Manchesters Bohemian Reminder Personal Statement

Manchesters Bohemian Reminder - Personal Statement Example Finally Mari looked up after replacing the hood of his backpack and boomed, "Hey J, care to show me around Manchester" Encountering the streets and the people, we affirmed how Manchester is famed for its tolerant, party-loving attitude and, Mari confessed from his experience at the university, the high-quality academic research. This bohemian character must have what made the city top the "Boho Britain Creativity Index." Demos' new league table is based on a ranking system invented by American academic Richard Florida, and it used three indices to reach its conclusion. One, the city has a thriving gay community, which boosts the establishment of creative businesses due perhaps to openness to radical ideas and considerations. Another factor is the city's large ethnic minority population, clearly manifested by the transcultural element of Rusholme's Curry Mile. And the city has more applications to register new inventions per head. I could not know how it was for him. To have walked our familiar streets then thinking that time would happen he would grow old here, and now knowing the same streets and realizing that he would be leaving it very soon. "That would be dreadful, my man. You must not leave then, if that's the case." I tried to lighten him up, but I knew that a million reasons in the world will not be able to postpone his trip any longer. A different life awaited him in another country. Had Mari been a tourist i... And the city has more applications to register new inventions per head. Manchester's richness in architecture can be verified looking at the structures of the Alcohol Information Centre, the Smithfield Buildings, the Dry 201 bar, the Caf Pop, The Big Issue in the North, Reminder 4 the No. 1 Dorsey Street, The Cord, and the Buddhist Centre, to name a few. Its three universities, namely, the University of Manchester, UMIST, and Manchester Metropolitan University cater to a large and thriving student population. It can thus be figured that the overall enhancement of the city has promoted a drive in creativity and communal confidence. Having now, and perhaps for the last time, tasted the bohemian air of the city, my roommate urged on towards the Northern Quarter, now known as the creative quarter of the city. I could not know how it was for him. To have walked our familiar streets then thinking that time would happen he would grow old here, and now knowing the same streets and realizing that he would be leaving it very soon. "I'm going to be sick," Mari proclaimed. "I'm very certain." And he continued to mutter as we combed the Arndale. "That would be dreadful, my man. You must not leave then, if that's the case." I tried to lighten him up, but I knew that a million reasons in the world will not be able to postpone his trip any longer. A different life awaited him in another country. Reminder 5 "But I can't stay, mum already protested about my prolonged stay." Had Mari been a tourist instead, our little sight-see would have had a different appeal, as we walked the stretch of the Northern Quarter, or N4, along Oak Street, Thomas Street and Tariff Street, sited between Picadilly

A Control System For A Power Plant Research Paper

A Control System For A Power Plant - Research Paper Example In some pressurized water reactors, distinctive control rods are used to facilitate the core to withstand a low level of power proficiently (Levine, 1999). Coolant. A liquid flowing inside the core so as to transmit the heat from it.   In light water reactors, the water mediator functions also as a major coolant. Except in boiling water reactors, there is subordinate coolant circuit where the water is changed into steam. Pressure vessel or pressure tubes. Normally, a strong steel vessel enclosing the reactor core and the coolant, but a series of tubes holding the fuel and transmitting the coolant through the adjacent moderator may be used. This has helped in the yielding of electricity that enhances other types that are costly and seasonal (Lee, 2004). Steam generator. Part of the cooling compartment where the high-pressure basic coolant taking heat from the reactor is incorporated to make steam for the turbine, in an adjacent circuit. Basically, a heat exchanger like a motor vehicle radiator. Reactors may have up to four coils, each with a steam generator.   Containment. The organization around the reactor and related steam generators which is intended to protect it from outside interruption and to protect those outside from the impacts of radiation in case of any crucial fault inside. It is usually a meter thick steel and concrete structure. Powering a nuclear plant reactor: Most reactors need to be turned off for refueling, so that the pressure tubes can be opened up. In this case, topping up is at intervals of 1-2 years, when a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the fuel assemblies are changed with fresh ones. In case graphite or water is used as a coolant, it is possible to drive a power reactor on natural instead of impure uranium. Natural uranium has the similar elemental build-up as when it was mined, while impure uranium has

The Role Of The Three Chieftains In The Ballad Of The White Horse Essay

The Role Of The Three Chieftains In The Ballad Of The White Horse - Essay Example Together the three chiefs present the picture of selfless courage and a conviction for a cause. Eldred was a Franklin, not a noble man by birth, but a mighty man, huge and brave; dull of wit but warm-hearted, he hosted anyone who loitered into his ill kept farm. He was fond of ale and good food ; he loved to tend his swine and animals; issues of religion or country did not rouse him so much as did his friendship for Alfred for whom he rallied his forces. He was not enthusiastic about a fight, but he had fought fiercely in battles with Ethelred, the brother of Alfred. Mark was an Italian whose father arrived with Caesar into England by ship; he was a confirmed Catholic and at heart a Roman. He grew pine and orchard and drank wine, the drink of Christian sacraments, and not ale like common farmers. He lived among the ruins of Roman settlements; a strong bronzed man with eyes keen like a bird and he remained unaffected by the bickering and wars of the tribes around him, and for him Rome alone counted and it was for Rome that he was going to strike a blow when Alfred asked him for help. He advised Alfred to conquer London, keep Wiltshire and the white horse Wold while he himself was for fighting to keep his own Pines and vineyard. Colan of caerleon was partly Irish and partly welsh thus in him flowed the instincts of the Christian as well as the intuitions of the Druids. He lived in the valley of the Druids where the Usk flowed murmuring into the ghostly sea. He dreamt and sang about his race by now in ruins. His harp sang brooding songs while his sword swinging in war was a happy one."merry in war and sad while singing. His faith was imbued with Christian ideals but his Celtic past fired his spirits; danger and war drew him and his soul heeded to the CALL OF THE WILD. Thus the motive for fighting for each of the chiefs differed. But they had the united purpose and role of being Friends of Alfred and defenders of the civilization. Their Fight and Death It is these three chieftains whom Alfred approached for providing spears ,bows and swords and men for the war against the Danes. Marcus came with all his slaves in arms ,Colan with strange spears hung with ancient charms ,Eldred brought jars and stores of farm mead and rye on his farm beasts ,with his farm hands.The clan of Colan was Gaelic and wore torn and antique robes blowing wailing pipes ,and belonged to an ancient period of wars and strife. Mark's soldiers were mixed tribes of the west experienced in Arabia and Tyne.(Ballad of White Horse IV) Though each of them was brave ,each chieftain responded differently to the war .The Saxon Eldred kept recalling his Farm and the beans there,Colan's heart was filled with the longing for his lost tribe ,and Marcus smote for the religion he strongly believed in. They had no doubt about the side they had chosen to support. But they were perturbed by the prospects of victory

Research Methods - Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research Methods - Critique - Essay Example A critique of the research proves that the study is well directed so as to arrive at the hypothesis and thus contains remarkable strength needed for an authoritative study. However, certain oddities and speculation in the way towards the findings point to specific weaknesses of the research in methods and approaches used. The empirical study is based on a well-defined theoretical framework and its finding that approves the merit of the hypothesis. The loose ends of the study result mainly derive from the inadequacy of the relevant data in general, and that of the Netherlands in particular, where sociological factors limit the findings of the study. The speculative nature of the finding towards the end of the study constrains the appeal of the empirical result. There is a great relevance to this type of research and the objectives of the study prove this point. The research contributes to the study of complementarities among HR dimensions and the selection of Ireland and the Netherlands for data collection, where no such studies are conducted, also proves to be its strength. The introduction states the hypothesis clearly and illustrates the significance of the study. The hypothesis is logically presented, leading to the empirical analysis of the study. As the authors of Research Paper Handbook instruct the researcher, â€Å"Your thesis will show the special nature of your paper.† (Lester Jr & Lester Sr 2005). The paper clearly establishes the thesis that â€Å"the high performance HR management system is the most effective form of the HR management in enhancing the performance of the employees,† with the research method used. It also succeeds in emphasizing that â€Å"this superior effectiveness in part is derived from a com plementarities among the five HR dimensions.† (Horgan & Muhlau 2006). The clarification added for the ineffectiveness of the theory in the Netherlands almost satisfies the finding of the study. The authors provide relevant reasons

Impact of Technology Essay Example for Free

Impact of Technology Essay Abstract The information technology investments have increased significantly with time and advancement in technology. In this study, an attempt is made to highlight how the information technology influences the organization productivity. The correlation between the information technology (IT) and productivity was very argumentative. Many studies were conducted to identify the impact of IT on productivity conclude different results. It is impossible to estimate the productivity growth due to the availability of so many advanced computer technologies, as it’s tough to consider all parameters involved while calculating productivity growth. Several researches and studies were documented stating positive effects of IT on productivity growth. But still there were few against this statement. Introduction The advancement in the information technology made both consumers and business enterprises to use it. Computers, laptops, wireless communications etc. are all part of IT and incorporated in every industry. Enterprises invest in these technologies because it was assumed technologies will enhance productivity. Companies aim to generate more business and high turnovers through less investment. In a race to gain more efficiency, the enterprises are adapting new technologies. Huge investments are made on new technologies to survive in industry. The major challenge is to produce high quality goods and services at low prices. Some enterprises understood the  value and importance of information technology and used it to deliver more products in less time and more reliable and convenient services at lower cost. This will also help to gain competitive advantage over rivals. It was illustrated in a study to generate high productivity growths from information technology; enterprises should cha nge the existing infrastructure as well as business practices (Brynjolfsson Brown, 2005). Many enterprises changed the organizational structure to exploit the full potential of information technology and its applications. Brynjolfsson and Hitt (1998) linked productivity with living standards to understand it better. They mentioned that value of productivity can be easily understood when related with our living standards. They highlighted the significance of productivity by comparing it with our living standards and mentioned that, â€Å"productivity growth determines our living standards and the wealth of nations.† This reflects the customers’ behavior to consume more in less money. They also point out that the concept of productivity is simple and vast but tough to measure with accuracy. Information Technology and Productivity Productivity was described as the amount of output generated for a certain amount of input (Brynjolfsson, 2003; Hitt Brynjolfsson, 1995). Productivity can also be defined as the measure of the quantity of outputs in goods and services per unit of input (Muriwai, 2006). Productivity can be measured either by keeping the output static or input. Productivity can be increased with increase in output keeping input constant or by decreasing the input keeping the output static. The term information technology was defined narrowly as the expenditures made on the computing hardware (Brynjolfsson, 2003 and Hitt Brynjolfsson, 2005). It was elaborated a little more as. All the computer software and hardware, tools and services used in the business processes and operations are a part of information technology. The investments in information technology were defined as the expenses on the computer hardware and software and all other devices related with IT (Morrison, 1997). The main purpose of these investments is developing a modern infrastructure within the organization to boost productivity of both organization and employees (Dehning, Dow, Stratopoulus, 2003). It was documented by Mahmood and Mann (2005) that  investment in IT was not sufficient enough to increase productivity. Strategic decisions had to be made whether investment in IT would help to accomplish objectives and goals set. A harmony must occur between IT investments and changes in business process to have high productivity growth, even greater than investment in information technology. Keller (2004) also stated that when IT is utilized appropriately at workplace that also helps a lot in productivity growth. Just investing in information technology is not sufficient to gain growth in productivity; but organization can visualize changes brought by information technology (Brynjolfsson Hitt, 1998; Dedrick, Gurbaxani Kraemer, 2003). A significant relation between IT investments per employee and overall productivity of company was found by Brynjolfsson (2003). The enterprises gained high productivity growth who invested huge sum in information technology effectively. But pattern of productivity growth across the enterprises varied no doubt the return from IT investment were positive (Brynjolfsson Hitt, 1998). It takes time to realize productivity gains from investments in information technology. It was supported by Mahmood and Mann (1988) that productivity growth and performance of the organization improves in time period of two or three years after investing in information technology. Dedrick et al. (2003) also believed that productivity gains are realized after a long time period. It was highlighted in their research that information technology payoffs are high when firms’ effectively apply information technology in long run. It’s easy to measure productivity when tangible products and goods are produced as in the manufacturing sector. An input alteration in the manufacturing process can bring substantial changes in productivity. For instance, the use of automation technology and robotics produce outputs of good quality (Kao Liu, 2005). On the contrary, it’s tough to measure and improve productivity in service sector. It’s next to impossible to evaluate the productivity of an employee. A method was proposed by Tallon and Kraemer (2006) to measure precisely the impact of information technology on productivity. A method of perceptual measures was recommended by them. Perceptual measures would bring new scope to study impact of technology on productivity. They described it as â€Å"perceptual measures, if structured around information technology impacts at the process-level, can yield richer insights than objective criteria alone†. Authors’ Agree and Disagree: The research was done by many to study the impact of IT on productivity (Brynjolfsson Brown, 2005; Brynjolfsson Hitt, 1998; Melville, Kraemer Gurbaxani, 2004 and Kudyba, 2004). The expectation that productivity will certainly increase by utilizing the IT were not always true. But researches ended up with different conclusions, some stated positive impacts of IT on productivity and others negative. Information technology had negative impact on productivity. Mahmood and Mann (2005) mentioned in their study that there is no adequate evidence available in past researches showing the positive effects of IT on productivity. It was also supported by Dedrick et al. (2003) stating, â€Å"Studies have failed to identify a relationship between information technology investment and firm profitability.† The term productivity paradox was introduced by Robert Solow in 1987 explaining the inability of the information technology contributing towards firm productivity (Solow. 1987). He made a statement that growth in productivity was not accompanied by the information technology. He also discussed that the companies didn’t had expected results in productivity after investing in Information technology. He quoted, â€Å"You can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics†. In my opinion and during my research I realized that impact of IT on productivity had mixed reviews from different authors, researchers and economists. Researchers used new approach to reveal the hidden positive effects of IT on productivity. Brynjolfsson and Hitt (1998) illustrated that â€Å"Information technology has a positive and significant impact on firm output, contradicting the claims of a productivity paradox (p52).† This was also supported by Brynjolfsson (2003) and Dedrick et al. (2003) that productivity including the output per worker annually had increased significantly with use of information technology. It was mentioned by Kudyba (2004) that the output can be upraised with increased information technology skills. The new information technology and techniques effectively when used by the companies, those companies are productive than who don’t use it (Brynjolfsson Brown, 2005). When the technologies and techniques were used perfectly and timely, yield high level of productivity. The three ways were  discussed by Brynjolfsson (2003), Keller (2004) and Brynjolfsson Hitt (1998) to recognize productivity growth from IT: by decreasing the cost on Information technology and keeping the benefits from business stagnant; increase the benefits from business and keeping the investment in Information technology constant; or reduce the cost of information technology and benefits increase from business. The information technology is important and valuable for organization (Melville et al., 2004). They also stated that effective and efficient use of information technology can yield potential benefits, like cost reduction, improving quality and at last productivity. The companies, who used information technology effectively, had also observed an increase in price of their market share more than others. It had been reported by Mahmood and Mann (2005) that both IT labour and computer resources contribute towards return on investments. They also mentioned in their report that effective enterprises have developed and improved their infrastructures and investing highly in information technology. Information technology is a medium through which the information can be distributed easily within organizations. The highly advanced IT infrastructures create an atmosphere within organization that encourages decentralized process of decision making (Brynjolfsson Brown, 2005). When modification of the business processes is done within organizations, it becomes necessary to integrate information technologies. The productivity can be enhanced by integrating information technology investments with decentralize process of decision making (Melville et al., 2004). The integration of information technology investments and other investments within business also proves to be beneficial (Brynjolfsson Hitt, 1998). The operations and business processes within the organization must be evaluated and ensure that existing business environm ent can adapt the new technology, before future information technology investments made (Zhou Chen, 2003). The predictable and estimated outcomes can be realized from IT investments through integration of technologies and current business processes (Kudyba, 2004). It becomes important to restructure the business processes with the changing business environments when new information systems are set up (Zhou Chen, 2003). McNamara and Watson (2005) also reported that the integration of the existing technology systems with new technologies within organizations yields the expected productivity growth.  They also discussed how the existing technologies can be employed in various business operations, it equally productive as investing in new information technologies. Brynjolfsson and Hitt (1998) found that â€Å"The greatest benefits of computers appear to be realized when computer investment is coupled with other complementary investments; new strategies, new business processes and new organizations all appear to be important in realizing the maximum benefit of information technology† . The companies must integrate all daily activities, decentralize decision process, flow of information from high to low level, this will enhance productivity growth and all these attributes directly or indirectly contribute to information technology (Brynjolfsson, 2003). The organizations use various methods and measures like product quality, profitability, and value of market shares to measure productivity (Dedrick et al., 2003). There is a possibility that productivity can also be gained through effective management. It was observed that productivity can be increased by information technology and make worth for consumers (Hitt Brynjolfsson, 1995). Devaraj and Kohli (2003) proposed a method which requires elevation of the IT usage at the employees’ level individually and then finally investigating its effect on organizational performance. Employees’ of modern organization may call it push or pull of IT investments. This phenomenon of push or pull in IT investments may inspire employees’ for using new technologies and this may lead to productivity improvements. Kudyba (2004) mentioned that competitive advantage can be gained by hiring skilled and experienced employees. In my view, the employees must be trained to use new technologies or companies should hire skilled and experienced employees. It also depends how the new technologies are being utilized by the enterprises to enhance their productivity. Only those companies will maximize their productivity that will use the technology perfectly and timely. I have also learned during my research that productivity doesn’t depend on one factor, there are number of parameters that affect the overall productivity of the organizations. The accurate methods are required for calculating the productivity, to recognize the growth of productivity. Rather than focusing on productivity only, enterprises should develop new strategies to integrate t echnologies with new opportunities. The barriers to entry can be easily terminated by raising the firm’s efficiency and gaining competitive advantage. Benefit to Manager There is a big challenge ahead for all the mangers and decision makers how to consume the information technologies at best and have maximum benefits. It’s not compulsory that the companies will have same levels of productivity if provided with same information technology, it depends how the technology is utilized to have high growth in productivity (Brynjolfsson, 2003). To maintain competitive advantage in the industry, the managers had to find new ways in which they can exploit the full potential of technologies differently from their rivals. Melville et al. (2004) mentioned the competitive advantage gained through human resource and technical synergies cannot be maintained for long. A strategy or mechanism had to develop to gain competitive edge for long periods and which is not easy to imitate. The competitive advantage can be maintained until others don’t follow what you are doing, once others start following your techniques it’s tough to sustain competitive advantage (Brynjolfsson, 2003). I believe that managers should examine future values of all IT investments when productivity results were not up to the level of expectations. The organizational leaders are not ready to invest more on technologies, when results from previous IT investments are not beneficial enough (Devaraj Kohli, 2003). A big challenge for the leaders to justify future investments in technologies when there is no significant evidence of productivity improvement from previously investments in information technologies (Dehning, Dow, Stratopoulus, 2003). Managers should focus on other aspects of business process also rather than on productivity alone. Hitt and Brynjolfsson (1995) discussed that managers should concentrate more on how information technology can be used to improve product quality and customer service. Information technology has the potential to reduce the expenses on such services and change the mode of production and delivery of the goods and services so can’t be easily imitated by competitors (Hitt Brynjolfsson, 1995). The uniqueness in utilizing the information technologies in business operations and processes is the key to stay ahead of the competitors in the market. This not only provides competitive advantage but also increases the overall growth in productivity. Conclusion The conclusion can be drawn that investing in information technology doesn’t  have any positive impact on productivity growth until utilized properly and effectively. The impact of investing in technologies can be realized how organizations utilize technologies effectively depending on the current situations of organizations and derive expected productivity results. The invention of telecommunication, computer software and hardware had totally changed operations within the organizations. The use of these forms of technology was extensively popular and in-demand among the various industrial sectors. The enterprises had changed their existing infrastructures to adapt these new technologies. The meaning both consumption and productivity have changed with innovation of information technology. Organizations across the globe are implementing new technologies to enhance the daily business activities with the purpose to survive and compete in this new global world of information tec hnology. References Brynjolfsson, E. (2003). ROI valuation :The IT productivity gap. (21). Retrieved from http://ebusiness.mit.edu/erik/Optimize/pr_roi.html. Brynjolfsson, E., Brown, P. (2005). VII pillars of IT productivity. Optimize Manhasset.4(5), 26-35.Retrived from http://www.georgeschussel.com/wpcontent/uploads/articles/NY6420050502_erik.pdf. Brynjolfsson, E., Hitt, L. M. (1998). Beyond the productivity paradox. Communications Of The ACM, 41(8), 49 55. Retrived from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.195.1657rep=rep1type=pdf Dedrick, J., Gurbaxani, V., Kraemer K.L. (2003). Information Technology and Economic Performance: A Critical Review of the Empirical Evidence. ACM Computing Surveys ,35(1),1-28.Retrived from Business Source Complete. Dehning, B., Dow, K. E., Stratopoulos, T. C. 2003. The info-tech â€Å"Productivity Paradox†dissected and tested. Management Accounting Quarterly,5(1),31-39. Retrieved from Business Source Complete. Devaraj, S., Kohli, R.(2003). Performance impacts of information technology: Is actual usage the missing link?. Management Science, 49(3),273-289. Retrieved from Business Source Complete. Hitt, L. Brynjolfsson, E. (1995). Productivity, profit and consumer welfare: Three different measures of information technologys value. MIS Quarterly, 20(2), 121 -143. Keller, E. (2004). What Is Your IT Productivity. MSI 22(2), 33 34. Kudyba, S. (2004). The productivity pay-off from effective allocation of IT and non- IT labour.

Treatment Programs for Criminals Essay Example for Free

Treatment Programs for Criminals Essay Research indicates that helping and guiding individuals who are regarded as criminals and abusers is a very hard task for an individual who is not well experienced due to an increase in crime as a result of various reasons that include poverty, misuse of drugs, and fighting for power among others. Many societies have come up with programs that enable the support of criminals without harsh conditionality. Since the society has developed a growing concern over the criminal behavior which is ever increasing, the justice system is urged to provide a delinquent preventive measure that will be aimed at preventing the young from indulging in criminal activities. Due to growing concerns over the increased number of criminals, countries have formulated programs that will ensure that the criminals involved are restored back to being good people in the society and in the process they have identified rehabilitation and counseling programs as the best way to nature them. As a result such programs play a major role in ensuring that these individuals will afterwards change and become productive members of the society (James and Richard, 2003). Rehabilitation normally involves the teaching and training the criminals who are addicted to a particular behavior to stop the defective behavior and try to become acceptable members of the society. Therefore under this, the society is given the responsibility of assisting these addicts or criminals by helping them to get hope through various programs that they will be educated thus helping them to heal their bodies and mind. The strengths associated with rehabilitation policies are that the criminals will achieve through these Programs education, which allows the offenders the opportunity to re-enter into the society as a responsible and productive citizen. For example, the people who undergo rehabilitation programs are normally allowed to receive counseling and guidance. For example, a rehabilitation program may involve the offenders in doing community work, such as cleaning the environment and activities that they think suits to the foundation of their interests. This will make them appreciate who they are and accept their presence and roles in the particular society (Gask and Usherwood, 2005). Strength for rehabilitating criminals is that there is always a collective supervision that is it will be able to provide an environment favorable enough to meet the special needs of the criminals which will help them to join the society newly as responsible and respected persons. However, rehabilitation is prone to some weaknesses which hinder the process of trying to help the offenders to be good and reliable people in the society. For example, the criminals or offenders subjected to rehabilitation programs feel isolated in the society and thus will not cooperate during the entire process. They view themselves as rejected people in the society who are treated cruelly and unjustly. These aspects make them to feel unworthy in the society and hence after the rehabilitation programs they don’t change but instead continue with bad behavior that they used to engage themselves in, indeed they become more hardened and thus becoming worse criminals. Also another weakness is lack of government support in supporting rehabilitation programs, for example laxity in funding the programs thus few criminals for instance the drug addicts and criminal offenders are subjected to such programs. (James and Richard, 2003) Counseling as a program is regarded as an essential tool in dealing with criminals who have been affected psychologically. This practice is usually used in helping this people to handle issues which are found to be causing factors of the psychological disorders. Occasionally, this practice requires skilled professionals who can deal with issues ranging from education, marriage, individuals and family matters. To do this the counseling professionals are therefore required to have the following in their practices in order to understand the person’s problems. The counselor should have good listening skills, empathy, and be genuine which will require the practitioner to tell the truth even if the subject matter is not that good to the criminal. Therefore one is required to bring out the truth in a way that the criminal will be able to handle and understand his situation; the counselor should give unconditional positive regard and also should have concreteness in providing any information about the problem. (Pham-Kanter, 2001) In this case of criminal cases, we find that many counselors indulge in a number of activities that usually assist the crime victims to come back to their normal status. The following are the methods that are used by the experienced counselors in order to resolve such issues; Therapeutic relationship; under this we find that a better relationship between the criminal and the counselor is established. The criminal is therefore required to build trust and safety on the counselor although sometimes it is argued that the victims finds it hard to build trust on the counselor thus they end up not giving full information about the causative factor of the crime. According to the counseling practices safety is considered as a leading factor to a safety therapeutic trauma work. In this case, the victim may be found to be having a number of characteristics that may hinder him from building trust and safety on the counselor. These factors may include personality temperament. We may also find that when the victim is found to have undergone a number of traumas, the chances of him or her building his trust on the counselor are always high (Eysenck and Hans, 1996). The other method used in counseling is the Dialectical Behavior Therapy which has an objective of dealing with individuals especially the criminals who are known to be suffering from the personality disorders. This therapy indicates that individuals are always found to be responding to the emotional stimulation not normally; this may come up as a result of biological factors and also the way the victim was brought up. This therapy is usually carried out in two forms; that is the weekly psychotherapist that involves the addressing issues that are said to have affected the individual during the week and also coming up with the best resolutions for such factors leading to the victims indulging in crimes. (Gask and Usherwood, 2005) The second form is the group therapy which is directed towards the handling of the interpersonal skills, the regulation of emotions and also enabling the individual to accept and also tolerate the disorder. The importance of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy is that it helps the criminals found to be suffering from the personality disorders to respond to such conditions positively and also bringing up a number of characteristics including that of self-esteem, having and looking for more goals in life and also learning of new methods of behaving. Cognitive way of therapy can also be used whereby it gives the criminal an opportunity to be optimistic and create reality in his prospects and thus reduction of depression. Cognitive therapy aid the dejected individual to be acquainted with life tribulations which are decisive and those that are of no importance which help him to come up with positive life objectives. Also problem solving therapy technique can be applied whereby the cause of depression is identified then it is solved to avoid further damage to the individual attacked. (James and Richard, 2003) Counseling plays a key role in treatment of psychological disorders and criminals with such disorders should be subjected to such programs in order to aid them to recover slowly from such attacks which may affect their lives. Counseling programs designed should be well formulated to address all the problems that the patients with such disorders are facing in the society in order to avoid the repeat of the attacks. These counseling services should be made easier in terms of getting access to it for example building counseling centers in all parts of the country. The relevant authorities should also chip in and offer the counseling services for free or at affordable rates to the members of the society. (Gask and Usherwood, 2005) Relapse prevention therapy can also be utilized to support the criminals to behave normally. It was originally designed as a maintenance program for replace victims. â€Å"RPT entails treatment of addictive behaviors which is used as stand-alone program that in most cases is designed to teach individuals to try and maintain changes initiated in the treatment process† (Pham-Kanter, 2001). Each person has an effective response system to cope with incidences of high risk situations but the problem is the guts to do so† (Pham-Kanter, 2001). Post-implementation survey on suitability of relapse prevention therapy has shown that relapse had decreased significantly as a result of the program. Pham-Kanter explains â€Å"RPT strategies are categorized to three groups; lifestyle modification, coping skills training and cognitive therapies†. â€Å"RPT strategies round up to both cognitive and behavioral techniques and approaches that provide victims of relapse with ways to reframe their habits once more and change processes in learning experiences with setbacks on how they can meet challenges of recovery† (Lorimar, 1999). Life modifications strategies include; exercise, spiritual practices, meditation among others. The professionals who are found to be taking care of the criminals should therefore provide education as a program for healing especially the school going children have to be taught on the repercussions of crime and also the use of drugs. It is a concern that crime is destroying the lives of many people in the world in general. The criminals will therefore be taught on the effects of indulging in crime and other practices like taking drugs because it is the drugs that influence them to engage in criminal activities such as gun crime (Gask and Usherwood, 2005). Drugs really affect the general mechanism of the human body. Sometimes individuals who have taken drugs like marijuana, cannabis, cocaine among others, cannot even go to work. The brain is adversely affected that when children take them their growth is adversely affected. When they know the adverse effects of taking these drugs, they will not desire to carry out crime. Nobody will desire to destroy the lives of their brothers and sisters. Education in this sector can be done both formally and informally i.e. in school and within the homesteads. It can be done informally through plays or video tapes. The media can be used to educate the general public on this issue and that is why operation trident is applauded for its work. This will help in eradicating the vice among the criminals. (James and Richard, 2003) Reference Pham-Kanter, G. (2001): Substance abuse and dependence. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine Second Edition Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group, Pp 39-45 Lorimar, M. Palmer, R (1999): Relapse prevention: Overview of Marlette’s cognitive–behavioral model. Alcohol Research and Health, 23(2), 151–160. Ending The Revolving Door Of Crime and Creating Productive Lives Retrieved From: http://www.criminon.org/ Accessed on 1st august 2008 Eysenck and Hans J (1996)-Personality and Crime- Where do we stand Psychology, Crime and Law 2 pg123-134 Gask L and Usherwood T (2005) medical psychiatric issues for counselors London Retrieved from: http://psy.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/43/2/93 Accessed on 30th of July 2008 James, Q. and Richard, J. (2003): Crime and Human Nature New York Simon and Schuster pg

Business Plan For Nike Products Business Essay

Business Plan For Nike Products Business Essay Nike Inc. is one of the renowned and largest manufacturers and importers of footwear and apparel. The present study aims at introducing the Nike products in a country where there are some restrictions upon women to select items that are not matched according to their religious ideology. For this a detailed market plan ahs been prepared and write up has been made for initial feasibility of necessary funds for cost allocation and advertisement. The study also made a SWOT analysis in such countries and view whether there are certain implications for the introduction of NIKE products or not. Introduction to NIKE Business: NIKE Inc. is renowned as worldwide importer of Japanese shoes and has proved it t to be the largest dealer in footwear and apparel. The estimation for the likeness of the NIKE products can be sketched from the overview that Nike products are sold on almost 20,000 retail accounts in USA only and about in 110 different countries. Apart from the athletic footwear, the company also sells Nike and Bauer brand sporty tools brand by Cole Haan and informal footwear and the Sports etc. The company is directly involved in the designing, development and marketing of its products while manufacturers are located in overseas. The company has a strategy to made consistent innovation in design of its products and heavy promotion in order to excel growth all over the world. Nike products were introduced by Philip H. Knight in 1962, who with an idea to eliminate the monopoly of German products on American market, started to import its products to USA on small scale. Along with the introduction of large range of products (Blue Ribbon sports shoes, Boston Shoes, soccer shoes) to satisfy customers demand, the firm ultimately shaped into Nike, Inc. By the end of the decade, the company has opened many retail stores within the region but the main problem faced by Knight was the lack of capital that has been financed by Japanese trading company Nissho Iwai Corporation. The availability of external financing enables Knight to arrange the manufacturing of its products overseas with the help of independent contractors. In order to import its products overseas, the company has introduced its brand name Nike in the whole world. The Company has tried to introduce new line of products in athletic shoes range but the growth of the company truly begun to take-off with the introduction of jogging shoes that were sold in United States in late 1970s. Nikes revenues turned to be tripled within two years in 1976 and then became doubled in just one year in 1977. To satisfy demand, the company opened new manufacture outlet, in Taiwan and Korea. An acceleration of sales was expanded with the introduction of NIKE products in Asian and South American markets in 1977. By 1982, in the companys line of products, more than 200 different kinds of footwear has been introduced by the company including the Air Force, basketball footwear, and shoe for racquet sports, the Air Ace, the newest models of innovative shoe designs that had pressed Nikes earnings to annually increment of almost 100 percent. In addition, 200 different types of clothing have been introduced by the company. Nike Mission Statement: The Mission statement of Nike introduced the concept *To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world *If you have a body, *you are an athlete*. The main aim of the Nike Inc. is to facilitate the athlete all over the world regarding the comfort of shoe and make every one to feel like an athlete if he has potential to use Nike products. Secondly, they want to bridge the gap between the provisions of goods overseas for this they started importing their products in order to boost growth and break down the monopoly of German products that have captured the United States market at that time. . Today, Nike always tries to find new and innovative style to make a competitive athletic goods and innovative methods to get a feedback directly from their consumers. Business Idea in Conservative Country: A conservative country may be defined as a place where the resources are scarce but people still believe to achieve most through hard work and dedication. In the pursue of introducing the products of NIKE in any conservative country, we have decided to use Pakistani women as sample filed because now a days Pakistan is economically conservative and women are specially restricted to wear dresses that represent their Islamic ideology. Per capital Income of average person is declining and conditions are getting even more worse still people in Pakistan believe that the conditions can be overcome. Low per capital Income is the basic for the savings and if people have savings they can enjoy the facilities of luxuries like NIKE products. Similarly, women prefer their family needs than their own needs and they do not want to spend money on such kind of unnecessary items. To excel the demand of the products, Strategies are hard to define in a country like Pakistan where resources are scarce bu t we have made an attempt to focus the attention of people. Executive Summary: For this, we have made first the executive summary of the person who will initiate a Company like environment as Sale center of NIKE products. The executive slogan is that behind great Company, there are strong leaders At Nike, environment is mutual, matrix organization where team members are allowed to report in two areas i.e. geography and global function. Nike brand include footwear, apparel and equipment product engines. The core customers categories include sports things, basketball, football (soccer), mens training, running, sportswear, and womens training; the business is being conducted in three main cities. Chairman (CEO) Chief executive President President chief Executive Officer CFO VP Financial Officer Treasurer Assist Treasurer Accountant Book keepers VP, Global Human Resource VP, Creative Design Resources VP, Commerce Affiliates President,Busines development P Marketing P Research Idea Generation: The recent survey conducted by us revealed that there was a tremendous growth and demand for the Nike products in Pakistan but females are specially deprived of using the same products as they are not too much involved in sports. Thus the promoter of the Idea takes an initiative along with other members to set up the business plan for execution of NIKE products for women in Pakistan. Later they Explored various aspects as whether to conduct plan and develop a web site or use other effective tools with some other unique ideas. Market Survey: As per the survey, Lahore and Islamabad has one of the highest demands for Nike products, since the willingness of the people for getting quality/branded products at cheap rates and within the geographical distribution is high. Also women in these areas are now stepping forward shoulder to shoulders with men to achieve the same success in every field as the man can. Thus, we analyzed the business scenario prepared a SWOT analysis. Strengths: Nike is the top most and highly competitive organization in the sports world. Phil Knight often quoted that Business is war without bullets. The major strength of the business is that Nike has no factories still it is the largest importer of athlete products because it ahs managed manufacturer overseas. Due to this ability the demand of the customers can easily be met within the country at low cost. Nike is not bound to spend its cash in premises and manufacturing workers. This makes a very tilt organization. Nike makes it strong with the help of research and development apart from assets. The Nike outlet in Pakistan will increase its revenues also the people will be introduced with different range of products. NIKE is a global brand, that make its the top most sports brand in the World. Its famous Swoosh is recognizable all over the world and even it is tattooed on the ankle. Therefore, the customers who never compromise on quality can be good target market for the NIKE products. NIKE products are especially comfortable for women as these can fulfilled the needs according to their ideology therefore, they can excel the use of the products in country. Weaknesses: One of the major weaknesses is that the organization must have a multiple line of products of sports goods while the business income still takes most of the share of the footwear promote. It means that all other products revenues could not offset if footwear market erodes. If the business will erode in parent Country that will affect the business in other countries as well. Opportunities: Nike can create many opportunities regarding its Product development. As the brand is protected by owners who do not considered Nike as a fashion brand. However, the demand of the consumers depends upon their willingness to buy Nike products apart from their likeness for NIKE products. If some argue that youth consider Nike a fashion brand, this could be an opportunity for NIKE products, There is also opportunity to innovate products such as sports clothing, sports cycling and jewellery. There is an opportunity of international business development. As Nike share strong brand recognition, many international markets that have such kind of income which can be spend on high price sports commodities can manage to enter the range of Nike brand. Threats: As Nike is exposed to international trade, it can buy and sell in different currencies which are the major threats of revenues fluctuations due to different currencies involved. Such an exposure means that Nike could be manufacturing its product at loss as well as at selling. This is an important point that every big brand has to face just because to maintain its reputation in the market in the global world. As the Model used by Phil Knight in his Stamford Business School days is now commonly used there is major threat that the edge of competitive advantage will be lost. Competitors of the Nike can take away Nikes share from the market by introducing substitute products. Regional Review: Pakistan is a highly riches resources country in agriculture and industrial point of view as well. It exports almost 60% of of its products on international standard the total population of the country is almost 18 crore and women are almost 45% of the total population. People their love to play support because Pakistani weather is very famous in the world. Now a days women are much aware readings the importance of sports and games and they are more conscious about their fatnesses and health. However there are some cultural and religious restrictions in the country but women are trying to participate in gyms activities in the ladies gyms as well. Now we will analysis the ratio of the women fitness trend in the majors cities of Pakistan like Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Multan etc. There is more participation in women fitnesss centers. It has been increase from 2004 to 2009 up to 22% in Pakistan. Now a days Pakistani women are working in the offices whether part timer or as a full timer so they are more concerned about their fitness and almost 45% of the members of the gyms are women aged 18 to 45 years. The women fitness activities have been increased in the last 3 years and there is more chances to increment so if the Nike product is launch in Pakistan than the total estimated market share might be 6% to 7%. Product Selection: The target market (Pakistani women) selected is available in various ranges (age size), which are as followsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ From 18- 20 years From 20-25 years From 25-30 years From 35-40 years And the above-mentioned ranges sizes are available mostly in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad because these areas are labor intensive. Most of the labor is Cheap Technical knowhow: There in no need to hire technical staff as the products at display centers will only require selling strategies and financial matters. However the sale experience must be required or there should be proper training sessions for the sale person who will stand in the retail stores and the person should know all the products as trained by the company. Availability of funds: After collecting the necessary funds, we would commence our business. We can borrow from bank as well. We can borrow from bank as well. Recruitment: The recruitment required is for 4 sales managers initially the specifications are as follows: They should be literate at post graduate level They should have enough knowledge about Nike brands Pleasant personality having skills to attract customers Feasibility Plan Capital Contribution = Rs. 3,000,000 FIXED COST PALN:   Rs. Building (Store room) 850,000 Conveyance 650,000 Equipment 60,000 Furniture 125,000 Land 70,000 Total 1,755,000 Variable Cost Plan: 1 month 2 month 3 month Total Salaries expense 250,000 250,000 250,000 750,000 Maintenance expense 50,000 50,000 50,000 150,000 Wages 60,000 60,000 60,000 180,000 Utilities expense 25,000 25,000 25,000 75,000 Rent expense 125,000 125,000 125,000 375,000 Entertainment expense 10,000 10,000 10,000 30,000 Misc. Exp 10,000 10,000 10,000 30,000 Total 530,000 530,000 530,000 1,590,000 Loan Requirement Plan Rs. Rs. Capital Investment 30,00,000 Cost of Sales 3,345,000 Requirement for General Reserve 635,000 3,980,000 Short Fall / loan requirement (Rs.) 980,000 On the basis of the projection report and the above given table, there is a requirement of a sum of Rs. 980,000/- for which we have applied for a loan from Bank. FORECASTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT NIKE Incorporation, Trading Profit Loss Account For 3 months Rs. Revenues 1,000,000 Cost of Sales 250,000 Gross Profit 750,000 Operating Expenses 530,000 Interest Expense @ 9.5% 23,275 Net Income 196,725 Nike Incorporation Feasibility Balance Sheet For three months ASSETS Rs. Liabilities and Equity Rs. Cash 1771725 A/P 980000 Land 70000 Capital 3000,000 Building 850000   Add: NP 196,725    3196725 Conveyance 650000 Equipment 60000 Furniture 125000 Stock 650000 Total 4,176,725 Total   4,176,725 Terms of Repayment of Loan: As per the agreement between Bank NIKE Inc both have agreed on the terms that loan will be repaid over a period of 5 years @ 9.5 %. MARKETING: The basic market research instrument was the survey in the TOI that told us about a possible potential in this field. All the partners then carried out research by collecting primary data ourselves. We spoke to existing manufacturers, locals etc. Though the market for our product is very huge, the competition is quite tough. But flags are used by everyone in the nation. Hence, like all of our competitors we are using Mass Marketing. There is range of product line i.e. the flags with a fair amount of variations in the product itself (as mentioned earlier). The pricing method we have chosen is the cost plus method where we plan to gradually increase the profit margin. Our products will be sold both in almost every city of Pakistan. We are using Quality Assurance as a key marketing strategy as the raw materials we use are of a good quality and the products are manufactured and stored in a good environment. Conclusion/Recommendations: The capital invested is of Rs.3, 00,000 and the total cost of production is Rs. 250,000 and thus resulting in a profit of Rs. 196,725. Since there is less availability of funds and thus as a company need a loan from the bank. Also the sales are expected to grow by 10% every year. It is strongly recommended that in order to excel the demand of the NIKE products in conservative countries like Pakistan, the business has to change its strategy and made a range of the products that is only for females and according to their likeness. As females like to be fashion oriented, the design should be made of unique style that are according to the fashions and taste of women style. This needs strong advertisement as well. Following all such the business can generate a strong demand for women footwear and apparel in NIKE products.