Human Resources Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Human Resources Strategies - Essay Example Therefore, the employee should not come under knowledge about how their pay is determined but should be aware that what performance comes under requirement to obtain a given raise in the wage amount. (Cascio, 2006) 360-Degree Feedback is one of the development tools that come under practice by the HR team that facilitates in measuring the employee performance and recognize the strengths and weaknesses that can help the employee be more productive and effective. However, according to the personal viewpoint, each job description must come under evaluation on different dimensions. This is because the every job description has different set of responsibilities and it would be inequitable and unfair to evaluate or assess them on the same set of performance dimensions. In addition, at GE/Durham, the managers are responsible only for making a dozen major decisions while the team members are liable to make all the other decisions or their inputs are the basis of the decisions. With respect to the case study, GE/Durham is an organization where the team members have their prime focus on making perfect jet engines correctly, quickly and cheaply, therefore, the contents of the 360-Degree appraisal must depend upon problem solving, planning, and organizing, teamwork, communication, and leadership effectiveness. While looking at the working style of GE/Durham, the rating format in order to make the appraisal ratings must include open-ended questions to have the written feedbacks. Apart from few open-ended questions, multiple choice questions and 5-point rating scale  questions would also be beneficial. For members of the nine production teams working at GE/Durham, performance assessments must come under evaluation by Paula Sims, as she is the plant manager of the team members. Although the evaluation would come under assessment from the feedbacks provided by the peers, the managers, and direct reports Sims is the key responsible person

Assignment is to read both articles and summarize the main points of Essay

Assignment is to read both articles and summarize the main points of each - Essay Example This group of free market think tanks and contrarian scientists has ceaselessly worked towards creating a paralyzing thick fog of doubt around the issue of climate change. The group was seen to first claim that the earth was not warming and the current warming being experienced was natural and its effects would be harmless and minuscule. Newsweek polls showed that only 46 percent of Americans believe that the greenhouse effect is currently being felt today (Begley 22). Several states such as California, New Jersey and Minnesota has recently signed laws targeted at reducing their carbon emissions levels by up to 80% by the year 2050. In January 2007, nine different corporations including, Caterpillar and General Electric were seen to actively call on Congress to enact various strong national legislation that reduce the level of emissions attributed to greenhouse gases (Begley 22). On June 23rd, 1988, James Hansen who was a NASA climatologist presented a testimony before congress on how the greenhouse effect had been detected and was currently in the process of changing the planet’s climate. This testimony caused the world’s science community to work together in an attempt to resolve and better explain the issue of climate change. This move caused several industry associations and individual companies to form various lobby groups like the Information Council on the Environment (ICE) and the Global Climate Coalition (GCC) to try and cast doubt on the effects of climate change in a similar manner to how doubt had been cast on the effects of smoking (Begley 23). The United Nations organized a summit dubbed â€Å"Earth Summit† in 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both the ICE and the GCC lobbied against the recommendations made during the Earth Summit successfully managed to convince the American President Bush not to mandatory cut back into law. The Rio treaty had been seen to call on all countries to try and stabilize their greenhouse emissions by

The Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Co. is an American low-cost airline. Southwest is the largest airline in the world by number of passengers carried per year (as of 2009). Southwest maintains the third-largest passenger fleet of aircraft among all of the worlds commercial airlines. As of May 3, 2009, Southwest operates approximately 3,510 flights daily. Southwest has its headquarters on the grounds of Love Field in Dallas, Texas. Southwest Airlines has carried more customers than any other U.S. airline since August 2006 for combined domestic and international passengers according to the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Southwest Airlines is one of the worlds most profitable airlines, posting a profit for the 37th consecutive year in January 2010. Southwests successful business model involves flying multiple short, quick trips into the secondary (more efficient and less costly) airports of major markets, and using only one aircraft type, the Boeing 737. The Southwest Effect The success and profitability of Southwests business model led to a common trend being named after the company, the Southwest Effect. Since Southwests original mission in Texas was to make it less expensive than driving between two points (in the early 1970s, during the first major energy cost crisis in the U.S.), it developed a template for entering markets at rates that allowed the airline to be profitable, yet only on the basis of lean operations and high aircraft use. The key concept to the Southwest Effect is that when a low-fare carrier (or any aggressive and innovative company) enters a market, the market itself changes, and usually grows dramatically. For example, when fares drop by 15% from their historical averages, the number of new customers in that market may not just double, but actually quadruple, or more. Southwest has been a major inspiration to other low-cost airlines, and its business model has been repeated many times around the world. Europes EasyJet and Ryanair are two of the best known airlines to follow Southwests business strategy in that continent (though EasyJet operates two different aircraft models today). Other airlines with a business model based on Southwests system include Canadas WestJet, Malaysias AirAsia (the first and biggest LCC in Asia), Sir Richard Bransons and Australias Virgin Blue (although Virgin Blue now operates two aircraft types), Qantass Jetstar (although Jetstar now operates two aircraft types), Thailands Nok Air, New Zealands Freedom Air, Mexicos Volaris and Turkeys Pegasus Airlines. Although Southwest has been a major inspiration to many other airlines including Ryanair, AirAsia and Jetstar, the management strategies, for example, of Ryanair, AirAsia and Jetstar differ significantly from those of Southwest. Goals and Objectives Ensure highest quality Customer Service in the air or on the ground. Ready to help customers under any circumstances. Are there to ensure you make it from point A to point B safely To stay the most successful with low-fare, high frequency point-to-point carrier. History of Southwest Airline Ø On February 20, 1968 the Texan Aeronautical Commissions approved plans to fly in 3 states, the c5eators are Rollin King and Herb Kelleher Expanded through 1980s to 1990s by 1993 Southwest Airlines could fly in 34 states in 15 states They also expanded into new destinations California, Northwest, Florida, East Coast The competitors could not keep up, 500 pound cockroach that was too big to stamp out: Ø While the airfare was dropping the traffic went up tremendously, in 1994 United started a shuttle service, the large air carriers were feeding traffic into transpacific and transcontinental routes, they could not keep up In 2004 Southwest Airlines is fourth largest domestic carrier, customer boarded In 2002 they traveled in 58 cities and 30 states, it has been 13 years in a row that they are profitable, even after September 11, 2001, net income fell 52.9 percent, Southwest was the only airline company that had a profit all the other companies were in the red Was the first airline to achieve the Triple Crown, they had five difference Triple Crown dedicated to the Employees of Southwest Airlines for their excellent achievements. Southwest Airlines Mission and Vision Statement Mission The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit. To give ordinary people the opportunity to fly. To the employees We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer. Vision To have a conservative increase growth, capitalize and cutback schedules of other airlines. To continue expanding conservatively in long-haul success. New Mission Statement Southwest Airlines is a company that is for anyone and every that wants to get from point A to point B by flying. Our service and philosophy is to fly safe, with high frequency, low-cost flights that can get passengers to their destinations on time and often closer to their destination. They fly in 58 cities and 30 states and are the worlds largest short-haul carrier and we make sure that it is run efficiently and in an economical way. Their technology is current such as our check-ins process is faster. Striving to expand and grow in a conservative manner is key, and being financially stable by keeping quality high and cost low. Their excellence is managing cost by our rapid twenty-minute gate turnaround, a non-stop flight with our airplanes, and a more productive workforce which keeps above our competitors. They treat our employees like customers, family and motivate and compensate them for doing a job well done. They continue to be in the Fortune Magazines most admired companies (2 nd in 2002) 100 best companies to work for. Since 1972 we have ranked first in Money Magazines featured in The 30 Best Stocks. In their communities they make donations to charities to organizations and people in time of need. New Vision Statement Their vision is to expand our locations both domestic and overseas by being the largest and most profitable airline company to achieve both short and long-haul carriers efficiently and with low cost. Also to be an airline carrier that has the most productive workforce to guarantee the best flight possible for each and every passenger. Acquisitions Morris Air One airline influenced by Southwest was Morris Air, founded in 1984 by June Morris and David Neeleman, based in Utah and operating in the northwestern U.S. Southwest Airlines purchased Morris Air and absorbed the capital and routes into its inventory and service. David Neeleman worked with Southwest for a short period. When his non-compete agreement expired, Neeleman founded JetBlue Airways, a competing airline that also incorporates (and in some ways, improves upon) many principles and practices pioneered by Southwest, including building a positive, warm employee culture and operating a simple fleet. Muse Air Southwest Airlines has mostly pursued a strategy of internal growth, rather than by acquisition of other airlines as commonly occurs. However, in addition to acquisition of Morris Air Transport (see above), Southwest did acquire competitor Muse Air in 1985, which operated McDonnell Douglas MD-80s. Muse Air was renamed TranStar Airlines. TranStar Airlines was then closed in August 1987. ATA Airlines Towards the end of November 2008, Southwest announced it was buying the operating certificate and the remaining assets of ATA Airlines. This acquisition transferred to Southwest Airlines ownership of New York LaGuardia slots formerly controlled by ATA. The transaction did not include any aircraft, facilities or employees of ATA. Political: Deregulation in 1978 1st big political win for southwest airlines. Government helped two major airlines get out of financial trouble after 9/11 attack. Economic: When economic conditions are unfavorable: Airliners very susceptible/vulnerable Discount airlines see profits People look for cheaper travel options Social: Flying on planes to get to where you need to be has been the norm for the last 30 years and will continue to be the norm in the foreseeable future. As more and more Spanish speakers come to live and travel in the US there is more need for airlines to be bi-lingual. Technological: Some airlines have converted to e-tickets, and have a self-checking machine. Many people use the internet to compare prices to find the best option for their trip. Environmental: Airlines have cut prices and offered expensive frequent flyer programs just to grab customers away from other airlines The regular airlines are starting to get away from the hub system and switch to the point to point system that southwest airlines uses. Legal: Legal issues have hindered airlines from making a full 9/11 recovery. Porters 5 forces Model Rivalry among competitors: There is high competition for Southwest airlines because other airlines are also there in US which are providing same services to the customers. Its main competitors are United airlines, Alaska airlines etc. Rivalry among competitors sets the price-Southwest Airlines is a discount airliner. Rivalry is increasing, as the market decreases, and competitors downsize, the competitors become more or less equal in size and capacity. This means that as economic conditions worsen, competitors downsize and then compete for the same remaining market. Threats of new entry: The threat of new entrants is low, the demand is not high. On top of that, there are hurdles, not necessarily the greatest; the FAA. Government regulations and restrictions imposed on those involved in this industry. Such would be government sanctions consequent of international issues. Threats of substitutes: Threats of substitutes is very high because many other form of transportation such as high speed trains, video conferencing, buses etc. While these alternates cannot offer the speed of travel, most of Southwest Airlines customers are attracted to the low price. Bargaining power of Buyers: The bargaining power of buyers is very high because many other airlines are present for which passengers can opt for instead of Southwest airlines. Suppliers include those who provide service/products necessary for Southwest Airlines to their business function. For Southwest Airlines, suppliers include mechanics (and other maintenance people), providers of fuel, food (the snacks that are offered). The suppliers do not have much bargaining power. Customers include both residential and commercial sectors. There is no bargaining power for customers, as there is no threat of backward integration; it is unlikely that customers of Southwest Airlines are going to build their own airplanes and fly themselves. Bargaining power of suppliers: The suppliers power is low for Southwest airlines because they have to charge the premium according to the strategy of competitors otherwise the passengers can switch off to the other airlines where he can have maximum benefits in terms of quality of service and the monetary value. BCG Matrix The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix is a simple tool to assess a companys position in terms of its product range. It helps a company think About its products and services and make decisions about which it should keep which it should let go and which it should invest in further. In 1970s, BCG experience curve work led to inside that has a significant impact on business thinking i.e. of rapid growth in market share was the important as the curve suggested then the usual approach resource allocation in which each business unit funded in on growth seems to be recipe for its failure. Business with low market share but high potential would never generate enough cash to win the race down the experience curve. Those with the high market share but few changes of growth would generate far more cash than those would use productivity. The BCG matrix can be diagrammatically represented as follow Question Marks Question marks are products that grow rapidly and as a result consume large amounts of cash, but because they have low market shares they dont generate much cash. The result is large net cash consumption. A question mark has the potential to gain market share and become a star, and eventually a cash cow when the market growth slows. If it doesnt become a market leader it will become a dog when market growth declines. Question marks need to be analysed carefully to determine if they are worth the investment required to grow market share. Dogs Dogs have a low market share and a low growth rate and neither generates nor consumes a large amount of cash. However, dogs are cash traps because of the money tied up in a business that has little potential. Such businesses are candidates for divestiture. Stars Stars generate large sums of cash because of t heir strong relative market share, but also consume large amounts of cash because of their high growth rate. So the cash being spent and brought in approximately nets out. If a star can maintain its large market share it will become a cash cow when the market growth rate declines. Cash Cows As leaders in a mature market, cash cows exhibit a return on assets that is greater than the market growth rate  ± so they generate more cash than they consume. These units should be  µmilked extracting the profits and investing as little as possible. They provide the cash required to turn question marks into market leaders. Strategies for Southwest airlines Ansoff Matrix Market Penetration Strategy Encouraging existing Customer to buy more Showing benefits for using more (associating freebies/extra service/membership with primary offering). Try to look for foreign entrants weakness. Product Development Seek additional distribution channels (More tie ups collaboration: Try seeking collaboration with international carriers, Bilateral discussions over seats and code-sharing between the carriers). New product development. Market Development Strategy Try to find out new customer group (Old-retired persons). Special offering for first time fliers. Diversification strategy May go for other services like international flights etc. (concentric diversification). May go for arrangement fashion shows (horizontal diversification). May go for other things, which can lure the youth. SWOT Analysis of Southwest Airlines Strengths Southwest has successfully adopted a cost leadership strategy. Southwest maintains operating expenses per available seat mile at 15-20% below average. The company has no baggage handling, no meals, no central reservations, and no assigned seats. Because all of its planes are Boeing 737s, maintenance, turnaround, and training costs are contained. The company has embraced technology that will reduce costs (e.g., ticketless travel). The company has a reputation for great customer service. 28 years of safe, reliable operations 5 consecutive years of Triple Crown Customer Service 5 consecutive years of record profits and 24 consecutive years of profitability Top ranking in the Airline Quality survey conducted by The National Institute for Aviation Research for two of the last three years A route system that has grown to 52 airport in 25 states, carrying more than 50 million customers on 243 Boeing 737 aircraft, etc. The company has a strong, fun-loving, employee-oriented culture. The companys mission statement focuses on these aspects of the business. The companys growth has been steady and planned. Southwest enters new markets only when they can achieve frequent flights. The companys marketing focuses on its low prices, convenience service and sophisticated combination of advertising, public relation and promotions. Weaknesses Gap between Southwest and the rest of the majors has narrowed as other carriers have attempted to emulate Southwest formula. Southwests competitors are offering shuttle services that compete directly with the company. They are also operating, investing in, and forming alliances with regional carriers. As the result of its steady, planned growth strategy, there are numerous untapped domestic markets Pilot and Flight Attendant Unions have increased salary and benefit packages to be the highest in the industry. Continued increases in Seat cost per Mile will not allow southwest to remain a low fare carrier. External Opportunities and Threats Opportunities There are opportunities for expansion to new markets. The new Boeing 737-700 has the ability to fly longer distances nonstop, which may change the definition of short haul. Demographic trends appear favourable to an airline focusing on price and reliability. The consumer continues to seek convenience and time savings. Flying, rather than driving, will meet that need if the price is right and the airline is reliable. The competition is looking to international, rather than domestic markets, for growth opportunities. Improved computer technology will allow more ticketless transactions and reservations made by PC. Threats Southwests ability to hold the line on costs will impact its cost leadership position. The largest cost component is labour. This cost could be impacted by union actions, which cover 85% of Southwests workforce. The second largest cost component is fuel, which could be negatively impacted by economic or political events. Government regulation could hinder Southwests ability to control costs, control fares, or enter new markets. Recent government crackdown on safety (e.g., insulation, cargo fire detection) means costly retrofits. Proposed re-regulation would limit existing firms ability to respond to under-pricing by new companies. Prior to deregulation in 1978, carriers were limited in their ability to enter new markets. The government recently proposed an increase in facility tax rates, which would have resulted in higher costs. Improved telecommunications may lower demand for air travel, or may lower demand for discount airlines. E-mail and teleconferencing can result in less need to travel. Consumers may demand personal technology on planes, such as movies, phones, games, etc. Alternative forms of transportation, such as a high-speed railway, could weaken demand for air travel. Also, if the economy weakens, people may choose to drive rather than fly. Southwest would be hurt if the public perception were that low price equates to low quality. Competitive Advantage for Southwest airlines Focus on Customer Service. Embracing the New economy through the use of internet tickets sales. Focus on lowest cost fares. Internal demand Keeping fares lower through cost reduction methods Lowest cost due to no assigned seating No meals on flights Lower overhead expenditures Use Hubless system to reduce costs

Identity Theft Essay -- Stealing Identity Theft Essays

Identity Theft   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today's society, there is a white-collar crime that has greatly risen in popularity among criminals. This crime is identity theft. Hundreds of thousands of people have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft is when these criminals obtain and use consumers personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, insurance information, and social security numbers to purchase goods or services fraudulently. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 1.1 million people were the victim of identity theft. With this number, it is very evident that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in our country. This paper will attempt to more thoroughly define identity theft. It will give examples of identity theft by examining the stories of Rosalie Pugliese and Mari Frank. It will show ways in which this very easily committed crime can be avoided, and in the extreme case that a person is a victim of identity fraud, to show the steps one can take to get their lives back on track.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to identityguard.com, identity theft is defined as, ?when someone uses your name or personal information to open a credit account, take out a loan, or make a major purchase. And if they can do it once, they can do it repeatedly, using each new account as a reference for the next one. The result is that identity thieves can run up thousands of dollars worth of charges or obligations all in your name.? In our current society, since there have been a great deal of technological advances made, it is easier than ever for a common criminal to steal a social security number, a bank account number, or any other piece of information which could help a criminal gain access to ones personal finances. Identity thieves can retrieve vital information in many different ways. They can look through your trash at home or at work and retrieve a discarded bill, a piece of mail, or a credit application. They can intercept your mail before it reaches you and take your social security or other information off of it. Identity thieves can pose as a telemarketer, claiming to represent a reputable charity or business, a bank, or even a credit-reporting agency. By doing this, they may be able to coax vital information from a naà ¯ve consumer. ?In some states your Social Security number is printed right on your driver?s license, so an iden... ...hat has been charged under their name, they are very much responsible for getting rid of the unauthorized accounts and restoring credit. This may prove to be a very painstaking effort since most credit companies hate dealing with these types of issues. It is very important, though, to stay persistent in the effort to restore a good credit rating.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission, is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. It may be the fastest growing white-collar crime out there. With nothing more than your name, your Social Security number, and date of birth, the only thing that can limit an identity thief is the thief?s creativity. They are able to do anything from open credit card accounts to open accounts and take out loans. With this basic information, they can get a job in your name, possibly tarnishing an honest person?s good name. They can apply for anything from cell phones to health insurance. With more than 1.1 million victims of identity theft each year, it is very important to know how to protect yourself from identity theft. It is just as, if not more important to know what to do in the case that your identity is stolen.

Postgraduate education

Electronics & Communication Eng as my major for it offered me innumerable choices of specialization. During these 4 years I learnt Subjects like-Electronics Devices & Circuits,Pulse & Digital Circuits,programming in C, Digital Integrated Circuits,Digital Communication Theory,Veils Design,Computer Communication Networks and Digital Signal Processing. These subjects aroused my research instincts when I realized I am really excited about the prospects of me being a part of such researches. Research Background I always had a Liking for the books from a very young age, perhaps this made meInquisitive about everything I came across yearning to know It's Intricacies. This later helped me immensely when I started representing my school team regularly at inter- school science festivals. My first brush with serious research was in final year of my undergraduate course when I successfully completed a project titled â€Å"Design and implementation of ARQ Protocols in Data Communication† a t Communication division,Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (L. R. D. Elders Research & Development Organization,Government of India-Ministry of Defense,Bangor as art of a 4 member team.The project implements ARQ Protocols in data Communication networks using the widely popular coca microelectronic. The coca systems used for Transmission and reception have been designed and Implemented. We did parallel research along with our gulled providing valuable inputs apart from helping him with calculations. Coals In a decade from now I envisage myself as a Research Scientist In premier research Laboratory or as a Professor in a top university. I understand that M. Sc culminating in University. Why University of Saskatchewan ?A Graduate education that would enable me to pursue advanced degree is what I have aspired for . 1 also believe that good graduate program is an essential step for realizing my long-term goals. I hope to fulfill my ambition at University of Saskatchewan , whi ch I consider one of the best to pursue graduate studies . 1 have gone through the brochure and website very carefully and I have concluded that with excellent research facilities and highly knowledgeable faculty, University of Saskatchewan will provide a perfect environment to focus all my resources towards research.I am confident that I'll be able to meet the standards of the University. I am eagerly waiting for an opportunity to make significant contribution in research and Development programs of the University. Conclusion I fully understand the kind of dedication, perseverance and resolve a graduate program calls for; I believe that I have the ability and determination to tread on this exciting path. In conclusion, I do hope that I'll be given a fair chance to realize my objectives by being granted an admission. I look forward for a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the University. (Ninja Visitant's Mashes)

How Has Amazon Used Technology Essay

1. How has Amazon used technology to revamp the bookselling industry? Amazon uses technology envelop in search engine of a website. The company captures comments and recommendations of buyers for site visitors to read and also recommends which book to buy. The website captures all the information of the customer such as what pages they are looking at, how much time they spend on site, no of visitors etc. This information is used by the company to evaluate buying and selling patterns of the book industry. 2. Is Amazon using disruptive or sustaining technology to run its business? Amazon is using disruptive technology where it uses new ways to do things that doesnot satisfy the existing customers. This technology brings up new market and destroy the old one to run the business successfully. 3. How could Amazon use kiosks to improve its business? Amazon released a free website that enables its business partners to interact with its website. This website allows partners to create, access to data, populate and even initiating checkout process so that business can improve. This is the way Amazon uses kiosks to improve its business. 4. What is Amazon’s e-business model? Amazon uses Business-to-Customer model because here it sells the product or services to customers over the internet. 5. Which metrics could Amazon use to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Amazon’s website? Efficiency: Amazon uses following metrics for its efficiency. Throughput: amazon introduces new techniques and brings infront of the customers in a given time and according to time Transaction speed: the website speed is so fast that all transactions of the customers are done quickly. Availability: amazon provides everything for the customers so that it is available for everyone and everything is available in its website. Effectiveness: amazon uses the following metrics for its effectiveness. Customer satisfaction: amazon always thinks about the requirements of the customers so that they will be satisfied.  Ã‚  Conversion rates: amazon charges for the customers for using their site but it be reasonable for the customers to bear.  Sell-through increases: as amazon fulfills the requirements of the customers, sales also increase automatically. 6. What are some of the business challenges facing Amazon? Amazon has been spread global wide. But there are some issues with some countries where language became the main barrier. Site has been forbidden because they include foreign languages through which bookseller site could not be operated. So amazon have to face this challenge for its business improvements.

Respond To Withdrawal Behaviors Example

Respond To Withdrawal Behaviors Example Respond To Withdrawal Behaviors – Coursework Example Employee Turnover: Voluntary and Involuntary Turnover. al Affiliation) In expanding on my colleagues posting, I will talkabout employee turnover. Employee turnover is when an employee leaves a company for reasons. Voluntary turnover is when an employee leaves an organization out of his or her own will. On the other hand, involuntary turnover entails employees leaving being controlled by the organization (Holtom, et al., 2008).Employee turnover can be affected by the P-O fit that is the compatibility of an employee and the organization they are working for. The P-O fit has been analyzed in terms of value congruence that is the compatibility between the employee and organizational values. There is the goal congruence that is the affinity of the employees and organizational goals. Employees without either value congruence or goal congruence tend to leave an organization because of the incompatibility between them and the organization. Additionally, job in satisfaction results in an empl oyee leaving an organization voluntarily, for example a supervisor harassing an employee will make the employee to quit. The lack of peace in their work place will lower their performance, therefore reducing the possibilities for them to get promoted. Involuntary turnover can occur when an organization needs to reduce staff because of change in business focus. For instance, Nokia Company used to do rubber works and cable works company and now they do mobile phones and mobile games this affected the staff for they had to be fired for the job no longer suited that staff for the new company’s work. Violation of company’s policies such as stealing from an organization can lead an employee being terminated which is among involuntary turnover.In conclusion, an employee can leave an organization based on either reasons, that are influenced by the organization or the employee’s reasons. ReferenceHoltom, B. C., Mitchell, T. R., Lee, T. W. and Eberly.M.B (2008). Turnover and Retention: A Glance at the Past, a Closer Review of the Present, and a Venture into the Future.

Definition of Appendix in a Book or Written Work

Definition of Appendix in a Book or Written Work An appendix is a collection of supplementary materials, usually appearing at the end of a report, academic paper,  proposal  (such as a bid or a grant), or book. The word appendix comes from the Latin appendere, meaning hang upon. An appendix typically includes data and supporting documents used by a writer to develop the written work. Though such information should be of potential use to the reader (not  treated as an opportunity for padding), it would disrupt the flow of the argument if  it were included in the main body of the text. Examples of Supporting Materials Not every report, proposal, or  book needs an  appendix. However, including one allows you to point to  additional information that is relevant  but would be out of place in the main body of the text. It can  give the reader more depth to the topic, supply resources for further reading or contact lists, or provide documentation to make your case for your grant or bid proposal. Appendix information may include tables, figures, charts, letters, memos,  detailed technical specs, maps, drawings, diagrams, photos, or other materials. In the case of research papers, supporting materials may include surveys, questionnaires, or schematics and the like that were  used to produce the results included in the paper. Because of its supplementary nature, it is important that material in an appendix not be left to speak for itself, according to Eamon Fulcher in A Guide to Coursework in Psychology. This means that you must not put vital information only in an appendix without any indication in the main text that it is there, Fulcher says. An appendix is an ideal place to include information and other data that are simply too long or detailed to incorporate into the main body text. If these materials were used in the works development, readers may want to reference them to double-check or locate additional information. Including the materials in an appendix is often the most organized way to make them available. Should You Include an Appendix? Whether you include an appendix depends on your topic and what will benefit the reader. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, create an appendix. Will supplemental materials aid the readers understanding of your topic? Will they provide resources for further reading or exploration? Will they supply additional depth to the data presented in your report, article, book, or proposal? Will the materials provide additional backup for your thesis or message? Do you have items  that would be unwieldy to present in a footnote? The appendix material should be streamlined, relevant to your topic or thesis, and useful to the reader- but its not a place to put all of your research materials. The citations in the references, bibliography, works cited, or endnotes will take care of citing your sources. An appendix is a place for items that help the readers understanding of your work and research and the topic at hand.  If the material is not important enough to refer to in your text, then dont include it in an appendix. Appendix vs. Addendum An addendum is new  material added to a book or other written work after its first edition has been produced. It may be updated research or additional sources that came to light or further explanation about the book from the author, for example. In a contract, an addendum can change the terms of the contract, such as canceling sections or updating terms or pricing in sections without the whole contract becoming null and void and needing everyone to sign it anew. The parties to the contract just need to sign the addendum with the noted changes. Formatting an Appendix The way in which you format your appendix depends on the style guide you have chosen to follow for your work. In general, each item referred to in your text (table, figure, chart, or other information) should be included as its own appendix- though if there are many data sets under one grouping, keep them together in their appendix and label each piece appropriately. If you have more than one appendix, label the appendices Appendix A, Appendix B, etc. so that you can easily cite them in the body of the  report, and start each on a separate page. Put them in the order that you refer to them in the paper, for ease of use for the reader, and dont forget to note them in the table of contents, if your work has one. Research papers, including academic and medical studies, usually follow APA style guidelines for the formatting of appendices. They can also follow the Chicago Manual of Style. For each of these styles, format the appendix as follows: APA: Center the title, and use upper and lowercase letters. The text of the appendix should be flush left, and you should indent your paragraphs. Chicago: The Chicago style manual also allows for numbered appendices (1, 2, 3, not just A, B, C). As far as location, they appear before any endnotes sections so that any information in the appendices that needs a note can refer to the notes section. If there are many tables in the appendices, though, it might be best to keep the notes with the tables.

GMAT Sample Questions, Answers and Explanations

GMAT Sample Questions, Answers and Explanations The GMAT is a crucial step in the business school application process.  Admissions committees use applicants  GMAT scores to assess their ability to succeed in a graduate-level program. The best way to prepare for the GMAT is to complete sample questions that test the same skills as the actual exam. The samples listed below resemble GMAT questions in structure, format, and skills tested. After completing all of the sample questions, review the answers and explanations at the end of this article. Integrated Reasoning Sample Questions The Integrated Reasoning section  contains 12 questions in four different categories: Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphical Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis and Table Analysis. You will have 30 minutes to complete this section of the GMAT. Question #1 Commodity Production: World Share (%) Production: World Rank Exports: World Share (%) Exports: World Rank Pork 8 4 20 4 Beans 13 3 24 2 Beef 32 2 22 3 Corn 47 1 34 1 Evaluate the table shown above, which displays data about American agricultural products. Answer YES to the following statement if the information in the table makes the statement true. Otherwise, answer NO. No country, including America, produces more than one-half of the worlds corn. Question #2 ABC Boats is producing a new speedboat called the Lake Skipper. The Lake Skippers fuel economy is R miles per gallon (R(m/G)) when it is driving a constant speed of S miles per hour (S(m/h)). Select the expression that represents the number of gallons of fuel that the Lake Skipper will use when driving at a constant speed (S) for 1 hour. Your answer should be in terms of the variables R and S. Select the expression that represents the number of gallons of fuel that the Lake Skipper will use when driving at a constant speed (S) for 60 miles. Your answer should be in terms of the variables R and S. You should make two selections total (one in each empty column). Gallons of Fuel in 1 Hour Gallons of Fuel in 60 Miles Expression S/R R/S S/60 R/60 60/S 60/R    Quantitative Reasoning Sample Questions The Quantitative Reasoning section  contains 31 questions in two categories: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. You have 62 minutes to complete this section of the GMAT. Question #1 If a b, c d, b c and e b, which of the following statements must be true?   I. a e  II. e d  III. a c (A) I only   (B) II only (C) III only (D) II and III   (E) I and III Question #2 On a 3-day trip to Italy, 4 adults ate $60 worth of spaghetti. How much would it cost for 7 adults to eat spaghetti on a 5-day trip to Italy if they ate the same spaghetti at the same cost per person per day? (A) $175 (B) $100 (C) $75 (D) $180 (E) $200 Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions The Verbal Reasoning section contains 36 questions in three categories: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction. You will have 65 minutes to complete this section of the GMAT. Question #1 According to a recent study, the amount of work people are tasked with  rank as one of the high causes of workplace stress for American adults. (A) rank as one of the high causes of workplace stress (B) ranks as one of the more high causes of workplace stress (C) rank as one of the leading causes of workplace stress (D) ranks as one of the leading causes of workplace stress (E) rank as one of the higher causes of workplace stress Question #2 The cost of purchasing raw materials from Company A is fifteen percent less than the cost of purchasing raw materials from Company B. Even after taxes and transportation fees are added, it is still cheaper to purchase raw materials from Company A and have them transported than to purchase raw materials from Company B. Which of the following assertions is supported by the above statement? (A) Labor costs at Company A are fifteen percent lesson that labor costs at Company B. (B) The taxes on raw materials from Company A are more than fifteen percent of the cost of purchasing raw materials from Company B. (C) Company B inflates their prices to be more competitive than Company A. (D) It takes less time for Company A to mine raw materials. (E) The cost of transporting raw materials from Company A is less than fifteen percent of the cost of purchasing raw materials from Company B. Analytical Writing Sample Questions This section does not contain questions like the other three sections. Instead, you will be presented with a written argument. Your job is to critically analyze the validity of the argument and then write an analysis of the argument. The analysis should be an assessment of the reasoning used in the argument; you do not need to express your personal opinions. You have 30 minutes to complete the Analytical Writing section. Question #1 Many experts agree that reading can reduce stress and ease tension in muscles. Recently, two new libraries opened in the tri-county area. Consequently, the hospitals in the area should see a reduction in patients seeking treatment for heart attacks and strokes. To ensure that Lavender Hospital is not overstaffed, we should immediately reduce the number of emergency nurses at the hospital and allocate payroll savings to the radiology department, which desperately needs funds for new equipment. Write a critique of the above argument within 30 minutes. Question #2 Lick It Up Ice Cream began advertising in the local newspaper last month and saw its business increase by 15 percent over previous months totals. This rise in sales proves that newspaper advertising still works as well as it used to and can be used to make any food service company more profitable. Write a critique of the above argument within 30 minutes. Integrated Reasoning Answers and Explanations #1 Answer: Yes. This answer can be obtained by analyzing the table. Look at the Production: World Share (%) column for Corn and the Production: World Rank column for Corn. America is ranked first in corn production in the world and only produces 47% of the world share of corn. Therefore, it is true that no country, including America, produces more than one-half of the worlds corn. #2 Answer: S/R and 60/R. When Sspeed and Rmiles per gallon, S/R represents the number of gallons of fuel the Lake Skipper will use in one hour of drive time at constant speed. You would need to divide S by R to find out how much fuel would be used in one hour. When Rmiles per gallon and 60 represents the number of miles, 60/R represents the number of gallons of fuel that the Lake Skipper will use when driving at a constant speed (S) for 60 miles. You would need to divide 60 by R to find out how much fuel would be required for a 60 mile drive. Quantitative Answers and Explanations #1 Answer: D. It is true to say that e is greater than d and that a is greater than c. However, you cannot say that a is greater than e. Although we know that e is greater than b and that a is greater than b, there is no evidence that a is greater than e. #2 Answer: A. The answer is $175. To get to this number, you need to start by determining how much spaghetti costs per person per day. Divide 60 by 4 to get 15. This is the cost of spaghetti per day. Then, divide 15 by 3 to get 5. This is the cost of spaghetti per person per day. Then you switch from division to multiplication to get the cost for the second trip. Multiply 5 (the number of days on the trip) by 5 (the number of people on the trip) to get 25. Then, multiply 25 (the cost of food for five days) by 7 (the number of people) to get 175. It would cost $175 for 7 adults to eat spaghetti on a 5-day trip to Italy. Verbal Sample Answers and Explanations #1 Answer: D. The correct answer is ranks as one of the leading causes of workplace stress. This is the option that creates the most effective sentence without awkwardness or grammatical error. The verb ranks agrees with the subject of this sentence (amount of work). The word leading is also a better fit idiomatically than high and makes the sentence less awkward. #2 Answer: D. The cost of transporting raw materials from Company A is less than fifteen percent of the cost of purchasing raw materials from Company B. This is the only answer option supported by the statement. The statement does not mention labor costs, price inflation, or the amount of time to mine raw materials. The statement also clearly indicates that even with taxes and transportation fees, it is still costs LESS to purchase raw materials from Company A than Company B. Analytical Writing Answers and Explanations #1 and #2 Answer: There is no single correct answer or critique for either argument. However, each critique should 1.) restate a brief summary of the argument; 2.) analyze the use of reasoning and evidence in the argument; 3.) identify potential counterarguments, alternative explanations or questionable assumptions; and 4.) identify evidence that could have been used to strengthen the argument; 5.) provide a conclusion that sums up your critique. Check over what you have written to see if you have accomplished all five of these goals.

Discussion Board 8-1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Discussion Board 8-1 - Assignment Example The shrinking nature of the brains of the elderly people has the potential to cause serious cognitive impairments upon dependence on a given drug. Compared to youths who depend on given drugs, drug dependent elderly are likely to suffer from serious and extreme visual and hearing impairments. Drug dependent elderly people may also suffer from poor memory as well as develop serious linguistic and communication skills (Parker & Liu, 2007). Despite of the differences, drug dependence among the elderly and the youths cause results to nearly similar consequences. For instance, drug dependence across the age groups is likely to cause damage to internal organs. The extent and speed of damage may largely rely on the quantity and frequency of intake (Parker & Liu, 2007). Drug dependence among individuals across the two age groups is also likely to lead to psychosis. Psychosis condition may presents as either hallucination or delusion or both. Hallucination involves seeing and hearing of things that do not exist in reality. Delusion on the other hand refers to believing of myths and concepts that are not true and hard to prove. These consequences have occurred in both youths and the elderly who abuse and depend on

American political parties, relatively weak compared to similar Essay

American political parties, relatively weak compared to similar nations, why and what are consequences - Essay Example mparison to other highly industrialized society because in reality and practice, the American political parties have always had severe internal divisions. In a two-part system, ideal internal ideological unity could be nothing more than political picture. The political parties are plainly too immense and varied to encourage stable internal unity. Yet, integrated party control confers an electoral incentive for party leadership to downplay, or even vigorously steer clear of, those matters on which the party is divided to protect the outward show of cohesion. In the concern of electoral success and a significant party ticket, party member find motivating incentives to downplay intraparty conflict. Alternatively, it is in my own opinion that the capability of a divided government to provoke resentment rest partly in its capability to generate prospect for intraparty conflict to arise. Moreover, in a divided government system, the prevailing congressional party has the power to compel public concern of those matters most perceptive to the president’s party. Through placing conflict-ridden issues on the agenda, the party dominating Congress compels the president’s party to discuss matters its congressional members would vigorously steer clear of. The typical justification for the irresponsible nature of American political parties is that our very Constitution makes our party system what it is. Richard Hofstadter, the historian, put it in a few words: â€Å"We have a Constitution against parties† (Disch 2002: 62). However, it is also possible that federalism contributes to national and state parties that are primarily self-governing but it is also possible that federalism is the cause. The actual problem is in fact the failure of the political parties to attain an appropriate balance of power within the federal system, which demands a higher nationalization of party influence. Furthermore, it is unfortunate that there is no focus of party leadership in the American

Bible Dictionary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bible Dictionary - Essay Example The key themes that the letter embraces is the criticism of following the Jewish law, significance of faith that unites both Gentiles and Jews, the need to keep strong in faith as it is the only way to salvation. One would make not mistake suggesting that the purpose of the letter is to make a clear distinction between Christianity as a new religious tradition and Judaism or Judeo-Christianity that was popular at the time. In addition to that, the epistle in question shares some details about the past of Paul: he talks about his conversion, the acquaintance with Peter, his apostolic mission. Other then Peter, the author also mentions some other Christian communities in Europe as well as other nations that he encountered during his journey. Philemon was one of the early Christians who dwelled in Asia Minor. He was born in the first decade of the first century of Common Era and died when he was sixty eight. There are no detailed dates of his life. It is thought that Philemon was born in the city of Colossae. When Paul the Apostle was on his mission Philemon was able to meet the saint and the latter converted him into Christianity. One should note that Philemon was a rather wealthy Christian which allowed him to give shelter other Christians. That is why the latter were always welcome in his house which served as a church too. However, in the end of his life he and his wife Apphia were killed by the Gentiles which made them glorious martyrs. Being a hospitable Christian, Philemon was able to meet not only Paul the Apostle, but also other less known Christians. In addition to that, it was not only his wife, but also Archippus and Onesimus who were killed by the Gentiles. That is why all these four individuals are thought be martyrs as they suffered a horrible death for Jesus Christ. Speaking of the legacy, one should note that Philemon was a prominent Christian, as Paul the Apostle

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Business Ethics - Essay Example The act of going to church is often the singular religious activity within the week for the modern person. Rather than a daily practice, going to church gives a mere nod to a history of religiosity within a family, connecting to others in fellowship, but not providing the central space within a person’s framework of understanding his place within the world. The tenets of the Bible are often looked at as quaint and out of touch with the realities of life, thus creating a division between what is believed and how one acts. The nature of business becomes one of those areas where a diversion from the tenets of the Bible can be observed. In trying to run a business, decisions must be made that support the continued success of that business, but the nature of those decisions are rarely made in line with the generosity of human spirit that comes from a life that is truly lived by the teachings of Christ. This reduces the nature of religious practice to its basic rites, the motions be ing undertaken without the informative meaning having value in daily life. The nature of life that is lived through secular means, and without the infusion of religious spirit, becomes centered on the self without the consideration of others at the core of the decisions that are made on a daily basis. Life is merely ‘flavored’ with religious practice and intention, rather than informed, the difference being that where the clergy held the center space for informing the public, it is now science, technology, and the consumer culture that informs people on behavior and thought. Religious leaders have had to adapt. Miller states that â€Å"When these wide-ranging appropriations are considered in terms of establishing identities and worldviews in a changing society, we can begin to see how many respected spiritual authors function precisely as new cultural intermediaries†¦They introduce a literate, popular audience to venerable religious and spiritual traditions in a m anner that is easily detached from traditional, institutional and communal infrastructures† (104). Cultural philosophies are framed through its interactions with television and the internet rather than through its interaction with the Bible, thus to compete religious leaders have had to turn away from convention and towards technological and literary advantages, but this has not been fully successful in diverting culture from its focus on consumerist philosophies. In the abstraction of religion, then, is the substitution of consumerism to fill in the spaces. Miller states that â€Å"the form of religion we have been discussing - abstracted sentiment divorced from practice - is ideally suited to this world. It supplies the veneer of meaning and conviction of which modern existence so often deprives us, without disrupting the underlying form of our lives - our obligation to consume† (88). As members of the culture see the need to participate in consumption, identity and t he formation of cultural belief becomes tied to the consumer culture. Section 2.3 Thought has become informed by the media, the infusion of materialism and the nature of consumerism becoming the central focus on how life is lived. The nature of culture has been designed by consumerism, what is needed in life and the way that it is used created

Gazprom Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gazprom - Assignment Example By 2002, the government held about 38.37% of share of Gazprom. In the global extent, the organisation represents about 20% of international gas production. In Russia, the organisation regulates about 60% of gas services and generates about 50% of power in the nation. Gazprom is liable for a supporting considerable portion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Russia and delivers about 20% of its revenue to the national budget (Thomas, 2006). However, presently the dominance of Gazprom is under stake and the organisation is also facing challenges in order to stay sustainable in business. 1.1 Terms of Reference Focusing on this aspect, the report is based on the analysis of Gazprom. The objective of the report is to discuss the socio-political issue which is faced by Gazprom in the oil and gas industry. In line with the issues faced by Gazprom, the report also undertakes a SWOT analysis of the organisation. ... In the year 2006, a disagreement emerged between Russia and Ukraine which resulted in cessation of deliveries of natural gas from Russia to Ukraine. Since most of Russia’s gas for Western Europe transports through Ukraine, the disagreement between these two nations resulted in significant reductions in sales of Gazprom to the Western Europe, particularly during the period of high demand for example during cold weather. During similar period, other socio-political problems resulted in reduction of supply of natural gas to America, Georgia and Moldova, bringing about serious issues to fulfil the demand of customers as well as to enhance the profitability (Perovic & et. al., 2006). Gazprom is a unique organisation, because it was basically a department which has become a corporation. Furthermore, it is also highly contentious to understand the level to which Gazprom represents the government and business interests. Gazprom’s mainstream business is export of natural gas whi ch has reduced due to over pricing activities. The subsidiaries of the organisation are being lopped off and sold at increased prices to more active competitors. The dramatic decline of the organisation’s sales is sparked by rapid improvement of American gas supply companies, failure of Gazprom to invest in research and development activities and ignorance of transformation in oil and gas industry. The problems of Gazprom most probably accelerate the difficulty of long run sustainability, where the government has failed to react to the prevailing market situations (Englund & Lally, 2012). 3.2 European Gas Market The gas market of Europe has stagnated because of high prices. Thus, natural gas provided by

Loyalty Programmes in Hotels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 19000 words

Loyalty Programmes in Hotels - Essay Example This research attempts to achieve an insight into the value of loyalty programmes to businesses and more specifically examine the value of loyalty programmes to hotels. Review of secondary data is applied to understand the value of loyalty programmes to businesses while a survey among hotels is conducted to examine its value to the hotels. Loyalty Programmes are defined as â€Å"schemes offering delayed, accumulating economic benefits to consumers who buy the brand†. Satisfaction does not equal loyalty. A customer can be very satisfied with the product, but still be not loyal towards it. In order to encourage loyalty, firms develop loyalty programs. Typically, in a Loyalty Program, customers accumulate assets, points or rewards by accumulating their purchases from a local firm which is either exchanged for goods or the services, though not always associated with the firm. This generally adopts the system of points wherein the points can be exchanged for a variety of benefits s uch as free flyer points, gifts, trips, etc. â€Å"Airline frequent-flier programs have been a prototype for many of the schemes†. Such schemes are based on the concept of repeat purchase, and in most businesses today, a large part of sales results from repeat purchase. This fact is being increasingly recognized by enterprises that are implementing loyalty programmes to encourage such purchase pattern.  ... The literature in general helped in understanding various factors and concepts associated with loyalty programme and then those had to be applied to the hotel industry for the research. 34 3.4 Research Approach 36 3.5 Research Strategy 38 3.6 Sample selection 41 3.6.1 Administering the questionnaire 41 3.6.2 Analyzing the responses 43 3.7 Time Horizon 43 3.9.1 Reliability 47 3.9.2 Validity 48 Limitations 49 50 Ethical Considerations 50 4. Analysis and Discussion of Findings 51 4.1 Hotels' definition of loyal customers 52 4.2 Reason for launching loyalty programme 53 4.3 Target segment and benefits offered 55 4.4 Designing loyalty program for corporate segment 58 4.5 Loyalty programmes that attract maximum guests and justify expenses 59 4.6 Objective of loyalty programs 61 4.7 Managing loyalty programme 63 4.8 Delivery mechanism 64 4.9 Involving staff 65 4.10 Assessing the success of loyalty programme 66 4.11 Failure of loyalty programme 70 5. Recommendations 72 Introduction Brief overview and background This research attempts to achieve an insight into the value of loyalty programmes to businesses and more specifically examine the value of loyalty programmes to hotels. Review of secondary data is applied to understand the value of loyalty programmes to businesses while a survey among hotels is conducted to examine its value to the hotels. Loyalty Programmes are defined as "schemes offering delayed, accumulating economic benefits to consumers who buy the brand". Satisfaction does not equal loyalty. A customer can be very satisfied with the product, but still be not loyal towards it (Charles and Lamb, 2008).In order to encourage loyalty, firms

Gazprom Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gazprom - Assignment Example By 2002, the government held about 38.37% of share of Gazprom. In the global extent, the organisation represents about 20% of international gas production. In Russia, the organisation regulates about 60% of gas services and generates about 50% of power in the nation. Gazprom is liable for a supporting considerable portion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Russia and delivers about 20% of its revenue to the national budget (Thomas, 2006). However, presently the dominance of Gazprom is under stake and the organisation is also facing challenges in order to stay sustainable in business. 1.1 Terms of Reference Focusing on this aspect, the report is based on the analysis of Gazprom. The objective of the report is to discuss the socio-political issue which is faced by Gazprom in the oil and gas industry. In line with the issues faced by Gazprom, the report also undertakes a SWOT analysis of the organisation. ... In the year 2006, a disagreement emerged between Russia and Ukraine which resulted in cessation of deliveries of natural gas from Russia to Ukraine. Since most of Russia’s gas for Western Europe transports through Ukraine, the disagreement between these two nations resulted in significant reductions in sales of Gazprom to the Western Europe, particularly during the period of high demand for example during cold weather. During similar period, other socio-political problems resulted in reduction of supply of natural gas to America, Georgia and Moldova, bringing about serious issues to fulfil the demand of customers as well as to enhance the profitability (Perovic & et. al., 2006). Gazprom is a unique organisation, because it was basically a department which has become a corporation. Furthermore, it is also highly contentious to understand the level to which Gazprom represents the government and business interests. Gazprom’s mainstream business is export of natural gas whi ch has reduced due to over pricing activities. The subsidiaries of the organisation are being lopped off and sold at increased prices to more active competitors. The dramatic decline of the organisation’s sales is sparked by rapid improvement of American gas supply companies, failure of Gazprom to invest in research and development activities and ignorance of transformation in oil and gas industry. The problems of Gazprom most probably accelerate the difficulty of long run sustainability, where the government has failed to react to the prevailing market situations (Englund & Lally, 2012). 3.2 European Gas Market The gas market of Europe has stagnated because of high prices. Thus, natural gas provided by

Wrigley Jr. Company Essay Example for Free

Wrigley Jr. Company Essay 1.0 Introduction In June 2002 Blanka Dobrynin, a managing director of Aurora Borealis hedge fund, considers the possible gains from increasing the debt capitalization of The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. Blanka suggests Wrigley raise the amount of $3 billion in debt of the capitalization while Wrigley has been conservatively financed and remained no debt at the end of 2001. This report is aiming to analyze whether Wrigley should use $3 billion debt recapitalization to either pay dividends or to repurchase shares. 2.0 Current Capital Structure Generally, firms can choose among various capital structures in order to maximize overall market value of the company. It is proposed however, that Wrigley issues $3 billion in debt. According to the trade-off theory, the optimal capital structure does exist (Kraus and Litzenberger, 1973). The higher level of debt may increase both bankruptcy and financial cost that lead the firm to go or avoid bankruptcy. However, there are several advantages of raising debt capital. Firstly, tax-deductions which decrease the cost of debt. Secondly, stockholders do not have to share the profit when the firm has excess, as debt holders are limited to their fixed return. Finally, stockholders do have voting right but debt holders do not which means the stockholders are controlling the business. 3.0 The Impacts of Proposed Changes The decision to increase $3 billion debt capitalization of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company by Blanka Dobrynin is to optimize the total value of the company. Firms are often inclined to choose debt over equity in order to use the tax shield. As the increasing of $3 billion debt in Wrigley’s capital structure, its equity value will increase by $1.2 billion due to the tax shield. Also this proposal of recapitalization will help Wrigley’s equity decrease by only $1.8 billion when they payout $3 billion debt, due to the offset by the $1.2 billion tax shield. According to our calculations, through recapitalization Wrigley’s total asset will be $14,459,826, which consists of $3,157,127 debt and $11,302,699 equity. In general, firms prefer to keep a higher level of debt/equity ratio to obtain larger total capital to increase the firm’s total value. But it is obvious that more debt means more risk and more payout. By assessing the spreadsheet, it suggests several reasons for and against the acquisition of debt. If the Wrigley’s debt increases, its credit rating will drop from AAA to BB, which leads to more cost of future financing and value of stocks. However, as debt can increase firm value up to a degree, we recommend that Wrigley’s find an optimal capital structure through further analysis of whether $3 billion of debt provides the smallest possible Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for the firm. 3.1 Flexibility and Reserves According to Denis (2011), financial flexibility is the ability of a firm to make decisions and handle problems timely. Moreover, the firm should always maximize their firm value on any unexpected changes in investment opportunity and cash flows of the firm. In addition, the firm should prudently raise their capital in the good times to avoid stretching their capabilities too far, and in order to preserve their ability to choose to either borrow or issue equity in future times of need. Therefore, the lower level of firm’s debt, the more financial flexibility a firm has (Investopedia, 2014). Due to that $3 billion new debt existing, the financial flexibility of Wrigley will decline; this financial activity leads to lower ability to borrow money in the future if there are any profitable investment opportunities or any unexpected internal or external shocks. 3.2 The Book and Market Price per Share As is visible from the Appendix One, the decision of how to use the funds raised through debt is an important one as it will impact both the price per share and the book value per share. The price per share will decrease to $48.63 if the debt raised is used to pay out a dividend (decrease in the value of equity), whereas the price per share will increase to $61.53 if it is used to repurchase shares. However, the issuance of debt can have signalling effects for investors. Generally, when firms issue debt it signals to investors that the firm is in a good financial situation as the firm is able to undertake repayments of future interest. Furthermore, the clientele effect can impact the stock price because it assumes that the investors are attracted to the company for its policies and when these change the investors will react and adjust their stock accordingly (Moles Terry, 2005). In addition to this, the issuance of debt and repurchase of stock could signal to investors that managers believe the stock in undervalued. Despite this change in price, the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) will give a more accurate representation of what the change in capital structure implies for the firm, by taking account the costs of debt. 3.3 Weighted Average Cost of Capital Before recapitalisation Wrigley’s WACC was equal to it’s cost of equity (ke), which was calculated at 10.95%. After capitalisation it was found that Wrigley’s WACC decreased to 10.29%. This follows the general pattern of increasing debt resulting in a lower WACC. The cost of debt (kd) rate of 13% was used after we assessed the key industrial financial ratios and compared  them with that of Wrigley’s (See Appendix 2) to conclude that it was in the range between the BB rate of 12.753% and B 14.663% (see Appendices 3 4). Although WACC has decreased, which means that every $1 that Wrigley raises in capital from investors it must pay at least $10.30 in return, it’s Beta has increased from 0.75 to 0.87. This means that Wrigley’s investment is still less volatile than the market, but it has become more in line with the market after recapitalisation. However Beta will not incorporate the risk of financial distress that becomes present once Wrigley have taken out the debt. 4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations Therefore, from our analysis we know that an increase in debt can have adverse affects on flexibility and can have costs associated such as bankruptcy, agency and distress costs, however, due to the tax shield affects and the decrease in WACC we believe there should an increase in the level of debt. In addition, the share price change is not consistent with the change in WACC and it could be assumed that the distress costs associated with the increase in debt would mean the price would actually remain relatively steady to reflect the negligible change. We recommend that Wrigley issue $3 billion of debt in the form of share repurchase plan because this scenario has no defining impact upon WACC – slightly decreasing from 10.95% to 10.29%, and as a company’s main goal is to increase its’ shareholders value. Furthermore there are fewer risks in terms of clientele effect and signalling effect, while also allowing the Wrigley family to maintain their control with their high portion of shares. However, we recommend further analysis to determine what is the optimal level of debt by finding the lowest possible WACC, and therefore maximising the company’s value. 5.0 Reference List DeAngelo, H., DeAngelo, L., Whited T.M., (2011) Capital structure dynamics and transitory debt. Journal of Financial Economics, 99, 235–261. Denis, D J. (2011) Financial flexibility and corporate liquidity. Journal of Corporate Finance, 17(3), 667-674. Franco Modigliani; Merton H. Miller . (Jun., 1958) The American Economic Review, Vol. 48, No. 3. , pp. 261-297. Investopedia. (2014). Complete Guide To Corporate Finance. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/walkthrough/corporate-finance/5/capital-structure/capital-structure.aspx Investopedia (2014). Optimal Capital Structure. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/optimal-capital-structure.asp. [Last Accessed 19 Aug 2014]. Kraus, A. and R. Litzenberger (1973). A State-Preference model of optimal financial leverage. Journal of Finance, Vol. 28, pp. 911-922. Moles, P., Terry, N. (2005). Clientele effect. The Handbook of International Finance Terms. Retrieved from http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/view/10.1093/acref/9780198294818.001.0001/acref-9780198294818-e-1351 Myers, S.C. (2001). Capital structure. Journal of Economic Perspective, Vol. 15, pp. 81-102. Tsuji, C. (2012) A discussion on the signalling hypothesis of dividend poilcy. The Open Business Journal, 5, 1-7. Retrieved from http://benthamopen.com/tobj/articles/V005/1TOBJ.pdf

Business Plan Of The Safe Tissue Marketing Essay

Business Plan Of The Safe Tissue Marketing Essay Everybody these days look for security and sound path to diminish tiny viruses creates around us as the vast majority of us feel it because of the force and essence style that make us apprehensive and need to find clean against-bacterial latrine tissues. The Safe Tissue L.L.C is putting resources into tissues and figure mind items and concerning in regards to this issue. One of the examines in the growth and inspecting branch uncovered some substance that depending on, if it is incorporated in the tissue and let the individual uses them after latrine, it ensures clean and great fragrance after utilization in addition that it is reused and could be utilized as a part of paper industry. A study shows that 35% of youngsters visits to doctors facilities in Abu Dhabi were an explanation for why of microorganisms that is openly and even in private toilets, which sets back the all finances the guardians a considerable measure and make them being apprehensive and pushed. Numerous different explanations pushed The Safe Tissue to give careful consideration for that new finding that can the obligations that dont give us an opportunity to discover the time required, that is the reason the new feature can keep the power of the tissue as needed. That has a focused sum of the substance and particular material that will stay on the skin and blur inside 10 seconds after utilized and it could be made consistent with FDA consistency prerequisites for tissues. Mission: To become the leading safe healthy tissue producer in UAE Vision: To provide health by healthy tissue papers Company Overview: In January 2013 The Safe Tissue step into the market. The perspective of the company is to cater the locals. The companys product is frequently use and highly concern to health. The competitors of the company are mostly foreign brands. People are always conscious about health. The Safe Tissue provides healthy tissue with modern standard competing the all his competitors. Marketing Analysis Plan: Market Trends: In market the trend is of Healthy tissue papers. People prefer healthy and safe side for theirs selves. Branded names are commonly known for their name and secondly for their standard of health maintain for the customers. There are also a lot of types of tissue in the market such as facial tissue, toilet tissue. The Safe Tissue started work with toilet range Supply and Demand Factor: The demand and supply are two primary components that influence the working of any plan of action. The demand is the will and capacity of purchasers to buy a specific product, while supply is the capacity of the business to accommodate the interest of customers. (Scholasticus, 2013).To copes with modern era. Demand and supply factor are critically set according to the market trend. Purchasing Patterns: Two factors of business as explained above influence the purchasing pattern of the customers. Price is the main factor which plays a vital role in the purchasing pattern of the customer. Hence the The Safe Tissue Company set the price accordingly to purchasing patterns of their customer. Life patterns: Peoples always prefer health over anything in this world. The life patterns of local affected by the highly expensive daily use product. The Safe tissue changes the life pattern of locals by providing the cheap and healthy tissue papers. Factors influencing the target market. Targeting the market is the important key role of business plan. There are few factors that change the target the market. (Jeff, 2007) Geographic: In startup market, The Safe Tissue started business in Abu Dhabi and AL ain. To capture the whole UAE is the big task but not impossible. So focus is only at these two cities. Demographic: Demographic means the age levels and gender. Everyone use tissue for cleaning purpose. Kids and Mature peoples are more conscious about health as compared to youngster. Economic Factors: Economic conditions also change the target market. UAE has come out of the recession. Now the economic conditions of the country are well and good. Stabilize and good opportunity for investment point of view. Due to change in the economic conditions of the country the purchasing pattern of the changes. Interests of buying products are reduced from the customer side. Social Value: Social value is also core of target market. Preference to things change by the customer as by the time passed. The Safe tissue has considered this factor more preferable. Product Positioning: As newly started business The Safe tissue positioned themselves in most competing brands of the market. The Safe tissue manufactures high quality and healthy tissue in the market. Thing is to position their products in the heart of the customers, for that The Safe tissue has a devised advertisement plan and marketing plan to capture the heart of the locals and expats by providing health in cheaper price. Success factors: Success factors of The Safe tissue are health, cheaper and loyal with customers. Providing foreign standard healthy tissue in cheaper price can be the success factor for The Safe Tissue Barriers to entry: It is always difficult to enter in any market. Barriers are always there. The Safe Tissue also facing a lot of barriers. Barriers from government and competitors are always meant to be remove to get success Existing and emerging competitors: There are a lot of existing and emerging competitors in the market. For Example Kleenex, but Kleenex providing wide range of product. Also this is the foreign company. Locals producer of toiler papers are main competitors of The Safe Tissue. Management plan: Initially the company total numbers of employees are 25 peoples including directors and owners. Company having 5 Directors and consist of sales, accounts and marketing managers and rest of all are labor use for production and packing of the product. After 12 months, each manager gets assistant manager under him. After 24 Months Department of Human Resource introduce and implemented increasing the employees to 50. After 36 months each head of business has its team and supervisors. Product or Service Plan: Sales model: As per demands of product of product increasing the sales revenues also increases. The following sales model shows the sales made since company establishment in January 2013 and 2014 and onwards 2015. Table Sales Model 2014 2015 2016 Toilets Papers AED 2,750,060 AED 3,350,567 AED 4,670,678 Facial Tissue papers 2,770,768 3,768,344 Total Sales Revenue 2,750,060 6,121,335 8,439,022 Marketing messages: For marketing messages useful means of transferring the messages to our potential customer is used. Proper marketing research has been conducted to review the market properly Marketing and promotions tactics: The Safe Tissue implements the marketing mix to accomplish their valuable goals. It includes the Price Product: To live in this rapid market industry product should be differentiated to make the sale in the market. People want something different and valuable to them for purchasing product. The Safe tissue company has made this marketing mix by making product of high quality and according to modern standard. Place: Place where to sell your product is also the most important perspective of the company. Place is selected according to suppliers and market. Location of the business helps a lot in gaining more sales. Price: Price of the product has great influence over customers. The Safe Tissue price is reasonable and affordable by locals and middle level and low level of families. Hence this factor has the increase the market share of The Safe tissue in the market. Promotion: The promotion is the element of gaining the customer interest. Promotions are made according to price and market trend and customer buying behavior. Promotion creates awareness about the product and hence in results increase in sales. Strategy: Product Strategy: The Safe Tissue using the product strategy. Facial tissue which is for both facial and anti-bacterial tissue wipes use. This package has increased the sales. The two-in-one strategy is giving a competitive edge over his competitors (Srivastava Shubhra) Packaging Strategy: One more strategy which The Safe Tissue implemented is their packaging strategy; the single fold packing of tissue is really easy to carry in clothes. Also the health tips are also printed on the box of facial tissue pack. Also the wrapping of the plastic prevents the tissue from germs and bacteria (Abrams, 2003) Cost Strategy: The facial tissue packet of dual function has the valuable price. This strategy has offered the customers a golden opportunity to buy The Safe Tissue products. (Kogan, 2004) Distribution Strategy: Another effective strategy is distribution strategy. The location of the business is at main point where the access of the suppliers is feasible and convenient. The Safe Tissue company also have different distribution channels. (Haffor-Letchfield, 2011)Logistics management has efficiently working on this strategy Sales force structure: Sales force structure have significant place in business plan. There are three ways of structuring the sales forces. In house sales force means that the sales team of a company or second type of sales force structure is third party selling your product independently. Third type is sales force is middle way between pervious two strategies. The Safe tissue is using all three types but mainly their sales are depend on first type. The Safe Tissue company has competitive sale team. (A.Zoltners, Prabhakant, E.Loriner, 2006) Operating plan Research Development: The Safe tissue company has research and development department. This department has been started in 2013 after one year of business incorporation. The benefit of R D department is clear that sale entry of new product has increase the revenue of the company. Plant Equipments: New and branded machineries are imported from all over the world to produce the healthy tissue papers. The Safe Tissue has installed all its plants and equipment in the Free Zone area. Head office is situated in Abu Dhabi. Logistics: The Safe Tissue Company has its own logistics used for transporting the goods to market. Production Plans: Production plan is for targeting the niche in the market. They has their own staff and manufacturing unit with head office and site office. Operations: The Safe Tissue has SOPs for its manufacturing and production facility as prescribed by the ISO 9001:2008 and safety precautions are checked by the supervisors. The Safe Tissue company regulating all the legal requirements of the UAE. The Safe tissue further acquires more plant for manufacturing and packaging process. The production plan takes months to finalize the production line. Inventory Plan: Business fundamental stock might as well give a sensible collection of items and ought to be colossal enough to blanket the typical bargains mandates of your business. Depending on if youre a begin-up, you wont have real deals and stocking figures from past years to guide you, you should venture your first years deals dependent upon your business arrangement. Any time figuring fundamental stock, you should likewise figure in lead time-the time span between reordering and appropriating an item. For example, if your lead time is four weeks and a specific feature line pushes 10 units a week, then you should reorder when the fundamental stock level falls underneath 40 units. (Entreprenuer, 2006) Provided that you dont reorder until you really require the stock, youll need to hold up four weeks without the item. Inadequate stock denotes lost deals and excessive, drawn out delay purchases. Using up crude materials or parts that are essential to your handling technique denotes expanded working expenses, as well. Your representatives could be getting paid to sit around on the grounds that theres no work for them to do; when the stock does go in, theyll be paid for working extra time to make up for lost creation time. Avoiding Excess inventory: The Safe tissue company avoiding excess inventory as the inventory control system is up to date on regular basis. Information systems: IT is the key source of every business. In this modern era where everything is happening on computers shows the importance of Information Systems. The Safe Tissue has perpetual inventory system. Technical and efficient information technology team has leaded the company to a huge sale and moreover the functions of the company are implemented quickly. Milestones: In short Term goals, the safe Tissue wanted to be known by their health care about their customer. Medium term goal is to keep trying new and innovative ideas to compete their competitors. Long terms goals are to invent new product regarding tissue and new innovation about their products. To capture the whole GCC; the safe Tissue have to increase their plants and equipment to produce more capacity. Exit Plans: The total assets of the company are enough to sell and clear all debts. The Safe Tissue has valuable exit plan. In case of liquidation, all the assets are sold to clear all the liabilities Financial Plan: Table The Safe Tissue Cash Flow Forecast The Safe tissue Cash Flow Statement Cash Flows 2013 2014 2015 2016 AED AED AED AED Opening Cash Balance 700,000 RECEIPTS Cash Received from Sales 3,750,060 6,121,335 8,439,022 Loan Proceeds 15,000,000 TOTAL RECEIPTS 15,700,000 3,750,060 6,121,335 8,439,022 DISBURSEMENTS Machinery and equipment 13,000,000 Accounts Payable 0 0 0 0 Raw Materials 400,000 0 0 0 Supplies 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 Utilities 80,000 80,000 80,000 80,000 Advertising Promo 0 187,503 306,067 421,951 Maintenance Repairs 40,000 40,000 40,000 Wages Salaries 500,000 500,000 500,000 Taxes 0 0 0 0 Loan Repayment 0 2,250,000 2,250,000 2,250,000 Professional/Legal Fees 50,000 50,000 50,000 Total Disbursements 13,530,000 3,157,503 3,276,067 3,391,951 Surplus Deficit 2,170,000 592,557 2,845,268 5,047,071 Notes and Assumptions: The Owner of The Safe Tissue owned manufacturing facility The surplus in 2013 of 2,170,000 Dirhams is the capital reserved for the teams and R D department The cash inflow starts from 2014 The loan taken is 15 million and has to pay back 4 years The interest is 15 % at loan

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder :: Behavior Disorders, Psychology

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder "Robert daydreamed so much that he was pulled out of school. Frank went into such trancelike dreams that one had to shout at him to bring him back. Equally problematic were Sam's restlessness and verbal diatribes. Virginia, too, demonstrated a tendency to talk on and on. Thomas experienced school problems, in part because of his high energy. Nick's tendency to act without thinking caused him to have several scrapes with death and near-tragedies, such as plunging to the earth from the roof of a barn, clutching an umbrella† (Cramond). These are examples of situations that are common to many children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD tend to have creative and unique was of thinking, and many problems focusing on one task, especially in school situations. Today children with this disorder are frequently prescribed medications to control their attention and/or hyperactivity. But are we doing what is in the best interest for children, or making it easier on the adults who have to deal with these children daily? In the previous stated examples we can see how the concentration, hyperactivity, and unique ways of thinking, â€Å"and behaving that were exemplified by Robert Frost, Frank Llyod Wright, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Virginia Wolf, Thomas Edison, and Nikola Tesla. All of these individuals faced school problems, dark diagnoses, or worse. These are example of creative individuals whose behavior could also be interpreted as the inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder† (Cramond). The truth is within the past two generations a phenomenon has taken place in connection to children across this country. Today one and a half million children take medication to focus attention and control hyperactive behavior (Freed 216). Most of these children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There are three types of ADHD the first consists of inattention only or the inability to focus attention. The second consists of hyperactivity and impulsivity. The third form of ADHD is a combined type where the child or adult has difficulty dealing with attention and hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with ADHD are typically prescribed a drug called Ritalin (or one similar to it), which is a methylphenidate (recently amphetamines have been used also) making it easier to control behavior.

Breakfast At Tiffanys Essay -- essays research papers

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote is about the thought that friendship can make a person take drastic measures in helping a friend. The setting is New York City. The point of view is first person limited. Seen through the eyes of the narrator, called â€Å"Fred† ( the main character ), who is a starting writer. I enjoyed the story because it was very interesting to learn and experience life in old New York.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story starts out, probably in the present time, when â€Å"Fred†, who had now been living in New York for a great deal of time, goes into his friend Joe Bell’s bar for a drink. There he learns the his long time friend, Holly Golightly, is still alive by the use of a photograph from an explorer which shows a wood carving made by a tribesman which bears the uncanny resemblance to Holly. After this encounter, â€Å"Fred† begins to reminisce about his past with Holly and all of their wild adventures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Fred’s† first meeting with Holly was through his apartment window. Holly Golightly is a nineteen year-old self-sufficient woman. Some of her personality traits are admirable, affectionate, while cold hearted. She is motivated in life by striving for her purpose in life, which is to be rich and famous while keeping her ego. She believes that love is not sexual. Holly, trying to escape a horrible date, decides to visit her new downstairs neighbor. There she practically tells â€Å"Fred† everything about her life. Fred was a na...

English: It’s position in the global arena Essay

English occupies an important position in global education at the moment. It seems to be seen as a high status language with an inherent connection to capitalism and globalism. The example websites given, one from a university in the Netherlands and the other from Brazil. Both websites are presented in English as well as their national language, despite the fact that English is a secondary language in both nations. This status, rivalling even the official language of the country, seems to have sprung from a number of sources, not the least the general impression that English has become the new lingua franca. The prestige and encroaching ubiquity of English has contributed to it’s increasingly high position within academia. The history of colonialism, the status of English schools in the wider global community and the inexorable link most countries place between capitalism and English. It is also greatly affected by the various policies adopted by countries. Of course this all begs the question of whether the position of English in higher education is a beneficial one, or another form of English imperialism. Politics plays a hefty role in the position of English and it has always been influenced by the relative prestige it enjoys when compared to other languages. The websites shown both exemplify this status. While both websites are based in countries where the official language is not English (Dutch and Spanish respectively), both either presented in English (the Maastricht website) or have a full English translation available (the San Paolo website)(The University of San Paolo, 2013)(Maastricht University, 2013). This shows the remarkable influence that the English language has a secondary education, especially considering they originate from countries that have no history of British colonialism. Other countries, such as India or Malaysia, have these ties to English through the colonial history of the British Empire. In particular, the legacy of colonialism has had a profound effect on the position of English, not just in higher education, but in the world. During the occupation of the various countries that became part of the British empire, it tended to be the policy to educate the native populace in English, to better integrate them into the lower rungs of government. These countries tend to link English with a higher status of education, and, therefore, enact policies to try to capitalise on this  perceived prestige (Hewings, 2012, p96-99). For example, Mahatma Gandhi was educated in an English university, before returning to lead his nation. Also contributing to this sense of the superiority of English is the fact that many of these countries do not share a common language to begin with (India, Malaysia and a variety of countries). Thus, the enforcement of English in education provided a common language for various regions to communicate. India, in particular, has a strong history of this. In turn, this makes higher education in English almost inevitable, as the high status of higher education is naturally paired with the high st atus of English within these countries. However, this can be quite controversial in within the country, with the general feeling that the use of English for governance and education leads to a degrading of the native languages. It has also lead to questions of the usefulness of teaching in English, due to the very real possibility of students having a less than perfect grasp of the language(Martin, 2012, p125-129). This stems from the fact that being able to speak a language is different from being able to study academically in it(Hewings, 2012, p103-105). While these are valid concerns, the political and social backing of English means that the position of English within the higher education spheres of these ex-colonial territories is well-secured. There are also practical reasons for the position of English in higher education. One reason is that many of the industries that are desirable to students in higher education have higher English language skill requirements. Fields such as science, engineering and programming all rely on a high level of English based technical speech and many higher education courses are offered in English(Hewings, 2012, p115-120). For example, if one wishes to study any of the sciences, one must become familiar with the technical terms and writing of various academic publications, a large proportion of which are published in English. These fields require a higher level of education to enter, and necessitate at least a passing knowledge of English to comprehend. English is also used at the highest levels of business, giving rise to the idea that English has become a global lingua franca for business and technology. Thus many will learn English as a means of appearing more business-like and professiona l, and to help them compete in the global market(Gray, 2012, p146-148). This gives rise to a feedback  loop, wherein to enter these fields, one must speak English well enough to learn them, which in turn causes those fields to be even more locked in to English based higher education. Additionally, a number of industries have sprung up around higher education, such as academic publishing or English language teacher training. These industries provide a sustained push for the position of English, with resources for higher education being produced by publishers based out of English language universities(Gray, 2012, p148-150, p158-161). These publishers have little economic incentive to publish in other languages, thus most high end resources for universities are published and sourced from English speaking countries. This is shown by the high amount of universities that offer their courses in English(Hewings, 2012, p113). This establishes that a large quantity of materials used in secondary education, and a lot of the more prestigious training for teachers of such, stem from English language universities. Even European universities have begun to offer courses entirely in English, especially in the Eastern European countries such as Slovakia. In these countries, especially those that gained their independence with the fall of the Soviet Union, English is seen as the language of capitalism(Prendergast C., 2012, p33-35). As such, younger people, seeking ambitiously to carve a place for themselves, learn English to better place themselves in higher status jobs(Prendergast C., 2012, p35-38 ). In turn, this created a demand for higher education in English, to the point where the price of these courses skyrocketed (Prendergast C., 2012, p33). All of these factors have contributed to the seemingly dominant position of English in higher education. Many people have argued for and against the position of English in higher education, with some claiming that the ubiquity of English allows for greater collaboration and dissemination of information (Prime Minister’s Office, 2008, Seargeant, 2012, p9-10) while others claim that this same ubiquity is pushing out other languages(Sutherland, 2002, Seargeant, 2012, p10) and the features of education that those languages have. This debate further solidifies the position of English within higher education, due to the simple acknowledgement such a debate infers. By the basic fact that such a debate is happening, the participants have agreed that English has a dominating presence within higher education. One such argument posited by  those against the proliferation, is that other languages slide into decline and with them their own particular features within higher education, for example the French thesis-antithesis-synthesis essay(Coleman, 2006, Hewings, 2012, p114-115). If English becomes the sole language of higher education, then these features may simply cease to exist. The counter argument to this is that the growing ubiquity of English allows for a much greater sharing of information due to providing a common point for many different countries. An additional argument against is that teaching in more than one language can be beneficial to the students ((Monaghan, p134 – 136). This argument ignores the difficulties of training teachers in the multitude of languages that they may encounter within the classroom from students of varied backgrounds. Equally, one must not forget that higher education is not only the stage for education but is also a great contributor to the development of science and a retainer of scientific knowledge. By setting the standard of higher education to one language, which did not necessarily have to be English, a much greater pool of knowledge can be made available than might otherwise be possible. Students from various background and cultures would be able to access the same sources of information and, thus have a gr eater chance of advancing and gaining knowledge. In conclusion, the position of English within higher education can be thought of as a useful one. It came about due to the specific historical and political factors unique to English. It just so happened that most of the mathematical, scientific and technological notation is based largely in English (for example, the development of the internet was an American innovation). It also just so happened that the notion of capitalism and big business is also closely associated with English. Equally, the legacy of colonialism has meant that the English language is spread widely around the globe, and is linked to the upper rungs of these societies, due to the government of these colonies being run largely by Englishmen and the natives they taught English too. These factors all combine into a general view of English as being the language of professionalism and of globalism, making it attractive for those with skill sets derived from higher education(). In turn this created demand for English t o be the language these courses were taught in. Whether or not this is a good thing is a matter for debate, but  for good or ill, the fact remains. English enjoys a lofty position within the higher education system of the world. References: Gray J. (2012), ‘English the industry’ in Hewings A. And Tagg C. (eds) The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 137 – 163 Hewings A. (2012), ‘Learning English, learning through English’ in Hewings A. And Tagg C. (eds) The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 93 – 120 Maastricht University (2013) Maastricht University, Leading in Learning [online], http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ (accessed 11/04/2013) Martin P. (2012), ‘Tensions between language policy and practice’ in Hewings A. And Tagg C. (eds) The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 121 – 128 Monaghan F. (2012), ‘English lessens’ in Hewings A. And Tagg C. (eds) The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 129 – 136 Open University (2012), U215, The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University Prendergast C.(2012), ‘English and ambivalence in a new capitalist state’ in Hewings A. And Tagg C. (eds) The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 33 – 39 Seargeant P. (2012), ‘The politics and policies of global English’ in Hewings A. And Tagg C. (eds) The Politics of English Conflict, Competition, Co-existence, Abingdon, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 5 – 32 The University of San Paolo (2013) Universidade de Sao Paulo [online], http://www5.usp.br/en/ (accessed 11/04/2013)