China Education System Needs

China Education System Needs to be Changed on College Entrance Exam Introduction Getting up at 6 a. m. in the morning, after breakfast, then go to school to begin reading books or reciting textbooks. This was how I began my school life when I was in high school. I start my school life and study at 7 a. m. in the morning and until 9 p. m in the evening. When all my classes were over I could back home, but it did not mean that I can relax and go to bed. When I back home take a shower and continue studying until midnight. When I start our second year in high school, I need to choose a major: arts or science.I choose arts in high school, so except Chinese, math and English, which everyone need to learn, I also needed to take politics, history and geography class. For sstudents who chose science, they need to take physics, biology and chemistry class instead. All Chinese sstudents have to study so hard for a reason: the college entrance exam, also called â€Å"gaokao† in Chinese. T here are over ten million sstudents taking this exam every year in China. Only a small group of sstudents can pass this exam to get into the top university and get further education.When we take the college entrance exam, and sstudents in different majors need to take different exams. There are two different tests, one for arts and one for sciences. And sstudents who major in arts need to remember lots of information; sstudents who major in science need to lots of homework. Many sstudents who cannot pass it may continue studying and take gaokao the next year or just go to a university that is not so good. As our parent's say, this is an exam that decides our whole life. So, it is easy to know how much pressure we have when we face this exam.I want to argue in this essay that I think China should provide the college entrance exam twice a year and, furthermore, should avoid using the exam alone to determine which sstudents can attend the best colleges. Making these changes can reduce the pressure on sstudents so that they can enjoy themselves and pursue other academic and non-academic interests. Some Background about â€Å"Gaokao† The gaokao that we take today was began at 1978. At first it was held in July every year, from 2003 it begins hold in June every year because July is too hot.In China, the Compulsory Education Law that every single child must receive education at least for nine years. They need to start learning in kindergarten between age three to six. After three years in kindergarten, they need continue through primary school, middle school and then, for some people who have privilege to get higher education. There are two different levels of Chinese universities. The first category awards undergraduate diplomas and bachelor degrees following four years of study, whereas the second group awards undergraduate diplomas after two or three years. To enter these universities sstudents must sit the gaokao.According to an author Davey, â€Å"The ex am in China is ultimately under the control of the National Examination Authority within the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education co-ordinates and oversees the writing of exam questions, whereas lower-level government is responsible for printing and delivering the exam papers, as well as arranging exam centers, marking and reporting results â€Å"(Davey, 387). After several decades gaokao has become the most important exam for all China sstudents. Every year in June 7 and 8, two days that gaokao hold, it is just like a festival for examination.Sstudents take exam in local schools but not the school where they take class every day. When we enter the examination hall we cannot bring anything but a pen and student card. There is no calculator and dictionary when we take exam. On the first day of exam, we take Chinese test in the morning for two and half hours. In the afternoon we take the mathematics for two hours. It is a hard time when we finish our first day of exam. I remember when I finished the first day of exam, I felt a little bit relax because I pass math exam that was the most difficult part for me.I just glanced over my politics and history books prepared for next day. On the second day of gaokao, sstudents who major in arts take the test including politics, history and geography in the morning. Sstudents who major in sciences need take the test including physical, chemistry and biology. Last test is English in the afternoon of second of exam. In these two days police will come out to direct traffic and make sstudents can arrive to examination hall on time. Paren'ts are all worried about their children and many of them just stand outside of the examination hall wait till exam is over.It is a very common phenomenon through this time period. For us, when we start our school life, be successful in the gaokao is our ultimate goal for every student. It is just like a battle that have no gun and smoke. It is very obvious to know why we have no t ime to enjoy our spare time to play games, or just hang out for a day. The exam is very stressful, when we start to prepare for it is stressful as well. Less time to sleep, when we get into last year in high school, we even have no PE class just major classes all day long.Zheng, a writer from Research Center of High Education Development introduces that, â€Å"As the most important educational examination system of present-day China, the college entrance exam, while shouldering its original task of selecting qualified new sstudents for colleges and universities, also â€Å"holds multiple jobs,† pperforming educational, cultural, political, and other multifaceted social functions† (Zheng, 15). Gaokao even cares about our future career. A student graduate from the top university have a better chance to get good job than a student just graduate from normal university.The argument Zoninsein, a reporter from Slate Magazine argues â€Å"Essentially, Chinese universities acc ept those sstudents who are good at taking tests. This makes sense for an educational system historically oriented toward rote learning, where sstudents are tested on how well they've memorized their teachers' lectures. Mary, who is about to graduate from the Beijing Foreign Languages University, admitted she had many brilliant friends who simply didn't test well. They retook the test after another year of studying and enrolled wherever their scores permitted† (Zoninsein).As we all know, China has the largest number of people in the whole world. It is easy to image that how much pressure that Chinese sstudents face when they need to find a job. There is a social phenomenon have been in China for so long that if a student graduates from top university it mearns that he or she can find a good job. Benjamin a reporter from TIME net report this in 2007: â€Å"This year, close to 10 million Chinese sstudents sat for the gaokao, starting June 8. Sstudents who perform superlatively can expect to be courted by the nation's top schools; the rest find spots in provincial universities or two- and three-year colleges.For the 40 ppercent of test-takers who fail, there's always next year — or enrollment at one of China's less-selective private institutions. As China's economy booms, job competition has become ferocious — and the pressure to land a prestigious degree can be unbearable†(Benjamin). Indeed, there are also many unfair phenomena in the college entrance exam. For example, sstudents who take the exam in different place may get different grades during the exam. Sstudents who live in big city like Beijing and Shanghai can pass this exam easier than the sstudents who live in region area.Because there are many good universities in Beijing and Shanghai, when they enroll new sstudents they need sstudents' grades for gaokao, the university treat local sstudents and nonlocal sstudents in different way, they treat local sstudents better than nonlo cal sstudents. For instance, two sstudents get the same grades in gaokao, one of them is local student in Beijing, and the other one is not a local student. In this situation, the local student can get enrolled in Beijing University but the nonlocal student may not. The exam seems to create inequality among Chinese sstudents in different regions.

Gdp And Economic Welfare Essay

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the most important economic indicator and it is used for comparison purposes to see how countries are doing economic wise. It entails the aggregate production or output in a country. GDP can be measured using either the expenditure approach where all final expenditures are added or by the income approach where all compensations of employees and other forms of incomes are added up. GDP is used to measure an economy’s economic growth. Hartzenberg T et al (2005, 114). The real GDP can be used to establish how an economy is performing and hence compare various economies as one can compare their outputs. It is also important in the sense that it can be used for forecasting purposes and hence important in planning. This paper will distinguish the difference between economic growth which can be measured using GDP statistics and national welfare or people’s well being. According to McConnel and Brue in their distinguished book ‘Economics’, a country can be said to have economic growth when there is a positive increase in its GDP. Economic growth is different from economic welfare and economic development. Economic growth is characterized by an increment in natural resources, the quantity or quality for the human resources, as well as an improvement in technology that translates to increased productivity. Economic growth refers to a positive shift in the production possibility curve to the right or where economic efficiency is attained. McConnel and Brue (2005, 149). A country A could register a higher GDP than country B but this does not necessarily mean that country A is doing better in terms of economic welfare as there is a clear distinction between economic growth and national welfare. This can be blamed on the limitations attached or rather linked to GDP calculation and analysis. (facstaff. uww. edu). Walter in the book ‘Economics’, noted that GDP ignores or rather omits household production which is an important sector in as far as determining the welfare of people is concerned. Wessels W (2006, 75). Alan and Laurence backed this idea in their book ‘Macroeconomics an integrated approach’ where they argued that GDP does not account for the unreported incomes which are earned in the ‘underground economy’. A good illustration of unreported incomes is a situation where waiters fail to report all the tips they acquire while on duty. People may fail to report their actual incomes to evade taxes. Statistical problems could also have occurred creating the impression that country A had a higher GDP than country B though this may not be actually be the case. Some people may not divulge all the information regarding their incomes or expenditure leading to wrong GDP estimates. If country B has a very significant ‘underground economy’ then her citizens could be doing better than those in country A even though the latter had a lower GDP. This is an indication that high GDP rates do not necessarily translate to better welfare for the citizens. Auerbach and Kotlikoff (1998, 136). When calculating GDP the aspect of leisure is ignored although it is very critical in as far as defining people’s welfare is concerned. Country A could register a higher GDP than country B but the citizens in country A could have been overworked leading to health complications. In this case, the high GDP could be at the expense of the people’s health and we cannot conclude that it ensured their welfare or well being. Wessels W (2006, 75). Using GDP figures to determine the people’s welfare is inappropriate as it fails to include ecological costs incurred in the process of attaining the said GDP. Ecological costs include the costs of pollution. Country A could register a higher GDP than country B due to the fact that country A had better technology that ensured increased production. However, the increased production could have been realized in the face of increased air, water and land pollution all of which poses health hazards to the citizens. Wessels W (2006, 75). When such is the case then we cannot conclude that country B is doing better than country A. People’s well being encompasses the people’s health and not just their economic well being. A country with lower GDP but ensuring that her environment is safe for her citizens is doing well in terms of national welfare even though it could record a lower GDP than one with a higher GDP but has a polluted environment. GDP ignores a country’s environmental quality and it fails to account for the consequences that an economic growth could come along with. Auerbach and Kotlikoff (1998, 136). GDP also focuses on output or production although it is consumption that could best explain people’s welfare. For instance country A could sell more goods to other nations like country B since the demand for such goods in country B is higher. In this context, country B could be doing better than country A but since country A exports more it may create the impression that it is doing better. On the other hand, country B may register a lower GDP translating to being worse off as her net exports are negative but in the real sense they could be doing better. Focusing only on the output approach would lead to distortions while addressing the issue of national welfare. Another critical issue cited by Wessels as a limitation of using GDP to evaluate a country’s or nation’s well being is the fact that government spending is valued at cost rather than at its value. Government projects in country A could have been at a higher cost than those in country B but an important aspect to consider here is how much the projects were worth to the citizens. This is because some important projects could be undervalued while worthless projects are overvalued and this will have a significant impact in as far as influencing the people’s welfare or well being is concerned. Wessels (2006, 75). GDP calculation does not include the plight of the people in terms of health and life expectancy which are quite important in assessing the people’s well being or welfare. Country A could have a higher GDP than country B but if she has a lower life expectancy rate and is performing poorly in terms of general health of her citizens then we cannot argue that her citizens are better off than those of country B especially if in country B the life expectancy and general health is better. Health which is a very important factor in determining the people’s welfare when calculating a country’s GDP people’s conditions health wise are only included if they increase the costs of the health system. A country’s health costs could be attributed to modern and advanced health technologies but this does not guarantee a nations well being health wise as the costs incurred may not match the benefits attained. Democracy or political freedom is an important part in determining people’s welfare. Good governance is one where respective freedoms are respected and most importantly democracy embraced. Using GDP to evaluate people’s welfare is inappropriate as it does not provide any information regarding a country’s governance. Country A could register a higher GDP than country B but the political organization in country A could be oppressive to the citizens. In this context, we cannot argue that country A citizens are better than those in country B which could be exercising democracy and consequently not oppressing her citizens. (facstaff. uww. edu). Another vital issue in defining people’s well being is assessing social justice in a country. If country A registered a higher GDP but was very poor in terms of the civil justice system then we cannot conclude that her citizens well being was ensured. Country B citizens could be doing better at a lower GDP level if she ensured an effective social justice system. An effective system ensures that the rule of law is embraced and people’s rights respected. This is important in ensuring that corruption which threatens people’s welfare as it only benefits a segment of the total population is kept at bay. Using GDP to compare the well being of people in country A and B could give a wrong impression of what is actually the case. This is attributed to the fact that a country could have overly adjusted for inflation leading to the impression that increase in prices translate to hikes in prices even when this could be as a result of improvement in the products produced. Morse S (2004, 39). Another aspect that makes it inappropriate to compare country’s welfare using the GDP statistics is the fact that for such comparisons one must convert the currencies into the other country’s currency and when carrying out the conversions it is possible to understate a country’s GDP especially in the developing nations. A country A could register a higher GDP than country B due to errors arising from conversions of currencies. (facstaff. uww. edu). Country A could have a higher GDP than country B but her citizens could be worse off than those of country B in terms of national welfare. This is attributed to the fact that country A could be characterized by many social evils as opposed to country B. Failure to include the non-market production in the calculation of GDP makes it an inappropriate tool in determining people’s welfare in an economy. Such services like childcare, subsistence farming and care for the aged mean a lot in as far as people’s welfare is concerned. Country A could have a higher GDP but with a lower subsistence economy when compared to country B. A significant subsistence economy would ensure that a country’s food security is ensured and this would place her citizens at a better stance in as far as their well being or welfare is concerned. GDP fails to account for the effects or consequences of technology which has an impact in its determination. In contrast GDP is more concerned on the value of the end product without taking to concern the efficiency of the technologies in question. If country A registered a higher GDP than country B but country A’s government invested more in sectors like education and health ensuring that her citizens were better off in those areas then we can conclude that country B’s welfare is doing well even if it has a lower GDP than country A. Treating investment in education and health as consumption rather than investments makes it difficult to estimate people’s welfare. Willis I (1997, 164). Distribution of resources in a country is also a point to consider when using GDP figures to estimate people’s welfare. Country A could register a higher GDP than country B but this high GDP could have been arrived from a small insignificant proportion of the total population. This is to say that it is inappropriate to say that country A citizens are doing better than those in country B as the GDP is contributed by a small proportion while a large proportion of the society could be languishing in poverty. Income distribution is of much essence when determining people’s welfare in an economy. The inequality issue and GDP arise more so in developing countries or third world as opposed to developed ones. Willis I (1997, 164). Social issues like family stability are also not reflected when calculating GDP although it has an impact on people’s welfare or well being. GDP in country A could be higher than that in country B as more money is being channelled into paying divorce cases lawyers or building more police posts in response to increased crime rates. This illustrates that it is inappropriate to make conclusions about people’s welfare using GDP. In his book ‘The Japanese Economy’, Mitsuo Saito noted the inappropriateness of GDP as a tool of evaluating people’s well being due to the fact that it does not indicate the labour conditions, housing conditions, state of the social security or the urban life which are crucial in determining people’s well being. Saito M (2000, 13). Economic growth could be based on either the demand side or the supply side of an economy. The aggregate demand could increase due to an increment in the population size while aggregate supply could be due to the discovery of new natural resources. Aggregate output is affected by the level of labour supply, the stock of accumulated capital, level of technology as well as the institutions in place. There is an inverse relationship between prices levels and output and when prices levels fall the output increases. Tanzi and Chu (1998, 203). Monetary and fiscal policies in a given economy would affect the country’s well being or welfare. The people’s welfare will be affected by the policies that an economy embraces. Good policies are those that aim for equitable economic growth in a nation. They ensure that the poor in the society are not worse off but instead uplift them. This can be achieved through the application of equitable taxes such that people’s ability to pay is what determines the amount they are to pay all taxes. The rich will pay a higher amount than the poor in such cases. The government could also apply fiscal policies to ensure development for the poor in society. References: Alan J. Auerbach, Laurence J. Kotlikoff. 1998. Macroeconomics: An Integrated Approach. MIT Press. Bernard Baumohl. 2007. The Secrets of Economic Indicators: Hidden Clues to Future Economic Trends and Investment Opportunities. Wharton School Publishing. Campbell R. McConnell, Stanley L. Brue. 2005. Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies. McGraw-Hill Professional Publishers. Measuring GDP and economic growth. Retrieved on 23rd November 2008 from http://facstaff. uww. edu/ahmady/courses/econ202/ps/sg3. pdf Mitsuo Saito. 2000. The Japanese Economy. World Scientific Publishers. Ian Wills. 1997. Economics and the Environment: A Signaling and Incentives Approach Allen & Unwin Publishers. Stephen Morse. 2004. Indices and Indicators in Development: An Unhealthy Obsession with Numbers? Earthscan Publishers. T. Hartzenberg, Buck Standish, A. Wentzel, V. Tang, T. Hartzenberg, S. Richards. 2005.

Learning Through Play: Games and Crowdsourcing for Adult Education Essay

Games are a powerful to engage people with ideas and with each other. They are a way to learn new skills, and to interact with other people. This interaction can be with other people in the same room or with people online. Games are fun. This is obvious, but sometimes it can become forgotten about in the discussion. In research in 2011 by Bond University for the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association * pcs are in 98% of game households with 62% of game households using a pc for games. Game consoles are in 63% of game households, dedicated handheld consoles in 13%. Mobile phones are used to play games in 43% of game households, tablet computers in 13% * 43% of people aged 51 or over are garners * most garners play between half an hour and an hour at a time and most play every other day 59% play for up to an hour at one time and just 3% play for five or more hours in one sitting 57% of all gamers play either daily or every other day. * 83% of parents play video games. (1) Comparable statistics are not available for board, tabletop and card games. This is unfortunate as, from word of mouth, board games are very popular. The German, or European, style games have strong appeal for adults. Games in this category include Settlers of Catan (2) and Carcassone. (3) Board games can be used as part of an education program exploring games, game design, history, and strategy. They could also be used to introduce adults to games they did not play when they were growing up–and that is just the start of what is possible. Find the future New York Public Library received much coverage for its 2011 game Find the future (10) which ran as part of their centenary celebrations as a way for people to discover and explore the collection. The game was deliberately designed with an education focus. The first night of the game was run as an event for five hundred people. After this people could play this game at their own pace and in their own time, at the library. Changing thinking about games There is still reluctance, despite the overwhelming statistics, for many libraries to admit how many of the adults who use their collections and services probably play games. Earlier this year Heikki Holmas, the new Norwegian minister for international development, was given media coverage because of his public statements about his own playing of Dungeons and Dragons, and how skills are learned in games which have real world applications. This means that his tabletop games skills will help him in parliament. (11) Adam Grimm highlights some of the skills and attributes gained or developed by playing Dungeons and Dragons which include imagination, structure, performance and problem solving. (12) People like Heikki Holmas and Adam Grimm are using our libraries and we are rarely giving them a way to engage–or may be guilty of making judgments about them because of the games they play. The Central Arkansas Library System ran programming for adults teaching people about playing World of Warcraft. This may seem an unusual game to be part of a library education program. However, the aim of this education program was social inclusion, and it was thought that playing a game like World of Warcraft may be one way to assist in this locally. Library staff were pleased with the outcomes. (13,14) There are many opportunities in libraries using games for education Some of these can be done by showing how exciting games can be and by having people realise that the boardgames they may have played as children, or even have played with their children have developed and new possibilities target adult players. Playing Carcassonne could be used as part of an adult education program on medieval history, so people could be discussing the history they are reading, but also play a game constructing a medieval town and so apply the ideas they have learned from reading or hearing about the medieval world. Games can allow a different angle on creativity in education programming. Brian Mayer and Christopher Harris in their book Libraries got game: aligned learning through modern board games have written about this from a primary school aged perspective, but many of their ideas apply to learning through games at any age. (15) They also make the point strongly that a game has to really be a game. This sounds obvious, yet people forget this point surprisingly often. There is a lot of tools to help with boardgames. BoardGameGeek (16) is an invaluable online resource with detailed reviews about boardgames as well as walk throughs of the different games. Table Top with Wil Wheaton by Geek & Sundry (17) is an excellent video channel to learn how different table top games are played–so you can start thinking about their place in educational programming, and not simply programs about learning to play games. The Game Library for the School Library System of Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (18) has some useful resources for games targeting infants and primary aged children. Science games There are also ways to draw in the community through games. A game like Fold.it (19) a University of Washington initiative which is about folding proteins has resulted in scientific breakthroughs. (20) It was designed to trigger scientific discovery, but the game is also an experiment. Fold.it could be used as part of a series of science talks, with visiting or local scientists, at a library where the participants could join in with others who are contributing to scientific discoveries. Then people could be working in a collaborative space in the library, folding proteins together interacting with the other people also in the library space as well as others online in Fold.it. This could appeal to a wide range of ages, from students considering science careers, to adults wanting creative and puzzle solving options. It is a free, social, online game. EteRNA, (21) a collaboration between Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University has similar concepts. This is a game about RNA molecules, and again serious science is being done through playing games. (22) This would also make for interesting library programming. These games could be part of a series about science, but equally they could be part of a series about games to help more people understand the range of options available to people who play games exploring creative problem solving, and helping to do science at the same time. Both Fold.it and EteRNA would be useful inclusions with library based science programming, and could provide a useful tie in to your library collection, including databases. The Science Museum in London has a significant collection of online games about science, which could be used to help people learn more about specific ideas, as well as to explore ideas of game design and engagement. (23) Through all this science it is important to remember the ideas of Mayer and Harris, that first and foremost the games have to be fun. Zombie Climate Apocalypse (24) run by The Edge at the State Library of Queensland may seem an unusual inclusion for science games–however the game is about survival. The players have to problem solve a vast range of survival skills (including water purification) so science is really important. A game like Zombie Apocalypse taps into many library collections (books, dvds and databases with information about the idea of zombies and survival), and can help bring a new range of clients to the library. A game like this can also be used to bring in ideas from places like the USA Centre for Disease Control and its web pages about zombie preparedness (25) which they created as a different way for people to think about disaster preparedness. If you are ready to survive zombies you are probably ready for other natural disasters as well. Science is well suited to education programs involving games, using ideas for partnerships mentioned above. Unlike Orange County Library Service we are not all going to have Otronicon in our area. Otronicon explored the science, art, technology, careers and fun behind videogames, simulation and digital media. Each year, multiple industry partners join the Orlando Science Center to celebrate how digital media technologies impact the way we live, learn, work and play. (26) Orange County Library Service has also been highlighting games as part of its services, and as part of the education program. They have classes teaching game design, but also educating people about the employment possibilities presented by games. (27) We will all have scientists in our communities, no matter how small. It just requires some creative thinking to explore partnerships, and to consider who you might invite to your library as part of a science education program including games, collections and science databases. Games design for all ages This is an area of potential partnership with universities which teach game design (if they are local to your area) or with local games groups. It is a specialist area of education. Some public libraries and museums have been running programs on game design, mainly targeting children and teenagers. There is much underexplored potential for running this kind of education program for adults. It also might be about seeing if you can create a game to help people explore the history of their area so the education elements would be around research (so that the history of the area can be explored), and games design (to see if a meaningful game can be created for the community). This is a specialist area, needing specialist trainers. Be open to the formats you are considering, as the games do not need to be made on computers or even for computers. Board games are a very popular format, as are large scale games outdoors.

Discuss Rome's Three Heirs (Please see the instruction) Essay

Discuss Rome's Three Heirs (Please see the instruction) - Essay Example irers of Roman culture and allowed the Roman language Latin to co-exist with the tribal languages, retaining the Roman system of Government and accommodating themselves to Roman culture. Rome was also the cultural context within Christianity was born and the invading tribes took to the new religion, especially through the influence of the Franks who helped to convert most of the barbarians to Roman Christianity. The European civilizations therefore brought about a relatively peaceful transition from Roman to Germanic rule, although there was an initial economic collapse due to the marauding barbarians. However, the final result was that the Roman language, the Catholic religion and Roman law and Government triumphed in the west European regions in the post-Roman era. Constantinople in the eastern part of the Roman Empire became the imperial capital of the Byzantine Empire. As opposed to the barbarians of the west, this empire was comprised of Hellenistic, Greek, Roman and Judaic elements. The origin of the empire was the rebuilding of Byzantium as Constantinople in 324, which was followed by the expansion of the empire into Asia Minor and the spread of the Islamic religion, up to 1204 when the Byzantine empire fell to the Ottoman Turks. The first phase of the Byzantine empire under emperor Justinian was the most remarkable in terms of political and cultural achievement. From a cultural perspective, Constantinople represented the crossroads of the Asian and European civilizations. From a legal perspective, Justinian ordered a collation and revision of Roman law. As a result, the law was codified to eliminate excessive legal decrees and introduce clear, enforceable laws. The corpus juris civilis or the body of civil law was produced, which contained the precepts of the law and also contained Justinian’s code of bringing subjects under the authority of a single sovereign, which latter also became the foundation of European law. The Government was centralized

MBA-HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

MBA-HRM - Essay Example This concept led to the evolution of strategic HRM (SHRM). Various models of SHRM have been proposed by different researchers. Each of these models considers human resources at the focal point, and organizational strategies formulated in line with organizational goals and expectations from employees. However, the challenge to SHRM is its inability to be measurable. It is extremely difficult to measure effectiveness of strategies before achieving any outcome; at the same time, waiting for outcome could be disastrous to the organization. Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Score Card system is an impressive way to assess the effectiveness of strategies. This helps in translating an organization’s vision, mission, value and strategy into a comprehensive set of performance measures based on four key perspectives, finance, learning and growth, internal processes and customers. It also enables companies to assess short-term strategies, modify strategies and also manage performance (Kaplan & Norton, 2007). Nevertheless, SHRM is a complex and dynamic process requiring a systematic approach that includes consideration of external such as socioeconomic, technical, politicolegal factors and nature of competition; and internal factors such as culture, structure, leadership, technology, organizational goals (Lundy & Cowling, 1996, 77). Yet, the comprehensive six-step SHRM application tool seems highly useful for organizations to implement SHRM at the ground level and with a futuristic vision (Hartel et al, 2007). Considering the dynamic nature of SHRM and constantly changing environmental and organizational behaviors, scope of SHRM cannot be defined or limited. Philosophically, leaders and strategists should have an outlook of ‘change’ in using and implementing SHRM concept. It is clear that HRM is a complex phenomenon and all factors related to HRM need to be

International Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

International Law - Essay Example This paper shall critically evaluate the means by which a territory can become a state. This essay is being written in order to arrive at a thorough and extensive assessment of statehood, especially, in relation to territory. Discussion Much debate and conflict have been seen owing to the right of a state to claim statehood. To this very day, different territories are trying to claim statehood and independence from their mother states. These claimants have even waged violent conflicts with their mother states in their bid for independence and statehood. Their belief revolves around the fact that since they fulfil the elements of statehood, they deserve to be recognized as independent states. These beliefs are however often rebuked by their mother states who often claim that these territories are not independent states, and for as long as they have sovereignty over it, international bodies cannot recognize them as independent states. The means by which a territory can later become and be recognized as a state are basically focused on the four elements. After these elements are established, the processes of international laws have to be applied in order to secure recognition for the territory as a state. Based on Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention, a state, in order to be recognized as a person of international law, must possess the following elements: a permanent population; a defined territory; government; and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Traditionally, many states were able to gain recognition via international bodies by fulfilling the above basic requirement, as well as the requirements of sovereignty and independence (UIO Faculty of Law, 2010). A territory can become a state by first having a sufficient number of people to make up a population. Different authors and scholars support this basic premise because it is a natural requirement for subsistence. There is no specific requirement as to the number of inhabitants only that, this population needs to be sufficient in the conduct of state functions (Shaw, 2003, p. 179). This population also needs to be permanently based on the territory. It is this qualification which disqualifies Antarctica for statehood. It does not have a permanent population. At different points of the year, explorers from different countries enter the continent, but they do not settle therein permanently and they eventually return to their own states (Fry, Goldstein, & Langhorne, 2002, p. 457). Conversely, even as Somalia’s population is not permanent, with its nomad residents drifting in and out of its territory, it still is considered a state because the people have the ultimate intention of going back (Fry, Goldstein, & Langhorne, 2002, p. 457). It is also important to note that there is also no requirement for the people to have common linguistic, ethnic, cultural, or historical characteristics. The size of the population does not also matter. Vatican City is a small stat e with a small population, but it is able to function and carry out its responsibilities and roles as a state (Fry, Goldstein, & Langhorne, 2002, p. 457). In order for a territory to be qualified for statehood, its population only needs to fulfil the minimum requirements of permanency and be of a sufficient number to carry out duties of statehood. This qualification for statehood is actually one of the easier elements to fulfil, and is often the least source of controversy for territories seeking statehood. Government

Alternative Ways of Serving Arrest Warrants Assignment

Alternative Ways of Serving Arrest Warrants - Assignment Example Many occurrences have been witnessed where such attempts to serve people with the arrest warrants has ended up causing violence, harm and death to the officers serving the warrants or to the recipients themselves. When the officers go to serve the individuals concerned with such arrest warrants, the individuals may choose to lock the offices out of their residence, so that they do not receive the warrants. The individuals can also opt to harm the officers serving them with the warrants or even harm themselves to ensure they are not arrested. Non-reception of such arrest warrants would mean that the individuals do not appear in court to answer the charges against them. Currently, many instances where individuals have attempted to block the officers from serving them with arrest warrants have been reported. Therefore, there is a need to seek for alternative ways to serve the concerned people with such warrants of arrest. In light of the above, such alternatives such as serving the arre st warrants to people through messages to their phones and E-mails should be applied. This is helpful in ensuring that the officers serving the arrest warrants do not necessarily have to go to the residence of the individuals concerned. These alternatives can save time and cost, while alleviating the risks associated with presenting the warrants to the physical address. Worth noting, however, is the fact that the courts may not recognize such methods. This limits the alternatives open, leaving only the physical presentation of the warrant as the only practical method.

The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design Essay

The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design - Essay Example The essay "The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design" discusses postmodernism and minimalism through the architecture. This paper discovers what values of minimalism applied in architectural design as a process. The grand restructuring optimisms of the 1920s, of Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, had been stranded on the movement of social pragmatism. In the course of actions, the hopes of an architecture that might promote the public good of humanity were interpreted as elitist and minimalist, with an old-fashioned touch of Calvinist belief and frugality. After the filth had receded and the crooked steelwork had been put away, the site was settled for the antidote newbie postmodernism, which provided pluralism in replacement of uniformity, and bliss, happiness and intelligence in place of the washed out white walls of a succeeding reformation. While they paraded their way on to the vacant building location, the champions of postmodernism carri ed with them a shortened history that lessened the genuine complexity and ingenuity of modernism. The revolution in architectural design that had prevailed in the century was represented as the triumph of the square or the box, the flexible case as universal packaging, or as an embodiment of a Protestant Reformation placing confidence in the liberating features of industrialisation and democracy. In criticizing modernism as minimalist, the supporters of postmodernism cited a history that was itself similarly minimalist and ordinary.

Goddesses in world religions and cultures Research Paper

Goddesses in world religions and cultures - Research Paper Example Divinity relates to the existence and our subsequent belief in God, Gods, and/or Goddesses. Various cultures have followed polytheistic and monotheistic ideals of divinity for centuries. Some still survive today and some do not. One such Deity representation which has become a symbol rather than actual worship in the modern world is the Goddess Culture, or Goddess centered worships. Though it has manifested itself in pop culture, mass consumerism, and various outspread ‘occult’ religions, it has powerful roots in practices of old. We know that civilization’s cradle was hunting and agriculture. These two aspects were attributed to male and female counterparts as part of a natural living arrangement. Women and agriculture were equated as being fertile, bringing forth new life and vitality. This gave way to perhaps a self-constructed notion of a female deity which was responsible for vegetative-ness. Though we may not see evidence of it in our current world surroundings, the European Goddess culture of old lasted for thousands of years and has managed to permeate into differing modern day contexts. The eventual suppression of Goddess worship came about as a result of a number of factors. Historians largely believe that the Eastern dominance of Europe had a major impact. They brought biological knowledge of male procreation as well as their own mostly patriarchal values to Europe. This slow evolvement of thought coupled with male brute strength eventually came to replace the concept of the Divine Feminine and render her inferior to men. The situation was intensified when the witch-hunts and witch-burnings of the Middle Ages began to take place all across Europe and America. These were the same women who were considered heretics, pagans, and followers of some unnatural nature religion. But prior to such suppression, somewhere during the pre-Christian era, polytheistic

Expatriate Salespeople Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Expatriate Salespeople - Assignment Example es, there may be legal challenges that determine whether or not expatriate salespeople can be used or if the market is unable to support a full-time salesperson. The times that there might be situations in which expatriate sales managers are supervisors of the foreign salespeople. However, there are some issues that should be addressed. Some of these include the inability to be able to communicate between the foreign sales team and the expatriate sales manager. Another issue that is often faced is when the expatriate is unable to adapt to the foreign environment in which they are required to work. Many times there may also be legal barriers that can be significant problems. Many of the skills that an expatriate salesperson is required to do is to be nonjudgmental, be able to react professionally if there is frustration in a situation, and must be empathetic of other people’s needs based on their own standpoint rather than the salesperson’s own standpoint. A person must also have an interest in the culture and the people and be respectful. The family may include an interview with the candidate’s family to ensure that the person is right for the job because the family is typically the people who know the person the best and their ability to adapt and work in new areas. The candidate’s family is critiqued to see if there is a problem if the expatriate salesperson will be gone to a foreign country for a significant amount of time. Expatriates returning to the United States are often dissatisfied because of a growing number of attrition of those who return. There is a much lower morale. Many times those coming from the U.S. find that there are several family related problems that have strained their ability to work things out by being away for so long. They are often dissatisfied because of the compensation levels and

Does organic pollution affect E.Coli growth Essay

Does organic pollution affect E.Coli growth - Essay Example The paper tells that biological analysis of water to detect and quantify water pollution is a non-sensitive process. Microbes such as E.coli, which is a fecal contaminant, are able to survive the effects of water pollution through genetic adaptation. The changes in cellular metabolism that take place during this adaptation can be detected at a sensitive level, such as the quantity of E.coli in the water, or the amount of stress proteins being synthesized by the bacteria. Therefore, E.coli can act as a bio-indicator of water pollution. My research question and experiments were designed to study what effects take place on the growth and protein synthesis of E.coli when the bacteria is exposed to environmental stress. The growth of E.coli from lakewater was also compared with that of genetically engineered E.coli DH-5, to determine whether plasmid-mediated mutations assist in the survival of lakewater E.coli under environmental stress. My results showed that DH-5 was inhibited by the po llutant benzene and by high and low pH and temperatures. E.coli from lakewater survived in a greater quantity under these stressors compared t the genetically engineered strain DH-5. Also, the growth of E.coli from lakewater was inhibited to a small extent by the stress of temperature and pH change until a limit. Beyond these limits in the conditions, E.coli could not grow at all. Thus, the adaptation of E.coli to pollution is a characteristic with limitations. In conclusion, the changes in the growth and protein synthesis of E.coli under stress makes it suitable as a bio-indicator of water pollution. Further studies are needed to examine the usefulness of detecting synthesis of specific stress proteins by E.coli as sensitive bio-markers of water pollution. Table of Contents Interest in Topic 5 Introduction 6 Methods 8 Results 12 Discussion, Conclusions and Limitations 13, 14 Images 15 Bibliography 21 Interest in Topic My selection of my research topic is based on my interest in con ducting biological research, my concerns regarding environmental pollution, and my ambition to reduce the consequences of pollution through the results of my research work. I have been highly concerned regarding the many severely polluted water sources in my environment that I have observed. Various unchecked and unregulated commercial and industrial activities near rivers and lakes have released harmful substances into the water, destroying the ecology of these areas. I learned that to prevent and correct these changes, monitoring of the water quality and changes taking place in the aquatic environment are necessary. I have always been fascinated by the science of how some microorganisms work to solve the problem of pollution by producing signals and changes. I was also interested in learning how biological studies are used to derive information and understanding of the many mechanisms happening in our surroundings. After background reading, I developed an interest towards solving the problem of effective biological water analysis, which would

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay Example for Free

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay Soldiers involved in a war are faced with many difficult situations, which they can mostly not avoid. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common phenomenon among the soldiers since while in the war, they face some life threatening experiences. Many of the American soldiers who return from the war are faced with serious mental disorders that not only affects them, but their family members as well. The individuals suffering from PTSD can experience cases of nightmares and flashbacking on the events that happened in the war. Frequent flashbacks and nightmares can make it look so realistic that its effect is that the individual may withdraw from the family members and friends. Such an individual may also become less concerned with the daily activities (Moon, n. d). There are other diseases that are associated with the PTSD that can have severe effect on a soldier. For instance, a veteran may experience such cases as depression, face physical or even mental problems. At some instances, the veterans turn to drug and substance abuse so that they can relieve their problems. It is usually the joy of every family to have their members back after participating in a war. However, after the celebration, and things turn back to normal, it is when the family members can realize a different in the way the veteran behaves which might be completely different from the behaviors before deployment. These can be directly linked to the trauma the veteran faced during the war. Apart from having nightmares and flashbacks of what happened during the war, the veteran might feel a lot of anxiety and panic. They might as well have some very distressing thoughts and emotional numbing, which might contribute to abusing drugs. In essence, when a family member changes the usual behavior, it will either positively or negatively affect the other family members (Moon, n. d). With PTSD, when the symptoms are severe, they might cause the family members to be disrupted in the way they carry out their normal activities. This can mostly be experienced when the family members in one way or another react to how the veteran is behaving. Different family members can react differently on the way their loved one is affected by PTSD. If there is no good measure that is undertaken to deal with the traumatized veteran, then it is possible that the trauma might be spread to other family members. Family members are the first to provide support, love and caring for the veterans experiencing PTSD. This can help to keep in check some reactions such as drug and substance abuse. Furthermore, it is necessary that the family members monitor the behaviors among themselves to ensure that none is affected by the PTSD that is being experienced by the veteran. However, it might occur that at a time, the symptoms either to the veteran or the other affected family members are apparent, hence calling for treatment (Tull, 2008). To treat the veteran, the present problems have to be first of all assessed. It is advisable that the family members participate in the treatment exercise, especially if some members have been affected by the symptoms. In creating the treatment, family members, the therapist and the affected veteran should be involved. The aim of the treatment plan is to help the victim and the family members learn to cope with the situation.

The Performance Appraisal: Advantages and Disadvantages

The Performance Appraisal: Advantages and Disadvantages Shari M. Kern   The performance assessment is the procedure through which employee performance is assessed, feedback is provided to the employee, and corrective action plans are designed (Youssef, 2015, Section 6.2, What is Performance Appraisal and Why is it Important? para 1). Performance appraisal is deemed an important means for decision-making needs of todays businesses. The performance appraisal is the method by which businesses appraise job performance. Typically, a performance appraisal system involves a manager to assess each employees performance corresponding to performance benchmarks that have previously been set up over a period of time. Performance appraisal methods also present a foundation for forecasting improvement, as well as a means for determining merit, raises, new positions within the business and even dismissals. Strategic Advantage of Performance Appraisals One of the several advantages of performance appraisal is, in the hustle and hectic working life, it extends a valuable opportunity for a manager and subordinate to have break for a private conversation about matters positive or negative that otherwise may not be spoken about. Performance appraisal proposes a good effort to focus on job accomplishments and targets, to discern and improve current problems, and to inspire improved future performance. For example, performance appraisals can have a profound effect on motivation and morale, it offers an excellent opportunity for managers to recognize and reach an agreement on individual training and development necessities, and it can examine the success of a businesss recruitment and orientation procedures. The Potential Forms of Bias Within Appraisals Systems Bias can impact employee performance appraisals in extraordinarily damaging ways. A good manager must be impartial about the performance of their workers. A performance appraisal bias can misrepresent a managers and a businesss assessment of how a worker is doing. Some biases are stereotyping (inaccurate results against certain employees belonging to a group), halo effect (erroneous judgments about an employee based on a limited number of performance dimensions), self-fulling prophecies (We tend to see what we expect to see. Research shows that when other things are equal, if managers poorly judge employees to be failures and expect these employees to fail, then the employees are likely to fail. On the other hand, if a manager believes in an employee and expects him or her to succeed, then he or she will be likely to succeed), and the fundamental attribution error (Employee blames others for their failures but do not give them enough credit for their successes. If left unchecked, thi s common attributional bias can be detrimental to performance appraisal) (Youssef, 2015, Section 6.6, Opportunities, Challenges and Recent Developments in Performance Management, para 16). Performance Appraisals Contribute to the Achievement of Strategic Objectives The success of a performance appraisal can be assessed in how good it accomplishes its strategic objectives. Performance objectives determine how a business strategy will be attained. Performance objectives also perform a key function in distinguishing the final outcomes required because of employees intense work and commitment. Performance objectives are a requirement in aligning well-defined objectives for employees. Performance objectives challenge employees to attain the greatest outcomes to encourage business development and make constant progress to meet the challenges and shifting demands of the marketplace. Performance objectives should be well-defined and direct engagement. Knowing the strategic objectives in performance appraisals can support a business to modify performance appraisals to meet business desires. In conclusion, performance appraisal is deemed an important tool for decision-making needs of todays businesses. The performance appraisal is the method by which businesses appraise job performance. When done successfully, employee performance appraisals are incredibly advantageous to the efficiency of a business. Performance appraisals offer a business with the methods to gather data and share business and specific objectives to each employee. These appraisals are methods that can make all employees more beneficial and involved in their work and thus make the business more prosperous. References Youssef, C. (2015). Human resource management. (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.

Tiger Airways Case Study

Tiger Airways Case Study Tiger Airways is an ultra-low cost airline which commenced services on 25 March 2005. It is currently the largest low-cost airline operating out of Singapore in terms of passengers carried. In 2006, the airline flew 1.2 million passengers, a growth of 75% from the previous year. These days, the hottest news pops that Tiger Airways and Thai Airways International will form an airline based in Thailand, where Thai Airways International and Tiger Airways will own 51% and 49% respectively of the newly formed airline. Operations are expected to begin in the 1st quarter of 2011. This paper is based on this information with further discussion the business model and strategies with Tiger Airways and the whole low-cost airline industry. Question 1 a) Discuss why Tiger Airways jointly launch a low-cost airline with Thai Airways. Provide 5 (five) reasons. Tiger Airways and Thai Airways are both infusive airlines in Asia. Tiger Airways jointly launch a low-cost airline with Thai Airways can benefits both two companies to achieve a win-win situation. Tiger Airways based on Singapore, choose to co-operate with Thai Airways could further develop the international market in Asia. Thailand is one of the most famous tourist resorts in the world. Tourism is a major economic factor in Thailand, contributing an estimated 6.7% to Thailands GDP. No doubt, more and more people will choose Tiger Airways to Thailand as it price advantages. This strategic decision will attract more passengers to Tiger Airways. Compare to Jet star, Air Asia and other low-cost airlines, Tiger Airways is still smaller than its rivals. This move could increase the overall strength of the market competitiveness in Asia. Tiger Airways is all along with its low-cost airline business model from the day when it established. This is a superexcellent chance to advertise its business model and corporate image. b) Evaluate whether Tiger Airways decision in the above strategy is considered as a strategic decision. Support with 6 (six) reasons. The definition of a strategic decision is the decision that is concerned with whole environment in which the firm operates the entire resources and the people who form the company and the interface between the two. There are some characteristics/features of a strategic decision A strategic decision has a major resource proposition for an organization. The resource proposition of Tigers decision is to occupy Thailands international airlines which concerned possess a new market of Asia civil aviation. A strategic decision deal with harmonizing organizational resource capabilities with the threats and opportunities. Thai Airways used to be Tigers competitor, this decision change the competitor to its partner contains with threats and opportunities. A strategic decision deal with the range of organizational activities. Tiger Airways plans to increase its fleet to 68 by 2015 and has the same pan-Asian aspirations as its competitors through this co-operation. A strategic decision involves a change of major kind since an organization operates in ever-changing environment. Both Tiger Airways and Thai Airways are low-cost airlines. This move signified that the two companies want to through this co-operation to change the environment of Asia civil aviation. A strategic decision will involve a lot of risk. Thai Airways own 51% of the low cost airline that means they control the scales. If some contradictions between them, this decision will be a big risk for Tiger Airways. A strategic decision is consider both administrative and operational decisions. Tigers decision aim to reduce cost which co-operate with Thai Airways to achieve the airline business in Thailand through its operational decision of cost-saving actions. c) Discuss which 5 (five) macro-environment factors that will most likely affect the low-cost airline industry. Political factors are how and to what degree a government intervenes in the economy. Specifically, political factors include areas such as tax policy, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariffs, and political stability. Eg, if the government wants to increase the airport construction fees, that must can be a big challenge for the low-cost airline industry. Because it will threaten the price advantage which is the biggest advantage for low-cost airline industry compare to others. Furthermore, governments have great influence on the airport infrastructure built, foreign affairs and many other factors that will most likely affect the low-cost airline industry. Economic factors include economic growth, exchange rates and the inflation rate. These factors have major impacts on how air tickets operate and make the price decisions to each low-cost airline industry company. As the low-cost airlines usually between country to country ,the exchange rates and other economic factors will direct influence the costs of goods and the supply and the price of tickets in the low-cost airline industry . Social factors include the cultural aspects and include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, career attitudes and emphasis on safety. Trends in social factors affect the demand for the low-cost airlines products and how that company operates. For example, Tiger Airways not only supply the airline services but also supply hotel booking, sightseeing tour and other services. But all these should take different social factors into account. Technological factors include technological aspects such as aerosatsystem, technology incentives and the rate of technological change in this industry. They can determine barriers to entry, minimum efficient service level and influence strategic decisions. Furthermore, technological shifts can affect costs, quality, and lead to innovation in the low-cost airline industry. Law factors include the relevant laws affect low-cost airlines. Eg. Tiger Airway Australian only provide domestic service in Australian, because the legal rule of Australian to limit. Question 2 Based on the case study and information on the webpage (www.tigerairways.com/sg), analyze 3 (three) levels of strategy that you can identify at Tiger airways. Corporate and Business level strategy. Operational strategy. Porters Competitive Strategy Model Porter (1980) has described a category scheme consisting of three general types of strategies that are commonly used by businesses. These three generic strategies are defined along two dimensions: strategic scope and strategic strength. Strategic scope is a demand side dimension and looks at the size and composition of the market you intend to target. Strategic strength is a supply-side dimension and looks at the strength or core competency of the firm. In particular he identified two competencies that he felt were most important: product differentiation and product cost Competitive Strategies for Tiger airways In view of the above challenges, low-cost airlines must do three things to ensure their long-term survival. Cost Leadership. Tiger airways maintained a sustainable low-cost advantage over their full-service competitors. Tiger airways ensured that their costs per passenger-km continue to be 50 per cent or more below those of full-service airlines and continuing to reduce their own costs too. Differentiation Strategy. Tiger airways focused on differentiation of their product, that mean they must also offer a product with some frills, which is very highly rated by passengers in terms of value for money. They have draw lessons from the successful model by their competitors like Virgin Blue in Australia and JetBlue in the USA. Virgin Blue was the first carrier outside North America to introduce multi-channel real-time satellite TV to its flights called Live2Air. The strategies of Tiger airways are twofold to take on the legacy carriers and attract higher-yield passengers, and to add points of difference from other low-cost airlines Market Share and Market Segmentation Strategy Tiger airways ensured that on most of their routes they become the number one or number two carriers in terms of market share in Asia. This dominance, combined with their low fares, gives them a very powerful defensive position should new competitors attempt to enter, while also ensuring a strong cash-flow base on which to mount further expansion. Tiger Airways survival and success is due in no small measure to its growth strategy, which has focused on becoming dominant in most of its markets. Operational strategy As mentioned earlier, the chief difference between low cost carriers and traditional airlines fall into three groups: service savings, operational savings and overhead savings. Tiger Airways tend to focus on short haul route. To achieve the low operating costs per passenger, this type of carriers need to have as many seats on board its aircraft as possible, to fill them as much as possible, and to fly the aircraft as often as possible. Tiger Airways want to through its low cost airline affect the traditional airline hub-and-spoke networks poses interesting questions for the airlines industry and policy makers. It means choosing to perform a system of activities differently from that of traditional rivals and providing a coherent set of key activities that reinforce each other to achieve such position in a sustainable manner. Despite the challenges faced, Tigers low-cost model appears to be sustainable in Asia as it has been in the Singapore, Thailand, China and elsewhere. It has a different and substantially lower cost structure than the conventional network model, because the latter imposes higher costs on those who operate network systems. While Tigers network airlines can reduce their unit costs further, they can match those on short-haul routes. Tiger Airways competed for a part of their own traditional markets with low-cost carriers and it will increasingly generate most of their business from the denser, short-haul, inclusive tour markets and from long-haul routes. Within Asia, in South-east Asia and even in Australia, Tiger Airways cleared that low-cost airlines will become the dominant carriers in domestic and short-haul markets. It is not a passing phase. Tiger Airways was here to stay and it will dominate most of the markets they enter. Tiger Airways jointly launch a low-cost airline with Thai Airways was a example to prove. Question 3 a) Using Porters 5 (five) forces model, analyse all the forces in the low-cost airline industry. Buyer power Low-cost Airlines generally have a large number of buyers. Many of these are individual consumers purchasing flights directly from the airline, although there are B2B sales to charter companies, discounters, and similar buyers. In the low-cost carrier market, airlines are competing for the same market segment. The bargaining power of the consumers is increasing as the supply exceeds the demands. Price sensitivity is high; a result of factors such as the growth of online price comparison sites, corporate travel expense policies for business flyers such as Jetstar and Virgin Blue. The consumers are price sensitive. One of the challenges that all the low-cost Airline must face is the lack of customer loyalty in the low-cost carrier arena where passengers easily switch to airlines that offer lower fares. Buyers have no loyalty in low cost airlines such as Tiger Airways as the trip is purchased according to price. Supplier power Low-cost Airlines must enter into contracts when buying or leasing aircraft from suppliers. Breaking hose contracts can often imply a heavy financial cost. Furthermore, Boeing and Airbus effectively form a duopoly of suppliers of new jetliners, not only in the large jetliner category, with planes such as the 747 and A380 but also in small jetliner category with planes such as the 737 and A320. In the market for lower-capacity regional jets and propeller-driven aircraft, companies such as Embraer, ATR, and Bombadier are significant suppliers. The relative lack of alternative manufacturers or substitute inputs increases supplier power. Air Indias passenger fleet consists of 46 Boeing, 78 Airbus, seven ATR, and seven Bombadier planes. Southwest Airlines is the worlds largest low-cost carrier. Southwests successful business model involves not only flying multiple short, quick trips into the secondary airports of major markets but also using only one aircraft type, the Boeing 737. Suppliers offer fuel, labor, airport and security services all with changing prices. Aviation fuel is another vital input. Number of fuel suppliers is still relatively few. However, it is difficult for suppliers to forward integrate. Strategic alliance among airlines for economies size such as code sharing and economies scale such as purchase of fuel and aircraft could reduce the supplier power in some level. New entrants The economic entrance barriers to the not only low-cost airlines but also all the airlines industry is relatively high. For an entirely new company, they include the considerable up-front outlay needed to obtain planes, although this may not be an issue for an existing airline beginning to offer flights to a new country or region. Distribution is not particularly easy, as new players need to establish an online booking system, and relationships with travel agents and other sales intermediaries. It is also vital to obtain airport slots for take-off and landing. There has been a growth in air traffic over recent years which mean that congestion at airports in many countries is expected, especially the major hubs. The time slot given to an low-cost airline is important, and is something all airlines negotiate with airports. Established airlines will already hold the monopoly over slots at certain airports, making it harder for new low-cost airlines to infiltrate. This creates difficulties for a new low-cost airline aiming to negotiate prime slots at busy airports and can result in it being restricted to offering flights only at off-peak times, or having to fly to airports further away from popular destinations. This can be a deterrent to new airlines, as customers may seek more convenient alternatives. For example, in Singapore infrastructure constraints pose as a formidable entry barrier. Because of the intense price war, a new entrant will find it almost impossible to offer rates that are lower than Tiger Airways. The airline industry is highly capital intensive. New entrants are challenged by expensive aircrafts, high cost of operation and war for talents. New entrants also find it very hard to look for suitable airport as airport slots are reserved for established airlines. Substitutes Other forms of transport such as road, rail and marine travel are considered as substitutes to airline travel. Buyers take into account not only the cost of travel but also how long the journey will take on corresponding forms of transportation. In some countries, air travel makes it easier to overcome long distances and has certain benefits such as shorter travel time than rail travel, even including the time to check in. However based on the price advantages of low-cost airlines, rail and road transportation will not becomes more attractive alternatives for a majority of buyers. Furthermore, many consumers are now aware of the environmental impact of air travel, and are turning to rail travel instead. It is possible to travel around much of the world by long-distance bus or train, although levels of service vary and some border crossings may present a difficulty. Rivalry In the airline industry where the market is highly saturated, the rivalry between existing airlines is one of the strongest forces. Rivalry is increased by the presence of low-cost carriers in the market, as these companies can compete more intensely on price. Switching costs for buyers are low. Besides, existing airlines such as SIA will sometimes marketed big promotions which almost has the same price as low-cost airlines, it means that it is easy for them to change to a competitor. In terms of intra-industry competition is also high. Eg. In Asia, Tiger Airways as a new entrant poses as a threat to established low-cost carriers such as Jetstar and Virgin Blue. The competition in the budget sector is very high as all airlines has the same no frills philosophy. Price is the major differentiating factor in the low-cost carrier market, an area where Tiger Airways lead. b) Provide a conclusion and reason on the attractiveness of the low-cost airline industry. No doubt, the biggest attractiveness of low-cost airline industry is based on its great price advantage as it saves money compare to the ticket price of the traditional airways. Besides, it promotes great vacations. For example, Tiger Airways also supply Airways hotels, Travel insurance, Budget accommodation, Car hire etc. With Tiger Airways you would be thrilled because you get to have a great holiday. At the same price compare to other transports ,you do not need to worry anymore about long and tiresome journeys by bus, train or car. This would invariably involve countless days on road, living out of a suitcase and staying in uncomfortable hotels. The flight does away with all this inconvenience. Question 4 Explain value chain analysis. Based on the case and research done through the companys website, analyse the value chain of Tiger Airways. Value Chain Analysis describes the activities that take place in a business and relates them to an analysis of the competitive strength of the business. Influential work by Michael Porter suggested that the activities of a business could be grouped under two headings: (1) Primary Activities those that are directly concerned with creating and delivering a product (e.g. component assembly); (2) Support Activities, which whilst they are not directly involved in production, may increase effectiveness or efficiency (e.g. human resource management). It is rare for a business to undertake all primary and support activities. Primary Activities Primary value chain activities of Tiger Airways include: Primary Activity Description Inbound logistics Tiger Airways based on Singapore, Tiger Airways can attempt to co-operate with Airbus to lower the cost of the airplanes. It can also co-operate with food suppliers to get cheaper and more delicious. Operations Tiger Airways now operates a fleet of 19 Airbus A320-family aircraft and is committed to increasing its fleet size to 68 by December 2015. The airline operates flights to 33 destinations across 11 countries and territories in Asia and Australia from its aircraft bases in three locations Singapores Changi Airport Budget Terminal, Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne and Adelaide Airport in South Australia. Besides it has detail duties, responsibilities and specifications for every position include Flight Dispatchers, Operations Controllers, Flight Safety Manager, Pilots and Cabin Crew. Outbound logistics Tiger Airways of Singapore has agreed to open their operations in various countries. It is also stepping forward to associate with a Global Distribution System company to strengthen its ticketing system to enable travelers to access to more passengers. Marketing and sales The Company recorded an operating profit of $28.0 million and a profit for the year attributable to shareholders of the Company of $28.2 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2010. Revenues grew 28.6% to $486.2 million while operating costs grew only 7.7%, despite the 53.8% increase in passengers compared to the preceding 12 months. Growth in revenues was supported by the combination of passenger seat revenue increasing 19.6% and ancillary revenue growth of 87.4%. Ancillary revenues currently comprise 19.4% of our revenue base, an increase from 13.3% in FY2009. Management continues to be focused on optimising ancillary revenues, with initiatives such as the carriage of cargo being introduced in FY2011. During the last 12 months from 2009 to 2010 the number of passengers reached at 4,872,000 Service Besides online sales and flying services à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’Tiger Airways also supply Tiger Airways hotels, Travel insurance , Budget accommodation, Car hire etc. Support Activities Support activities include: Secondary Activity Description Procurement The procurement of Tiger Airways was a low-cost carrier operates a fleet of Airbus A320s. Now Tiger Airways has a fleet of 19 Airbus A320 aircraft and it aim to increasing its fleet size to 68 by December 2015. Human Resource Management The human resource management was organized by its special department in details. Processing of Employment Pass, Airport Pass and Staff Pass Administer Staff intranet database Administer procedures for new hires and resigned employees Compiling of information for surveys requested by its special agencies. Technology Development Around 75% of Tiger Airways seat sales come from the internet, both from the public and agents, while the balance 25% comes from call centers and airport outlets. By these years ,Tiger Airways continue to develop its webs power by co-operate with Facebook, Twiter, Youtube and other media agencies . It also emphasis on advising. For example in 2005, it had an increase of more than 60% in revenue and website visits since it launched its new advertising campaign: Whats New Pussycat? Infrastructure By 16 June 2010, the biggest shareholder of Tiger Airways is Singapore Airline Limited which holds 33.55% of the company shares. Approximately, 31.8% of the companys shares are held in the hands of public. Question 5 a) Analyse at least 5 (five) common cost-cutting strategies adopted by low-cost carriers that directly affect the passengers. 1. Develop creativity. A good example to support this strategy is the invention of Boeing 737. The Boeing 737 is a short-term and lower-cost twin-engine airliner developed by U.S. which influenced the whole low cost airline in the world. With this aircraft, it can save the gas but also narrow the costing of supplier to gain the biggest benefit of airline. Southwest Airline is the biggest low-cost airline in the world which using only this aircraft type to add a batch management to get the cost-cutting. 2. Rational use of resources. The low-cost airlines usual have limit resources, however use it rational become the key to success. After 911 the airline industry in U.S. was decreased. But Southwest Airline remodeled its Boeing 737 , added six more seats to every plane and guarantee will not effect the comfortable of the passengers, which help Southwest gain the profit even the past-911 time. 3. Efficient chick in service. The low-cost airways usually provide short-term service. The fly travel time will not over 2 hours. All the passengers concerned how fast they can chick in and how long they can arrive. The same successful example of Southwest Airline proved that they only need 10-15 minutes from chick in to take off, which usually take 1 hour to do that. This action not only gains the trust of passengers but also save the time. As time is money in business, they gain the efficient cost-cutting. 4. 0 strategy. Every low-cost airline should have a self- orientation of their company. For the low-cost airlines 0 means no luxury fitment, no free-service of food, no provide of TV and ear phone ect. to make a cost-cutting. 5. Effective and efficient operation. The low-cost airlines operate many planes. The key is how to operate them efficient. The biggest successful factor of Southwest Airline is the number 11 in its cost-cutting culture as 11 means they guarantee every Boeing 737 of their airline fly 11 times per day. It gains both the passengers benefit and the max operation of their airplanes. b) Recommend at least 3 (three) future strategies that Tiger Airways could implement to maintain its low-cost strategies. Break-even. A useful method for making expense comparisons is break-even analysis. Break-even is the point at which gross profit equals expenses. In a business year, it is the time at which your sales volume has become sufficient to enable your over-all operation to start showing a profit. It is important for low-cost airlines to remember that once sales pass the break-even point, the fixed expenses percentage goes down as the sales volume goes up. Locating Reducible Expenses. The airlines profit and loss statement provides a summary of expense information and is the focal point in locating expenses that can be cut. Taking cost cutting Action. When the airlines have located a problem expense area, the next step obviously is to reduce that cost so as to increase the profit. A key to the effectiveness of your cost-cutting action is the worth of the various expenditures. As long as you know the worth of your expenditures, you can profit by making small improvements in expenses. Keep an open eye and an open mind. It is better to do a spot analysis once a month than to wait several months and then do a detailed study. Take action as soon as possible. You can refine your cost-cutting action as you go along. Conclusion The low-cost airline revolution has injected a dose of democracy into the travel world. Low-cost airlines have succeeded in taking over a large part of the market. Tiger Airways jointly launch a low-cost airline with Thai Airways provide a new opportunity, a new market and a new business model based on its successful business strategies. Moreover, Tiger Airways get ready to take off more quickly; enabling it as competitive airline to schedule more flights and provide more attractive schedules for passengers. No doubt, there is a bright future for Tiger Airway!

Electoral Process Essay -- Politics, Democracy, British Government

In most of the modern societies an electoral process is considered an important symbol of the democracy that represents the concept of freedom of choice and fairness. The UK coalition government is now facing the need to reform the process by choosing between FPTP system and AV. As the final decision can affect the whole society, it is necessary to carefully analyze advantages and disadvantages of both systems. FPTP allows a candidate to win by the majority of the votes. It is a straightforward system that requires comparatively simplified procedures. In addition, it usually provides stable and strong one-party government. Also, elected party usually governs effectively and carries on the manifesto promises. Another advantage is a good-organized constituency link between MPs and their constituents. They can easily contact their MP to have support (Coxall et al. 2003, Jones and Norton 2010). Finally, FPTP tent to limit extremist parties like fascist, racist and other â€Å"hate† parties, for example British National Party. However, there are several disadvantages that should be considered. The most important weakness and the major criticism of FPTP system is ‘wasted votes’ issue (Lowe et al. 2010, p.115). For instance, in 2005 the UK General Election 65% of overall votes was wasted (BBC news 2005). Each vote is significant as it affects final results. Moreover, wasted votes lead to depressed turnout. Less people are willing to vote as they think their votes are not counted or make no change because there is a constantly winning party called ‘Safe seat’. In the last election, for instance, many people wanted to vote for Liberal-Democrats party, ‘safe seats’ and wasted votes dissuaded them to do it (Lowe et al. 2010, Jones and Norton ... ...h, the problem of wasted votes and disproportional allocation become more serious year by year (P. Whiteley 2010). The statistics show that turn out in UK is increasing from 2001 year coming to the level of 65.1%. In addition, elections require huge spending from the government and parties (UK political Info 2010a, 2010b, Jones and Norton 2010). As UK government is currently facing a need to cut the budget up to 40%, AV is not a useful method (Pollwatch 2010, J. Bingham 2010). To sum up, AV system adoption is a quite controversial question. Although AV system is solving some problems of FPTP system and providing fairer conditions for candidates and electors, adoption of this system can be quite difficult for the UK Coalition Government in term of budget and time spent. In my opinion, it is better to remain current election system as careful analysis is required.

lieshod Marlow’s Lie in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essays

Marlow’s Lie in Heart of Darkness       Throughout the Heart of Darkness scenes, we get several glimpses of Marlow's particular attitudes towards women, that they are creatures that live "in a world of their own, and that there had never been anything like it, and never can be" (Longman, p. 2199). Women are able to create and see the beauty in life, something that is harder for men to do, roughened by hard work and misfortunes. Marlow also states, this time to his audience aboard the Nellie, "We must help them to stay in that beautiful world of their own, lest ours gets worse" (Longman, p. 2225). By this he means simply that part of what draws men to women is their capacity for beauty, to preserve and keep the "finer" things in life, which men can draw upon to enlighten them and give a sense of peace to their existence.    This sense of needing to preserve the beliefs and "beauty" of the Intended is why Marlow lies to her in the end. He abhors lies, his own beliefs that "there is a taint of death, a flavour of mortality in lies..." (Longman, p. 2210) is what leads to the d...

The Four Functions of Management Essay -- essays research papers

The Four Functions of Management There are four functions of management that need to be successfully applied if a business is to survive and thrive in the fast paced economy of today. They are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Every business, large or small, public or private will benefit from a well-structured, coordinated, directed, and monitored business plan. Planning is the process of defining a structured sequence of specific tasks that need to be accomplished to achieve a goal. Good planning is key to their success of all projects. Some projects involve the installation of whole production lines and others may involve only modifications to an existing line. However the size or scope of the project, there must be a well thought out plan in place to guarantee a successful outcome. When planning a project it is important to first imagine the completed project. The project manager must ask him/herself, what will the successful project look like? What are the customer’s requirements? When these questions are answered the project manager can move forward with an action plan. One method a project manager will use to begin developing the action plan is to break the project down into manageable segments. Each segment will have numerable tasks and we will call them â€Å"milestones†. When building the list of project milestones it is helpful to begin by imagining the completed project and working backwards, consider all the steps it took to get there. Now that the project manager has a list of milestones and has broken them down into manageable segments, he or she will organize the necessary resources into a project team. This organizational aspect is vital to the success of the project. The team will be comprised of individuals qualified to deliver those milestones. A project manager charged with modifying an aseptic filling line will select team members from engineering, manufacturing, process validation, quality assurance, and safety. The project manager is now the project team leader. The team will meet and agree on a timeline for meeting the project milestones. The team leader will establish the frequency of subsequent meetings, assign responsibilities, and state member expectations through the development of a team charter. The entire team will participate in developing the charter. The charter will describe their com... ...t has 4 fields they are the action item, date assigned, individuals responsible, and date when they expect to deliver. During each team meeting the team members are required to report the progress made on their action items and comment on their anticipated completion. It may be possible for the team leader to adapt and modify the timeline based on unexpected challenges or changes that can often occur. After each team meeting the scribe will produce a formal-minutes document and E-mail it to all members. This is helpful in that all members will know through their â€Å"next steps† what is expected of them and their role on the team. The team has completed their goals when all milestones in the plan have been achieved. As technology changes, businesses have to change with it to remain competitive. Businesses must be willing to apply the four functions of management in new ways. In the example above the team concept is used to empower and motivate its members by giving them ownership in the project, however a team needs a good plan to follow. Today’s manager is often a team leader that delegates, motivates, controls, and targets resources towards the successful completion of the project.

Limited Brands Financial Analysis

Limited Brands, Inc. , like many other companies, saw a downturn in profits and revenues during the economic slowdown. Limited Brands owns companies such as Victoria’s Secret, The Limited, Bath and Body Works and others. Chairperson and CEO Leslie Wexner did not fear the economic crisis, she did not focus on things that were out of her control, but instead, focused on getting even closer to the customer. Wexner (2010) stated, â€Å"we had to be frugal with resources, time and money†¦we streamlined the business, stayed lean and quick and concentrated all our efforts on the few things that produce the biggest returns. While there was a decline between 2009 and 2010, Wexner’s efforts paid off, as Limited Brands has seen an increase in profit margin during the 2010 year. Analyzing the notes in the income statement gives a better understanding of how Limited Brands is operating. Limited Brands fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of January each year. On January 31, 2 009, the cash and cash equivalents were $1. 17 million. On January 30, 2010, cash and cash equivalents were $1. 8 million. According to the notes, cash and cash equivalents consist of â€Å"cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days† (Limited Brands, 2010). The notes also state, â€Å"The companies outstanding checks, which amounted to $76 million as of January 30, 2010 and $86 million as of January first 2009, are included in Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets† (Limited Brands, 2010). Limited Brands continues to disclose the nature of their investment portfolio, which currently consists of â€Å"U. S. and Canadian government obligations, U. S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, bank time deposits, and highly rated commercial paper† (Limited Brands, 2010). Accounts Receivables 2009 were $236 million compared to 2010’s receivables balance of $219 million. Limited Brands not only monitors the use and creditworthiness of individuals and businesses, when extending credit, but also limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity when requesting credit. Inventories in 2009 were valued at $1. 18 million and declined to just $1. 03 million in 2010. For Limited Brands, inventories are primarily valued at the lower cost or market, on a weighted-average cost basis. Valuation adjustments are made at the discretion of management if the cost of inventory on hand, exceeds the amount expected to receive from sale or disposal of the inventory. Management bases the decision to adjust value based on future demand and market conditions, while also taking into consideration and analyzing historical sales data. Inventory Loss adjustments are also made for estimated physical loss of inventory since the last physical inventory. Managers will also take into consideration operating trends and historical data when making these adjustments. As of January 30, 2010, inventories consisted of: Finished Goods Merchandise$ 973 million Raw Materials and Merchandise Components$ 64 million Total Inventories$1,037 million Limited Brands discloses in the Restructuring section: In 2007 they recognized a pre-tax charge of $19 million related to excess raw material and component inventory with Bath and Body Works. The cost was included in Cost of Goods Sold, buying and occupancy in the 2007 Consolidated Statement of Income. Gross Profits for 2009 were $3. 02 million versus $3 million in 2008.

Bsnl Change Management Strategy

BSNL warring portfolio & channel Management M Ramesh, emailprotected com Synopsis Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. formed on initiative October 2000, is sensation of the largest & leading customary domain units providing comprehensive range of telecommunicationmunication service in India. They operate under 13 disparate give amodal values. Their guest al-Qaida as on July 31, 2011 was at 95. 14 Million. BSNL has an inst tout ensembleed realise in the awkward comprising ab aside 43. 74 jillion course of study basic knell capacity, 8. 83 million WLL capacity, 72. 60 million GSM capacity, 37,885 fixed ex armorial bearingens, 68,162 GSM BTSs, 12,071 CDMA Towers, 197 Satellite Stations, 6,86,644 RKm. f OFC, 50,430 RKm. of atomise network connecting 623 districts, 7330 cities/towns & 5. 8 lakhs villages. However, with much(prenominal) a large base, excellent brand rec all, g all overnmental backing and massive workforce, the company has not been doing well and in fact has account a expiration in the forward financial year. BSNL had reported the highest net profit of over Rs10,000 crore in 2005-06 but since accordingly its profits take a crap been falling. The losses strike much than tripled to about Rs. 6,000 crores during 2010-11 mainly repayable to hefty outgo for employees salary and expenses borne by the PSU for procuring 3G and BWA spectrum.The company had registered a net loss of Rs. 1,823 crores during 2009-10. The total taxs of the company also declined to Rs 28,876 crore during the authorized year, down nearly 10% from Rs 32,072 crore in the previous financial year. Recipient of the favourable Eagle award in 2004 & 2005 for the some trusted brand in telecom sector, BSNL is today struggling to retain its identity. This circumscribe aims atomic bit 18 preparing a combative outline for BSNL and select capable competitive portfolio so that the company potful emerge out of the crisis it is in.Further, the qualifying concern dodging that has to be adopted in order to practice the changes in the cheek is forge backn in this section. 1. warring Strategy and adapted corporal portfolio Before we embark upon suggesting a worthy corporate portfolio, it is important to analyse the authentic the functioning and instruction of BSNL. a) No suspect that its posture and reach dragways the country is its biggest force-out. Established offices in all the metros, A, B & C course of study cities, and installations and offices in the remotest part of the kingdom, especially J, North East is a strength they corporation easily tap on their road to recovery. ) Long part employees and excellent association of the commercialize, clients, tacit knowledge base of BSNL is unique. They be different from the challenger since guests view BSNL as a 2 rascal severalise run faithful and profit not being the further motive, would be allow foring to trust them more(prenominal)(prenominal) than other( a) competitors. c) Even today, they rule the world line connections and command a grocery storeplace share of over 65% of the client base and any of the revival and restructuring plans for BSNL has to give way through this channel. ) BSNL, being a on the whole presidential term owned organisation, they terminate use their political affiliations to change the rules of the market, create institution barriers for competition, and lobby for influencing the market to supplement their strengths, policies that give them an edge, and those which do not violate TRAI and other fair trade practices, female genital organ be adopted. While we discuss the selection of worthy portfolio from the competitive strategies, apart from the strengths of BSNL highlighted above, it is important that the life-and-death questions of what can be done that is not being done at BSNL is pondered. close to of the questions that we concord to ask and find answers that hold divulge to developing a c ompetitive system and designing a competent portfolio are 1. BSNL has a tidy sum To conk the largest Telecom Service provider in South East Asia. For this it is important to clear the parameter for being the largest. Is it revenue, Av. Revenue per User, profit, subscribers, net profit (no of exchanges, BTS etc)? Clarity in purpose and vision is essential to developing a suitable competitive strategy. 2. Is the mission aligned with its electric accredited position?Has it redefined its mission from a state run entity, interested in nation development to a corporate that has to introduce to its owners and stake holders? 3. What are the investments that experience been make or planned to be make, in order to provide world class State-of-art technology telecom run on demand at affordable cost and to provide world class telecom infrastructure to develop countrys economy. 4. What has been done towards continuous innovation in product and saving of services with the appropriate set is the key strategy for developing the trust in customer so that he waits his trueness with BSNL. . BSNL can target to acquire more than 50% of new acquisitions while maintaining live clientele. How pull up stakes this be done? 6. now landline base is cut down across the globe, BSNL, to be a Significant grocery store Power (SMP), essential(prenominal)iness(prenominal) increase it base to over 80%. 7. Ultimately it is the select, customer circumspection, and convictionly availability apart from price, which depart matter. What are the actions being taken towards these detailed success factors? 8. Cant at that place be just one brand i. e. BSNL? Has in that respect ever been an examination of their revenue break-up? Currently there are 13 brands that build to be developed and positioned. scallywag 9. on that channelize are sure distinctions that BSNL has, standardized being awarded the just about trusted telecom brand in year 2003 & 2004. They authorita tive the Golden Peacock award for better(p) Corporate Social responsibility. How can these be leveraged? 10. There are over one-lakh retailers, g-force franchisees, 3300 CSCs, 36000 exchanges and still BSNL is not visible a worry others? Why cant the dummy and people be utilized? 11. How to leverage the franchisee and STD-PCO strengths? Can these outlets be their core strength? 12. Why are the recharge coupons, India telephone Cards are in paucity when there is no capacity constraint?Is it wondering(a) inventory & supply strand care, or bad franchisee worry? 13. be there targets for the recharge coupons just like DELs & CellOne? Why can? t the spacious network of franchises be leveraged for better customer care and advance collection competency? 14. With competition heating up, gone are the days when customers deposited money with BSNL in give for connections and security money for value added services. There are no fixed deposits and the working(a) capital and othe r funds needs have to be met from operating revenues.What is the plan to improve collections, realize bills early, not on the uttermost day of payment and edit out bad debts? 15. In line with the market needs, does BSNL have a 24X7 culture in their organization, though operation and maintenance are provided on 24X7 basis? What about provisioning customer care and merchandise on 24X7 basis? Competitive strategy Pricing On the pricing front, BSNL does not have a filling but to follow the market trend. They can only bundle the packages in such a manner that the premium services bring more revenue. nidus must(prenominal) not be on reducing charges, but upgrading each customer by RS 20 RS 50 by offer them more add on germane(predicate) services. It is ordinarily much easier to sell excess things to existing customers than to add new customer, and the customer base of BSNL is quite huge and all-important(a) for this model. Differentiation In order to recite itself from comp etition, BSNL Business development units have to be given the task to develop and hold up long-term relations with corporate houses. MoUs have to be signed for bulk bills, One-point payments for triune service locations.Setting up refer Account Manager servicing different corporate and key accounts and offering whizz window approach to resolve all issues and prevent any unwanted issues. Focus BSNL has a strong hold on land line telephones, an important requirement for ADSL connections. There are huge benefits of ADSL over Wi-Fi & is very cost effective way to access Internet. BSNL is in a 4 knave unique position to leverage this unspoiled and its revenues, customer base and favourableness can improve multi-fold if it can furnish on this one aspect alone. coming together regime telecom companies ITI and MTNL with state-run BSNL is one of the options.This will give them a great advantage in terms of increased customer base, implementing change charge and brining in changes an d most importantly economy of scale, power of bargaining. crossbreeding In order to be more competitive in the present market BSNL must not only enjoin itself from competition, give a good and seductive price and have a counselinged approach. The competitive strategy recommended is Focus on improving ADSL services at hypnotic evaluate to households and offices, bundle it with land line connections and mobile connections.Offer central point complaint PAN India. For e. g. If a corporate company has branch and regional network, they must have the option of consolidated billing when they want and where they want to the level of conduce office control they want to implement. BSNL can also offer special rates and Closed User Group (CUG) for government sector and earn huge revenues, since this share is very price sensitive and is a very high volume user segment. More aggressive media campaign focused on the strategically selected segments will inspection and repair BSNL increa se its customer base.A change in its provide attitude make them focussed on customers rather than systems and procedures, riotous and efficient decision making with empowered employees. Continuity in supply chains, procuring of timberland equipment and products must be focussed on. aft(prenominal) defence and railways, BSNL is the countrys largest landholder. Its properties spoil 3,500 towns across India worth thousands of crores, making it the largest state-owned companies in terms of land assets. A turn around policy of BSNL should have this huge source of revenue at its core. 2.Change management strategy to enable it turnaround. No change in BSNL can emit and can be implemented without change of mindset in addition to the skills of marketing & sales. In this regards it is important to note that a research paper submitted by Vishwakarma build of Management, Pune in July 2010 after conducting a vista in BSNL concluded 5Page that the introduction of change seems to be mana ged in effect in the organisation with proper care and commitment and was agreed by the answerer BSNL employees with a mean 1. 022. The change is introduced by the consent of cover management.To keep up the pace with the dynamic environment the management encourages change by explaining and ensuring the minimization of contrary effects, and put efforts to convert employee defense into the acceptance. Employees were shew to be change oriented, as they have continuous learning attitude to keep match with the future organizational requirements. Respondents? shows resistance change in some issues delinquent to some security and personal reasons, which can be taken care by proper change management initiatives. BSNL must focus on improving its quality of employees and skilled manpower?They must focus the organizational setup more suitable for better results? The staff expense to revenue ratio could be a good indicator. Today, more than 47% of the revenue goes to compensable salaries to employees and this is the get-gole aspect of change that must be introduced. The decision making run must be based on scientific analysis of the precious customer data they already have such as calling pattern, payment habits, customs profile etc. Increased number of surveys, customer research and systematic and biannual analysis of Net growth in mobile and churn is to be conducted? go must be implemented to reduce the churn? Acquisition cost is usually said to be 5-8 times the retentiveness cost, and hence BSNL must focus on retention of customers. Management must not threaten the employees, they have been long armed service and loyal and at the same time demanding. The management should collect the employees in strategy and decision making and should help them to move over their minds and apply it to improve the quality of service, network, and working out of network in time utilising and merchandising the products before the technology becomes obsolete (like WIMAX). Considering the trustworthy scenario a Revolutionary change is infallible in BSNL and they should modify their competitive strategy readily in order to pull round in the hyper competitive telecom market in India. If one has to apply the McKinsey 7S cloth for the change management process in BSNL, it would be as under 1. strategical BSNL has to revisit its mission and evolve competitive strategies that are in line with the market dominant position that they want to be, exploiting their current strength of market leadership in land line connections. All their activities must be reoriented towards this change of positioning. Page 2. summation BSNL needs to revamp its board and its top management, to be more customer and market oriented, dynamic and profit driven. Culturally, it is established that BSNL is employees are open to adopting change and hence management should provide necessary training to regard that the process of heathen change is deployed quickly across all level s. 3. Scale Considering the strengths of BSNL presence and reach of BSNL, scale is never an issue. What the organisation needs today is not excerpt of new technology or resources it is change of direction of the employees and a cultural change.Retrenching employees is not the first and only option available. 4. Scope doubtless the scope of the change must involve all levels of the organisation and across all regions. BSNL is a homogeneous entity and changes at one level or within certain geography is not possible to implement. Certainly, depending upon the local customer bases, working conditions and cultural differences, adaptations can be allowed, but the change itself, must be pan organisation. 5. Speed Communications, ICT, and internet industry relies on speed and there is no room for laggards in this. BSNL must implement change management as swiftly as possible. . Sequence Since BSNL s confronted with many an issues to handle, the best place to start would be internal emplo yee attitude and cultural change and external customer comfort focus. If carefully and rapidly implemented, these two will have a cascading effect on other areas such as revenues, specie flows, asset management and so on that will turn around the organisation. 7. mien BSNL has the baggage of being a government owned company and attitude of staff cannot be changed overnight. Unions are strong and public opinion can be made and tarnished by the correct or defame handling of union issues.Change management in BSNL has to carefully crafted and cannot be dictate or thrust upon. The style has to be one of collaborative effort and everyone complicated must be clear with what is evaluate of them and how it impacts others, his / her results and overall company. Conclusion BSNL is at cross roads of its existence. The need to refine its competitive strategy and implement change management has never been more urgent than it is today. If BSNL has to hold up the tough market conditions, t he change management process must be initiated this instant and aligned with the competitive strategies that must be reworked. Page BIBLIOGRAPHY ? ? ? ? ? Marketing strategies of BSNL by GS Grover, NK Srivastava, & Sunil Kumar http//www. bsnl. in http//www. business-standard. com/india/index2. php http//www. moneycontrol. com/company-article/bharatsancharnigam/news/BSN http//www. moneycontrol. com/news/business/bsnls-loss-triples-to-rs-6000-cr3g-bwaoutgo_588976. hypertext mark-up language ? ? http//www. cellular-news. com/tags/bsnl/ Organisation Culture- A Case contract of BSNL LIMITED, Mrs. G. Nagamani, Prof. G. Krishna Mohan, http//www. vim. ac. in/UploadImages/Attachments/G. %20Nagamani%20&% 20G. % 20Krishna%20Mohan. pdf 8Page