Friday, September 6, 2019

Cable TV Vs Network TV Essay Example for Free

Cable TV Vs Network TV Essay In addition, consumer trend have changed from dish network, to cable network and direct network. First, consumer had access to only dish networks which provided a limited variety of channels through a satellite receiver and dish antenna. The antenna had to revolve at specific angle in order to capture different channels, nut then, cable television came into play which entirely changed the concept of watching television. With hundreds of channels through a single wire, people had access to more information then ever before. Concept of couch potatoes also came onto stage according to which there were viewers who actually switched between channels the entire day as they had a large variety of channels . The largest impact of such advancement was seen in the developing countries which actually came to know what was happening in the world outside at a larger scale. Due to a variety of channels covering all sectors of daily life, many cultures started to adopt the western culture because of the fact that most of the channels on cable at that time belonged to the west. This was the time when new TV channels came on air even more rapidly then the news. Globalization and the concept of westernization in different cultures was seen as the west projected its media all over there world. However, today, the concept of direct TV and network TV are on their boom rather then cable TV because of the fact that consumer preferences have an addition of high quality resolutions rather then just the variety which only the direct TV networks provide. Customer satisfaction and high resolutions were met through which customers paid for only those channels which they wanted to watch rather then subscribing to all of the channels and then switching between them. Viewers want quality entertainment more then they want bulk entertainment. Almost all news channels tell the same story with different perspectives, but, viewers what to see what is right, what is in accordance to their perspective and stance on specific issues, what is in line with their tastes, what attracts them the most, what tells the truth and what is more attractive. Thus, as direct network TV offers high quality resolution, high quality services and broadcasting along with selection of the channels, the viewers are moving towards this type of media rather than the booming cable network industry.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Bank of Maldives SWOT, Pestle and Porters Five Analysis

Bank of Maldives SWOT, Pestle and Porters Five Analysis Jump to: Mission and Vision of the Bank of Maldives SWOT Analysis PESTLE Analysis Porter’s Five Analysis GAP Analysis Segment Analysis BCG Matrix Porter’s Generic Strategy Ansoff Matrix Human Resources Introduction Bank of Maldives Overview On 23rd May 1982, Bank of Maldives was registered (Company Registry No. C-22/1982) with Ministry of Home Affairs as a company. On 10 November 1982 BML was registered at Maldives Monetary Authority and was given license to provide banking business in the Maldives. http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=mvv=71 Joint venture with IFCI On November 11, 1982 Bank of Maldives Plc was inaugurated and started commercial operation as a joint venture bank with 60% shares held by the Government of the Maldives (including its Agencies and Maldivian Companies) and 40% shares owned by International Finance Investment Company Limited (later IFIC Bank Limited), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Until 31st December 1992, the Bank was managed by the professionals of IFIC Bank Limited and they were paid 10% of the Banks profit. During the tenth year of the Bank, the Government of Maldives decided to re-structure the Bank of Maldives as such requested the IFIC Bank Ltd to reduce the share holding and also the number of representation in the Board. Consequently IFIC Bank Ltd decided to dispose off its entire shares in the Bank of Maldives and terminate its relations with the Bank with the expiry of the Management Contract on December 31, 1992. Bank of Maldives Become Public Limited Company Government of Maldives purchased 40 per cent shares On 14 November 1992, held by IFIC Bank Ltd. As a result, 80 per cent of the share capital of the Bank of Maldives was owned by the Government while the remaining 20 per cent of the share capital was sold equally to the State Trading Organization and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company respectively. Company Shares Government decided and started, to sell Banks shares to the general public In December 1992, by way of a assessment to expand the Banks capital. From January 1, 1993, Bank of Maldives Plc has become, and since then remained, a bank fully owned by the people and the Government of the Maldives. The Bank of Maldives Plc issued shares during 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2007. In 2007, Memorandum and Articles of Association of the bank was revised, shares were split and bonus shares were given to the existing shareholders. As a result the authorised caiptal of the bank was increased from Rf 300 million to Rf 800 million. The face value of BML shares stand at Rf 50/-. Bank of Maldives Branches Bank of Maldives has 25 branches in the country Maldives. Out of 25 three branches are in Male, the capital, and 1 branch in Male International Airport (Hulhule Island) and 01 each in both Villingili ward and Hulhumale. The other branches of Bank of Maldives are distributed amongst the atolls of the country, each with a chosen command area. Therefore, the Bank of Maldives Plc is able to serve the whole nation. Strategies for businesses The main business of Bank of Maldives is retail banking in addition Bank of Maldives handle most of the development banking activities in all the atolls of the Nation, Bank of Maldives PLC covers a variety of modern banking services online in a fully computerized environment and is proud to be serving the nation as the leading bank in the Maldives. http://ebanking.bankofmaldives.com.mv/page/view/n/company/o/introduction Businesses are often so preoccupied with immediate issues that they lose sight of their ultimate objectives. Thats why a business review or preparation of a strategic plan is a virtual necessity. This may not be a recipe for success, but without it a business is much more likely to fail. A business strategy is a pattern of decision and actions that are taken by the business to achieve its objectives. Business planning involves deciding what is to be done, setting objectives and developing polices to achieve them. Strategic process is steps taken to achieve those objectives. Frame Work of Business Strategy In practice, strategic management process has three main components, shown in the figure below. http://courseware.finntrack.eu/institutions/lectur_4.htm There is a number of stages involve in the planning process. These include Identifying the objectives Analalysing the positions of the business Deciding on suitable strategy Implementing a suitable strategy Evaluating its effectiveness Strategic Planning Process C:UsersAroonDesktopthe-strategic-planning-process-thumb.jpg Mission Mission statement includes descriptions of the overall aims of the business and they tend to be aimed at stake holders in the business. Stakeholders are those individuals or groups that affect or have interest in how the business is running and also what it achieves. Mission statement of business will include information for all key stake holders of the business including employees, shareholders, and also customers. Bank of Maldives Mission statement We will lead the way through quality of service and dedication of our staff. We will serve all our communities to the best of our ability, strive always to listen to your needs and so build total customer confidence and satisfaction From BML Mission statement I found that the mission that the company established is based on blending the various interest of range of stakeholder grouping. Example one of the objective mentioned in mission statement is to lead the way through quality of service and dedication of our staffs it will benefits many stakeholders because customers will receive high quality product and services, shareholders will receive high dividends, employee will receive good wages, and so on. Vision A vision statement is sometimes called a picture of your company in the future but its so much more than that. Vision statement is our inspiration, the framework for all our strategic planning. A vision statement may apply to an entire company or to a single division of that company. Whether for all or part of an organization, the vision statement answers the question, Where do we want to go. Vision statement of Bank of Maldives To be the leader in the financial industry in Maldives, spreading its presence in all key economic geographies in Maldives To be the leader in the financial industry in Maldives, inculcating a long term saving culture in the nation and promoting a cashless society To be one of the most Efficient, Profitable and Respected financial institutions in Maldives. Values http://www.bankofmaldives.com.mv/SiteCollectionImages/mission-statement.jpg http://www.bankofmaldives.com.mv/InvestorRelations/Pages/OurCommitments.aspx The bank values lot of things like innovation, giving respect to others and receiving respect from others, also communication, innovation and integrity. Stakeholders of the business Customers Customers are one of the key stakeholders of the business as they are vital to the survival of the business. Bank of Maldives provides excellent services to its customers and has excellent relationship through respects, friendly services and also greeting and so on. Shareholders Bank of Maldives try to give maximum benefits to its shareholders and also have good relationship with them. The Annual General Meeting of the company is used to have an effective discussion with the shareholders on matters and issues which are of relevance and of concern to the general membership. The Banks website also provides information for the shareholders of the business. Employees Employees are other key stake holders of the company. Bank of Maldives has various ways. Bank provides training programs to employees to familiarize them companys policy and working practice. Bank also provides many packages and development opportunity to its employees. Suppliers In todays environment it is very important for good relationship to exist between business and suppliers. Government Government can influence and affect business in number of ways. Bank of Maldives has to follow the rule and regulation that is made by the government. And also government is 51% shareholder of the bank. Therefore provide full support to the company. Hierarchy of Objectives There are two types of objectives, corporate and functional level objectives. At the top level of an organization will often create a vision setting what and where they want to be in long run or in future and also the top level of organization will often create mission setting out the purpose of the organization and also mission statement is a path way to achieve its vision and then Organizations will create a hierarchy of objectives. The hierarchy of objective is a breakdown of Mission Corporate Objective Functional/Departmental Objective Team objective Individual Objective the objectives and presenting in a more understanding and also able to manual to the operational/functional level of employees of the organization. This process is because organizations believe that each and every individual should be clear of what is expected from them in order to accomplish the corporate objective. Strategic analysis Strategic analyses is all about analyzing the strength of businesses position and also analyzing the weakness and understanding the important external factors that may influence and effect the business position. The business strategy of a company provides the big picture that shows how all the individual activities are coordinated in the organization in order to achieve a desired end result. It is through the strategy process that the overall direction of the company is established. This is based on the external opportunities and threats, outside the organization or external environment creates, also the internal strengths and weaknesses of the business. There are many tools for process of Strategic Analysis which we can use to analyze the business such as: SWOT Analysis PEST Analysis Scenario Planning Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation Directional Policy Matrix Competitor Analysis Critical Success Factor Analysis SWOT Analysis We can use SWOT analysis as a tool to conduct a general or detailed picture of a companys health. SWOT analysis is quick examination of a business current position so that it can identify internal strength and weakness and also external opportunities and threats. (S)trengths Financial stability and bank is well capitalized and this has enabled it to perform relatively well with largest financial network of 25 branches and 37 ATMs in Maldives. Highest market shares/over 260,000 loyal deposit account holders/ Over 53,000 lending relationships Government helps since it has 51% their share power Most effective recruitment and selection process and over 748 dedicated employees Awarded for 3 years about their customer satisfaction methods. Easy transections for its customers Updated technology as leader in electronic banking in card issuance with a wide network of POS terminal Nations most trusted company with the highest transections and strong customer relationship 27 years banking service in the market and well branded in the country Annual report 2009 (W)eaknesses Less number of employees to deal with their daily transections and customers problems. Limited dollar providing Difficult to get loans compare to their competitors Maldives is facing shortage of US dollars these days and most of the Expatriate working in Maldives is paid in Rufiyaa. Even to buy dollars from Bank of Maldives is something impossible these days. Due to the shortage of dollars most of the businesses are facing problems since Maldives import almost everything and businesses need to transfer their money to their suppliers. Also the foreigners those who are working in Maldives are paid in Rufiyaa and they also face problem due to shortage of dollars. I think that the shortages of US dollars are due to the world economy experienced tremendous instability in the year 2009, due consequences were felt in the Maldivian economy as well. The depression in tourism industry and fisheries industry played huge role as it posed numerous effect while the US Dollar liquidity crisis contributed added to the challenges being faced by the Bank. (O)pportunities Since they have got a good financial stability they can expand their business to other islands Sell more shares to the public market. It will increase their customers and also will be able to have a better capital to provide a good service To deal with their daily transections and to get experience from developed banks like Swiss bank they can ask from the government talk about it with them. (T)hreats Recently have stopped providing any types of card to the customers Economic crises Competitors I think the strengths of the company can be assessed as companys resources and also the company capabilities which can be used as a root to achieve its objectives and goals and also for developing a competitive advantage. There are many external threats and opportunities which organization has to face. So that Business can try to maintain the strengths and try to overcome from the weaknesses as internal factors those can be controlled by the business, but external factors cannot be controlled by the business because they are independent. Therefore business can try to take advantages of opportunities so it can be key to be success in future and have to try to manage the threats as well. Or have to try to reduce its negative influences to the organization. PESTLE It is very important that an organization considers its environment before beginning the marketing process. In fact, environmental analysis should be continuous and feed all aspects of planning. http://imagetrail.net/image/5042061/PEST-Analysis.aspx (P)olitical In Maldives government doesnt influence most of the business. But Bank of Maldives is a government company so they take decisions according to their political decisions. Most of the businesses in this country are private business. Government helps to their business to carry it with the highest level they can and to expend it. However they have recently announced that they will make new rules to the tertiary sector business. So its important for them to update the changes and obey the rules and regulation of ministry of trade and industry. The political changes need to be monitored very often especially during these days. As there is changes in political system or due to the implementation of party system in the country and the new laws passed by the government plays a vital role in todays business climate. So, I feel that the management and investors needs to be cooperative with the new system and government in order to keep running in the market. Moreover, Bank of Maldives is one of the biggest service industry in the country and also it is central bank of Maldives so political factors may effect the business for some extent. (E)conomical After the tsunami the country was developing rapidly their business and starting new business. Inflation of country is controlled in recent years. Mixed economy is one of the key features of the country that take account of tourism, fishing and other industry. http://www.indexmundi.com/maldives/inflation_rate_%28consumer_prices%29.html Mixed economy plays huge role in businesses growth and is can be an important aspect of the Maldives economy hence for most of the company government helps and government have shares in most of the leading company such as State trade Organization plc., Bank of Maldives and so on, In 1989, the economic reform program implemented by the government lifted the import quota and encouraged exports to the private sector. Later on, the liberalized conventions allowed more foreign investments. Therefore I feel one of the targeted markets for Bank of Maldives that is foreigners became the customers of the business. http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/maldives/ On the other hand, GDP reduced in 2007-08, then contracted in 2009 and the reason may be due to the worldwide recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis in 2009. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, and increasing employment opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Maldives GDP- Real growth rate (%) http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=mvv=66 Therefor Bank of Maldives may face economic problems in upcoming years. So it is very important for BML to keep an eye on economic changes that comes every now and then. Taking in this aspect, interest rate and inflation plays a keys role. A very slight change in the interest rate brings a change in the price of product. So I would advise the management to observe the economic changes that comes very often. On the other hand most of the stakeholder of the company believes that in upcoming year economy will be favorable to the business. Moreover, in the market Bank of Maldives have got so many new competitors like HSBC and Bank of Ceylon. Most of the people still trust Bank of Maldives because of being the oldest Bank in the country and also its under the control of government. Most of the transaction are done in the capital city. So economically they will face much trouble from other business, Because HSBC can be a competitor who will be able to get market share. They have the best dollar providing service. When looking in to the people perspective, most of the people have bank accounts. And all most all the people are aware about the modern world (S)ocial Maldives economy is based on about the social could be their spending is higher and less saving. This way happens mostly with the youngsters. Everything for them is fun and enjoying. And each every of them has their own bank account. Thats why it increases the bank transection. Also government employees should have bank account in BML and most of the money transections of government are done through BML. Bank of Maldives caters to customers in unbanking islands through its Dhon services, Also facilitator of infrastructure development to enhance the living standard of local community. BML extends its support to various initiatives in view of the socioeconomic benefits. Among these initiatives BML cosponsored GCE High Achievers Award ceremony and worked alongside the Maldives Police Service to create awareness regarding counterfeit currency. Furthermore BML also extended its support through providing sponsorship for the Democracy Fair held during 2009 and the fishermans day activities. Further efforts to extend our corporate responsibility stance involved daily collection facilitation for state insurance scheme Madhana by all branches of the Bank. BML fully funded the acquiring of an ECG Treadmill for IGM Hospital for the benefit of patients utilizing the services of the hospital. BML is the pioneer and leader of microfinance facilities for rural development and to SME sector projects throughout Maldives. These loans significantly contribute to improving the livelihood of rural communities, alleviating poverty and creating employment opportunities. BML report 2009 (T)echnological Technology is vital to gain competitive advantage, and is a major driver of globalization. Changes in technology have also become mainly weighty in the world. This is for the most part true in terms of modern communication technologies todays environment. The creation of databases and electronic communications help to have easy communications and have enabled huge quantities of information to be shared and quickly distributed all around the world with cost reductions, and often improvements in service and product. Organizations need to be aware of the latest relevant technologies for their business and due to high competition in the market. Bank of Maldives use latest technology to implement business processes, manage risks and provide excellent customer service. Such as Online electronics banking, mobile banking and internet banking, ATM service etc. Also bank is fully computerized and provides almost all the banking services needed for the citizens and business establishments in Maldives. There for I suggest bank of Maldives it is very important to be in touch with new technology as the technology has brought the people together with the best, comfortable and convenient life. Also technology is one of the biggest issues in modern world and also to provide best services to its customer and to create competitive advantage against rivals in the market. Porters Fives Forces Five Force analyses assume that there are five important forces that determine competitive power in a situation. These are:http://www.tutor2u.net/business/images/five_forces.gif Threat of New Entrants The number of business in a market may not be always be a useful guide to completion in that market. New entrants to an industry can raise the level of competition, by this means reducing its attractiveness an also if it is easy for business to enter markets then the competition likely to be greater. The threat of new entrants largely depends on the barriers to entry. High entry barriers exist in some industries. Key barriers to entry include: Economies of scale The need of Capital or investment requirement Customer switching costs Access to industry distribution channels The likelihood of retaliation from existing industry players. Bank of Maldives is the only local bank in Republic of Maldives. There are other banks like State bank of India, Habib Bank, HSBC bank, etc in Maldives, but they do not have more than one branch. I am not sure if there is any restriction to open more than one branch for foreign banks in Maldives. Bank of Maldives has many branches in Male the capital of Maldives as well as in remote islands. In my point of views It is difficult for new entrants to enter in banking industry due to threat of new entrants largely depends on the barriers to entry. To enter in the banking industry in Maldives for local business it will be difficult due to capital requirement they need to invest on the business, and also it is difficult to gain economies of scale. Also Bank of Maldives is one of the highest distributors with 25 branches all over the country. Threat of Substitutes This depends upon the extent to which business can differentiate their products from those of competitors .The substitute products can lower industry attractiveness and profitability because they limit price levels. The threat of substitute products depends on: Buyers willingness to substitute The relative price and performance of substitutes The costs of switching to substitutes Bargaining Power of Suppliers Suppliers are the businesses that supply materials other products into the industry. Powerful suppliers can increase the cost of a business. If suppliers have high bargaining power over a company, then in principle the companys industry is less attractive. The bargaining power of suppliers will be high when there are number of suppliers and also when there are many buyers and also the importance of the product which is supplied or undifferentiated, highly valued products bargaining power of supplier will be high. For BML bargaining power of suppliers will be less due to more dominant supplier like Rainbow, all brothers business and so on. Bargaining Power of Buyers Buyers are the people / organisations who create demand in an industry. The bargaining power of buyers is greater when There are few dominant buyers and many sellers in the industry Products are standardized Buyers threaten to integrate backward into the industry Suppliers do not threaten to integrate forward into the buyers industry The industry is not a key supplying group for buyers For BML I feel bargaining power of buyer is less because BML is only a company that caters the customers all over the country and they have branches in many part of the country and also the other competitors such as HNB is have only one branch in the country which is also is located in capital Male. Intensity of Rivalry The intensity of rivalry between competitors in an industry will depend on: The structure of competition for example, rivalry is more intense where there are many small or equally sized competitors; rivalry is less when an industry has a clear market leader. BML is a market leader of Banks in Maldives. The structure of industry costs for example, industries with high fixed costs encourage competitors to fill unused capacity by price cutting Degree of differentiation industries where products are commodities (e.g. steel, coal) have greater rivalry; industries where competitors can differentiate their products have less rivalry . For BML the degree of differentiation is higher than the other competitors. Switching costs rivalry is reduced where buyers have high switching costs i.e. there is a significant cost associated with the decision to buy a product from an alternative supplier Strategic objectives when competitors are pursuing aggressive growth strategies, rivalry is more intense. Where competitors are milking profits in a mature industry, the degree of rivalry is less Exit barriers when barriers to leaving an industry are high (e.g. the cost of closing down factories) then competitors tend to exhibit greater rivalry. Having a good pricing strategy and a good customer care will enhance Bank of Maldives to catch up the marker easily and maximize the profit. GAP analysis Bench Marking Benchmarking is the process of measuring an organizations internal processes then identifying, understanding, and adapting outstanding practices from other organizations considered to be best-in-class. By Benchmarking the business can discover performances of the business compare to competitors or with the organization which the business is bench marking and also can identify the most compatible for the business to bench mark.. Source: http://www.benchnet.com/wib.html View date: 20 November 2009 Core Competency Core competencies are those strengths or abilities that are critical to a business achieving competitive advantage. Senior management cannot focus on all activities of a business and the competencies required undertaking them. So the goal is for management to focus attention on competencies that really affect competitive advantage. The Core competencies are the most significant value creating skills within Bank of Maldives and key areas of expertise which are distinctive to the business and critical to the Bank of Maldives long term growth. I believe core competencies are the thing that Bank of Maldives can do better than the competitors in the field. So there are competitive advantages in Bank of Maldives that is difficult to imitate by the competitors in the market to gain the core competencies. The loyalty customers had towards the Bank of Maldives is a core competency that business had, compared to the competitors, and is also high. Customer care had a great impact on the business as well since the employees services to the customer of human resource cannot be copied by competitors. Segmentation and Products and services of Bank of Maldives Segment Analysis By Geographical segment- Bank operate only in Maldives By business segment Retail banking Corporate banking Electronic banking Development banking Bank of Maldives Corporate Banking Loans and leasing Working capital facilities Working capital facilities Investment financing Credit card lines, electronic banking and foreign trade services and so on International Banking Electronic Banking Mobile Banking Online Banking ATM Services Development Banking For Bank of Maldives using technology such as ,Automated Teller Machine, online banking and Mobile banking will reduce the amount of transections of bank and customers can acquire services at their offices every day. Also the bank can gain from such services, is reducing their operational costs via decrease in tellers and cashiers, when less number of customers attend the bank to get the services. Right now the bank is charging Rf 2 per any transaction on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and Rf 1800 for internet banking services with account to account transfer services. For the Bank implementing such services incur a huge cost. BCG Matrix The BCG matrix technique is based on the product life cycle concept that can be used to determine how much importance should be given in the product portfolio of a business element. To make sure long-term value creation, a company should have a portfolio of products that contains both high growth products in need of cash inputs and low growth products that generate a lot of cash. It has two dimensions. The first one is market share and second dimension is market growth. The basic idea behind it is that the larger the market share a product has or the faster the products market grows the better it is for the company. http://cnx.org/content/m35356/latest/ Last edited by Jared Adler on Oct 6, 2010 1:05 pm GMT-5. The four categories are: Dogs Dogs have low market growth and low market share and do not generate any money or consume a large amount of cash. So they need to be killed Question marks Question marks are also called as problem child and might have future potential as they are in growth market, but the sales are not particularly good. Also with rapid market growth and also consume large amount of cash due to low market share they do not generate much money. Such as Online banking and Mobile banking are question mark products of Bank of Maldives. Stars star products are those who with a large share of high growth Cash cows As leaders in a mature market, cash cows exhibit a return on assets that is greater than the market

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Parking the Car :: Short Story New York Papers

Parking the Car Today has been like most days. I wandered in a dreamlike state from class to class, across a campus with falling fiery leaves, up three flights of beer-stained stairs, into a room littered with the debris of my chaotic existence, and straight back into a chronically unmade bed. I chased images and thoughts in my mind, getting nowhere, while faintly aware of music drifting from my computer. I closed my eyes without trying, and dreamt without sleeping, and thought without thinking real thoughts. I spent as much time luxuriating in nothingness as I could, before the bar of guilt and responsibility clamped down on my shoulders, compelling me to do homework, to think about thinking. Now it is back to nothingness. I am lying on our dorm room floor delighting in an unexpected snack. "This is damn good stuff," I say, shoving a tortilla heaped in salsa into my greedy mouth. "This is amazing," Thea agrees, shutting her eyes to intensify the already orgasmic experience of eating homemade chunky salsa. I disregard the desperate and pained pleas of my hall mates as small pieces of tomato fly from my overloaded tortilla onto the rug. The poor chip is terribly weighed down and breaking under the pressure, causing salsa to slide off on all sides. I remember that in a moment of frenzied sanitary obsession last week, I actually cleaned the toilet. There is, therefore, no reason to be clean now. I recline in a salsa-induced stupor, squinting in vague curiosity at a plate of cookies in the kitchen. I try to ignore them, but I just can't. Eat us, they hiss. I saunter lethargically into the kitchen and engage in a momentary face-off with the provocative plate of cookies. My heart speeds up for a moment as I weigh the attributes of each cookie. I don't want to make a mistake and take the wrong cookie. That always happens, and I end up resenting my cookie and asking it why it can't be more like the other cookies. I finally settle on the biggest one, though it does seem to have fewer raisins than the others, a drawback that bothers me. Nonetheless, I secure my fingers around the cookie in a defensive death-grip, which means I'll be eating a cookie as well as a little bit of everything else I've touched today. Oh well.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Business Plan for Internet Site - Crowdz.com Essays -- essays research

Business Plan for Internet Site - Crowdz.com 1. 0 Executive Summary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are 3 major elements that helped incubate the idea behind Crowdz.comâ„ ¢Ã¢â€ž ¢. The first element would be individuals, the average Joe on the street. The second, organizations that cater solely to entertainment more specifically, Clubs. Third the banning of cigarette companies from advertising direct nor indirectly in Malaysia.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Crowdz.comâ„ ¢Ã¢â€ž ¢ has its total idea, image, and vision to thank for by the presences of individuals, specific age group 18 – 35 years old, with no idea as to where to party for the weekend or any other day for that matter. A group of four guys were sitting down at a cafà © down town at Bangsar. Then the question came, â€Å"Where shall we party tonight?† There were silence for the next 10 minutes, serious brainstorming was at work. However none had a clue as to where to go. Hence ending up in a lousy joint where they had partied last week. Spending at a place, which cannot really give the satisfaction that, they were really looking for.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Now, this is a true story. Clubbers, partygoers in general don’t really know where to go for a good night out. It’s boring to be venturing the same old place. There is not much advertisement for new and up coming clubs, even if there is, it doesn’t really hit the market that well, as due to lack of funds to be splurged on advertising. The advertising would be minimal and hence not create a big BANG so to speak to the masses. A few questions had been thrown in for the idea behind Crowdz.comâ„ ¢Ã¢â€ž ¢. Questions pertaining to Clubs: 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In what ways can small middle and even large scale clubs able to adve... ... Office Fixtures and Portal Designing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cost / Month is RM 28,500 inclusive of Salaries. Actual initial 3 months is projected not to have any Sales.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A sponsored cigarette company will gain from indirect advertising via the internet, which complies to the banning of advertisments by cigarette companies, under the Malaysia Law. Hence providing the Sponsored Capital of RM 2 Million.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Projected Balance Sheet and Income statements are based on a tax projection of 28%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A projected assumption of how many members and club that will sign up with Crowdz.comâ„ ¢ is provided. This is vital to comprehend as it will give a basic understanding of the Projected Income Statement and Balance Sheet that is provided.

Monday, September 2, 2019

Le Morte Darthur: The Seven Deadly Sins Essay -- essays research paper

The seven deadly sins are spoken of often and frequently in every day life for that is what they are affected with. All of these sins can intertwine to form a domino effect of actions and reactions that link to all of the sins. Once one is committed, it becomes easier to fall into the others for they are all interlinked. This is prevalent in Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur as proven by the acts committed by the various characters throughout the book.When looked at as separate words, the definition of the phrase, the "seven deadly sins", becomes clearer. Starting with "seven", being the chosen number of dealings, following with "deadly", meaning fatal, proceeding to die, or to become deceased and finally "sins", wrongful doings according to religiosity. So from the breakdown of the specific words it can be said that the expression, the seven deadly sins, means that there are seven, not two, not four, but seven wrongful doings that upon execution bec ome fatal.Now that the phrase has been fully explained and hopefully understood, it is time to move on to the actual seven sins that are deadly. The first of the seven sins is greed, being the insatiate longing for or the keenly intense desire for something being of material value or not, that is usually not thought of to be achieved in an moral way. The second sin is gluttony, meaning the overindulgence in anything, great appetite for anything, such as food for example. The third sin is wrath, meaning extreme anger or feeling of vengeance. The forth sin is sloth, being severe laziness or lack of enthusiasm to do anything. The fifth sin is envy, meaning the coveting of anything that is not rightfully owned by the coveter, grudging contemplation of more fortunate people and of their advantages. The sixth sin is lechery, being sexual lust or lust for anything, to live in gluttony. The seventh, and last of the sins is pride, being the overweening opinion of one's own qualities, merits, often personified as arrogant. All of these are classified as sins because they are morally wrong and can make a person unpure.Le Morte D'Arthur is a tale of many knights and endless battles. In this legend, many of the seven deadly sins surpassed and this is what will be looked at. With the first of the sins being greed, it is evident that many of the knights committed this sin. These knights wer... ...me; fortunately Tintagil is only ten miles from here.' Merlin helps Pendragon fool Igraine into sleeping with him. He has sexual lust for her as defined in sin number six, lechery.The seventh and final sin is pride which can been seen when Gwynevere casted Launcelot out because of her foolish pride.Good Sir Launcelot, do not be discouraged! Remember that you are the greatest knight living and that many important matters at this court lie in your hands. It is well known that women are inherently changeable, and often repent of their anger. Therefore I suggest that you ride no farther than the hermitage at Wyndesore, where the good hermit Sir Brastius will care for you, and wait there until we have better tidings for you. Because of Gwynevere's foolish pride, she cannot forgive Launcelot for having to be with other women to avert the attention from his relationship with her.The seven deadly sins can ruin one's life, as it did many characters in Le Morte D'Arthur. The sins are in place to warn people of their outcome, and yet still they commit them. The seven deadly sins may not lead to immediate death, but have definite malevolent products that should be taken into account by all.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Research Credibility And Research Ethical Issues Education Essay

This chapter is about research method that we have applied for this thesis and the grounds that why we have choose this method in our research. In this subdivision, this survey ‘s research method is started with Research scheme, research types, informations aggregation techniques which we have followed. Furthermore, we will speak about research credibleness and research ethical issues. Students and research workers have to happen out the best suitable manner to depict and document their proceedings, findings, thesis and thesiss depending upon the features every bit good as nature of the research. There are two chief methods to document a research: Qualitative research and Quantitative research. Before traveling into the inside informations of our preferable pick, we would wish to convey our clearer position to both footings. Quantitative research, in its simplest significances, is more appropriate when the difference in footings of measurings and sums ( more or less, bigger or smaller, frequently or rarely ) is to be studied ( Thomas R.M, 2003 ) . Seal ( 1999 ) argues that in quantitative research, research workers can utilize tabular arraies of Numberss based on standardised measuring devices which are introduced and described in the literature to sum up the measurings. Thomas ( 2003 ) defined quantitative research as followers: â€Å" Quantitative research uses Numberss and statistical methods. It tends to be based on numerical measurings of specific facets of phenomena ; it abstracts from peculiar cases to seek general description or to prove causal hypotheses ; it seeks measurings and analyses that are easy replicable by other research workers † . In the contrast, qualitative research is more concerned in the reading of events and societal behaviours ( Thomas R.M, 2003 ) . Harmonizing to Cresswell ( 2007 ) qualitative research is an inquiry procedure of understanding based on distinguishable methodological traditions of enquiry that explore a societal or human job. A research worker builds a complex, holistic image, analyzes the universe, studies detailed positions of sources and conducts the survey in natural scene. Thomas ( 2003 ) defined qualitative research as followers: â€Å" Qualitative research is multi-methods in focal point, affecting and interpretative realistic attack to its capable affair. This means that qualitative research workers study things in their natural scenes, trying to do sense of, or interpret phenomena in footings of significances people bring to them. Qualitative research involves the studied usage and aggregation of a assortment of empirical stuffs – instance survey, personal experience, introspective, life narrative, interview, experimental, historical, interactive and ocular texts that describe everyday and debatable minutes and significances in people ‘s lives † . Qualitative research can be achieved through many informations aggregation methods such as observation, interviews, focal point groups and paperss and others ( Fisher et al. , 2007 ) . The nature of our research inquiry clearly indicates that we need a elaborate and deep survey about the issue. A qualitative survey is utile attack to acquire deep apprehension ( Creswell, 2007 ) and research inquiries get downing with why or how are hard to quantify, which is cause of a qualitative attack recommendation for such types of research inquiries that have an exploratory research methodological analysis ( Yin, 2003 ) . Along with the research inquiry, this research survey is aimed to intensify the apprehension of Virtual University ‘s working in Pakistan. This aspect strengthens our pick to carry on a qualitative research along with several others e.g. nature of research inquiries. Our purpose is seeking to happen an reply that what benefits are being provided by practical university i n Pakistan. Benefits ca n't be step and taken into an sum particularly in our research survey. Some may reason that benefits can be step in currency or something else but that ‘s really rarely and in rather different scenes. Second, the chief research inquiry focuses on how does ICT supported distance instruction work in Pakistan. This inquiry ca n't be answered in magnitudes and measurings. Aforesaid conditions set qualitative research as best option for us to follow in order to carry on this research survey and reply the research inquiries.Research SchemeYin ( 1994 ) besides describes different intents of research: explanatory, Exploratory and descriptive. Harmonizing to Yin ( 1994 ) , a research worker can utilize a research scheme to on the footing of its attack and features. Research method is important to the acquisition of scientific values and cognition as explained by Marczyk et Al. ( 2005 ) : â€Å" Science can be defined as a methodological and systematic attack to the acquisition of new cognition † . Supplemented by ( Bryman 2001, confirm it with the mention manner ) explicit findings gathered through systematic attack harmonizing to the research inquiry ( s ) should be included in the every research. Our research survey has twofold intent: to understand the working of ICT supported engineerings in Pakistan and how the ICT can be used and implemented to carry through the educational demands and maximal benefits. The encephalon storming session started with the phenomenal success of Virtual University of Pakistan. Virtual University is the first, yet one and merely, of its sort in Pakistan and have a phenomenal success ratio along with the high quality instruction. The formless and unorganised brainstorming to this research essay was started with the construct of vitamin E acquisition in Pakistan. E acquisition is widely accepted all over the universe and believed to hold its blend in instruction sector and has already formed a new movi ng ridge of larning system, although, the descent of distance acquisition is associated to late 1800. Virtual university in Pakistan was inaugurated in March 2002. The thought behind the development of this establishment was to utilize the antecedently established substructure ( for conventional acquisition institutes ) and provide quality instruction with a blend of handiness and flexibleness. During our pre-study and unstructured encephalon ramping stage, we came across the fact the intercrossed acquisition theoretical account is chiefly used for such sort of undertakings. We started to research the research country by researching vitamin E acquisition in its different forms in general, different theoretical accounts for vitamin E acquisition, engineerings used for vitamin E acquisition, in house and off the shelf merchandises and solutions to different challenges. This later was followed by concentrating on vitamin E acquisition in Pakistan and its success during past twosome of old ages. This literature survey helped us to contract down the research subject with a well defined focal point point, define the job country to work upon and form good structured research inquiries. Pre survey along with the literature survey besides helped us to develop the theoretical foundation of our research survey. The information for research survey, including both certification provided by the university forces and in-detail interviews with forces stand foring Virtual University of Pakistan and the pupils of Virtual University of Pakistan. Students will be selected i ndiscriminately and will be contacted for interviews to forestall the influence of some specific group representation. The interviews and informations gathered will be analyzed by utilizing the analysis model and will be presented in the analysis subdivision of this study. There are diverse manners of research surveies out at that place. This research essay is influenced from pragmatism and positivism with a blend of explanatory survey. Pragmatism focuses on thought and work outing jobs in a realistic manner. Oxford University imperativeness defined pragmatism as â€Å" believing about work outing jobs in a practical and reasonable manner instead than by holding fixed thoughts and theories † [ mention ] where as Cambridge online dictionary defines it as â€Å" when you deal with a job in a realistic manner instead than obeying theories and fixed regulations † . Positivism in its significances defined by Oxford University Press is â€Å" a system of doctrine based on things that can be seen or approved, instead than on thoughts † . Our research survey is explanatory in nature as explanatory research survey is used to intensify the cognition of the object field and to seek the comprehension. Positivism and pragmatism are clearly defi ned in the academic literature and possibly hold really good formed boundaries in the literature but when it is the instance to implement them in pattern, they sometimes overlap. However we are non claiming that our research have purely followed any of these, since they are wide constructs in scientific debate, but saying our research survey has sunglassess of these comprehensive constructs. Our research survey is explanatory and we think it ‘s instead of import to advert what type of cognition is sought and aimed for given that there are several types and classifications and unmeasurable cognition bing in a assortment of formats out at that place, and the replies every bit good as analysis might hold different intensions depending upon the sort of cognition is aimed for. Sociology section at Ohio province university has categorized the intent of research as followers: Exploratory, Descriptive and Explanatory. The intent of explorative research surrounds the finds in the focussed subject and unveils the facts about it. It besides helps in the preparation of inquiries, set waies and provides the feasibleness of future surveies. Specific inside informations of the state of affairs are studied in Descriptive Research with a well formed and focused research inquiry. Whereas, Explanatory research focuses on the ground behind the state of affairs being or have been occur red. Explanatory research usually uses theory and much of the research being published in diary presents is explanatory [ Ohio State University ] . While composing a research essay, along with other deliberations, it was taken attention at a great extent to supply the fullness cognition of the topic to the reader. A reader of an academic research essay can be a cognition searcher, a pupil, an industry professional and a research bookman. A reader should besides be able to happen out the connectivity and the ruddy yarn throughout the research survey. Whereas the research survey should, in itself, be able to exhibit connectivity, grounds and scientific debate every bit good as the outgrowth of the research country and research job. To guarantee this, we found thematic construction good suited for our intent. Thematic construction, in linguistics, as defined by Wikipedia has three intents in it as followers: â€Å" to convey given information and new information † â€Å" capable and predicate † â€Å" Frame and penetration † The actual procedure, nevertheless, from the really get downing to stop was literary since the cognition retrieved from the literature, the pre-study stage and the information received from different beginnings was gathered, processed and analyzed in different unit of ammunitions and so was added to the research study. To guarantee the connectivity, we besides plotted the summery to each chapter at the terminal and an debut was to the chapter was besides placed at the start of each chapter. We categorized the day of the month in each chapter with part classs called as headers and sub subdivisions called as subheadings to guarantee the hierarchal construction of the study and, slightly, do it instead easier for the reader to understand. The undermentioned figure shows the stairss taken and the procedure to finish the research survey.Datas assemblageDifferent type can be used during a research survey to beef up the research and support findings. Date gathered during the survey besides richens the quality of research and back up the treatment and analysis ( Seals 1999 ) . During our survey, we found three basic types of informations assemblage are appropriate for to back up our debate ; Interviews, observations and certification ( Seals, 1999 ) . Different types of informations garnering techniques non merely back up the cogency of the information gathered and assist in the generalisation. Furthermore, cyberspace was besides used as secondary type to garner quality informations ( Creswell, 2007 ) but besides fortify the research to organize the triangulation in the research survey. Additionally, cyberspace was besides used as a secondary type for day of the month assemblage.Interview usher coevalsAn interview usher in dicates the subjects and sequence of these subjects in the interview, which should be prepared before carry oning the interview ( Kvale, 1996 ) . Our interview usher ( Appendix No ) contains inquiries which we selected to maintain in position the focal point of our survey. We have unfastened inquiries to acquire maximal information from interviewees. Nodoubt replies of such inquiries hard to compare with each others ( interviewees ) , but its sure that the subject of these replies will be common ( Ostbye et Al. 2003:143 ) .InterviewsInterviews were the basic component of our informations assemblage scheme as mentioned earlier. Harmonizing to Yin ( 2003 ) in information assemblage and analyzing, interviews are the basic and cardinal beginnings. Since we have adopted a qualitative attack in order to carry on our survey so the possibility to plan questionnaires was eliminated. Harmonizing to Preece et Al ( 2003 ) there are four types of interviews: Structured, Semi Structured, Unstruct ured and group interviews. Whereas group interviews are more a sort of treatment in which interviewer has less control over the interview activity. The remainder ; semi structured, structured and unstructured interviews provide much control to the interviews in the signifier of predefined set of inquiries. Preece et Al, ( 2003 ) besides argued about the pick of interviews types depending upon the aim and the research inquiries. Our research inquiries and aim has set us to plan semi-structured interviews since the purpose is to hold an overall apprehension of the working of ICT based distance larning in Pakistan. Harmonizing to Preece et Al, ( 2003 ) semi structured interviews are more appropriate when the purpose is to acquire a comprehension or feed back to some specific issue. Semi structured interviews are a blend of structured and unstructured interviews dwelling both unfastened and closed inquiries. In order to keep consistence, we designed interviews so that we can get down qu estioning in a pre-planned manner and subsequently can delve deeper into the subject and question the interviewee to acquire the really relevant information. Now we would wish to convey our reader to our designed construction of the interview.Structure of the interviewIn order to plan the interviews, we followed preece et Al, ( 2003 ) who outlined 5 chief Sessionss in an interview viz. ; Introduction session, warm up session, chief session, cool – off session and shutting session. Introductory session: apparent by its name, both interviewees and interviewer were officially introduced to each other and the aim of the research was explained to the interviewee. Confidentiality and other ethical issues were besides discussed and got approved during this session. Warm up session: non endangering inquiries were posed during this session to garner basic information about the interviewee and his/her duties in the organisation. E.g. for how long have you been working in this organisation? Main session: Main session consisted of the inquiries to adhere the job and was focused to reply the research inquiries. Questions in chief session were good aligned to garner the basic apprehension to the really elaborate information about the focussed subject. Cool off session: cool off Sessionss consisted of instead of import and unfastened inquiry to proceeding towards the terminal of the interview. E.g. would you like add any more item? Closing session: interviewer thanks to the interviewee and switches off the entering signaling that interviewee has ended. Not holding so much structurised interviews entertained interviewees with a less controlled environment which helped them to explicate their position and point of views in a different angle and their engagement towards the topic. This sort of interview technique besides has disadvantages as there is no clear boundary to specify what lies outside of the aim and how to command the interviewee and mold them back to the subject.Interview SelectionDifferent informations aggregation motive has different grade of interview constructions. When selected the interview construction there are a few different types to see in order justifying that why the particular type was chosen. â€Å" At one extreme is the structured interview, where the interviewer asks the respondent a preset set of inquiries which can non be changed or restructured. An unstructured interview on the other manus, takes on an opposite attack. In such an interview the respondent is able to speak freely about the subject without any guidance or influence from the interviewer ( Teorell & A ; Svensson, 2006 ) . In between these two extremes is the semi-structured interview where the preparation of the inquiries can change depending on the respondent. The interviewer merely uses an interview usher with a few subjects and issues that need to be covered ( Fisher, 2007 ) . The pick of the degree of construction should be guided by the intent of the research † ( Franzen & A ; Gunes 2008 ) . We selected semi-structure interviews because we want to give the interviewee the opportunity to lend more without interrupting and restricting. Our intent to choose semi-structure interview is that the interviewee non merely answer to our inquiries, but besides can show extra point ‘s remarks which may lend to the research even further. In add-on, Franzen & A ; Gunes ( 2008 ) explain: â€Å" Furthermore, semi-structured interviews will enable adaptation to each respondent and interview scene by al- mooing us to: alteration preparations of the inquiries, reorder them, and follow up with new inquiries if needed. A job with a less structured attack is the increased trouble of transporting out the analysis due to the complexness of the information gathered ( Holme & A ; Solvang, 1997 ) . However, we believe the additions will be superior to this drawback. †Respondent / Interviewee Preparation and SchedulingThe choice of interviewee or respondent is really of import because right information is merely acquire from relevant individual. In order to acquire information about first portion of our thesis â€Å" working of ICT based instruction † , we selected managerial staff that has complete background, history and current position of VU undertaking. For this intent foremost we get elaborate information like appellations, functions and responsibilities of al l employees from all sections of VU. As this was hard undertaking but we clearly mentioned our intent of research, which prepare their head to collaborate with us. To acquire in contact with the right individuals we started by reaching the highest possible employees by electronic mail. Many phone calls and electronic mails were necessary to happen the right individual, and agree on an interview day of the month. These are all people with busy agendas and any assignment had to be done early. Since clip is money it is of import non to blow the interviewee ‘s clip. Being good prepared and holding clear inquiries will do the interview a reasonably speedy and easy procedure for all parts involved ( Kvale, S. 1996 ) . Interview is non merely manner to aggregation of informations even building of informations ( Kvale, 1996 ) . In order to hold entree of inteviewees ‘ informations for subsequently utilize a location and a recording device is necessary. The most appropriate campaigners for interviews were the proficient staff and managerial staff of VU because they can supply coveted information.Table: Structure of IntervieweesSr. # .Intervi ewees ‘ NameDesignation & A ; DepartmentNumber of InterviewsWay of InterviewInterview Plan / ProceduresWe will take up interview with a brief debut of ourselves, grounds to carry on interview and background of our research undertaking. Furthermore, we will besides acquire bio informations of our selected interviewees to understand their cognition and experience in relevant country ( Briony, 2006 ) . Bing good prepared and holding clear inquiries will do the interview a reasonably speedy and easy procedure for all parts involved ( Kvale, S. 1996 ) . Normally our interview clip will be in between 50 to 70 proceedingss to guarantee our interviewee non experience wastage of clip, and will seek to do the interviewees feel comfy and free. We will besides maintain in position all regulations and ordinances of interview like our functions, environment and inquiries type which will be asked. Our function being an interviewer good behaved and will take to normal conversation ( Ostbye et al.2003:104 ) . In our instance, we can non carry on face to confront interview which is really expensive and clip wastage for us travel to Pakistan. So, we will carry on interview by utilizing Skype and electronic mail. As we could non cognize the environment of interviewee ‘s topographic point but we will carry on interview at that day of the month and clip which will be executable for interviewees. There are different ways to carry on interview, for illustration by mail, electronic mail, telephone, VoIP, or face to face. We will prefer electronic mail and VoIP ( Skype ) . We decided that we will carry on foremost interview by electronic mail, the end product of this interview and from this interview we will develop follow-up inquiries. After first electronic mail interview analysis, we will carry on 2nd interview by Skype which give us the chance to inquire follow-up inquiries to acquire more elaborate information.InstrumentalityaˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ . To be addedaˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ .DocumentsSeveral types of paperss were collected from the forces stand foring of Virtual University of Pakistan to understand the working of the organisation. However, we do n't claim that all facets of organisational working were got into attending e.g. fiscal affairs, policy affairs. These paperss helped us to understand the initial set up phase of VU, intents of VU undertakin g, contents development, contents bringing, pupil instructor interaction, Learning Management system and many others things which we do non believe suited to add in our research. Most of these paperss were gathered electronically in digital signifier. Some of them were for public usage and can besides found on the Virtual University ‘s web site and some were confidential and the exclusive intent to present them was to hold a better apprehension. These paperss provide us valuable information which helped us to construction more appropriate interview inquiries.Use of literatureWe conducted a literature reappraisal to supply the rational job country and place of our research to the current literature within the subjects of involvement ( Creswell, 2007 ) . We preferred the choice of those articles about e-learning which are largely cited or referenced by other writers. Articles are primary based on scientific articles found from the Electronic Library Information Navigator ( ELIN ) and the Internet, complemented with commonly well-recognized mention literature. To seek relevant informations, we used keywords of † e-learning † , â€Å" e-learning system † , â€Å" ICT based acquisition † , † ICT based instruction † , â€Å" Virtual Education † , â€Å" Virtual University † , and † Virtual Learning † in different combinations. We besides used books which were issued from Economic School ‘s Library every bit good as used e-book. We took initial measure to research about e-learning from an e-book † Theory and Practice of Online Learning † . These beginnings of information were used to acquire elaborate information about e-learning basic constructs, e-learning system, e-learning theoretical accounts, larning techniques and methods used for research in this country of survey. This was done to reexamine Published literature from e-libraries, books, diaries and documents related to the proposed subject. The literature reappraisal provide context of our research and state approximately work done by others research workers antecedently in this country of survey ( Dawson, 2005 ) . Literature has been an of import portion of research survey with an purpose to roll up the beginnings of literature from both, bookmans and E larning practicians. Of class, at some certain points we had to contract down our research merely on the E acquisition in Pakistan. We collected scholarly articles and research documents to lighten up and intensify our constructs about E larning. We besides used on-line web beginnings and hunt engines ( Google, yokel ) and lexicons, wherever we found it dependable, to do us better understand different constructs and show them in the most appropriate manner to our reader. After roll uping literary stuff, while construing it we found it instead of import to hold a critical position on the beginnings every bit good as the stuff itself since some of the stuff was instead old and was showing rather different expression as compared to current times. Whereas some of the recent research articles glorifies the present tendencies.Datas AnalysisData analy sis is stems the research work and is an of import portion. Data analysis has some certain stairss as argued by Miles and Huberman ( 1994 ) , informations analysis consists of informations decrease, informations show and informations Marczyk et Al ( 2005 ) â€Å" in most type of research surveies, the procedure of informations analysis involves the undermentioned three stairss: ( 1 ) fixing the information for analysis, ( 2 ) analysing the information and ( 3 ) construing the information † . In our research survey, the first measure fixing informations was performed in the signifier of literature reappraisal and the survey of paperss provided by the practical university forces which in title was a uninterrupted and iterative procedure.Research QualityIt is of import to warrant that a research survey has dependability and cogency. In this subdivision, we are traveling to show that how we have worked and followed the cogency and dependability which are belong to the scientific quality research ( Creswell, 2007 ; Seale, 1999 ) . Furthermore, Bias and Ethical motives are besides discussed to back up the research quality of our thesis. Research dependability and cogency are two factors that must be considered to do the research trustworthy ( Bjorklund & A ; Paulsson, 2003 ) . In our research cogency is concerned in which extent we truly measured what we set out to mensurate, and dependability is concerned that our consequences will be same if our research consequences probe by person once more with the same set of instruments.DependabilityaˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ . To be addedaˆÂ ¦by MraˆÂ ¦ WaqasaˆÂ ¦ .CogencyKvale ( 1996 ) describes cogency is â€Å" a method investigates what it is intended to look into. † In our survey, the interview cogency are chiefly involves if we can right understand what the interviewee mean. As Kvale ( 1996 ) provinces when choose the transcript ‘s lingual manner it is besides of import to accomplish valid interlingual rendition from the unwritten to written certification. Therefore, we checked the text with our interviewee after transcribing. We send th em our written text of their sentiment, if some parts of the written text they do non hold, we will pass on with them and modify the written text.aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ . To be addedaˆÂ ¦by MraˆÂ ¦ WaqasaˆÂ ¦ .Ethical motivesEthical behaviour helps to protect persons, communities and environments, and offers the potency to increase the amount of good in the universe ( Israel, 2006 ) . Bing responsible research workers, we have to do certain our behaviours will non harm any participants who are belonging to our research procedure during research or after the publication of concluding study. So to do certain good moralss in the research, we informed interviewees by electronic mail and by telephone ( Appendix No ) about issues including the research subject, research inquiry, research range, informations confidentiality, privateness, personal individuality, research result and the questionnaires ( Appendix No ) before interview. It has besides been indicated to I nterviewees that what may go on to the informations, including its possible usage in any studies or publications because this survey might be used by the other people subsequently. So, we managed this research in this manner that there should non be any harm to interviewees and their institute. To maintain in position Privacy, namelessness and confidentiality factors ; interviewees have been informed that they can retreat from the interview without stipulating any ground ( Singer & A ; Vinson, 2002 ) . For better apprehension, the canned interview informations will direct back to interviewees to verify that everything harmonizing to interviewees ‘ words of oral cavity and non any alteration has made in their replies. In add-on, interviewee knows the intent of utilizing the information and where it will be used. Therefore, the empirical informations used in this survey should non harm any interviewee ( Israel & A ; Hay, 2006 ) . Informed consent, confidentiality, and the function of the research worker are the ethical guidelines ( Kvale, 1996 ) , so we make certain that our interviewees will non hold any job to understand our research subjects and information which we want to acquire from them, for illustration, our intent of research, nature of research, who is the research worker, how long is the interview will take, how we will utilize their informations and how to circulating the research findings ( Briony 2006 ) . Furthermore, the interviewees have been requested kindly for their cooperation and non oblige them for participate in our researchBiasTo guarantee high quality research survey, research worker should believe over the prejudice. A research worker should progress into a research with a clear and unfastened head in order to avoid any prejudice to act upon the terminal consequence ( Backman, 1998 ; Oates, 2006 ) . There is no clear definition of prejudice but it can be related to prepossession and bias ( Hammersley & A ; Gomm, 1997 ) . Harmonizing to Harmmersley and Gomm ( 1997 ) , prejudice has considered a positive characteristic because prejudice reveals concealed facets of phenomena. Unbiased research non merely concentrating on our ain believes and premises, but give importance to others point of positions and experiences. We address the possible prejudice by reflecting and showing our place as research workers. â€Å" A consideration of ego as a research worker and ego in relation to the subject of research is a stipulation for get bying with prejudice. † ( Norris, 1997, pp. 3 ) . We besides be self-critical throughout the full work ( Norris, 1997 ) , we tried to hold periodical treatments among our group members and had critical analysis about the pros and cons of our theoretical model, methods and findings. We purely follow right path and follow the way which we had planed every bit good as we tried to be cognizant when, how and why we have deviated from the planned path. Our scheme leads us to come back on right path.â€Å" Naqash and Waqas can add more ideas harmonizing to your experiences †

Saturday, August 31, 2019

History of Competition Law in India. Its an Emerging Area in the Field of Law

The establishment of British Rule in India left the Indian economy crippled. India served as a dumping ground for the machine made cloth and other factory goods from England and was reduced to a mere raw material supplying colony. After winning Independence against the political competition posed by the British Rulers for many years, India, post independence, started its era of fighting against economic competition, the only difference being that the threat which India faced was now not only restricted to the British rulers but to the whole world which considered India as a dream destination for celebrating the advantages of ‘Globalization and Liberalization’. Winning Independence gave way to the entrance of many big firms into the Indian market exploring opportunities in various trades and businesses. The condition of the Indian market was very weak and vulnerable to face the might of these foreign firms, because India at that time neither had the resources nor the skilled workforce to convert, if at all, such resources to compete with these foreign firms. The technological and scientific capabilities were poor, industrialization was limited and lopsided. Agricultural sector exhibited features of feudal and semi-feudal institutions, resulting into low productivity. In brief, poverty was rampant and unemployment was widespread, both making for low general standard of living. These were the socio-economic settings in which the founding fathers had to chart out a programme of nation-building. The Indian Government, although did not have the weapons to wage war against such fierce competition against the foreign firms but the Government did not fail to rule out the possible defences to resist the competition posed by the foreign firms to protect its own domestic market. The ‘Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act of 1969’ turned out to be the most sought after ‘Defence Mechanism’. The history of the Indian competitive legislation goes back to the Monopolies Enquiry Commission. In 1964, when the Indian democracy was in its nascent state – barely 17 years old – the Government of India appointed the Monopolies Enquiry Commission to enquire into the effect and extent of concentration of economic power in private hands and prevalence of monopolistic and restrictive trade practices in important economic activity other than agriculture. The commission submitted its report along with the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Bill, 1965 and on June 1st The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act came into existence on 27th  December, 1969. The preamble to this enactment provided it to be  An Act to provide that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of the economic power to the common detriment, for the control of monopolies, for the prohibition of monopolistic and restrictive trade practices and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Therefore, in common parlance, the MRTP Act, 1969 aimed at preventing economic power concentration in a few hands, the intention behind this was to avoid damage, with the end result protecting consumer interest and the economic society at large. HISTORY OF THE MRTP ACT, 1969 Post independence, when the Constitution of India, that is, the Blanket-cover regulator, was being enacted and adopted, the most important Articles which provided for recognising the effect of the MRTP Act, and preventing and avoiding damage were Article 38 and Article 39 of the Constitution, which was adopted and enacted and came into effect on the 26th  day of November, 1949. Article 38 of the Constitution provides for the Directive Principles of State Policy which mandates upon States to secure a social order for the promotion and welfare of the people. This provision recognised the need to eliminate and minimise the inequalities in income, which applied not only to the individuals but also to the groups in different areas. However, the MRTP Act of 1969 owes its existence to the provision provided under Article 39(c) of the Constitution of India which provided that the States shall strive to secure  that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment. The preamble to the MRTP Act rests on this very provision of the Constitution of India. In the case of  State of Bihar  v. Kameshwar Singh  , the Court was of the opinion, that, a law aimed at doing away with the concentration of big blocks of land in the hands of a few individuals would sub-serve the directives laid down in sub-clauses (b) and (c) of Article 39 of the Constitution of India. Taking this judgment into perspective, the preamble to the MRTP Act, 1969 gets reinstated where the objective or the intention f the legislature behind enacting such an Act is to avoid damage by concentration of economic power in the hands of only a few and thereby causing damage. However, the MTRP Act was not a result of just the two provision of the Constitution of India. After enacting the aforementioned articles, the Government of India assumed the responsibility of overall development of the country. It was incidentally that the Government appointed the ‘Mahalanobis Committeeâ₠¬â„¢ on the Distribution of Income and Levels of Living in October 1960. The main task at hand for this Committee was identifying the pattern of work of large business houses under the ‘planned economy’ regime and whether there was any concentration of economic power. It was after this Committee that the Monopolies Inquiry Commission (MIC) was set-up in 1964 which reported that there was high concentration of economic power in over 85% of industries in India at that point in time. MONOPLIES INQUIRY COMMISSION (MIC) †¢ MIC appointed under Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 †¢ Scope of inquiry – extent and effect of concentration of economic powers in private hands. TOR excluded agriculture sector and public sector †¢ MIC to suggest legislation and other measures to protect essential public interest and also suggest agency for enforcement of the legislation FINDINGS OF THE MIC †¢ Adverse social effects of economic concentration †¢ Government policies one of the main causes of economic concentration †¢ Managing agency system †¢ New technology – scale of production †¢ Birth of equity culture – increase in size †¢ War efforts of India †¢ Political largesse †¢ MIC used CR3 †¢ Studied 100 products †¢ 64 products were found having CR3 > 75% Infant milk food, biscuits, chocolates, tea, coffee †¢ Dhoti, saree, shirting †¢ Kerosene, coal, petroleum †¢ Lantern, stove, fan, lamp, radio, refrigerator, geyser †¢ Tooth-paste, razor, blade, cigarettes †¢ Vitamins, penicillin †¢ Cars, commercial vehicles, tyres †¢ Cement, sanitary-wares etc †¢ MIC distinguished between industry-wise concentration and country-wise concentration †¢ Large number of industries had either single supplier or one supplier having large share of market. †¢ Collusive behaviour in certain sectors †¢ Entry barrier created by private players Evidence of predatory pricing †¢ Many public sector enterprises enjoyed monopoly †¢ Many restrictive trade practices (RTP) prevalent †¢Hoarding †¢ Re-sale price maintenance †¢ Exclusive dealing †¢ Price fixing †¢ Boycott †¢ Price discrimination â€Å"Big business by its very ‘bigness’ sometimessucceed in keeping out competitors† RECOMMENDATIONS OF MIC †¢ Non-legislative recommendation †¢ Setting up public sector enterprises in sectors which have little competition †¢ Promoting SMEs and Cooperatives to challenge private monopolies †¢ Continuation of license system and import restrictions Proposed an autonomous Commission headed by a Judge to implement a new law. †¢ The proposed commission to have an investigating arm †¢ Punitive powers to the Commission †¢ Scope of merger control limited to merger involving a dominant enterprise (at least 1/3 of share in production/ supply/distribution) †¢ All proposals for expansion by dominant enterprises to be approved by the proposed Com mission †¢ IPRs to be under the purview of the proposed law. MRTP ACT †¢ Made some significant departures from the recommendations of MIC †¢ RTP prohibited MTP – Government can refer to MRTPC for inquiry and recommendation †¢ M & As – powers entirely with the Government †¢ Enterprises having Rs. 200 million in assets and dominant enterprises having Rs. 10 million in assets to seek prior approval of Central Government for expansion or setting up a new undertaking †¢ MRTPC had limited Civil Court powers – enforcing attendance of witness and calling for documents – these powers were not provided to the investigating agency †¢ Trial of offences in the domain of Courts SACHAR COMMISSION †¢ Set up in 1997 to consider the working of MRTP Act and recommend necessary changes. FINDINGS OF THE SACHAR COMMISSION †¢ Reviewed the working of MRTPC during the period 1970-77 †¢ Found that the actual role of MRTPC was limited and mostly advisory †¢ The Government had not made use of the expertise – few references to MRTPC for opinion RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SACHAR COMMITTEE – I †¢ Definition of dominant enterprise to be changed –enterprises with ? arket share to be termed dominant †¢ Harmonization of definition of ‘goods’ in the MRTP Act with the Sale of Goods Act †¢ Inter-connected undertakings concept to be introduced to the MRTP Act †¢ Government Undertakings to be brought under purview of MRTPC †¢ Compulsory reference by the Central Government on MTPs to MRTPC †¢ All M&As to be referred for advise of MRTPC, if the Central Government so desires. †¢ Division of enterprises - MRTPC to pass final orders if the Central Government referred the matter to it. Certain Unfair Trade Practices (UTPs) like misleading advertisements to be inserted in the Law †¢ Power to compensate against injury †¢ Power to grant interim injunction †¢ Power of contempt †¢ Investigating arm to be provided more teeth by powers of conducting down raids and limited Civil Court powers 1984 AMENDMENT TO MRTP ACT †¢ Many deviations from the recommendations of the Sachar Committee †¢ Concept of deemed illegality to host of trade practices introduced †¢ Exclusionary behaviour, tie in sale, re-sale price maintenance, bid rigging, allocation of market, boycott predatory pricing etc. Registration of agreements by dominant enterprises made mandatory †¢ Mis-representation as well as misleading or disparaging advertisement included †¢ Provisions prohibiting UTPs introduced 1991 AMENDMENT TO THE MRTP ACT †¢ Provisions dealing with monopolistic en terprises seeking prior Government approval deleted †¢ Government Undertakings, Government Corporations and Government owned Companies brought under the purview of the MRTP Act by notification †¢ Granting of injunction without issue of notice to the effective parties PROVISIONS IN PRESENT MRTP ACT Has jurisdiction in RTP & UTP – 14 practices are deemed RTP, but there are gateways in S. 38 †¢ MTP if referred or suo moto, but can only recommend to Government †¢ M & A were deleted in 1991 †¢ Can grant temporary injunction †¢ Has powers of contempt †¢ For disobedience, MRTPC must complain to criminal court RAGHAVAN COMMITTEE †¢ A high level Committee on Competition Policy and Law set up in 1999. †¢ TOR inter-alia included recommending a suitable legislation framework which could either be a new law or appropriate amendments to the MRTP Act FINDINGS OF THE RAGHAVAN COMMITTEE †¢ Word â€Å"competition† used sparsely in the MRTP Act – only twice †¢ Absence of precise definition e. g. Cartels †¢ Inadequate to deal with implementation of the WTO Agreements †¢ No specific powers under the MRTP Act to deal with mergers †¢ Inadequate in dealing with anti-competitive practices as in other modern competition law †¢ Expedient to have a new Competition Law. Competition Commission of India: Duties Competition Act, 2002 notified in January, 2003 – Stated objective (as indicated in Preamble) is to establish the Commission to: †¢ Eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition; †¢ Promote and sustain competition Protect consumers’ interests †¢ Ensure freedom of trade carried on by other participants in markets in India [Section 18]Preamble of the Competition Act, 2002 States: â€Å"keeping in view the economic development of thecountry†, †¢ to prevent practices having appreciable adverse effect on competition; †¢ to promote and su stain competition in trade and industry: †¢ to protect the interest of consumers; †¢ to ensure freedom of trade carried on by the participants in markets in India; †¢ Objectives to be achieved through the establishment of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Competition Act, 2002 – new wine in a new bottle There is a significant contrast between the repealed MRTP Act and the Competition Act. The intent of the Competition Act is not to prevent the existence of a monopoly across the board. There is a realization in policy-making circles that in certain industries, the nature of their operations and economies of scale indeed dictate the creation of a monopoly in order to be able to operate and remain viable and profitable. This is in significant contrast to the philosophy which propelled the operation and application of the MRTP Act. The word monopoly is no longer taboo in corporate and political India. The Act declares that person and enterprise are prohibited from entering into a combination which causes or is likely to cause an â€Å"appreciable adverse effect† on competition within the relevant market in India. A system is provided under the Act wherein at the option of the person or enterprise proposing to enter into a combination may give notice to the CCI of such intention providing details of the combination. The Commission after due deliberation, would give its opinion on the proposed combination. However, entities not required to approach the Commission for this purpose are public financial institutions, FIIs, banks or venture capital funds which are contemplating share subscription, financing or acquisition pursuant to any specific stipulation I a loan agreement or investor agreement. The Act definitely is a new wine in a new bottle. The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2006 The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2006, contains provisions designed to address the Supreme Court’s concerns. It also proposes to make several other changes in sections of the Act dealing with anti-competitive practices. Some proposed amendments are quite sensible, while others (notably a modified leniency programme for firms that provide information about their participation in a cartel) have been inadequately thought out. The amendments designed to placate the Supreme Court will also have some negative consequences. Several weaknesses in the original Act remain unaddressed. Finally, the scarcity of the kind of economic expertise required to interpret the Act’s multifarious technical clauses also remains a matter of concern. Intensive capacity building and a re-assessment of the Act itself are urgently required. Conclusion The quality of governance of the state is being watched very closely by the citizens, investors and the international community. As more freedom is available to businesses to choose from various countries for investment, the competing governments are also conscious about the role of governance in attracting investment. Any perception that the environment is not conducive to competition and the state has been captured by a few big businesses certainly negatively affects the global investment decisions of firms. The same is also true of the situation within different provinces in a country as same considerations are used by the firms in making investment decisions while choosing locations for establishment of an industry. In a market structure where firms face weak competitive pressures and the profits and prices are predictable the firms have little or no incentive to use resources efficiently. Hence competition is accepted worldwide as the life blood of the market economy. It spurs innovation and higher productivity leading to accelerated economic growth; to the consumers it brings the benefit of lower prices, wider choices and better services. The effect of competition on price and accessibility is best illustrated with an example from Indian telecommunications. Tele-density in India has risen from mere 2. 32 in 1999 to 11. 32 in December 2005-07. Also there has been a dramatic fall in telecom tariffs from Rs. 6 per minute to Re. 1 per minute with increased competition in this sector. Similarly, consumers have benefited from competition in other sectors such as civil aviation, automobiles, newspapers and consumer electronics. The enactment of the Competition Act is a commendable step towards achieving the twin mantra of â€Å"open market economy† and â€Å"liberalization† in a mixed economic system. The need for reform in the legal system with regard to comp etition law has been rightly recognized by the legislative bodies in the country. However, the reforms have not been smooth or speedy which has resulted in a stagnation of the legal framework guiding the corporate sector. Further reforms need to be undertaken as fast as possible to ensure that the development of the nation does not take a backseat due to the pending legal reforms. Reforms must provide for good corporate governance, less of government controls and interference, protection of consumers and public interest, rewarding the merits and all to be achieved as soon as possible because world has also options available other than India.