Thursday, November 28, 2019

Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses

Table of Contents Introduction Quantification Arguments in favor of a property tax break Arguments against a property tax break Suggestion resolution Conclusion Reference List Introduction Property tax rates are an essential source of revenues for the majority of local governments which ensure their local fiscal autonomy. The procedures of determining the property tax rates are complicated and extremely important for the functioning of the internal financial administration in general.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In most cases, the property tax rates are calculated based on the market value of the property. However, in particular cases, due to the specifics of the situation, this method can be inappropriate. This paper will analyze the complex process of quantification of property tax rates for the owners of Habi tat for Humanity houses, detect the main inconsistencies in the current procedures, provide two arguments in favor of giving this category of taxpayers with a tax break and two arguments opposing this decision and offer a resolution for the existing problem. Quantification The property tax bills received by taxpayers combine some rates imposed by different jurisdictions and can be compared to a layer cake. Similarly, the process of quantification of the property taxes paid by the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses in a particular municipality is somewhat complicated and depends upon a wide array of influential factors. The rate of property taxes is defined by property tax administration, consisting of the property assessors determining the value of parcels, the local bodies responsible for evaluating the amounts of money which are needed for the budgets of particular jurisdictions and should be taken from the property tax revenues, auditors calculating the property tax rates for different authorities and treasurers collecting the taxes and distributing them among the corresponding governments. One of the primary goals of the property tax administration is to measure property value and adjust it to the taxpayers’ capability to pay the tax. Market value is the commonly accepted standard used for appraising the property (Mikesell, 2010, p. 496). Market value can be defined as the price at which the property could be sold in a competitive and open market. Therefore, the quantification of property taxes paid by owners of Habitat for Humanity houses in a particular municipality depends upon the market value of these houses and the decisions made by the local jurisdictions.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, taking into account the specifics of the Habitat for Humanity programs in which partner families from vulnerable categories of popul ation are selected and then take part in building and/or restoring the houses they will live in and receive zero-interest mortgages for buying these houses, it can be stated that there is a substantial deviation of the acquisition price from the market value. Arguments in favor of a property tax break Taking into account the inconsistency in the current system of determining the real property taxes paid by the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses due to which the property taxes become an overwhelming burden which can tax people of their homes, it can be stated that a property tax break is required for adjusting the tax rates to the house owners’ capability to pay. The first argument for developing the appropriate tax break programs for the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses is the deficiency in the procedures of measuring the tax breaks. The use of the standard of the market value based on the principle of possibility to use the property for different purposes for determining the tax rates for this category of taxpayers is inappropriate. Because of the deed restrictions preventing the owners of this property from selling their houses or getting home equity loans before their 20-year mortgages are fully paid. Therefore, the principle of the potential use of this property for profit is excluded because of the deed restrictions and the market value is not related to the case of the Habitat for Humanity houses. The second argument for establishing a tax break for the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses is the patent unfairness of the current system of determining the tax rate for this category of property taxpayers. The existing provisions contradict the constitutional requirement for equal protection. Taking into account the fact that the initial objectives of the Habitat for Humanity program were to provide the low-income categories of the population with opportunities to buy affordable houses, it can be stated that the tax system contra dicts the main principle of this program. It understates the efforts of the Habitat for Humanity (20 year zero-interest mortgages) and hundreds of hours of ‘sweat equity’ the owners spent on building work due to which the residents received an opportunity to buy houses at the cost significantly different from their market value.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Arguments against a property tax break Regardless of the apparent deficiency in the current tax system determining the property tax rates for the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses, the application of a property tax break for this category of taxpayers can have some negative implications. The first argument against giving a property tax break to owners of Habitat for Humanity houses is the potential inconsistency in the tax administration func tioning as a result of such a decision (Schick, 2000, p. 151). The property tax is the source of revenues used by the local jurisdictions for financing the schools. Consequently, the reduction of the property laws in particular spheres can result in deficits of school financing (Mikesell, 2010, p. 485). Therefore, a property tax break given to a specific category of taxpayers can lead to the imbalance of budgets and deficits in certain expenditures covered at the expense of particular tax revenues. The second argument against giving a tax break to the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses is the destruction of uniformity and the possibility of imposing different tax rates for similarly situated individuals. Tax breaks result in the gradual erosion of  the integrity of general taxes, which in their turn have some negative consequences. Rubin (2009) stated that tax breaks result in a reduction of revenues and require cutting back spending, searching for alternative sources of revenu es or permitting constant budget deficits (p. 68). Additionally, the tax break for the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses can produce the impression of unequal treatment of equals upon other low-income citizens. It can encourage different low-income categories of population to look for the opportunities to reduce their tax payments, further erosion of the integrity of the tax system and budget deficits. Suggestion resolution As can be seen from the case under analysis, the current property taxes based upon the market value of property overburden the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses and should be reconsidered.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Taking into account the fact that the owners of these houses pay higher taxes than their mortgage payoffs and some of them have to leave their homes because of the high fees, it can be stated that there are significant inconsistencies in the current tax system. Analyzing possible negative implications of giving a tax break to this category of taxpayers, it can be stated that a substantial reform instead of local measures are required for improving the existing situation. One of the possible solutions which can be suggested for adjusting the property taxes to the owners’ capability to pay is to change the procedures of determining the tax rates and using the acquisition-value assessment instead of the market value standard. Additionally, changes need to be made in the ordinary appraisal procedures, which assume that an owner can use the property for different for-profit purposes. Therefore, it is recommended to take into account the specifics of the case of the owners of Habit at for Humanity houses, including the circumstances under which they receive this property and the restrictions in use of these houses imposed by Habitat for Humanity. Generally speaking, analyzing the case of the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses, it can be stated that the acquisition value assessment procedure can be an effective alternative to the commonly used property tax rates based upon the market value of property in determining the property tax rates for low-income property holders. Conclusion Bearing in mind the importance of property taxes as a source of revenues for the local fiscal administration and taking a close look at the principles of taxation of the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses, it can be concluded that a resolution of the existing problem is not an easy one. Though the inconsistency in the existing procedures of determining the tax rates contradicts disregards the specifics of the situation of the holders of Habitat for Humanity houses, a tax break for this category of taxpayers can have several negative implications. Therefore, more fundamental changes in determining the property tax rates are needed, and using the acquisition-value assessment instead of the market value standard can be one of the possible resolutions. Reference List Mikesell, J. L. (2010). Fiscal administration: Analysis and applications for the public sector  (8th ed.: 2010 custom edition). Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning. Rubin, I.S. (2009). The politics of public budgeting: Getting and spending; borrowing and  balancing (6th ed.). Washington, DC: CQ Press. Schick, A. (2000). The federal budget: Politics, policy, process. Washington, DC: Brrokings Institution. This case study on Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses was written and submitted by user Korbin Banks to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Free Essays on Affects Of Divorce On Children

Divorce is becoming an ever present problem in the developing world. Most societies accept the fact that where there is marriage there is divorce, and ours is no different. When one thinks of divorce they no longer think of torn families and broken promises, but lawsuits and child support. Statistics show that in the United States, one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. These climbing rates are alarming. They suggest a divorce epidemic in society today. This epidemic brings upon new economic problems such as the increasing number of single mothers on welfare, but the real concern should be focused on the children involved. Research has looked into the effects divorce has on child and it has been statically proven that a failed marriage brings upon a noticeable affect on the child involved. For many children, the news that their parents are splitting up comes as a complete surprise. Many parents fail to explain to their children what is happening, either because they are too upset, or to relieved to notice the child’s perspective. Many parents are also unequipped to handle the psychological aspects, often treating all children the same despite age. The fact of the matter is age often determines how divorce will affect the kids. Very young children, under the age of three, often don’t understand what is going on. Those a bit older often feel they are to blame, and are afraid of losing the other parent. They cling to their parent, have nightmares, and need endless reassurance. Younger children tend to fantasize a great deal about their parents getting back together whereas for older children, it is a different perspective. Preadolescent children often fail to see divorce as a logical solution and feel that their parents should stay together. For adolescents, divorce may be seen as a relief in some instances, however there is pain. Research indicates, and experts agree that divorce is a very painful transition in ... Free Essays on Affects Of Divorce On Children Free Essays on Affects Of Divorce On Children Divorce is becoming an ever present problem in the developing world. Most societies accept the fact that where there is marriage there is divorce, and ours is no different. When one thinks of divorce they no longer think of torn families and broken promises, but lawsuits and child support. Statistics show that in the United States, one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. These climbing rates are alarming. They suggest a divorce epidemic in society today. This epidemic brings upon new economic problems such as the increasing number of single mothers on welfare, but the real concern should be focused on the children involved. Research has looked into the effects divorce has on child and it has been statically proven that a failed marriage brings upon a noticeable affect on the child involved. For many children, the news that their parents are splitting up comes as a complete surprise. Many parents fail to explain to their children what is happening, either because they are too upset, or to relieved to notice the child’s perspective. Many parents are also unequipped to handle the psychological aspects, often treating all children the same despite age. The fact of the matter is age often determines how divorce will affect the kids. Very young children, under the age of three, often don’t understand what is going on. Those a bit older often feel they are to blame, and are afraid of losing the other parent. They cling to their parent, have nightmares, and need endless reassurance. Younger children tend to fantasize a great deal about their parents getting back together whereas for older children, it is a different perspective. Preadolescent children often fail to see divorce as a logical solution and feel that their parents should stay together. For adolescents, divorce may be seen as a relief in some instances, however there is pain. Research indicates, and experts agree that divorce is a very painful transition in ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Performance Pay at Safelite Auto Glass Case Study - 1

Performance Pay at Safelite Auto Glass - Case Study Example The installer’s problem as identified in the PPP was related to the turnover rates. It has been found that the turnover rate of the company has been quite high because the glass installation was a seasonal business. The busy periods were spring and summer and it was found that at this time, the competition for new hires was mounting. However, the demand for the windshield replacement troughed and as a result, the repair shops found it necessary to lay off many of their workers and hire them back during spring and summer. In addition to this, another biggest problem was associated with technicians who were lured by other companies’ offer, which promised to pay them a fraction more than what they were currently receiving. Therefore, as a result, it was evident that the installers were changing their jobs since they were paid a Dollar more an hour and were allowed to take the company’s truck home at night. In order to reduce the turnover rate, Safelite also offered truck privileges for a time being, but then stopped it later. It was a matter of concern for the recruiters in HR with regards to getting technicians from other companies to come to Safelite. After going through the case study, it can be revealed that the Performance Pay Plan was revised for both the managers as well as the technicians. It was decided to pay the technicians according to the piece rate system rather than the wage rate system which was previously being practised. The plan was implemented for the technicians to receive the piece rate for every windshield that they installed. According to this plan, the number of windshields that the technician would install in a week would be accumulated. As a result, the technicians’ pay for the week was decided to be based upon the number of installations. The new plan brought both advantages and disadvantages to the technicians. Previously, the technicians received $10-$12 an hour. However, it was analyzed that according to the new PPP, the technicians would receive $15.22 per hour.  

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Nokia Website Marketing Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Nokia Website Marketing Analysis - Assignment Example This product will appeal to users of all industries, be it Music, business, art etc. The most important aspect to determine if the particular age group that the product needs to relate to. A few sorts of methods of advertising are, optimizing search engines, networking sites, banner advertisements, link exchanges, and permission-based email are a few important methods. 1) Optimizing search engines: This has always been the most powerful tool since the beginning of the internet revolution. There are a host of websites available at disposal, but just a hand few of them are being used. To attain maximum exposure from these search engines, the website needs to be listed and code words used so that the website is pulled up within the first three pages of the search. 2) Networking sites: A fairly new trend of online advertising is the use of networking sites. Users from all age groups hold and expand their network. It is through these sites that more than just the target audience is reached. Many big brands advertise on sites like Twitter, Orkut, my space, facebook, etc... (Types of Internet Promotion) 3) Banner advertisements: This is one of the most important and widely used forms of advertising over the internet. This nature of advertising has proved to be very profitable and not very expensive. It helps in attaining more web traffic; again this is determined by the location and the appearance of the banner. (Dave,1996) 4) Link exchanges: This is another form of internet promotion wherein two sites are linked together; here there is no payment for either of the site owners. It helps in sales from both the websites and increases the popularity of both the links. 5) Permission-based emails: It is considered as the only form of email marketing and not considered as spam.  

Monday, November 18, 2019

Country Selection and Initial Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Country Selection and Initial Analysis - Essay Example The services sector has the largest contribution of 51% approximately (estimated 2010). The population growth rate is just over 1%, which should be viewed as reasonably well for a Muslim majority emerging nation. The currency is known as Moroccan Dirham (MAD) that fluctuates against US dollar because of changes in global economy. However, the exchange rate prevails between 8 – 9 Dirham / US dollar at present. The GDP per capita was around $4,900 according to 2010 statistics (CIA Fact Book, 2010) It should also be highlighted that the recent floods in Morocco damaged its agricultural crops as the area under cultivation reduced by significant 25 – 30%. As a result, the production of wheat, barley, vegetables and other grains reduced considerably whereas the demand increased due to rise in population. Nonetheless, the government authorities were left with no other option but to increase imports from self-sufficient nations so that they could stabilize wheat prices across M orocco (Reuters Africa, 2010). It should be noted that domestic wheat consumption in Morocco has been estimated to be nearly 8.3 million tons and the shortages resulted in 47% hike in wheat prices (Weisenthal, 2011). The price surge was mainly the outcome of shortage amid price inelastic demand of food products as they are necessities.

Friday, November 15, 2019

A Report on the Strategic Culture and Marketing Strategy of Canon

A Report on the Strategic Culture and Marketing Strategy of Canon This is a report and detail analysis of internal structure and culture of Canon. Canon is an established international firm in the photocopy and imaging industry. It operates in diverse range of markets which includes business solution, computer imaging, broadcast and communication, medical system and industrial product. This report further evaluates the overseas opportunities of Canon using PESTEL framework. PESTEL is used to analyse the macro environment and to indentify the key drivers of change affecting the company. The analysis of the internal structures and culture of Canon was carried out by using the McKinseys 7S model and SWOT framework to analyze the company internal capabilities. This report is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the analysis of internal structures and culture of Canon. The McKinseys 7S model and SWOT framework are used in this section for the analysis. The second part relies on Ansoff matrix to assess the overseas growth options available to Canon. The last segment is an analysis of the overseas opportunities for Canon and recommend a suitable overseas market for the company to entry. 2.0 An assessment of Canon internal structures and culture The structure in organization arises as a result of the necessity of the people in organization to know who is in charge, what their role is and who to turn to if there is any concern. Therefore, whether small or large, local, national or multinational, an organization has to have a structure. Henry Mintzberg (1983, p.2) submits that the structure of an organization is the sum total of the ways in which its labour is divided into distinct tasks and then its coordination is achieved among these tasks. Canon as a horizontal organisation includes worldwide Group companies and management committees which are established to address important management issues, and serve a mutual-check function complementing its system of products and operations  [1]  . In this regard, the structure of Canon significantly affects how the company pursue and realized its strategic objectives. It allows or constraints workers (as the case may be) to actually makes changes and get culturally align with the company strategy. All of the company strategic initiatives rely on the ability of the worker to manipulate the culture of the company that guide employee behaviour in the organization. Cooperate culture is the sum of the sociological markers and behaviours of those within an organisation. The degree to which this aligns with the organisation core values is a powerful driver for success. In using the McKinseys 7S model and SWOT framework, the analysis of Canon internal structures and culture are further expatiated. 2.1 Canon Global: McKinseys 7-S and Swot analysis Introduced by McKinsey and Company in the 1970s, the 7-S model has revolutionalised the way management thinks about organisation effectiveness. It is essentially a framework developed to address the critical role of coordination, rather than structure in an organisation. The 7-S that is strategy, structure, staffing, style, skills, system and shared value are used to analysed Canon simultaneously below. 2.1.1 Analysing Canon: The Mckinseys 7S model In terms of strategy, Canon aims to achieve and sustain its goal of becoming a truly excellent global photocopy and imaging company through its five key strategies for growth. Particularly, its strategy follows from the company adoption of the kyosei philosophy in a global corporation plan. Canon operates a flat structure. It is a horizontal organisation which includes worldwide Group companies and management committees (Refer to Appendix 1). It is important to note that different firms are structured in different ways depending on their size, their culture, their activities and their history. Canon represents what Boje and Dennehy submits as a post modern organisation (2000) and therefore able to strategically respond to the contemporary business environment. A post modern organisation comprises a networked set of diverse, self-managed, self-controlled teams with poly-centres that is many centres of coordination that fold and unfold according to the requirements of the tasks. Being a post modern organisation not only explains the systemic nature of Canon, the ability of the company to implement the kyosei philosophy in every segment of the company is also a clear example. Likewise, teams are organized in flat design, employees are highly empowered and involved in the job, information is fluid and continuous improvement is emphasized throughout. Canon is a flat organization that values and entrust the experience of its staffs to do what is right in the organization. As of December 31, 2009 Canon staff strengths stood at 25,683 globally. It is has highly technical and talented staffs. Canon recognises that learning and development is an important aspect of an organisation growth and development (Sadler-Smith, E 2006, p.2), it has invested on training its staffs and this has leads to an improved skills and knowledge by its staff and in particular area of staff expertise. Canon approach to the articulation of its value is based on aligning individual and organisational goals. Therefore with well trained staff, Canon has developed the ability overtime to compete favourably in the industry. Canon has sustains a vitalised culture among its employee for a long period of time (Kono and Clegg 1998, p. 176). The company ability to ensure that its shared value are integrated into the company as a whole and that they are limited to the management levels explains its style and shared value. Furthermore, the style at which an organisation chooses to pursue its objectives is crucial to the successful realization of those objectives. The core values are foundational to everything that the company does, and organisational style of doing things is part of the core values. It helps defines how the employee, dealers and suppliers are going to help the company contribute to achieving the organisation vision. Canon is an organisation that prides on excellence and technology. Canon of invention is an invincible powerful force that gently nudges the workers into compliance with being continuously innovative. Canon marketing campaign often takes account the local consideration and languages. The kyosei corporate philosophy symbolizes the corporate value which is the shared value of the company. Kyosei means living and working together for the common good which embody the broader share value of the organisation All people regardless of race religion or culture, harmonising living an d working together into the future. 2.1.2 The Swot analysis of Canon This section involves the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as regards to Canon. The SWOT analysis is a management instrument for developing structured response options to deal with external threats and exploit opportunities. 2.1.2.1 Strengths The unique concept and quality of the services offered by Canon is its one major competitive strength. It has been able to sustain this through its focus on inventions and also continuous management innovative reforms. Improved management quality refers to the achievement of real-time management that immediately puts into practise strategies based on well-horned decision-making process (The Canon Story, 2009/2010). The strength of the company to maintain its competitiveness also emanates from good customer relationship it has established with its customers overtime. It has succeeded in transforming the mindset of its employee to be focus on total optimization and profit and has thus enable the employees to relate to customers in an effective and efficient ways. In addition, it has multi skilled labour that cut across all segment of the organisation expertise and they are very effective in matching both the tangible and intangible company resources to its strategies. 2.1.2.2 Weakness Despite the fact that Canon is a global name, it has not extensively exploits other business areas and domains outside its traditional markets of Europe, United States, China and Japan. It should not only restrict its participation to exhibitions in markets outside its traditional zones, it has to be seen to establish production lines in such emerging economies like Brazil and South Africa. This has the potential of sustain its global competitiveness and these markets are rapidly growing with major global impacts. It will also bolster the company diversification process. 2.1.2.3 Opportunities Although, the company expansion into China is also applicable to all major brands in the imaging industry, Canon major opportunity for competitiveness stems from this expansion into Asian countries. In this light, it will be able to benefits from the rise in the demand for digital product in these countries. It bolsters its capability to capture growing demand worldwide for digital products. By focusing on China and other Asian markets, Canon can benefits from the growth potential of these rapidly emerging markets. 2.1.2.4 Threats The major threats to Canon in the industry are from its competitors products. There are intensive competitions among the major players such as Sharp, Toshiba, Sony, Samsung and others each striving for excellence. This creates intensive competition for substitutes products that Canon has to deal with. However, it should be noted that Canon is responding adequately by establishing fully automated production lines built around automated machinery and robot to sustain international competitiveness. 3.0 An examination of Canons strategic business growth In this section, the Ansoff Matrix is used to analyse the process of Canon strategic business growth. The Ansoff growth matrix is a tool for strategic business planning. Although, it must be used along with other decision making tools, the Ansoff Matrix is a tool that can be used to formulate growth strategy for business and market. Table 1 shows the matrix as developed by Igor Ansoff below: As shown in the above diagram, the matrix formulation considers two growth areas which could be the launch of a new or existing product in the markets and growth of a new or expansion of the existing markets. Therefore the growth strategies are developed based on the formulation of growth strategy for the business concerning the products and markets. These are: One, existing product in an existing market, which is indicated as market penetration. Two, new products in an existing market, this is indicated as product development. Three, existing product in new markets, this is market development, and four, new product launch in new markets which is the diversification strategy. Canons Ansoff Matrix 3.1.1 Market Penetration The market penetration strategy of Canon is focus on selling the existing product in existing markets. The company in selling its existing products in the markets can embark of product price cuts in other to increase the sales in existing products. The primary objective is to continue to achieve higher market share in existing markets which of course involve improving the elements of the marketing mix. 3.1.2 Market Development This will involves launching the existing products into a new market overseas or targeting new segments in the home market. For example, Canon launch its products in various countries with different purchasing powers therefore the company will have to match the cost of production of their product in competition with others existing business in the same county. 3.1.3 Products development This simply involves the development of a new product for their loyal customers in the existing markets. This mainly is been carried out by creating new products with modified feature to attract customers. Canon uses this as strategy of continuously developing and upgrading its products while at the same time aiming to ensure the loyalty of its customers. 3.1.4 Diversification Diversification involves that Canon enter a new market with completely new products. This strategy may be suitable for Canon as it has gained a market share in established markets and are seeking new growth opportunity of business which has reach saturation in their markets. Therefore, it can invest completely in new areas as it is doing now medical imaging and other advanced technologies. 4.0 An evaluation of overseas opportunities for Canon The PESTEL framework is used here to analyse Canons overseas opportunities and its suitability for overseas market entry. The market environment where an organisation stands contains both the micro and macro aspects of the environment. PESTEL is used to analyse the macro environment and to indentify the key drivers of change affecting customer buying behaviour in the photography and imaging industry. The PESTEL framework for Canon in three countries is first tabulated below before the short analysis is done. Factors (PESTEL) China USA Brazil Political Attract Investment Investment friendly Attract investment Economic High consumer demands High consumer demand High consumer demand Social Rapidly expanding middle class Large middle and buoyant middle class Growing middle class Technological Growing rapidly Established Growing Environmental Conducive Conducive Conducive Legal Unstable Stable Stable Table 2: PESTEL Analysis The above table shows a simple evaluation of how the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors affect Canon business expansion in three countries. In terms of the political factor, China, USA and Brazil political environment are conducive for investment. They are attractive for investment and as such there is opportunity for expansion by Canon. In China, the economy has been growing between 9%-11% every year since the 1980s. Chinas rapid economic growth is reflected in a high concentration of Ultra-High Net Worth Individual (Ultra-HNWIs); it raises the peoples standard of living. This is also similar to Brazil where consumers purchasing power is on the increase. Therefore the Chinese economic development over the past three decades, Brazil growing consumer consumption and United States large middle class are indications of market opportunities for Canon. The rapidly and upper class in China seeks to enhance its identity and quality of life with luxury goods which is a good opportunity for Canon as its concentrates into high-tech products. China is not only an attractive market because of its large population, Chinese consumer markets is increasingly tending towards high-tech products. The growing demand for medical imaging products in China is an opportunity that Canon has to tap into. In regards to the environmental factors, a keenly awareness of the industry, market, trends, demographics and burgeoning technologies is important for Canon strategic business development. For instance, there is growing global need for technology that protects the environment and as such Canon can seek to expand its capacity in this area. The tremendous opportunities that springs from globalization should be balanced by the need to remain vigilant of changes in the societal, political and business climate of the world at large. While the existing laws in China which is in various jurisdictions governing issues such as taxes, personal privacy of China is uncertain and unstable, the legal factors in USA and Brazil are very conducive for Canon rapid business growth and expansion programmes. 4.1 Canon market entry strategy The market entry strategy pursue by a company depends on its vision, the company attitudes towards risks and importantly the available investment capital. The level of risks and financial rewards increases as a company moves from market entry strategy such as exporting to joint venture to licensing and ultimately to direct investment. Canon evaluates the revenue channels such as licensing, investment and strategic alliances/partnership and uses that as a market entry strategy with minimal risks. A firm choice of mode of entry to a market is central to the implementation of its international strategy (Pehrsson, 2008). Canon has often taken a broad approach to international market entry. This is because most of its products are often available through distributors in many major capitals. It makes the company an already existing entity even before any major entry into such markets. With the advantage of first player in the market, Canon has build up a strong reputation to maintain market position. However, when existing company seeks to enter developing markets, there are additional strategies and issues to address. Canon usually replicates its style and the strategy that have serves it well without significant adaptation. Therefore, Canon normally enters new markets with the objectives of achieving greater market penetration. Largely, this approach has been successful for the company in China.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

How does art change your perception of a metaphysical concept? :: essays research papers

Death is a metaphysical concept that is abstract and theoretical in composition, but doesn’t embody a material form. From person to person, there are a vast array of interpretations of what death is and what it means to each individual. There is no single universal understanding of what death is, since it doesn’t embody any physical characteristics. I am the kind of person whose opinions are very easily influenced. Whenever I read a book, listen to a song, watch a movie, or look at artwork containing a strong message, my opinions (mainly metaphysical ones) are greatly impacted. Death is a topic everyone will witness countless times during his or her lifetime. Death of loved ones’, animals, or strangers are just few examples of experiences that can mold one’s impression of death. Since I am rather young, I have only truly experienced death on few occasions. One of which was the death of my grandfather. He was in a lot of pain and was bedridden for months. For him, death was almost inevitable and was an answer to the pain he was feeling. I’m not 100% definite how I personally perceive death, but because of my grandfather, I always think of death as being imperative, yet inevitable. I have a great fear for death, because I know how much pain it causes loved ones. When I was in my 9th grade Spanish class, I remember watching an informational movie on the art of bullfighting. A man dressed up in brightly colored clothes chases a bull around the ring, and tries to lodge a spiked instrument into his shoulder blade, and inevitably, kill him. Hundreds of people around the world congregate in Spain to witness this spectacle of death. In this art form, death is put on stage as a light-hearted form of entertainment. After I witnessed this very controversial art form, my perception of death was affected, and I started to perceive death as being more light-hearted, however I still don’t believe it ethical to gain entertainment from it. I now also perceive death as being almost graceful and serene. This type of art portrays death as un-daunting and I am not as fearful of it after I watched it. â€Å"Gassing† by David Olere is a chilling representation of a gas chamber during the time of the holocaust. When I first saw this, the hair on my arms immediately stood straight up.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Center of Pressure Essay

Introduction: The point in a body at which the resultant pressure acts when the body is immersed in a fluid. The apparatus for center of pressure. Objective: The object of this experiment was to calculate the hydrostatic force a fluid exerts on a submerged plane surface and then compare the experimental hydrostatic force to the theoretical hydrostatic force. Theory: The apparatus defining the physical dimensions, this nomenclature will be used throughout this theory. Whilst the theory for the partly submerged and fully submerged plane is the same, it will be clearer to consider the two cases separately. The apparatus can make the calculation center of pressure. A fluid at rest is said to be a static condition. the fluid particle experiences a constant pressure on all sides acting inward towards a single point at its center. The horizontal x and y components of the pressure are equal and opposite and have a net sum of zero. It can be said that the pressure does not change in the horizontal direction, The apparatus for center of pressure. Apparatus: * The hydraulics bench * The hydrostatic pressure apparatus * A set of weights * A jug * Calipers or ruler, for measuring the dimensions of the quadrant For siphoning * A measuring cylinder, or other container of water of similar height to the hydrostatic pressure tank. * A length of small bore flexible tubing. Method 1. Place the center of pressure apparatus on a level surface. This is important for obtaining an accurate force balance scenario. 2.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Critical Study of the Organization behaviour at Southwest Airlines The WritePass Journal

Critical Study of the Organization behaviour at Southwest Airlines Introduction: Critical Study of the Organization behaviour at Southwest Airlines Introduction:Bibliography: Related Introduction: According to Peter Senge (1990: 3)  learning organizations are organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to see the whole together. (Peter Senge 1990: 3).Due to the rapid change in the business environment, the learning organisations came into access as it has flexibility, adaptively and productivity which excels an organisation. The people in the organisation have the capacity to learn but the structures in which they operate are often not conducive to engagement and reflection. Moreover, due to lack of tools and guiding ideas in the organisation it leads to unclear image of the situation in which the people works. There is a fundamental requirement in the organisations to shift mind amongst their members for continual expanding of their capacity to create their future. When you ask people about what it is like being part of a great team, what is most striking is the meaningfulness of the experience. People talk about being part of something larger than them, of being connected, of being generative. It becomes quite clear that, for many, their experiences as part of truly great teams stand out as singular periods of life lived to the fullest. Some spend the rest of their lives looking for ways to recapture that spirit. (Senge 1990: 13) .The various aspects that differentiate learning organisations from those traditional organisations lies in Peter Senge’s Five Discipline . They are: 1) Systems thinking 2) Personal mastery 3) Mental models 4) Building shared vision 5) Team learning Peter Senge (1990:14) says that people are agents to the structure in which they operate and they are a part of the structure. The disciplines are in this way that it  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœconcerned with a shift of mind from seeing parts to seeing wholes, from seeing people as helpless reactors to seeing them as active participants in shaping their reality, from reacting to the present to creating the future’ (Senge 1990: 69). It is to the disciplines that we will now turn. (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) 1)   System Thinking- the cornerstone of the learning organization: System thinking is the Fifth Discipline amongst the Five Disciplines of Peter Senge. Systemic thinking is the conceptual cornerstone (‘The Fifth Discipline’) of his approach. It is the discipline that integrates the others, fusing them into a coherent body of theory and practice (ibid: 12).  The basic tools of the system theory can build into sophisticated models as they are fairly straightforward. Peter Senge states that one of the major obstacles is that what is written and what is done in the name of the management. It means that a simplified framework is used in a complex business environment. Focusing on the business as a part rather than a whole body leads to the failure of the organization as a dynamic process.( infed.org/index.htm) The five disciplines can be approached at one of three levels: Practices: what you do. Principles: guiding ideas and insights. Essences: the state of being those with high levels of mastery in the discipline (Senge 1990: 373). Each discipline provides a vital dimension. Each is necessary to the others if organizations are to ‘learn’.( infed.org/index.htm) 2)   Personal Mastery-   Personal mastery is the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively’ (ibid.: 7). It goes beyond  competence  and skills, although it involves them. It goes beyond spiritual opening, although it involves spiritual growth (ibid.: 141). Mastery is seen as a special kind of proficiency. It is not about dominance, but rather about  calling. Vision is vocation rather than simply just a good idea. People with high level of personal mastery lives in high level of continual learning. Personal mastery is not something which an individual possess but it a process. People possessing personal mastery have high level of self confidence.( infed.org/index.htm) 3)   Mental Models- Starts with turning the mirror inward; learning to unearth our internal pictures of the world, to bring them to the surface and hold them rigorously to scrutiny. It also includes the ability to carry on ‘meaningful’ conversations that balance inquiry and advocacy, where people expose their own thinking effectively and make that thinking open to the influence of others. (Senge 1990: 9). It is necessary for people to learn new skills and develop new orientations in an organization in order to develop the capacity to work with mental models. In other words it means fostering openness (Senge 1990: 273-286).( infed.org/index.htm) 4)   Building Shared Vision   It is one of the ideas about leadership that has inspired organizations for thousands of years. Such visions enables experimentation and innovation. Clear vision makes the people learn on their interest rather than telling them what to do. Translation of this visions into shared vision will lead to the success in achieving the long-term and short-goals of an organization.( infed.org/index.htm) 5)   Team Learning-Personal mastery and shared vision are not enough as it needs the people to work together in team. It will not only lead to good results for an organization but also help in rapid learning amongst the people.   It also involves learning how to recognize the patterns of interaction in teams that undermine learning. (Senge 1990: 10). Joining of dialogues with system thinking possibly creates a language which suits more for dealing with complexity, focuses on deep-seated of structural issues and forces rather than being diverted by questions of personality and leadership style. ( infed.org/index.htm). There is a myth in the mind of the employers that the educational qualification is enough to make an employee efficient, effective and competence. Education provides the basic cognitive skills to prepare an employee for work. In order to survive in this competitive business world, every organization needs to have their employees to be of highly polished skills and competence powers. This is where HRM steps in. Skills, knowledge and competency can only be developed through HRM. It makes the people to be more competitive as they were used to be. Training is costly as it requires arrangement of resources, staffs and many other perspectives which requires investment. For instance, a training and development programme takes place in XYZ Company. As it requires investment, there can be resistance from the different departments. This happens because the departments other than HRM are of the thought that if the training is given to achieve certain goals of the organization and the employees fail to achieve those goals, it would result in the loss of the business as the output is not equal or more than the output. On the other hand, if the employees achieve these goals it leads to the long-term benefits for the business. Improvement in the employee competency leads to increase in the corporate competitiveness which results in increasing profitability. In the view to increase the skills, efficiency, effectiveness and competence of the people in the organisation, it is necessary that the learning and development must be initiated by the HRM department. These sessions must be carefully planned and made sure that the resources are used at their best. The focus should not only be on the competence but also on the values and attitude. Learning is an initiative of change management which aims at developing employees potentials in order to add more value to the organization and the community they belonging to. (hrmbusiness.com/2008/08/hrm-basics-hrms-role-on-training-and.html). On a global perspective for enhancing the culture of learning and development of an organisation, the HRM goes through certain critical challenging issues which play a vital role for the growth of an organisation. One of the challenges that an organisation has to deal with is the employee turnover ratio, which means to retain the resources which for certain reasons wants to leave an organisation. The HRM department finds this part being critical for small medium organisations where they have low budgets to train their current resources or hiring new resources. If an employee leaves an organisation at a certain period of time which can put that project into crucial circumstances for its survival, it’s very important either to document down everything so other resources can pick the right path of that project or to retain them so that the project survives in its best. Hiring new resources and training them again on that project includes cost and time which doesn’t goes in favor of organisation where critical deadlines have to be met. This can also leave a negative impact of job insecurity on employees that the running organisation might be going through financial problems or they don’t find any growth in their career. So another challenge for HRM is to secure their jobs by providing them chances to grow in their career. Once an employee polishes its skill more gives him more confidence to produce better output for that organisation. It’s a contribution towards promoting a learning culture in the organisation too. So HRM ensures that all the necessary ingredients should be provided for an employee to learn more by their own interest. Some organisations have a strategy of providing them a library or an environment where the interest automatically develops. It could be in sense of competition or rewards or benefits whatever motivates them to produce their better output by learning more. So training and development under low budgets can al so be a challenging task for HRM as noticed that in small medium organisations usually a resource main ambition is to learn more as much as they can. And those trainings can be conducted internally as well externally. But how much budget that organisation can afford for it? Are they willing to invest on their employees in form of trainings? Is that a guarantee by training them, they won’t quit? These perspectives are being thought from an organisations end too. But Southwest airline has proved that putting trust in your employee and give them a free hand to think and logically come up with solutions to problems helped them a lot in building their culture where learning was mainly focused. Other issues like appraisal processes or motivational processes again have a vital role in the growth of an organisation which is directly linked to a psychological satisfaction. Maintaining and sustaining an equitable evaluation of performance system is a key to employee’s satisfacti on for their job and its performance. The more they are satisfied towards their jobs, the more they will input their efforts. (http://humanresources.about.com/od/retention/Retention_of_Employees_Tips_and_Tools_for_Employee_Retention.htm,scribd.com/doc/10041934/HRM-Training-Development) Considering the brief introduction of Southwest Airlines, the HRM Models that has been implemented are strategic as well as descriptive. As we all are well known about the incident of 9/11, it shook the root of airline industry. This gave a space in the industry to bring about the necessary change required in order to survive in that period. As other airline companies were struggling to survive in the market, Southwest Airlines was the only airline to hold its boot in the industry. From the strategic point of view, it can be seen that the leadership style was tremendous. The mission of Southwest Airlines, low cost, low fare, no frills, and its dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride and company spirit. The airline industry tried to cut down their expenses and marched towards the direction of continuous improvement and innovation. This brought the learning organisation into existence and soon it become very popular amongst the different industries including the airline industry. Learning organisation refers to continuous improvement and maximum utilisation of resources and this was one of the reasons that brought this concept into action. The employees in the organisation were treated in the same manner as the Southwest Airlines used to treat their customers. Creativity and innovation were given more importance than the other factors in the organization. There were lot of talks going around amongst the organisations regarding the team spirit but Southwest Airlines are the one that succeeded in achieving it. This is due to the thought amongst the strategic level that the employees come first than the customers as they are of great importance to the organisation. This shows the form of leadership style used at the strategic level which built trust, love and affection amongst its employees. As the change was took place in the organisation, the Southwest Airlines hold on with their employ ees rather than cutting jobs and saving cost. Infect the employees were trained in order to deliver the best customer service. The top level shared all the mission and vision of the organisation. Continuous improvement can be bought only if the information is clearly shared with the employees who help them to take punitive steps to achieve the goals of the organisation. A feeling of being a part of a big family made the employees to work for the most benefit of the organisation. The goal of profit maximization was achieved by keeping low cost and high quality of customer service. Competitors have learned from Southwest and its unique management strategies and they are using these tactics as well as unique ones to win over customer. It can also be said that the HRM model used by Southwest Airlines was SOFT HRM as it didn’t treat its employees like a resource but as human as well whereas HARD HRM treats human just like a resource. As we can clearly see the situation of Southwest Airlines, on the other hand the current situation of the British Airways stands nowhere as compared to Southwest Airlines. In spite of the airline industry being badly hit in that time, the Southwest Airlines anyhow managed to be the best airlines and to make maximum profit. On the other hand, British Airways struggles daily with staff problems, strikes, customer complaints, inadequate in achieving company’s goal. During the ash cloud period, British Airways used to bear a loss of  £20 million pounds on daily basis. Moreover, the ticket charges of British Airways are quite high as compared to Southwest Airlines. Employee’s conflict is one of the major reasons that due to which team spirit is neglected. The flow of organisation’s information and data is restricted as the strategic level feels that the company’s data should be confidential. This leads to a feeling of not being loyal and dishonest amongst the employees. Southwest did not employ the â€Å"hub-and-spoke† approach used by other major airlines, such as United, American, and Delta. Instead, its approach was short haul (average flight time was 55 minutes) and point-to-point (e.g., Dallas to Houston, Los Angeles to Phoenix). Southwest had no assigned seats, paid its crews by trip, and used less congested airports (e.g., Baltimore instead of Washington’s Dulles or Reagan; Manchester, N.H., instead of Boston, Mass.). (http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pdf/2002-2-0012.pdf) Bibliography: Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 17 5, 2011, from (http:// www.infed.org/index.htm) Retrieved 18 5, 2011, from (hrmbusiness.com/2008/08/hrm-basics-hrms-role-on-training-and.html) Retrieved 18 5, 2011, from (http://humanresources.about.com/od/retention/Retention_of_Employees_Tips_and_Tools_for_Employee_Retention.htm ,scribd.com/doc/10041934/HRM-Training-Development) Retrieved 18 5, 2011, from (http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pdf/2002-2-0012.pdf)

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

IT Guru of India essays

IT Guru of India essays Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy comes across as a very simple human being. But beneath his simplicity lies the heavy persona of a man who is today one of the most powerful man in the Indian IT circles. The company he set up, along with six other professionals in 1981, became the first Indian company to be listed on the U.S. stock exchange. Infosys is an IT consulting and service provider, providing end-to-end solutions for global corporations. Today, Infosys is acknowledged by its clients, its employees, its vendor-partners, and its investors and by society-at-large as a highly respected, dynamic and innovative company. Narayana Moorthy remains an inspiration to youngsters, and his simple living and intellectual thinking instill values and dreams in the minds of many budding entrepreneurs. Narayana Murthy's upbringing has been from the best of value systems. Simplicity and humility percolate within him. By his own admission, there are perhaps hundreds and millions of Indians who are smarter than him. He considers himself very lucky. He believes that if one realizes that whatever one has received is an act of God, then it will help in getting better and better. He quotes someone having said, "If God is shy to announce His presence, He comes in the form of Luck." Not surprising that he leads not too ostentatious a life. He says, "If you lead a simple life, then you are not a victim of wealth. You are on top of it. Murthy is often described as a man of simple tastes. He does not drive expensive cars and works from early in the morning until late at night, even now. Soft-spoken, Murthy does not possess the air of arrogance that highly successful people often have. He says, "In business management, it is more important to earn respect than to increase profits. I want to stress the nobility of labor". Murthy, who picked up ethics in his adolescence, adventure in his youth and business acumen in his later years, ...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Anxiety disorder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Anxiety disorder - Essay Example Anxiety can be that severe, or it could be simple little fears that many people share. Many people are afraid of the dark, and get extreme anxiety if they are left in a dark room, or in a place with no lights. Claustrophobia is another common fear or anxiety, where a person gets extremely uncomfortable when they are cramped in tight spaces for a period of time. The phobias however, can range to other extreme, irrational phobias, such as autophobia, the fear or being alone, which can ultimately develop into being afraid of your own shadow and reflection. These types of extreme phobias often lead to painful and life effecting anxiety attacks. The anxiety caused by these mental conditions can hinder a person’s life, and could even have greater negative consequences than that. Anxiety is a mental condition that affects everybody. From being anxious about the little things, or developing full blown anxiety attacks, anxiety affects everyone at one point in their lives. This hard to deal with nervous breakdown can have negative impacts on the rest of our lives, as well as how we view the world. Whatever if is you are afraid of, chances are it causes you some anxiety. This fear, or irrational sense of fear from, or cause by something, can sometime have a root in your past, but other times it cannot. This fear can also come at you all of a sudden, or some phobias or anxieties develop over time, and thus may be rooted somewhere in your past. Anxiety and fear can result from these phobias, and can lead to unwanted mental conditions or even hinder your everyday, normal routine and life activities. This is an unwanted result of the anxiety, which often leads a more negative then positive result on the person who is under an anxiety attack from their fear of phobia. An exact definition of what exactly anxiety is, is slightly hard to come by,

Friday, November 1, 2019

Damages recoverable electronic funds transfer transactions under UK Dissertation

Damages recoverable electronic funds transfer transactions under UK Law - Dissertation Example To create a process that is safe for the customers, and well protected from losses arising from a lack of adequate legal remedial processes, is of utmost importance for a successful banking operation, which by its very nature of handling large amounts of money, comes under ‘high-risk’ business practice. Such high risks associated with banks comprised mainly of credit-interest risks, law related issues, and liquidity risks. With the start of the internet banking or the electronic funds transfer system has further increased these risks while creating some additional new ones, which may arise from the banks trying to circumvent regulatory and supervisory norms, in order to expand their customer reach. Other risks of a legal nature include the ambiguities on various legal processes and requirements that vary from country to country. 3 Though there are laws that specifically address the issue of frauds and other legal problems within internet banking and funds transfer, not m uch attention has been given to the area of remedies. In this era of high-end technology, it is necessary to review and re-examine various remedial processes like damage claims and injunction, within the electronic funds transfer transaction process. Discussion Banking system and electronic funds transfer under the English law: Under the English law, 'banking business' 4 is seen as comprising of two main basic features: â€Å"acceptance of money from and collection of cheques for their customers and placing them to the customer’s credit, and honouring cheques drawn on the bank by its customers and debiting customers' account accordingly.†5 The term 'banking' has been framed differently within the English legislation, and is covered under Banking Act 1979, the Banking Act 1987 and, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 also referred to as FSMA 2000.6 In the context of modern banking system through the internet, â€Å"electronic banking† or â€Å"e-bankingà ¢â‚¬  is defined as banking operations conducted by authorised banks (or their official representatives), from a remote location through tools that function under the bank's direct management or through outsourced agents. Thus, e-banking encompasses an entire set of process through which a customer can transfer funds electronically, without having to visit a bank physically, and these processes also includes services where the customers can access their accounts, conduct business transaction, receive necessary information on different financial services and products all the Internet (fig 1). In UK, all electronic modes of payments/transactions come under the jurisdiction of the â€Å"law of contract and agency and the customs and usages of banking.† 7 Fig 1: Various processes and available services as seen within e banking.8 As