Exploring the Concept of Project Appraisals Essay

Project appraisal is a generic term that refers to the process of assessing, in a structured way, the case for proceeding with a project or proposal. In short, project appraisal is the effort of calculating a project’s viability.[1] It often involves comparing various options, using economic appraisal or some other decision analysis technique. Or in other terms it is Systematic and comprehensive review of the economic, environmental, financial, social, technical and other such aspects of a project to determine if it will meet its objectives. Project appraisal is a structured, systematic and a comprehensive process to assess the financial, economic, social, environmental and technical viability of a project. The quality of the project appraisal is the main determinant of success of a project. As per the experience of the World Bank, poorly appraised projects have seven times more probability of failure within three years of their implementation as compared to well appraised projects. As all projects compete for scarce resources, good quality investment appraisal of projects, quantification of risks of different stakeholders and well laid out strategies to manage risks expedite financial closure and timely completion of projects. In the developing economies, the infrastructure sectors such as Power, Roads and Highways, Telecommunications, Ports, Airports, Water Supply, Irrigation and Shipping, Railways and Sewerage systems require large investments. Adoption of sound project appraisal methodologies expedites investment in these sectors which are crucial for economic growth. In the banker perspective a structured analytical tool to take a credit decision, the basic premises of an appraisal are to assess and analyze the promoters, viability of the business macro & micro environment of the business, business financials various risk and its mitigations, permission and approval form regulatory bodies, http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/project-appraisal.html#ixzz2IgVun

Internet Privacy Essay

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is a great opportunity for any fledging entrepreneur to expose his goods to buyers all over the world through the internet. Small and medium scale businesses, with the right mixture of products and e-commerce capabilities can thrive in a global market. Geography is now longer a hindrance. One doesn’t even need a great amount of capital outlay to get started. For $ 25 a month, one can get an e-commerce start up kit (â€Å"Exploring E-Commerce†). Every imaginable commodity is now sold on-line. It would be wise for any business minded person to ride the information age. Of course, one area of concern when it comes to electronic transactions is security. There have been many instances where credit card information submitted to certain business related websites were stolen and used for other purposes. Customers would need some measure of guarantee that they are not getting scammed. At the same time, businessmen, especially the newer ones, would like to minimize costs of implementing a highly secure environment. Like everything else, a balance must be reached between security for the customer and cost for the business owner. The advantage of a non-secure e-commerce environment is that the business can start right away, even at the comfort of your own home if you prefer. Starting capital would be affordable since one only needs to register a website name and post the products he is offering. The site functions as a showroom for global customers. The disadvantage is that the number of hits on the site doesn’t necessarily translate to customers. 54% of prospective buyers cancel their transactions because of concerns which include insecurity (â€Å"Exploring E-Commerce†). Another disadvantage is that safe payment options are limited. Because non-secure e-commerce sites are vulnerable to hacker attacks, customers would prefer not to use any kind of electronic payment. This would limit the customer’s options to bank deposits and cash-on-delivery schemes. If credit card payment is offered in an insecure web environment, the risk of theft is increased. Overly secured e-commerce sites provide the customer with a blanket of safety and convenience for both the customer and the site owner. With up to date security measures, the owner opens his business to the more than 1. 2 billion credit card owners, world wide (â€Å"Exploring E-Commerce†). Applying encryption methods such as the widely accepted secure socket layer (SSL) certificates on the business website shields important customer information, like credit card numbers, from hackers and other web predators. One disadvantage of a highly secure e-commerce setup is the cost in putting up the safeguards. Verisign, the company that offers SSL certificates, charges over $1,000 for an extended SSL good for 1 year (â€Å"Verisign†, 2007). Other security costs include purchasing and updating of anti-virus software and firewall infrastructure. A minor inconvenience for the customer would be repeated input of customer information including passwords to help secure a transaction. These are not one time only costs. SSL and anti-virus software need regular updates to adapt to relentless hackers and virus code programmers. Even with all of these, there is still no 100% guarantee that the e-business is safe since security is meant to â€Å"manage not eliminate risks† (Tung, 2007). If the entrepreneur is new to the e-commerce business and confined with a limited budget, it is advisable that he start with registering the website first and live with the payment limitations. If the product is good, and the owner makes up for the limitations with above average service like on time delivery and packaging, then he may gradually add components that would make his e-business more secure. If money is no object to the businessman, then adding market accepted security features will certainly not hurt and will even attract repeat business. References: E-commerce 101. Retrieved December 10, 2007, from Sell it on the web Web site: http://sellitontheweb. com/ezine/webstore101. shtml Exploring E-Commerce. Entrepreneur. com , Retrieved December 10, 2007, from http://www. entrepreneur. com/growyourbusiness/howtoguides/article81238. html Tung, Liam (2007, November 2007). ‘Friendly rootkits’ proposed for safe e-commerce. Retrieved December 10, 2007, from ZDNet. co. uk Web site: http://news. zdnet. co. uk/internet/0,1000000097,39291134,00. htm? r=2 Verisign (2007). Retrieved December 10, 2007, Web site: https://ssl-certificate- center. verisign. com/process/retail/product_selector? uid=f149c3d301a629c3897d6187982dbfe7

Analyse article by Roberto Gonzalez Echeverria Essay - 1

Analyse article by Roberto Gonzalez Echeverria - Essay Example A very comprehensive and an important philosophy that Echevarria illustrates in the very beginning of the article is that human and monster are two flip sides of a same coin and in his play Calderon also uses the symbol of a monster under the same context. However the author also states that it solely depends on an individual the manner in which he sets the pattern of his life as it also apparent from the character of Segismundo. Hence it is observed in the play that initially Calderon portrays him as a monster and an animal disguised as a human being however later he realizes his mistakes and makes efforts to avoid such animalistic behavior in future. Moreover Segismundo’s imprisonment is also a figurative representation of the fact that inside every human being there lives a beast however it depends on an individual to curb and control or unleash it. Another pertinent and an interesting fact that the author demonstrates is that any form of abnormality or unusual personality traits also hold the tendency to categorize an individual as a monster as it is also observed in the case of Rosaura. Her character is portrayed as a female with masculine attributes such as strength and determination. Such unusual characteristics make her look like a monster or a beast in the eyes of the society because her unusual personality goes against the strictures and conventions. Hence in other words Echeverria establishes that monster is a vast term that has layers of meaning one of which is the unconventional behavior of an individual. Hence it is observed that the author provides the readers with a very apt explanation of the symbol of the monster and hence helps in adding new dimension to the context of Calderon’s play. Moreover Echevarria also strives to convince the readers that the term monster in literature not only implies a beast in the physical terms but also any

Choose one of the 4 topics to write on plz about commercialization Essay

Choose one of the 4 topics to write on plz about commercialization - Essay Example Discussion The paper will outline the general implication is launching of new products internationally based on the plan of commercialization. International launch of products occurs when firms launch new products internationally to enhance their market value and increase profit margins and possibilities of success, (Clancy, Shulman & Wolf, 1994). Based on the commercialization plan a company should establish when the product would be launch (launch timing), where it will be launched (location of launching), and the target customers of the new product. International launching process is a challenging experience and has both positive and negative implications. Stages involved in new product launching are logistics, identifying strategy of marketing, proper placement of product and target advertising and marketing is the main step in international launch of a new product, (National Research Council, 1993). A successful launching implies increased production and sales while unsuccessful launching implies significant company loss. On the international market side the evaluation and participation of the customers is crucial for successful new products commercialization; therefore, how customers evaluate, participate, and view the product is crucial, (Gisser, 2008). Companies experience various challenges when launching a new product internationally, for instance, existence of different cultures and intra multicultural countries development. Many firms are under excessive pressure to quicken their new products commercialization to enhance lifetime and cost-effective value of products, and to bear the changing economies trends. The greatest challenge in the launch of a new product internationally is to ensure the company effectively and securely deliver accurate and current brand marketing materials to channels of distribution, retailers, customers, and sales teams. Handlings decentralized costs, supporting public relations across different markets and ensuring that i nternational requirements of products for engineering, sales and marketing are satisfied is a challenge, (Kono & Lynn, 2007). Planning for diverse language press tours, conferences, presentation of products and sessions of training as well as ensuring consistency in product qualification and testing is a challenge. Therefore, following a better commercialization plan helps a company to handle such challenges. Companies may experience problems in meeting growth targets due to changes in demographics traits of customers, high competition in established markets and high spending on services as well as increase in price labels and reduced new brands success rate, (Morley, 2008). Experts agree that providing standardized products for diverse national markets may allow firms to attain fast development of products and multi-national rollout as they benefit from substantial cost benefit. Nevertheless, not all producers in multinational markets are able and willing to adopt a standardized st rategy of products. In cases where technological demands, standards and procedures of approval differ substantially among nations, manufacturers invariably should adapt the brand techniques that fit the unique requirements of each nation. Similarly, extensive customization may cause increased development of new products, rollout times, and enhance the chances of the entire project delays, thus adversely affecting the entire outcome of the new product. Adopting a better

Case 1.2 Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

1.2 - Case Study Example Norvasc treats high blood pressure while nebulizer QID administration treats illnesses related to the respiratory system. Coumadin administration treats heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the veins. These medical conditions occur in old age. Dr. Jenkins’ evaluation is, however, subjective, in this case. He concluded Ms. Gerry’s prescription based on age and not on medical tests. Dr. Jenkins conducted a physical exam on Ms. Gerry and noticed her short left leg. He, however, states that she has equal bilateral pedal pulses. The scenario is objective since pedal pulse evaluation does not involve counting the pulses but just the equality in both the lower extremities. Dr. Jenkins ultimately defines Ms. Gerry’s problem as present with osteopenia and a post placement of a dynamic hip screw within her proximal left femur. The x-ray scan conducted after surgery reveals a near anatomical alignment of the intertrochanteric femoral neck failure as analyzed by Dr. Jenkins. Dr. Jenkins prescribes a plan of a dosage containing vitamin k to decrease pro-time, bucks’ traction and open reduction. He also recommends internal fixation of the patients left hip if cleared for

Critically analyse class expectation and gender in Pride and Prejudice Essay

Critically analyse class expectation and gender in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Essay Example Collins who spends so much of his time fawning Lady Catherine expresses class consciousness. Mr. Collins is an epitome of a society that cares nothing but getting their feet off the mud with the misconception that wealth, status and power are the basis of a good life. He has a complete disregard of the more important values in life. Austen depicts the barriers in classes in the 19th century England in the character of Mr. Collins. (Pascoe, 2002, p. 11-19) The boundaries in class are vividly drawn by Austen through the characters in the novel. Another example is Lady Catherine’s aristocratic image in the story. She appears as the protagonist who comes in between the relationship of Darcy, his nephew, and Elizabeth. The image-conscious aristocrat represents the people from the upper class of the society. She is prejudiced of the likes of the Bennets and most especially, Elizabeth. She finds the Bennets inconsequential due to their status and the fact the sisters are not able to draw. Aside from those, Elizabeth’s character, an uncommon girl in her era, makes Lady Catherine dislike her even more. Her incompetence in singing and playing the piano is far from what a girl in that time should be. (Goodin, 1972, p. 85-96) The social structure in the 19th century is present throughout the novel though the definition of characters relies more on the dialogues and not much on the description. Darcy for instance, portrays a character with excessive pride which is due to what society expects of him and with the big influence of what his father taught him. He is basically born into aristocracy but due to his honest and kind heart, tagged with his encounters with Elizabeth, Darcy eventually sees that the factors other than material possessions, status quo and power are the ones that truly belong to aristocracy. (Peterson, 1982, p. 11-13) When she declines the marriage proposal of Darcy, it shows that she does not belong to the class-conscious women that the only thing that runs in mind is to look for a wealthy man who can give them tiaras to make them belong to the upper class. Her character is the most prominent in the novel that breaks the stigma on women marrying wealth to climb a few notches higher in social ladder. The novel shows how someone like Elizabeth, a woman from the middle class values what she thinks and couldn’t care less if the society rejects her for being far away from the norm. Her character defies the concepts of social class and gender in the 19th century. (Austen, 1933, vol. 2 p. 86-89) Pride and Prejudice portrays the absurd value of marriage – financial security. Charlotte Lucas explains to Elizabeth upon accepting the marriage proposal of Mr. Collins that is refused by Elizabeth, â€Å"I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collin's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state." (Haggerty, 2008, p. 125) This line shows that Lucas sees marriage as resolution to poverty. Lucas represents women in general who will do everything to enter the upper class world to attain the respect middle class women don’t get. A marvellous irony of disrespecting oneself to be respected is what Austen tells through Charlotte’

Employment Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Employment Relations - Essay Example The activities of the firm concerns with the products while the union concerns with the aspect of a service. These two goals may coincide and clash in various circumstances. To begin with, the labor unions are beneficial in protecting minority groups (Shelley & Cleveley 2007, p. 69). Minority groups offer a wide area of looking at the same. For instance, disabled individuals who take part in the labor force may experience a bias out of their scenario. If they do attain an adequate voice of addressing their concerns, large companies would assume that their companies are progressing. Apart from direct exploitation, minority groups would suffer from unintentional inadequate attention from the management. Firms may entail processes and regulations that compromise on minority workers’ situations. Trade unions are hawk eyed entities that assess companies in terms of very single operation. In certain instances, companies may have work operations that assign hectic and low paying assi gnments to certain workers. Such scenarios are handed down from previous systems and they may continue to occur under the unconsciousness of the management. An example would relate to bias against certain races in terms of job assignments. The trade unions would discover about such minority groups and investigate their plights. It is crucial to highlight that certain minority groups arise out of hypothetical situations. It might be visible after some period that minority groups develop out of departments that they work in the same. In addition, trade unions help in minimizing disputes that may arise out of workers and the employers. In this sense, the trade unions eliminate trivialities that may arise out of employees and their management. In notable instances, the management of firms may make assumptions about employees. This might relate to the view of employees as a group that operates on peer pressure. In this sense, the peer pressure would lead to unreasonable demands that push the firms out of their balance. This suggests that trade unions are intermediary rather than constraining forces to firms. It is crucial to highlight that disputes place employees out of firms. In turn, it constrains employees from growth in their careers. In addition, employers are likely to misperceive the actions of employees. Spotted employees may earn unconstructive reputation with their firms. This suggests that the affected employees are likely to receive limiting comments from their employers. In the end, it would be difficult for the employee to earn the trust of other firms. In addition, trade unions avail safe working environments for employees. The work environment might be a limited but an unsafe environment for the health of employees. The work environment should be a platform whereby both the employees and their firms respectively achieve their objectives of wages and products. In the achievement of the two divergent objectives, the work environment may digress and i njure employees. Harm is a diverse term that comprises both physical and psychological aspects. In physical harm, firms may entail work environments that injure the health of workers. For instance, there are manufacturing companies that involve in the production of harmful chemicals and products. In such a scenario, it is vital to provide protective mechanisms for workers. Alternatively, the firm would employ machinery that excludes employees from the core manufacturing processes that entail emission of toxic substances

Information Systems in Business Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Information Systems in Business - Coursework Example Putting catalogs, newsletters and invoices online will save numerous trees. The war game hosting business is an inexpensive way to reach and interact with new markets. Savings will be made on office and transportation costs. War game hosting will also offer unlimited possibilities for the business. The order and payment processes, inventory management and the customer support tasks will be fully automated (Reuvid 2005). The war game hosting is a sign of professionalism and the business will have a global presence 24/7. There are fewer competitors for international war game hosting and for some countries where it is illegal, people who are interested in war games can have an opportunity to play in other countries. The future of hosting war games online looks bright. Currently, both direct and indirect global sales attributed to the internet constitute nearly 5 percent of total sales (Blythe & Megicks 2010). Five years from now, these global sales are expected to rise to 35 percent (Blythe & Megicks 2010). According to the Integrated Management Resources Group (IMRG), online sales in Australia alone will stand at 10 billion pounds by 2011 (Blythe & Megicks 2010). In May 2007 global electronic commerce generated 750 million pounds and in May 2008 it generated 2.3 billion pounds (Blythe & Megicks 2010). During the last three years, internet traffic has doubled every 100 days (Blythe & Megicks 2010). Currently, 40 million Australian devices are connected to the internet (Blythe & Megicks 2010). By 2012, this figure is expected to rise to 65 million (Blythe & Megicks 2010). By 2012, it is likely that 1 billion devices will be linked to the Internet worldwide (Blythe & Megicks 2010). Given the low competition and these figures, the international war game hosting is likely to generate revenue and profits. Building cooperation with war game owners and air soft gun

Critical paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Critical paper - Essay Example To become effective in asserting women’s rights movement, however, a collective effort must be done with the participation of various players in society at an international level. This necessitates a transnational women’s rights movement to make such effort effective where the issue of women’s rights is elevated at an international level discussed in the article of Friedman using education as one of its main vehicle. The Friedman article tackled the problem posed against the women’s rights movements and various efforts that were exerted in transnational arena that had substantial outcomes that positively impacted women’s rights movement. This is an important discussion considering the challenge faced by women’s right movement by a conservative countermovements such as opposing women’s greater participation in society. This article discussed the efforts of the NGO’s that helped advocate women’s equality, their approach in influencing policy direction and ultimately, to encourage engagement with women’s rights. The article is clearly organized into different sections that address different aspects. The first category analyzes the transnational social movement, it discusses the definition of a transnational women’s movement in contrast with a social movement. The inherent difference is then clearly conveyed and the reader is fully able to distinguish the meaning of transnational women’s movement. Transnational social movement is â€Å"sustained contentious interactions with opponents- national or non-national –by connected networks of challengers organized across national boundaries†. The difference therefore between a transnational movement and a social movement is the categorical basis. Friedman analyzes the progress of transnational women’s movement through four elements: political opportunity, structure, mobilizing structure, frames and action repertories. The conferences that

Fashion Existing Online Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fashion Existing Online - Case Study Example The paper "Fashion Existing Online" talks about the fashion that exists online. In order for the company to successful in this competitive market of fashion, it has targeted particular market and potential customers worldwide. The targeted customer by MO is women who love fashion and are willing to pay adequately and in full price for luxurious shoes, clothes and accessories. The company targets specific customer; a customer who will be able to afford designer looks right off the runway and who is fashion conscious enough to buying the clothing. The company has already targeted 80% of American who are shoppers in New York, outside New York and Florida, whereby the company’s initial customers were their personal network and customers referred by the network (Mukti, 2014). The company is still low on target markets that they are aware to be biggest luxury markets; although it ships it’s good to more than 150 countries. They have targeted the European, Asian and Middle Eas t markets as they are growing very fast. Fulfillment eService for Moda Operandi can plug into its sales system in order to monitor the orders’ status and track deliveries. For Moda Operandi, it allows its customers to preorder exclusive designer looks that are ready to wear fashions, handbags, shoes, and accessories in online designer trunk-shows. With many designer products originating in Europe, Middle East and Asia, the company outsources fulfillment in order to service customer; thus making substantial financial savings.

Wire affects its resistance Essay Example for Free

Wire affects its resistance Essay Current: Current is the movement of electrical charge the flow of electrons through the electronic circuit. Current is measured in AMPERES (A). A current is a flow of electrons, the higher the current the more electrons flow round the circuit every second. Batteries can make electrons move. They can push electrons through wires made of copper and other metals. Materials like copper let electrons flow through are called conductors. The tiny electrons squeeze between the atoms in the wire. Some materials stop electrons passing through, these are called insulators. Plastics and rubber are insulators. The voltage will be measured so I will be able to calculate the resistance using Ohms Law. The current will be kept the same throughout the experiment and then will be used also to help me find the resistance using Ohms Law. (`Wires Wires warm up when a current flows through. Thin wires warm up much more than thick ones, and some types of wires warm up more than others. They warm up because of collisions inside the wire generating heat. If too much current were passed through a wire it would melt. (`ElectricityElectricity is lots of tiny particles called electrons moving along a wire. Electrons are much smaller then atoms. In fact, they are parts of atoms, so there are electrons in everything. (`Circuit A circuit is a path for electrons to flow through. The path is from a negative terminal power source, through the various components and onto the positive terminal. Think of it as a circle, the paths may split of here and there, but they always form a line from the negative to the positive. NOTE: Negatively charged electrons in a conductor are attracted to the positive side of the power source. This helped me to set up my circuit. ( `Conductor A conductor is a material (usually a metal) that allows electrical current to pass easily through. The current is made up of electrons. This is apposed to an insulator, which prevents the flow of electricity through it. Even good conductors have some resistance to flow through it. The conductor that I am going to use is copper wire, which has resistance. Electrons need energy from the power source (in this case a power pack) to travel. The further they have to travel, the more energy it takes so the resistance increases. In Metals The Current Is Carried By Electrons 1. Electric current will only flow if there are charges, which can freely move. 2. Metals contain a sea of Free Electrons (which are negatively charged). And flow throughout the metal if they are given energy. 3. This is what allows electric current to flow so well in materials. ( `Resistance Resistance is anything that causes an opposition to the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is used to control the amount of voltage and /or amperage in a circuit. Everything in a circuit causes a resistance (even wire). It is measured in OHMS (? ). Resistance occurs when the electrons travelling along the wire collide with the atoms of the wire. These collisions slow down the flow of electrons causing resistance. Resistance is a measure of how hard it is to move the electrons through the wire. The resistance of a wire depends on the number of collisions the electrons have with the atoms there will a larger number of collisions which will increase the resistance of the wire. If a length of a wire contains a certain number of atoms, when that length is increased the number of atoms will also increase. E. g. If there is a wire that is half the length of another wire it would also have half the number of atoms, this means that the electrons will collide with the atoms half the amount of times. Also if the length of the wire is trebled or quadrupled then the resistance would also treble or quadrupled. My prediction was derived from this information. All of this information I collected originated from the Website, www. studentcentral. co. uk from encyclopaedias such as The Oxford Childrens Encyclopaedia and computer encyclopaedias such as Encarta. (This scientific information relates to my experiment by stating that the longer the lengths of wire the higher the resistance. (Preliminary Results Length Of Wire (mm): Voltage (V): Current (A): Resistance (? ). (Therefore this information supports my prediction that the longer the length of wire the higher the resistance. Obtaining Evidence: (The variables I kept the same are: (The same material used for the wire, (The same cross-sectional area of wire, (And the same temperature of the wire. (The potential difference from the power pack: 2V. (The current, which measured the rheostat, was kept at: 0. 5A. (The lengths of the copper wire: (0 mm, (100 mm, (200 mm, (300 mm, (400 mm, (500 mm, (600 mm, (700 mm, (800 mm, (900 mm, (1000 mm. (The readings from the voltmeter and the ammeter were measured to two decimal places. Test One: Length Of Wire (mm): Voltage (V): Current (A): (These tests are reliable because you can see patterns, which is as the length increased the resistance increased. (It is a suitable range of lengths because I have done over six sets of results (0 1000 millimetres), so I will be able to identify a line of best fit to show my results. (My results are accurate, as they show as the length of the wire increased the resistance increased proportional to it. Averages: Length Of Wire (mm):Voltage (V): Current (A): Resistance (? ). (To find the resistance I divided the voltage by the current, e. g. Length of wire 100mm: Resistance = 0. 02 0. 5 Resistance = 0. 04 ? (My results show as the length of the wire increased the resistance increased proportional to it. I know this because my graph shows a fairly strong positive correlation, which tells me that as the length of the wire increases the resistance of the wire increases, proportional to it. (Also my results show when I started at zero (0 millimetres) it was a good control to show no change. (The results were not exactly proportional as I expected, but the graph still justices my prediction that as the length increases the resistance increases also. This was because the longer the wire the more electrons there were, subsequently it was more likely that the electrons were going to collide with other electrons, thus there was a higher resistance. (The resistance depends on the number of collisions there were between the atoms of the material, which was copper. The length of the wire affects the resistance because the number of atoms in the wire increases as the length of the wire increases in proportion. Hence there is a higher resistance. Evaluating Evidence: (I think that the procedure of the experiment was fairly accurate as I recorded my results to two decimal places and also because on my average table of results the increase in resistance could be easily identified. Overall I think that my procedure during the investigation was well planned out. (The main problem I had was when I was reading the ammeter and the voltmeter as the readings kept fluctuating and took time for the readings to settle down, which as a result affected my results. (The ranges between my results were small and fairly close on the tables, which indicated accuracy. Although when I converted my results into a line graph I found that six out of the eleven results were anomalous results, which was probably due to human error and probably due to defaults in the meters, as they were battery powered. Also the sensitivity of the meters as they were not very sensitive and therefore my results were affected by this. (Even though there were anomalous results they were fairly close to the line of best fit as they were either just above or just below the line of best fit. Therefore the results were quite accurate and so I felt that I did not need to repeat any of the results and that I did not need to record any more results, as the results still justified my prediction. (Furthermore I could have changed the line of best fit so that more of the results fitted in with the line. (The improvements I could have made to make the results more accurate would be to use a much more sensitive ammeter and voltmeter, so I could have recorded my results to three or four decimal places, which would have made my results more accurate. Moreover I could have had shorter length ranges to show better accurate results, to see how a small increase in length affected the resistance compared to a large increase in length. So I could have use the range of lengths from zero millimetres to twenty millimetres to 40 millimetres and so on rather than the range I chose, which was zero millimetres to 100 millimetres to 2000 millimetres and so on, which therefore would have affected the results (resistance). As a result this would have shown the pattern better, clearer and easier to point out and it would have improved the line of best fit. Wednesday 27th 2001 F. Nazmin Hussain 10. E.

Nestle Singapore Pte Ltd Marketing Essay

Nestle Singapore Pte Ltd Marketing Essay Nestles promising to providing quality products to Singapore people. dates back more than 90 years ago trading MILKMAID condensed milk under the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. Over the years it has been available in Singapore for Singaporeans, Nestlà © has won the trust of Singaporeans for being a food manufacturer with the highest safety and quality standards with this products.   Nestlà © started its business and operation in Singapore in 1912 and has since been building on its success, largely as a net result of its operating principles. These seek primarily to:- Offer Singaporeans the highest safety and quality standards in our food and beverage products in Singapore. Nestle Utilized the most new and up-to-date technology and its accumulated science-based expertise in the manufacture of milk products. Nestle fulfill its broad responsibility as a corporate citizen member by participating in community and social projects that contribute to the speedy development of the country. Nestlà © brands are household names in Singapore and very well-known company. These include MILO, NESCAFÉ, MAGGI, NESTLÉ NESVITA OMEGA PLUS ACTICOL, KIT KAT, PURINA, FRISKIES and dozens of other market leaders in their product categories.   Segmentation, Targeting   Positioning of  Nestle. Executive Summary Nestle is a worldwide company of milk products and nutrition, chocolates, beverage, catering  and  many  type  of  confectionary  goods.  It  has  its  millions  of  customers  worldwide. Today  Nestlà © Singapore Limited is strongly positioned to grow through its policy of  constant  innovation  and  renovation,  concentrating  on  its  core competencies and commitment to high quality, with the aim of providing the  best quality food to the people of Singapore. In the report we have brought a  discussion about the marketing segmentation of Nestle, their target  market and positioning strategy in Singapore. The way Nestle identify its different target customers different demands with an efficient way and how it satisfies its consumers by creating greater  facilities by the combination of separate products or marketing mixes is shown in market segmentation of Nestlà ©. In the part of market targeting we have discussed how Nestle ha ve made various segments and decided to spread their whole operation in whole Singapore. In the last part of this we have discussed how Nestle reached to the customers point more Easily and effectively comparing with their competitors in the highly competitive food beverage market of Singapore by making  differentiation of target Users and customers. Nestle is the largest nutrition and foods company in the world, founded and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. The journey of Nestle begins when Henri Nestlà © developed the first milk food for early in 1867, and saved the life of a neighbors child. This man makes a food for the infant babies who are unable to take mothers feed can use it as an alternative food. Henri Nestle retired in 1875 but the company was going on a full swing. In the following year the Nestlà © company added condensed milk, so that the firms became direct and fierce rivals. After that the company was merged in 1905 with the another company named Anglo-Swiss Milk company which was founded by two  brothers  named  George  Page  and  Charles  Page.  The  company  reenter significantly during the First World War  though it fall in debt, a banker provide facility and help it to reduce its debt. After the Second World War  , the company eventually increased its offerings beyond its early c ondensed milk and infant formula  products. The 1920s saw Nestlà ©s first expansion into new products, with chocolate the  companys  second  most important  activity. Nestlà ©Ã‚  felt the effects of World War II  immediately. Profits dropped from US$20.1 million in1938 to US$6.1 million in 1939. But at the end of World War II was the starting of a dynamic phase  for Nestlà ©. Growth accelerated and companies were acquired. At present the company operates in 86 countries around the world and employs around 283,000 manpowers. Theoretical  Consideration Marketing  Strategies: The  Strategic  plan  provides  the  companys  overall mission and objective and new hpopes to achieve companys views. Through market segmentation, targeting and positioning the company takes decisions which customers it will provide and how. The company also makes designs a marketing mix made up of  factors under its control product, price, place,  promotion. Strategy of Nestle in Singapore:   Nestlà ©s basic strategy is to cover only the urban area of Singapore. Thats why  they  are  doing  their  activities  in  main  and  metropolitan  cities  of  Singapore. They want to put babies and children healthy and ensure their  sufficient nutrition.  Thats  why  main and large range  of  their  products  are  baby  milk food  products. They also target new age generation to build a strong relationship by  providing various eating products. In the report, we are going to focus of Nestle is to segment, target the  potential customers and to positioning of their profitable products. Their  segmentations, targeting, positioning process are given below. Nestle want to change customers toward their products. Thats why they are offering  new  products  regularly.  They  also  provide  many  social competitions for babies to go their  mindset. In this report we are looking to focus of Nestle Singapore is to segment,  target  the  major  customers  and  to  position  of  their  profitable products. The relevant information is given below:- Market  Segmentation: The marketing concept asks for  understanding customers requirements and satisfying their  requirements and needs better than the others do. But many customers have different needs and it rarely is possible to satisfy all customers by treating them same just like. Market segmentation is the searching of portions of the market that are different from other. Segmentation provides the firm to better satisfy the needs of its potential customers. 1.  Clearer  understanding  of  the  requirements  and  needs  of  selected  customer  groups. 2. More effective positioning in this place. 3. Greater precision in selecting  promotional Transportation vehicles and techniques. Bases for  Segmentation: Users markets can be segmented on the basis of following customer characteristics. 1. Geographic area 2. Demographic area 3. Psychographic area 4. Behavioral area Geographic: Nature: Nestlà © Singapore segmented its market for Nescafe Ice  based on the geographic weather: hot and cold.   Nescafe Ice: A coffee which can be consume with ice. During warm season consumers consume this coffee with normal or cold water with ice cube to  bring freshness in their body. Demographic Age: Nestlà © segmented market for its major products based on the genration. For  the products Cerelac, Lectogen, Koko Krunch, Nido, Nestle divided the market segment for new born baby and  children of different ages. Nido It is  nutritious milk specially makes for children 2 years onwards. It includes 25 minerals and vitamin D which helps childs growth. Cerelac : Nestle also provide cerelac for new aged baby. It contains milk and rice mixture for less than one  years baby. It fulfills babys proper nutrition in foods. Nesquick, Koko Krunch : Both are chocolate milk for babies. Nesquick  and Koko krunch contain childs required growth. Its very sweet and delicious and also contains vitamin protein, mineral. Lactogen : Nestle Singapore brings full cream milk powder in the country. It gives baby required nutrition. Lactogen 1 is for babies whose age less than 6months and lectogen 3 is for babies whose age  is below 1 year. Income : Nestle segmented their market based on customers earnings in an effective way. Lectogen : Nestle usage tk 800 for per 900 gm Lectogen 12 milk powder. They also usage tk 1000 for 900 gm Lectogen 3 milk powder pack. Middle income and low income people are not able to buy these products for their  Ã‚  babies. Occupation :  Nestle  segmented  the  market  based  on  their  users occupation. Nescafe classic : This product is for those who work busy and hard and needs more freshness. Both the male and  female who need more caffeine and this type of needs Nescafe classic is for them. Psychographic: Life  style  and  personality:  Nestle  Singapore  provides  KIT  KAT  these  people who really want to taste and enjoy chocolate. Nescafe 3 in 1 is for exclusively those users and customers who are really busy and do not have more time. They can save their time by taking Nescafe 3 in 1.All the things sugar, milk and coffee remain included. Behavioral Benefits Based on benefits Nestle Singapore segmented their market in an effective way. So they provide Cerelac for those customers who want more  profit from the product. Cerelac includes  a high nutrition for babys whose age below 1 year. Two most important things rice and milk remain included in cerelac. On the other hand, cerelac includes vitamin, mineral and all nutritious elements for babies.   Target Marketing: Market segmentation reveals the firms market opportunities. Then the firmsort  market  targeting  by  evaluating  the  many types  market  segments  and deciding which and how many segments it will targeting.   Nestle evaluated the various market segments on the basis of  segment  size  and  growth,  segments,  structural  attractiveness,  and Nestle objectives and resources and decided to launch their operation all over the Singapore country. Nestle distributes their target market because of having unique requirements and wants.  Nestle Singapore selected their  target market into two market coverage policy: Undifferentiated : Nestlà © has offered several products such as Nescafe 3  in 1Maggi noodles, and Kit Kat to the people of the whole Singapore without differentiating the market segment. Differentiated : Nestle also selects the differentiated marketing. It offers different product for many segments based on different ages, occupation, season and climate of Singapore. Nescafe 3 in 1 : Coffee for people who are busy in life. Koko  Krunch,  Nesquick   :  Chocolate  milk  who  want  to  get  taste  of  real chocolate. Nescafe Ice : Cold coffee for the people in hot and warm weather. Concentrated: Through concentrated marketing, Nestlà © achieves a strong market position because of its greater knowledge of consumer requirement. In theniches  it  serves  and  special  reputation  it  acquires.  Nestlà ©Ã‚  specializes  in  producing baby foods. It offers nutritious milk powder Lectogen 1 for  babies whose age is less than 7 months and lectogen 3 for babies whose is under 12month. It also offers baby nutrition cerelac for baby less than 12 months. Positioning Strategy: By  creating  product,  service,  channel,  people  and  image  differentiation  Nestle arrives the consumer touch point more easily, effectively efficiently in comparing with other competitors in the highly competitive food processing market. Product  Differentiation : Nestle brings a many of  product for target customers.   They provide 25 types of minerals in Nido for children. It also provides Cerelac  and  Lactogen 1  3  for  newly  born  baby  exclusively.   Now  the doctors says these products for babies to their parents for high maximum nutrition  Nescafe  is  a  product  which  contains  4  types  of  categories.  They  offer  Ã‚  Nescafe ice for hot and warm weather, classic for all 3 in 1 for those who are busy in life. They  provide  Maggi  including  Maggi  instant;  Maggi  2  minutes  which Includes and contain various minerals, vitamins and nutritions. Maggi also provide magi healthy soup and Maggi corn soup but charge the same  price. Channel  Differentiation :  Nestle  reach  their  products  to  the  customersthrough  their  experienced  market  salesman  and  transportation.  So  that  their  Ã‚  products. are much easy to  their customers. Image  differentiation Nestlà ©s logo is  totally different from others competitors that are greatly choices by its customers. For that reason customer easily identify them in the  market which is another effective benifits for Nestle. People differentiation Nestle has a large number of manpowers that are highly educated and trained. In Singapore, 400 employees are working in market Company chairman; Peter Brakeck- Letmathe and CEO Paul Bulckeare highly educated, wise and experienced people. They are running this  business successfully for a long time. Service  differentiation Another  advantage  for  this  company  is  better  service for its respective users from its competitors. They provide 247  hot  line  service.  High  quality  checking  is  providing for  its customers. Its marketing dept. and public relation dept. are working for  finding out customers new needs and  response toward their nestle products. Selecting an overall positioning strategy: The full standings of a brand is named the brands value proposition-The full mix of advantages up on which the brand is differentiated and positioned. More for more More for more positioning includes providing the most upscale products or service and charging a higher price to cover the higher  cost. Exactly Nestle is doing that. Nestlà ©s products provide more benefit and for that Nestle charge higher price than other competitors. Nido provide nutrition and charge 250 tk for 400 gm. But Fresh, Marks do not arrange nutrition and charge less than that of Nido. Respectively Nescafe, Maggi noodles contains quality for high price,  rather than competitors. Positioning Statement Baby  Products To  babies  who  are  deprived  of  proper  nutrition,Nido,Cerelac,Lactogen are the nutritious milk Product that give you more nutrition other than any other brand because these includes different types of vitamin, mineral etc. Nescafe To busy people who drink coffee and have little time for taking rest, Nescafe is the coffee that gives you more energy than any other brand  because it has the highest level of  caffeine, Maggi To people, noodles and soup consumer who looks better quality, Maggi noodles and healthy soup that gives you proper nutrition than any other brand because it has the best quality. Their motto for business is GOOD FOOD for GOOD LIFE Conclusion The advent of consumer food products has brought an immense change in the field in the consumers food habit. Nestle has done well to adding its  customers  loyalty  operating  as  a  market  competitors  in  its industry. Nestle  is  one  of  the  largest  food  processing  company. Their products and quality mainly includes on their experience and efficiency.  Nestle provides quality that leads to good business growth and good development.It  has  segmented  the  market  based  on  certain  clustered  preferencesdeploying multi-stage segmentation approach to meet individual requirements of  the customers. Offering brand new products would also close its old products gaps to a great extend promise satisfaction and loyalty. In our report, we try to present the segmentation, target marketing and  positioning  strategy  of  Nestle  and  suggest  some recommendations based on the marketing procedure.   IMC Stratgies PROMOTION Promotion activities perform a major role in re-launching any product. Addition in target market is possible by personal selling. It adds persons in retail stores telling the benefits to important customers about importance of milk in standard  packed form. Awareness performs the most important role. They should taste housewives on many places. Because they are the main servers of such kind of  nutritional diets to  their family members.TV commercials and Bill Boards should be planned to advertise properly. There are many promotional methods like personal sales, advertisements, sales  promotions, public relations etc.  but the method accepted by  Nestlà © for introducing  Nestlà © UHT Milk was advertising, outside printed media for advertising like, hording board, newspaper, posters outdoor etc.  Nestlà ©Ã‚  seeing the  old  customer  of  the  imported brands  and  potentials customers via its advertising promotions. In their advertisement, Nestlà © mostly focus the small kids who are the major  Ã‚  portion of our population and milk and such kinds of  Products  are  main  requirement  of  enhancing ability in  children  that  the  reason  Nestle launched  Nesvita  Milk  product especially  designed  for  younger  children  because addition of calcium diets in  routine diet chart is main  requirement. To remind the consumers about the nestle, Nestlà © also made some special platform for retailers and hold them on t heir shops and as compared to other milk selling companies running in the country Nestle shows always attracting messages to feels customers that always drink milk but only I  real form . RE LAUNCHING After thoroughly analyzing the reasons of presence of large number of  competitors Nestle decided to re-launch it product with different new packing. It was an opportunity for Nestle to control the market in that a way  that it will introduce. its all the discrepancies such as  shortage, inflation based pricings which given opportunity to the competitors to control the market. BELOW THE LINE Below the line includes following  mediums of advertisement. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Direct mail to users   à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Outdoor  advertising à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Through Transit   DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING It  is  any form  of  advertising  present  directly  to  the  new comers,  this can be  through the mail, fax, online computer services, sales personnels, retailers or  other means rather than through traditional mass  media. Postcards   Nestle issued postcards to their home and office persons in the category of outlets and whole sellers. On different occasion nestle send them different type of post cards to  build long term healthy relationships so that they can contribute in adding the market share of their product . Leaflets/ flyers Nestle has distributes many types of leaflets, which inform information about Nestle Milk products, at different outlets. Folders / brochures Nestle distributes brochures of their product to their users through internet to make them inform of new innovations and products. This helps nestle in adding more customers. OUTDOOR Nestle expenses a big share of  their advertisement budget on the outdoor  advertisement in Singapore, which includes   à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Painted Billboards at different places à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢MMT in various locations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Vinyl Sheets located in public places à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Perform Rotary Plan Here is an example of their billboards and rotary plan Nestle has hanged more than 500 billboards across the roadside. They have put on different themes of them, which are presenting different situations in which people  are  using  real  water.  According  to  the  NESTLE they  perform heavy outdoor advertisement to aware people about the availability of their product because it is a product for which people never pre-determined plan to purchase it so to encourage them for the purchase of Nestle Milk Products they have to place billboards.  Beside  this  they rotate  the  posters  of  their  billboards  after  few months the reason for this is that people not interest in those themes when they see it for a longer time so when they exchange them and place the new different one that create the interest among the  people. TRANSIT ADVERTISING Transit advertising is a category of public places out of home media that includes bus and taxicab  advertising  as  well  as  posters  on  transit  places, Bus  terminals,  and Display at airports .Types of  transit advertising à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Inside cards in public transports à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Outside posters on Vehicles à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Terminal  posters at various locations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Taxi / bus walls. Nestle 2010 Creating affordable access to protein [online] Available from: http://www.nestle.com/CSV/CSVinAction/SlideShows/essentialprotein/essentialprotein.htm Nestle 2010 Press Release [online] Available from: http://www.nestle.com/MediaCenter/PressReleases/AllPressReleases/NovartisMedicalNutrit http://www.nestle.com/Resource.axd?Id=602C42FE-04D6-4669-BEE1-1027492FE5E8 http://www.nestle.com/AllAbout/AtGlance/Introduction/Introduction.htm Vanhuele, M., Dreze, X., (2002). Measuring the Price Knowledge Shoppers Bring to the Store.Journal of Marketing. 66 (dhs), 72. Peter, J. P., Donnelly, J. H (2004).Marketing Management: Knowledge and Skills. 7th ed. China: McGraw Hill Book Co. 145. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article6639144.ece?token=nulloffset=12page=2

Financial Systems of Ghana and Nigeria

Financial Systems of Ghana and Nigeria Since the idea of Adam Smiths invincible hands also known as invincible hand of the market, the allocative power of the market has been generally recognised. These ideas have been reinforced by the apparent failure of Keynesian theories of government intervention to stand the test of time. As a result of the adoption of SAP (Structural Adjustment programme) by most developing countries including Ghana and Nigerian which are my main concentration, the debate of liberalization versus intervention has been rekindled. The major area of concentration is if these developing countries (Ghana and Nigeria) with imperfect markets have benefitted from recent liberalization efforts in the structural adjustment programme. Financial liberalization is usually an important component of a countrys strategy for economic growth. In an old fashion way, financial liberalization, has come to be most universally linked with freeing of interest rates, but now financial liberalization is seen as a process involving a much broader set of measures geared toward the elimination of various restrictions on the financial sector, such as the removal of portfolio restrictions on the banking sector, the reform of the external sector, and also changes in the workings of the monetary policy THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM OF GHANA AND NIGERIA. A key stylised fact about financial systems in developing countries is that they are dominated by commercial banks (Fry, I995, pp. 4-5; Rojas-Suairez and Weisbrod, I995, pp. 4) Ghana and Nigerias financial system consists of a large fragmented informal sector and formal sector. The formal sector is made up of central bank(Bank of Ghana and Central Bank of Nigeria) at the apex, with 42 commercial banks for both countries; Nigeria (26) and Ghana (16), development banks (Nigeria, (5), Ghana (3) , and merchant banks (30) Nigeria), (Ghana, (10), insurance companies, stock exchange, building society, community banks. The structure of Nigerias financial system will be explained below: Regulatory Authorities: they regulate the Nigerian financial system, and they include Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),), and the National Board for Community Banks (NBCB, National Insurance Commission (NIC). These regulatory authorities will be explained in detail below. 1. Federal Ministry of Finance: the role of this regulatory authority is to advise the Federal Government on its fiscal operation and make sure it follows whatever the central bank of Nigeria says concerning the monetary matters of the country. 2. FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA (FMBN) The role of the is to provide banking and advisory services, and also to undertake research activities pertaining to housing. After the adoption of the National Housing Policy in 1990, The FMBN is empowered to licence and control main mortgage institutions in Nigeria and act as the peak regulatory body for the mortgage finance industry. 3. The central bank of Nigeria The central bank of Nigeria has the same responsibilities as the bank of Ghana. It was established by the central bank of Nigeria act of 1958 and commenced operation on July 1, 1959. Their major regulatory objective is to issue legal tender to the economy, banker of last resort, financial adviser to the government, enhance monetary stability and a good financial environment which will be of benefit to the country in the short and long run. the central bank of Nigerias success is partly as a result of the rise in crude oil prices. 4. The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation: Its role is to complement the supervisory and regulatory role of central bank of Nigeria (CBN). It has the right to examine the books and affairs of the insured banks in Nigeria and other deposit taking financial institutions. ORIGIN OF FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION IN NIGERIA Nigerias economy has always been dependent on oil prices since the early 1960s. As a result of the collapse of world oil prices and the reduction in the production of petroleum in the early 1980s, the nature of the countrys economic and financial position became very weak and vulnerable. This led to recession and economic deterioration. The economy was characterised by shortages in its foreign exchange, debt crises, negative economic growth and high rates of unemployment, Indeed, beginning from 1982, and through 1984, the country had become saddled with negative trends in economic growth as indicated by the decline in the gross domestic product (GDP) (0.35% in 1982; -5.37% in 1983; and -5.18% in 1984), persistent current account and budget deficits, a huge number of uncpmleted projects in the public sector, factory closures, large-scale retrenchment, acute shortages of essential commodities and galloping inflation, (Odusola,2001,p4). The government decided to carry out some short run stabilization measures, one of which was to foster employment through the creation of public sector jobs, this exerted more pressure on the budget, not withstanding that, public sector employment grew by a further 18 per cent between 1981and 1984. This policy promoted migration into cities, as the increases in government salaries during this period compared to that of the rural areas was more favourably. Urban migration and its attendant unemployment problems became even more pronounced in 1981 when the Government increased the minimum wage rate to the entry level salary of public sector employees. Urban unemployment increased significantly, from 2 ½ per cent in 1980 to 10 per cent in 1985, while rural unemployment rose from 4 per cent to 6 per cent over the same period. Real per capital income fell significantly as well, from US$1,010 in 1981 to US$850 in 1985 (Odusola, 2001, Pp4). Nigeria financial sector was characterised by rigid exchange and interest rate controls, sart orial allocation of bank credit (Okpara, 2010, P54), the naira was overvalued, all of which made the economy more exposed to risk of default and practically led to distortions that resulted into low direct investment, which in turn led to financial repression. it will be discussed more in-depth below. Financial repression discouraged investment in information capital; it also discouraged savings mobilization, in the sense that it was not vigorously pursued. The financial system incurred a lot of cost in financial intermediation, and it was as a result of inactive liquidity and liability management and incentives to increase efficiency. Not only was Nigeria the only country going through this problem of financial repression, much of the twentieth century saw intensified financial repression (Caprio et al, 2001 p5), for example, Ecuador, Uruguay, Mexico, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania etc, all had the problem of financial repression in their economy. As a result of the financial repression i n the economy, the government decided to adopt a financial sector reform to help increase the countries economy. The programme they adopted was called Structural adjustment programme (SAP). STRCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMME IN GHANA AND NIGERIA. The Ghanaian economy also went through the same problems as the Nigerian economy during the early 1980s. They had similar problems as the Nigerian economy; which include, high default rates, high rates of inflation, weakened confidence in the financial system. These affected the ability of the banks to perform their intermediation function properly (Acquaye and Sowa, 1999, p395). The major objectives of this SAP were, among others, to: Restructure the economy in a way to reduce its dependence on oil as its main source of income. Revitalise the financial sector by creating new institutions Reduce fisal balance of payment problems Promote non-inflationary economic growth. The key policies designed to achieve these objective were: The liberalization of the external trade and payments system-dismantling of price, trade and exchange controls; Implementation of methods to encourage domestic production and expand the supply base of the economy; The setting up of a Second-Tier Foreign Exchange Market (SFEM) as a mechanism of realistic exchange rate. The rationalization and restructuring of public sector enterprises and overhauling of the public sector administrative structure. Reinforcement of important and strong demand management policies; More rationalisation and restructuring of tariffs in order to aid industrial diversification; The elimination of price controls and commodity boards; The key reforms that have already been implemented as part of the financial liberalization policies include; Changing of the concept of a credit ceiling with OMO(Open market operation) Promoting competition and efficiency in the financial system Liberalizing interest rate, exchange rate, but in general the financial sector. The financial sector reforms were thrown into crisis by the sequencing of reform measures and the lack of the necessary prerequisites for liberalization. Particularly, the deregulation of interest rate and the requirements for market entry led to the instability of the financial system. A series of corrective measures had to be adopted, raising questions of policy credibility (Aiyeetey et al, 1997, P196). THE STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMME: THEORETICAL BASIS Virtually every sub Saharan African country including Nigeria and Ghana experienced major changes in the overall direction of the national economic policy in the early 1980s. These policy reforms were implemented as an integral part of the structural adjustment programmes (SAP) prescribed by the World Bank and the stabilization programme of the international monetary fund (IMF) (Olasupo, 2005, p 7). The structural adjustment programme had a lot of objectives, but the major objective of this reform programme was to correct the alleged distortions which made sustained economic growth and recovery in the economies difficult. Notwithstanding the general decision of the countries to undertake the adjustment programme, there has since the start of the 1990 decade, been wide ranging argument surrounding the theoretical paradigm underlying the SAP and their suitability to African countries. The first which is the unrequited orthodoxy; it emphasizes how well the adjusters have done in compari son to non adjusters. According to this perspective, the regime of restricted inward looking policies resulted in over protected industrial structure, balance of payment problems (Olasupo 2005, p10). They also contend that development problems will be solved by more adjustment not less, with this they concluded that sub- Saharan African countries experienced poor macroeconomic growth and performance relative to their South East Asian counterparts, because economies in the former were exposed to long term government intervention and restrictive macroeconomic and sectorial polices. The modified orthodoxy sees adjustment programmes in an economy as a necessary but not sufficient condition for development, because adjustment is only capable of stabilizing economies in the short term. This orthodoxy believes that other measures must be put in place for African development to occur in the medium and long term. A strong proponent of this approach puts it, the most significant shortcoming o f current structural adjustment programs is the lack of logical linkage between the short-term objectives of attaining balance-of-payments equilibrium and improving allocative efficiency and the long-term objective of sustainable development Nguyuru Lipumba, (p. 9) FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION AND REPRESSION. Financial liberalization is the process of breaking away from a state of financial repression. Financial repression has been most commonly associated with government fixing of interest rates and its adverse consequences on the financial sector as well as on the economy. The term financial repression was originally coined by economists interested in less developed countries (LDCs) Gupta, 2004, Pp2. It originated in the works of Ronald I. McKinnon and Edward S. Shaw in the early 1970s, to describe a developing countrys environment, defining it as the set of government legal restrictions preventing the financial intermediaries in the economy from functioning at their full capacity level. The most common forms that this intervention takes are interest rate regulations, directed credit schemes, and high reserve ratios. The literature on financial repression stresses that because savings levels are sensitive to real interest rate, nominal interest rate controls; cumulative inflation reduces the amount of the national income. The benefits of financial repression, as opposed to financial liberalization, are debated on several points Ozdemir Erbil, (2008). In theory, it is believed that financial repression can make it better to control money supply in an economy and also control over interest rate which will induce investment. Another argument in favour of financial repression is that government controls on financial markets are needed for developing countries. In practice, financial repression appears to have yielded government revenue in the order of 2 % of GDP on average in samples of developing countries (Giovannini and de Melo, I 993; Fry et al. I 996, p. 36). The main conviction of the advocates for financial repression is that the government knows better than the market. The repression mechanism works through the interest rate and the exchange rates. Therefore moving from financial repression to financial liberalization would require extra budgetary measures and could create budgetary problems, Like in the case of Nigeria in the early 1980s when the government seeked to reduce unemployment in the urban areas and the outcome of this decision exerted more pressure on the budget. Financial liberalization may increase the fiscal deficit and the cost to finance, as the government loses revenues and is forced to pay more market-based interest rates on its existing debt. On the other hand, the most popular argument which favours financial liberalization is the rising growth effect by motivating savings and investment. Financial liberalization may increase the level of savings and improve the allocation of savings among potential investors. This will lead to the creation of more available funds and hence economic growth. Financial liberalization may decrease the cost of capital, but on the other hand, movements which cause the crises and macroeconomic instability may have a negative impact on economic growth Ozdemir and Erbil (2008). This debate highlights the need for further sound empirical evidence on the benefits of financial liberalization on economic growth, especially for small open economies of developing countries. FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION AND SAVINGS The advocates of financial liberalization do not seek to induce savings, but to promote and increase the volume and efficiency of capital formation. While financial reform can affect saving through various potential channels, on the whole its net effect is ambiguous.( Schmidt- Hebbel and Serven,2002, p2). Moreover saving is often considered beneficial for its financial dimensions. In open economies, raising national saving is a way to reduce the dependence on foreign saving, protecting the economy from external shocks. This is an important policy concern in a world of increasing financial integration. Together with a strong and well-capitalized financial system, saving represents a form of self -insurance to reduce the economys vulnerability to unexpected reversals of international capital flows. In this manner, saving can help reduce macroeconomic volatility, which empirically has been shown to hamper growth (Ramey and Ramey 1995; Fatà ¡s 2000). Various researchers have shown some empirical evidence that although financial liberalization results in higher interest rate and financial deepening , it does not really lead to higher savings. In majority of countries, financial reforms are followed by declines in savings (Okereke,2009). Bandiera et al (2000) estimated an econometric relationship Showing the private saving ratio as a function of the real interest rate and degree of openness as an index for financial liberalization, along with income, inflation and public savings. analyze the experience of eight countries that underwent significant reforms in their financial systems, namely Chile, Ghana, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Turkey and Zimbabwe. Foe this countries they measured the effect of liberalization on the volume of aggregate savings, their results Their results do not provide a clear answer on the impact of reforms on saving, as the effect appears significantly negative in some cases (Korea and Mexico), positive in some others (Greece and Turkey) and insignificant in the Indonesia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana. In a study similar to theirs i.e.(Bandiera et al), Loayza and Shanka(2000), used India as their country of observation, and the savings rate from India and found out that financial reform has not changed the savings rate, but moved the composition of savings in India towards a higher share of durable goods. Ostry and levey(1995), in their findings maintained that financial development as a result of liberalization reduced savings. Bennett et al(2001), in their work, also found a negative significant effect on savings. CONSEQUENCES OF FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION Policies that make an economy open to the rest of the world and they are needed for sustained economic growth. No country has achieved economic success, in terms of substantial increases in living standards for its people, without being open to rest of the world. Trade opening has been an important element in the economic success of East Asia, where the average import tariff has fallen from 30 percent to 10% over the past 20 years. Opening up economies to global economy has been essential in enabling many developing countries to develop competitive advantages in different sectors of their economy. Countries that have opened their economies in recent years, foe example India in 1991, have experienced faster growth rate and more poverty reduction, a proof is that following the economic reforms, the country began to develop a fast paced economic growth. India is the eleventh largest economy in the world There are some negative effects experienced by countries or the world in general in terms of their reform policies that has outweighs the benefits of such reforms, this statement can be applied to the effects of financial liberalization despite its benefits in terms of access to more capital inflows. Financial liberalization creates exposure to various kinds of risk and they include; a propensity to lead to financial internal and external financial crises, inadequate access to funds for small scale producers etc. Many researchers have carried out empirical studies on financial liberalization on financial fragility of the economy, and their conclusion is that liberalization increases the fragility of the financial system. According to (Demirguc-kunt detragiache), one of the reason why financial liberalization may lead to increased financial sector fragility is that the removal of interest rate ceilings and also the reduction of barriers to entry reduces bark franchise values, thus exacerbating moral hazards problems. The moral hazards problem is a special case of information asymmetry, a situation in which one party in a transaction has more information than another. Normally banks try to protect their franchise, and the risk of losing their franchise, but during a period of policy reform such as financial liberalization, where there is free entry in to the market or financial sector, so as a result of that there is more competition, this erodes franchise values. If the effort of reform does not incorporate adequate strengthening of the prudential regulations and supervision to realign incentives, lower franchise values are likely to lead to increased fragility (Stiglitz et al (2001) Tornell et al (2003), in their studies, they said that financial liberalization is bad for growth because it leads to crises. Their empirical analysis shows that in countries with harsh credit market imperfections, financial liberalization leads to a more rapid growth but also a more higher incidence of crises. They also argued that liberalization leads to faster growth because it eases financial constraints, but on one condition that this occurs if agents which are the government, investors and creditors take on credit risk which makes the economy fragile and prone to crisis.

A Journey into the Soul in Heart of Darkness Essay -- Heart Darkness e

A Journey into the Soul in Heart of Darkness A picture is an abstract idea, brought into context to form something concrete. They are made up and created to give off some sort of feeling or mood, that one can relate too. The atmosphere helps determine what kind of mood the picture will take. Any author, of either a painting or piece of literature will set the mood by using their atmosphere to enhance the theme of their creation. In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad uses mood and atmosphere to help create a portrait called, the journey into the soul. The journey to the soul is to find one's self. Atmosphere pervades the mood or spirit. The atmosphere aids in revealing the journey to find one's soul. The setting, "took in the forest, the creek, the mud, the river-seemed to beckon with a dishonoring flourish before the sunlit face of land a treacherous appeal to the lurking death, to the hidden evil, to the profound darkness of its heart." Conrad 54 Conrad does not even mention their exact location which is very peculiar. The main river was described in the form a snake. A snake can be looked at from many points of views, mythological, biblical, literal and metaphorically. The snake represents all the twists and turns and being able to find one's inner-self is very difficult and twisted. The snake represents some of the animal imagery in the novel. Perhaps this is a sign that the jungle is something living and not just an ordinary jungle. Literature's imagery helps to show the main idea th... ...sh off against the state of the reader. While reading the novel I was able to reflect on my own journey to the soul. Any reader can reflect and realize the inevitable. The journey is not a pleasant one, it is a very difficult task, where evil lurks in the smallest of places. These places could be anywhere including the soul and the soul is one of man's most unique qualities. It determines who we are and how we treat everyone surrounding our presence. In this universe people live and die but a soul is immortal and will undertake an eternity. Works Cited Conrad, Joseph.Heart of Darkness.Bantam Books:New York,1981. Resources for the Study of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness.1998. Simon & Schuster.Webster's New World Dictionary.Macmillian:New York,1996.

Essay --

Marketing Orientation focuses on identifying and meeting the hidden needs of the consumer (Unknown, 2013). The textbook states that there are five marketing orientations; social marketing, production, strategic marketing, customer and sales (Daniels, Radebaugh, & Sullivan, p. 595). Avon addresses the customer, production, strategic marketing and social marketing by granting each country the independence of selecting products based on the demand of the consumer as well as to develop those products. Distribution of the products is also considered as it pertains to each individual country. For example, door to door sales are not allowed in China so Avon launched beauty boutiques, beauty country and independent stores throughout the country to accommodate the law of the land. Avon’s sales has increased dramatically as the company expands its’ footprint globally. There are a few reasons why Avon is so dependent on its foreign operations in comparison to the home operations. For one, Avon recognizes that competition at home in the beauty industry has increased immensely. The business has done so well and grown so much that there is hardly any remaining untouched market space in the United States for the products. To expand would mean that the company would have to take sales from competitors. A feat in my opinion the company cannot easily take on. A customer can purchase whatever brand of beauty product of their choice from any store that sells that product so unless that customer is not in a position to do this they may be less likely to purchase from Avon. Additionally with security concerns being the way they are in today’s society no one takes pleasure from anyone knocking on their door trying to persuade them to buy a p... ... Additionally the nearness of the customer and supplier are of absolute importance to ensure costs are kept to a minimum. The current dynamic and competitive environment of businesses today is not without challenge. Avon is faced with having to compete with quick market changes and must enhance their ability to innovate as well as remain attentive to the various trade rules and differences in each country. The cost to examine and expand a product line in the global market could be very high. Having to increase quality throughout the entire product line may be tough. Delivering the right products at the right cost, at the right moment and in the right quality are key factors to Avon global success. Avon must maintain an effective supply chain management system in order to save the company money as well as help to provide great value of products to the customers.

Basketballs Greatest Coaches Essay -- Sports, History

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and the second most popular in the United States and unlike other popular American sports it’s the only one that originated in the U.S(The basketball man, 2006).The game of basketball has evolved tremendously since its creation in 1891 by James Naismith. Naismith was a physical education teacher at the School for Christian Workers, now Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was approached by the head of the department one day in early December to invent a game that will keep the athletes busy and entertained during the winter months. The winters were fierce and long in Springfield and most of the school’s sports were played outside so in order for the athletes to stay in shape year round a new recreation would have to be incorporated during between winter and spring. Naismith divided his class of 18 in half and introduced them to this new game.At first Naismith was a little apprehensive about is id ea, telling himself, â€Å"When I had decided how I would start the game, I felt that I would have little trouble. I knew that there would be questions to be met; but I had the fundamental principles of a game, and I was more than willing to try to meet these problems, I continued with my day's work, and it was late in the evening before I again had a chance to think of my new scheme†(Naismith, 1941). The first basketball game used a soccer ball and two peach baskets, neither of which had holes in their bottoms. There were no backboards, no ten-second line, three-second violation, frontcourt or backcourt, and no boundary lines. Plus, there were no free throws; if a team committed three fouls in a row, the other team got a point(The basketball man, 2006). At first baske... ...isterous attitude and aggressive coaching style. Robert Montgomery Knight also known as Bob Knight and nicknamed â€Å"The General† was the first of his kind. Born Oct. 25, 1940, in Massillon, Ohio, Knight grew up Orrville, where he played basketball, football and baseball for the Orrville Red Riders. Later he went to Ohio State University and played basketball. Only having started two games his whole playing career Knight was a bench player but won sixth man of the year on the 1960 championship squad. After graduating with degrees in history and government, Knight enlisted in the U.S. Army and accepted an assistant coaching position and became head coach in only two years. In his six seasons at West Point, Knight won 102 games and lost only 50. One of his players was Mike Krzyzewski, legendary coach of the Duke Blue Devils (Alford & Garrity, 1989).

Dream Analysis Essay

Dreams are often derived from the inner thresholds of an individual’s thoughts and repressed emotions. My dreams have been significantly complex, converging into metamorphic symbols that relate to significant past and present events. After a week of dream analysis, I believe dreams have an effect on both my conscious and unconscious thoughts. Analyzing these dreams has begun to reveal the inner meanings behind my thoughts, and lead to prosperous revelations. To correlate the meaning and reasoning of the concept of dreams, I have analyzed my most significant dream from the points of view of Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and the activation synthesis methods. Upon the conclusion of my research, the theories of both Freud and Jung contain the most valid perspective as to the true meaning of my dream. Sigmund Freud was a brilliant Psychoanalyst, who opened new doors pertaining to how mental illnesses were treated. In the novel The World of Ideas by Lee Jacobus, he explains that Freud, in the minds of many, is recognized as the founder of modern Psychiatry (Jacobus 475). Freud developed the psychoanalytic method: which is the examination of the mind using dream analysis, Lee further explains that â€Å"the analysis of the unconscious through free association, and the correlation of findings with attitudes toward sexuality and sexual development† (Jacobus 75). Meaning, dreams can reveal more than what typically meets the eye. Jacobus explains that In Freud’s â€Å"The Interpretation of Dreams† he states, â€Å"the unconscious works in complex ways to help us cope with feelings and desires that our superego deems unacceptable† (Jacobs 475). Sigmund explains his methods by comparing it to two great plays that he felt expressed individuals having repressed emotions. Freud states â€Å"one merely carries on during the night and in dreams with what one has been turning over in ones mind during the day† (Freud 483). Meaning, if one has guilt or an undeniable pleasure that one can’t express, dreams will covey the ones incapable emotions. Jacobus further explains that Freud is conveying, â€Å"that dreams are wish-fulfillments† (Jacobus 477). For example in Freud’s prospective; he suggests that if one is to worry about a parent, it might really convey the unconscious wish that the parent should die. Freud’s main method in interpreting dreams was mainly focused on repressed emotions and the undeniable feelings towards sexuality and sexual feelings. Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud are very similar to the reference of batman and robin. Freud is being the character of batman, and Robin being Jung. Carl worked along side with Freud collaborating the mind through the interpretation of dreams. Just like any duo, Jung wanted to explore beyond what his leader justified as acceptable. Jung decided the unconscious content of one’s mind is based on just a theory, insisting that images in dreams are not only related to personal experiences, but are also inherited, exploring the unconscious component of the mind. It doesn’t only persist to just the personal unconscious, but also pertaining to the collective unconscious. In Jung’s The Personal and the Collective Unconscious, Carl interprets and re examines Freud’s speculations of the unconscious and explores different theories that explain the analysis of the mind. Jung agrees with many of Freud’s theories, but he branches out from his theories creating a diverse intellectual reasoning in which he connects it to different archetypes, further explaining dreams in terms of a â€Å"collective and personal unconscious†. Jung believed that archetypes described people’s behaviors and personalities. According to the Webster Dictionary Archetypes are visual symbols that exist in our mind, â€Å"some are clearly understood but others bring subliminal messages that are there to help you trigger your memory of why you are here and the truth behind the illusions of reality†. Jacobus further elaborates that Jung connects the archetypes to the analysis that explains the dream in terms of collective unconsciousness, which is shared by groups of people rather than created by the individual alone (Jacobus pg 489). Though Jung’s theories we deemed unacceptable in Freud’s eyes, his theories investigating the inner unconscious and conscious thoughts pertaining to inherited thoughts and symbolic archetypes, which revealed new ways of unraveling the inner workings of the complexity of the mind. My hands were shaking, lips quivering and my heart exploding. Everything seemed calm but my feelings enticed that something is terribly wrong. When the panic took hold, my heart rate picked up it’s pace. I could see my heart beating out of my chest so I wanted to believe that my eyes were deceiving me. Running on instinct I had no idea where I was going. All of a sudden right before my eyes a huge swirling hole of vast darkness appears. My body feels as if it is going limp, my breath is taking right out of my lungs, then suddenly I hear a scream. It was a horrifying scream, to make matters worse I see someone in the black hole. Nothing can me made out clearly, everything is so blurry. As my emotions run wild through my body, there is a known connection. It’s as if I can feel their pain and am thriving off of their emotions. I think to myself that I must save this person. I run to the black hole, but there is an invisible force that is preventing me from reaching them. The entirety of my soul goes numb as I coldly fall to the earth. Desperately gasping for air and an answer this person begins to disappear. I can feel everything that they are feeling. The feeling of being lost, the confusion of being hopeless and the madness that comes with anger. No matter how much effort was given, no matter how much I cared. There was nothing that could have been done. As my eyes opened, it was all a dream. Freud believed according to Jacobus that â€Å" The repression of important emotions, a constant process, often results in dreams that express repressed feelings in harmless and sometimes symbolic ways† (Jacobus 477). In Freud’s opinion he would probably insist that the person falling into the hole that I was desperately trying to help, is a symbolic emotion of having repressed guilty feelings. Insisting that I have a guilty conscious about something I have done or something or someone I have lost. Freud would also suggest that I have repressed sexual feelings for someone very close to me; even interpreting that the black hole is a symbol for guilty conscious or symbolizing my feelings of hopelessness, that I will never be able to have an intimate personal relationship with that mystery person. Lastly I feel that Freud could also interpret this dream as fulfilling a wish. Freud states â€Å"This worry can only make its way into the dream by availing itself of the corresponding wish; while the wish can disguise itself behind the worry that has become active during the day† (Freud 483). Meaning, maybe I wish that I could save that invisible person, or maybe I have repressed feelings because I never got to be openly honest with how I feel or how I want to feel with this individual. This dream correlates to many aspects that both Jung and Freud express in their studies. In Jung’s analysts he considers not only personal experiences as a factor to analyzing dreams, but information that we unconsciously know. In the hand out Traditional Archetypes it states â€Å"Carl Jung introduced a theory that humans have a collective unconscious, which means that there is a store of information that we as humans somehow hold. This collection of information includes archetypes or symbolic figures†. Interpreting my dream from Jung’s point of view, he would insist that this dream is unraveling a message, a bigger broader picture then someone just falling into a black hole. I feel that Jung would speculate that the person in the black hole could relate to the archetype of â€Å"The fatal women or temptress†. Prevailing, that this person in the black hole is holding me back, that this mystery person does not want to be saved, causing me to look like the weaker individual. Intentionally causing me pain and a guilty conscious. There are many archetypes that could be identified as the main character, the dreamer if you will. Jung could also interpret that I was the archetype of â€Å"the child† or â€Å"the victim† due to the feelings of helplessness and feelings of an emotional tragedy. The activation- synthesis methods would describe in my opinion the dreams of a younger child, or a person who may not be well connected with their dreams. In these methods, neutral brain activity triggers random visual memories that may or may not have relevance to one’s current situations. We can however get information about the dreamer from these methods due to the types of memories that are recalled. The reason I do not believe these methods are relevant to my dream is because this dream was very passionate. Although other dreams that I recorded did seem relevant to this theory, I believe that I chose this dream because it actually had some correlation to what is going on in my life. If I decided to analyze a more random simple dream that I had last week it could have been defined through the activation-synthesis method. The thread of dreams can be not only unraveled, but the thoughts and repressed emotions can be in disarray and difficult to properly express. Interpreting my dreams from the points of view of Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and the activation- synthesis methods not only helped me reveal the inner emotions that have been hidden behind the wall of sorrow. It has given a sort of gratitude that made me look at dreams in a whole new optimistic attitude. I have concluded that Freud and Jung’s theories have given a relevant perception as to what my dream mean, and what it revealed about my inner feelings.

Beowulf Embodies the Values of Anglo Saxon Society

The Anglo-Saxon people, who ruled England up until the Norman conquest, were composed of warlike Nordic and Germanic peoples. They descended from the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. They valued courage, strength and desire for fame and glory and commitment to obtaining it (similar to the ideals regarding fame and honor espoused by Homers Achilles). They also valued generosity and the protection of others. The first value, courage, is constantly put to the test in the dark and dangerous world of Beowulf. This world was filled with monsters and obstacles to slay or overcome. Beowulf himself is said to be the strongest man on earth at that time, and the way he wrestled Grendel almost effortlessly, while so many others had failed, proved that he had a kind of superhuman physical strength. His desire for fame and his commitment to obtaining it was also very strong, he had an enormous amount of willpower and was determined to win himself a name. Even after he was famous throughout the known world for his deeds, he still was not yet satisfied. After he had fought in many battles and saved the Danes from Grendel and Grendel's mother he was still not content. He battled the dragon, which was his greatest accomplishment, and proof of his courage and sheer heroism. Although it can be interpreted as a proof of courage, one could also look at it as foolishness, a man's selfish desire to gain glory, even after he has been saturated with it. However, the Anglo-Saxon concept of selfishness was far less abstruse than our own. Their idea of generosity was helping friends and allies, especially in form of gifts for chivalric acts. He did slay the dragon and Grendel partially because he wanted to protect the Danes and his own people from these two atrocities, but he was also motivated by a desire for glory. Beowulf himself was apathetic to the notion of death, he stated it many times throughout the poem, a fine example is his speech prior to fighting Grendel. However, he is obsessed with his legacy and his name, which is more important than life itself to him and the other Anglo-Saxons. For example, the slave in Beowulf's expedition to slay the dragon is not even in the headcount due to his lineage and rank. Fame is part of building the noble family name and rank. Social mobility was fairly high among the warrior class in Beowulfs times, much like it was in the Roman legions. A good name and the amount of gold determines a warrior's rank, the world of Beowulf, for the warriors at least, is a meritocracy.

Grand Canyon Essay Essay

Although not a more prominent theme, the theme of things happening for a reason and changing your life was also shown in the movie Grand Canyon. Through my own life experiences and the through the experiences of others I too have learned that things do happen with reason and that things may not seem good right at the moment, but things will turn out right in the end. To me, the movie showed this theme, but more subliminally then up front. When times do look bad, have faith and know that things will turn out for the better and that there’s a reason for why things are the way they are. In the beginning of the movie we see that Mack gets into car trouble in the wrong side of town. As Mack is beginning to be harassed by a couple of gangsters, Simon comes to the rescue. Simon, the tow-truck driver tells the gangsters to back off, thus saving Mack’s life. Mack is therefore grateful of what Simon has done. Despite the fact that Mack could’ve gotten himself killed, Mack wised up and made a new friend. In another part in the movie Simon’s sister’s house was shot at (they live in the wrong part of town). At first, his sister decides to just stay there, but later moves into an apartment that Mack suggested they get. Then there was the part where Simon and Jane, a girl Mack set up with Simon hit it off right away after their first date. If you think real hard about it, all those things that happened never would’ve happened if that night Simon and Mack had not met. Even though it was a bad way to meet, things did turn out right. Everyone involved learned more about each other and themselves and everything did turn out for the better. As did the case with Mack’s wife, Claire. One day on one of Claire’s daily jogs she literally finds a baby behind some bushes. Claire takes the baby into her care and later plans to adopt the child. The child seems to be what Claire was missing all this time. The baby seemed to fill an emptiness she had. As these situations in the movie shows, there is reason for why things are the way they are and that in turn changes our lives completely. In my own life experiences, I’ve come to terms with my faith in God and the belief that things happen with reason and that God would not abandon you. My mom has also taught me and instilled that belief in me. In the past couple of years things have been on the rough for my family and I. Four years ago  my dad lost his stable job of about 10 years. During and throughout that period of about a year, money was somewhat a problem and with each new day my dad became more and more depressed as each job interview passed with no reply. During that time my mom, told us to believe and kept telling us that bad things do happen, but they only happen when something better is to come. About 2 years ago, Bell Canada employed my dad. His office was even closer than the old one and his new office was larger and my dad loved his new job. My mom was right. But that’s not where it all ends. A year and a half ago, my dad was transferred to a Mississauga branch. My dad hated the commute each morning and you could tell he wasn’t liking it there. They were understaffed there so he always worked overtime, and that meant leaving later from his already far workplace. He was stressed a whole lot. Once again, my mom told us that this is just a period of time that tests us and that things would turn out for the best. About a year ago today, my dad was transferred to one of Bell Canada’s downtown branches. My dad now works right in the Eaton Centre and my dad is so happy. Through just that whole ordeal I’ve learned first, how powerful prayer really is and second, that things do happen for a reason. When my dad first moved to Mississauga he was thinking of quitting and looking for a new job, if he had done that he wouldn’t have ended up where he was today. Through many other experiences I have learned that something very little can change your life forever and that God only gives you things He knows you can handle. It may seem like through my experiences I’ve learned two different things, but to me they go together. God communicates to us through many different ways, so does fate. The littlest things like going to the mall or going home can change our lives forever. More recently, was the terrorist attack in the U.S. In the news and from various other sources you hear stories about people who missed their train or slept in that morning and therefore missing out on the Trade Centre collapsing. Just missing out by a few seconds how just by being late could change your life forever. It also shows the power of fate, it wasn’t your time to pass on. As little as something may seem, it can alter your life in more ways than one. When your life seems out of place or when you’re going through rough times,  you’ve got to just remember that things always turn out for the better. If something good has passed you by now, something better for you is bound to be coming soon. Though you may not be optimistic something better is coming, you’ve got to believe so. That something better may not come big, but it will change your life forever.