Wednesday, October 30, 2019

American Films in the 1970's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

American Films in the 1970's - Essay Example Their thematic and stylistic innovations represented a radical break from Hollywood's classic paradigms. The decade saw a revolutionary change in the outlook of film critism also. Films were now being perceived as personal art pieces rather than only commercial blockbusters. Films were no longer evaluated in terms of their stories, but as art works whose style and mise-en-scene were more important than their contents. The 70s witnessed the birth of some of the most inspiring and exhilirating films directed by the greatest of film makers of the era. Nashville a 1975 classic is arguably one of finest films of the century that can be regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of the film making wizard, Robert Atman. Written by Joan Tewkesbury and produced by Robert Atman himself, Nashville features Altman's trademark overlapping dialogue that depicts classic improvisation and film making brilliance. The 159 min overwhelming fantasy, deals beautifully with classical real country music, deftly touching gospel music businesses in Nashville Tennessee. The characters in te film, evolve from real country music figures that material on U.S presidential politics. The film craftilly weaves together multiple storylines that eventually coalesce in the final half-hour in a climactic sequence at the Parthenon in Nashville. The movie widely despised from the mainstream country-music community at the time of its release, with many artists believing it was ridiculing their talent and sincerity. Since then, however, the songs that were mostly composed by the film's actors themselves have achieved a certain popularity in alternative-country circles, well away from the world of the music establishment. Among its many musical sequences, the song "It Don't Worry Me" is the film's theme, heard sporadically throughout and then performed at the climax. The 70s also witnessed the emergence of class film makers such as John Cassavetes. His films such as A Woman under the Influence are hailed as masterpieces despite the fact that they are incorporated with superficiality, gasp, and an in-your-face self-indulgence kind of a feeling. They are also sometimes blamed to carry a blatant artificiality in them. A Woman Under the Influence is one of the most devastating films ever made and is arguably the masterpiece of John Cassavetes' lauded career. with a startling realism, the film depicts supremely the relationship between a housewife on the verge of a nervous breakdown and her blue collared worker husbend. It's a marriage unlike any other seen before on the American screen - Nick (Falk) and Mabel (Rowlands) love each other intensely but that's not enough to keep her from descending into madness. In this shockingly intimate drama, housewife Gena Rowlands suffers a nervous breakdown and Dixit Page 5 her blue-collar construction worker husband, Peter Falk, decides to have her committed.Despite a dramatic theme of insanity, the film doesn't make a melodrama out of Mabel's crazy moments. Instead, painfully long scenes are wittnessed o this family together and with their social circle (particularly his construction work

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Choosing Between Debt And Equity Finance Essay

Choosing Between Debt And Equity Finance Essay In financial decisions, the choice between debt and equity financing is one of the most difficult ones. Both types of financing have its advantages and disadvantages. Debt financing is based on borrowing finance, and incurs debts that should be repaid in a certain time. The obligations of the company include repaying the loan and paying interest on the loan until its repaid. Debt financing does not impact the ownership of the business, but might cause high debt servicing costs. On the other hand, equity financing represents the exchange of finance to a part of business ownership; this is commonly done by issuing stocks. Equity financing allows to receive investments without additional payments and does not cause financial concern of investors, like debt financing does. However, since the ownership is shared, the owners have to dilute their decisive power (Grossman Livingstone, 2009), and might even lose control of the company. For the companies, the choice of debt or equity financing is based on many factors, such as size of the company, state and dynamics of the industry, perspectives of the company, debt-to-equity ratio, debt servicing costs etc. The purpose of this essay is to consider the decision of American Superconductor Corporation to shift to equity financing from debt financing, made in 2003. AMSC case American Superconductor Corporation is a company providing wind turbine design, electrical control systems, power systems and superconductive wires (Madura, 2008). It operates mostly in Europe, North America and Pacific Asia. Before 2003, the companys investment policy was based on debt financing; however, in 2003, the decision to forgo a secured debt financing and to adopt an equity financing strategy under current market conditions (Esposito, 2003) was made. The company experienced recession in 2003; in October 2002, its stock prices have fallen to the record level of $2.25, and in 2003, they constituted about $3.36, which was very low compared even to 2002 level of $12.26 (AMSC Stock, 2010). The company needed financing, and their choice was to issue a public equity offering instead of debt financing. This decision was explained as strategic solution based on the consequences of 2003 blackouts, and CEO of American Superconductor, Greg Yurek, forecasted an increased need for their power grids and public attention to better voltage support with dynamic reactive power compensation (Esposito, 2003). The results of first six months of fiscal 2004 year seemed to prove the efficient of the decision to pursue equity financing, since no long-term debt was reported, and $17.4 million revenue in the first two quarters of the year. The company also focused on wind turbines, which were gaining popularity. Wind power in 2007, for example, became the first $30B clean energy industry (Madura, 2008). Current financial position of AMSC shows that its total revenue and gross profit values have significantly increased during the last years (2008-2010 financial information available); the companys gross margin is 39.14% compared to 32.19% in the diversified electronics industry in general (AMSC Stock, 2010). The operating margin is also higher: 14.70% compared to 5.71% industrys operating margin, the EPS is also higher (0.64) than 0.08 average (AMSC Stock, 2010). Although the financial position of AMSC is weaker than that of main competitor, ABB. Ltd., the company managed to override another major competitor, SatCon Technology Corporation. The industry provides a significant development potential, and the stocks of the company were not priced less than $10 since 2007 (AMSC Stock, 2010). Analysis of financial decision The combination of debt and equity financing impacts the companys cost of capital. Debt financing is safer for investors, while equity financing is more risky for investors, but at the same time safer for the company (Grossman Livingstone, 2009). Since debt financing creates contractual obligations, the companies should carefully consider their ability to repay the debts. Debt servicing incurs higher costs than equity financing, and if the company experiences fast growth, it might suffer from high debt servicing expenses. It has also been shown that companies with consistent profit operating in low-risk and slowly growing industries more often opt for debt financing, while companies operating in risky and rapidly changing industries as well as in volatile ones, should choose equity financing since these companies have more opportunities for investments, and would not suffer from underinvestment (Grossman Livingstone, 2009). By 2003, AMSC experienced financial problems and its stocks have dropped in price, but the conditions of the environment indicated the quick growth of interest to AMSC production. It could be forecasted that in some time the company would need significant investments and 2003-2004 was the right time to expand. If AMSC continued debt financing, its growth would be hindered by debt servicing costs and worse stock dynamics. Thus, the decision of AMSC to replace debt financing with equity financing was very appropriate in this situation. Conclusion In order to perform the choice of business financing (debt versus equity), it is necessary to consider the perspectives of the company as well as the nature and dynamics of the industry. In 2003, AMSC was experiencing financial difficulties and its stocks have significantly fallen. However, there were many opportunities for development, and the 2003 blackouts increased the interest to AMSC production. Therefore, the company had strong potential for growth, and needed strong financing source without excess cost increase. Thus, American Superconductor Corporation performed a right decision to stop debt financing, and to issue a public equity offering. The correctness of the decision can be also traced looking at further financial development of the company: AMSC is stably growing, creates new products and shows good progress compared to its competitors.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Our Town Needs a Youth Center :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Our Town Needs a Youth Center Smallville Elementary was built in 1919 in order to enrich the lives of the youth in Smallville. It served as a school until 1977, when it was closed and changed to a community center. The purpose of the building, however, remained the same: to enrich the lives of Smallville' youth (Ellis 67). Many years ago, my grandmother took painting lessons in the old Smallville building while I had daycare. It was a perfect blend of young and old. Recently, however, the building has not been used as it was intended. It is now used strictly as a senior center, leaving no place for the young to gather. Now, as a result of youths'being shut out of the only public recreation building, the city can no longer attract new families and the young are turning to crime as their only pastime. The best solution to remedy these problems is to build a youth center for the children and teens of Smallville. What would this much needed facility provide for Smallville? The Bigtown Recreation Center is a great model for Smallville, housing several basketball courts, tennis courts, a weight room, and a swimming pool. The programs conducted at the center include athletic clinics in the summer, swimming, basketball, and tennis lessons, and even fitness training and aerobics. These are all activities nearly every citizen can enjoy. So, if Smallville had a similar recreation center it would benefit the young and old alike. However, our recreation center should provide programs specifically for children and teenagers. Aside from just providing athletic and sports recreation for the youth, we should also provide them with tutoring services, a game room and a lounge were they can just "hang out." The programs that would be provided by our youth center would improve our town in many ways. Smallville is failing as a city because it cannot attract new residents. The town is dying because most of its citizens are elderly; they will soon pass away. The population is decreasing as older citizens die or are sent to nursing homes and no new residents replace them. According to the 1990 Census, the population of Smallville has decreased by nearly 3,000 people in the last ten years. Of the 11,194 people that are left, nearly forty percent are over the age of fifty-five.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Carbon Trading

Carbon Trading: Future Money Making Venture for India Sarika Gupta Assistant Professor, P. M. B. Gujrati Commerce Collage, Indore Abstract Carbon Trading are generated by enterprises in the developing world that shift to cleaner technologies and thereby consumption, consequently reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. For each tone of carbon dioxide (the major GHG) emission avoided, the entity can get a carbon emission certificate which they can sell either immediately or through a futures market, just like any other commodity.The certificates are sold to entities in rich countries, like power utilities, which have targets to achieve and find it cheaper to buy ‘offsetting' certificates rather than do a clean-up in their own backyard. This trade is carried out under a mandated international convention on climate change to help rich countries reduce their emissions. Carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas produced by combustion of fuels, has become a cause of global pa nic as its concentration in the Earth's atmosphere has been rising alarmingly.This devil, however, is now turning into a product that helps people, countries, consultants, traders, corporations and even farmers earn billions of rupees. This was an unimaginable trading opportunity not more than a decade ago. Introduction Carbon Trading are a part of international emission trading norms. They give incentives to companies or countries which emit less carbon. The total annual emissions are capped and the market allocates a monetary value to any shortfall through trading. Businesses can exchange, buy or sell Carbon Credit in international markets at the prevailing market price.India and China are likely to emerge as the biggest sellers and Europe is going to be the biggest buyers of Carbon Credit. India is one of the countries that have ‘credits' for emitting less carbon. India and China have surplus credit to offer to countries that have a deficit. India has generated some 30 mill ion Carbon Credits and has roughly another 140 million to push into the world market. Waste disposal units, plantation companies, chemical plants and municipal corporations can sell the Carbon Credits and make money.Carbon, like any other commodity, has begun to be traded on India’s Multi Commodity Exchange for last 3-4 years. MCX has become first exchange in Asia to trade Carbon Credits. Carbon Trading certify the removal of greenhouse gas from the air or the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions. Each carbon credit is associated with a single tone of carbon dioxide. There are many different kinds of Carbon Trading. How does Carbon Credit save the planet? As nations have progressed we have been emitting carbon, or gases which result in warming of the globe.Some decades ago a debate started on how to reduce the emission of harmful gases that contributes to the greenhouse effect that causes global warming. So, countries came together and signed an agreement named the Kyoto Pr otocol. The Kyoto Protocol has created a mechanism under which countries that have been emitting more carbon and other gases (greenhouse gases include ozone, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and even water vapor) have voluntarily decided that they will bring down the level of carbon they are emitting to the levels of early 1990s.Developed countries, mostly European, had said that they will bring down the level in the period from 2008 to 2012. In 2008, these developed countries have decided on different norms to bring down the level of emission fixed for their companies and factories. A company has two ways to reduce emissions. (a) One, it can reduce the GHG (greenhouse gases) by adopting new technology or improving upon the existing technology to attain the new norms for emission of gases. (b) Or it can tie up with developing nations and help them set up new technology that is eco-friendly, thereby helping developing country or its companies ‘earn' credits.India, China a nd some other Asian countries have the advantage because they are developing countries. Any company, factories or farm owner in India can get linked to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and know the ‘standard' level of carbon emission allowed for its outfit or activity. The extent to which I am emitting less carbon (as per standard fixed by UNFCCC) I get credited in a developing country. This is called carbon credit. These credits are bought over by the companies of developed countries mostly Europeans because the United States has not signed the Kyoto Protocol.How does it work in real life? Assume that British Petroleum is running a plant in the United Kingdom. Say, that it is emitting more gases than the accepted norms of the UNFCCC. It can tie up with its own subsidiary in, say, India or China under the Clean Development Mechanism. It can buy the ‘carbon credit' by making Indian or Chinese plant more eco-savvy with the help of technology transfer. It can tie up with any other company like Indian Oil, or anybody else, in the open market. In December 2008, an audit will be done of their efforts to reduce gases and their actual level of emission.China and India are ensuring that new technologies for energy savings are adopted so that they become entitled for more Carbon Trading. They are selling their credits to their counterparts in Europe. This is how a market for carbon credit is created. Every year European companies are required to meet certain norms, beginning 2008. By 2012, they will achieve the required standard of carbon emission. So, in the coming five years there will be a lot of carbon credit deals. Where do Carbon Trading fit in the planet saving action plan? 1. Recognize that everything we do has associated greenhouse gas emissions 2.Reduce your emissions. 3. Offset with fully certified Carbon Trading today (because the planet can't wait) Certification: the difference between carbon offsets and Carbon Trading There are many retailers offering uncertified carbon offsets. Purchasers should avoid carbon offsets that don't come with a certification as they provide no guarantees that you are getting what you are paying for. All certifications are not equal There are many different kinds of certification available globally. Before you buy, make sure that the certification comes from a trusted third party source.For larger orders Carbon Planet can source any kind of certified carbon credit you seek. However, we do recommend our standard premium stock of NGACs. Find out more about our procurement policies we enforce when sourcing Carbon Trading for you to buy. Carbon Planet currently offers 2 different kinds of certified Carbon Credit as standard stock: 1. Forestry Sequestration NGACs from Forests NSW 2. Carbon Saving NGACs from Showerhead and Light bulb replacement. Forestry Sequestration NGACs The New South Wales Greenhouse Abatement Certificate (NGAC) certification process is comprehensive.It incl udes Kyoto Protocol measures, but goes beyond these. In summary the NGAC certification process ensures the following: * That each NGAC represents one tone of carbon dioxide stored for at least 100 years. * That the trees have been planted since 1990. * That the trees weren't planted on old growth forest cleared land (the land must have been clear prior to 1990). * That should the tree from which your carbon credit came come to any harm within 100 years of your purchase e. g. fire, disease, logging; that carbon credit will be replaced immediately from another source. From NSW Government â€Å"When can a forest manager create NGACs† NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme Fact Sheet Published: October 2004). Forests NSW's carbon pool is audited annually to ensure that every carbon credit issued corresponds to one tonne of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere for 100 years. Carbon Saving NGACs Carbon Planet's current stock of Carbon Saving NGACs is generated from shower head a nd light bulb replacement. This is called Demand Side Abatement. The NGAC certification ensures, with a high level of confidence, that at least one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent has been saved per carbon credit.Thus by purchasing a monthly subscription of NGAC Carbon Trading, you can continuously erase your CO2 footprints. Procedure of trading in carbon: (i) What is Clean Development Mechanism? Under the CDM you can cut the deal for carbon credit. Under the UNFCCC, charter any company from the developed world can tie up with a company in the developing country that is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol. These companies in developing countries must adopt newer technologies, emitting lesser gases, and save energy.Only a portion of the total earnings of Carbon Trading of the company can be transferred to the company of the developed countries under CDM. There is a fixed quota on buying of credit by companies in Europe. (ii) How does MCX trade Carbon Credits? This entire process was not understood well by many. Those who knew about the possibility of earning profits, adopted new technologies, saved credits and sold it to improve their bottom line. Many companies did not apply to get credit even though they had new technologies. Some companies used management consultancies to make their plan greener to emit less (Green House Gas) GHG.These management consultancies then scouted for buyers to sell Carbon Trading. It was a bilateral deal. However, the price to sell Carbon Trading at was not available on a public platform. The price range people were getting used to was about Euro 15 or maybe less per tone of carbon. Today, one tone of carbon credit fetches around Euro 22. It is traded on the European Climate Exchange. Therefore, you emit one tone less and you get Euro 22. â€Å"Emit less and increase/add to your profit† MCX is the futures exchange of India. People here are getting price signals for the carbon for the delivery in next five years.The exchange is only for Indians and Indian companies. Every year, in the month of December, the contract expires and at that time people who have bought or sold carbon get or take delivery. They can fulfill the deal prior to December too, but most people wait until December because that is the time to meet the norms in Europe. The MCX decides to trade Carbon Credit because they are into futures trading. Let people decide, if they want to hold on to their accumulated Carbon Credit or sell them now. If the buyer thinks that the current price is low for him, he can wait before selling his credits.The Indian government has not fixed any norms nor has it made it compulsory to reduce carbon emissions to a certain level. So, people who are ready to buy from Indians are actually financial investors. They think that if the Europeans are unable to meet their target of reducing the emission levels by 2009 or 2010 or 2012, then the demand for the carbon will increase and then they can make more money. So the investors are willing to buy now to sell later. There was a huge requirement of Carbon Trading in Europe before 2012. There are parameters set and detailed audit is done before you get the entitlement to sell the credit.In India, already 300 to 400 companies have Carbon Trading after meeting UNFCCC norms. Only those Indian companies that meet the UNFCCC norms and take up new technologies will be entitled to sell Carbon Trading. Till MCX came along, these companies were not getting best-suited price. Some were getting Euro 15 and some were getting Euro 18 through bilateral agreements. When the contract expires in December, it is expected that prices will be firm up then. On MCX we already have power, energy and metal companies who are trading. These companies are high-energy consuming companies. They need better technology to emit less carbon.These Carbon Trading are with the large manufacturing companies who are adopting UNFCCC norms. Retail investors can come in the market and buy the contract if they think the market of carbon is going to firm up. Like any other asset they can buy these too. It is kept in the form of an electronic certificate. The registry and the ownership travel from the original owner to the next buyer. In the short-term, large investors are likely to come and later banks are also expected to get into the market too. This business is a function of money, and someone will have to hold on to these big transactions to sell at the appropriate time.Price Determination Like in the case of any other asset, its price is determined by a function of demand and supply. Now, norms are known and on that basis European companies will meet the target between December 2008 and 2012. People are wondering how much credit will be available in market at that time. As December gets closer, it is possible that some government might tinker with these norms a little if the targets could not be met. If these norms are changed, prices can go through a correcti on. But, as of now, there is a very transparent mechanism in which the norms for the next five years have been fixed.Governments have become signatories to the Kyoto Protocol and they have set the norms to reduce the level of carbon emission. Already companies are on the way to meet their targets. It is a safe market because it is a matter of having more information on the extent of demand and supply of carbon credit market. Analyzing Indian Scenario India being a developing country has no emission targets to be followed. However, she can enter into CDM projects. As mentioned earlier, industries like cement, steel, power, textile, fertilizer etc. emit green houses gases as an outcome of burning fossil fuels. Companies investing in Windmill,Bio-gas, Bio-diesel, and Co-generation are the ones that will generate Carbon Credit for selling to developed nations. Polluting industries, which are trying to reduce emissions and in turn earn Carbon Credit and make money include steel, power ge neration, cement, fertilizers, waste disposal units, plantation companies, sugar companies, chemical plants and municipal corporations. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) A must mention project is The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC): It has become the first rail project in the world to earn Carbon Credit because of using regenerative braking system in its rolling stock.DMRC has earned the Carbon Credit by using regenerative braking system in its trains that reduces 30% electricity consumption. Whenever a train applies regenerative braking system, the released kinetic energy starts a machine known as converter-inverter that acts as an electricity generator, which supplies electrical energy back to the Over Head Electricity (OHE) lines. This regenerated electrical energy that is supplied back to the OHE that is used by other accelerating trains in the same service line. DMRC can now claim 400,000 CERs for a 10-year crediting period beginning December 2007 when the project was reg istered by the UNFCCC.This translates to Rs 1. 2 crore per year for 10 years. India has the highest number of CDM projects registered and supplies the second highest number of Certified Emission Reduction units. Hence, India is already a strong supplier of Carbon Credit and can improve it. BENEFITS FOR INDIA By, switching to Clean Development Mechanism Projects, India has a lot to gain from Carbon Trading: a) It will gain in terms of advanced technological improvements and related foreign investments. b) It will contribute to the underlying theme of green house gas reduction by adopting alternative sources of energy. ) Indian companies can make profits by selling the CERs to the developed countries to meet their emission targets. TRADING OF CERS: †¢ As a welcome scenario, India now has two Commodity exchanges trading in Carbon Credit. This means that Indian Companies can now get a better trading platform and price for CERs generated. †¢ Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), Indi a’s largest commodity exchange, has launched futures trading in Carbon Credit. The initiative makes it Asia's first-ever commodity exchange and among the select few along with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCE) and the European Climate Exchange to offer trades in Carbon Credit.The Indian exchange also expects its tie-up with CCX which will enable Indian firms to get better prices for their Carbon Trading and better integrate the Indian market with the global markets to foster best practices in emissions trading. †¢ On 11th April 2008, National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) also has started futures contract in Carbon Trading for delivery in December 2008. †¢ MCX is the futures exchange. People here are getting price signals for the carbon for the delivery in next five years. The exchange is only for Indians and Indian companies.Every year, in the month of December, the contract expires and at that time people who have bought or sold carbon will have to g ive or take delivery. They can fulfill the deal prior to December too, but most people will wait until December because that is the time to meet the norms in Europe. If the Indian buyer thinks that the current price is low he will wait before selling his credits. The Indian government has not fixed any norms nor has it made it compulsory to reduce carbon emissions to a certain level. So, people who are coming to buy from Indians are actually financial investors.They are thinking that if the Europeans are unable to meet their target of reducing the emission levels by 2009, 2010 or 2012, then the demand for the carbon will increase and then they may make more money. So investors are willing to buy now to sell later. There is a huge requirement of Carbon Trading in Europe before 2012. Only those Indian companies that meet the UNFCCC norms and take up new technologies will be entitled to sell Carbon Trading. There are parameters set and detailed audit is done before you get the entitlem ent to sell the credit. Financing support in India: †¢ Carbon Trading projects requires huge capital investment.Realizing the importance of Carbon Trading in India, The World Bank has entered into an agreement with Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC), wherein IDFC will handle carbon finance operations in the country for various carbon finance facilities. †¢ The agreement initially earmarks a $10-million aid in World Bank-managed carbon finance to IDFC-financed projects that meet all the required eligibility and due diligence standards. †¢ IDBI has set up a dedicated Carbon Credit desk, which provides all the services in the area of Clean Development Mechanism/Carbon Credit (CDM). In order to achieve this objective, IDBI has entered into formal arrangements with multi-lateral agencies and buyers of Carbon Trading like IFC, Washington, KfW, Germany and Sumitomo Corporation, Japan and reputed domestic technical experts like MITCON. †¢ HDFC Bank has sig ned an agreement with Cantor CO2E India Pvt. Ltd and MITCON Consultancy Services Limited (MITCON) for providing carbon credit services. As part of the agreement, HDFC Bank will work with the two companies on awareness building, identifying and registering Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and facilitating the buy or sell of Carbon Credit in the global market.International moves to promote energy self-sufficiency and cut carbon emissions will create a unique opportunity for innovative start-ups to emerge as key infrastructure players over the next few years. The transition to a low-carbon economy will spark a period of historic flux within the business community, characterized by fast-emerging companies and heightened mergers and acquisition activity across the clean tech sector.The global trade in Carbon Credits has taken off fairly well with the turnover going up from $11 billion in 2005 to $118 billion in 2008. Carbon markets investments planned have exceeded all expectations. But the resistance to the idea seems to be gathering steam with many in the developed countries pointing out procedural deficiencies and arguing that Carbon Credits will confer unfair advantages on companies in developing countries like China and India, the major sellers of carbon credit.But despite growing opposition, the concept of Carbon Credits continues to soar steadily, boosting the number of emission-reducing projects in the pipeline from 490 in end-2005 to 4,782 in November 2009, and pushing up the total Carbon Credit supply from 704 million CERs to 2,820 million CERs during the period. One reason the concept of Carbon Credits has gained popularity is its ability to create a political alliance of forces on opposing sides like Left-wing environmentalists and free market proponents.While the former believe that the polluters have no significant incentives for self-regulation and have to be curbed through government intervention, the latter believe that such command and control in tervention would wreak havoc and that the market would eventually offer an optimal solution. Carbon trading regulations helped break the impasse by providing a clear target that the environmentalists could embrace, while at the same time favoring the market mechanism over governmental regulation as advocated by the Right.An added advantage of the Carbon Credits is that it optimizes investments in emission-reduction projects by encouraging projects in countries where the cost of reducing emissions is the least, which generally goes in favor of developing countries. Countries like India have favored carbon trade, as it offers a win-win situation for both entrepreneurs and the broader society. While innovative companies that help reduce emissions are provided with Carbon Credits, which they can encase to boost viability or earn profits, the gains to society accrue in the form of a smaller destabilizing impact on the environment.Opportunities for carbon-efficient companies in India IFC and Standard ; Poor’s have launched the world’s first carbon-efficient index for emerging markets that aims to mobilize more than $1 billion for carbon-efficient companies over the next three years. The innovative S;P/IFC Carbon Efficient Index will encourage carbon-based competition among emerging-market companies, give carbon-efficient companies access to long-term investors, and should help reduce carbon emissions in developing countries. The index was developed by S;P using carbon data provided by environmental data provider Trucost.IFC provided financial support to the S;P/Trucost consortium to accelerate the carbon research on emerging-market companies, and it provided technical support to help validate and refine the methodology. The rollout of smart grid and renewable energy technologies will also usher in transformative alliances between automakers, utilities, battery makers, communications providers and renewable energy firms as they each seek to play a role in the development of integrated low-carbon infrastructure projects.Companies that identify their roles and capitalise on these new alliances earliest will establish sizable leads in nascent clean technology markets. New forms of public-private partnerships will be necessary in creating a ubiquitous, national smart grid, but these new models of collaboration must be closely managed to ensure technologies are rolled out quickly and effectively. Underpinning these clean technology transformations is increased support from the investment community Referances * Mathews, John A. 2008) â€Å"How Carbon Credits could drive the emergence of renewable energies†http://ideas. repec. org/a/eee/enepol/v36y2008i10p3633-3639. html * www. rediff. com/money/2008/feb/05inter. * www. carbontrading. com/c/ * ions Trading; Joint Implementation; Clean Development Mechanindex. php%3Fa†¦ – Cached – Similar * Carbon Tredits India. Emissism (CDM) †¦ India has generated approxim ately 30 Million Carbon Credits and approximately www. globaladvisors * Carbon Credits; by Garg A . in Chartered Secretary November , 2009. * National solid waste of India . News letter, February 2007.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Bacon

â€Å"Of Studies† by Francis Bacon An analysis The purpose of this work is to analyze Sixteen Century Francis Bacon’s essay â€Å"Of Studies† by summarizing its main points and the relevance of its statements to this day. Francis Bacon was an English Philosopher and writer best known as a founder of the modern empirical tradition based on the rational analysis of data obtained by observation and experimentation of the physical world. The main focus of Bacon’s essay rests on explaining to the reader the importance of study knowledge in terms of its practical application towards the individual and its society.His first analysis is an exposition on the purposes or uses that different individuals can have by approaching Study –â€Å"†¦for delight, ornament, and for ability†- And how certain professions are better served by individuals with study knowledge. As he mentions the virtues of Study he also points out its vices: –â€Å"To sp end too much time in study is sloth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Also, how Study influences our understanding of Nature, and in opposition, how our experience of Nature bounds our acquired knowledge.After that, the Author presents the concept of how different individuals with different mental abilities and interests in life, approach the idea of studying –â€Å"Crafty men contemn studies†¦Ã¢â‚¬ - and offers advice on how study should be applied: –â€Å"†¦but to weight and consider†- Then Bacon goes into expressing his ideas in how the means to acquire study knowledge, books, can be categorized and read according to their content and value to the individual. The benefits of studying are Bacon’s final approach.Benefits in terms of defining a â€Å"Man† by its ability to read, write or confer, and in terms of being the medicine for any â€Å"impediment in the wit† and by giving â€Å"receipts† to â€Å"every defect of the mind†. Cert ainly, some of Francis Bacon’s insights in this subject are of value after 400 years of societal evolution. We can ascertain this when we read the phrase â€Å"They perfect Nature, and are perfected by experience†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Nevertheless some of the concepts expressed in his Essay have to be understood through the glass of time.By this I mean Society values and concepts were different altogethers to what we know today. By that time Society was strongly influenced by the idea of literacy and illiteracy (relatively few were educated and could read and write). Only educated people had access to knowledge and by that, to social status and opportunity. Nowadays would be difficult to accept ideas which relate skills or professions towards an attitude to approach studying. Today, a skilled machinist or carpenter can certainly be a studied person.Nowadays most people in our Society have the possibility to read and by that, to obtain knowledge independently of what our personal cho ices are in terms of profession. Also we must consider how today we value the specialization of knowledge which in the past, characterized by a more generic and limited access to knowledge, wasn’t a major factor into the conceptualization and understanding of study knowledge as to the extent we see it today. Finally, it is doubtful that the benefits of studying can be approached as a recipe for any â€Å"intellectual illness†.We now know that the real illnesses are related to mental conditions and not necessarily to our mental skills, abilities or lack of them and by that I mean that Bacon’s solutions to those conditions are substantially naive under the actual understanding of Human Psychology. Concepts and ideas evolve at the same time as the Human condition changes in all social, scientific, political and economic aspects. By looking through the glass of time and comparing the past to the present we come to the realization of the universality and endurance of some concepts and the fragility and impermanence of some others.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Third Battle of Winchester - Battle of Opequon - Civil War

Third Battle of Winchester - Battle of Opequon - Civil War Third Battle of Winchester - Conflict Date: The Third Battle of Winchester was fought September 19, 1864, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders Union Major General Philip Sheridanapprox. 40,000 men Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal A. Earlyapprox. 12,000 men Third Battle of Winchester - Background: In June 1864, with his army besieged at Petersburg by Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, General Robert E. Lee dispatched Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early to the Shenandoah Valley.   It was his hope that Early could reverse Confederate fortunes  in the area which had been damaged by Major General David Hunters victory at Piedmont  earlier in the month as well as  divert some Union forces away from Petersburg.   Reaching Lynchburg, Early  succeeded in  compelling  Hunter to withdraw into West Virginia and then advanced down  (north) the Valley.   Crossing into Maryland, he defeated a scratch Union force at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9.  Ã‚  Responding  to this crisis, Grant directed VI Corps north from the siege lines to reinforce Washington, DC.   Though Early menaced the capital later in July, he lacked the forces to assault the Union defenses.   With little other choice, he retreated back to the Shenandoah. Third Battle of Winchester - Sheridan Arrives: Tired of Earlys activities, Grant formed the Army of the Shenandoah on August 1 and appointed Major General Philip H. Sheridan to lead it.   Comprised of Major General Horatio Wrights VI Corps, Brigadier General William Emorys XIX Corps, Major General George Crooks VIII Corps (Army of West Virginia), and three  divisions of cavalry under Major General Alfred Torbert,  this new command received orders to destroy Confederate forces in the Valley and render the  region useless as a source of supplies for Lee.   Advancing from Harpers Ferry, Sheridan initially showed caution and probed to test Earlys strength.   Possessing four  infantry and two cavalry divisions, Early mistook Sheridans early  tentativeness as  over-caution and allowed his command to be strung out between Martinsburg and Winchester. Third Battle of Winchester - Moving to Battle: Learning that Earlys men were dispersed, Sheridan elected to drive on Winchester which was held by Major General Stephen D. Ramseurs division.   Warned of the Union advance, Early worked feverishly to reconcentrate his army.   Around 4:30 AM on September 19,  the lead  elements of Sheridans command pushed into the  narrow confines of Berryville Canyon east of Winchester.   Seeing an opportunity to delay the enemy, Ramseurs men blocked the canyons western exit.   Though ultimately driven back by Sheridan, Ramseurs action bought time for  Early to gather Confederate forces in Winchester.   Advancing from canyon, Sheridan neared the town but was not ready to attack until around midday. Third Battle of Winchester - Striking Early: To defend Winchester, Early deployed the divisions of Major Generals John B. Gordon, Robert Rodes, and Ramseur in a north-south line to the east of the town.   Pressing west, Sheridan  prepared to attack with VI Corps on the left and elements of XIX Corps on the  right.   Finally in position at 11:40 AM, Union forces commenced their advance.   While Wrights  men moved forward along the Berryville Pike, Brigadier General Cuvier Grovers division of XIX Corps stepped off  from a woodlot known as First Woods and crossed an open area dubbed Middle Field.   Unknown to Sheridan, Berryville Pike slanted  south and a gap soon opened between VI Corps right flank and Grovers division.   Enduring severe artillery fire, Grovers men charged Gordons position and began to drive them from a stand of trees  named Second Woods (Map). Though he attempted to halt  and consolidate his men in the woods, Grovers troops impetuously charged through them.   To the south, VI Corps began to make headway against Ramseurs flank.   With the situation critical, Gordon and Rodes quickly organized a series of counterattacks to save the Confederate position.   As they moved troops forward, the latter was cut down by an exploding shell.   Exploiting the gap between VI Corps and Grovers  division, Gordon reclaimed Second Woods and forced the enemy back  across Middle Field.   Seeing the danger, Sheridan worked to rally his men while pushing the divisions of Brigadier Generals William Dwight (XIX  Corps) and David  Russell (VI Corps) into the gap.   Moving forward, Russell fell when a shell exploded near him and command of his division passed to Brigadier General Emory Upton. Third Battle of Winchester - Sheridan Victorious: Stopped by the Union reinforcements, Gordon and the Confederates retreated back to the edge of Second Woods and for the next two hours the sides engaged in long-range skirmishing.   To break the stalemate, Sheridan directed VIII Corps to form on the Union right astride Red Bud Run, with the division of Colonel Isaac Duval to the north and that of Colonel Joseph Thoburn to the south. Around 3:00 PM,  he issued orders for the entire Union line to advance.   On the right, Duval fell  wounded  and command passed to future president Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes.   Striking the enemy, Hayes and Thoburns troops caused Earlys left to disintegrate.   With his line collapsing, he ordered his men to fall back to positions closer to  Winchester. Consolidating his forces, Early formed an L-shaped line with the left bent back to face the advancing men of VIII Corps.   Coming under coordinated attacks from Sheridans troops, his position became more desperate when Torbert appeared north of town with the cavalry divisions of Major General William Averell and Brigadier General Wesley Merritt.   While Confederate  cavalry, led by Major General Fitzhugh Lee, offered resistance at Fort Collier and Star Fort, it was slowly driven back by Torberts superior numbers.   With  Sheridan about to overwhelm his position and Torbert threatening to surround his army, Early saw no choice  but abandon  Winchester  to retreat south. Third Battle of Winchester - Aftermath: In the fighting at the Third Battle of Winchester, Sheridan sustained 5,020 killed, wounded, and missing while the Confederates incurred 3,610 casualties.  Ã‚  Beaten and outnumbered, Early withdrew twenty miles  south to Fishers Hill.   Forming a new  defensive position, he came under attack from Sheridan two days later.   Beaten in the resulting  Battle of Fishers Hill, the Confederates again retreated, this time to Waynesboro.   Counterattacking on October 19, Early struck Sheridans army at the Battle of Cedar Creek.   Though successful early in the fighting, strong Union counterattacks effectively destroyed his army in the afternoon. Selected Sources: Civil War Trust: Third Battle of WinchesterThird Battle of Winchester

Monday, October 21, 2019

Shutdown At Eastland Essays

Shutdown At Eastland Essays Shutdown At Eastland Essay Shutdown At Eastland Essay A city-wide announcement of the plant’s closing due to failing sales, stock reduction, and inconsistency with the economy’s change. An employment renewal contract can be issued to older workers whom wish to relocate to other plants within the nation. This could present the company as an affectionate and ethical organization that is concerned of Northland’s health (Bowie Beauchamp,1993, p.98).The re-investment in the town or an employee benefit program could help displaced workers with financial vulnerability once MG closes. Press Conference Addressing Issue On the other hand, MG should host a press conference or city meeting to hear the voices of the community. Our company’s presence has helped Northland become what it is today.   The citizens deserve a right to argue their position of what the company could do to their town. We, MG, may run into issues of petitions, an economic shift within the city, and possibly a deserted town once jobs are lost (Bowie Beauchamp, 1993, p.99). If we are not to remain functioning, I believe the town’s people should have a chance to redeem themselves. Northland’s Economic Climate The city of Northland may suffer from the closing of the manufacturing plant. The economic climate changes with the progress of the plant; negative affects of lost revenue could harm the city. With over 3,700 employees, Northland’s 26,000 city population risks a town losing its substance (Bowie Beauchamp,1993, p.98). In retrospect, the city of Northland developed with the process of MG’s performance over the years. Our consideration of their efforts to increase revenue, supply jobs, and harbor the workings of a system outweighs cut profits. Northland’s city will not be able to suffice a huge lost as 3,000+ jobs are taken from its citizens (Bowie Beauchamp, 1993, p.99). As an organization of integrity, can MG handle such an impression placed on a community due to profit loss? The numbers or a team of engineers should come into to re-evaluate the current operations to secure more funding for renovation. MG and Northland Response MG should enlist the laid off employees into an unemployment benefits to accommodate their lost salary. City officials may propose a solution as well through press conferences and company events within the community. Organize meetings for each shift of workers to discuss the current position of the company in its industry. Their input could be valuable in finding the proper solution to increase sales, prepare investment strategies, or declare implausible by reports. Announcement to corporate office of the decision to close the plant may save the company money. Its other issues involve finding a business to replace its capacity within the Northland community. Leave With Dignity Host a farewell community event where workers can have an opportunity to discuss their take on the issue so the decision to close may be resolved. An investment of $9.6 million could save the community and many jobs for the current employees (Bowie Beauchamp, 1993, p.99).MG’s position as a mini-van manufacturer may keep it in the sloping profits if it continues to create product. An annual report on the company’s change or increased sales could sway the public’s opinion of closing the plant.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

U of M Dearborn Admissions and Acceptance Rate

U of M Dearborn Admissions and Acceptance Rate Are you interested in attending the University of Michigan-Dearborn? It is a moderately accessible school with an acceptance rate of 65 percent of applicants. Learn more about admissions requirements. Calculate your chances of getting in with this free tool from Cappex. University of Michigan-Dearborn Description The University of Michigan at Dearborn is a highly-ranked regional public university located in Dearborn, Michigan, just west of Detroit. It is one of the 15 public universities in Michigan, and 95 percent of students come from Michigan. UMD was founded in 1959 by a 196-acre gift from the Ford Motor Company, and the campus features a 70-acre natural area and the Henry Ford Estate. The University of Michigan at Dearborn has a 17 to 1 student/faculty ratio, and classes average between 15 and 25 students. The college takes advantage of the business and industrial centers in the area, and professional programs in business and engineering are some of the strongest and most popular among undergraduates. UMD is largely a commuter campus and has no housing facilities. Admissions Data (2016) University of Michigan-Dearborn Acceptance Rate: 65Â  percentGPA, SAT and ACT Graph for UM-Dearborn AdmissionsTest Scores: 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Math: 520 / 670SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanCompare top Michigan colleges SAT scoresMichigan public university SAT score comparisonACT Composite: 22Â  / 27ACT English: 22Â  / 28ACT Math: 21 / 27What these ACT numbers meanCompare top Michigan colleges ACT scoresMichigan public university ACT score comparison Enrollment (2016) Total Enrollment: 9,131Â  (7,141 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 52 percent Male / 48 percent Female70 percent Full-time Costs (2016-17) Tuition and Fees: $12,032 (in-state); $24,272 (out-of-state)Books: $1,200 (why so much?)Room and Board: $8,064Other Expenses: $3,364Total Cost: $24,760 (in-state); $37,000 (out-of-state) University of Michigan-Dearborn Financial Aid (2015-16) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 92Â  percentPercentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 79Â  percentLoans: 65Â  percentAverage Amount of AidGrants: $7,523Loans: $5,459 Academic Programs Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Biology, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, PsychologyWhat major is right for you? Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Retention and Graduation Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 74Â  percent4-Year Graduation Rate: 17Â  percent6-Year Graduation Rate: 54Â  percent Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports: Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross CountryWomens Sports: Basketball, Softball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Volleyball If You Like the University of Michigan Dearborn, You May Also Like These Schools: Michigan State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphOakland University: ProfileWayne State University: ProfileHarvard University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphFerris State University: ProfileNew York University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphUniversity of Chicago: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphPurdue University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphOhio State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphDuke University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph University of Michigan Dearborn Mission Statement: read the complete mission statement at http://umdearborn.edu/about/mission-vision University of Michigan-Dearborn is an inclusive, student-focused institution. We are committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research and scholarship, as well as access, affordability and metropolitan impact. Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Capstone Experience (Business Metrics) 2 Assignment

Capstone Experience (Business Metrics) 2 - Assignment Example Current ratio helps in calculating the firm’s ability to pay its short-term liabilities. It is calculated by dividing the current liabilities with the current assets (Mowen, Hansen, & Heitger, 2011). Using the on time delivery indicator to predict stock-out helps in measuring the operational efficiency of the business unit (Bidgoli, 2010). This follows from the derivation of information that ensures that the unit maintains sufficient stock for its operations. The gross operating profit per available room measures the competitiveness of the unit. This follows from the use of the rates to give measures that can maximize profitability of the unit. The current ratio seeks to measure the decision-making capacity. It gives insight into the prevailing financial situation, thus prompting appropriate actions to safeguard financial stability. The business unit seeks to maintain good relations with creditors. Therefore, the current ratio helps the business unit to preserve the trust of the organization’s creditors, by showing when there is need to negotiate with them on payment. The gross operating profit per available room assists the business in seeking a competitive edge in its operations. More to these, the stock-out predictor aligns to the unit’s strategy of promoting customer satisfaction (Stair & Reynolds,

Friday, October 18, 2019

Prophesy, History and Context as Explored through the Period of Essay

Prophesy, History and Context as Explored through the Period of Isaiahs Prophecies - Essay Example The background of the book of Isaiah is an essential part of understanding the meanings of the writings that are within the book. The historical background puts the writing into context, helping to inform the reader on which aspects were relevant to the contemporary and which are relevant to future events. Although not every part of any of the passages of the ancient writings can ever fully be identified as one or the other, there are some frameworks of meaning that are well known and can be related in order to help the reader interpret what is read. According to Oswalt, the way to understand the writing is through the time and place in which it was written, that â€Å"God’s revelation is always incarnational† or humanized through the context of location in which they are written. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the nature of historical context of the book in order to begin to understand the nature of the meanings that are revealed. To begin with, it is highly likely that the book is the work of multiple authors, each contributing through their own perspective. One of the first indications of this way in which the book came into existence is because there are three distinct time periods in which the book relates events. The first time period occurs during Isaiah’s lifetime and likely represents 739-701 BCE.... One of the first indications of this way in which the book came into existence is because there are three distinct time periods in which the book relates events. The first time period occurs during Isaiah’s lifetime and likely represents 739-701 BCE. The second and third time periods are reflections of the time periods after the death of Isaiah and are about the time of the exile (605-439 BCE), which is discussed in chapters 40-55, and the return (539-500 BCE) which is defined through chapters 56-66 (Oswalt 4). The first section of time, the time of Isaiah’s life, is also representative of Assyria’s last period of great influence as part of human expansion. This period of Assyrian influence ended in 609 BCE as the Medo-Babylonian culture completely destroyed the Assyrian seat of power. Part of the destruction of Assyria came about through a series of very weak ruling Kings who could not hold what their ancestors had gained through conquest. Therefore, the areas t hat were at the outer edges of the expansion of the Assyrians had a period of tranquility, lasting from approximately 810 to 750 BCE. Two of the regions that benefited from this tranquility were Judah and Israel. During this time, the second king named Jeroboam was in rule over Israel and the kingdom of Judah was being ruled by Azariah, or sometimes known as Uzziah. Because of this time of peace, the Judeans and the Israelites believed that God was pleased with his children, the efforts of both prophets that had been sent to warn them of coming doom unheeded, the messages of Amos and Hosea. Through the apostate course that the nations were traveling, the end of this peace was inevitable (Oswalt 4-5). A

Conventional Photography as Contemporary Art Essay

Conventional Photography as Contemporary Art - Essay Example The essay "Conventional Photography as Contemporary Art" discovers the Snapshot photography's evolution and contemporary photography. At this point in time, photography was a rare luxury – the rich and the famous and the wealthy could afford to hire professional photographers who would capture moments in time. One of the essential traits of such photography was its propriety. The photographs reflected photographic talent and an unwritten standard which was followed throughout the industry. For example, photographs dating back to this period often depict people either standing up straight or sitting down properly with a smile perched on their faces. Given that photography was both esoteric and expensive, it was treated as a rarity. Though it was undeniably art but it was more or less sacrosanct art that bowed to the doctrines of the commercial photographer of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Everything had to be â€Å"picture perfect† for it to become pie ce of art and history through the lens. Only rarely can one find photographs from this era that are more spontaneous in nature. One of the essential elements that made photography popular was its instantaneous nature – the object of the picture did not have to pose in studios for eons in order to get the picture painted. Instead one could just stand till the flash of the camera assured you that you were part of history. his also meant that photography was able to capture the more instantaneous things in life such as a child crying. or someone laughing. However the early photographic traditions did not consider this mode of thinking about photography popular. Hence, the common man had to wait for George Eastman to appear with his Kodak #1 before things began to change. (Fineman, 2004) Kodak’s #1 was a pure marvel – anyone with a bug for photography could purchase a camera, click a few pictures and send it to Rochester, New York in order to get the pictures develo ped. The technological advances coupled with Kodak’s brilliant marketing strategy soon led to the rise of â€Å"shutterbug† or amateur photographers. Kodak’s marketing slogan clearly said: â€Å"You press the button, we do the rest.† The actual story was very similar too. Within ten years of Kodak’s introduction of the personal camera, some 1.5 million rolls of film had been sold to amateur photographers alone. This had quite a few implications but most notable of all it made everyone who could own a camera a photographer. (Ford & Steinorth, 1988) The Kodak Brownie set a new standard for simple amateur photography that was soon branded as â€Å"snapshot† photography. Snapshot as it was used was a pejorative term and indicated that a photograph was amateur. It could be because the camera was out of focus, the background was not well framed, the subject of the picture was acting how he would in normal life or simply because it was the work of a â€Å"snap shooter†. Although amateur photography had taken deep root but art based circles were quick to react to such changes and took snapshot photography as an offense to fine art. 3. Early Opposition to Snapshot Photography A variety of clubs consisting of amateur photographers in the early twentieth century took it as their duty to promote photography as an art and not as the work of anyone who could handle a camera. The more vocal of these organisations in the United States was the Photo-Secession that was founded in 1902 by Alfred Stieglitz who was a well

Leadership & Communication in Health Care Service Organizations Essay

Leadership & Communication in Health Care Service Organizations - Essay Example Without communication, an organization will not be able to function well. Eventually, this will lead to underachievement of organizational goals considering that the success of an organization is highly influenced by the entire communication process involved. It is in line with this that this paper includes the discussion about leadership, motivation and communication in an organization. The proponent tries to apply the information in line with leadership functions and activities of managers and their influence on the successful performance particularly in health services organizations. Thus, some theories, concepts and terms related with leadership are included based on their association with a successful performance and goal attainment of the health care service organizations. Leadership There are many existing theories about leadership and these primarily include great man, trait, contingency, situational, behavioral, participative, management, and relationship (Cherry par. 1-8). All of these theories have important contribution in understanding the success of health care service organizations. ... Thus, they usually end up differentiating their services and product offerings. However, the implementation of this specific approach is not going to be easy. In fact, this highly involves specific leadership approach depending on the type of strategies at hand. Great man theories assume that leadership is innate and that every great leader is born not made and that they will rise above others if it is necessary, while trait theories state that leadership traits are innate among leaders (Cherry par. 1-2). These theories are believed to be very applicable in an organization before but today the fierce competition existing between health service organizations would require competent leaders based on experience and other relevant qualifications. Thus, it is in this reason that in order to have effective leadership activity, a certain health service organization must necessarily understand other modern leadership concepts. Today’s leadership activity requires basic understanding o f both external and internal business environment. Thus, the remaining leadership theories are making sense on how exactly organizations are performing when it comes to their ability to apply the leadership concept. Contingency theories of leadership state that leader’s response to leadership is affected by factors in the environment such as leadership style, followers and situational aspects (Cherry par. 3). Thus, there are some health service organizations today that try to give more emphasis on enhancing leadership style and character development of their staffs. Situational theories state that leaders choose the best course of action in situations that requires decision making (Cherry par.4).

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Evaluation of the United States Airline Industry Using Porter's Five Essay

Evaluation of the United States Airline Industry Using Porter's Five Forces Theory - Essay Example The five forces that shape industry competition include rivalry among existing competitors, threat of new entrants, threat of substitute products or services, bargaining power of buyers, and bargaining power of suppliers (Porter, 2004). These forces form the microenvironment, in contrast with the more general concept of macro-environment. They constitute the forces impacting a company, thereby influencing its capability to serve its customers and to ensure profits. The company has to re-assess the marketplace if there is alteration in any of the forces (Aruvian’s R’search, 2011). The Airlines Deregulation Act of 1978 resulted in several years of low profitability in the industry, with lowered airline fares and the entry of several new firms into the market. â€Å"The financial impact on both established and new airlines was enormous† (Desai, Patel & Quach, 2004, p.2). The consequences of deregulation on the airline industry can be understood by studying Porter’s Five Forces and the influence of complements to the industry. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to examine the United States Airline Industry, and to determine whether it is an attractive industry, based on Porter’s Five Forces model. ... The United States Airline Industry has grown significantly since the end of World War II. In 1945, the leading airlines flew 3.3 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs). By the mid-1970s, with the development of deregulation, the chief carriers of the industry flew130 billion RPMs. By 1988, following a decade of deregulation, the number of domestic revenue passenger miles had inreased ten-fold (Aruvian’s R’search, 2011). This is reiterated by Desai et al (2004) who state that in the period 1965-1978 the federal government regulated the airline industry by means of enforcing artificial wage increases and artificial price levels. Further, â€Å"from 1980 to 1990 the number of passengers traveling by air increased by approximately 72%† (Desai et al, 2004, p.2). The rapid growth of the United States Airline Industry before 1990 has declined; however air travel continues to be the preferred mode of transportation for most Americans because of its cost effectiveness and time saving features. Contrasting with the significant growth of the previous decade, during the 1990-1998 period the United States airline industry experienced only 36% growth. Additionally, during the post-deregulation era, labour negotiations fuelled several labour strikes. The big airlines have tried to reduce costs, but have been hindered by strong oppostion from labour unions. For example, Unions have battled against interventions attempting to shift unprofitable routes to lesser cost regional jets with lower paid pilots. The large airlines have been caught in traditional fare wars that adversely impact their already poor profit margins, because of facing cut-throat competition especially from low-cost rival airlines. â€Å"The domestic airline industry in

Business Ethics-What Should Barner do Term Paper

Business Ethics-What Should Barner do - Term Paper Example The following case circumstance therefore is more of a challenge to the policies that they have and the values that they purport to uphold. The use of child labor is an unacceptable part of any contemporary society or conceivable reality. While this may be the general and ideal case, there are certain countries that still use children to make profits. The case presents Barner with a significant opportunity for the company. IKEA should clearly come out and accept this fact and the complexities that it possesses. Even in situation that child labor may be camouflaged as household chores; they should be in a position to distinguish the two and strengthen their policies (Jeruissen, 135). First of all, it gives her an opportunity to review the policies that they have in place as to trade practices. Secondly, it presents her with an opportunity to start validating the type of suppliers that IKEA trades with. Thirdly, it provides her with the chance to ensure that the suppliers that she deal s with conform to the policies that IKEA holds as strong values and finally, it presents her with the chance to show that IKEA is more than an organization that is out to make profit by any means necessary. All these instances are ethically based and not commercially focused. If they were commercially focused, the interest of the child would be the least of concerns because the suppliers would argue that the children are paid for their services. Next Move One major step that ought to be taken before any other moves is to first apologize for the ignorance about the issue in which IKEA has found itself in. this apology should bring out the point that the company intends to take the necessary corrective measures to clear the mess. It should also include how this corrective move is going to be applied so as to ensure that such mistakes are not commonplace in the future. In this way, the brand value that IKEA has developed over the past as the case shows, will not only increase but will also sell out. Most people appreciate the fact that they are dealing with company’s that appreciate social values. It is however essential that Barner finds the best way to understand the situation in which this supplier has put them. It would be wrong to take harsh measures on a company that was otherwise following genuine policies. This is because global outsourcing also has its share of cultural, social and regulatory differences that have to be dealt with. In dealing with such issues, the effect should in no way interfere with the supply and distribution chain. IKEA as a company has already built a customer niche that has grown loyal. If actions that Marianne Barner takes interfere with their demand for products, it would not only interfere with the sales but customer confidence too. Therefore, any decision on any of the proposals that IKEA has received should also not be unethical (Griseri, & Seppala, 227). It should be noted that the production of carpets in India is sp read over a geographical area that is very large. From the vast countryside to several smaller units; at times to even individual looms within the villages in these farms. This would therefore make it impossible for IKEA or any other organization that deals in a similar supply chain to effectively guarantee that there is no use of child labor at any point in this wide and long chain. Therefore, the idea that IKEA should sign up to an industry-wide response to the growing concerns

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Evaluation of the United States Airline Industry Using Porter's Five Essay

Evaluation of the United States Airline Industry Using Porter's Five Forces Theory - Essay Example The five forces that shape industry competition include rivalry among existing competitors, threat of new entrants, threat of substitute products or services, bargaining power of buyers, and bargaining power of suppliers (Porter, 2004). These forces form the microenvironment, in contrast with the more general concept of macro-environment. They constitute the forces impacting a company, thereby influencing its capability to serve its customers and to ensure profits. The company has to re-assess the marketplace if there is alteration in any of the forces (Aruvian’s R’search, 2011). The Airlines Deregulation Act of 1978 resulted in several years of low profitability in the industry, with lowered airline fares and the entry of several new firms into the market. â€Å"The financial impact on both established and new airlines was enormous† (Desai, Patel & Quach, 2004, p.2). The consequences of deregulation on the airline industry can be understood by studying Porter’s Five Forces and the influence of complements to the industry. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to examine the United States Airline Industry, and to determine whether it is an attractive industry, based on Porter’s Five Forces model. ... The United States Airline Industry has grown significantly since the end of World War II. In 1945, the leading airlines flew 3.3 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs). By the mid-1970s, with the development of deregulation, the chief carriers of the industry flew130 billion RPMs. By 1988, following a decade of deregulation, the number of domestic revenue passenger miles had inreased ten-fold (Aruvian’s R’search, 2011). This is reiterated by Desai et al (2004) who state that in the period 1965-1978 the federal government regulated the airline industry by means of enforcing artificial wage increases and artificial price levels. Further, â€Å"from 1980 to 1990 the number of passengers traveling by air increased by approximately 72%† (Desai et al, 2004, p.2). The rapid growth of the United States Airline Industry before 1990 has declined; however air travel continues to be the preferred mode of transportation for most Americans because of its cost effectiveness and time saving features. Contrasting with the significant growth of the previous decade, during the 1990-1998 period the United States airline industry experienced only 36% growth. Additionally, during the post-deregulation era, labour negotiations fuelled several labour strikes. The big airlines have tried to reduce costs, but have been hindered by strong oppostion from labour unions. For example, Unions have battled against interventions attempting to shift unprofitable routes to lesser cost regional jets with lower paid pilots. The large airlines have been caught in traditional fare wars that adversely impact their already poor profit margins, because of facing cut-throat competition especially from low-cost rival airlines. â€Å"The domestic airline industry in

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Criminal laws related to the Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Criminal laws related to the Internet - Essay Example State legislative bodies design the state statutes. Moreover, there are different law enforcement agencies and branches depending upon the level of government. Municipal police, state police, sheriffs, FBI, and BATF are some of such branches that enforce laws depending upon whether the law has been passed by state legislative bodies or U.S. Congress. Countries that do not have cyber laws undergo a myriad of cyber crimes, and face difficulties while dealing with cases like identity theft, assault by threat, cyber terrorism, and cyber laundering. Pakistan and India are two countries where there is no proper cyber law enforcement, due to which cyber crime is increasing in those countries. International cyber law disputes and conflicts should be resolved through the implementation of cyber laws on a global scale, and by creating agreements and treaties between countries that talk about cyber crime avoidance and punishment. International jurisdictional cyber laws should be enforced. There should also be international mediators (countries) that act to resolve international

Monday, October 14, 2019

Strategic Management Used At General Motors Business Essay

Strategic Management Used At General Motors Business Essay Automotive legend of the last century, GM, is one of the biggest corporations in the world. Although GM had big turmoils in its business, it still operates successfully in all over the universe. The aim of this assignment is to determine the GMs business strategies with rises and falls by looking into their history, having the data of what and how did they do in their businesses and analysing their company activities. Being a leader and pioneer of the automobile industry since this sectors infancy times , General Motors Corporation still keeps its successful place in this competitive business. Since 1908, General Motors Corporation (GM) is one of the largest auto producer in the world as measured by global industry sales, whose headquarters is in United States of America. William C. Durant was the founder of General Motors Company with being an innovator in automobile technology. As being a multinational automobile manaufacturer General Motors employes about 280 million people all around the world with the total assets of 149 billion US Dollars. The company manufacturers the cars and the trucks in 55 different countries (exluding US and Canada). General Motors has sub-brands under its management. Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Vauxhall, Holden, Saturn and Wuling are some one the names of General Motors brands. The General Motors Company placed into a global market throughout the 1920s. Meanwhile, the company built itself as a firm which provided prestige, power and the other options. As a competitor, Ford, that focused on lower costs and lower prices, reversely GM targeted customers who had likely money to spend on more featurative products. During the World War II, General Motors Company manufactured armament and military vehicles,both for Allied and Axis forces. GM had improved its business level and becomed the largest corporation in the United States after the world war II. During the 1950s, style, desing, and engineering innovations are applied into the companys production line. In 1960s, GM also focused on insurance, home appliances, financing, electronics, locomotives and banking etc. In request for the smaller cars of European producers , GM introduced Chevrolet Corvair, that was ciriticized for safety issues in following days. In the next decade, oil prices went up and as well as the oil costs , environmental problems are taken into consider at those times. Therefore, there were a shift from huge oil guzzling cars to smaller European cars increased with the first energy crisis. After that , second crisis followed quickly by rising the concern for pollution and controlling of over emission and safety problems resulted GM lose of its market share to more economical and smaller vehicles. Especially between 1980s and 1990s , the Japanese imports rocketed ( See Appendix 1) ,so that, that time of a period was a hardship for GM, which was plagued by high competition with Japanese companies. As a result of this, GM had chenged its strategies like redesingining and reengineering of its car models. However , because of the high production costs , GM had continioued its high losses in the market with huge numbers. In 1990s, General Motors Company had started to close many of its plants and also cut the jobs. With these turmoils among the company, GM followed different strategies ,like buying Saab and Daewoo, and a little portion of Subaru and Suzukis shares, that were sold later for increasing the money. As follows, GM merged with FIAT car company which lasted five years. In the late-1990s, General Motors Company seemed on the way to big recovery, with sales stabilizing and stock increasing. However, end of the 2001 September, the company started to have challenges, and the system was changed again. In the following next few years, General Motors became a survivor in the highly competitive automobile industry with the economic recession in 2008, therefore the company had bailed out by the government for avoiding bankruptcy. (bbc.co.uk, 2010) In the first quarter of 2009, the auto giant posted a 6 billion dollars loss and said that it burned through 10.2 billion dollars of cash in the first three months of the year as revenue plummeted by 20 billion dollars'(about.com, 2010). However, besides these hard circumstances, in the first half of 2010, the General Motors sold more vehicles in China than in the US. (Constantini,2010) 3. STRATEGÄ °C ANALYSÄ °S OF GENERAL MOTORS Analysing the companys internal and external environments, there are many different frameworks and models exist for companies. By having some strategies enables the firms to get better understanding of the critical factors for their future success. Some sof the strategic analysis methods are Dunnings Eclectic Paradigm (Cavusgil et al., 2008), Porters Diamond and Five forces, Directional Policy Matrix, Mintzbergs School of Thoughts (Mintzberg et al., 2003) Value Chain Analysis (Johnson et al., 2008), SWOT analysis (Kotler and Keller, 2009), etc. The suitable frameworks choosing is depends on what the company needs to address and in what circumstances it needs to do so (Johnson et al., 2008). This is because many firms today operate both on a national, regional and global basis and as such need appropriate strategy for each individual environment (Schlie and Yip, 2000). As being a multinational enterprise, GM operates in approximately 57 countries, including Canada and US, and they serve and operate in variety of services from improvement, marketing, manufacturing of cars, trucks to economy and insurance services (Datamonitor, 2009). A potent tool and a flexible framework that could assist in describing and assessing competitive pressures in an industry and industry attractiveness is the Porters five forces (FF) model (Niederhut-Bollmann and Theuvsen, 2008). The model helps a company to decide how and where to make strategic changes for gaining and sustaining competitive advantages over rival firms and thereby generating above-average return on investments (Niederhut-Bollmann and Theuvsen, 2008). Figure 1: Michael Porters Five Forces Source: Michael E. Porter The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy, 2008 In addition, one the school of the Mintzberg Ten School of Thoughts, The Design School, gives us another highly essential analysis for the firms. According to Mintzberg, The Design School sees strategy formation as achieving the essential fit between internal and external aspects'(Mintzberg et al., 2003:p23). Meanwhile, strenghts and weaknesses are given as the internal capabilities, on the other hand, opportunities and threads are seen as the external possibilities. Figure 2: Mintzbergs Design School of Thought Source:http://blogtext.org/russelldavison/article/7281.html Therefore, in this assignment, the General Motors Company will be analysed through company strategies. Firstly competitive advantage and analysis will be done according to Michael Porters five forces. Secondly, internal and external analysis will be given according to Mintzbergs Design School by applying the SWOT analysis. Finally, in the last to secion Value Chain and BCG Matrix Analysis will be examined. 3.1. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ANALYSIS OF GM ACCORDING TO MICHAEL PORTERS FIVE FORCES The competitive analysis of a company is an essential element of identifying components which are a threat to reduce profitability. For assesing over the competitive problems , Michael Porters five forces analysis is the one of the most efficient way. Porter (2004) has brought the light of five such factors: (1) Rivalry between existing competitors, (2) Barriers to entry, (3) Pressure of price from Substitutes/Complementaries, (4) Bargaining power of buyers, (5) Bargaining power of suppliers. Therefore, General Motors Corporations competitive advantage analysis will be done according to Michael Porters five forces . 3.1.1. Rivalry Between Existing Competitors: Rivalry occurs, because one or more competitors either feels the pressure or sees the opportunity to improve position (Porter, 2004 :p.17). Additionally, The strategies pursued by one firm can be successful only to the extent that they provide competitive advantage over the strategies pursued by rival firms. ( David, 2011 :p.107-108). Therefore, if we look at the GM motors in this section, in the 1970s and 1980s, competition in the US automobile industry had become much more strong with the increase of foreign rivals such as Honda, Toyota and Nissan (See Appendix 2). Although GM was a leader of the automobile industry at that period of time, its rivals had started to compete with GM providing some different offers. For example, Toyota started to produce cars with lower price than GM cars , whereas the quality of cars were high. So that, the competitros of GM became well-known brands ,while GM had difficulties with competing with them. 3.1.2. Barriers To Entry: According to Porter, new capacity may be brought to an industry by new entrants. Furthermore, gaining the market share, and getting high proportion of resources can be achieved by new entries. Meanwhile, the presence of of new corporations in an any industry can push the prices down and may decrease the profitability. Although these entries may seem as a threat, those may protect the established companies. During the both world wars, GM made a high profit, and it enlarged its business. Being a leader of the sector and being a well-known brand placed the GMs competitors very difficult positon to entry the industry. Especially for the smaller firms, competing with the GM was very hard. In early 20s, GM invented self-starters by differentiating itself from Ford, later on , in 1970s, Japanese and European companies introduced their fuel-efficient models to the industry. 3.1.3 Pressure of Price From Substitutes/Complementaries : All of the companies are in the competition broadly with the industries manufacturing substitute and complementary products (Porter, 2004). In this highly competitive automobile industry, any change in the prices on complementaries such as gas, tires, could have a important effect on the demand for automobiles. If we look at the GM, recent rising gas prices are highly to get a bigger effect on GM. Because, generally GMs cars are energy inefficient. Therefore, this will have great impact on GM. 3.1.4. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Buyers compete with the industry by forcing down prices, bargaining for higher quality and more services, and playing competitors against each other, all at the expense of industry profitability'(Porter, 2004 p:24). As a result of highly improved information technologies, and as well as with globalization, customers of the GM (like for the other companies) became more aware of the what were they buying and how much were they paying. Furthermore, getting the information the rivals of GM from the internet increased the bargaining power of dealers of GM. 3.1.5. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Suppliers of an industry plays a significant role for their businesses. They may reduce the quality of the products, or may raise the prices up. For GM, raw materials and machine parts suppliers threat is very low, because there many suppliers for those sections (Nytimes, 2011). However, the powerful labour union, United Auto Workers (UAW), is a potential threat to GMs economical capability and endurance. For example, the liability of pension and health-care costs acquired an additional 1,400 to the cost of every vehicle comes from GM place compared with competitor products (The Economist, 2008). This is a magnificent amount and GM needs to search ways to cut this liability, therefore, GM may get more economical improvement and the growth of the company. Figure 3: Michael Porters Five Forces adopted to GM Source: Author 3.2. INTERNAL EXTERNAL ANALYSIS OF GM ACCORDING TO MINTZBERGS DESIGN SCHOOL Mintzberg explained The Design School as in the following: The Design School sees strategy formation as achieving the essential fit between internal and external aspects'(Mintzberg et al., 2003:p23). In this definition, internal factors are given as strenghts and weaknesses. Besides this, opportunities and threats are described as external factors. Therefore, for analysing the GENERAL MOTORS external and internal factors we should do a SWOT Analysis with the light of Mintzbergs Design School. 3.2.1. Strenghts: During the 20th century, GM has been the automotive leader in car industry. Although the company had some turmoils, its market share is still very much competitive in the sector. GM is well established not only in US but all around the world. Moreover, GM also have an rising share in the Chinese market (See Appendix 3). If GM takes the right decisions, there will be no reason for GM becoming a boss of the car industry again with. In addition, GM has wide range of brands such as Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Vauxhall. Company operates in more than hundred countries in the world with employing the approximately 250,000 people (gm.com, 2010) . Therefore, General Motors, with its global experience and its huge market share in the world, is still keeps the professional place in the automobile industry. General Motors Corporation uses OnStar Satellite Technology. This technology provides its customers security and safety facilities. For example, in the event of emergency , the system allows the driver to communicate with OnStar personnel just away a button immediately. GM has been controlling the costs by alliance and partnership with corporations like Shanhai Automobile Industry Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler AG. So that, GM improved its cost reduction system by sharing the company costs. 3.2.2. Weaknesses: For analysing the GMs weaknesses, first, we should consider that, this company is an US firm. So that, from its early years until present times, it is still over dependent to US market. The company should take the benefit for expanding globally. According to an article issued by Associated Press (2010), GM had low credit ratio which is determined as junk-credit (BB-). On the other hand, another problem is downsizing. GM put on the market some of its brands and it closed them completely. Additionally, the inactive profitability is the other issue of GM. After the global economic recession in 2008 , companys profit margins and sales went down dramatically. Staying one step behind on alternative energy movement is the biggest weakness for General Motors Company. The competitors of GM like Honda, Toyota, are using fuel efficiently, and also that are producing more ecological and environment friendly vehicles. Therefore, this may led problems such as decrease of market share and loss in company profit. GMs organizational structure is designed vertically. This causes a lack of information between the levels in the company, from bottom to top. So that, many problems can be occur because of the operational and top managerial levels uncommunicative situation. 3.2.3. Opportunities: One of the lightly opportunities of GM is maintaining the Global Expansion . In the last few years, GM achieved a substantial rise in the Chinese market, that made the GM alarm to major on the foreign markets. The other advantage for GM to take is the catching up the hybrid technology cars. Although they had lagged behind the alternative energy, it is not late for the automotive giant becoming again once it was. Recently, GM started to operate Green-Manufacturing systems, such as water-borne technology, reduction goals for hazardous and non-hazardous waste at source ( See Appendix 4). Developing new vehicle models and designs is the big advantage for GM. Because, as we know, what is in today will be out tomorrow. Therefore, focusing on innovations should be the urgent mission through the GM company. 3.2.4. Threats: The threat of the increase in the supply costs is very common in automobile industry like as the other industries. This threat pushes the firms to reduce manufacturing and production costs as much as possible, without carrying away the product quality. For instance, the fluctuation in the steel prices between 2005 and 2010 had a negative impact on GMs production costs, especially as a result of the economic crisis , the rise in 2008, put a negative impcat on GM ( See Appendix 5). The other danger for GM is the increase in fuel prices (See Appendix 6). As same with the rising in the steel prices, after the economic recession in 2008, the sales have plummeted considerably. Therefore, soaring in fuel costs has played a magnificant role in enhancing the advantage for development of hybrid and more fuel efficient vehicles respectively. The increasing competition factor is the another big threat for General Motors. Because, GM is not a leader once it was, currently there are many different brands in the industry, which are working hard for competing with their rivals. Therefore, GM should always keep the innovation on top for competing in the industry. Figure 4: SWOT Analysis of General Motors Source: Author 3.3. VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF GM Value Chain is called to add value to the product and remove excess waste of resource consumption, in other word, to maximize the value of work done by the systematic and asset management. Supplier of products and processes that increase the effectiveness of all stages up to final customers and to maintain, so used to gain competitive advantage. Value Chain   Management focuses on the destruction of waste inside the company and also focuses on the customers satisfaction inside the company . Value Chain assits to the companies to identify activities where it may well apply its presence potentials (Diez-Vial, 2009) and also identify which activities to outsource in order to decrease prices by getting opportunity of country-specific advatages. One of the compenent of manufacturing is outsourcing which is congress the features of GMs activities that needs a much more labour to the other countries where labour costs are cheaper, and this could relieve GM from employment responsibility . Additionally, recently GM could be able to resolve problems with United Automobile Workers. Michael Porter (2004) examined a set of interconnected generic activities common to a variety of companies. According to Porter, Value Chain Analysis is described as below: Figure 5: Value Chain Activities Table Source: http://www.netmba.com/strategy/value-chain/ GM, for instance, gives highly importance on its customer relationships. For the theory part, Service activities are the activities that continue and enhance the products value including customer support, repair services, etc. Meanwhile, for the GM strategy, they are using OnStar Technology which enables the customers get in touch with the call center of GM in an emergency situations. 3.4. BCG MATRIX ANALYSIS OF GM The BCG Matrix method is based on the product life cycle theory that can be used to determine what priorities should be given in the product portfolio of a business unit ( Lancaster and Reynolds, 2004) . To ensure long-term value creation, high-growth products and low-growth products should be undertaken by the companies in need of cash inputs and generate a lot of cash respectively. Figure 6: BCG Matrix adapted for GM Source: (LancasterReynolds, 2004) As I mentioned above, determining the factors of industry and as well as firms businesses is playing an essential role for gaining competitive advantage in the global market. Till before the two decades, oil prices had gone up with high percentages. So that, this and the environmental factors had oushed the automobile sector to the fuel efficiency vehicles. With the consideration of BCG Matrix applied to the GM, GM should pull off the brands like Pontiac, Hummer which are fuel-efficiency and oil-guzzling cars. Furthermore, more investment should put into producing smaller fuel-efficient vehicles, and also HEVs ( Hybrid Electric Vehicles). 4. CONCLUSION In conclusion, analysing the General Motors Corporation is done by using some strategical analysing methods, such as Porters FF, Value Chain, BCG Matrix, and Swot Analysis. Searching and applying the systems into the GM is quite broad because of the companys long time history which is more than a hundred years. In to the this content, the Company is analysed in detail according to factors of competitive advantage, internal and external. Therefore , I reached up a conclusion for GM. Of course, every single company and firm can make mistake in their business life cycle, however, minimizing those mistakes is one of the essential area for the firms. If we turn to GM, they had been really successful in the industry when there were no any other competitors. However, once GMs rivals entered to the business, GM started lose its market share globally. Because they overlooked at them, they didnt do many things until they lose their profits. After that , they changed some system, they started to struggled with their rivals. So that, with consideering all the analysed strategic forces above and the company, some recommendations should be done. For forthcoming improvements, first of all, General Motors should describe possible and suitable sector to serve. And also GM should concern about arrangement application and differentation strategy. For example, Focus strategy may assist GM to enable to reduce the costs as GM diverge from broad-line manufacturer to another varieties. By doing his, GM will be able to differntiate its product from the other rivals , because of focusing on a specific niche market that may perform much more better . The other one is to stay ready for even every hard and difficult circumstances, such as financial crisis. Although , generally it is an unexpected factor, companies, and also GM, should gain their SWOT analysis under the line of Threats. Staying in prepare positon always gives high competitive advantage with the other competitirs in the global industry. Last but not least is maintaining the speed of rivalry environment, GM should enhance and improve its product development. Alongside with the product development, environmental factors should be considered as well for gaining the high quality of business. 5. RECOMMENDATION In my opinion, General Motors should follow some strategies such as restructuring, product development, liquidation and market development. If GM does the product development, this would allow them to sustain the speed of rivalry environment. As a pratic example of this theory is Hybrid SUV vehicles, which matches the GM shape with continuing the portion of SUV, basically that allocate the company to keep on with trend models. My another recommendation for GM is reevaluation of the market. Global market is a market that which changes frequently. First GM vehicles had got tradition style, however, among the changing industry, they started to produce big cars, especially for the US market. One practical example for that case is to produce ultra-modern vehicles. If they manufacture that futuristic cars before the Honda or Toyota Company, they would gain an advantage in competitive industry. Lastly, liquidation is very essential for GM. The reason for that is, its assets are much more than its incomes. If General Motors can get the assests through the cash, therefore, GM could be more available finance. Moreover , when they achieving that process, GM wouldnt have to rely on US market, they could be independent in global industry. 6. APPENDIX Appendix 1 Imported Japanese Cars Develoopment: Source: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1501956HYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1501956show=htmlHYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1501956show=htmlshow=html Appendix 2 Auto Sales Monthly Change: Source: http://www.wstreet.com/investing/stocks/19359_gms_fire_sale_and_auto_sales_preview.html Appendix 3 -China Car Market Soars: Source: http://seekingalpha.com/article/243737-outlook-2011-china-says-no-more-cars-down-goes-auto-industry Appendix 4 Green Manufacturing Processes: Source: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1863551HYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1863551show=abstractHYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1863551show=abstractshow=abstract Appendix 5 Steel Prices Between 2005 and 2010: Source: : http://www.ttiinc.com/object/ME_Materials_Steel Appendix 6 Rise in Fuel Prices Between 2009 and 2010: Source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12098981 7. 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