Nuclear Power: Problem or Solution

Nuclear power is complicated. A nuclear power plant provides energy that does not contribute to global warming. Climate concerns have seen a rise in the construction of new reactors to address growing demands of electricity worldwide. Currently the United States and Canada receive 20% of their electric power from nuclear plants. The rest of the world is at 6% but rising. The benefits drive the nuclear energy movement and continue to do so and the proponents of nuclear power see this as an indispensable solution in reducing the consumption of conflict-ridden fossil fuels. Opponents of nuclear power also make a strong case citing cost, safety and justified global concern of waste storage and the potential for nuclear weapons in areas where terrorism is a major concern. These plants provide the uranium and plutonium regarded as critical components of nuclear weapons. This will be discussed in depth in this paper. This paper will also detail the benefits and detriments of the future growth of nuclear power plants across the globe. The first uses of nuclear technology were the bombs dropped in Japan in the 1940’s. In the 1950’s physicists and engineers harnessed this power and presented it as a less costly and an alternative form of energy. Nuclear power plants were built with an eye to safety; this was the main concern early on. The 103 reactors in the U. S. today supply 25% more electricity than 109 reactors did a decade ago. This has been achieved through improvements in management, reliability and productivity. In 2010, Taking Sides, Clashing Views on Environmental Issues states that favorability to nuclear energy was running at 67% of Americans in favor of using this technology. The gap of people against this was closing. These companies were being seen as valuable and all operating licenses were being renewed. Impressive gains in output and reliability at many nuclear power plants have the industry looking to build more plants. Nuclear power is being accepted as the core strength of the U. S. electric supply. And in this â€Å"green† era, nuclear is seen as the main source of assisting the U. S. in meeting clean air goals. The Clean Air Act of 1970 set out to improve air quality and nuclear power plants are credited as one big reason that compliance was met. Electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are becoming more in demand and the clean electricity from nuclear power is driving policymakers to continue to support nuclear technology. These vehicles reduce carbon emissions, noise, maintenance and reduced oil usage and reliance on foreign oil. Clean energy is paramount to a sustainable development globally. As the population continues to grow, the demand for energy increases and harnessing wind and solar should increase because they are good options and do not contribute directly to air or water pollution. These renewable fuels contribute in a positive way to a sustainable world but they just don’t produce enough electricity yet, they are considered good alternate options in conjunction with nuclear energy. The nuclear age started with the thought of this form of generating electricity being less costly. That did not prove to be the case, in the beginning, but today nuclear energy is once again being heralded as a value proposition. The volume of electricity that can be produced and done so in a clean and safe way is looked at as a way to provide environmental attributes and price stability. The Department of Energy’s Nuclear Power of 2010 program created a partnership between government and industry and ensured adequate funding for the building of new plants. The planned investment was $650 million dollars over several years and assists with the need of program stability and resources necessary to ensure future viability. The U. S. faces an imminent energy crisis and even though electric power is only 3 to 4 % of our gross domestic product, the other 96 or 97% depends on that to fuel our $11 trillion dollar economy. Nuclear energy will remain a front runner because of the reliable and continuous source of energy it provides and it allows us, as a nation, to lead the world in decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels. Coal is abundant across many parts of the globe but contributes to global warming (there is research and development in developing a â€Å"clean† coal and this has been proven viable but bringing it to market at a competitive price has not happened). Natural gas is also fairly abundant but unsustainable in power generation and makes little sense. This being said enhances the argument for nuclear energy plants to assume that the future plants being built will continue to grow worldwide and that as this continues, the industry will strive to address cost and bolster safety. The other side of this issue sheds a different light on the same subject. The expense of nuclear energy is measured differently. Financial expense is a factor but fear is the most major concern. Nuclear energy has no pollution or emissions but the by-products of the process namely waste, and how it is stored, transported and discarded is regarded by many as the downside of nuclear energy. The safety of power plants was the original concern but as these expanded across our country and the world, the waste has come to be a mightier concern from the holding and containing in plants, to the transporting over highways and ultimately the storage of these toxic materials, with a half-life of a thousand years. The potential harm of radioactive waste is to humans, wildlife and the environment. This waste contains plutonium, uranium and other elements along with parts of atoms. Nuclear waste needs to decay following a cooling process. Even after the waste has been out of the reactor for 10 years, a human coming within a meter of it would die in three minutes. Waste from the first generation of reactors has not been successfully dealt with and that said, this leaves all reactors that followed looking toward a solution and the prediction of over a 100,000 metric tons of waste by 2035 that needs to be completely isolated from the environment for tens or even hundreds of thousands of years because it is so deadly. Sendai, Japan had an 8. 9 earthquake on March 11, 2011 that was followed by a tsunami of immense proportions. There was a nuclear power plant in operation called Fukushima-Daiichi that continues to be in the news more than six weeks after the disasters and the story continues to unfold. The first thing to point out, in fairness, is that these were unlike Three Mile Island and Chernobyl because the problems that resulted were not the result of human error. The built in safety measures detecting an earthquake worked and as soon as the quake was detected, the plant started an automated, preprogrammed shut down and all the safety elements were working to achieve a cooling and treatment of the decay heat. Diesel generators provide the power to drive the pumps for the water coolant necessary to circulate through the reactors, removing the decay heat but when the tsunami hit, the diesel generators that were necessary to provide power necessary for the pumps was lost. There were other backup systems but they too were lost and the fear of melt down and radiation being spewed into the atmosphere ensued. Heat removal could have continued indefinitely if there was power but that was not the case due to the tsunami. Radiation levels are high and more than 6,000 families in surrounding cities have been told to leave the area. Minor traces of the radiation were found in the drinking water in my state, Massachusetts and this drives home the point of how small our world has become and why we all need to be better informed of the world around us. Radiation and its side effects are nasty and can take years to manifest illness and cancers. There are also some discrepancies on how much area should be evacuated and there are many varying reports. The U. S. cientists seem to share a common number of 50+ miles, Japan is saying 12. The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant problems echo most people’s concerns about nuclear safety and have started a concentrated look at nuclear power plants that are built in earthquake prone areas. This concern has spread to Germany where more than 60,000 protestors have been assembling outside the major nuclear plants in that area. The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Age ncy) is trying to assure people around the world that new safeties were already on the drawing board addressing issues like the one in Japan. Nuclear energy had been enjoying resurgence with relative calm before the tragedy in Japan. India and China had a plan to add a thousand new nuclear sites in the next two decades. Japan nuclear facilities have withstood many earthquakes; the tsunami is what brought this one down. Opponents are still focused on the long term and the storage, handling, transporting and long term storage of the hazardous waste that is a lethal by-product of nuclear energy. The following is from www. wagingpeace. org and states the risks in a succinct way: ?Nuclear Waste ?Nuclear waste is produced in many different ways. There are wastes produced in the reactor core, wastes created as a result of radioactive contamination, and wastes produced as a byproduct of uranium mining, refining, and enrichment. The vast majority of radiation in nuclear waste is given off from spent fuel rods. ?A typical reactor will generate 20 to 30 tons of high-level nuclear waste annually. There is no known way to safely dispose of this waste, which remains dangerously radioactive until it naturally decays. ?The rate of decay of a radioactive isotope is called its half-life, the time in which half the initial amount of atoms present takes to decay. The half-life of Plutonium-239, one particularly lethal component of nuclear waste, is 24,000 years. ?The hazardous life of a radioactive element (the length of time that must elapse before the material is considered safe) is at least 10 half-lives. Therefore, Plutonium-239 will remain hazardous for at least 240,000 years. ?There is a current proposal to dump nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. ?The plan is for Yucca Mountain to hold all of the high level nuclear waste ever produced from every nuclear power plant in the US. However, that would completely fill up the site and not account for future waste. ?Transporting the wastes by truck and rail would be extremely dangerous. ?For a more detailed analysis of the problems of and risks incurred by the plan, see Top Ten Reasons to Oppose the DoE’s Yucca Mountain Plan ?Repository sites in Australia, Argentina, China, southern Africa, and Russia have also been considered. ?Though some countries reprocess nuclear waste (in essence, preparing it to send through the cycle again to create more energy), this process is banned in the U. S. due to increased proliferation risks, as the reprocessed materials can also be used for making bombs. Reprocessing is also not a solution because it just creates additional nuclear waste. ?The best action would be to cease producing nuclear energy (and waste), to leave the existing waste where it is, and to immobilize it. There are a few different methods of waste immobilization. In the vitrification process, waste is combined with glass-forming materials and melted. Once the materials solidify, the waste is trapped inside and can't easily be released. The final concern for the purpose of this paper goes back to the second to last point from wagingpeace. org. The U. S. is banned from reprocessing nuclear waste because those materials are necessary components when making a bomb. There is a volunteer group called the National Supplies Group (NSG) and they enforce guidelines to members and oversee exports to ensure that the technologies and materials are treated properly and are not being used to contribute to proliferation. The NSG has 46 member states but Israel, India and Pakistan are not among them. This is frightening and makes one question why it is not mandatory to be part of this NSG. It seems that the rules should be the same for each state or country when dealing with nuclear energy and makes one wonder what the IAEA contributes. Nuclear energy is complicated. If I was writing this before the March 11, 2011 disasters in Japan, I would be impressed by how far the industry has evolved. Natural disasters are just that, natural and occurring more and more. The strength of Hurricane Katrina was blamed on global warming and makes me wonder if we had more nuclear energy would the storm have been less severe. I don’t know that I gave a lot of thought to nuclear energy before this course and it seems that many movies I have seen over the years usually involves smuggling of components necessary for use in weapons of mass destruction. It now appears that this is a very real threat and one that needs full worldwide regulation. I think nuclear energy is here to stay and that the growth will be immense to keep up with the population and to decrease emissions. This product is a bit of an enigma to me. It strives to do good but has the potential to create so much evil. Nuclear energy and all it’s by-products are very complicated.

Negligence Essay Essay

Mark sued a bank for injuries. He was not paying attention as he entered the bank because he was looking at his phone. And he fell suffering $10,000 in injuries. Prior to the fall, the janitor had buffed the floor. The janitor had an IQ of 70. Normally, the janitor was closely supervised. However, today his manager was extremely tired, and the manager didn’t notice that the janitor had carelessly used way too much floor wax that was extremely slippery. Is the bank liable for the janitor’s negligence (be sure to go through all the elements. Additionally, note that under the doctrine of respondeat superior the bank WILL be liable for any potential negligence of the janitor employee)? What defenses will the bank assert? Assume that the jurisdiction does not recognize assumption of risk or contributory negligence. The jurisdiction does recognize the defense of comparative negligence. In order to title a negligence claim a person must first show that the defendant had to hav e acted a certain way toward the plaintiff. Second that the defendant failed to act in a reasonable manner. Finally, the plaintiff must show they suffered actual damages or loss due to the unreasonable behavior. Negligence is a behavior or conduct creates an unreasonable risk or harm to others. The bank will be responsible for the janitor’s negligence. The janitor is considered an employee of the bank. Therefore, under the doctrine of repondeat superior the bank is responsible for the negligent actions of the janitor. Repondeant Superior, states that the employee is liable for the actions of an employee when the actions take place within the scope of employment. This gives a person injured in a place of business a better chance of recovering damages, In this case the employer is considered the principal and the employee the agent. Under respondent superior the principal has control over the agents’ behavior and must take responsibility for the agents’ actions. In this case the bank must take  responsibility of the janitor. The bank could argue that Mark contributed to the fall for not paying attention to his surroundings by paying more attention to his cell phone than to where he was walking. They could argue that if he had not been on his cell phone he would noticed the shiny slippery floors. This is called Contributory Negligence, but the courts do not recognize this defense. Mark could then go for his damages or loss under Comparative Negligence. Meaning he could do one of the two things: 1.) he could have all his damages totaled and then reduced by what would be his negligence in the matter or 2.) The courts could say he can’t recover anything if they find that he was just as negligence as the bank or janitor.

An Assessment Of Whole Foods Value Chain. Memorandum Case Study

An Assessment Of Whole Foods Value Chain. Memorandum - Case Study Example It is quite heartening that in such a competitive environment Whole Foods has been able to record revenues of $5,607.4 million during the fiscal year ended September 2006 with an increase of 19.3% over 2005. This has been possible on account of a strong value chain at Whole Foods. The revenue growth forms a core component of the strength of the company. Some of the strengths can be enlisted as; Strong revenue growth: During the previous five years when the market forces became much more competitive credit goes to the management of the company for coming out with impressive revenue figures. As compared to the industry average of 6.2%, during 2002-2006, Whole Foods recorded a revenue growth of 19.8%. Wide range of products: Company's product profile appears equally impressive with natural and organic products like seafood, meat and poultry, bakery, Gift Cards, prepared foods, specialty (beer, wine and cheese), nutritional supplements and vitamins, grocery, body care, books, floral products, pet products and household products. Focused growth strategy: Company's decision to contest1 the decision of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) challenging the merger of Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats, provides a glimpse into the aggressive strategy that the company has adopted over the years. In the year 2006 itself company opened 13 new stores with a view to reaching out to newer customer base. Company has also been successfully pursuing the acquisition strategy to leverage the economies of scale. Dedicated Workforce: The Company could not have written the success story without an active support and cooperation from the dedicated workforce. But there are some weaker areas which need constant attention as well; Lesser presence on the International horizon: Though the company has been able to establish itself firmly in US, its international is still limited to couple of stores in UK and Canada only. Minimal media presence: Today we are living in a media savvy society, therefore having a good presence in media and advertisements provides an edge to a company and its products. But so far Whole Foods has relied more on word-of-mouth publicity and keeps ignoring the strengths and advantages of being in media. For example in 2006 the company spent only 0.4% of total revenues on advertising. Rising rental costs: Whole Foods has been operating with rented space at many places. This forms a major cost component for the company. With rising rental costs and decreasing profit margins, the situation may become alarming if the requisite attention is not paid to the issue. For example, during the fiscal year 2006 itself the company paid approximately $153.1 million as rental expenses. Primary activities in the value chain include (Appendix-1); Inbound logistics: Raw material supplies, knowledge sources, consultancies, supplier management etc. Production: The inbound logistics are put in use to give out a finished product or a full-fledged service component. Outbound logistics: Taking care of distribution network, inspecting the quality of goods and services, planning out marketing and sales strategies etc. Marketing and sales: It forms an important component of the value chain as it is the main interface between the company and the customer. Service: Once the product or service is delivered to the customer, then comes taking a feedback from the customer. This has become very important in order to establish the company's brand equity and customer's loyalty. Futuristic needs are also projected by way of accepting

Water Issues in California Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Water Issues in California - Essay Example Since the start of record keeping on the availability of the water resources in Southern California in the late 1800s, the water crisis in the area has worsened over the years. This is attributable to the growing population of the region and the false sense of security that the citizens have concerning the availability of the water resource because of the good job done by the water managers to ensure that the fountains still shoot water and the landscapes appear as healthy as ever. The city officials have pointed out that two decades ago an estimated two-thirds of the water was imported. Currently, it has reduced to half. In the same way, according to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; the total retail water demand in the area has reduced from 4 million acre feet between 1989 and 1990 to 3.30 million acre feet between 2010 and 2011. This shows that the Southern California residents have recognized the significance of water. In order to increase the supply of wate r in Southern California, the authorities have invested in recycling plants for water, plans are underway to clean up the contamination so that more ground water can be utilized, and implementation of mandatory water conservation programs (Gould). For many years, Southern California has been faced the issue of drought. However, only recently has it become a national call for attention. Although California is right next to the ocean, it is not easy enough just to get water from there and spread it amongst the masses. Since the ocean is full of saltwater, it becomes toxic to the body when too much is consumed. The only water our bodies are able to consume is fresh water, either from springs or recycled tap. Because California is growing and will continue to grow, the amount of water is becoming scarce. According to "The Telegraph", a trusted newspaper,

Seeing and Knowing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Seeing and Knowing - Essay Example The blind are generally disabled implying that the lack of sight presents a great disability in them thereby impairing some of the essential human activities. Additionally, there is a working relationship between the human vision and their abilities to learn. The relativity of vision in humans therefore infers that different people with different visionary abilities possess different levels of learning abilities. Most of the learning material requires the use of sight for effective interpretation of the knowledge they convey. Such materials as books and other online sources rely on the use of vision to read and map out the information from them. However, owing to the relativity of human vision, different people possess varying abilities of interpreting the information is some of these materials (Dillard 12). Those with perfect eyesight see every aspect of the conveyed materials thereby having deeper understanding of the information. Others with poor eyesight mostly because of defecti ons fail to observe some aspects of the learning aids thereby missing some of the most important aspects of the information that the materials convey. The blind are the most disadvantaged since they have no visionary abilities. They therefore develop sharper touch sense, which still is no competition to the sense of sight. They therefore take longer to learn and cannot learn as effectively as those with eyesight learn (Ehrlich 31). Seeing is therefore an important aspect of earning that every teacher ensures in his or her pupils and student. Most of the learning aids especially in junior schools such as kindergarten and lower primary rely on the use of vision to impart knowledge in the students. Most of these compel the students to make visual observations and refer to the items thereby learning their names. This is the most basic mode of learning; it requires effective eyesight and an efficient coordination between the eyesight and the brain. The two most work concurrently since th e eyes capture the visionary aids and send the signals to the brain for interpretation. This way, the brain masters the names and the concepts explaining the visions thereby accumulating information. Teachers, especially at such early stages of human development, try to understand their pupils always monitoring their ability to see and referring to faster medical assistance so that to aid the students who possess visionary impairments. Different visionary theorists research and try to explain the manner of learning in children by using vision. This follows the understanding that vision is an important aspect of the learning process. One such theory is the looking and looking again logic. The theory asserts that for younger children to understand some of the concepts they not only in school, they should often look and look again to ensure that they imprint some of the most memorable aspects of the object in their brains. Looking for the first time makes the learner overview the objec t thereby killing the shock of first sight. The effects of such shocks prevent learners from noticing specific and memorable aspects of the object. However, by looking again they get to observe with recognition at their objects thereby noticing some of the most fundamental aspects of the object most of which the brain imprint thereby providing a more permanent reflection of the objects. The looking and looking again logic of seeing and knowing does not only apply to small children.

Paper about Finance Debt, Derivative, and speculation on financial Essay

Paper about Finance Debt, Derivative, and speculation on financial instruments - Essay Example Debt financing is a tool employed by firms to raise capital and expenditure funds through sale of bonds, notes or bills to investors who may be institutions or individuals. The buyers are promised repayment of the principal plus interest on their investment and as such are creditors to the selling firms. The term ‘debt financing’ may carry some negative look but this tool of financing is really helpful in raising starting business to run operations. Even firms with very healthy balance sheets resort to raising working capital through debts. It is also known as leverage in financial terms. When used well debt financing may help firms take advantage of lower interest rates from financial institutions and as such obtain cheap capital. The firm has therefore obtained capital readily, is repaying at lower interest rates and the repayment is spread over a period of time. If carefully employed debt financing is a sure way to obtain capital and maintain ownership. After the obtaining funds from the lender the only obligation is to repay back with interest. The borrower has the advantage as they invest the funds in their business without any interference. Firms also enjoy the benefits of tax deductions on the borrowed funds as well as the interest hence if carefully invested debt financing is a cheap source of capital. However debt financing may come with negative effects if misused; the borrower is obligate to repay regardless of the macro-economic environment hence it can result in to bankruptcy and legal suits. The borrowed funds also have to be repaid with interest and it affects a company’s credit score. Another financial tool in the world of business involves financial derivatives. This instrument of finance is associated with an indicator of finance or a commodity and through these certain financial risks

What was the historical significance of the Great Railroad Strike of Essay

What was the historical significance of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 - Essay Example If we look at this event from a historical perspective, it was the forerunner modern labour laws and unions ("Ohio History Central"). The working class began to realize that they were not just puppets of their employers and they could voice their rights. They also started thinking on the lines that they had a greater chance of having their demands met if they stood up collectively. More and more organized strikes were witnessed in succeeding years and it was not long before labour unions started to form. Even at the time, the most charismatic labourers of the lot started to take control of small groups of fellow labourers marking the first instances of present day union leaders (O. Stowell 128-137). And although proper labour laws were not adapted until after the great depression of the 30’s; the framework for such laws had already been devised due to excessive pressure. This was done by the labour unions via organized strikes, on President Roosevelt (Rhea Dulles and Dubofsky 319-388). The railroad workers of 1877 might just have seen their wage cuts restored, but this marked the beginning of a flurry of strikes across industries which evolved into more coordinated and structured ones over

French speaking canadians Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

French speaking canadians - Research Paper Example Demographic Facts: French-speaking Canadians have different cultures, religious beliefs and cultures. These differences existed since the occupation of Canada by the French. Concerning first language, 59% of all Canadians confirm English as the preferred, with 23% reporting French, 2.9%, Chinese, 1.6% Italian, 1.5% German and 18% Other. This figure demonstrates a survey based on Canada's 2001 national census. Among ethnic minorities in Quebec, 6% of Quebecans are South Asian, 3% Black, 1.5% Aboriginal Indian. Quebec contains ten Native Indian tribes: Atikamekw, Crees, Hurons-Wendat, Maliseet, Micmacs, Mohawks, Innus, Inuits and Naskapis (Indian and Northern Affairs). They are counted as visible minorities. Based on the 2001 census, about one million Canadians and Canadian residents are Native Indians with approximately 100,000 dwelling in Quebec. Regarding religion, Quebec has a religious composition of 85% who profess Catholicism, 6% other Christian denomination, 1% Jewish, 1% Musli m and 6% no religion or Atheist (Stats and Facts).   Language Figures:   80% of Canadians agree that Canadian residents and citizens should have service available in the language of their choosing. The Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC) reveals that a greater portion of the French-speaking minority are more open to learning English or another language than the English-speakers. 24.1% of Canada is French-speaking, while 74.5% are English-speaking. Among French speakers, 43.4% also know English well. On the other hand, only 9% of English-speaking Canadians have a command of French (Office of the Commissioner).   Political Situation The government system of Quebec is a pattern from the French, having a Parliament or Assemblee Nationale (National Assembly). Quebec established its own provincial government which makes laws, organizes, sets up institutions and manages several ministerial departments. The French Canadian government of Quebec elects its own Prime Min ister and assembles a Cabinet or Conseil Executif (Government of Canada Policy Research). Cabinet ministers are appointed to perform duties. Jean Charest is the current Prime Minister or Premier. Although granted powers of autonomy, the Quebec government is subject to the British North America Act signed in 1867 and updated to the Canada Act of 1982. The Bloc Quebecois (Quebec block) is the political party connected to Quebec and represents Quebec's interests before the Canadian Parliament General Assembly (Quebec Portal). This party is a minority, however it is an important voice for French-speaking Canadians to be recognized in a predominantly English country. Also, the Quebec block also has a vision to make Quebec an independent nation since it always sends a separate delegation to international political conferences ("Bloc Quebecois"). This independence voice which continues to lobby for Quebec sovereignty proves that English and French ties within Canada are tenuous and fragile .   Linguistic Overview Quebec put into effect the Charter of the French Language or La charte de la langue francaise which made French the official language and empowered French-speaking Canadians through this law with the right to speak their native tongue in business and social affairs. The conflict between French-speaking Canadians and English-speaking

American Past Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Past - Essay Example To understand the American historical expansion, an extensive analyses and evaluation of the existing primary sources is significant. The essay analyses and evaluates two closely related primary sources of American past from Reading the American Past Volume 1 by Michael Johnson (a history of the United States of America and America revolution in South Carolina). The essay will as well elaborate in detail some of the main developments in American history. One primary source (A history of the United States of America) expounds on revolutionary incidences in the United States of America while the other sources (America Revolution in South Carolina) is focused on slave trade in america and its impacts to modern development.The two documents under study present a wide range of information on social, cultural, political, and economic development of America’s historical past. The American Past Volume 1 was authored by Michael Johnson. The main aim of the text, A History of the United States of America source was to incorporate ideas and experiences from different scholars in one volume. The source was also intended to provide a trustworthy basis for explaining contemporary developments in the United States of America. Michael has offered a decisive overview of the historical social, economic, and political challenges in the development of modern global superpower state that is the United States of America. ... American History Volume one author has as well documented the American Revolution in South Carolina, a source that talks about slave trade and slavery. The source was anticipated to give details on the role of immigrants, native inhabitants and slaves to the modern flourishing economic prosperity in America. The source also clarifies on the historical American revolutions that were solely responsible for the modern American civilization. The sources expounds on the incidents that took place in the settlement and exploration of American states, especially in South Carolina. The author outlines the impact and contribution of the initial inhabitants in the development Carolina states. The sources also analyses how the modern unique Carolina states cultures was shaped by slave trade and immigrants. The first source â€Å"A History of the United States of America† was documented to help scholars, economists, politicians and historians appreciate and utilize the past incidents and e xperiences in coming up with productive and sensible decisions and policies. The source is also significant to modern learners and thinkers as it offers an insight on the necessities relevant in modern and future development. The second source â€Å"America revolution in South Carolina† has emerged as an incredibly relevant source of information to the United States of America learners. Lawmakers and legislatures have used the source to make laws and policies that will minimize gender and racial based discrimination. The first source has as well offered an intensive explanation on historical wars, violence and their impact on ancient economic development. The source has also explained views and perceptions of different

Marketing management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing management - Essay Example Media group possesses half of the National rugby League shares. Furthermore, it is the main share holder of Brisbane Broncos together with Melbourne Storm in the rugby league. The media also owns several studios, broadcasting channels, as well as satellite televisions and internet providing companies among others. The main academic theories applicable in the media industry include mathematical, physics, social, political and legal theories. Human resource academic knowledge is very important in the running of any company. News Corporation has over 50,000 employees of different academic background and skills. It requires appropriate human resource knowledge to manage such work place diversity to ensure the media group maintains its large pool of customers and stakeholders. The company’s human resource teams are Masters Degrees holders in human resources in addition to their vast experiences. Further more; appropriate human resource academic knowledge would help the corporation make appropriate decisions when entering partnership deals with other companies. The essence of knowing the existing work place diversity would determine the lacking skills and professional to be hired. Academic knowledge could be associated with good leadership skills based on equality and this would enable the corporation maintain its customers and other stakeholders. Human resources and business leadership principles could of great help in these situations (Slaughter, 2004). The media group ventures in news papers where appropriate writing skills and English mastery is a plus. Good writing and language skills are associated with good academics. Further more, the newspapers team comprise of researchers who have to engage good data collection methods before publishing. Academics theories enable the researchers understand the social, cultural and religious values of an individual so that whatever information required from him does not violate any of his or her rights. Not every info rmation obtained from the community is worth being published; some news or information could evoke violence if not well handled, and academic theories provide several media acts and policies to govern the industry. Any editor or columnist ought to fully understand such laws to keep a smile in their newspapers’ readers among other stake holders. The corporation ventures in satellite TV channels. A lot of technological knowledge and skills are applied in the industry. For instance, the employees involved need to understand the frequency and wave bands of the satellite signals before they are converted to normal waves so that such channels can be watched by millions of people. News Corporation satellite TV channels are the most quality in the entire Europe and other parts of America. The media group is associated with sophisticated machineries and telecommunication gadgets like dishes, decoders, GPS among other equipment. Such machineries and gadgets require good technological s kills to be operated. The corporation so far has the widest pool of TV demand in the entire world. Quality TV channels due to good academic knowledge would not only maintain the existing customers but attract more. Physics, mathematical and electrical theories play great role in such incidences. The corporation is associated with

Geely Automobile Essay Example for Free

Geely Automobile Essay In the first part, the ECLIPTER factors including econography, culture, legal system, income profile, political risk, tax regime, exchange rate and restrictions, together with the multilateral institutions such as WTO, EU and ASEAN will be examined by using UK and Malaysia as examples. Then based on this analysis, it will provide an assessment of the company‘s overall international expansion strategy and process. In the second part, legal system and income profile, the two most important ECLIPTER factors on Geely‘ overseas operations, will be evaluated. Furthermore, the scheme which Geely used to deal with the impact of these two factors and leverage the multilateral institutions will be shown. Finally, this report will analyze whether the company‘s international adaptation of the business function is effective, and then give some recommendations and lessons. 2. ECLIPTER Factors Analysis 2. 1 Econography Econography refers to physical and human assets including distance from major markets, and natural resources of nations that affect industry performance. In the first, the close distance between parent company and foreign subsidiary can help the company to reduce the transport costs and overhead expenses; it also can improve the connection between them. If the parent company is in China, it is better to build a subsidiary in Asia such as Malaysia. Secondly, the natural resources used for making cars mainly include steel, copper, and aluminum. If the country owns rich mineral resources, it can greatly provide benefit in the production of automobiles. One of the major purposes for many multinational corporations establishing overseas subsidiaries is to exploit the foreign natural resources. This is good for companies to 5 International Business Environment II reduce production costs and get competitive advantages. As World Steel Association reported in 2009 that the crude steel production of United Kingdom is 13. 5 in 2008, whereas the crude steel production of Malaysia is 6. 1 in 2008. 2. 2 Culture This paragraph will analyze the effects of culture on auto industry through power distance index and saving rate. Firstly, power distance index measures the degree of inequality exists in a society (Hofstede, 1997). The power distance index is 80 in Malaysia whereas it is only 35 in UK (Hofstede, 2008). The unequal distribution of wealth makes most Malaysian citizens prefer to hold a commercial auto. So the inexpensive Geely auto could be a good option for them. Secondly, saving rate could be a standard to show the attitude of citizens. The saving rate of Malaysia was 47 per cent in the year 1998 which ranks second in Asia (Azia, 2004). In contrast, the saving rate in UK was significantly low, which was less than 10 percent in the past ten years. For instance, the saving rate of UK household in 2008 was only 1. 7 percent (chart 1)(Presser, 2008). So UK citizens are apt to consume a relatively high price car. Chart 1 Resource from Posser (2008) 6 International Business Environment II 2. 3 Legal system The auto industry has been affected by laws and government regulations since the 1960s. The first safety act passed in 1966 by Congress and was called the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Highfill, 2004). This act forced manufacturers to improve the safety for the passengers, the driver visibility, and the braking of the car. Not only safety, but also environment is being growingly concerned even before the oil crisis. The Vehicle Air Pollution and Control Act passed in 1965 was the first act to set standards for automobile pollution. Then in the 1970s, Congress passed the Clean Air Act that led to a 90% decrease in automobile emission within the next six years (ibid). In the 1970s the oil crisis led to the approval of The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 which stated that all automobiles must meet a certain mileage per gallon. The act required that all automobiles had to meet a standard of 20mpg by the 1980 model and then 27. 5 mpg for the 1985 model (ibid). EU 2020 growth strategy also emphasizes the importance of low carbon automobile (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 2010). There are also many special laws for auto industry in different countries, such as Malaysia, which has built a free trade area for production and assembly of products for export-oriented enterprises. Companies can enjoy the minimum tariffs, raw materials and simplified mechanical equipment import formalities. Nevertheless, the Malaysia government regulates that more than 80% products should export to other countries (Daily News, 2006). Furthermore, the UK Byers Acts Measures to cut the average price of a car by ? 1,100 and save private car buyers around ? 1 billion a year. Although it may lower the profitability of auto industry, the number of consumers will increase gradually (DTI, 2000). 2. 4 Income profile Since automobile is not inferior goods, the demand of automobile would rise when income increases. In the economic aspect, income could be an indicator of the purchasing power of individuals and nations. Data from UK national statistics office (2010) demonstrated that despite the contracted 4. 9 percent of GDP in the whole year, the GDP increased 0. 4 percent in 7 International Business Environment II the fourth quarter of 2009. Furthermore, Household expenditure also rose 0. 4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 in UK (chart2). For Malaysia, the GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 was 4. 5 though the figure was negative in the whole year (chart 3) (Malaysia statistics, 2010). It can be observed that the economy of both UK and Malaysia seem to recover from the global financial crisis. This positive signal predicts the growing demand and distensible market for Geely in both countries. Chart 2 Resource from UK statistics 2010 Chart3 Resource from Malaysia statistics 2010 8 International Business Environment II The core competitiveness of Geely automobile relies on its high performance-price ratio. Per capital GNI (Gross national income) in Malaysia was 25784 RM in 2008. By analyzing the 2004 United Nations Human Development (UNHDP) report, except the 20% population of richest and poorest class, Geely will be a better choice for the rest citizens in Malaysia(chart 4) (Lumpur, 2004). In comparison, the young people account for a great amount of population in UK. A source from HMRC shows the average income of under 20 years is ? 9,570 and 20-24 years is ? 13,200 which is below the average (chart 5). It implies that when young generation decide to buy a car, price is the first consideration factor. For medium quality car manufacture companies, young population in UK could be a potential group of customers. Chart 4 9 International Business Environment II Chart5 Median Age Band Under 20 years 20 – 24 ? 11,800 years 25 – 29 ? 17,000 years 30 -34 ? 19,500 years 35 – 39 ? 20,100 years 40-44 ? 20,200 years 45 – 49 ? 20,300 years Resource from Lumpur (2004) ? 28,600 ? 24,800 ? 35,400 ? 15,200 ? 20,100 ? 28,100 ? 24,600 ? 34,600 ? 14,900 ? 19,800 ? 26,800 ? 23,600 ? 31,700 ? 15,500 ? 20,100 ? 23,900 ? 21,600 ? 26,700 ? 16,400 ? 20,100 ? 19,300 ? 17,800 ? 20,600 ? 15,900 ? 17,800 ? 13,200 ? 12,400 ? 13,800 ? 11,200 ? 12,300 ? 8,130 ? 9,570 ? 8,490 ? 9,810 ? 7,990 ? 9,250 Median Income Mean Income Income (Men) (Men) (Women) (Women) Income Income Income Mean Median Mean 2. 5 Political risk According to Guinger (2001), political risk describes the stability of government institutions. It can be measured in a variety of ways such as likelihood of foreign aggression and civil insurrection. The Transparency International (2009) showed that UK and Malaysia both face some problems of political corruption, which adversely affects the efficiency of economic operation. World Bank estimates that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 10 International Business Environment II billion a year – an amount equivalent to 1 or 2 per cent of GDP. The corruption in the UK is lighter than Malaysia, which ranked 17, whereas Malaysia ranked 56 in world in 2009 based on Corruption Perceptions Index 2009. But the corruption in UK is not unheard. Surveys by Control Risks and Simmons Simmons show that the awareness of UK laws against foreign bribery may be decreasing over time. In 2002, after the act came into force, 68 percent of respondents said they were familiar with its main points. But in 2006, 48 percent people said that they have totally ignored it (Global Corruption Report, 2009). 2. 6 Tax Regime Tax regime refers to the tax instruments that governments use to raise revenues from multinational firms, such as corporate taxes. The tax of Malaysia is transparent, the multinational corporate must be taxed 30% of the corporate income which is just the same as Malaysia companies Marketing directory, 2005) According to the tax incentive treaties, auto ( . industry may be eligible for pioneer status which is given by the way of an abatement of 70% of the profits for five years (ibid). The remaining 30% of the profits will be taxed at the prevailing corporate income tax rate. The profits abated are exempt from tax and will be available for distribution as tax-free dividends. In UK the resident corporate tax is the lowest in Europe, even the tax is zero for the small companies in 2002(Lawandtax-news, 2010). According to the tax treaties, multinational corporate which set up, purchase or control the companies in UK can follow the resident tax (Navstar, 2009). In the ordinary course of events, foreign companies cannot follow the low corporate tax, but with regard to double taxation and the agreement between UK and China, Chinese multinational corporates in UK now pay the low tax (ibid). 2. 7 Exchange rate Stable trade policies are extremely important for both the economic welfare of the countries and the multilateral trading system. Unfortunately, the liberalization measures were adopted by many countries. As Dornbusch‘s 1976 analysis has pointed out that when the exchange rate is used to provide protection for domestic firms, it is through undervaluation. An undervalued 11 International Business Environment II exchange rate protects domestic firms from imports and gives domestic firms greater incentives to export. For example, the Balance of Payments Committee of the WTO has received 39 requests from member countries for derogations from their international obligations and for a temporary increase in temporary protection. Moreover, several developing countries, such as Malaysia, have recently increased tariffs in response to financial crises even though the higher rates remain below the rates these countries bounded in the WTO. Moreover the analysis said China has become a great auto exporter, as a result of the huge subsidies, an undervalued exchange rate and dirt-cheap credit (Swaminathan, 2009). 2. 8 Restrictions Restrictions refer to the taxes and limitations that host governments place on foreign products and services or on foreign firms themselves when they enter or leave the host economy. Because of the policy of protecting their national automobile industry, the import tax of automobile is relatively high in Malaysia. Since 2004, Malaysia began to reduce the automobile import tax: for the import components the tax is reduce from 25% to 10%, and for the whole automobile the import tax is drop from 130% to 30% for the companies outside of Southeast Asia (MEI, 2009). In 2010, according to the agreement of ASEAN, the automobile import tax will be zero to all the regions of ASEAN. UK is a member of EU, it followed the economic agreement of EU which sets no import or export tax between members of EU and they must charge the same tax when they have business with the third country (European competitiveness, 2009). 12. International Business Environment II Scoring Analysis of UK and Malaysia Country Score Econography Culture Legal System Income Profile Political Risk Tax Regime Exchange Rate Restrictions Total (10) (10) (20) (20) (10) (10) (10) (10) (100) 8 7 18 8 8 8 7 7 71 7 6 16 15 5 9 8 9 75 UK Malaysia 3. Institutions 3. 1 WTO The major objectives of WTO‘s roles are ? the creation of a common automobile market through the elimination of barriers to intra-Community trade; the maintenance and expansion of a competitive world automobile industry; the use of voluntary import restrictions to prevent cheap imports and to maintain competitiveness? (European Commission, 2006). For example, in 2006, WTO announced the establishment of a panel to examine whether Chinas tariffs on imported auto parts violate WTO trade rules, following a joint complaint made by the United States, the European Union and Canada, who accused China for its discriminatory charges on imported auto parts. After examining China‘s related regulations, WTO panel declared that Chinas regulations are inconsistent with Chinas WTO obligations. China has agreed to make the necessary regulatory changes by September 2009 (Herd, 2006). 13 International Business Environment II. WTO facilitates Geely‘s international expansion since the elimination of trade barriers has cleared its path to world market and made it integrated to the world economy. In 2002, after China joined into WTO, 100 automobiles of Geely exported to Syria (Luo, 2005). 3. 2 EU EU functions as a rule-imposer. It sets strict requirements and institute rules and regulations to improve vehicle safety. Besides the vehicle crash tests executed by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program backed by European Commission), there are also some regulations set to protect the environment. First, in order to respond to the gradual aggravation of greenhouse effect, the European commission developed a mandatory emission standard to limit the emission of one major kind of greenhouse gas, CO2. The regulation set a fleet-average CO2 emission target for passenger cars, which is 120 g/km to be reached by 2015 (European Commission, 2010). The vehicle manufacturers must reach the CO2 emission target of 130g/km, with an additional reduction of 10 g/km to be provided by supplementary measures, such as the use of hydrogen fuel. A long-term target of 95 g/km to be reached by 2020 is also established by the regulation (ibid). This regulation will take effect in 2012. From 2012 onwards, vehicle manufacturers who do not meet this target will have to pay penalty for their excess emissions. According to DieselNet (2010), from 2012 to 2018, the penalties are â‚ ¬5 per vehicle for the first g/km of CO2; â‚ ¬15 for the second gram; â‚ ¬25 for the third gram; â‚ ¬95 from the fourth gram onwards. From 2019, manufacturers will pay â‚ ¬95 for each g/km exceeding the target. Another congressional mandate imposed by European Commission requires tire pressure monitoring systems on all new cars in 2012. According to Europe‘s Information Society (2010), many road accidents resulting in fatalities and physical injuries are linked to tire defects. Furthermore, under-inflated tires can result in severely inefficient use of fuel and cause an extra two million tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere per year. So this mandate enhances vehicle safety and protects the environment. 14 International Business Environment II These regulations have incurred a rise in car prices since vehicle manufacturers are forced to increase price to offset the cost of upgrading. These regulations put Geely in an unfavorable position. Since Geely is better known for making low-tech and cheap cars, making eco-friendly cars is not included in the competencies of the company and huge RD spending is inevitable for nurturing this competence. They set a high bar for the competition and limit Geely‘s ability to expand market in Europe. 3. 3 ASEAN ASEAN – Association of South East Asia Nations is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia. China and ASEAN are both newly-emerged, rapidly-developing auto markets. Cooperation in auto industry between China and ASEAN will bring a win-win situation for the two sides and make their cars more competitive in a global competition. For instance, according to Xinhua News Agency (2006), a report released by the Ministry of Commerce Indonesia has announced that compared to the expensive Japanese sedans, the China-made ones gradually gain popularity for more favourable price-performance ratio. ASEAN country also needs investment from Chinese carmakers to expand local employment and for more price-favourable cars, said a Germany auto expert at the China-ASEAN Expo, 2006. Consequently, in general, ASEAN opens its gate to Chinese car companies including Geely to achieve a win-win situation. 4. Assessment of Geely’s overall international expansion strategy Geely‘s current international strategy is to produce affordable automobile, so the market size and consume power of a foreign market are highly valued by Geely. Malaysia automobile market resembles China more than UK, in the aspects such as the people‘s income, the similar culture, and the similar geographical position, etc. As by now most cars have been exported to some developing countries like South-East Asia, Ukraine, Russia, and Mexico, Malaysia will be good choice. Meanwhile, although UK does not represent a neighboring or ? home‘ market, 15 International Business Environment II as markets in South-East Asia do, UK could be seen as an interesting market with a potential for higher margins, higher price levels and a more mature market for branding, technology, etc, as the UK‘s income per capita, and the automobile sales volume are higher than that of Malaysia. Considering the future international development, Geely should focus on UK. Therefore, at first, it is better for Geely to develop its ? producing automobile which most of people can buy‘ strategy in Malaysia, and when Geely is able to enter high-end automobile market, UK will be a better choice. In terms of multilateral institution, after evaluating the influence of international organizations, we suggest that Malaysia is a better choice for Chinese car companies to exploit new markets. Firstly, a win-win situation guarantees a favourably corporate relationship between Geely and ASEAN (Eichengreen, 2006). Secondly, there are various quality-related requirements and constraints in EU and probably NAFTA, which puts up a strong challenge for those Asian auto makers. Moreover, by far, there is no evidence to prove the acquisition of Manganese Bronze and Volvo have considerably increased Geely‘s sale in developed nations. Thus considering the opportunities and threats faced by Geely, it is recommended that the company emphasizes on developing nations‘ markets, rather than the developed markets. 5. Marketing analysis 5. 1 Legal system According to Alistair Darling‘s pre-budget report, UK will bring new opportunities for the low-carbon industries. Through the Innovation Investment Fund and the Carbon Trusts Venture Capital scheme, UK will invest at least ? 160m in low carbon projects (Guardian, 2009). They will also invest ? 90m in the European Investment Banks new 2020 fund, which will put 6. 5 billion Euros of finance in green infrastructure projects. In this report, there are alterations to the climate change levy, company car tax, and fuel benefit charge (ibid). This is good news for Geely because now it dedicates itself to produce high-tech and eco-friendly automobile. In 16 International Business Environment II UK the amount of car tax depends on the price and the discharge amount for carbon, which is from 9% for electric motor car to 10%-35% for petrochemical car. UK also has a successful car scrappage scheme, which gives consumers a ? 2,000 discount off. If they scrap their old vehicle, it will help up to 125,000 families replace their inefficient boilers with new models (Julia, 2009). Through the government‘s support of low-carbon industry, Geely has more opportunities to innovate high-tech and eco-friendly automobile. Furthermore, because of the low tax and car scrappage scheme, customer is inclined to buy or change an electric motor car,. In 22nd March 2006, Malaysia published the new automobile policy (MEI, 2009). Since that day, the import taxes of CBU (Complete Built Unit) are reduced from 20% to 5% for the ASEAN members and 50% to 30% for other countries. The import taxes of CKD (Completely Knock Down) are 10%. In 28th October 2009, Mustafa Mohamed announced many new policies for auto industry which will give much more preferences and subsidies for the new energy automobile companies (ibid). 5. 2 Income profile It is known that the success of Geely relies mostly on keeping low cost and offering the affordable cars. For instance, Geelys best-selling four-door sedan, the King Kong, has been sold 6127 in April 2010 and the retail price is between 47,800RMB 58,800RMB (Jiang, 2010). Geely sold 329,014 passenger cars in 2009, making it is the third largest domestic car producer (Zheng, 2010). However, Geelys winning formula is under pressure in china because Chinese consumers are becoming wealthier; the higher-end models will gradually be affordable for them. Meanwhile, brands such as the Chery QQ, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Civic are threatening Geely‘s current market position. Geeky‘s winning formula is also challenged at the oversea markets like UK and Malaysia. Date from HMRC (HM Revenue Customs) indicates that nearly 50% of the population in UK earns ? 16400 annually which is much higher than the middle class income of Malaysia. This group of population could be a dominant power in the automobile market in UK. It is not a wise choice to sell its inexpensive cars in UK considering that low price would not be 17 International Business Environment II attractive for these relatively rich citizens. The similar situation also happened in Malaysia which made Geely‘s low price cars less competitive. This is because that the predicted real GDP growth in 2010, 2011 and 2015 are 4. 7%, 5. 0% and 5. 0%, Malaysian people are becoming richer than before(IMF, 2010). Their increasing incomes will directly affect their car buying choice. People nowadays prefer the higher-end models and the market share of Geely‘s lower-end models are estimated to reduce gradually. 6. Geely’s reacts to the impact of the ECLIPTER First, since the middle of 2009, the sales of car exports decreased from 37940 in 2008 to 6297. Furthermore, although Geely exports to more than 50 countries, most of them are developing countries which are not so effective in the promotion of the brand image. In order to get rid of low-end image, Geely changed its strategy from ?produce automobile which most of people can buy‘ to ? do not produce cars which price is below 40000 Yuan‘ (Fang, 2009). Besides, Geely take over Volvo which also expressed its desire to promote the brand image. Geely‘s strategy changes starts in May 2007, which is focus on transforming its competitive advantage from price to technology. In 2007, Geely used three new motorcycle type—Yuan Jing, King Kong and Zi You Jian, which have relatively higher value added to substitute the Haoqing, Meiri and You Liou. For doing that, Geely scraped its old molds, jigs and production line which worth up to 8 billion Yuan. In 2008, the sales of these three new auto types grew 12% without discount marketing strategy (Geely annual report, 2009). Furthermore, in 2010, Geely will market 21 new auto types, and some of them were designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, the Italy‘s famous auto manufacturer. Moreover, the new energy auto will also be produced in 2010, which will include Panda and DiHao (Wenqing, 2010). These new energy auto types have been showed in the Beijing car exhibition 2010 (Phoenix auto, 2010). In order to deal with these two factors, Geely also has a complementary strategy: cooperate or takeover other well-known international auto manufacturers. It will not only help Geely to promote its auto manufacture technology, but also improve its brand image. Geely has already cooperated with 18 International Business Environment II Britain‘s Manganese Bronze to produce luxurious brand-named taxi (China car Times, 2010) and assembled cars with Information Gateway Corp Sdn Bhd (IGC) in Malaysia, 2006 (Tan, 2006). 7. Leverage the multilateral institutions 7. 1 ASEAN One of the stunning news in 2005 was the political barriers Geely met in Malaysia, which was considered as the biggest challenge for its overseas expansion so far. Geely‘s President Li Shufu described Malaysia as ? an unexpected trap? because of Malaysia government‘s rejection on fulfilling the contract. After examining the ECLIPTER factors of Malaysia market, Li Shufu and his team regarded Malaysia as the first pillbox and cornerstone of its expansion to ASEAN countries. He believed the learning in Malaysia could be helpful. Therefore, in May 2005, Geely has made a joint contract with Malaysia IGC group for building CKD factory in Malaysia. However, Malaysia government denied the contract after a new document on automobile being published. According to the document, all cars made by foreign automobile manufacturers were prohibited to sell in Malaysia. Then the situation in Malaysia went against its expection of getting a huge sale. However, according to Geely officials, to some extent, ASEAN agreements have made Geely to reconsider the importance of Malaysia (Harwit). In South East Asia nations, there are some strict tariff-related regulations for automobile industry. Contrarily, tariff among ASEAN countries is in a minimum rate. According to an inner-ASEAN agreement, from 2003 to 2009, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore and Vietnam exempted auto import tariff for each other. From 2010, all ASEAN countries will implement zero auto import tariff for each other. At the same time, Indonesia, Thailand and some other ASEAN nations‘ demand of cars is increasing considerably (JAMA, 2008). Especially after an impressive increase in 2007, the car-sale in Indonesia becomes significantly dazzle. Therefore Geely 19 International Business Environment II planed to only manufacture cars in Malaysia and then export cars to other ASEAN countries, which seems like a forward-looking plan in a long-term development. Finally, Geely decided to move its Malaysia CKD manufacture center to Indonesia. However, its vision of leveraging ASEAN to pursue a sale performance in all ASEAN nations has not changed. 7. 2 EU In terms of EU regulations, since Geely has acquired 100% ownership of Volvo, the Sweden‘s company, Geely is no longer an outsider of European market. According to the EU Single market concept (European Commission, 2010), a free circulation of capital, labor, goods and services between EU members is granted. Geely now have got over tariff barriers and competes as an insider. 8. Implications and Recommendations One of the strategies of Geely is to promote new energy automobile, there are two advantages for this strategy: Firstly, Geely can get powerful support from government since the development of new energy is encouraged by the government. Secondly, since new energy automobile is environmental friendly goods, it not only reduces the carbon emissions, but also decreases the expenses on routine maintenance (Bond newspaper, 2010). However, there are also drawbacks, such as the inadequate facilities. Acquiring other world famous bands is the other strategy of Geely, which facilitates the company‘s global expansion. For instance, Volvo is well-known by its safety, which could provide Geely with a competitive advantage on its brand trust. It also provides a valuable, more upscale user image. Therefore, through merger or acquisition of international well-known brands, Geely can get greater international fame and advanced technology, integrate into the world market and attract more consumers. However, certain risks should be considered when Geely acquires Volvo. The first risk is that the culture conflicts between two countries. It has been reported that one of the hindering factors is that the union of Volvo in Sweden disagrees the acquisition for their reduced 20 International Business Environment II welfare and unemployment (Gasgoo, 2009). The second risk is that the value of acquired equity. It has been said that Volvo‘s vaunted reputation for safety has been challenged by other manufacturers which can also provide automobiles with same safety standard. In this case Volvo‘s ? safe? advantage may not be as competitive as before. 9. Conclusion To sum up, this essay has analyzed the ECLIPTER factors of Geely‘s two overseas markets, Britain and Malaysia, and examined influence of the related multilateral institutions. According to this matrix analysis, legal system and income profile have the most important impact on the auto industry. For multilateral institutions, ASEAN and WTO generally promote the Geely‘s international expansion strategy, while EU regulations are less favored in its expansion. Considering both ECLIPTER factors and related multilateral institutions, it is suitable for Geely to enter developing nations to acquire market share at its initial development. But for long-term development, Geely need to pay attention to research and develop higher-end models. With the development of Geely Company and the overall auto industry, Geely‘s focus will shift from developing countries to developed countries. Currently, Geely‘s low price strategy is challenged by the legal system and income profile of developed countries. Therefore, Geely is increasing its efforts in releasing new model cars and tapping into developed countries through merger or acquisition. Geely intends to promote its brand image and enlarge its market share through these strategic moves, although it has to face the risk of culture conflicts and the uncertainty of acquisition value. 21 International Business Environment II 10. References: Azia, A. Z. (2004) Malaysia-Encouraging Saving in a Dynamic Economy [Online]. Available at: h.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing in Business

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing in Business INTRODUCTION A proceeding stream of information technology innovations is changing the customary business world. Samples incorporate the rise of distributed computing, the development of a portable computerized business stage dependent upon cell phones and netbook machine and not slightest, the utilization of informal communities by directors to attain business goals. The vast majority of these progressions have happened in the last few years. All the while, some old or customary organizations are, no doubt devastated while new organizations are springing up. Data frameworks are establishment for directing business today. In numerous streamlined, survival and even presence is troublesome without far reaching utilization of data engineering. Organizations use data frameworks to accomplish significant targets like playing point and regular preference. KEY IT TERMS Cloud Computing Definitions â€Å"A computing environment where software and storage are provided as an Internet service and are assessed with a Web Browser.†(Factual Definition) In my own words, cloud computing is defined as a Web-based application that are stored on remote servers and accessed via the cloud of the internet using a standard Web browser. Cloud Computing refers to a modal of computing in which firms and individuals obtain computing resources and software applications over the internet which is also referred to as the cloud. Hundreds of thousands computers are located in cloud data centers where they can be accessed by desktop computers, notebooks, netbooks and other client machines linked to the internet. Companies like EBay, Amazon, Dell and HP work tremendously; versatile distributed computing focuses that give processing force, information stockpiling and rapid Internet associations with firms that need to keep up their IT frameworks remotely. Based on my IT knowledge, organizations using cloud computing generally do not own the infrastructure; they do not have to make huge investments in their own hardware and software. Instead, they purchase their computing services from remote providers and pay only for the amount of computing power they actually use or are billed on a monthly or annual subscription basis. Advantages and Drawbacks The strength of cloud computing imply that association can depend all the more on telework, remote work and conveyed choice making. This same stage methods firms can outsource more work and depend on businesses as opposed to representative to construct esteem. It likewise implies that organizations can team up with suppliers and clients to make new items or make existing items all the more effectively. Besides that, cloud computing platform emerges as a major business area of innovation. A flexible collection of computers on the internet begins to perform tasks traditionally performed on corporate computers. Every advantage has its disadvantages, therefore cloud computing has some drawbacks. Unless users make provisions for storing their data locally, the responsibility of data storage and control is in the hands of the providers. Some companies worry about the security risks related to entrusting their critical data and system to an outside vendor that also works with other companies. Companies expect their systems to be available 24/7 and 365 days and do not want to suffer any loss of business capability if their infrastructure if their IT infrastructure malfunction. For instance, when Amazon’s cloud went down in July 2008, subscribers were unable to use their system for eight hours. Another limitation of cloud computing is the possibility of making users dependent on the cloud computing provider. Latest Cloud Trending Cloud computing has encountered exponential development throughout the last few years. As of December 2013, very nearly 60 percent of current small-to-medium businesses (SMB) utilization cloud administrations, and 72 percent of these organizations virtualize generous bits of their servers. The development is just anticipated that will expand throughout the following few years. Here are simply a couple of the real present patterns in the business today. Hybrid clouds- Hybrid clouds mists offer a framework that consolidates private cloud security with savvy, capable and adaptable open cloud qualities. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)- Platform-as-a-service solutions empower business to decrease their IT expenses while expanding requisition advancement through more productive testing and improvement routines. Mobile-Cloud Computing- Growth of Mobile Cloud Computing is the latest trend among smartphones users because it’s cost-effective and less time consuming. Mobile commerce Definition â€Å"The use of mobile, wireless devices to place orders and conducts business† (factual definition) In my own words, Mobile Commerce is defined as the use of wireless devices, such as hand phones or handheld digital information appliances, to conduct both business-to-consumer and business-to-business electronic commerce transaction over the internet. Based on my understanding on m-commerce, is the fastest growing type of Business-to-Consumer e-commerce although it represent only a small part of all e-commerce. In 2013, there were an estimated 5 billion hand phones subscribers worldwide with highest users are from China and United States. Portable business provisions have taken off for administrations that one time-basic, that speak to individuals moving or that finish an undertaking more productively than different systems. M-commerce is especially popular in Japan, South Korea and other countries with strong broadband infrastructures. For instance, banking and financial services. Banks and credit cards companies are rolling out services that let customers manage their accounts from their mobile devices. Maybank and Public Bank in Malaysia allows their customers to use their smartphones to check account balances, transfer funds and pay bills that makes the life of consumers easier and better. Uses of M-commerce M-commerce is particularly appropriate for area based requisitions, for example, discovering neighborhood lodgings and restaurants, overseeing nearby activity and climate, and giving customized area based showcasing. Hand phones and handhelds are constantly utilized for portable bill installment, keeping money, securities exchanging, transportation timetable redesigns, and downloads of computerized substance, for example, music, recreations, and feature cuts. M-commerce obliges remote entryways and exceptional computerized installment frameworks that can deal with micropayments. M-commerce used as Entertainment Latest emerging smartphones like Samsung, High Tech Computer (HTC), IPhone and Blackberry are quickly turning portable entertainment platforms. Mobile phones services offer downloadable digital games, music and ringtones. More and more handset models combine the features of a cell phone and a portable music player. Users of broadband services from the major wireless vendors can download on-demand video clips, news clips and weather clips. For instance, Astro-on-the-go, Astro IPTV, and MyHyApp TV offered by Astro; features live TV programs, including Fox Sports and Fox Movies. Besides that, film companies are starting to produce shorts films explicitly designed to play on mobile phones. User-generated content is also appearing in mobile-form. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and other social networking sites have versions for mobile devices. M-Commerce Trending The most compelling motivation for this enormous uptick in portable trade is the sheer number of individuals now furnished with cell phones and tablets. Yet there are some paramount ways retailers are likewise driving and saddling the versatile business blast. Local(Malaysia) – â€Å"Duriana†, a new Malaysian mobile marketplace app, surpasses the 110,000 listing mark on their platform with 80% of those listings coming from their Malaysian platform after only six short weeks in the market (Business Insider). Foreign Country- ‘EBay India launches initiative to promote mobile commerce’. Famous e-commerce website EBay launches mobile commerce in India in order to increase their revenue. Machine cycle Definition â€Å"The instruction phase followed by the execution phase†. In my own words, Machine Cycle usually called fetch-and-execute cycle, fetch-decode-execute cycle, is the fundamental operation cycle of a computer. It is the procedure by which a machine recovers a system direction from its memory, figures out what movements the guideline requires, and completes those activities. This cycle is rehashed persistently by the central processing unit (CPU), from boot up to when the monitor is closed down. Steps of Machine Cycle The steps performed by the computer processor for each one machine dialect direction gained. The machine cycle is a 4 procedure cycle that incorporates reading and interpreting the machine language, executing the code and then storing that code. Therefore, the four steps of machine cycle are as follows:- Fetching the instruction the computer peruses the following project guideline to be executed and any important information into the processor. Decode the instruction- The guideline is decoded and went to the proper processor execution unit. During decoding, the retrieved instruction is translated into a series of computer commands. Execute instruction- The equipment component, now naturally bolstered with a direction and information, does the guideline. Store results- The results that are obtained via information are stored in registers or memory. The time it takes to complete the execution phase (Steps 3 and Steps 4) is called the Execution time or commonly known as E-Time (coated from the text book). Overall Summary of Machine Cycle Each time the CPU executes an instruction, it takes a series of steps. The complete arrangement of steps is known as a machine cycle. A machine cycle could be isolated into two more diminutive cycles. These are instruction cycle and execution cycle. Management Information System (MIS) Definition â€Å"An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that provides routine information to managers and decision makers†. In my own words, Management Information System (MIS) is defined as the study of information system focusing on their use in business and management. The term management information system (MIS) also indicates a specific class of information systems serving middle management. Middle manager needs systems to help monitoring, controlling, decision-making and administrative activities. Therefore, management information system (MIS) will provide the middle managers with reports on the organization’s current performance. This information is used to monitor and control the business and predict the future performance of the company and the employees. Besides that, management information system summarize and report on the company’s basic operation using data supplied by Transaction Process System (TPS). TPS and MIS relation In the system illustrated by this diagram, three TPS supply summarized transaction data to the MIS reporting system at the end of the time period. Managers gain access to the organizational data through the MIS, which provides them with the appropriate reports. In my own words, based on the diagram, the basic transaction data from Transaction Processing System (TPS) are summarized and compressed to the Management Information System (MIS) at the end of the time period. Today the typical Management Information System (MIS) changes transaction level information from stock, preparation and bookkeeping into Management Information System (MIS) documents that are utilized to give middle managers with accurate reports. The information obtained helps middle managers in decision making process. New in Management Information System Management information system is the most exciting topic in business because of the continual change in technology, management use the technology and their impact of business. New business and industrial appear and old ones decline and successful firms are those that learn how to use the new technologies. Besides that, IPhones and BlackBerrys are not just gadgets or entertainment outlets. They represent new emerging computing platforms based on an array of new hardware and software technologies. More and more business registering is moving from Pcs and desktop machines to these mobile devices. Managers are progressively utilizing these gadgets to arrange work, speak with representatives and give data to choice making. We call these developments the emerging mobile platform. All in all, most MIS use simple routines, such as summaries and comparisons as opposed to sophisticated mathematical models or statistical techniques. (Coated from text-book) Near Field Communication (NFC) Definition â€Å"A very short-range wireless connectivity technology designed for cell phones and credit cards. In my own words, Near Field Communication is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology that empowers the trade of information between gadgets over around a 10 cm separation. Mobile technologies are creating new efficiencies and ways of working throughout the enterprise. In addition to the wireless system, I defined above, wireless frequency identification systems and wireless sensor networks are having a major impact. The most paramount advantage of Near Field Communication is NFC establishes a peer to peer network between 2 or more devices. NFC is an upgrade of the existing â€Å"Proximity Card Standard (RFID)† that joins the interface of a smartcard and an onlooker into a solitary gadget. It permits clients to flawlessly impart content between computerized gadgets, pay bills remotely or even utilize their cellphone as an electronic voyaging ticket on existing contactless foundation officially being used for open transportation. Advantages and disadvantages of NFC Advantages- â€Å"Near Field Communication (NFC)† has a significant advantage over Bluetooth which is the shorter set-up time. As opposed to performing manual arrangements to distinguish Bluetooth gadgets, the association between two NFC gadgets is made without a moments delay under a 1/10 second. Besides that, because of its shorter range, NFC gives a higher level of security than Bluetooth and makes NFC suitable for packed ranges where correlating a signal with its transmitting physical gadget and by amplification, its client may might otherwise prove impossible. Disadvantages- The disadvantage of â€Å"Near Field Communication (NFC) is it is too costly. Because of it, NFC is an unmanageable innovation and smaller organizations may not have any desire to hazard putting resources into NFC on the grounds that it is difficult to measure the extra benefit with NFC. â€Å"It might be costly for businesses to change the way they run their company, for example hiring NFC technicians and additional customer service to handle these tap go transactions (Business Insider). Systems analysis Definition â€Å"The system development phase involving the study of existing and work processes, to identify strengths, weakness and opportunities for improvement†. In my own words, System Analysis is defined as the analysis of a problem that the organization will try to solve with an information system. Explanation of System Analysis The above diagram illustrates the problem-solving process to system building. Therefore, the four steps we would need to take are defining and understanding the problem, develop alternative solutions, choose the best solution and implement the solution. Before a problem can be solved, it first must be properly defined. Parts of the associations must concur that an issue really exists and that it is not kidding. The issue must be researched with the goal that it could be better caught on. In the information systems world, they have for these activities, therefore concluding the first three problem-solving steps where we identify the problem, gather information, devise the alternative solutions and we make decision about the best solution is what we call System Analysis.

Access Control System Project Plan

Access Control System Project Plan Brian Jerozal   Project Scope Statement The project of installing an access control system in a dormitory is requirement which is coming from the Board of directors of college. Scope of the project is to develop a system which ensure the authorized access in to the dormitory and record all the activities which are taking place at the door of dormitory in order to identify the potential threat who is trying to get the unauthorized access in to the dormitory. For getting entry, user authentication will be requiring which will take place when register person will use his/her issued identification card against the electronic proximity reader. This project is big step form collage to ensure the security at the campus. Project goals is to implementing an access control system (ACS) in a dormitory by integrating an electronic proximity reader, application which will handle this device and will do verification of user form created database and the existing security camera who will monitor all the activities and will record them in order to ensure the secure access to the dormitory. Deliverable of this project will be the video footage of dormitory access activity and overall working system. The student or appropriate personnel will have three opportunities to open the entryway if the client neglects to open the entryway on the third endeavor then the alert will go off. The ACS will likewise be intended to permit the security chairman to make changed for the ACS operations. These progressions will be the camera positions setting the caution time and setting the time the quarters entryways will bolt. The gadget utilizes a reception apparatus curl to control the RFID tag implanted in the understudy ID c ard which peruses the actuate reaction from the card. The reaction is then separated and controlled into helpful information and deciphered by the security program. This procedure cautions the manager PC by means of serial line and hyper term. In the event that the card is perused and it is not in the code database a red LED flashes for three seconds. A dedicated team of 5 resources will be assigned for this project. Overall project cost including the hardware devices is $15,000. Total duration of project is 3 weeks. First team has to show an internal demo of this project and then final representation of project will be done in the presence of board members of college at the time of project delivery. Five Major Task with Subtasks Task 1 Installing the Electronic Proximity Reader Fixing the proximity reader at the door Doing all the required connection with the door locks In this tasks need is to implement physical reader at the door. Requirement is to do all the connection with the door also, so that door can be controller for lock and unlock process. Task 2 Development of Access control authorization application Development of the application which will do the verification in Java Intergradations of the Application with the proximity reader device Develop an application in java which will be able to fetch from database and will get the identification detail form reader and will match them. On successful match, it will send the information to control panel to unlock the door. Task 3 Creation of database Maintaining a database of all the members and their identification card Accessing Database with the Application Need is to create a data base of college which will have all the information about identification in the form of relation tables. Add functionality in the application to get the data from Database. Task 4 Application development for Handling Security Camera Application development for handling camera movement and to handling recording process Storing all the video to a shared location which requires secure access Add functionally to handle the camera and its movement forms the application whenever some user comes at door and uses reader to get entry. Store all the recorded video at particular location Task 5 Integration of Complete system with security camera system Implementing the interface between camera and application    Overall system testing after the integration for complete process Create interface between panels and integrate the entire component. Test manually complete functionally and video stored by security camera. Gantt Chart illustrating the project Tasks System diagram of Application References Benantar, M. (2006). Access control systems: security, identity management and trust models. doi: 10.1007/0-387-27716-1 Norman, T. L. (2011). Electronic access control. Retrieved January 26, 2017, from https://books.google.com/books?id=TmRRTfAPfdYCprintsec=frontcoversource=gbs_ge_summary_rcad=0#v=onepageqf=false Rosenblatt, H. J. (2014). Systems Analysis and Design, 10th Edition. [Strayer University Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://strayer.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781337003186/

The Representation of Miss Emily as an Extended Metaphor in Faulkner’s

The Representation of Miss Emily as an Extended Metaphor in Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily The short story, A Rose for Emily, took place in the southern town of Jefferson sometime in the beginning of the twentieth century. One could say that Miss Emily lived and died under certain circumstances that could compare to how the Confederacy lived and died as a result of the Civil War. Miss Emily could represent an extended metaphor for the Old South and its traditions and customs. Faulkner wrote her character and her appearance, the town, her relationship with the world, and even her home, to reflect the social background of the Old South, as defined as the time period between the Colonial Era and Reconstruction. Emily is a person that with her growing age she has been able set into the way...

A Short History Of The Blues Essay -- Music, Blues, Communication, Ni

The late 19th century marked a great deal of change in the United States as well as the rest of the world. World war one had begun and reeked great havoc on the entire world. Nikola Tesla and the fathers of communications had made major scientific breakthroughs in the communications field and modern radio programming was right around the corner. Slavery had been abolished for over thirty years but segregation was still an enormous factor amongst the African-American people in the U.S. One of the most segregated states in the entire country, Mississippi, was on the brink of one of the most influential forms of modern music that the world had ever seen or heard: the blues. What the blues did for music is reflective in almost every piece of modern music heard throughout the world today. From rock and roll to country music, all the way to hip hop, the blues is deep down inside shining like a beautiful light that makes that music glow forever. Weather a person is happy or sad, compa ssionate or indifferent; the blues will always be there to light the way. Right at the turn of the century a man by the name of W.C. Handy was about to stumble upon a sound that would change the world of music forever. The year was 1903. The summer sun was beating down ferociously and a man named William Christopher Handy, who happened to be catching a train heading north, found himself in a town called Tutwiler Mississippi which lies smack-dab in the middle of the Mississippi delta between Clarksdale Mississippi and Greenwood Mississippi. Handy, a former bandleader of â€Å"a black orchestra that mostly plays dance music and popular standards of the day, is a learned musician who understands theory and the conventions of good, respectable music’’ sudden... ... America the civil rights movement had begun and a new type of blues called soul music was introduced. Traditional country blues was making its way into college towns and it was only a matter of time before electric blues would follow. As the fifties came to a close, the most musically influential time period in the history of popular music, the sixties, would come roaring in with bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimmie Hendrix all of which were heavily influenced by the blues. After the 1960’s through the seventies and the eighties the blues and its wonderful history would help to shape almost every form of modern music. In 2002 the United States Congress passed a resolution making 2003 â€Å"the year of the blues.† Without the development of the great pioneers of the blues genre music would be in a totally different place, as we know it today.

The History of the Roman Government Essay -- Ancient Rome Governmental

The History of the Roman Government The Romans have had almost every type of government there is. They've had a kingdom, a republic, a dictatorship, and an empire. Their democracy would be the basis for most modern democracies. The people have always been involved with and loved their government, no matter what kind it was. They loved being involved in the government, and making decisions concerning everyone. In general, the Romans were very power-hungry. This might be explained by the myth that they are descended from Romulus, who's father was Mars, the god of war. Their government loving tendencies have caused many, many civil wars. After type of government, the change has been made with a civil war. There have also been many civil wars between rulers. But it all boils down to wanting to be involved in government. When the Greeks finally entered Troy after ten long years of siege, a man named Aeneas escaped the city with his father, Anchises, and his son, Ascanius. They went to Mt. Ida, where they were to meet Aeneas' wife, Creusa, but she never showed up. Saddened, Aeneas acquired a boat and sailed around the Mediterranean. He bounced around from Asia Minor to Greece to Crete looking for a place to found a new Troy, but he couldn't find a satisfactory place. As told by Homer in the Aeneid, Aeneas was cared for by the gods. Venus, in particular, was very worried about him. She asked Jupiter, king of the gods about him, and he said this: "Since you are so consumed with anxiety for Aeneas, I shall turn forward far The hidden pages of fate and speak of the future. He shall conduct a great campaign for you. And conquer all Italy and its haughty peoples. He shall impose laws on his own people. And build walled cities for them; the third summer Shall see him rule in Latium, the third winter Of warfare see the Rutulians [an Italian tribe] subdued. But his son Ascanius... It is he who shall consolidate your power-For thirty years with all their turning months; Then shall he move his capital from Lavinium To Alba Longa, which he shall fortify To the uttermost; and there a line of kings... Shall reign and reign till Ilia [Rhea Silvia], a priestess Of royal blood, bear twins begotten by Mars; And one of these, Romulus, fostered by a she-wolf, And joyfully wearing her tawny hide, shall rule And found a city for Mars, a new city, And call his people Romans, af... ...es are Republic, styled after the Romans. The Romans are probably the most influential people of all-time. Works Cited Actium, Battle of. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed. Adcock, F. E. Roman Political Ideas and Practice. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 1959. Asimov, Isaac. The Roman Republic. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1966. Burrell, Roy. The Romans. Oxford: Oxford University, 1991. Caesar. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed. Caesar, Gaius Julius. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed. Gibson, Elke. Personal Interview. 19 March 1997. Nardo, Don. The Roman Republic. San Diego: Lucent, 1994. "The Reforms of Diocletian and Constantine." CIS: Research and Education (16 March 1997). Republic. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed. Rise of Rome (753-44 BC). Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed. "Rome, Ancient - the Empire." CIS: http://isdup/menu/133.html; Research and Education, Academic American Encyclopedia; Grolier's (16 March 1997) . Rome, History of. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed. Sabines. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed.

Research on alcoholic beverages Essay

In this research document I am going to discuss a couple of things concerning the packaging and marketing of alcoholic beverages, then I am going to discuss the target audience of the alcohol industry. there are many rules concerning the packaging and marketing of alcohol in South-Africa, this is due to the fact that we have a lot of car accidents and acts of violence connected to the consumption as evident in the Gauteng liquor policy. According to euromonitor.com the biggest trend at this stage in South Africa is Sustainability not only among manufactures but also among consumers more and more people are becoming more environmentally aware, and this leads to innovation of packaging solutions for the future. Another notable thing that is mentioned on euromonitor. com is that there is more detailed segmentation of international and locally produced products are being applied , stimulating our economic growth in the local alcohol industry. According to ttb. gov the only requirements for the packaging of alcohol in south africa is that it should include the name of the product where it was made and special instructions and warnings and as far as the rest of my research shows it is also a requirement to state on the product that it is not for sale to persons under the age of 18 accept for that there seems to be little constraints concerning the packaging of alcohol. Packaging of products that we produce in south africa sometimes has to relate to international standards due to the fact that we want to export our products but when it comes to advertising alcoholic drinks in south africa there is a couple of things I have to mention. According to the Gauteng liquor policy advertising alcohol increases the amount of alcohol consumed this is a hot debate at this current moment as there are people contesting against the current laws (Gauteng liquor policy, (2011) [pdf]. This shows that the rules regarding advertisement of alcoholic beverages will increase with time, keeping that in mind can be useful in the future regarding the marketing plans that companies that produce alcoholic beverages set up for the future. According to an article – the cost of harmful alcohol abuse in South-Africa; harmful alcohol use is very high in south africa and its stated that it is one of the main risk factors for poor health in South-Africa (http://www. ara. co. za) The target audience for alcoholic beverages is all people that are older than 18 due to law restrictions, the majority of adult do consume alcohol and thus the target audience is quite big the income level of the consumers of alcohol is very diverse but when it comes to specialized products like craft beer for instance the market is much more directed at the upper class, where there is cheaper alternatives for lower income classes. The target audience of alcohol is dependent on the personality of the brand due to the fact that consumers relate to brands and make their choices according to how they would like to portray themselves amongst other individuals. According to Craig Berman the people that drink the most are young men and he also states that men tend to drink more than woman, this is why so manny of the existing companies directly target younger men. (C. Berman 2012 chron . com) Sports fans are also a great target for the alcohol industry due to the fact that men and woman enjoy drinking whilst being entertained by sporting events. The alcohol industry is known for advertising by sponsoring sporting events sport teams and so forth, and in some cases the fans of sponsored teams are just as big fans of the alcohol brand that sponsors their team. So in conclusion the Target audience for alcohol is quite a wide group of individuals but mostly consists out of younger men aged between 18 and 49 and sports fans are also a big hit , the regulations in south africa concerning he packaging is not too strict but one still has to comply to some rules concerning warnings and so forth, the market is very specific and very segmented into various target audiences and lastly the biggest trend in South-Africa’s alcohol industry is focusing on sustainability . Reference list Craig Berman http://smallbusiness. chron. com/largest-target-markets-alcohol-advertising-66914. html http://www. ttb. gov/itd/southafrica. shtml http://www. euromonitor. com/alcoholic-drinks-packaging-in-south-africa/report http://www. ara. co. za/industry-tips/code-of-conduct http://www. ara. co. za/uploads/ban-on-alcohol-advertising/economic-impact-of-an-adban_econometrix_ara_chapter3. pdf.