in the presentation of ideas. By using tough to digest words like ethical danger zones and not provide a clear explanation of what it is all about can frustrate many of them and they will never finish reading the whole article. The article can be seen as an assemblage of disjointed parts. Conclusion            The authors started out strong by stating that there are ethical danger zones that corporate leaders should avoid especially during these difficult and challenging times. However, they were unable to give new information that would be of great help to leaders of multinational corporations. Instead they settled with generalizations and used oft-repeated statements that are already well-known in the international business community. It can be argued that members of the Business Roundtable came into partnership with BRICE to learn more about business ethics. They surely did not expect an article or a manifesto telling them something that they know already. These leaders are aware of the dangers that exist when an organization ignores business ethics. What they need to understand is how to balance the need for profit and the need to perform at the highest levels without compromising the organization’s core values. References Kiviat, B. (2008). â€Å"Reassessing Risk.†Retrieved 03 August 2010 from  http://www.time.com/ time/magazine/article/0,9171,1856998,00.html Messick, D., M. Bazerman, & L. Stewart. (2006). Avoiding Ethical Danger Zones. Business Rountable Institute for Corporate Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.corporate-ethics.org/pdf/danger_zones.pdf Thomas, C. (2006). â€Å"The Enron Effect.†Accessed 03 August 2010 from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1198917,00.html
Monday, July 29, 2019
Buyer Behaviour and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Buyer Behaviour and Analysis - Essay Example Consumers believe that a good brand name symbolizes high quality. The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons behind the adherence of consumers towards products that have a high brand image. Developing a good brand image is every firm’s objective. It helps to gain superior advantage over other firm in the industry and leads to generating higher sales. In order to develop brand image it is essential that the product is of high quality and meets customer requirements correctly. In respect of consumer behaviour, it is seen that consumers are largely driven towards purchasing those products that have a good brand image. High brand image indicate better quality products which helps attracting greater number of consumers. In case of high end products, brand image is also associated with luxury and greater social impact. A healthy brand image is therefore seen to influence consumer behaviour in a positive way (Nandan, 2005). The market for a single product can be flooded with numerous brands. It becomes difficult for consumers to decide which one is of the best quality. Instead of wasting time analyzing each brand, they are motivated to buy those products that already have a good reputation in the market. Consumers believe that quality and reputation go hand in hand. When consumers purchase a product that has a high brand image they automatically develop a trust upon the brand and view it to be of high quality (Jamal and Goode, 2001). Many consumers feel an increased level of satisfaction when they use a product that has high brand image. Brands are seen to infuse certain emotions and actions upon the behaviour of consumers. Such cognitive and virtual attributes of brand image drives consumer’s into purchasing specific products. It is seen that when an individual wears a branded watch, they experience a higher level of satisfaction although there is technically not much of a difference between a branded watch and an
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Druge abuse Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Druge abuse - Annotated Bibliography Example There is also an in depth coverage of how a design can be adapted to come up with more drug abuse averting intercession. The authors give an analysis of how individuals with substance use disorder have inhibitory control insufficiencies in comparison to non-abusers. The reason as to why adolescents have the urge to abuse substances as a behavior is also discussed in the book. As the book keep on explaining on why some behavior are related to substance abuse, neurobiological approach as a means of treatment is broadly discussed and researched. The major setback of the book is the fact that prevention measures to substance effect have not been tackled in the book. The importance of inhibitory control cannot be underestimated as indicated in the book, â€Å"Inhibitory control, broadly defined, refers to factors that regulate the performance of inappropriate or maladaptive behaviors. Failure of inhibitory processes increases the probability of maladaptive â€Å"impulsive†behaviors, such as drug abuse.†(Bardo, Diana and Melic, 13). The study in the book helps to add more importance to the topic under discussion. The study provides more emphasis to the fact that there is a substantial effect of drugs usage to the non-abusers. Non-abusers are persons close to the abuser of substance which include family members and friends. In addition the studies in the book will also aid the research to provide strong evidence on how control measures can be adapted by drug abusers to minimize this jeopardy. This book analyzes the abuse of drug from a legal perspective, and focuses on the laws that are concerned with drug control in America. The studies in the book are meant to investigate whether some drugs should be legally available to Americans since 19th century. Arguments ranging from court cases, laws, speeches and opinion pieces discuss America’s war on
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2
Media - Essay Example In most cases these new forms of media especially the internet makes communication to grow denser, more involving, more complicated, and networked to access the information or facts, more chances to involve public speech and to boast a mutual action by the protestors. It must be noted that technology does not lead into political revolution; but what it does; it offers new potentials and impel new limitations on the actors of politics. It is hard to determine the precise contribution of each kind of the new form of media to every revolution. Notably, there are some forms of media such as the social media which have common in triggering various forms of political revolution like the ones experienced in Egypt and Tunisia. Even as some of the famous political figures make efforts to control the manner in which these forms of media are used, the protestors normally find ways to communicate with the main aim of achieving their objectives that is political revolution. Question Two: Reasons why fewer Hollywood films target mature women compared to other quadrant Hollywood films has for a long time had the tendency to dislike older women in the movie productions. There are some selected reasons why this is the case. Hollywood films are mostly interested in the age of the actors which shows the willingness to sustain or enjoy most of its spectacles. Some of the demography reveals that teenagers and adults have plenty of disposable income while mature adults such as mature women are more cautious in the manner in which they spend their money which is more discerning in their interests. Disposable income might be a big aspect for the Hollywood films or it might not be. Majority of the financially endowed adult women are more willing and able to spend most of their money on all kinds of things which varies from fashion designs and other modern items. Young adult women are more willing to spend quite a large satellite bills given the fact they are in their explorative stage, with little responsibilities to meet which gives them more energy to commit their time toward their careers. Most young women are able to spend most of their time concentrating on their looks and on ways of making their physical looks better. This is contrary to the older women who feel most part of their time must be spent with their families as opposed to extensive travelling and exploration. Hollywood therefore draws their concentration towards the younger women in perfecting their films and boosting their image with beauty and looks. Question Three: Ways in which internet upsets the political economy of communication There are various ways in which the use of internet might upset or disrupt the political economy of communication. One of the common attributes of the internet for political figures might be its apparent uncontrollable feature. The use of internet has been known to render inappropriate the controls and laws of the countries or states and the fundamental quality whe re they can be truthfully be rendered as rights or freedom to expression. The internet is a common platform in attracting the people who have been for a long time considered as voiceless in the past. The various groups on the internet differ from environmentalists and feminists to liberation struggles or right wing
Friday, July 26, 2019
Economics - Public Utilities Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Economics - Public Utilities - Term Paper Example Then a critical evaluation of empirical studies in this regard is done and country experiences are also discussed. The main countries included in the analysis are USA, UK, South Africa, Lebanon, Latin American nations, MENA nations, India, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The last section concludes the essay on the basis of the discussion given. The essay shows that initial conditions existing at the time of privatization process, the nature of privatization, the regulatory practices existing in a nation all determine the impact of privatization process in a nation. In the countries however, most evidence support our thesis statement in this regard. Telecommunications has been one of the rapidly growing sectors in countries all over the world. This sector provides significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of many nations (Li and Xu, 2002).Moreover, the sector contributes to other businesses by reducing their transaction costs and thus creating positive externalities. Thus telecommunication sector is considered to be of much economic and technological importance (Li and Xu, 2004). There had been significant changes in this sector transforming from a state owned, state operated an monopolistically behaved sector to a private owned and liberalized one since the 1980s with the privatization of British Telecom and the introduction of competition in the US long distance services (Wallsten, 2001).Based on the theoretical perspective son privatization, it has been argued that the privatization of telecommunication sector will result in increasing the sector’s efficiency and overall performance. The empirical studies show the results varying in different countries. Given this background, this essay critically evaluates the privatization process of telecommunications all over the world and its impact. This essay is
Medical malpractice. Requirements Texas Courts Impose for an Expert in Research Paper
Medical malpractice. Requirements Texas Courts Impose for an Expert in Medical Malpractice - Research Paper Example This discussion investigates the commitment of the Texas courts to improve the reliability of medical malpractice experts as sources of vital expert information in medical malpractice cases, with a view to understanding the required qualifications for such experts. Justification Cases involving medical malpractices are some of the most complex ones since the admissibility and the fact finding activities regarding a case are not based on a current occurrence but on a past occurrence that could have caused injury to the patient. This requires that a patient present an expert testimony, which must satisfy the court that the testimony will assist the court in its fact finding mission regarding the case, and that such opinion must be supported by the witness testimony if the case is to be held as valid (Jasper, 2010). This calls upon the experts in the medical malpractice cases to be fully qualified so that they can help the court establish the truth of the matter regarding the case since they are the most reliable source of expertise information in such cases. To enhance the capacity of the medical malpractice experts to help the court establish the truth regarding the failure of a physician to adhere to the required standards of care for patients, the State of Texas has provided certain qualifications, which the experts must meet. Definition of Terms Medical malpractice means professional negligence by a physician by way of action or omission that causes injury or death to a patient. Expert means someone widely recognized as a reliable source of technique or skill Review of Literature For an individual to qualify as an expert in a medical malpractice case, the individual must be knowledgeable and conversant with the procedures, methods and treatments applicable in the area where the physician, who is the defendant in the case, operates (Baker, 2010). This qualification is essential since it allows the expert opinion granted by the individual to be based on the acc eptable standards, procedures and treatment methods, as there are different medical practices for different regions. If an expert who is not conversant with the medical standards and procedures of the area is enlisted to provide an expert opinion, he/she will most likely base the assessment of the procedures and treatment methods on the standards of the area he/she is conversant with, thus giving an expert opinion that might mislead the court since the same standards could not be applicable in the region in question (Jasper, 2010). Thus, the courts in Texas allow medical malpractices experts to issue a statement of opinion if they are familiar with the acceptable standards of operation in the region. A clear understanding of the acceptable operation standards in a region allows the expert to be guided in giving a fair and adequate opinion regarding the level of act or omission of the physician defendant, which translates to liability (Roach, 2006). The other qualification for an exp ert in the medical malpractice case is specialization in the defendant’s field (Roach, 2006). While there was a tendency of allowing experts to give an opinion regarding the knowledge they have in the standards of operations of a certain field, it is certainly not possible for an expert to give a fair, adequate and valid expert opinion if he/she has not specialized in the field of the defendant. Additionally, it would not be possible either to give an expert opinion that is credible if the medical malpractice expert has no experience in performing the operations and techniques in respect
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Information tech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Information tech - Essay Example ed on the behavioral aspects of management accounting information, management accounting information is a necessity in business due to its capacity to change the financial position and performance of business. This has an impact on managers responsible for drawing business objectives since they are the major users of such information (Vitez 196). Depending on the level of information details available, business management decisions are based on good management information system and are only as good as how well and current information is provided. Fulfillment of business objectives is based on critical decisions, and not guesses work about elements such as budgets and costs. Through maintaining a good management accounting system, managers are able to spruce up their probability of making ideal business decisions. Even though information may not be the only key thing in business, it provides a real important component in decision making process (Vitez 198). Therefore providing inform ation improves the quality of decisions which result to actions that contribute to the fulfillment of the objectives of the business in the best way possible. In summary, providing management accounting information will not only improve the quality of business decision making, but also increase business efficiency, maximize profitability, simplify financial statement, control the cash flow of the business, increase financial reforms, reduce expenses, and solve problems and conflicts, and better financial reporting (Vitez
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Culture critique of dominant economic narrative assignment Essay
Culture critique of dominant economic narrative assignment - Essay Example In the plot summary, Norma Rae, a single parent of two, works in a textile milling company. Incidentally, she works in a company where all of her family members and fellows are also employed. The working conditions are more than just terrible: the ambiance is hot, depressing and covered in dust, and jammed with an ear-piercing clang of obsolete equipment. The working conditions are relatively unhealthy and potentially injurious. Most of all, the benefits do not seem to equate the amount of work carried out by the workers: inferior salaries, extended working hours, and marginal health protections. Seen this way, there is indeed a marginalizing and struggling employment conditions among those belonging to the working class, especially women. The perspective of class in the America possesses a quality that is relatively difficult to pin down. In an unprejudiced and fundamental expression, it is a dominant reality in the United States. But still, the intricacy and changing aspects of cla ss relations, especially the undercurrents of class brawl, have been touched on by the mass and popular culture in conditions that equally personalize and compress the inconsistencies characteristic in such dealings (Giroux, 1). In other words, the notion of class has been downgraded to expectable methods that signify modes of conceptual shorthand. Apparently, highly influential industries like the Hollywood have taken the part of a no inferior or negligible role in contending with the class-based issues in ways as to deprive them of any societal definition. This turns out to be, for the most part, apparent when evaluating how the world's biggest entertainment industry has described the working class in life, culture and civilization. With relatively small number of exemptions, Hollywood's dealings with the those belonging to the working class and happenings has been portrayed by the kind of reductionism that operates simply to support those myths and moral standards that provide th e conceptual foundation for the predating arrangement of social relations (Giroux 2). The form and substance of most Hollywood movies, including "Norma Rae", that touches on the issue of the working class, especially women, provide the content in plane, superficial illustrations that convey nothing regarding the hidden existing reality of the life and skirmish of the working-class. Basically, the representation of the working class life and culture is established within the ideas that weigh in to its concealment (2). Social mobility substitutes class brawl in movies such as Blood brothers, Working Girls, and The Devil Wears Prada. Illustrations of psychosis and short-lived irrationality flourish in movies such as Taxi Driver and Joe. In "Norman Rae", there is a subtle exaltation of masculinity and a fete of racism and sexism, which provide the description of the plot of the film. Aside from the struggle that Norma gained from belonging to the working class, and working in a rather m asculine type of job, there is a racial indignation in the fact that the salaries
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Political scandals and media (Moshe Katsav scandal) Research Paper
Political scandals and media (Moshe Katsav scandal) - Research Paper Example The researcher will then move into analyzing how the media covered this scandal. This paper will then give a comparison of the media coverage of political scandals in other democratic countries, such as France, US, UK, Italy, and Germany. The researcher will then identify the actions that the government took during this period, and the reasons, after which the researcher will give some resolutions on how the government would have made this situation better. Moshe Katzav is an Israeli politician, and he was born in 1945, December. The country of the birth of Moshe Katzav is Iran, but he travelled to Israel in 1951, and lived under an immigrant tent. Mose Katzav was the first born in his family that comprised of eight children. Mose Katzav is a highly educated individual, holding a post graduate qualification from the University of Hebrew (East and Thomas, 2003). At the age of 24 years, Mose Katzav married Gila Katzav, and together they have produced five children. In the same year, he was able to join the Likud party, and there after becoming a mayor of Kiryat Mal’akhi. In 1977, Moshe Katzav become a member of the Knesset, and in 2000, he became the president of Israel, holding office between 2000, to 2007. It is important to understand that Moshe Katzav was the 8th president of Israel. It is important to understand that Israel has a president, who is ceremonial in nature and a prime ministers who holds executive power in Israel (East and Thomas, 2003). The governance structure of Israel is democratic in nature. It is important to denote that the prime minister of Israel is elected by Knesset, and it is this institution that holds legislative power in Israel (East and Thomas, 2003). Israel is one of the few countries in the world that does not have a constitution, but it relies on basic laws, initiated by Knesset for governance. On this basis, the Knesset is a very important institution in Israel, since it determines the
Monday, July 22, 2019
Volvo Cars Essay Example for Free
Volvo Cars Essay 1) Why had Volvo lost its way in the years leading up to the takeover? Volvo started to manufacture and export cars to foreign countries since the mid-1950s. The company set up plants in Torslanda, Sweden, in 1964, followed by plants in Belgium and the Netherlands. Before Volvo was sold to Ford Motor Company in 1999, they had a joint-venture partnership with Pininfarina SpA of Italy. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 2, 2007, pp. 9-11) Volvo is a premium brand; with market shares of 1.5% and 0. 6% in the EU and US respectively (Wang 2011). Volvo faces competition and threat from Premium brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi, who have increased product offerings. While the competing premium brands increase their product offering, Volvo markets 10 models under Brand categories S, XC, C and V. This gives the competing premium brand an advantage over Volvo, therefore enabling them to grasp a bigger market share then compared to Volvo. The company’s market shares are further threatened by the growing invasion of the Asian car manufacturers. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). During the recent years, a rise in cars manufactured by the Asian market has been affecting the automobile industry. Asian car manufacturers have the advantage of producing cars at the cheaper cost compared to cars from the US and EU regions. This enable them to export cars to foreign market at a cheaper rate. Thus, apart from competing premium brands, Volvo faces increasing competition from emerging Asian car manufacturers. One of Volvo’s major competitor, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz car division have implemented a strategic initiatives to run the cost down and revenues up by reduction in costs of materials, fixed cost, improved efficiencies and overall improvement (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: Competitor analysis, 2007, pp. 6-8). In comparison, Volvo’s high cost of premium cars is a result of cars being made in Sweden and then imported. â€Å"This makes the Volvo brand cars expensive when compared to the others, which enjoy strong regional production and distribution operations.†(Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). Volvo is also affected by the increasing prices of steel, and other raw materials which eventually threatens the company’s margin and profitability (Volvo Car Corporation: 2006 company profile edition 2, 2006, pp. 12-13). When compared to Asian car manufacturers, the competition enjoys cheaper labor costs and plant facilities that have been set up in the developing countries. Apart from export costs and increasing prices of raw materials, Volvo also has to take account for their higher labor cost when compared to the Asian Market. Volvo did not show growth in the market share, making it a small player. Volvo’s markets were generally focused on the US and the Swedish markets. However, other EU countries have shown growth. The recent years have also shown growth in the Chinese market. Volvo have less market exposure compared to the other premium brands as well as the Asian brands. â€Å"Volvo has been losing money for a continuous period of 4 years†(Wang, 2011, p. 24). The reduction in sales is the major reason for Volvo’s financial problems. Volvo was hit financial crisis in second quarter of 2006 making a loss in the global operations. After the losses, Volvo decided to cut costs in all areas, this was the reason behind the reduction in employees. â€Å"Tough currency exchange rates and an aged product line have hammered Volvo revenues, forcing a second round of employee cutbacks†(Rechtin, 2006, p. 3). After the financial problems, Ford decided to sell Volvo. Volvo have been affected by the growth of its competitors and their market expansion, eventually leading to its fall. 2) What are the risks for Geely in trying to turn around a premium brand such as Volvo? This acquisition has been the subject of heavy speculation by the media, as it went against the norm of the acquirer being better off than the acquired. The first risk that Geely being a Chinese company and Volvo being a Swedish company will face is that the, differences in work culture and environmental culture would be prominent. The Swedish and the Chinese are very different in terms of work and environmental cultures. The risk of Geely trying to impose Chinese culture upon the Swedish based company might impact the merger negatively. One such internationally criticized union was Daimler’s acquisition of Chrysler. It was reported that, â€Å"this clash was intrinsic to a union between two companies which had such different wage structures, corporate hierarchies and values†(Finkelstein, 2002, p. 4). While Daimler established a hierarchical company with a chain of command, Chrysler was team-oriented. Differences also existed between the products begin offered. While Chrysler had car models which displayed reliability for competitive prices, Daimler-Benz had cars offering quality at any cost. Geely-Volvo also have differing products; Volvo being recognized for its quality, safety and premium brand, Geely, on the other hand, produces lower, cost effective range of cars. Integration of the two companies would be risky as it would be difficult to merge management styles. Using an example from the Daimler-Chrysler union, Chrysler was known for â€Å"its assertiveness and risk-taking cowboy aura, all produced within a cost-controlled atmosphere.†(Finkelstein, 2002, p. 5), while Daimler is known for its German engineering, quality and precision. Similarly, Volvo is known for its’ quality and safety. â€Å"Over the years Volvos design and production have been closely integrated with Fords, so much so that it will take years to unstitch them†(Devolving Volvo, 2010). This poses as a challenge for Geely to be able to manage Volvo from its’ style of management that has been adopted from Ford. â€Å"Acquirers often under-estimate the scale of integration.†(Pearson, 2013). BMW acquired Rover without completely estimating the scale of integration that would be needed. â€Å"BMW acquired Rover in a hurry, and never got to grips with the business before selling it at an estimated loss of Euro 4.1bn.†(Pearson, 2013). Geely might run the risk of not completely understanding the scale of integration that would be required and the type of business model that is adopted by Volvo. Without understanding the type of company Volvo is, Geely might make the same mistake as BMW. In order to overcome this, Geely will need to develop strong leadership skills and the scale of integration between the two companies needs to be effectively evaluated and implemented in order for this merger to bear fruits. Had BMW looked at the operations and business model adopted by Rover, they would have had a better understanding if Rover’s Problems. BMW would have been better equipped to handle Rover’s problems, similarly, if Geely has a better understanding of Volvo’s operations it will be able to direct it towards success. Another such risk is in the investment that Geely would have to make in order to make Volvo profitable again. â€Å"Turning around Volvo Car needs a large amount of input which will definitely burden Geely in the initial investment period.†(Huihui, 2012, p. 41). Volvo would need a considerable amount of investment if it is going to overcome the reasons it failed in the first place. Volvo needs to broaden its product offerings and increase its market exposure if it is going to compete with other premium brands. Geely and Volvo differ hugely in terms of Cost structure. Geely, being the owner of Volvo, will need to invest heavily in Volvo cars to maintain its quality, premium brand name and its cost structure. Geely on the other hand, will be able to make cars with lesser cost and sell it at a more affordable price. Geely needs to be able to understand the difference in the cost models. Geely will have to overcome differences, invest heavily and be a strong leader in order to make this a profitable take over. 3) In your view, was the purchase of Volvo a brilliant strategic decision, or a mistake? Explain. Based on my view the purchase of Volvo was a good strategic decision made my Geely. Geely has a lot to gain from this take over. One advantage is its access to Volvo’s technologies and expert knowledge on the international automobile industry. Geely will have access to Volvo’s expertise on medium-sized vehicles, the indoor air quality and especially safety. Volvo owns advanced skills on a large range of technology, and is renowned for its safety features. Geely can use this technology to its competitive advantage to improve the quality of its product in the domestic market and international market. Geely has been facing difficulties as it could not meet the safety and emissions standards in those areas. (Wang, 2011). Apart from access to Volvo’s intellectual property rights, Geely will have also gained access into Volvo’s global marketing network and supplier base. Geely is very ambitious and keen to enter the American and European markets. It can now use Volvo’s network and supply chain to access the international market. The use of the same supply chain will also help Geely minimize its cost, and be more efficient. Volvo is a renowned premium brand, however as discussed above, it lacks market exposure and a diversified product offering base. With proper leadership and management, Volvo can boost its profit and market growth. If Geely is able to provide a good leadership and guidance, it would be able to enjoy the profits that Volvo, as a premium brand, would offer. Volvo, already being an established brand, would only require good marketing, expansion and cost reduction strategy. Geely can reapthe fruits of a globally established brand with much ease. Geely has made acquisitions that can also benefit Volvo. â€Å"The first acquisition happened in 2009 when Geely paid AUS$58 million for purchasing Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), an Australian transmission company.†(Wang, 2011, p. 19). This acquisition of DSI, could be used to help both Geely and Volvo benefit from advanced in-house transmissions that can be produced cost effectively and gain a competitive edge on their competitors. Volvo can gain advantage from Geely offering a more Ccost effective production line. Volvo now has the capability to set up manufacturing plants in China, which will inevitably help them in cost reduction. Volvo can use Geely’s supply chains in China, which will encourage growth in the Chinese market. Geely is said to â€Å"repurposing a nearly completed Geely plant in south-western China to make Volvo carsâ€â€part of a turnaround strategy†(Shirouzu, 2010). By using China to manufacture cars, it can be cost effective on it supply chain, as well as cost effective labour. However, on the other hand, this strategic decision might backfire. As discussed above, Geely is taking a big risk by taking over a Volvo. A premium brand like Volvo would require large investments towards their manufacturing to ensure quality, as well as towards market expansion and diversification in product offering. Geely will also have to take into account the investment it would have to put towards research and development. The challenges Geely will have to overcome to make this an effective decision is â€Å"Geelys lack of global stature, as well as its past reputation for making low-end vehicles, could be a drag on Volvos reputation†(Shirouzu, 2010). While Volvo is considered as a premium brand, acquisition by a small Chinese company might tarnish the Volvo brand name. One of the more successful alliance is of the French Renault and the Japanese Nissan. The two companies faced similar problems likes culture differences, language barrier and financial situation. However, the objective adopted by this alliance is â€Å"to establish a powerful automotive group and develop synergies while conserving the corporate culture and identity of each brand†(Wang, 2011, p. 41). Taking an example from this, Geely and Volvo would need to develop a successful strategy if it has to overcome their differences. I believe, the strategic decision can be an effective one, provided Geely demonstrate good leadership qualities as well as develop an effective strategy in order to ensure profitability from both, Geely and Volvo.
Samsung Essay Example for Free
Samsung Essay Samsung‟s competence strategies have recently turned into „aggressive chasing‟ by responding quickly to Apple launches. The Apple vs. Samsung ruling put an exclamation mark to Samsung‟s values of Corporate Social Responsibility towards its stakeholder. „Within Samsung where some designers feel the overlooked and undermined, there are calls for a change of lack‟ (Kim, 2012).Samsung designer who didn‟t want to reveal his identity quoted, „Designers have a lot of unique and creative ideas, but these have to be loved by the top decision makers. The problem was because they were so fascinated by Apple design; these ideas weren‟t really satisfactory to please the top leave‟ (Kim, 2012). Samsung executives that refer the issue as „crises of design‟ seem to move on nationally. The decision making at Samsung appears to be quick, responsive to the demands of market, flexible and meeting the needs of the hour. Samsung‟s mobile chief Shin is optimistic about the future of the company as he guaranteed to proffer extra-ordinary, innovating, and unique products in future at Europe‟s biggest LOCAL AND BUSINESS STRATEGY Local: Samsung Electronics Bldg., 1320-10 Seocho-2-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul 137-857 South Korea Business Strategy: Samsung appeals to more markets by providing a plethora of gadgets such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. to both low and high-end markets meaning at least one of their products will, presumably, appeal to a person. Samsung has done well in the low-end market, but has only recently begun increasing its presence in the smartphone market and has enjoyed a good amount of success thus far as a result. Samsung is not only the biggest adopter of Google‟s Android software, but they also have smartphones running the Windows Phone OS as well. Samsung‟s flood the market strategy works so well because they are able to not only diversify their hardware, but the software that runs on their smartphones as well. Samsung‟s flood the market strategy works so well because they are able to not only diversify their hardware, but the software that runs on their smartphones as well. â€Å"Working at Samsung has been a truly global experience and tremendous learning opportunity, from professional and personal Strandpoint†(Lindsey Hamilton, 2013) â€Å"I am able to develop a much deeper understanding of the daily operations that fuels the success of the company after transition to a line management†(Chelon Ha, 2013) â€Å"Not only are we one of the world‟s leading technology companies, with a commitment to innovation and growth but we also provide many opportunities for professional development around international business and working across cultures†(David Steel, 2013)
Sunday, July 21, 2019
The School Community Relationship
The School Community Relationship Education is an important tool in the development of communities and nations at large. The provision and management of quality education lies not only at the heart of central government but remains a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and the building of good working relationship among these stakeholders with particular emphasis on improving the school-community relationship . This stems from the fact point that education is seen as a social enterprise requiring the support of all stakeholders so that its contribution can benefit the entire society. (Addae-Boahene et.al,2001). For the attainment of quality education, there is the need for the community in which the school is situated to work in collaboration and harmony with the school not only in the upbringing and welfare of the pupils but must go beyond that to offer support in the provision and maintenance of the school infrastructure as well as playing a critical supporting role in the effective management and administration of the school. The school, similar to other facilities such as the community market, community borehole, is situated in the community belonging to the entire community members. The community therefore has a role to play in shaping the policies and finances of the school just as the school in turn must function to meet the social needs of the community by turning out a literate population and transmitting culture of the community to the youth. Improving the school-community relationship is key because both bodies are interdependent and failure on the part of either body to play its role can lead to a collapse of the education system with its consequent effect on the society as a whole. Again, though formal education is said to have been introduced in Ghana by the Europeans who provided not only the curricular but the infrastructure inclusive, the schools were not cited initially enough to cover all the communities in Ghana. It is against this background that some communities desirous of having formal education took it upon themselves and established basic schools, willingly recruited teachers and contributed to support them with the resources needed for their work including remuneration. As the process continued these schools were later absorbed into the public school system. (Addae-Boahene, et.al.2001).The management and financing of these schools then shifted from the communities to the central government; this created a situation that witnessed less community involvement in the management of schools, hence the beginning of poor school-community relationship. The Ministry of Education (MOE) and The Ghana Education Service (GES) recognized the importance of reciprocal partnership of school-community leaders and local school authorities in effecting changes in the school. Under the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (fCUBE), MOE, and GES, who have committed themselves to building a systematic approach assisting community organizations (SMC and PTA) to play a major part in the regeneration of their schools. It is the belief of the MOE and GES that communities have an important role to play in enforcing standards, developing and maintaining school infrastructure, and creating partnership between teachers, pupils and the district authorities to bring about needed changes. In conclusion the school and the community rely on each other for mutual benefit. The need for both to operate on a cooperative atmosphere cannot therefore be overemphasized. (Addae-Boahene, et.al.2001). RESEARCH PROBLEM It is very necessary that in all communities, both the community and the school operate closely and co-operate with each other as the ownership and management of the school is gradually becoming community-based, a situation in which the head teacher and the circuit supervisor should see the members of the community as partners in the educational development of the child. The significance of this relationship includes: The motivation of the school to function with the interest of the wholesome development of the society. Both the school and the community working in the same direction for the proper development of the children and the community supporting the school financially, among others. However, the central government control and management of education delivery system over a long period has had an adverse effect on the relationship between the school and the community. The kind of relationship in which the school and the community exist as separate entities. Both are seen as performing different functions and hence need not interfere with each other. The school officials run the school while the Community look on. What happens by way of development or information flow in the community is not the concern of the school and vice versa. Members of the community do not care to find out what goes on in the school nor does the school develop interest in what goes on in the community. Each of them feels the other has nothing to offer, and no effort is made for cooperation. (Amofa, 1999). This kind of relationship also called the Closed System, is very prevalent in rural areas, (Annoh, 2003). This has contributed to less community involvement and commitment in the quality m anagement of education in Ghana and the Tolon/Kumbungu District of Northern Region in particular. These poor school-community relationships in the Tolon/Kumbungu District manifest itself in several ways including; On August 1, 2009, the head teacher of Gbrumani Primary School was beaten by some community members citing the head teachers effort at settling a quarrel between two pupils in the school as interference in community affairs. May, 2010, Nyankpala community members turned Nyankpala D/A Junior High School classrooms into community toilet facility. Again, Chirifoyili community encroached on the school land, turning it to a farm land in 2008 with the argument that they will not spare their land to the school and suffer insufficient farmland.(circuit supervisors report).These incidents signal to the level of strained relationships that prevails between the school and the community in the district. These acts are impacting negatively on the delivery of education in the district. quality of education continues to fall in the district as reflected in the BECE results released by WAEC year after year. (GES Tolon, 2006,2008,2009). There is high illiteracy rate in the district, coupled with low enrolment and high drop-out rates in the schools. (Tolon/Kumbungu District profile; 2004). It is against this background that the researcher finds the research problem of this study being, the lack of improved school-community relationship in the Tolon/Kumbungu District of Northern Region, as very necessary and worth undertaken. MAIN RESEARCH QUESTION Arising from the research problem stated as, the lack of improved relationship between the school and community, the main research question for the study is; what strategies can be put in place in order to build an improved relationship between the school and the community? SUB RESEARCH QUESTIONS What is the importance of building an improved relationship between the school and community? What is meant by improved school-community relationship? What are the causes of the lack of improved relationship between the school and community? What roles can both the school and the community play towards promoting an improved school-community relationship? What are the principles underlying school community relations? MAIN RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To recommend strategies that can be put in place to promote an improved school-community relationship. SUB RESEARCH OBJECTIVES To highlight the importance of building an improved relationship between the school and community. To explain the concept of improved school-community relationship. To identify the causes of the lack of improved relationship between the school and community. To identify the roles both the school and the community can play towards promoting an improved school-community relationship. To highlight the principles underlying school community relations. LITERATURE REVIEW Conceptual Framework In this study the concepts that will be reviewed include; school, community, the school community, school management, community stakeholders, relationship, and improved relationship. In the research process, the researcher will review literature from secondary sources as this will help the researcher to; Make use of results of existing studies that are closely related to the study being conducted (Croswell, 1998: 20). Locate methodologies previously used to conduct studies in phenomenon similar to this study and to identify contrary findings (Mcmillan, 1992: 44). The researcher will employ the use of literature review in conducting this study since it will provide an understanding of the phenomenon of improved school-community relationship. It will also help to provide an analytical and theoretical framework for analyzing the findings of the research. In this; textbooks, published papers, newspaper publications, containing subjects related to the research problem will be reviewed. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Design This research design is basically qualitative in nature and to achieve the purpose of the study, the following methods have been employed; participant observation, interviewing, focus group discussion, review of secondary literature, interview guide, and purposive sampling. The tools that will be used to facilitate the data collection are field notes, tape recordings and manual recordings. The data analysis will involve the use of coding, transcribing tape recording, and decoding the data transcribed. According to Strauss and Corbin (1990), qualitative research is a type of research whose findings are neither arrived at by means of statistical procedures nor quantitative means. According to Nachmias and Nachmias (1996:28), qualitative approaches facilitates our understanding of behavior through knowing the persons involved and their rituals, beliefs, values, and emotions. Qualitative approach is necessary in this study because it allows the researcher to typically investigate an aspect, thus, the lack of improved relationship between the school and the community, as it pertains to the Tolon/Kumbungu district. Again, Mcmillan and Schumacher (1993), state that qualitative research presents facts in a narrative form with words and also concerned with understanding social phenomenon from the perspective of the participants. Furthermore, the researcher will be able to gain first hand information from the people involved including head teacher/teachers, School Management Committees(SMCs), Parent Teacher Association(PTA), circuit supervisors, chiefs and assembly members, on their knowledge regarding the lack of improved school-community relationship in the district, why there is lack of improved relationship between the school and the community, the role they can play to improve the relationship, and the strategies to put in place to promote and sustain improved school-community relationship. The use of multi-method strategies in gathering data is very necessary in qualitative research. For the purpose of this study, the methods to employ in gathering data are; interactive methods and non-interactive methods. A combination of these two approaches presents to the researcher an advantage of systematically observing, interviewing, and recording processes as they take place naturally. The appropriateness of these activities to the researcher emerges from the point as explained by Miles and Huberman (1994), that they are carried out in close proximity to the local setting for a sustained period of time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH METHODS TO USE FOR THE STUDY Participant Observation In participant observation, researchers join the group they intend to study and observe it from inside (Legewie, 1991). Subjects usually change their behaviors when they know that they are being observed, so researchers may take measures to prevent them realizing that they are being studies, and hence eliminate the effects of reactivity (sarantakos, 2005; 221) Unstructured observation will be used in the study. Unstructured observation is loosely organized and the process of observation is largely left up to the observer. Participant observation will be used in this study. The researcher will visit the community schools in the Tolon/Kumbungu District and participate in both school ceremonies and community ceremonies and note all issues that reveal the lack of improved relationship between the school and the community, including; SMC/PTA meetings. The school annual open day ceremony . The celebration of the annual Damba and Fire festival. This approach will provide an opportunity for open discussion during which certain challenging issues will emerge. Interviewing In the perspective of Maykut and Morehouse (1994;80), an interview refers to a discourse shaped and organized through the asking of questions and the supply of answers, through which the interviewer and the interviewee are able to talk about the study focus; and this brings out thoughts and perceptions. On the other hand, Gillham (2000; 1) describes interview as a conversation that usually goes on between two people, the interviewer asks questions and seeks response from the interviewee. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, through the telephone, or other means, but according to Gillham (2000: 62), the overwhelming strength of face-to-face interview is its possibility of making the communication rich. Interviews, according to Bogdan and Bilklen (1992:96) are used to gather descriptive data in the subjects own words. Through this, the researcher is able to develop insights on how subjects interpret some piece of the world. The researcher will employ semi-structured interview method for this study. Semi-Structured Interviews This method has been chosen for use for a number of good reasons. According to Borg and Gall (1989; 452), semi-structured interview facilitates a more thorough understanding of the respondents opinion and the reasons behind such opinions than what could be achieved if mailed questionnaire is used. Also, this method is good because it makes it possible for the expression of opinions by the interviewees. Again Robson (1993;231) states that, when using semi-structured method, the interviewer has the advantage of being able to modify the order of questions based upon the context of the conversation, change the wording of the question, give explanations and can avoid particular questions that appear inappropriate with a particular interviewee. Semi-structured interview has been chosen by the researcher because it has the ability to provide in-depth, objective information that account for the lack of improved school-community relationship. Though semi-structured interview will be used, the interview guide will still be used to keep the interviewer and interviewee on focus. Focus Group Discussions Focus group research can best be described as a loosely constructed discussion with a group of people brought together for the purpose of the study, guided by the research and addressed as a group. Due to the use of interviewing techniques, it is also referred to as focus group interviewing (as e.g. Bergaddresses it because and ;( 1995, the group rather then specific members, it is also known as group discussion, (H. Kruger, 1983). Given that more then one group is usually included in the study, and each group constitute a separate sample of respondents, focus group can be seen as a multi-sample study. In most common application, this method entails, first the selection of people with a particular interest, expertise or position in the community, second, the formation of the group by bringing these people together in the same venue; third, the introduction of the discussion topic by the researcher, who acts as a facilitator and arbitrator, fourth, guiding the discussion so as to address the research topic, fifth, encouraging discussion among the members of the group rather than between them and the researcher, and sixth, observing and recording the discussion (sarantakos, 2005): The focus group method appears in two forms, the unstructured or semi-structured form and the structured form, which are employed by qualitative and quantitative researchers respectively (Stewart and shamdasani, 1990). Focus group discussing is employed to bring about changes in the group and its members, as a result of the direction and intensity of the discussion. It can further provide valuable information about group processes, attitude changes and manipulation, the attitudes and opinions of group members, the group or public, the effectiveness of certain methods and so on. It can also enable the testing of group strategies in solving problems (flick, 1998). Finally, the study of focus group can generate diversity and differences either within or between groups, and so revealà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. the dilemmatic nature of everyday arguments; (Lunt and Livingstone, 1996:96) This approach will be used to promote brainstorming and debate among the participants on key issues affecting school-community relationship in the district. Again focus group discussions promote the sharing and learning of new ideas among participants. The researcher will be part of the group discussion and moderating the process as well to keep the discussion on track. A total of 30 focus groups made of 15 people each will be engaged in the study (these are the PTA and SMC members of the 30 selected schools). How To Collect The Data For the purpose of data collection, the researcher will use the following tools; Interview Guide, Field Notes, and Recording. Interview Guide This will be very useful in this study. According to Borg and Gall (1989; 451), interview guide is a list containing questions mostly asked in a desired manner in the interview process. It serves as a guideline to the researcher on what to say, as the interview commences and ends. It is regarded as a checklist of topics to be covered by Dooley (1990:288), and it includes reminders of researchers interest arranged in an orderly manner to promote intercourse. In general terms, it is a guide but allowing actual questions to be framed during the interview to fit the natural tone of the intercourse between the interviewer and the interviewee. This helps to ensure that the interviewee remains unbiased in responses given. This also allows the researcher to select topics in advance but determines the sequence and wording of the questions during the interview process. (Mcmillan and Schumacher, 1993:426). The guide equally enables the researcher not to rigidly control the interview content such that the interviewee will not be able to tell the story in his own words. (Bogdan and Biklen,1992;97). For the purpose of this study, the researcher will promote flexibility by allowing the respondents to explain issues in their own words and language. Again, there will be instances in this study that the interviewer will not follow a specific order of the questions, but will rather link one response to another question not necessarily next in order as the need arises. Field Notes This will be used for noting information that may not be captured by the tape recording. This will serve as a buffer to remind the researcher during data analysis. According to Mcmillan and Schumacher (1993; 418), field notes are written at the end of each observation and describes in details the settings and activities of each subject. This will only be used for the participant observation. RECORDIING The most common methods of recording are: writing down information verbatim, in summary or in key words; tape recording conversations; video recording events; taking photographs, (sarantakoss,2006:229). For the purpose of this study tape recording, manual recording and coding will be used Tape Recording Tape recordings will also be used. Tape recordings are easier and certainly more efficient. The tapes can be listened to as many times as required, using more then one observer if desired, and this produces more accurate and more valid records (Sarandakos, 2005:229) The researcher will employ tape recordings during the interview process to record the intercourse that occurs between the interviewer and interviewee. The recordings will be played back later and the words transcribed for the purpose of data analysis. The interviewees permission will be sought by the interviewer before the use of tape recordings. The use of tape recording will help minimize possible errors that may result from forgetfulness on the part of the interviewer during the interview process. It can equally minimize the time spent in the interview. Manual RECORDIING Manual recording will equally be used, whereby two leaders will be used, with each of them taking notes in turn or one recording the data and the other acting as facilitator (sarantakos,2005). This will be transcribed later. Where circumstances do not allow for note taking, the observer will write down key words or phrases as a guide, and complete the notes after observation. CODING Codes serves as symbols, a shorthand recording, where actions and behaviors are replaced by numerals or keywords. This makes recording easier, particularly when there are many items to be recorded and many people to be observed. (sarantakos, 2005:230). SAMPLING Under qualitative designs for example where unstructured or participant observation is employed, the subjects are often chosen by means of purpose or theoretical sampling (sarantakos, 2005:224) The researcher acknowledges that the problem under study may be prevailing in other districts in the Northern Region; however the study will be limited to the Tolon/Kumbungu District of the Northern Region because there is high illiteracy rate in the district, coupled with low enrolment and high drop-out rates in the schools. (Tolon/Kumbungu District profile; 2004). Sampling is used for the study because the district has a large population size of 132,338 inhabitants (2000 population and housing census), therefore a focus on a small distinct group of participants (SMC, PTA, head teachers, circuit supervisors, chiefs, and assembly members), will enable the researcher to get an in-depth understanding of the problem of lack of improved school-community relationship in the Tolon/Kumbungu district. Purposive sampling will be the main sampling technique to use in the study. It is also the expectation of the researcher that the selected participants will be information-rich, because they are knowledgeable in terms of the phenomenon being studied. Purposive Sampling The researcher will select and interview community stakeholders in education such as PTA and SMC members, head teachers, circuit supervisors, chiefs, and assembly members. Responses and contributions of these people can form a good basis for carrying out analysis and stating findings of study in the district. There has been consensus by Gillham (2000); Mcmillan and Schumacher (1993:378); and Patton (1990:169) that purposive sampling involves selecting people with in-depth knowledge of the problem being studied, while keeping the number of interviews to a minimum for adequate representation. The people that will be selected for this study should have good ideas regarding the problem being studied. (Mcmillan and Schumacher, 1993; 378). Sample Size The district has 150 basic schools (Tolon/Kumbungu District Profile, 2004). A total of 70 people will be interviewed. This includes; 30 head teachers drawn from 30 schools out of a total of 150 basic schools in the district, 30 assembly members of the communities where these schools are located and 10 circuit supervisors supervising these schools .Study Area Tolon/Kumbungu district is chosen as the study area. The district covers a land area of 2,741 square kilometers and forms about 3.9% of the total land area of Northern Region. The district is one of the 45 new districts created by the erstwhile Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Law 207 in 1988 and has Tolon as the Capital. The district is characterized by high illiteracy rate, coupled with low enrolment rates and high drop-out rate in schools. (Tolon/Kumbungu District Profile, 2004). DATA ANALYSIS Unlike quantitative research, where analysis is conducted after data collection, in qualitative research the timing of analysis varies. In some cases it follows the same path as in quantitative research, but in most cases it is conducted during data collection. A combination of both models is also possible (sarantakos, 2005:344) For the purpose of this research, data analysis will be done both, during and after data collection. While collecting data, the researcher will conduct some basic analysis, record the data, and further intensify data analysis after completing the study and focusing on more specific aspects of the research question as contained in the research. In a number of cases, analysis during data collection serves to guide research in the right direction, and to facilitate a more effective treatment and coverage of the research topic. The actual analysis is conducted after data gathering is completed (sarantakos, 2005:346). Computer-Aided Data analysis (CADA) will be used to analyze data. Computers can be, and are being used in qualitative research in the context of both pure qualitative research, where analysis is done the traditional way, and the so-called enriched qualitative research (contrad and Reinharz, 1984; Fielding and Lee, 1998; Fisher, 1997, Richards, 1986; Richards and Richards, 1987,1994; Weitzman and Miles, 1994). Computer aided data analysis (CADA) is used in many forms and allows the qualitative research to process data in a way parallel to that in quantitative research (Huber, 1991; Madron, Tate and Brookshire 1987; Ragin, 1987), (Sarantakos, 2005:357) A major data analysis instrument that will be employed in this study is concepts and indicators. Indicators are concrete data, such as behavior patterns and social events, which are observed or described in documents or interview texts. They indicate the presence of a concept which the researcher develops, at first provisionally and then with more confidence. (Sarantakos, 2005:347). Analysis will be done by thoroughly examining the field notes of what will be observed by the researcher and the responses of every participant that will be interviewed. In line with Maykut and Morehouse (1994: 135), the following data analysis steps will be adopted for the study; Recording the interview conducted, making a reflection of the process, and carrying out further observations and writing notes, comments, as well as memos. Transcribing what has been recorded in the exact words. This will be done immediately after the interviews of the day. All additional comments will be placed in brackets. Reading through the data that has been transcribed and stating clearly in writing, the meaning of the transcribed data. Coding the data and identifying the code meanings in line with research question. All key items or categories (the main ideas, words,or phrases) will be listed. The researcher will then go through the literature to find out whether responses of interviewees bear common grounds with the research topic as well as other respondents conclusions in similar research works. This is done for the purpose of testing the validity of the study. Data presentation Certainly, tables and graphs are useful tools of presentation in qualitative research, but the structure of presentation does not seem to adhere to any strict rules and procedures. TIME FRAME The researcher plans to spend a period of 5 months in carrying out the study including the compilation and presentation of the report.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Academic Relevancy :: essays papers
Academic Relevancy Meeting the educational needs of all students is a challenging task for educators. This task is intensified when the student has learning, and/or physical disabilities. A learning disability is defined as "any of various conditions, thought to be associated with the nervous system, that cause difficulty in mastering a basic skill such as reading" (Wordsmyth, 2000). A physical disability is defined as "the condition or state of incapacity, esp. as caused by an injury, congenital defect, illness, or the like" (Wordsmyth, 2000). Many of these students require special instruction. "For example, students with mental retardation benefit from very organized learning situations, because of their limited cognitive abilities" (Duhaney, Duhaney, 2000). Students with learning disabilities often encounter difficulty in reading and writing; modifying instruction for these students is necessary in order to ensure their academic success. Assistive technology will play an important role in helping students with disabilities to improve their learning experience. Assistive Devices "People with disabilities rely on assistive technology devices and services to sustain, regain or increase their functional capabilities. About 13 million people with disabilities report using assistive devices to provide functional capabilities needed to participate in major life activities" (RERC, 2001). The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (Tech Act) defines assistive technology devices as any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Some examples of the various categories of assistive technology include:  § TALKING WORD PROCESSORS  § WORD PREDICTION  § PORTABLE NOTE-TAKING DEVICES  § Communication Aids  § Amplification Devices  § Switches  § Optical Pointers  § Touch Screens  § Touch Pads Specific Uses in Education Talking word processors give the student auditory feedback to reinforce the writing process. Letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, or entire documents can be read aloud while the student types. Features can be customized to individual student needs by selecting what text is read from pull-down menus (Quenneville, 2001).
Friday, July 19, 2019
Should Baseball Ban the DH? :: essays research papers
Should Baseball Ban the DH?      The designated hitter rule has positively influenced Major League Baseball since the American League adopted it in 1973. Not only should it be upheld in the American League, but should also be adopted in the National League. The DH rule allows a designated hitter to bat for pitchers in the batting order.      One of the biggest reasons that the DH should be used is that pitchers can’t hit. Who would you rather see, Manny Ramirez, who had a batting average of .327 last season, or Randy Johnson, who only batted .127. The majority of baseball fans would rather see a batter that can hit the ball instead of a pitcher swinging and missing.      The commissioner is in favor of abolishing the DH, but there is one problem. â€Å"The problem is that the all-mighty players’ union loves the DH because it creates an extra roster spot and enables good hitters to hang on for several years after their prime.†If the players want the DH rule then we should keep it. Why get rid of something that the players don’t want to get rid of. Japan and the National League are the only two places not using the DH.      Another reason to keep the DH is that it does allow good hitters to keep playing baseball. Without the DH position, the careers of many great players would have been cut short. Hall-of-famer Eddie Murray and future hall-of-famers Harold Baines and Paul Molitor finished their careers as designated hitters. Eddie Murray and Paul Molitor were able to reach 3,000 hit plateau thanks to the DH rule, and as a result fans were able to watch them in action for years after they otherwise would have had to retire.      It’s almost certain that the Seattle Mariners’ Edgar Martinez, who is 40 and still hitting .331 this past season, would no longer be playing in the Major Leagues if the designated hitter rule did not exist. According to a 2002 Sports Illustrated article, â€Å"This man is an athlete, as pure a hitter as they come, and he still contributes to his team.†It is unfair to players like Martinez to abolish the DH rule.      Critics say that it takes away from the way the game is supposed to be played. The rule, actually brings out the pureness of the game. It lets the hitters concentrate on hitting and the pitchers on pitching.
Ethics for End of Life Care Essay -- Ethics, Arguments, History
In the article Ethics for End of Life Care, Jos V.M Welie introduces the case of Terri Schiavo. Schiavo has a medical condition called PVS or â€Å"persistent vegetative state.†The main question imposed is whether or not treatment for her should be continued with a bleak chance of recovery. This directly leads into the next issue of the role that medical treatment and technology have in the final days of life. How do we decide what treatments should be used for which patients? Today, the majority of physicians agree that treatment must be â€Å"medically indicated†before it is commenced or continued. A majority of us would be skeptical of a treatment that is experimental and potentially dangerous. The second key point the article makes involves the Catholic medical ethics known as â€Å"ordinary vs. extraordinary.†Ordinary and extraordinary treatment must always be based on the patient’s current situation. Before the treatment is initiated, there must be scientific evidence that the treatment will benefit the patient. The treatment should be discontinued if it does not improve the patient’s health. Only the patient is allowed to make the decision. If they are not competent enough too, a legally authorized person is required to decide. If there is no hope left for the patient, letting go is a better alternative than euthanasia. Euthanasia conflicts with God’s view of the human body. Gula explains in his work Reason Informed by Faith, that there has been a significant renewal in Roman Catholic moral theology. There has been a shift from the idea of human nature to that of the human person. The human body is seen as an image of God and therefore, is considered sacred. The human body must abide by the laws of the material world around it. Be... ...s. Although it was questionable if he was able to even make a decision, he was rarely, if at all approached by the doctor about it. Death is inevitable from a Christian perspective, but it is not the end. People struggle with death I believe because they are afraid of the unknown. What comes after death? Is there really an afterlife? Will I be rewarded or punished for my time on Earth? I consider that the best way to die is to be surrounded and comforted by my family and friends. The idea of a planned death just seems so unnatural. That is why I believe that euthanasia should not be legal. The hospital should perform the treatments that will actually help the patients recover. If no treatment is appropriate enough, the physician should not have to resort to assisting the patient in death. God intended death to be a natural cause, and it should remain that way.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Performance Evaluation of a Private Bank
[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] An Assignment On Performance Evaluation of a Private Bank IFIC Bank as a private bank in the private sector of Bangladesh. Prepared For: Narzia Florin Lecturer, Dept. of Business Administration Prepared By: Saleh Ahmed BBA – 02406160 24th GI Dept. of Business Administration Stamford University Bangladesh. Submission Date: 15th May 2006 Letter of Transmittal Dated: May 15, 2006 Narzia Florin Lecturer, Dept. of Business Administration Subject: Submission of report on performance evaluation of a private commercial bank. Dear Madam, It has been a great pleasure to submit the report on performance evaluation of a private commercial bank. You are aware that I collected information on a private commercial bank. I choose IFIC Bank for the report purpose. I am fortunate enough that I got all those information necessary for the assignment purpose. I believe that this assignment has given me a great experience to me and it has enriched both my knowledge and experience. I tried my best to prove my skills while preparing this report. I cordially seek your kind advice or suggestion regarding my mistake which will help me in my practical and theoretical works in the days to come. Sincerely yours, Saleh Ahmed BBA – 02406160 24th GI Table of Contents ? Executive Summary. ? Profile of IFIC Bank. ? BANK'S MISSION: Quest for Excellence. ? The bank in a sketch. ? Ownership Structure. ? Financial Position. ? Product & Services. ? Human Resources Development. ? Rates of Deposit Schemes. ? Conclusion. Executive Summary: In this report on the Performance Evaluation of a private bank as IFIC bank, I collect the necessary information from its web site, catalog, bossier and personally by information collection. I found that these private companies are very competitive and want to capture the vast market of Bangladesh at any cost. So they provide various types of product and services. I also found that the companies counterattack their competitors by their offers. Some gives high or low interest rate, new facilities etc†¦ Every company has their own strategy to capture the market. In my report I tried to include most of IFIC bank’s product, services and facilities. Though I have some limitations I tried my best to show the Performance Evaluation of IFIC bank as a private bank. BANK'S MISSION: Quest for Excellence Our Mission is to provide service to our clients with the help of a skilled and dedicated workforce whose creative talents, innovative actions and competitive edge make our position unique in giving quality service to all institutions and individuals that we care for. We are committed to the welfare and economic prosperity of the people and the community, for we drive from them our inspiration and drive for onward progress to prosperity. We want to be the leader among banks in Bangladesh and make our indelible mark as an active partner in regional banking operating beyond the national boundary. In an intensely competitive and complex financial and business environment, we particularly focus on growth and profitability of all concerned. THE BANK IN A SKETCH: International Finance Investment and Commerce (IFIC) Bank Limited started banking operations on June 24, 1983. Prior to that it was set up in 1976 as a joint venture finance company at the instance of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Government then held 49 percent shares while the sponsors and general public held the rest. The objectives of the finance company were to establish joint venture Banks Finance Companies and affiliates abroad and to carry out normal functions of a finance company at home. When the Government decided to open up banking in the private sector in 1983, the above finance company was converted into a full-fledged commercial Bank. Along with this, the Government also allowed four other commercial Banks in the private sector. Subsequently, the Government denationalized two Banks, which were then fully Government-owned. While in all these Banks Government held nominal 5 percent shares, an exception was made in the case of this Bank. It retained 40 percent shares of the Bank. The decision by the Government to retain 40 percent shares in IFIC Bank was in pursuance of the original objectives, namely, promotion of joint participation of Government and private sponsors to establish joint venture Banks, financial companies, branches and affiliates abroad. Ownership Structure BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Board of Directors of the Bank is a unique combination of both private and Government sector experience. Currently it consists of Ten Directors. Of them five represent the sponsors and general public and four senior officials in the rank and status of joint secretary/Additional Secretary represent the Government. Managing Director is the ex-officio Director of the Board. |Elected Directors | |Representing ‘A' Class Shareholders | |01 |Mr. Manzurul Islam |Chairman | |02 |Mr. Saiful Islam |Director | |03 |Mr. Abul Matin Khan |Director | |04 |Mr. Abdul Hamid Chowdhury |Director | |05 |Mr. A. R. Malik |Director | | | |Nominated Directors | |Representing ‘B' Class Shareholders | |(Government of Bangladesh) | |06 |Mr. Mohammad Janibul Huq |Director | |07 |Mr. ATM Ataur Rahman |Director | |08 |Dr. Chowdhury Saleh Ahmed |Director | |09 |Mr. Md. Mokhles ur Rahman |Director | | | |10 |Mr. Mashiur Rahman |Managing Director | Financial Position CAPITAL & RESERVES: The bank started with an authorized capital of Tk. 100. 00 million in 1983. Paid-up capital was then Tk. 71. 50 million only. Over the last Twenty One years, the authorized & paid-up capital has increased substantially. Authorized capital was Tk. 500. 00 million and the paid-up capital stood at Tk. 406. 39 million as on December 31, 2004. The Bank has built up a strong reserve base over the years. In last twenty one years its reserves and surplus have increased significantly. This consistent policy of building up reserves has enabled the bank to maintain a better capital adequacy ratio as compared to others. With the active support and guidance from the Government, the bank has been showing a steady and improved performance. In its twenty One years of operations, the bank has earned the status of a leading bank in terms of both business and goodwill. Starting with a modest deposit of only Tk. 863. 40 million in 1983 the bank has closed its business with Tk. 20, 774. 49 million of deposit as on December 31, 2004. The annual growth rate has mostly been higher compared to both banking sector growth and individual growth rates achieved by others. As against a profit of Tk. 21. 94 million in 1984, the bank earned a record profit of Tk. 700. 25 million for the year ended on December 31, 2004. PRODUCT & SERVICES Presently 5 (five) products/services have already been launched in the market: A. Pension Saving Scheme (PSS) B. Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) C. Tele Banking / Tele Link D. Death Risk Benefit Scheme (DRBS) E. Consumer Credit Scheme (CCS) A. Pension Saving Scheme (PSS): 1. Name of the Scheme: Pension Saving Scheme . Delivery Points: 62 Branches 3. Highlight of the product: Duration of the Account: 5 (five) Years & 10 (ten) Years Monthly Installments: Tk. 500 or Tk. 1000 or Tk. 2000 Payment after Maturity: | |PAYMENT AFTER MATURITY | | |5 YEARS |10 YEARS | |INSTALLMENT |WITHOUT BONUS |BONUS |WITH BONUS |WITHOUT BONUS |BONUS |WITH BONUS | |Tk. 00 |36265/- |1500/- |37765/- |93050/- |3000/- |96 050/- | |Tk. 1000 |72530/- |3000/- |75530/- |186100/- |6000/- |192100/- | |Tk. 2000 |145060/- |6000/- |151060/- |372200/- |12000/- |384200/- | Eligibility for PSS Account: A person of 18 years of age and above having a sound mind will be eligible to open an account in his/her own name. Bonus Payment: If the account holder, from commencement to maturity of term, pays all the monthly installments in time (i. e. within 10th day of each month) and never defaults in paying monthly installments, the account holder will receive extra bonus payment equivalent to 3 (three) times of monthly installment for 5 years term and 6 (Six) times of monthly installment for 10 years term. Income Tax Rebate: Under this Scheme, income tax rebate will be available on the total amount payable i. e. after maturity of deposited amount; such amount will also be income tax free. Monthly installments to PSS will also qualify for showing as investments (like provident fund) in yearly Income Tax Return. Payment of Pension: One can receive the entire deposited amount with interest at a time or receive a pension on monthly basis at a desirable amount of monthly installments. B . Monthly Income Scheme (MIS): 1. Name of the Scheme: Monthly Income Scheme. 2. Delivery Points: 62 Branches. 3. Highlight of the product: 4. Duration of the Account: 5 Years (Deposited principal amount will be returned on maturity). 6. Amount to be Deposited: Tk. 50000/- and it’s multiple. 7. Payment after Maturity:Tk. 450/- and it’s multiple. Procedures for paying monthly income: The payment of monthly income will start from the subsequent month after a clear minimum gap of 1 (one) month from the date of deposit. If an account is opened on 7th of any month, monthly income will be paid on 7th of the subsequent month. The account holder will receive monthly income in any SB/CD account of same name maintained with the branch. In case, the account holder does not have any SB/CD account with the Branch, he/she/they will have to open a SB/CD account for receiving the monthly income. The minimum balance requirement will be waived for these types of accounts for a new customer. However, a minimum initial deposit of Tk. 500/- will have to be deposited. This procedure will eliminate the hassle of coming to the Bank Branch for taking interest every month. Eligibility for Monthly Income Scheme: A person of 18 years of age and above having a sound mind will be eligible to open an account in his/her own name. A person can open more than one account in his/her/their name in the same Branch or any Branch of the Bank. C. Tele Link/Tele Banking: 1. Name of the Scheme: Tele Link or Tele Banking. . Delivery Points: Gulshan, Federation, Dhanmondi, Motijheel Branches. 3. Basic Features of the Product: Phone Banking is a fast convenient and easy to use service that will complement one's lifestyle and keep one in complete control of his banking. One can access all the Telelink services at any time, day or night, from anywhere. It is far more convenient than traditional banking. T elelink is really simple to use. One can just dial our phone number from anywhere and an automated computerized voice response will guide him step by steps through his transactions. Confidentiality: A customer is given a 6 digit Registration Number when he applies for Telelink that will ensure total confidentiality of his account information. When the customer chooses to obtain specific information about his account, he will have to use his Registration Number and the confidential Personal Identification Number (PIN) by pressing the number keys on his phone. Banking Services Supported by Telelink: A. Transactions Relating to Transfer of funds from one account to another B. Inquiries relating to †¢ account balances †¢ transaction details †¢ exchange rates †¢ interest rate information †¢ products and services †¢ remittances C. Requests for †¢ balance certificates †¢ account statement †¢ 7-days withdrawal notice on accounts †¢ cheque books/pay order/drafts †¢ renewing or opening of fixed deposits †¢ assistance for opening other accounts In addition, the service can also deal with lost cheque books and credit cards, change of address and stopping of payment. Fees: We are not charging any fees for this technical service but the facility has been offered to Saving Bank customers with a minimum balance of Tk. 50,000/-, to Current Deposit Account customers and STD customers with a minimum balance of Tk. 100, 000/-. D. Death Risk Benefit Scheme (DRBS) . Name of the Scheme: Death Risk Benefit Scheme. 2. Delivery Points: 62 Branches. 3. Basic Features of Scheme: IFIC Bank's Death Risk Benefit Scheme offers its Savings Bank Account holders' interest on savings, a lump sum amount and some peace of mind – three in one benefits at no extra cost! Benefits of Scheme: Death Risk ben efits in lump sum amount to nominee(s)/heir(s) on the death of an account holder. Eligibility Criteria: Account must be maintained for a period of minimum one-year before the death of the account holder. At the time of death, the customer must have been within the age group of 18 to 50 years. The account must have been opened with a minimum deposit of Tk. 5000 in case of new accounts. (Since 1-8-97). Average balance of Tk. 10,000/- minimum must be maintained within one-year period prior to the death of the Account Holder. Extent of Benefit 50% of the average balances of the account for one-year period prior to the death of the account holder or Tk. 100,000 whichever is lower. Account balance exceeding Tk. 10, 00,000/- will not be taken into consideration while calculating average balance for one year for the purpose of Death Risk Benefit. E. Consumer Credit Scheme (CCS): 1. Name of the Scheme: Consumer Credit Scheme. 2. Delivery Points: 62 Branches. 3. Highlight of the product: |Main Features |Particulars | |Selection Criteria / Who Can |A Self employed person of fixed income $ a confirmed or permanent service holder. | |apply | | |Products Eligible for Finance |Vehicles, Domestic Appliance, Office Equipment, Entertainment, Medical Expenses, Intangibles, etc. |Limit Range |Tk. 15,000 to Tk. 7,00,000 | |Repayment |By 12, 24, 36 or 48 equated monthly installments (EMI) depending on the loan amount. | |Interest Rate / Fees |Interest: | | |@ 16. 00% P. A. ithoutany tangible security and | | |@ 14. 50% P. A. where the loan is 100% secured with 20% margin against lien of FDR, MIS, PSS, Savings | | |Certificates issued from any Bank & Financial Institution. | | |Service Charge: | | |For 1 and 2 Years term – 2% of the Loan amount (minimum Tk. 00/-) | | |For 3 Years term – 3% of the Loan amount | | |For 4 Years term – 4% of the Loan amo unt. | |Down Payment / Equity |Minimum 20% of the invoice value of the Consumer Products. | |Contribution |For Vehicles: 30% to 40% in Cash / Financial instruments.. | Q-cash: Q-cash is a new service provided by the IFIC Bank. In this quick cash service system there consumer can withdraw money easily in any time in exchange of a little yearly fee. This kind of services is very helpful for their current consumers and for their new consumers of their services. This kind of services is raising the living standard of people. For implementing this kind of new service we are grateful to IFIC Bank. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT Human Resources Development (HRD) activities aim at fulfilling the bank's Mission. One of our four major missions is to: â€Å"Provide service to our clients with the help of a skilled and dedicated workforce whose creative talents, innovative actions and competitive edge make our position unique in iving quality service to all institutions and individuals that we care for. †Skilled and dedicated workforce with creative talents, innovative actions are not always readily available. Appreciating the scarcity of such manpower, the bank from the very beginning laid importance to HRD that conceptually includes activities like: pre-recruitment drill, recruitment, induction, training in the Academy, job rotatio n, placement & posting, reward and promotion. All these activities are planned by the bank in an integrated way aiming at manpower with required amount of technical, managerial, human and conceptual skills. Management of IFIC Bank not only appreciates the need of skills required for day to day banking but also realizes the need for skills to meet the global & national financial and economic environments that are changing fast. Meeting the needs of new skills arising out of Financial Sector Reforms Programme (FSRP) is also a major concern of the management. The bank, therefore, set up a Division namely HRD Division under a separate Group called Services Group-I. The Academy of the bank works under this group. The other Division, which works under the Services Group-I, is Planning, Research & Statistics Division. Current News IFIC BANK JOINED SHARED ATM NETWORK IFIC Bank Ltd. and ITC Ltd. have signed a shared ATM network participation accord. . The Signing ceremony was held in presence of Mr. Ataul Haq, Managing Director of IFIC Bank Limited and Mr. Kutubuddin Ahmed, Chairman of ITCL and President of BGMEA. Executives and senior officials of IFIC Bank were also present on the occasion. In the process, the bank has joined a group local bank for introduction of shared ATM network. Automated teller Machine (ATM) with electronic device located at the bank branches or other convenient public locations extends 24 hours access to cash and other banking facilities to the customers without requiring to enter the branch or to wait in queues for cash withdrawal. This will establish the banks commitment for valued customers to bring a new era in banking services. Under this new facility, IFIC Bank will install few ATMs at its branch premises in Dhaka city. Similarly, few more units of off site ATMs will also be installed in some prominent public places in the city by the syndicate partners. GROUP OPERATION-I: Operations-I, a group segment of Head Office operation of the Bank mainly handles General Advance/ Credit Portfolio, Project finance excluding Overseas Operations of the Bank and Lease Financing. The Group is headed by Senior Executives having commendable professional knowledge and experience supported by a talent pool of MBA's, Engineers, Economists, and Statisticians etc. with the blending of credit experience. GROUP STRUCTURE: A. Name of Group Executive/ In-Charge: Mr. Md. Ziaul Bari, Executive Vice President B. Functional Structure: The Group Comprises of 3 Divisions as under: i) General Credit Division ii) Project Finance Division iii) Lease Financing Division C. Area of Operation: i) General Credit Division a) Sanction Department: This department mainly handles Credit Portfolio of the Bank related to Working Capital and Trade Finance. Proposals of such nature are processed/appraised and disposed of by this department. The department is manned by a group of professionals from respective discipline with commendable banking experience as well as exposure in modern concept and technology. ) Credit Administration Department: The function of this department is to monitor credit portfolio of the Bank through physical inspection of various periodical returns, Audit/Inspection Report etc. with a view to maintaining a healthy asset base of the Bank. c) Credit Information & Returns Department: This department deals in preparation of different periodical returns related to credit portfolio of the Ban k for management information as well as for submission of information/data to Regulatory Body and various controlling agencies. The department also centrally handles all jobs relating to Loan Classification of the Bank. d) Ancillary Functions: The Group also handles various Loan Schemes for the employees of the Bank. ii) Project Finance Division: Project Finance Division is a shared resource center of the Bank which provides back office support to the branches – the marketing outlets of the Bank – in their endeavor to meet the credit needs of the corporate clients. The Division helps the corporate clients in their decision making for undertaking venture project or BMRE of the existing projects. It also assist them to structure their long term and short term finance and to raise fund from own source of the Bank or through syndication with other Banks. In case of difficult business situation and unexpected low turnover vis-a-vis poor performance of the clients, the Division offers customized solution through business and financial restructuring. The Division also provides counseling to the corporate clients for minimizing their business risks and optimizing growth in the context of rapid globalization. The Division so far financed 250 projects (New and BMRE) since 1996, major concentration being in textile sector – both export oriented and backward linkage units. Other mentionable sectors are Steel and Engineering, Cement, Real Estate, Consumer Products, Printing and Packaging, Hotels, Hospitals, Cold Storage etc. iii) Lease Finance Division: To assist bona-fide entrepreneurs acquire capital machinery and equipment increasing / up-grading productive capacity without trying up equity and to contribute to the industrial development of Bangladesh IFIC Bank Limited has introduced Lease Finance. For more please contact the Branches. RATES OF DEPOSIT SCHEMES |Deposit Schemes |Deposit Rates | |Savings (SB) |5. 0% | |Special Term Deposit (STD) |4. 00% | |Fixed Deposit |Rate of Interest | |Three Months |6. 75% – 7. 50% | |Six Months |7. 00% – 7. 5% | |One Year & above |7. 25% – 8. 00% | * Figure in LAC Taka Conclusion: To prepare this report on Performance Evaluation of a private bank I collect information of many banks and finally select The IFIC bank to prepare this Performance Evaluation Report. For collecting information regarding different bank, I found that these private companies are very competitive and want to capture the vast market of Bangladesh at any cost. So they provide various types of product and services. I also found that the companies counterattack their competitors by their offers. Some gives high or low interest rate, new facilities etc†¦ Every company has their own strategy to capture the market. In my report I tried to include most of IFIC bank’s product, services and facilities. I tried to focus all their branches. In my opinion the bank provide many attractive facility to their customer but it should provide more service and product to its customer and must easy on its customer on there services.
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