Alcohol Consumption Drosophila Melanogaster

Alcohol consumption in sexually frustrated fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster Ankit Sharma April 8, 2013 BIO 534 Introduction The fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster show addiction-like behavior towards alcohol where the flies seem to be physiologically dependent on (Atkinson et. al. , 2012). The flies can thus exhibit a cognitive dependence where such behavior is stored in memory and same behavior is also shown in the future. This addiction is linked to NPY neuropeptide levels which can be found in Drosophila where these neuropeptides serve as feeding stimulants (Shen et. al. , 2005).Alcohol consumption rate is higher when these NPY neuropeptide levels are suppressed (Wilcox, 2012). Thus, such factors are linked to the idea that fruit flies consume food that contains alcohol more than regular food, and such behavior increases over time (Devineni and Heberlein, 2009). Sexual frustration is also linked to increase in consumption of alcohol. Fruit flies consumed less alcohol when they were sexually satisfied because sex raised NPF levels and the flies consumed more alcohol when they were sexually frustrated because their NPF levels were suppressed (Azanchi et. l. , 2012). The purpose of the experiment is to determine if sexually frustrated male fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster resort to alcohol after being rejected by females. Thus, the experiment will determine if the number of sexually frustrated fruit flies will be higher where there is alcohol in the environment than non-sexually frustrated fruit flies. The hypothesis to be tested is null hypothesis. The null hypothesis states that sexual frustration has no effect on alcohol consumption by male fruit flies.Thus, there will not be a significantly higher number of rejected male fruit flies in an alcohol environment than non-sexually frustrated flies. Materials and Methods Two plastic cylindrical vials were used to place wingless wild type fruit flies. The vials contained same amount of medium for food. Both vials contained regular medium for food. The fruit flies were anesthesized and 40 males and 40 females were separated. 20 males were placed in a vial with 20 females that were decapitated by a razor blade. 20 separate males were placed in a different vial with 20 females.The experiment was conducted over a period of 4 days. Two more vials were made, both containing 21% alcohol on one half side of the medium which was the closest percentage available compared to 15% ethanol used in other experiments. The males with decapitated females were transferred to one of the vials with alcohol. The males with regular females were transferred to the other vial with alcohol. The number of flies present on alcohol and normal side of the medium was recorded in both vials for 20 minutes in 1 minute increments. Three trials were conducted.The mean numbers of fruit flies present on the two sides of both vials were calculated. The mean was calculated by the summation of the number of fruit flies in e ach sides of the vials and divided by 120. The null hypothesis was tested by conducting a two-tailed t-test. Results For all the number of fruit flies observed in the two vials (n=120) there was a significant difference in the number of fruit flies in the two vials in the (t=4. 87, df=118, p

Core Issues in Crime and Punishment Essay

Jimmy Boyle’s autobiography A Sense of Freedom (1977) gives a very interesting and honest insight into his life of crime and incarceration. The autobiography, written from inside prison, is according to Boyle an attempt to warn young people that there is not anything glamorous about crime and violence. It gives a full narration of his life from a very young age, with a detailed insight into his childhood, experiences of petty crime, approved schools and borstal, right through to his adult experiences of more serious crime, violence and adult prisons, including his interpretation of the Penal System. Reading this autobiography I aimed to remain detached from the author and seek to create an independent analysis of his criminality. The definition of ‘autobiography’ according to AskOxford (2010) is ‘an account of a person’s life written by that person’; this suggests that in analysing the author’s criminality throughout the book one should not forget that it is written from the author’s perspective and memory and should not be taken purely on face value. With this in mind I intend to apply criminological theories to Boyle’s autobiography with an aim to distinguish which criminological theory most effectively seeks to explain his criminality. Moreover, in doing this I expect to illuminate the criticisms involved within these theories. Crime can be defined as ‘an act or deed, which is against the law’ (Chambers 1998:145). Over the past few centuries there have been numerous theories try to explain why crime is committed and the answers to this question are still quite sceptical. I intend to consider the key principles of Rational Choice Theory and how convincing it is in explaining Boyle’s criminality. Rational Choice Theory is part of a contemporary Classical approach in explaining crime. In order to explain this theory it is important firstly to look into the Classical approach. Classicism is the eldest of these two theories that seeks to explain criminality. It emerged at a time when the naturalistic approach of the social contract theorists was challenging the previously dominant spiritualist approach to explaining crime and criminal behaviour (Burke, 2005:24). It rests on the assumption of free will and suggests that criminal activity is the result of rational choice and of the hedonistic impulses of the individual (Newburn, 2007:114). It was the two key Classical school theorists Baccaria and Bentham who in the late eighteenth century established the essential components of the Rational Actor model. It suggests that crime is the product of evil and people commit crime through choice because they are simply ‘bad’ (Newburn, 2007:114). A key principle of the classicist approach is to state the law clearly to the public and punishment should be predictable in order to create deterrence against crime. Baccaria considered that criminals owe a debt to society and proposed that punishments should be fixed strictly in proportion to the seriousness of the crime. According to Baccaria human behaviour is essentially based on the pleasure pain principle, therefore punishment should reflect that principle and all that are guilty of a particular offence should suffer the same penalty (Burke, 2005:25). Rational Choice theory derives from this same school of thought as Classicism. It emerged during the 1980s with the notion that ‘nothing works’, influenced by the Bentham and the economic utility model. Likewise to Classicism it bases its structure on simple deterrence and retribution principles and also shares the same assumptions that offenders are essentially rationally calculating actors (Newburn, 2007:280). It suggests that offenders make a cost-benefit-calculation as whether to commit the crime. If the benefit (e.g. money) out weighs the cost (e.g. prosecution if caught) then it is likely that they will take the risk and commit the offence. Becker (1968, cited in Newburn, 2007) argued that individuals will commit offences if the ‘expected utility’ of doing so is positive, and will not do so if it is negative. Cornish and Clark (1985, cited in Newburn, 2007) have had a major influence in developing Rational Choice theory. They suggest that rather than a simple choice, a sequence of choices have to be made, and that these choices are influenced by a number of social and psychological factors within the individual. Although this contemporary view still holds some of the main aspects of Classicism regarding rationality, it has moved in a new direction as it now arguably considers the psychological and sociological effects on the offender, an area that Classicism failed to consider. Rather than suggesting offenders are just ‘bad’ in its explanation of crime as Classicism does, the Rational Choice theory became the study of why people make particular decisions and behave in particular ways under certain circumstances (Newburn, 2007:281). According to Cornish and Clark (1985, cited in Newburn, 2007) crime is treated as ‘purposive’; it is never senseless. Moreover, Cornish and Clark (1985, cited in Newburn, 2007) suggest that other than material wealth, the benefits of committing su ch crime may also include excitement, prestige, fun, sexual gratification, defiance or dominance of others. It is arguable that throughout reading A Sense Of Freedom (1977) Boyle is aware of all the benefits from crime he receives, a lot of which are mentioned above. From a young age Boyle admits to the excitement experience by stealing and fighting. It is this that makes it evident that he has made rational calculations of what the benefits received will be as a result of crime, for instance stealing will gain him material wealth, reputation/status and excitement, much the same as fighting would gain him reputation and excitement. In this sense for Boyle the benefit of committing crime outweighed the cost, which explains his ongoing criminal behaviour. However, these benefits received would be an after effect of committing these crimes. What the Rational Choice theory fails to explain is why the need for committing the crime in the first place. Although Rational Choice theory does mention the psychological and sociological aspects that the offender brings with them into certain situations , it bases these aspects on calculating whether to commit the crime or not, rather than what sociological or psychological effects would contribute towards committing the crime in the first place i.e. strain, inequality, poverty, learned behaviour etc. Therefore it still does not seek to explain the individual’s social circumstances. In this sense according to Newburn (2007) it fails to take sufficient account of the structural conditions within which individual decision-making takes place (Newburn, 2007,296) Simply Rational Choice theory does not explain the reasons for committing crime in the first place. It explains the process that takes place when there is an opportunity for crime. According to Newburn (2007) it fails to explain or is unconcerned with the motivation of the offender. What it does seek to explain is the reasons why offenders such as Boyle repeatedly committed crime, such as the benefits i.e. reputation, status and material wealth. The Rational Choice Theory suggests that we would all commit crime if we thought we could get away with it, the reason we do not is because for most the cost outweighs the benefit (Newburn, 2007:296). This illuminates the question as to why everyone does not commit crime if everyone has the same rationality? According to Jones (2006) ‘the various definitions of ‘rational choice’ provided by the theory’s proponents seems to be too vague and allow for almost any form of behaviour except the most extreme pathological variety’. According to Jones (2006:417), Gibbs (1989) sums it up when he said ‘if rational behaviour is defined as simply goal-orientated behaviour, then virtually all human behaviour is rational’. According to Burke, (2005,44) one of the criticisms with Rational Choice theory is that it is accused of implying a too high degree of rationality by comparing criminal choices too closely with market-place decisions. The work of Cornish and Clark suggest ‘offenders invariably act in terms of limited or bounded form of rationality (Burke, 2005:44). In this sense offenders will not be fully aware of all the aspects involved in making the decision to commit crime nor will they have all the facts to make a wise decision. This is still considered to be a rational choice but to a different degree. Therefore, this suggests that offenders can be categorised separately from ‘law-abiding’ citizens (Burke, 2005:44). Although the Rational Choice Theory has played a large part in the Governments aim for situational crime prevention within the past forty years, with the notion that ‘nothing works’ and its concentration on removing/reducing the opportunity for crime, it seems it has not played a large part in understanding why crime is committed nor has it contributed towards developing criminological theory. Gibbons (1994, cited in Walklate, 1998:38) argues that ‘the Rational Choice theory neither constitutes a new or nor a general explanation of crime since elements of attributing the ability to make choices and decisions to criminals and criminal behaviour are present in a range of criminological perspectives’. Akers (1994 cited in Jones, 2006:416) suggests Ration Choice theory and deterrence theorists have not acknowledged their debt to Social Learning theory, which he states already allows for the adoption of rational decision-making processes in considering whether to commit crime. As it is apparent after reading Boyle’s autobiography that he has made a lot of choices to commit crime throughout his life, it is difficult to apply the Rational Choice theory to specifics as it seems to be a very vague theory, much the same a Classicism. It seems that all his decisions throughout were of a cost-benefit-calculation, however arguably, this could be said about every decision any offender makes from stealing a pen at work, vandalism to murder and more serious crime. With this in mind I am now going to consider a psychological positivist approach in explaining Boyles criminality. Instead of looking at abnormalities of the brain in an attempt to explain his criminality, although there are a number of questions that could be raised when looking at his actions in prison, which could arguably be linked to psychopathic behaviour, in this case it would be beneficial to look into learning behaviour in trying to explain his criminality, with an emphasis on Social Learnin g thoery. From a young age Boyle explains the area he was brought up in as poor and socially deprived (Boyle, 1977:21). He tells of his experiences as a young boy as looking at certain areas as more upper class and the people who live in them are ‘toffs’ which he later admits that they were not, however they had nicer clothes or shoes than himself therefore they were classed as ‘toffs’ by him and his peers. He states that his and his friend’s mother used to call then ‘half boiled toffs’ and used to mimic their accents (Boyle, 1977,9). He tells of his time going around from a young age stealing with his friends from other peoples unwanted possessions, something that was seen by Boyle as not criminal activity just the done thing. Watching the older men come out the pubs at night time drunk and engaging in violent behaviour (fighting) was one of the activities Boyle and his peers used to do, preferably on weekends. (Boyle, 1977:15). Although when read ing the book Boyle’s childish endeavours seems rather inline with the norm that boys will be boys and get up to mischief, it seems that this is where Boyles personality developed. The fact that he was out late watching the fighting outside pubs at the age of 5-6 suggests that his violent behaviour in his adult life could have derived from this. Thus, the significant aspects of this are that Boyle was out at a very late time for a young boy, which suggests that there was a significant lack of supervision by his parents. This is one of the reasons for Social Learning theory’s explanations as to why some delinquent behaviour takes place, and is one of lack of supervision or poor child rearing can lead to aggression (something that Boyle implied he was eventually an expert in) (Newburn, 2007:165) Boyle tells us from the start that his Father dies when he is a young boy, this is significant because of the lack of parenting in his family regarding supervision but also because of his Father’s reputation of which Boyle states he was aware of, which is of a violent nature. It is evident that these activities from childhood and throughout his adolescence c ould be key in explaining his criminality. Behavioural learning theories has its origins in the work of Pavlov and Skinner and their experiments carried out on animals, with their conditioning with stimuli when confronted with different tasks (Burke, 2005:79). This had a profound impact on the perspective developed when considering criminality. Skinner argued from an operant conditioning perspective that a person must actively respond if they are to learn, whereas Cognitivists place the emphasis on mental rather than physical activity (Burke, 2005:85). Social Learning theory like the Rational Choice theory shares the same notion that behaviour can be reinforced by rewards and punishment however it emphasises that behaviour can learned by expectations that are learned by watching what happens to other people, in this sense individuals will make a choice as to what is learned and how (Burke, 2005:85). Tarde (1843-1904, cited in Burke, 2005) suggested that crime was simply a normal learned behaviour. He argued that criminals are primary normal people who by accident of birth are brought up in an atmosphere in which they learn crime as a way of life. This leads to my argument as rather than generalising everyone as just rational actors, Boyle was nurtured into crime from a young age. In this sense this takes into consideration that whilst this theory shares the same values regarding rationality it looks closer into why crime is committed in the first place. Albert Bandura had a major impact on Social Learning theory, especially with his demonstration of the ‘Bobo doll’ experiment. The basis of the theory is that the learned behaviour is a combination of the physical acts and how to perform them (skills) and the attitudes and mental understanding necessary to the behaviour (including social skills, morals and choice) (Williams, 2008:289). In this sense criminal behaviour can be learnt through practice, watching others or engaging in the environment (Williams, 2008:289). According to Williams the level of social skills, which the individuals have learnt, may be connected to the amount of crime they perform. Bandura (cited in Newburn, 2007:153) points out that Social Learning theory includes a consideration of motivation and the three types involved, these are; external reinforcement-from the environment, vicarious reinforcement-from observing others and self reinforcement-as a result of taking pleasure or pride from one’s own actions. According to Bandura (cited in Newburn, 2007:153) in this sense we are likely to be influenced by others especially if they are of a high status, which is referred to as models. It is arguable that Boyle learnt his violent behaviour from hearing stories about his Father to watching fighting outside the pubs, in this sense he idolised this behaviour. It is stated in the book that in the book Boyle’s peers stole some money on a particular occasion. Boyle states that he did not want any of the money when his friends were sharing it out. However, he did let them pay for him to get in the cinema. This aloud Boyle to receive the benefits of this cr iminal act, which arguably conditioned him for the future, as this moral decision did not last and before long Boyle was participating in more theft himself. This is a case of learned behaviour from his peers. This shows that not all models have to be of high status, but behaviour can be learned through delinquent peers and what is accepted within a group (Newburn, 2007:165). The Social Learning theory therefore, can be applied to how Boyle became more involved in criminal activity. According to Newburn (2007) Ron Akers and his study of crime, suggests that crime is a result of operant conditioning or imitation. Not only did Boyle involve himself in theft and violent activity at school, but also carried on through his adolescent life which lead him into Approved schools and Borstal. This is where Boyle states that he made a lot of ‘contacts’. He referred to these institutions as ‘University for crime’ (Boyle, 1977:73). This suggest that Boyle believed himself that mixing with people of a more higher criminal status played a significant part in extending his criminality. According to Jones (2006:415) ‘for persistent offenders, the periodic reinforcement of their values by other criminals has been sufficient to outweigh the inhibitory effects of punishment. It is clear that whilst covering only a small area of Psychological Positivism with an emphasis on Social Learning theory, it seems to be a good explanation to Boyles Criminality. What this theory fails to explain is to some extent the social deprivation that Boyle experienced. It does focus on some areas that the social circumstances had on Boyle’s personality, however it emphasises on modelling his personality from influence of his peers and role models. This does seem to be effective in explaining why Boyle became violent and engaged in theft, however it fails to explain why he was influenced in this way in the first place and illuminates the question as to why are people around him acting in this way? According to Howitt (2009) ‘suggesting that people learn their violent and criminal actions from others is a weak argument, unless violence and crime are entirely genetically transmitted then inevitably they must be learnt socially in some way’. In this sense according to Howitt (2009) ‘any explanation of violence and crime in terms of learning is not particularly helpful unless the conditions under which it is learnt can be specified. Violence and crime are not the exclusive means by which goals are achieved. A variety of tactics are involved in achieving goals – working rather than stealing to get a television set being a simple example. As work is a major form of modeled behavior, how can we explain why there is any crime at all if it is simply through social learning’? In this sense the Social Learning theory’s weak ability to explain under what circumstances criminal behavior will or will not be learnt means that it has limited explanatory power (Howitt, 2009:78). Due to official statistics on crime there is a common belief that poverty has a significant role to play in underlying offending (Jones, 2006:151). The work from Durkheim focused on how the organization of society can drive people into breaking its rules (Jones, 2006:157). Durkheim thought that some crime is normal in society and it would be impossible to imagine a society without crime (Jones, 2006:157). Derkheim’s concentration on ‘anomie’ and the sociological perspective of crime had a profound effect on the development of criminological theory as he realised that crime is a contemporary social construct rather than a set of universal values or the reflection of intrinsic ‘evils’ (Jones, 2006:161). This gave rise to Merton’s theory on strain. Derkheim saw ‘anomie’ as created by sudden changes in society, whereas Merton ‘anomie’ applies to disadvantages of the lower classes. This is the area I am going to concentrate on next in explaining Boyle’s criminality.

Australia in a Business Context Essay

1.1 Introduction In today’s world, internationalization is inevitable for companies competing in the global world, where their production, target market, business model were integrated across different frontiers (Robins 2000) and between different people in different countries (Schulte 2000) In this report, we will discuss about Fraser and Neave and the potential of a joint venture with University of Queensland, Brisbane to build student hostels within the university’s premises. The entry mode will be suggested based on supporting context and company analysis. Predicted impact of action will be considered and suggestions for further expansion of the university hostel market under the name of Fraser and Neave will also be made. 2.1 Context Analysis 2.1.1 Australia in business context Australia, being an open economy with open policies for trade and investments, she has attracted many foreign investors without the need of providing any special incentives (Euromonitor business environment: Australia 2013). Reaching a $986.7 billion of total GDP in year 2013, $618.9 billion comes from FDI alone. Due to harsh contractions in mining financial tightening by both the state and federal governments and the strong Australian dollar, the country’s economic growth will ease in the year 2013. (Euromonitor Australia Country Profile 2013) 2.1.2 Australia: Cultural Analysis Culture is a ‘powerful social construct’ (Boyacigiller, 2004) in diverse multicultural workforces, particularly vital in the sustainability and success for any international business (Doney, 1998). Through a series of empirical studies, Australia being a country of low context culture (Markus G 2011, 75) has 4 main characteristics identified of their community (Australia World View, 2001) and (Communicaid: Doing Business in Australia): 1. Linear, logical, individualistic, and action-oriented people. Australians are generally results orientated. Therefore when dealing business with Australians, statistics and figures are essential for a successful deal. Since they can be seen to have confrontational and strong opinions, business dealings with them would need to back up with research or evidence in order to convince them. 2. Community likes to avoid uncertainties As Australians are people who like to avoid uncertainties, they tend to be very straight to the point with their words with the intention of having them taken literally. To avoid any misunderstanding or future conflicts, business dealings with them would have to be very literal with all conditions on the table for discussion. Implicit messages will most probably go unnoticed. 3. Adopts a very egalitarian culture Australians avoids differentiation between individuals and are often preferred to be impartial, modest and have mutual respect for others. Therefore they prefer a more down to earth approach to business. They are also altogether more receptive to innovation, fresh ideas and encourage active discussions or debates. 4. Appreciates privacy When dealing with Australian business counterparts, it would be wise to stay within the lines and treat attempts at developing interpersonal relationships with much caution. 2.1.3 Australia: Legal Environments In relation to the construction of property, we would be looking at laws that are relevant. As a joint venture is suggested for the construction of the student hostel, we would have to consider the complications of contract law besides the obvious property law, employment and industry relations, and general tax issues. As the land that we are proposing to construct is within the University’s premises, a partnership with the university will give Fraser and Neave access to the land without any legislation to bind or cripple the project. Nevertheless, there would be a need to attain approval for development through the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. An application would have to be submitted in order to get a development permit for the construction of the hotels. Required information for the approval will be as follows: * Material used * Any impacts to the surrounding environment * Completed development look (Queensland Government: Development Approvals, 2013) Further legal issues will be discussed at a later date when the university of Queensland accepts the joint venture intention. 2.1.4 Australia: Political Environments The Australian’s political environment have been consistently stable since the year 1996 to 2011 with a small drop in the year 2009 according to the political stability index (World Governance Indicators, 2011). Ranked top 50 worldwide, Australia’s political environment has made the nation an attractive location for business makers to invest in. In order to protect Australia’s AU$15 billion international education industry from competition, the government have made its commitment to quicken visa processing for international students and release a list of policies universities, international education and research (Back to board on foreign students, 2013). Although concrete releases of these policies are not known yet, we can expect better support from the government on Australia’s international education industry. This would mean the future outlook of industry sees potential for further educational development. With a faster visa processing for international students, the demand for accommodation will increase and there will be our market. 2.1.5 Market Size and Growth We first identify the primary market for student hostels as domestic and international students, those in which plans on residing away from their homes in pursuit of their academics. Based on the study by Government of Australia and assuming 20% of the Domestic Students and 80% of the International require hostel accommodation, Australia Universities will require hostels to accommodate about 450,000 students: Australia| Domestic| International| Full Time| Students enrolled| 934,110| 323,612| 884,179| Students(estimated) needing Accomodation | 20%| 80%| | Rooms Required| 186,822| 258,890| 445,712| Study done by Government of Australia (Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education) in 2012 Looking at the numbers reflected above, the demand for student accommodations is substantial, especially among international students where accommodation serves great importance as it puts their respective parents at ease of sending their Children overseas. Students commencing would also be a positive indicator for high occupancy turn over rates. Although reports have shown that Australia is one of the most expensive countries to study abroad in (Cost of studying in Australia putting off international students, it is claimed, 2013), Australia remains optimistic about the future of international education program as part of their GDP contributor. In the report by International Education Advisory Council (Australia – Educating Globally), there would be an estimated increase in total number of international students by 30% in the year 2020. Market growth in this market would be projected to be escalating even if it might be time periods where the growth might temporarily slowed down (Australia focused on international student enrolment growth, 2013). 3.1 Company Analysis 3.1.1 Fraser and Neave Formed in the year 1883, Fraser and Neave have flourished into a brand that is ranked as one of the most successful and established organization in the Asia Pacific region. With a remarkable array of renowned brands that relish strong market leadership, Fraser and Neave traditionally made its reputation through the production and distribution from its own F&N range and several other international brands. In the recent decades, Fraser and Neave have moved on to property development and publishing with ravishing results. Operating at S$32 billion worth of shareholders’ funds and total assets, Fraser and Neave is present over 20 countries spreading across Europe, Asia Pacific and the USA. Leveraging on its strength in brand and financial management, research and development, marketing and distribution, as well as many years of acquisition experience, its subsidiary companies across the three industries are able to receive strategic directions and key resources to ensure sustainability and success. 3.1.2 Fraser and Neave: Properties As part of the business diversification, Fraser and Neave developed the Property Industry as a new core business. Since 1990 from a single mall operator, Fraser and Neave have blossomed into a full-fledge real estate group, Frasers Centrepoint Limited (â€Å"FCL†), which achieved a total of $1,345 million dollars just in year 2012. The group’s overseas property subsidiary in Australia, Fraser Property Australia, has made outstanding success in the Australia property market with the very prosperous development of residential and commercial projects. Involved in joint venture partnership with Sekisui House Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Fraser Property Australia has established its brand and reputation as a property developer in Australia having their projects span across Perth, Western Australia and largely in Sydney. Aside from just property development, the group have also developed and runs a service apartment under their Fraser Hospitality where they own full management rights. 3.2.3 University of Queensland Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world, University of Queensland is the first university that opened in the state and the largest university in Queensland. With a total of 4 major campuses – St Lucia and Herston in Brisbane and Ipswich and Gatton in South-East Queensland, the University have invested significantly in development and construction providing students with conducive environments for studies, research and other school activities. Covering a total of 1376 hectares of land 754,500 m2 (gross floor area) of which occupied by 764 buildings holding 522 teaching rooms and 1588 laboratories. 10 of which are residential colleges that provides student accommodations and places academic activity in a community setting of students and faculty. All residential colleges are located at the main St Lucia Campus. We note that there are no other student accommodations located in the other 3 campuses – Herston Ipswich and Gatton. Students studying in these campuses are encouraged to look for accommodations that are near the schools. In the University of Queensland, there are more than 46,863 students including 11,389 international students from 142 nations around the world. Of the total 46,863 students, there are presently only 2,955 rooms available within the University as follows: College with Residence| Student with Residence at the College| Cromwell College| 247| Duchess College| 200| Emmanuel College| 340| Grace College| 180| Halls of Residences| 440| International House| 238| Kings College| 298| St. John College| 263| St Leo’s College| 212| Union College| 334| Woman’s College| 203| Total Residence| 2,955| Assuming 80% of the International and 20% of the Australian Students desire accommodation within the University, the University of Queensland will require an additional of 13,000 rooms that it does not have today! Based on an average AU$4,500 per year per residence fee, we estimate a Business Potential of AU$58 million per annum if all 13,000 rooms are provided. 4.1 Entry Mode 4.1.1 International Joint Venture We proposed that the entry mode for Fraser and Neave in developing and managing Hostel Accommodation within the University be an international joint venture with University of Queensland. This entry mode is proposed mainly due to the ownership rights for the land within University. This also simplifies the challenges of property rights and taxes. This Joint Venture is formed on the basis of University of Queensland providing the land while Fraser and Neave will provide the resources to build and operate the Hostel, which is the key strength of Fraser Property Australia. Through the company analysis, it can be seen that University of Queensland has a potential shortage of 13,000 student accommodation. Therefore the construction of a student hostel in the campuses will increase the attractiveness and reliability of the school to domestic or international students. In the initial phase, the proposed hostel construction would take place in campuses in South-East Queensland (Ipswich and Gatton) as these campuses are far away from the only campus in Brisbane that provides student accommodations. Based on the current capacity of only 2,955 residences within the University, we are confident that there will be strong student occupancy rates to uphold the sustainability of the hostels. We believe that the University of Queensland would be able to attract and house more domestic and international students with the value addition of these hostels while receiving percentage of it earnings. Fraser and Neave could also benefit by entering the market of student hostels through this singular joint venture. If proven to be a success, Fraser and Neave could move into the development of student hostels in Australia and the rest of the world that offers international studies aside from residential and commercial buildings. This is a niche market that has not been developed by any multinational companies and has the potential worth looking into. As Fraser and Neave is already in a joint venture with Sekisui House Australia Holdings Pty Limited with its subsidiary Fraser Property Australia, it would be wise to approach this new joint venture as partners. This would allow Fraser and Neave to once again tap onto the expertise of its local partner and mitigate the development cost between its partners. Therefore the joint venture will be proposed to run three ways. 5.1 Scale Analysis: International Joint Venture 5.1.1 Scale of Entry Since construction and management of student hostels in a University is considered to be a new extension of Fraser and Neave’s properties development, we would propose a conservative approach in the scale of market entry. We would propose an initial accommodation for 500 students, which will generate AU $2.25 million per annum, and this can be subsequently expanded to more accommodations depending on the availability of land within the University of Queensland. Although small, it allows Fraser and Neave more time to learn about this market. As this particular market is very niche with only small players traditionally, it will take time for Fraser and Neave to study the characteristics of the market and develop the most effective and functional way to progress this into a large-scale international hostel construction business. This also limits Fraser and Neave’s exposure to the monetary and economic losses that might follow if this project is a failure. 5.1.2 Risk Levels and control Given that the hostel is only for 500 students, the risks in this project are also relatively low in relation to the small scale of entry. Nonetheless, these are the possible risks involved and how to mitigate them: Sudden project withdrawal from the University of Queensland Land owned by the school required for the hostel constructions may be needed for other University purposes. To avoid this risk, conditions for the withdrawal of the joint venture have to be carefully constructed in the contract to ensure a high penalty cost if any party were to decide to withdraw. Disapproval of property development by local authorities or state government agencies To avoid last minute disapproval, Fraser and Neave must ensure that all conditions posed by the authorities are fulfilled before filing for approval. Sudden hike of interest rates for the properties building sector Although this is a risk that cannot be mitigated substantially, a possible way to minimize it would be to make payments in full. This would however increase the financial investment for the project in a shorter time frame. A more prudent approach is to ensure fixed interest rates are negotiated prior to the start of the projects. Sudden drop in student numbers in the proposed campuses Opening the rooms for rent to students of schools nearby could mitigate this risk however; it would have to be based on agreement with University of Queensland. Students from the university will also be given priority in this case. 5.1.3 Return Levels Return of investments for the proposed project will be 17% – 20% per annum for each hostel. Payback period for the hostels will be at approximately of 4 years. 5.1.4 Control Levels Control levels for this form of entry mode is lower due to the number of parties involved. As this is a three way partnership proposed, Fraser and Neave must ensure that it has all the management decision for construction and management of the hostel thereafter. The agreement with the other 2 joint venture partners is needed and should be detailed in the agreement prior to project start. 5.1.5 Integration Levels With a long-term joint venture partner (Sekisui House Australia Holdings Pty Limited), integration with the local construction environment will not pose a great threat to Fraser and Neave. Along with the past experiences of commercial and residential properties in Australia, the integration of their construction contribution in this project is expected to be positive. On the other hand, partnership with a University is a first for Fraser and Neave and they might be hindered by the new rules and regulations that are imposed by the school. This can be mitigated by understanding the limitations of the school and its school grounds before the commencement of the construction. 6.1 Conclusion There is a great potential in extending Fraser and Neave construction line towards hostels construction with the increasing demand of international education in Australia. Being an undermined market, hostels construction will give Fraser and Neave competitive advantage as one of the first multinational company to internationalize this business. A joint venture with a renowned University worldwide gives the group an exposure to other Universities if proven to be successful. The joint venture would also provide the group with reliable knowledge and information essential for bringing this business into international grounds. A possible development can also arise from this business plan with the introduction of a brand new brand extension ‘Frasers Hostels’, the management of all the Fraser and Neave hostels across the globe. Total Word Count: 2750 References: Websites Fraser and Neave. Our Business. Available: http://www.fraserandneave.com/FN_ourbusiness_properties.asp. Last accessed 17th Aug 2013. Central Intelligence Agency (2013). The World Fact Book: Australia. Available at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/as.html. Last Accessed: 17th Aug 2013. Fraser and Neave. Fraser Property. Available: http://www.frasersproperty.com.au/. Last accessed 23th Aug 2013. Alvin Chua. (2011). Fraser and Neave. Available: http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1792_2011-03-04.html. Last accessed 23th Aug 2013. Communicaid. (2009). Doing Business In Australia, Australian Social and Business Culture. Available: http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20Australia.pdf. Last accessed 20th Aug 2013. College of Marin. High-context and Low-context Culture Styles, Available at: http://www.marin.edu/buscom/index_files/Page605.htm. Last Accessed: 18th Aug 2013. http://acad.depauw.edu/ (2001). Australia World View. Available at: http://acad.depauw.edu/~mkfinney/teaching/Com227/culturalportfolios/australia/WorldView.htm. Last Accessed: 18th Aug 2013. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2012). Legal Systems. Available at: http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/legal_system.html. Last Accessed: 22th Aug 2013. Intead International Education Advantage, LLC (2013). Australia focused on international student enrolment growth. Available at: http://www.intead.com/australia-focus/. Last Accessed: 23th Aug 2013. Queensland Government Department of State Development. Infrastructure and Planning (2013). Development Applications. Available at: http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-applications/development-application-process.html. Last Accessed: 25th Aug 2013. Queensland Government Department of State Development. Infrastructure and Planning (2013). Development Assessment Process. Available at: http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-applications/development-assessment-process.html. Last Accessed: 25th Aug 2013. Worldwide Governance Indicators. Australia. Available at: http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/sc_chart.asp#. Last Accessed: 25th Aug 2013. Newspaper Article Andrew Trouson and Bernard Lane (2013). ‘Back to board on foreign students’. The Australian, 04 September, Available at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/election-2013/back-to-board- on-foreign-students/story-fn9qr68y-1226710079478. Last Accessed: 4th Sep 2013 Books / Peer reviewed journals Jan Aart Scholte (2000). Globalization: A Critical Introduction Second Edition. Great Britain: Creative Print and Design (Wales), Ebbw Vale. Robins Kevins (2000). ‘Encountering Globalisation’ by David Held & Anthony McGrew. The Global Transformations Reader. Great Britain. TJ International, Padstow, Cornwall. pg 239 – 245. Markus G. Kittler, David Rygl and Alex Mackinnon. (2011). Beyond culture or beyond control? Reviewing the use of Hall’s high-/low-context concept. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management. 11 (1), pg 63-82. Doney PM, Cannon JP, and Mullen MR (1998). Understanding the influence of national culture on the development of trust. Academy of Management Review 23: 601–20. Boyacigiller NA, Kleinberg J, Phillips ME, and Sackmann SA (2004). Conceptualizing culture: elucidating the streams of research in international cross-cultural management. In: Punnett BJ, Shenkar O (eds) Handbook for International Management Research. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press 99–167. Reports Fraser and Neave (2012). F&N Annual Report 2012. Fraser and Neave. Singapore. Last accessed 17th Aug 2013 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank (2013). Doing Business 2013. The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. Washington Dc. Last accessed 17th Aug 2013. Euromonitor International (2013). Business Environment: Australia. Euromonitor International. Last accessed 17th August 2013. Global Market Information Database Euromonitor International (2013). Australia Country Profile. Euromonitor International. Last accessed 17th August 2013. Global Market Information Database Clayton UTZ (2012). Doing Business in Australia. Clayton UTZ. Last accessed 22nd Aug 2013 International Education Advisory Council (2013). Australia – Educating Globally. International Education Advisory Council. Australia. Last accessed 23th Aug 2013. Government of Australia Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (2012). Summary of the 2012 full year higher education student statistics. Government of Australia Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. Australia. Last accessed 23th Aug 2013.

Rights associated with land Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Rights associated with land - Essay Example Fishing rights in England and Scotland are private as opposed to public rights in USA, while water rights follow a riparian system in the UK and USA, except the western states where an appropriation system is used. Mineral Rights are provided to property owners who may have the right to allocate subsurface rights to other parties, but in England and Scotland the rights to precious and energy minerals rests with the Crown, while rights of ownership to other minerals may also rest with community bodies. Mineral Rights: In Scotland, land ownership is based on a feudal system whereby the owner or feuar was subjected to title conditions with reservations of mineral rights. Under the feudal system, previous owners of property known as feudal superiors, retained rights over the land even after it was sold, together with the right to enforce title conditions. (www.hmitchell.co.uk). This system was recently abolished under the Abolition of Feudal Tenure (Scotland) Act 2000, however despite the abolition of the system, a reservation of mineral rights in the feudal title still remains valid. As a result, it may restrict the mineral rights of owners of property. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides communities and crofts with the pre-emptive rights to acquire mineral rights, with the exception of oil, gas, coal, gold or silver.(www.lindsays.co.uk) The ownership of the rights to precious and energy minerals is vested in the Government. Throughout the U.K, mineral rights to gold and silver are owned by the Crown and the mines of these metals are known as mines royal.

Biomedical tecneque and cell biology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Biomedical tecneque and cell biology - Essay Example Animal or plant cells have the tendency to grow if they are kept under specific conditions and grown with the required and exact nutrients that are suitable for growth. If this kind of process is carried out under laboratory supervision it is called as cell culture. Chaudry, Arshad [2004] has to say that â€Å"the culture process allows single cells to act as independent units, much like micro organism such as bacterium or fungus†¦these cells an continue to grow until limited by some culture variable such as nutrient depletion†. Generally speaking a cell culture is carried out with the intentions of either to study the metabolic activity, or to analyze the effect of chemicals and medicine on the cell types. [i]. Producing antibodies: One of the antibodies that is produced using cell culture is the monoclonal antibodies. These anti bodies are very useful in treating human diseases. This could be done by obtaining hybridoma cells from animals. The fusion of two to three more cells of hybrid form derived from animals is capable of producing a single type of antibodies in a continuous fashion. These anti bodies are further useful in diagnostic and therapeutic value. Now a days some bio technicians tried analyzing the activities of the amino acids in the typical mammalian cells. [ii]. Recombinant proteins: these are huge and complex structure proteins that could be produced in bacteria, which later develop the tendency to add sugar to these collected protein. In this method the defensive protein is produced in virto through recombinant method and applied for blistered skin. This is called protein therapy. This could be also applied in correcting deficiency like diabetes, enhance immune response, dissolve blood clots etc. This was done previously by culturing extracts form tissues, urine and blood. [ii]. Virus Vaccinations: The basic cause for the vaccines production werwe found to be

Josph Listr guru of surgry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Josph Listr guru of surgry - Essay Example JosÐ µph ListÐ µr wÐ °s born Ð °t Upton, ЕnglÐ °nd, in 1827, whÐ µrÐ µ hÐ µ hÐ °d rÐ µcÐ µivÐ µd his gÐ µnÐ µrÐ °l Ð µducÐ °tion Ð °t thÐ µ UnivÐ µrsity of London. Ð ftÐ µr studying in London Ð °nd Еdinburgh hÐ µ bÐ µcÐ °mÐ µ Ð ° fÐ °mous lÐ µcturÐ µr in surgÐ µry Ð °t thÐ µ UnivÐ µrsity. JosÐ µph ListÐ µr focusÐ µd Ð ° lot on thÐ µ works of othÐ µr prominÐ µnt sciÐ µntists to find Ð ° proof thÐ °t infÐ µctions wÐ µrÐ µ not cÐ °usÐ µd by Ð ° chÐ µmicÐ °l rÐ µÃ °ction, or Ð °n oxidÐ °tion, thÐ °t took plÐ °cÐ µ Ð µvÐ µry timÐ µ thÐ µ oxygÐ µn wÐ °s rÐ µÃ °cting with thÐ µ Ð °ir. "HospitÐ °lism", Ð °s thÐ µ disÐ µÃ °sÐ µs sÐ µpticÐ µmiÐ °, Ð µrysipÐ µlÐ °s, Ð °nd pyÐ µmiÐ ° bÐ µgÐ °n to collÐ µctivÐ µly bÐ µ known wÐ °s thÐ µ root of thÐ µ ovÐ µrwhÐ µlming mortÐ °lity rÐ °tÐ µ in thÐ µ hospitÐ °l sÐ µtting (WÐ µbÐ µr, 2000). ThÐ µ quÐ µstion thÐ °t wÐ °s on ListÐ µr mind wÐ °s Ð °bout thÐ µ sÐ µpsis thÐ °t following compound frÐ °cturÐ µs, Ð ° frÐ °cturÐ µ in which thÐ µ skin is brokÐ µn Ð °nd thÐ µ bonÐ µ Ð µxposÐ µd thÐ °t rÐ µsultÐ µd into high mortÐ °lity rÐ °tÐ µ, Ð µspÐ µciÐ °lly whÐ µn thÐ µ individuÐ °l Ð °ftÐ µr thÐ µ surgÐ µry stÐ °yÐ µd in thÐ µ hospitÐ °l. SomÐ µhow ListÐ µr knÐ µw thÐ °t hÐ µ hÐ °d to kÐ µÃ µp thÐ µ wound frÐ µÃ µ of thÐ µ microbÐ µs thÐ °t wÐ µrÐ µ cÐ °using thÐ µ infÐ µctions, Ð °nd hÐ µ wÐ °s Ð °wÐ °rÐ µ of CÐ °rbolic Ð cid, which wÐ °s mÐ °inly usÐ µd to gÐ µt rid of odors Ð °ftÐ µr sÐ µwÐ °gÐ µ. Not long Ð °ftÐ µr, CÐ °rbolic Ð cid wÐ °s usÐ µd on Ð ° smÐ °ll boy with Ð ° compound frÐ °cturÐ µ of his lÐ µg, whÐ µrÐ µ thÐ µ wound did not suppurÐ °tÐ µ following surgÐ µry Ð °nd thÐ µ only pÐ °in wÐ °s thÐ °t thÐ µ Ð °cid wÐ °s burning thÐ µ boy’s skin. ... Only ftr nlyzing Pstur's rsrch, Listr cm to th conclusion tht th formtion of pus ws du to bctri; Listr nvr stoppd dvloping his ntisptic surgicl mthods. Ltr on this invntion ws rnkd s on of th grt discovris of th g, bcus du to immdit succss of th nw trtmnt, it ws doptd vrywhr. In 1865 Listr introducd his ntisptic systm in such wy, tht h did not nd much tim to convinc th rst of th world to ccpt it. Of cours, ltr on, mny scintists will sy tht on of th mjor fctors tht ld to such succssful invntion ws th dvlopmnt of th grm thory of diss nd bctriology in th priod 1857-1885 by Pstur, Koch, nd othr scintists, which, in this cs, lrdy ws rvolution tht ld to th rvolution in surgry. This intrict combintion of thory nd prctic somtims is xtrmly complictd, but onc succssful cn ld to rvolution in nturl scincs. Listr's first ppr on th ntisptic mthod, publishd in th Lnct in rly 1867, dlt with trils of th mthod in ptints with compound frcturs, nd includd prliminry rport on its prvntion of scondry infction whn drining tubrculr bscsss (Listr,1867). Th rsults turnd out to b vry striking: complictions occur mor frquntly in css of inflmmtion nd bscss nithr in th wound nor from gnrl spsis. On th 21 of Sptmbr 1867 scond ppr on th ntisptic mthod pprd in both th British Mdicl Journl nd th Lnct. Listr's work ws th first convincing ppliction of th grm thory to th control of humn diss, nd s such it spurrd grt progrss in surgry nd othr filds. Thr is no instnc in th history of surgry, nd indd fw in th history of scinc, in which dduction hs bn so compltly vrifid whn put to th tst (Listr, 1909). Ltr on h dscribs th mthod tht h usd. I hv so ltly givn lswhr dtild ccount of th mthod by which this is ffctd (Lnct, 1867), tht I shll not ntr into it t prsnt furthr thn to sy tht th mns mployd r

Personal statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 22

Personal Statement Example I am registered for an accounting course and I plan to continue with the area of specialization. My desire for a high-level competence and my long-term passion for accounting motivate my application for the transfer. My uncle, who was a chief accounting officer, inspired my dreams to pursue accounting because of his financial and social success that I desired to have. The stories that he told us about the profession and its associated social status captured my interest into the subject. I have therefore had the passion for accounting and this has contributed to my desire for the transfer, into better qualifications. Completing a four-year program will also offer me a better opportunity for advancing my studies in the field. Reputation that your institution has, its qualified academic staff, its resources for research, and its favorable environment for studies are my main reasons for applying for a transfer to the University. These will help me to complete the program within the stipulated period. My application for a transfer to your institution is based on both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. This guarantees my success in the program, if granted the opportunity, and I look forward to your kind

Critique on european imperialism on Heart of Darkness Article

Critique on european imperialism on Heart of Darkness - Article Example Marlow was employed to transport the ivory downriver; however, his major and important pressing assignment was to return Kurtz, of the ivory trader. This symbolic story is basically a story within a story, or known as the frame narrative. It also follows Marlow as he also recounts, from the dusk through to the late night, his main adventure into the Congo towards a group of men who boarded a ship anchored in the Thames Estuary. It should also be noted from a structuralist and main point of view that Marlow was also the name of a town which was situated on the Thames, upstream from London. (Conrad and Najder, 137) Set during the era of the heightened competition for all the imperial territories that most of the historians have termed the New Imperialism, the Heart of Darkness was loosely based on the Conrad's observations and experience during a six-month stint, in the year 1890, in the Congo as being an employee of a Belgian company. This was almost five years after the coferenece 1884-1885 Berlin, a meeting of different representatives of the European powers was held in order to establish the terms according to which most of the continent of Africa would be then divided among them. During this meeting, King Leopold II of Belgium, by playing skillfully with the jealousies and fears of the rival powers off one another, astonishingly tries to be managed in order to secure as his own personal property of the central Africa that is, a territory of about seventy-five times the size of the country which he had ruled. Under the various humanitarian pretenses, Leopold's agents, who had also begun th e process of the conquest several years earlier, also effectively turned the Congo Free State into a camp known as an enormous forced labor camp in order to do the extraction of ivory and, after this, the worldwide rubber also boom in the early 1890s following the popularization of the tire, rubber. Along with this, in order to outright the murders, the slave labor conditions also led to many deaths from the starvation and disease as well as a declining birth rate. During an era in which most of the Europeans viewed the imperialism as a legitimate, most of the falling circumstances of the Leopold's Congo also led to an international outrage. The Conservative demographic estimates therefore place the region's depopulation toll between the 1880 and 1920 at around 10 million people that is around half of the total population along with the worst of the carnage which was occurring between 1890 and 1910. Not much was really known outside the Africa about the conditions of the Leopold's r ule when Conrad was also there, but in the several upcoming years before he began writing the Heart of Darkness, in 1898, it also became an international scandal, and most of the regular reports appeared in the British and also in the European press denouncing all the abuses. When he was writing for Blackwood's Magazine, Britain was in its last years of his Victorian rule. Britain was one of the most powerful and also an influential nation on Earth; its Empire was also spread throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Joseph Conrad was born in the Ukraine in 1857. African

Contemporary literature suggests that effective team working is Essay

Contemporary literature suggests that effective team working is essential for group efficiency and performance. By evaluating t - Essay Example How teams manage conflict and diversity can also improve decision-making, and consequently, innovation and team performance (Lira et al. 2008; Kauffeld & Meyers 2009). Furthermore, contemporary literature proposes that effective team working is essential for group efficiency and performance. Numerous arguments have been made to describe and explain team effectiveness. For instance, both sociotechnical theory (Pasmore 1988 qtd. in Delarue et al. 2008, p.27) and work design theory (Hackman & Oldham 1976 qtd. in Delarue et al. 2008, p.27) focuses on the design of the group’s task and its relationship to positive results; self-leadership theory has determined that supervisory behaviours help self-managing teams attain success (Manz and Sims 1987 qtd. in Delarue et al. 2008, p.127); and theories of participative management assert that some factors of the organisational context lead to team effectiveness (Huber & Lewis 2010; Jehn et al. 2010). However, theoretical arguments about gr oup effectiveness and group efficiency are not adequate. There should be additional studies on how they can be achieved and preserved. By evaluating this contemporary literature, how can this ‘group efficiency’ and ‘group performance’ be gained and subsequently maintained?† This paper examines the strategies and factors that can achieve and maintain ‘group efficiency’ and ‘group performance.’ Group efficiency Group efficiency refers to the efficiency in attaining group goals (Delarue et al. 2008, p.129). Also, for this paper, although groups and teams can be conceptually different, wherein groups are not always considered as teams, teams and groups will be used interchangeably. Groups will refer to teams also that are made to attain team objectives that can differ according to organisational needs or strategies. Findings showed that factors affecting group efficiency also impact group performance (Delarue et al. 2008; Liu & B att 2010). This research discusses these factors leading to group efficiency separately, but they can also directly or indirectly impact group performance. By indirect relationship, this suggests how certain factors can mediate team performance, such as what Human resource management (HRM) practices can do in influencing group efficiency and group performance (Chuang & Liao 2010; Tsai et al. 2010). Leadership and management Supervisors, acting as organisational leaders, can impact group efficiency and group performance. HR literature has determined three dimensions of the HR system that develop performance: investment in training, work designed to permit employees to interact and develop their skills and problem-solving abilities, and incentives to inspire effort (Chuang & Liao 2010; Tsai et al. 2010; Liu & Batt 2010). Liu and Batt (2010) examined the role of supervisors in enhancing employee performance through employing coaching and group management practices. It studies also the individual and synergistic impacts of these management practices. The research subjects consist of call centre agents in highly standardised jobs, and the organizational context apply to that which calls, or task

House Parties with Under Age Drinking Research Paper

House Parties with Under Age Drinking - Research Paper Example Decreasing the prevalence of this would involve tightening current laws and policies as well as increasing monitoring, so that it is known more often when underage youth are being provided with alcohol. Introduction One important issue affecting the youth of today is drinking behavior, in particular underage drinking behavior. Currently the legal age for drinking in the United States is 21 years of age. However, there are a wide range of contexts in which individuals below the drinking age obtain alcohol, often through adults or individuals that are above the legal drinking age. There is a large amount of concern that the amount of underage youths that are drinking, and the amount of alcohol that they are consuming. On average young people appear to be drinking alcohol more frequently and are drinking more each time they do drink . One circumstance that this occurs in are house parties. The term house party covers a large range of situations, but can generally be considered a social gathering that occurs at someone’s place of residence. This can range from a couple of friends, through to more than 100 people. Often house parties are held by and for young adults, with college and high school students attending. The Prevalence of Underage Drinking Underage drinking is extremely prevalent even by the time that children reach the senior years of high school. Around 30% of seniors at high school report heavy drinking at least once per month, and 40% of full-time college students aged between 18 and 22 report heavy drinking. These statistics are alarming, as almost all of those children and young adults are below the minimum age for drinking. In addition, there are many harmful consequences of drinking and these are often amplified in younger drinkers, in part due to lower tolerances of alcohol and also less life experience . In 1984 an act was passed that encouraged each state to set their minimum drinking age to 21. By 1988, the minimum drinking age for all states was 21 . Alcohol is a significant factor in the deaths and unintentional injuries for many youth aged 15- to 20-, with the rate of drunk drivers under 21 twice that of adult drivers. As well as injury, there are many other costs of underage drinking, including problems at school, pregnancies and sexual diseases as a consequence of unsafe sexual practices and severe alcohol addiction . Why is Underage Drinking so Prevalent? Alcohol is widely available and easily obtainable for adults over the age of 21 through a number of different types of locations, including many that allow off premises consumption. There are little limitations in the quantity of alcohol that an adult can by, and no way of knowing what an adult intends to do with the alcohol that they buy. Despite the age restriction, alcohol is easy to obtain for those underage. Between 30 and 70 percent of outlets may sell to underage buyers, depending on the particular outlet and the location. Another common source of al cohol for underage drinkers is at parties where alcohol has been provided and the youths at the party have been left unsupervised . Drinking of alcohol is heavily advertised as beneficial, a method of socialization and of relaxing, and these advertisements affect youth as much or more than they do their target audience. In addition to this the enforcement of the minimum

Plato Knowledge Essay Example for Free

Plato Knowledge Essay Aristotle’s Posterior Analytics Reading Questions (1) In the Meno, Plato argued that it was impossible for us to learn something genuinely new: if you know x, you needn’t inquire about x, and if you don’t know x, you won’t recognize it when you find it. Thus, Plato argued, all learning is really recollection. Aristotle is trying to give a different answer to the Meno problem, one that doesn’t involve reincarnating or Platonic Forms. What is it? Aristotle argues that knowledge must be displayed in the demonstrative structure of a science. (2) How – and why – does Aristotle distinguish things â€Å"prior and better known to us† from things â€Å"prior and better known by nature? He distinguishes things â€Å"prior and better known to us† from things â€Å"prior and better known by nature† in Posterior Analytics. What is better known to us versus what is known by nature is not the same thing because what is known to us is affected by our perception. Whereas we have what is prior and better known by nature which is furthest from perception (particular vs universal is how he describes such. He proves we will result in Plato’s theory in the Meno of confirming what we already know or learning nothing at all if we fail to distinguish between the two. (3) Why does Aristotle deny that everything can be demonstrated? Aristotle denies that not everything can be demonstrated. Those of which whom allow circular demonstration (i. e: If A, then B, then A must equal C. ) are reiterating that in conclusion, A is A at all times. This method can be used to prove anything because we are not considering the distinctive properties of each factor. Also, concluding that the results are not deduction nor relevant to the things assumed. (4) Can you explain Aristotle’s claim that â€Å"perception produces the universal in us†? How does this explain how something indemonstrable can be known? Aristotle claims that â€Å"perception produces the universal in us† it describes that we have prior knowledge of a subject that is a commonly accepted idea until one of the factors from that subject proves otherwise. It is not to say that because one takes a stand that all others will do as well but through reasoning we can come to a paradigm shift that accepts the new theory. It would not need to be demonstrated then but simply understood and accepted amongst the community. (5) Plato would agree with Aristotle that we can know x in virtue of having demonstrated that x. But he would disagree with Aristotle’s account of how indemonstrable can be known. Why, and what would he say instead? Plato would disagree with Aristotle’s account of how indemonstrable can be known because where he understood universals as forms, Aristotle believes universals are generalizations from particulars.

Ghost Story - The Caretaker Essay Example for Free

Ghost Story The Caretaker Essay OI LOSER! PICK UP THE CRAP! This is the way he always got treated. No one gave a second thought about him. They thought that just because he was the caretaker who picked up the rubbish, he didnt deserve any respect.but they wished theyd have gave him some. After 10 years of cleaning up after people who just didnt care. People who laughed at him for dont his job, picking up their rubbish. Peeling up snotty tissues in the rain in his bright yellow Rain Mack, whilst they laughed at him through the window, he pretended he couldnt see them. After 10 years or this, every day, he has had enough. On his 10 yeah anniversary of being shouted at and just being disregarded, he had decided, this was it. The end, for him anyway. He walked into his stockroom, the one they banged on the door every single time they walked past, every single person. They thought it was funny, but they didnt know that he sat in there crying, through the pain of how they treat him. He didnt even get treated right by the teachers; they shoved him in a room with the boiler. This was it. He walked, slowly, slowly walking. But then he tripped over a mop. He could imagine the laugher of the kids if they had seen that, then theyd run away with his rubbish picker and hide it, so hed have to spend the rest of the day looking for it. He couldnt tell anyone, who would care. He got back up and climbed onto the steel chair, and put the noose round his neck and tied it to one of the pipes. He was rocking the chair, from side to side, slowly, trying to knock it from under his feat, but then, no, he wouldnt let them know that they had got to him. He wouldnt give them that satisfaction. He took the noose off from around his neck, and decided. He was going to make a change. He wouldnt let them get to him anymore not matter how hard they tried. He got off the chair, but then he slipped, he fell, the chair as well. The chair fell toward the boiler. He didnt realise that when he had fallen over the mop it had knocked a valve off the boiler, gas was leaking out, he could smell it. The chair was going for the boiler, he tried to get up but he hit a shelf and it fell off. Cleaning products, bleach, and floor cleaner poured all over him. This chair hit the boiler, and made a spark, then there was no more, he was no moreor was he? BE QUITE CASEY! shouted a nervous Anne. Whats there to worry about? No ones here. We saw it go up in flames, only that freaky caretaker was here, and hes long gone. Casey smirked, Helen and Mark gave out a little giggle, but Anne didnt. Why do we have to do this here? Why are we doing it? Anne asked. Why Not? said Casey Dont be a dick Casey! Anne exclaimed. OK Anne! Its just a Ouji Board, its not like they really work! So why are we doing it Casey? Just shut up! shrieked Helen to Anne, Its just a bit of fun, why dont you go home if youre so bothered? Maybe I will! At this Anne started to make her way back through the ruins of the old high school, what were left of it after it blew up. Loser! muttered Casey, Helen and Mark laughed. OK! This is it. You ready? Yeah! said Helen, a bit nervously Whatever! Mark said coolly as ever. They sat down in a circle, which the Ouji board in the middle, they all put a finger on the glass and then Casey asked Is there anyone there? The glass slowly moved towards yes, OH MY GOD! WHICH ONE OF YOU IS DOING THAT? asked Helen, quite scared by now. Not Me! exclaimed Mark and Casey at the same time. Whatever, said Casey, Lets carry on. Helen was quite nervous by now, she was scared, she wasnt expecting anything to happen. Who were you? Casey asked, as he watched the glass, it moved again, and pointed to the letters G, E, O, R, G, and E. George? Mark muttered. Whos George? The glass began to shake angrily it violently it moved to T, H, E, C, A, R, E, T, A, K, E, R. The Caretaker? Casey asked, Isnt he dead? Isnt that kind of the point of this? Said Mark. Whatever! Said Casey, I know one of you is behind this, I dont remember no George! As If! Said Helen, we know its you, this stuff isnt even real! Well then! said Casey quietly, Well find out now! GEORGE WHOEVER YOU ARE! WILL YOU COME TO US? At this it all went silent, and then they all looked at each other and started to giggle, then the floor started to shake, the glass shoot out of their hands and landed on YES! There was a bright light, and more shaking. But then it stopped. All was silent and dark again, apart from a small ball of light inside the glass. They looked at each other in shock. Then Helen quickly rose to her feet. This isnt funny any more you tw.! She had stopped, Casey and Mark didnt know why. She looked in pain, then she rose from the ground, then they noticed, she had a mop through her stomach, and she was suspended in the air. Then moved to the side and they saw itthe horribledisfigured, ghost. Helen was there, dead, attached to the mop; the ghost opened its mouth and said, Remember me now?! The ghost was burnt, all over, his skin melted and hanging off! He wasdisgusting. Mark jumped up and ran for the door, he got passed George and then he cackled evil. Mark ran down the corridor, as fast as he could, then he heard a sound behind him, he looked round and George was chasing after him with the floor cleaning machine. He was getting faster, and faster. Mark ran round the corner and bang into someone. ANNE! Mark screamed, I thought youd gone! Mark, what wrong? What was that noise? Theres no time to explain! Hes coming! Who? Anne asked ME! Mark was being lifted up off the floor by a rubbish picker, and then thrown onto the floor. From where he once stood, now stood George. Anne screamed, and turned around, and ran. ANNE WAIT! Mark screamed, but Anne was running, and he tried to, but George stood there with his floor cleaner, Mark tried to run away, he couldnt get up, so he crawled. But he wasnt fast enough. George ran at him with the floor cleaner and ran over him with it. It chopped him in to pieces. He was gone. NOOOOOO! Screamed Anne, she ran back, Why, why are you doing this? You called me! Ill see you soon At this George just disappeared and left the Remains of Mark, and Anne, who lay there crying on the floor. She sat their crying for at least 30 minutes, she couldnt bring herself to move. Then she heard it. ANNE?! It was Casey, he was still alive. She ran down the corridor, CASEY! WHERE ARE YOU? she ran around screaming. She couldnt find him, where was he, then she say him, lying on the floor, by the stairs. CASEY, She ran up to him, he was hurt, badly. Casey are you OK? Anne, I thought youd gone I came back, come on, we have to go, George, hell come for us! I cant move, he beat me with a broom, but I escaped, then I fell down the stairs. You need to stop him, you have to. How Casey, how can I? Im not as strong as him! Why is he doing this? We called him, he came, not hes getting revenge for all the things we did to him But it wasnt just us. Anne said, starting to cry. I know. But were here now. How do I stop him? Asked Anne rising to her feet! The Glass! Then she heard a noise, George came from round the corner with a Lawnmower. He ran up to Casey and lunged at him with it. Anne knew he was dead. So she ran, and ran, and ran. It seemed like she has been running for hours. She knew she had to hide, she couldnt find an exit, and the ones she could has collapsed during the explosion. She saw a small room, and ran it, and locked the door. Then she looked around and realised where she was. She was in Georges room; she saw the Ouji board on the floor, then George, stood there in the corner. He had a pair of tree trimmers in his hand. Anne knew this was it for her. Even if she could reach the door in time, she wouldnt be able to open it. Ready to die Anne? George asked, but the she noticed and thought back to what Casey has told her, the glass THE GLASS! She shouted What? George asked? The Glass, youre not going to kill me, or anyone else! She ran across the room and picked up the glass with the small ball of light in it. No Anne, NO! I WONT GO BACK AGAIN! George screamed. Its too late now She threw the glass on the floor, it smashed and a bright white light flooded the room. Anne was blinded by it. And then it was gone, she was alone in the room. She got up, and slowly unlocked the door and walked out. She walked around the school and looked for an exit. Eventually she found one and walked out. As she walked away, she didnt know what to do first, tell Mark, Casey and Helen parent what had happened, go to the police or just go home and cry, but she knew she has to get away from the school. But as she walked, she heard a low laugh, more like a cackle, coming from inside the school.

The issues faced by red tape shoes

The issues faced by red tape shoes As I am the customer of RED TAPE shoes and seen its globalization in a very short period time and also have done corporate social responsibility in many area . In a limited period of time increased its foreign investment .so this is a the issues why i have taken mirza tanner as my topic. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh was originally incorporated as a Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 1956 on 5th Sep., 1979 under the name and style of Mirza Tanners Pvt. Ltd. The Company became a Deemed Public Limited Company from 1st July, 1993 and converted into a Public Limited Company. The Company has been promoted by Mr. Irshad Mirza and Mr. Rashid Ahmad Mirza. Mr. Irshad Mirza is having more than 40 years of experience in the manufacturing and marketing of Leather Products. The Tannery Unit of the Company was set up in 1981 which has been gradually modernised and expanded to the present capacity to produce 50.00 lac sq. ft. of high quality Finished Leather. This conforms to the specifications approved by the Government of India given under the Export Control Order, 1991. In the year 1988, the Company diversified into manufacturing of 2.25 lac pairs of Shoe Uppers per annum by setting up an integrated unit at Juhi, Kanpur which was increased to its present capacity of 4.50 lacs pairs of Shoe uppers. Subsequently, the Company established a complete shoe factory in the year 1990 at Magarwara, Unnao for manufacture of 2.25 lac pairs of Shoes per annum which was increased to its present capacity of 4.50 lacs pairs of Shoes during 1992-93. The objective of the Company behind setting up these factories was mainly for catering to the quality conscious export markets of United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Portugal and also to Australia. (DION GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD) VISION: We want to achieve and embrace the world wide leaders position by sticking to our core values. We want to reach an altius and extend it to horizons. Our vision is put into action through programs and a focus on craftmenship, activities to benefit society, and a commitment to build shareholder value by making Shoemac Leather Tech Engineers a truly sustainable company. MISSION: To keep  researching developing tech savvy machines, tannery mechanism  and other components to optimize the production and minimize the cost. We love to satisfy our global clients with our core values; customized solutions, excellent quality, reasonable price, punctual delivery and sincere service. AIM: The main objective of setting up this company was to enable the Indian Industry to overcome hardship faced while importing shoe machinery so that within the country itself, the indigenous machinery and components could be Easily developed with a view to optimize the cost and economize the operations and by the setting up of this company we have bring our country out of inferiority complex. Further, the valuable foreign exchange will be saved as the machines are locally available. GLOBALIZATION: As people do not like to experiment too much with their skin same is the case with footwear. When choosing footwear the one thing that is most important is comfort. Although with the changing trends peoples perception about footwear is also changing but one thing that does not change is the comfort level provided by a particular brand of shoes. Shoes were never a subject of major concern for the common middle class Indian till recently. Due to the emerging fashion trends in India over the last few decades shoes have become an integral part of a persons overall appearance. Nowadays there are shoes meant for different occasions. The two most famous categories of shoes are formal and sports shoes. The sports shoes market in India is also very big considering the large population of youth in the country. The top sports shoe brands in India are Reebok, Nike and Adidas. These top shoe brands in India are all international brands but have over the years captured the Indian market tremendously. They have penetrated in almost all the Indian cities and towns.   The footwear industry in India has also witnessed a significant growth over the last few years. Due to the increasing levels of consciousness about Indians regarding the way they look due to this the clothes and footwear market in India has been on a roll since the last ten years.   India is one of the major global shoe manufacturers and is responsible for churning out almost 1736 million pairs of shoes annually. India is said to be the second largest shoe manufacturers only after China. One of the major reasons for booming footwear industry in India is the availability of cheap labour and abundant raw materials. India is also one of the biggest good quality leather exporters in the world. Since shoes are not bought everyday the one thing that is most important while purchasing shoes is its quality. People nowadays are mixing comfort with the emerging fashion trend. A shoe along with being comfortable also has to be visually appealing. Some of the Top Shoe Brands in India are Red Tape, Florsheim, Gabor, Salamander, Clarks, and St. Micheals. These top shoe brands in India are known for their durability, superior balance and grip and enormous collections of stylish shoes for both men and women. They are also made out of the finest of leather and are also priced mo derately. Red Tape which is currently the Top Shoe Brands in India is a hot favourite among the men of the count Known for its unparalleled comfort, international styles and finesse, Red Tape the flagship brand of Mirza International Limited, was launched in the year 1996. The brand has today become synonymous with hi-fashion lifestyle, owing to its unmatched quality, skilled craftsmanship and trendy products. Endorsed by the style icon Salman Khan, Red Tape  has become Indias most loved premium lifestyle brand. (Business maps .India(12/02/2010) Red Tape Fashion for Your Feet: Red Tape has emerged as a leader in the high-end fashion footwear segment. The Red Tape footwear range is designed in company-owned design studios in the UK and Italy and manufactured using international quality materials from European countries. Having become Indias favourite mens footwear, the brand has now diversified into Womens footwear. Redtape-FashionforYou: Red Tape has recently forayed into the apparel sector and unveiled mens clothing and accessories line up. This new range offers an eclectic mix of casual wear including shirts, jackets, denims, tees, pants/shorts and accessories such as belts, socks and wallets. Red Tape- Fashion for the World: Red Tape is an international brand, present across the US, UK, France, Germany, West Asia and South Africa. The Red Tape products are being sold globally through the companys extensive global distribution channel. Red Tape Fashion that is Truly Global The Red Tape range of shoes, apparel accessories reflect the latest fashion tends across the globe. These are designed in company-owned design studios in the UK and Italy and manufactured using international quality materials from European countries, in order to produce a truly global product. Red Tape Fashion in Your Reach Red Tape products are available across India through multiple brand outlets, chain stores and exclusive Red Tape showrooms. Its countrywide network of exclusive showrooms spans 30 cities in India. (MIRZA INTERNATIONAL LTD, 2007) KEY DRIVER OF GLOBALIZATION: With an eye on the potential of the sector, the Indian Government has placed an emphasis on the utilization of the available raw materials to maximize returns. It has introduced a number of  initiatives, with the special emphasis on integrated development  of the tanning sector.  These includes raw material augmentation, technology upgrade, and promotion of  environmental cleaner processing options, quality standardization and  human skills development .To encourage training of unorganized artisan workers, the Government has given support to well equipped training institutions to encourage training programmes to be given jointly with reputed foreign enterprises and experts the various measures taken by the government are as follows- De-licensing of integrated tanneries that convert raw hides and skins into finished leather. Several leather goods have been de-reserved from the small Scale Sector. Free import of raw hides skins, semi-finished and  finished leather. Concessional duty on  imported machinery and chemicals. Free export of raw  hides skins, semi-finished and  finished leather and leather products. Policies to facilitate modernization / up gradation: In June 2005 the government  initiated a Rs. 2788.45  million (50.82  Million Euros)  µmodernizing scheme ¶ called the  µ Integrated Leather Development Programme ¶, whereby all leather tanning and product  units will be eligible for modernization assistance. The assistance will be to the  extent of 30% of  project cost for Small scale industry (SSI) units and 20% for non-SSI units. Establishment of  µdesign centres ¶ at individual manufacturing units, to  facilitate improvement in design capabilities: Under this scheme, 25  % of the project cost is provided to the units under the market access initiative scheme of the Ministry Of  Commerce and Industry. The regulatory body for this  industry is: Council for Leather Exports (CLE): The Council for Leather Exports was set up in July 1984. A non-profit company registered under  the Indian Companies Act, 1956, the Council functions under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. The Council is entrusted with export promotion activities and overall development of the Indian  leather industry. The Councils activities also include promoting Foreign Direct Investments and Joint Ventures in the Indian leather industry. The CLE serves as a bridge between Indian leather exporters and buyers all over the  world. Council for Leather. (WWW.FIBRE2 FASHION.COM) CSR: Welfare of the neighbouring communities Resettlement of War Victims Donations to Prime Ministers Relief Fund are made through district administration from time to time Flag Day, on every Dec 7th, is celebrated by extending generous financial contribution to the Armed Forces Welfare Fund. Ex-Servicemen are offered resettlement opportunities. Till now around 200 ex-service personnel have been offered job opportunities in the factories and other locations as regular employees or as security personnel. Army Wives Welfare Association is helped through generous donations, distribution of sewing machines and their felicitation at various occasions. Financial aid provided to meet the vocational training needs of war widows and Kargil war victims. Resettlement of War Victims Blankets are distributed to the poor during extreme winter conditions Temporary shelter is extended to the needy, poor and those displaced due to natural calamities. Financial assistance is offered regularly to Kusht Niyanthran and NinmoolanCentre at 11,  Knowledge  Park, Greater Noida. Blood Donation Camp was organized at the unit premises, where employees and the directors donated blood for noble cause. Environmental Preservation: Environmental Management System has been implemented in the factory and awareness towards environmental protection is spread to the locals. The unit has been certified as ISO 14001:2004 Encouraged and promoted Ganga Cleaning Abhyas to ensure clean drinking water and to reduce pollution. Pioneer in setting up an in-house Effluent Treatment Plant at the Tannery. World Environment Day Van Mahotsav observed every year and workers and management jointly plant trees at various locations. All DG sets have been replaced with Eco-friendly ones. All vehicles are being replaced with CNG vehicles in a phased manner. Corporate Social Responsibility  ( Annual Report 2007-08) The Company also attempted to leave a mark as a socially responsible corporate citizen, by taking all meaningful measures to enrich the environment and the people all around, especially the backward and economically weaker sections of the society. The Company is fully aware of its responsibilities towards areas like Human Rights, Business Ethics, Corporate Contributions, Environmental Policies, Community Development and Work Place issues. (WWW.MIRZA. CO.IN/ IN CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY, 2008) COPORATE GOVERNANCE: Your company is committed to good governance practices that create long term sustainable shareholder value. Keeping in view of the Companys size, global operations and corporate traditions, the board of director lays strong emphasis on transparency, accountability and integrity. A separate report on Corporate Governance together with a certificate from Statutory Auditors confirming compliance with corporate governance requirement as stipulated in Clause 49 of the listing agreement with the stock exchange has been annexed as part of this report. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS: Industry Structure and Development: Leather Industry in India has come a long way over the last four decades. From a resource based industry supplying abundant Indian raw hides in semi-finished and finished state, it is now a major supplier of value added finished goods like footwear, bags travel accessories, harness saddlery and fashion accessories like belts and wallets. From the status of exporter of raw hides semi-finished leather, the country has now turned into a major importer of these goods. With a high employment potential leather industry has always been on the priority list of government. Planning. The present Government has placed the development of this industry on a yet higher priority and has formulated a scheme of setting up leather parks across the country. The industry, therefore, will witness accelerated growth over the coming years. The export of leather and leather products for the first nine months of 2007-08 i.e. April-December 2007 touched US$ 2485.58 million a g a i n s t t h e p e r fo r ma n c e o f US $ 2258 .81 million in t h e corresponding period of last year, registering a positive growth of 10.4% in Dollar terms. In rupee terms the export touched Rs. 100435.54 million against the previous year performance of Rs. 103021.12 million showing a decline of 2.51%. Export of footwear (leather, footwear components non leather footwear) has increased from US$ 871.92 million in April-December, 2006 to US$ 1023.31 million in April-December, 2007, registering a growth of 17.36%. Opportunities, Threats, Risks Concerns: The pressure on China to strengthen its currency presents a historical opportunity to all Indian exporters who face stiff competition from cheap Chinese products. Your company is no exception. It expects a sustained growth of demand for its products from global customers in the forthcoming years. Global hardening of crude oil price has led to a sharp escalation in cost of several raw materials. Oil prices in India were held back by the Government but will rise sharply in future. This would have impact on cost of power and fuel, inland transportation, air and sea freight and also an all round increase in costs in the economy. This will pose fresh challenges for your company. A high degree of volatility has characterized the currency markets throughout the last year and the same is expected to continue in future. Such sharp volatility brings along with it, a high degree of uncertainty. In such a scenario, currency risk management is another major challenge before the company. Outlook: Despite the above challenges the outlook for your company is bright with surging demand for its products. Increased capacities will bring economies of scale. The increase in oil prices has weakened the Indian rupee and the company will be a beneficiary of the same. Segment-wise Performance: The companys business segment is primarily Shoe Division and Tannery Division. During the year under review, the Shoe Division revenue was Rs. 283.35 Crores and Tannery Division revenue was Rs. 97.30 Crores. Internal Control System and their Adequacy: The Company has a well established framework of internal controls in operation, including suitable monitoring procedures and self assessment exercises. An independent Internal Audit function reviews the Companys financial and operating controls at various locations. The companys Risk Management frame work ensures compliance with the provisions of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement. Senior Management has ownership of key risks, their management and mitigation plans. The Board, through the Audit Committee, headed by a non-executive independent director, reviews the key risks, the internal control framework and the audit findings. Discussions of financial were almost at the same level as last year. However, profitability of the company has suffered due to increase in cost of all major input items, increase in interest rates, lower value realization on account of stronger rupee. Management is continuously honing competencies to improve the range and designs of our product by making substantial investments for scaling up the capacities to achieve higher profitability. Human Resources Human Resources forms an integral part of your Companys strategy for growth. On the Industrial Relations front, your company continued to enjoy a cordially and harmonious relations with its employees and Unions. Your company had a staff strength of 1860 employees as on 31st March, 2008.Your company is a blue chip footwear company, certified for ISO-9001:2000 (Quality Management System), ISO-14001:2004 (Environmental Management System) and SA-8000:2001 (Social Accountability Management System), equipped with Labs accredited SATRA Tec hnology Centre (UK) and accorded Associate Membership by Foot Wear Design Development Institute (Ministry of Commerce Industry, Government of India). Corporate Social Responsibility Your Company also attempted to leave a mark as a socially responsible corporate citizen, by taking all meaningful measures to enrich the environment and the people all around, specially the backward and economically weaker sections of the society. Your Company is fully aware of its responsibilities towards areas like Human Rights, Business Ethics, Corporate contributions, Environmental Policies, Community Development and Work Place issues. MIRZA INTERNATIONAL: VALUES: High-end, fully integrated rather shoe manufacturing facilities offering considerable cost advantage and international quality. Its Competitive advantage owing to companys established premium brands and knowledge of Indian consumers. Its a growing network of exclusive company-owned and franchised stores for retailing companys products. Superior technological capabilities backed by a pool of highly skilled designers and extensive distribution network. SWOT: Strengths High Growth Ready availability of highly skilled and cheap manpower Large raw material base Policy initiatives taken by the Government Capability to assimilate new technologies and handle large projects Continuous emphasis on product development and design up gradation Weaknesses Lack of warehousing support from the government International price fluctuation Huge labour force resulting in high labour charges Lack of strong presence in the global fashion market Unawareness of international standards by many players Opportunities Rising potential in the domestic market Growing fashion consciousness globally Use of information technology and decision support software to help eliminate the length of the production cycle for different products Use of e-commerce in direct marketing Threats Major part of the industry is unorganised Limited scope for mobilising funds through private placements and public issues (many businesses are family-owned) Difficulty in obtaining bank loans resulting in high cost of private borrowing Stricter international standards High competition from East European countries and other Asian countries. Lack of communication facilities and skills PESTEL ANALYSIS: Political Home market lobbying/pressure groups Very few sporting events apart from taking stars like SALMAN KHAN, to attract customers. Economic a. Marginal share of 2.44 percent in global trade worth US$ 97.606 billion. b. Estimated target of 12 bn $ (7bn $ export + 5 bn $ domestic) trade by the year 2012 overseas economies and trends. c. The Indian footwear retail market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% for the period spanning from 2008 to 2011. Footwear is expected to comprise about 60% of the total leather exports by 2011 from over 38% in 2006-07. d. Growing middle class and growing buyer power leading customers to look for branded shoes. e. Seasonality issues sports is more of a rage in summers. f. Lack of targeting of market segments for kids and women. Social Lifestyle trends upward shift demographics Consumer attitudes and opinions changing favourably towards branded shoes Media views Consumer buying patterns fashion and role models buying access and trendsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ advertising and publicity Technological Competing technology development India offers benefits like low cost of production, abundant raw material, and a huge Consumption market Research funding in design and requirements Manufacturing maturity and capacity Information and communications Consumer buying mechanisms/technology Innovation potential technology access, licensing, patents FDI (foreign direct investment): Red tape affecting FDI: New Delhi: an investor unfriendly regulatory framework and high levels of red tape have been identified as the major roadblocks in the path of FDI inflows into India, according to a study. and its no wonder that only 40 per cent of the total $74.29 billion FDI approved for the country has made its way to the implementation stage. in comparison, china attracts over $40 billion FDI per annum, while a majority of the 385 multinational firms feel that India is a robust market with huge potential, thanks to more profitable operations here than elsewhere, the regulatory frameworks and ground-level hassles act as the biggest disadvantages, according to the FICCI FDI survey 2002. Further, the unfriendly tax regime, labour laws and procedural delays in project implementation were the other factors hampering FDI inflow but India now seems determined to change it all. an inter ministerial committee is likely to submit its report next month suggesting measures to simplify multiple clearances and revamping the structure of to boost Fdi. the committee, chaired by the industry secretary v Govindrajan, is examining all existing procedures for investment approvals and implementation of projects, official sources said the committee would suggest measures to simplify and expedite the process for both public and private investment. The main objective would be to hasten the process of clearance as also to improve the quality of the FDI. meanwhile, 57 per cent of the participants in FICCIS survey dubbed India as a bad investment destination when compared to other global counterparts. over 70 per cent of the companies cited political stability as a critical factor for inviting fdi in future. while manpower was not a concern for overseas firms, 76 per cent of the respondents felt that ground level hassles need to be improved for luring foreign investors (TIMES OF INDIA. INDIA TIME). Infrastructure, red tape bottlenecks to FDI: FICCI survey: With India emerging as a preferred destination, foreign investors have shown strong concern over the state of infrastructure facilities and procedural delays in the country. According to the FICCI FDI Survey 2010, nearly 70% of firms have rated efforts made by the government for providing standardised investment information and proactive marketing of to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) as average. While 86% of the respondents have expressed dissatisfaction with regard to quality and quantity of power made available to them, about 75% have rated the quality of roads and highways in the country as bad and 68% have complained about availability of water for their operations, the survey said Overall, FDI inflows to the developing world continues to Overwhelmingly concentrated in middle-income countries, with Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) alone absorbing about half, the report said. (HT CORRESPONDENT HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI, 12TH DEC 2012) REFLECTION: As I am a customer of RED TAPE SO , learnt lot from the company about the globalization its factor and main issue that have raise the company to its peak point and I am very much influenced by the CSR activities that company has done in the past to adequate its preference in the country in the field of leather as many industry follows its quality of opportunities and strength to overcome other company in their sector ,this company have many positive trend for the future prospect in the global world. Top most management of RED TAPE is dealing the company in a positive way and make customer and employee feel happy .It also done social programme for the welfare of war victim by providing all the thing that is required by them. There are some good and bad aspect of all the process .so, red tape also have some bad aspect but the well establish company fluently and smoothly over come the problem and by the correct corporate governance of governing body. At last i am very much influence by the dealing manner of the top management, CSR activities, strength and opportunities that combines to make a Company to give its best in every sector and make a company to reach its peak point. CONCLUSION: The small firms have very limited financial capability to introduce environmentally friendly technologies and production methods. The technology used by Indian leather firms is, by and large, outdated and inefficient. Their environmental performance is poor. They do not use environmentally friendly technologies and produce large amounts of effluent with a high load of pollutant. They also have limited capacity to treat effluent, and in many cases these facilities are not effective. Our case studies of tanneries of RED TAPE areas indicate that show that the adoption of new technology by firms has three important motives. These are: a) a need to meet the environmental standards in the importing countries b) a need to comply with the environmental regulations in India and a need to improve productivity c) The efficient use of raw materials, water, chemicals and power all of which will have positive environmental impact) has not been an important objective of technical change. We also find that strict enforcement of environmental regulations and the availability of financial support at concessional terms are considered by the firms to be important factors which will motivate them to adopt environmentally friendly production methods. Finally, it is unlikely that Indian firms will be able to create a niche in the international market by exporting leather produced through environmentally friendly production processes in the near future. As shown by the study, the processes used by most Indian exporters are not environmentally friendly. Furthermore, they are not in a position to acquire eco labeling, as most of them do not receive consent from the Pollution Board. We feel that the strict enforcement of environmental regulations and the provision of financial support meant especially for the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies are essential if firms are to be motivated to adopt PEST and improve their environmental performance. It is only when these steps are taken that Indian firms will have a realistic chance of emerging as an important exporter of leather goods produced with environmentally friendly production methods. REFERENCES (n.d.). Retrieved from WWW.FIBRE2 FASHION.COM. (2008). Retrieved from WWW.MIRZA. CO.IN/ IN CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. DION GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD. (n.d.). HT CORRESPONDENT HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI. (12TH DEC 2012). MIRZA INTERNATIONAL. (28TH FEB 2007). ECONOMIC TIMES . INDIA TIMES .COM. MIRZA INTERNATIONAL LTD. (2007). TIMES OF INDIA. INDIA TIME. (n.d.).