Empowering Reforestation in the Philippines

by: Angela Nicole Mananghaya 2012 Forests are significant to mankind as well as to other living organisms for they provide beneficial materials and effects that the living need. These include the wood, raw materials that are usually converted to usable products such as furniture, wooden shelters, etc. In addition, these forests help prevent floods and soil erosion, increase underground water supply and humidity of air, provide an abode for the wildlife, and check air pollution (â€Å"Save Forests and Wildlife,† n. d,  ¶2).However, in the Pearl of the Orient- the Philippines- continuous degradation of the forests or what is known to be deforestation (Maycock, 2011, p. 398) is being performed, resulting to serious problems including the displacement of wildlife species, the occurrence of severe effects during or after a tropical storm (which is commonly experienced by Filipinos), and the increasing level of temperature in the country. In fact, Philippines ranks number three in the world’s fastest deforestation rate (Padilla, 2011) that has mainly been due to agricultural expansions and severe cases of illegal logging (â€Å"Philippine Deforestation,† n. ,  ¶5). Fortunately, there exists the natural or intentional restocking of depleted forests and woodlands, the inverse of the given process, which may primarily address the negative effects of deforestation in the country- Reforestation, as it is so called. One of the things that reforestation offers is not necessarily to restore but prevent the extinction of wildlife species as their habitats are continuously being destroyed. According to Toothman (n. ,  ¶5), the reforestation of the corridors of trees that lie between forest parcels could give the animals and other species a larger and safer habitat where they could mix with other populations, thereby boosting their genetic diversity and preventing their extinction. In fact, this particular method has already been done in the country. In the island of Mindanao, on the higher slopes of Mount Malindang, exists a high biodiversity. Through reforesting the trees around the old forest, the existing species have had a larger space to reproduce, conserving and attracting those that have been driven away to the new habitat (â€Å"Reforestation†, n. ,  ¶1). The same process has been performed in the Forest of Tabunan in Sitio Cantipla, Cebu City. Through reforesting the forest’s corridors, the Cebu Flowerpeckers, called â€Å"manuto† by the locals, together with 51 other bird species, have been found in the regenerated forests (Lato, 2012,  ¶5). Surprisingly enough, this never-been-photographed bird specie- the Cebu Flowerpecker- was believed to be extinct until its discovery in 1992 in the Tabunan Forest Corridor, being one of the ten rarest birds and top fifty critically endangered species in the world (Lato, 2012,  ¶6).With the proper building of floodplains and water channeling systems, refo restation also helps prevent the severe effects that Filipinos encounter whenever a tropical storm comes (Sally, n. d,  ¶3). Among the typhoons that have ravaged the country are â€Å"Reming† in Bicol and â€Å"Ondoy† in Metro Manila, which have both resulted to remarkably drastic floods (â€Å"Reforestation,† 2011,  ¶1). In fact, in just one decade, the country has already experienced twenty-seven floods that have destroyed crops and infrastructures with deforestation being seen as the major cause (â€Å"Reforestation,† 2011,  ¶2).Yearning for a way to address this problem, Tatit Quiblat, the spokesperson of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, has once said that instead of pouring billions for relief operations during disasters, the government, civil society, and private sectors should be vigilant in taking up preventive measures by reforestation of the country’s tropical and mangrove forests (Valermo, 2011,  ¶7). Gladly, there have been proj ects that have performed such action. The Maynilad Water Services, Incorporated has started its program called â€Å"Plant for Life†, which aims to plant fifty thousand saplings in Ipo Dam Watershed (â€Å"50K Trees to Help Reforest,† 2012,  ¶2). We not only help to protect the watershed area that supplies our raw water needs, we also provide a long term solution to the cycle of flooding during the rainy season†, claims Ricky Vargas, the president and CEO of the stated company (â€Å"50K Trees to Help Reforest,† 2012,  ¶4). Another project is the reforestation of mangrove forests along the Aklan River in New Buswang, Aklan, resulting to the conversion of a flood-prone area to a place that is safe during the occurrence of typhoons (Tacio, 2012,  ¶14). Lastly, one of the most well known effects of reforestation is the enhancement of the local climate.Due to the degradation of forests, an increasing amount of carbon dioxide is released in the atmosphere as lesser plants take them up during photosynthesis, resulting to the rise of temperature (Maycock, 2012, p. 399). Through reforestation, however, thirty-eight tons of carbon dioxide per hectare could be captured and sequestered per year (â€Å"Reforestation†, 2007,  ¶7). This leads to the production of oxygen, enhancement of the climate and temperature, and the reduction of the demands of burning large amounts of fossil fuels for cooling in the summer (â€Å"Reforestation†, 2007,  ¶8).The process of regenerating forests takes a plentiful amount of time before the roles of the degraded ones could be performed again. Once the planted saplings have grown to trees, however, it is undeniable that the restored forests are significantly beneficial to the environment, to mankind, and to other living organisms. With this certain process, not only do the destructive effects of deforestation may be addressed but also the concerns that could emerge if these are left ignored such as threatening climate conditions, extremely high levels of floods, total extinction of species, and disastrous imbalance in the ecosystem.Indeed, this may just be one of the ways to address the certain issue but surely, this would benefit not only the present but the future generations as well. References: * Lato, Cris Evert. 2012. â€Å"Lessons in Rare Wildlife while Reforesting Cebu†. Retrieved from http://newsinfo. inquirer. net/228565/lessons-in-rare-wildlife-while-reforesting-cebu * Maycock, Paul. 2011. World Book F. 7. Scott Fenzer Company. p. 398 * Maycock, Paul. 2011. World Book F. 7. Scott Fenzer Company. . 399 * N. A. N. D. â€Å"Save Forests and Wildlife†. Retrieved from http://nowsave. blogspot. com/2009/10/save-forests-and-wildlife. html * N. A. N. D. â€Å"Reforestation†. Retrieved from http://www. treesforall. info/projects/reforestation-philippines. html * N. A. N. D. â€Å"Philippine Deforestation†. Retrieved from http://www1. ameri can. edu/TED/PHILWOOD. HTM * N. A. 2007. â€Å"Reforestation†. Retrived from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Reforestation * N. A. 2011.

Pablo Picasso: Comparison and Contract of His Works Essay

The Artist. The man named Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso is renowned for the shorter name Pablo Picasso. He was born on October 25, 1881 in Malaga City, in Andalusian region of Spain. His parents were Jose Ruiz y Blasco and Maria Picasso y Lopez. His father was a painter who worked as a curator in a museum as well as a professor of Arts and Crafts. Pablo Picasso received formal art training from his father at an early age. At sixteen, he was sent to Royal Academy of San Fernando to be an artist. His Works. He had many artistic paintings from the beginning of his career. There were art creations by this genius that greatly showed his evolution in different art forms during his time. Among them are the Child with a Dove in 1901, the Italian Girl in 1917 and the Girl Reading at a Table in 1934. The art qualities and representations of his arts were distinct with each others. The Child with a Dove, which he made in the early years of his career showed the traditional style of his art’s representation. This displayed his technical abilities in painting as a young artist. The oil canvas was applied with thick layers of paints or known as ‘impasto’. The artistic ability of Pablo Picasso was represented in a different light with his artwork in 1917, the Italian Girl. In this painting, he displayed a colorful synthetic cubism style different from his earlier traditional art. This painting holds the colorful and lively color of his early work with the Child with a Dove. However, the depiction of the human female form was represented in cubes which was an exact opposite of the form and shapes he had in his early artistic representation. Both paintings are oil in canvas. His other work that displays the female form is the Girl Reading at a Table in 1934. This artwork displays another totally different approach in his art. His adoption of the surrealism art is clearly depicted in this art. Although he still used oil in canvass, this specific art included enamel. Influences. The Child with a Dove was a pure and traditional artistic representation of the young artist that may greatly be from his training with his father. While in the Italian Girl, it depicts the Cubism art of his time. The true revolutionary approach of the Pablo Picasso here was inspired greatly by Cezannes. The flattened space shown in the art was a great turn around from his traditional approach to art. Moreover, his great adaptation of the different artistic display was greatly seen in his surrealist art in his work, Girl Reading at a Table in 1934. At this time the great effects of the war were also seen in the many works of art just like that of Picasso. The classicist displays of artistry were then the mode after the shock and horror was over. Conclusion Generally, the Child with a Dove among the three mentioned arts was the most acclaimed of them. His works in the Blue Period which were realism were more accepted than the later works he had which are debated. (Koppelman) His work of arts displays a real artist since he was not only known in one form of artistic representation but with a number of styles. Moreover, his fame after his lifetime proves that his contribution in arts of different forms. All in all, he was known to have an estimated 50,000 artworks during his life. He was capable of changes and adaptation of all the different eras of arts in his time. His pieces selling in millions of dollars in our time are evidences enough of his great influence to the arts in the past as well as in the present. The Picasso’s creature had been influenced on developing of Art and Culture of XX century. And on the world auctions before nowadays are searched and sat out for sale new and new little known works of famous artist from his huge heritage (http://www. pablo-ruiz-picasso. net/) Works Cited Hamilton, George H. (1976). â€Å"Picasso, Pablo Ruiz Y†. in William D. Halsey. Collier’s Encyclopedia. 19. New York: Macmillan Educational Corporation. pp. 25-26. PabloPicasso. Net. (unknown). , retrieved on May 07, 2009. Koppelman, Chaim (1988). â€Å"Power and Tenderness in Men and in Picasso’s Minotauromachy†. Aesthetic Realism Foundation. New York City 10012

V-Guard Industries

What started in 1977 with two employees and a burning passion is now a force to reckon with in the Indian electric and electronic goods panorama. Our untiring commitment for performance, cutting edge technology, innovative design and dependable service standards have lead to unrivalled product quality and a trusted brand image. At V-Guard the principles that motivated our success remain unchanged: The passion of our early years and our quest for excellence.Through stringent quality measures, reliable products, talented people and a responsible approach to business and global citizenship we continue to steadily capture the hearts of the people. In 1977, Kochouseph Chittilappilly began a small manufacturing unit for voltage stabilizers with a vision and a capital of Rs 1,00,000 borrowed from his father. He soon established V-Guard Industries as a household name. V-Guard became the synonym for voltage stabilizers across South India.The company soon extended their range of products to in clude Pumps & Motors, Electric Water Heaters, Solar Water Heaters, Cables, UPS’s, and Ceiling Fans. V-Guard continues to remain at the helm through rigorous research and development. R&D labs at Cochin and Coimbatore explore and reinvent existing products and design. R&D for electronic products and electric geysers are carried out in Cochin while electro-mechanical products, electrical wires and solar water heaters are the strong V-Guard continues to remain at the helm through rigorous research and development.R&D labs at Cochin and Coimbatore explore and reinvent existing products and design. R&D for electronic products and electric geysers are carried out in Cochin while electro-mechanical products, electrical wires and solar water heaters are the strong point of the Coimbatore R&D lab. State of the art production centres ensure consistency and quality throughout the product range. Workforce being the core asset of any organisation, V-Guard has an employee strength of more than 1750 and over 5500 indirect employees through its SHG initiatives.With over 200 distributors and service centres and more than 10,000 retailers serving the needs of over 50 million customers, V-Guard stands as a market leader. News | Investor Relations | CSR | Careers | Contact Us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Disclaimer | Site Map  © 2011 Voltage Stabilizers, Electrical Wires, Water Heaters, Water Pumps, Voltage Stabilizers| V-Guard Industries Ltd. All Rights Reserved Web Design powered by DREEME point of the Coimbatore R&D lab. State of the art production centres ensure consistency and quality throughout the product range.Workforce being the core asset of any organisation, V-Guard has an employee strength of more than 1750 and over 5500 indirect employees through its SHG initiatives. With over 200 distributors and service centres and more than 10,000 retailers serving the needs of over 50 million customers, V-Guard stands as a market leader. News | Investor Relations | CSR | Careers | Contact Us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Disclaimer | Site Map  © 2011 Voltage Stabilizers, Electrical Wires, Water Heaters, Water Pumps, Voltage Stabilizers| V-Guard Industries Ltd.All Rights Reserved Web Design powered by DREEME About us CSR * Directors * V-Guard Story * Quality Control We believe in the amalgamation of corporate management, sustainable development and global responsibility in working toward a better society and thereby a better world. We are committed to greening our environment, supporting the less fortunate and nurturing the downtrodden. Extending a hand in support of education Kerala industrialist donates kidney to save a life ROTARY-BINANI ZINC CSR AWARDV Guard Industries was awarded the ROTARY-BINANI ZINC CSR AWARD (Private Sector) by the Rotary Club of Cochin Metropolis, in association with NIPM Kerala Chapter and ICAI, Ernakulam Branch for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative by a company in the State of Kerala. Our Joint M anaging Director Dr. George Sleeba receiving the award. The Thomas Chittilapilly Trust The Thomas Chittilapilly Trust was founded by Kochouseph Chittilapilly, in memory of his late father, C. O. Thomas. It is an extension of the philanthropic and responsible values espoused at V-Guard.It is dedicated to extending its reach to areas of health, education and care. The trust provides health insurance cover for 1314 families from financially backward classes, 922 families at Tholur Panchayat, Kerala and 105 families in Ramanagaram Taluk in Bangalore, Karnataka. It also conducts free health camps at villages and backward areas where the reach of proper health care is absent. It sponsors the education of 1587 school children from economically backward sections in Thrissur and Ernakulam Districts in Kerala and Ramanagaram Taluk, Bangalore.The trust has also made substantial contributions to NGO’s working for various social welfare causes like Udhavumkarangal and the SOS village. It has also donated generously to many national level causes and relief funds like the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, Kargil war victims, relief for the earthquake victims of Latur and Gujarat, victims of the Orissa cyclone and the Tsunami Relief Fund of the Prime Minister as well as the Chief Minister. Shantimandiram An old age home for women, providing shelter and care for those who are unable to care of themselves in Parappur Village, Trissur, Kerala.It is managed by the Sisters of CMC Nirmala Province in whose able hands the inmates receive love and care irrespective of caste and community. The facility accommodates 60 inmates at a time and is recognised by the Board of Control for Orphanages and other Charitable Homes, Kerala. True to its name, all facilities are provided free of cost and it is a haven of peace and tranquility where the inmates spend the evening of their lives in dignity and comfort. Shanthimandiram celebrated its first anniversary on 29th May 2010 along with the I nmates. The function started with the blessings of Fr. Franko Kavalakkatt, Vicar, Parappur Forona Church.Various cultural programmes have been performed by the inmates of Shanthimandiram. The function got enriched with the Folk dance by Managing Trustee and family. The sisters of Shanthimandiram also involved with the cultural programmes. Social Welfare Fund- an employee CSR activity Social welfare consciousness being embedded in V-Guard work culture has motivated the employees to join hands in reaching out in charity. The Social Welfare Fund was created out of the goodwill of the employees who collate funds and donate towards cost of medicines for the poor in the cancer ward at the Ernakulam General Hospital.Stabilizer SHG activity Since its inception V-Guard has been providing a mutually beneficial income generating option to women. Women who have grouped themselves to form SHG’s (Self Help Groups) are distributed assembly kits for voltage stabilizers. An efficient distribu tion and collection system networks the women with the company and has been a resounding success for decades. It provides a stable income for their households and in turn emancipation from poverty. News | Investor Relations | CSR | Careers | Contact Us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Disclaimer | Site Map 2011 Voltage Stabilizers, Electrical Wires, Water Heaters, Water Pumps, Voltage Stabilizers| V-Guard Industries Ltd. All Rights Reserved Web Design powered by DREEME About us The V-Guard Management * V-Guard Story * Quality Control * CSR He is a post graduate in Science, majoring in Physics from Calicut University. He started his career as a supervisor in an electronics company, where he worked for three years. In the year 1977, he started a SSI Unit engaged in the manufacturing and selling of Electronic Voltage stabilizers. He is one of the founder Promoters and has motivated the Company to succeed in its business.He has been the Managing Director of the Company since its incept ion and has taken Company to its current levels of stature and recognition with his experience and vision. In April, 2012 he passed the baton on to his son Mr. Mithun Chittilapilly as the Managing Director, assuming the post of Executive Vice Chairman of the company and on November 1, 2012, when Shri. P. G. R. Prasad stepped down, he took over as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He is the recipient of numerous awards, which were bestowed on him for his exemplary performance in business.Among them are Business Man of the Millennium 2000 from Rashtra Deepika, Tourism Man of the year from â€Å"Destination Kerala and Samman Pathra Award for top income tax payer from Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Finance. As the Managing Director, Mr. Kochouseph has been the main driving force behind the company's sustained growth. more >> Shri. Cherian N. Punnoose, a Fellow member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, joined V-Guard as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Fo rmerly Director of Finance at Kochi Refineries Ltd. (KRL), he was also on the Board of Pertonet CCK Ltd.He has 40 years of experience in the field of Finance, Audit and Administration. Served KRL for 25 years in various capacities prior to becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining KRL he also served Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and International Airports Authority of India. He has undergone short term training in Advanced Financial Management Techniques in Strathclyde Business School of the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK He is a postgraduate in commerce, Certified Financial Planner and a Research Scholar with School of Management Studies of Cochin University of Science and Technology.He joined the company as an Independent Director on 16th August 2007. He is a member of Executive Committee of National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. , National Securities Depository Ltd. , BNP Paribas Personal Investors, Paris and Cochin Chamber of Commerce and also a Man aging Committee member of ASSOCHAM and KMA. He is also a member of Confederation of Indian Industry, Kerala State Council and Capital Market Committee of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Charter member of Tie, Kerala.He has also been awarded the Business Man of Kerala by Business Deepika, Excellence Award from Kerala Management Association and Dhanam Business Man of the Year, 2006. Presently, he is the Managing Director of Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd Mr. Nair was appointed as the Non Executive Independent Director of the Company on 27th May 2009. Mr. A K Nair holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with Masters in Business Administration and has over 45 years of Industry experience specially in the filed of Engineering, Finance and General Administration.Mr. A K Nair has served Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and Nitta Gelatin India limited as Managing Director and is presently on the Director Board of many othe r companies. He is a post graduate in Finance from University of Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Mithun K Chittilappilly after completing his graduation in Commerce joined V-Guard to be trained in the various departments of the company, ranging from Finance to Marketing.In January 2005, he took a break from work for a year and a half to pursue his post graduation in Finance from University of Melbourne, Australia. After graduating in May 2006, he joined the Company as Executive Director and in 2012 was appointed as the Managing Director of the Company. Dr. Sleeba has been inducted as an Additional Director of the Company with effect from 27th May, 2010. He has also been appointed as the Joint Managing Director of the Company with effect from 1st June, 2010. Dr.George Sleeba is a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours from Kerala University and M Tech in Industrial Engineering from IIT, Madras, Dr. Sleeba has a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from All India Managem ent Association (AIMA) and Doctorate in Social Sciences from the Cochin University of Science & technology (CUSAT). He has undergone a three month Senior Management programme as a Colombo Plan Scholar in UK organised by the British Council and holds a certificate in Training & Development from the Institute of Training & Development, UK.Dr. George Sleeba was the Former Chairman and Managing Director of FACT Ltd, a multidivisional corporation with more than Rs. 2300 Crores turnover and 4000 employees – the biggest Central PSU in the State of Kerala. He has proven managerial competence and academic excellence. He has more than 38 years of outstanding contribution to the industry in various functional areas of management, of which 30 years had been in FACT in senior management positions such as General Manager, Executive Director, Technical Director and as Chairman & Managing Director.He had been the Managing Director of two State Govt Undertakings – Travancore Cements Lt d and Travancore Sugars & Chemicals Ltd. He has also served as a Consultant to the Govt of Kerala for revival of sick units in the Public Sector. He is a member of the Industrial Relations Board of the Govt of Kerala. He is recognized as a turnaround specialist, credited with transforming the ailing FACT into a growth oriented, diversified, profit making company.In recognition of his contribution to the industry, he has been awarded the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for professional excellence in public sector, Padmasree Paul Pothen Award for professional excellence, Merit Award from FACT for outstanding performance, Jaycees Award for Processional Achievement, Rotary International Award for outstanding professional from industry, Life Time Achievement Award from NIPM from Palakkad Group, Outstanding Achievement Award for revival of FACT from Kerala Darshana Vedi an NGO.Management Discussions 1. ECONOMIC SCENARIO AND INDUSTRY OVERVIEWAfter the global economic recession, many of the world economies are growing in a slowpace even today; however, the Indian economy had showed faster recovery from the secondhalf of 2009-10 and has achieved robust and steady economic growth during the fiscal2010-11. With impressive growth in major sectors like agriculture, manufacturing,services, automobiles and realty, the country’s GDP rate has grown by 8. 5% during thefiscal 2010-11.Indian consumer industry also witnessed good growth during the year under review. Increasing urbanisation coupled with high disposable income of individuals and a surge inadvertising has been instrumental in bringing about a sea change in the consumer behaviorpattern and has resulted in increased consumer spend towards branded products both inrural and urban markets of India. 2. OVERALL PERFORMANCEV-Guard continues to enjoy a leading position in the electrical and electronic consumermarket in the country.With a large variety of products, strong brand equity and widelyspread distribution ch annel, the Company enjoys a unique position to cater to the consumerneeds of various segments. The Company achieved net sales of Rs. 726. 34 crores during theyear under review, charting a growth of 59. 96%, over the net sales of Rs. 454. 09 croresfor the previous year. Following the robust growth achieved in sales, the Company recordeda Net Profit of Rs. 39. 70 crores, without considering exceptional profit of Rs. 3. 63crores during the year under review, which is 55. 84 % more compared to the previous year.The contribution from Non-South Indian markets in the turnover is more than Rs. 160. 00crores in the fiscal 2010-11. The products that accounted more to achieve the sales werewires, stabilizers and pumps. BUSINESS REVIEW3. 1 VOLTAGE STABILIZERSThe Company’s flagship product Voltage Stabilizers has achieved a turnover of Rs. 166. 82 crores during the year under review, which is 23% of the total net sales. Pursuantto the surge in the consumer durable industry there was a sig nificant increase in the saleof white goods like refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines etc. which hasresulted in an increase in the sale of stabilizers for air conditioners, refrigerator etc.During the year under review, the product has grown by 44. 73% in value, when compared withthe sale of previous year. New models of stabilizers meant for air conditioners were introduced considering thelocal requirements of non-south Indian markets with reduced cost. New models were alsointroduced for tread mill, washing machine and micro wave oven. The Company’s persistent efforts o maintain the quality of the product, bringingout improvements on an on-going basis by introducing new models that meets the localmarket demands, focused R & D efforts and strong channel network across the country,have all contributed to maintain its dominant position in the sector. The main threat faced in the product line is the seasonal nature of many of the whitegoods and the aggressive campaig n by the manufacturers of the white goods stating that theappliance contains in-built stabilizers. Besides these, the increasing inflation rate,competition from the unbranded segment, improved power distribution etc.May hamper thefuture growth of the product. During the year under review, the Company came out with an ad campaign to overcome theimpact of the claim of the manufacturers of the white goods that their appliance containsin-built stabilizers which has helped to create awareness on the retailers and customershow the stabilizers protects the appliance during the power cut and also from the voltagefluctuation when the power comes back. Through this awareness creation ad, it was able tocreate a positive impact on the mindset of the consumers on the need for a stabilizer.Your Company is expecting the consumer industry to grow in a good pace in the currentfiscal and this will create an increased demand for appliances like LCD TV, refrigerators,air conditioners and consequently a n impressive growth in the stabilizers suitable forthese appliances. Focus is being given to expand the marketing network to rural marketsand other untapped markets as well as to increase the sale in the new segments ofstabilizers for LCD TVs, tread mill, washing machine etc. 3. 2 WIRING CABLESYour Company is one of the leading manufacturers of wires in the branded segment in thecountry.Total sales achieved in the wire segment for the year under review was Rs. 206. 05crores and it accounted for 28. 40% of the total net sales of the Company. Growth during the year under review was driven by the increased demand from sectorslike building and construction, automobile, aviation, energy, engineering andtelecommunications. Construction industry has revived considerably, after the economicslowdown and as a result, there is an overall improvement in the demand for wires. Thegrowth in the sales in terms of quantity and value was 35% and 68% respectively, whencompared with the sales of previo us fiscal.Capacity utilisation of the factories werealso considerably improved during the year under review. Increase in the volume andefficient purchase of raw-materials resulted in better sales growth and profitability. The major strength of this product segment is good network for distribution, increasedbrand image in south and non-south Indian markets and better quality of products. However,brand awareness is to be further increased in the non-south Indian market and efforts areto be made to procure more orders from Govt. departments, various public and privatesector organizations etc.Moreover, high volatility in the price of the majorraw-materials is one of the major reasons for low margin. Risk associated with theincrease in copper price can be mitigated by efficiently planning the procurement ofcopper and also keeping the inventory of wires at low levels. As major growth sectors in the country is expected to come out with impressive growthduring the fiscal 2011-12, the way ah ead for the product seems to be good and focus willbe given to tap the potential in the rural parts of the country and also increase themarket share of the non-south Indian market.As the construction industry is expected togrow further, efforts shall be made to procure more project / institutional orders. 3. 3 PUMPS AND MOTORSDuring the year under review, the Company was able to achieve moderate growth in thepump segment consisting of single and three phase pumps. Impressive sales was achieved inthe first half of the fiscal, however due to the extended monsoon, growth was sluggishduring the second half. Total sale achieved was Rs. 121. 00 crores, showing a growth of 42%over the sales achieved during the financial year 2009-10.The product line was able tocontribute 16. 65% of the total net sales of the Company. New models were introduced as per the geographical requirements and efforts were madeto increase the brand visibility especially in the non-south Indian markets and also inthe rural and semi urban areas. With the support of more below the line activities,increased penetration was achieved in respect of three phase pumps in tier II & tierIII cities. More number of Dealers were appointed in unrepresented areas of non-SouthIndian markets with a view to expand our marketing network.The Company was also able tointroduce 5 star rated models suited for different segments of customers. Sale of the product may get affected due to climatic conditions and also there is stiffcompetition from the players both in the organized and unorganised sectors. Non-availability of skilled man power from the industry may also hamper the growth of theproduct. Your Company is planning to give more concentration in new market segments withproducts like agricultural pumps, motors & industrial pumps and also three phase pumpsin a big way. 3. ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS ( GEYSERS)Electrical products segment has shown a good growth in the country during the yearunder review contributing to an impressive growth in the product line. Seasonal factorslike good monsoon rains, early winters in the northern parts of the country have alsofavoured the growth of the product. During the year under review, the total sale achievedwas Rs. 60. 00 crores which is 62% over the previous year’s sale of Rs. 37. 00 crores. Sale of Gas water heaters introduced in the previous year was extremely good.Dealer network for the product was considerably increased both in the urban as well asrural markets. During the year under review, more number of economy models was introducedbesides 5 star rated models that ensures reduction in the usage of energy. Your Companywas able to introduce vitreous enamel tank to increase the life of the tanks and thischange has been well accepted in the market. The product has got good market potential in non-south India due to the climaticcondition and the same can be capitalized by increasing the brand awareness and also theconfidence level of the Dealers.In case, the sale price of solar water heaters gets reduced considerably in future dueto alternate technology in manufacture or by grant of high subsidy by the Government,there is a likelihood of certain segment of customers shifting to solar water heatersthereby affecting the sale of electric water heaters to some extent. Moreover, powershortage prevalent in many parts of the country and increasing cost of power may alsoaffect the future growth potential of electric water heaters.Your Company is planning tointroduce new models and more star rated models to reduce energy consumption and forreduction in operational costs as a strategy to maintain the growth momentum. 3. 5 SOLAR WATER HEATERS:With a view to conserve electrical energy by curtailing power consumption in house holdappliances and industrial equipment, the Government is encouraging the use of alternate orrenewable energy in place of electrical energy in a massive way. Further, to encourage theuse of solar thermal devices for heating water, the Government has introduced subsidy tothe end consumer.Many nationalized banks are also providing loans at cheaper interestrates for purchase of solar water heaters. Many of the state governments in the countryhave mandated the use of solar water heaters in commercial segments facilitating increasedsale of higher capacity industrial and commercial models. These steps are expected toaccelerate the growth of the solar water heater industry in the coming years. To take advantage of the emerging scenario, your Company has introduced solar waterheaters with improved and innovative designs for varying applications with a view toexpand its market share in domestic and commercial segments.During the year under review,the marketing network for sales of solar water heaters was reorganized with introductionof direct sales to customers in major cities, to facilitate getting more project orders. Your Company is also enjoying superior technology in the manufacture of solar water heaters that give longer life of inner steel tanks, thus providing an edge over thecompetitors in the segment. All these efforts have resulted in increasing the turnover of solar water heaters toRs. 22. 00 crores during the year under review registering a growth of 34% over theprevious year’s turnover of Rs. 6. 40 crores. Considering the future growth potential, your Company is on the threshold of setting upa major manufacturing facility for solar water heater with improved technology atPerundurai, near Erode, Tamil Nadu, in the land taken on lease from SIPCOT and the newmanufacturing unit is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of the fiscal2011-12. This improved technology is intended to mitigate the present problem of corrosionof inner tank of solar water heaters in hard water areas. An investment of Rs. 8. 00 croresis envisaged for the project.Your Company has also initiated the process for obtainingCRISIL rating for Solar Water Heater – Division, that will help the consumers toavail the subsidy announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)while making purchases of solar water heaters. However, possibility of further increase inlending rates may have a negative impact on the purchase of solar water heaters utilizingthe loans from commercial banks. 3. 6 FANSGrowth in the electrical products segment in the country has supported the fan industryalso to achieve an impressive growth in the year under review.In 2010-11, your Companyachieved a net sale of Rs. 53. 00 crores, which shows 107% growth over the net sale of Rs. 25. 60 crores, recorded in the previous year. Good range of products in the ceiling fansand new models of table, pedestal and wall mounting fans through imports and decorativemodels in ceiling fans have enabled the Company to achieve higher sales and improve theprofitability in the product line. The Company was also able to improve the sale in thenon-south Indian market by appointing more number of channe l partners and alsoconcentrating in the rural markets of various parts of the country.As the booming construction industry is expected to give a fillip to the electricalsegment industry, Your Company is confident of increasing its market share in the comingyears in the product line. It is also planned to appoint more number of dealers in theunrepresented areas to expand our marketing network. Your Company is also carrying outcontinuous R & D activities in its pilot production unit located at Kala Amb, toreduce the cost of production, improve the quality and reliability and to introduce lessenergy consuming models.More thrust is also given to capture more projects orders both from the Public andPrivate sector organizations. It is also proposed to introduce industrial exhaust fans tomeet the requirement of industry in the coming years. Sale of the product is highly dependent on the seasonality and also the growth in therealty sector. If the climatic conditions are not favourable, the sale may get affected. Moreover, competition from the unorganized sector is also a threat. To overcome thecompetition from the unorganized sector, your Company is involved in increasing its brandawareness by doing Below The Line activities.With continuous R&D and withintroduction of more models of energy efficient fans, your Company is confident ofincreasing its market share and profitability in the coming year. 3. 7 POWER & CONTROL CABLESYour Company embarked into manufacture and marketing of LT Cables in 2009 by setting upa manufacturing facility at Coimbatore. LT Power and Control cables are mainly used inpower generation and distribution plants and also in electrical systems within thepremises. As the power sector and construction industry are growing at a faster rate, goodgrowth potential is expected for the product. The Company achieved a net sales of Rs. 2. 00 crores, during the year under review and registered a growth of 165% over theprevious year. Order book consists of cl ients from major organizations from public andprivate sectors. Good brand image, consistency in quality of products and network withstrong dealers are the main growth drivers in the product line.The Company plans to grow further in the coming fiscal and increase its capacityutilization by getting more orders from Govt. and private institutions. 3. 8 UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY (UPS) SYSTEMSDuring the year under review, India’s personal computer (PC) market registered agrowth f 30% which is the highest since the year 2007. Nearly 25,00,000 PCs were shippedto Indian consumers, raising the overall sales by 26 per cent in the period. The demandfor UPS in India is expected to be robust, especially from rural and semi-urban areas,where the rapid development in the IT infrastructure and elongated power cuts and loadshedding is more, compared to what urban areas experience. During the year under review,the product line UPS has made an incremental growth in sales both in terms of value andvolume.Your Company was able to achieve net sales of Rs. 7. 00 crores, therebyregistering a growth of 56% over the previous year’s sale of Rs. 17. 36 crores. The factors that drive sustainable growth in this segment are the quality andreliability of products, competitive prices, availability of the product through a widedistribution network and prompt after sales service support. Your Company is adoptingstrategies for penetrating the B and C class cities to ensure growth in this product line. Growth is also expected from hospitality industry as well as educational institutions,where the usage of UPS is more.However, UPS is as an ancillary product of desktop computers and the demand of UPSdepends directly on the demand of desktop computers. The sales growth of Laptops isindirectly affecting the sales of UPS in the Tier I and Tier II Cities. Your Company istaking steps to increase the range of models in the category of Line Interactive UPS andonline UPS for wide range of ap plications as a strategy for increasing sales. 3. 9 DIGITAL HOME UPSDigital Home UPS industry is poised to grow aggressively in the coming years.The acutepower shortage and load shedding stipulated by various State Governments and frequent longhour power failures have contributed to the growth of the product line in a big way. During the year under review, net sale achieved was Rs. 22. 00 crores, registering a growthof 150% over the previous year’s sale of Rs. 8. 77 crores. In the year under review,the product reach was increased by making it available throughout the country byappointing number of Direct Marketing Associates and strengthening the marketing network.Your Company has also introduced battery for the Digital UPS during the fiscal 2010-11. Considering the huge market potential, the Company is confident of increasing the salesmany fold in the coming years. 4. OPPORTUNITIES & THREATSYour Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of various products whichf orms part of the segments like electronic and electrical, consumer durable, agriculture,construction and power. Sales growth of the each product vertical is having a direct nexuswith development of the core sectors of the economy.As the Indian economy is on a fastgrowing pace, all the key sectors are also showing excellent growth. The Indian consumerdurable industry witnessed a tremendous growth during the year under review. Changinglifestyle, higher disposable income coupled with greater affordability, boom in the realestate and housing industry and a surge in advertising has been instrumental in bringingabout a sea change in the consumer behavior pattern. Rural markets and small towns haveshown promising demand for durables and prosperity in rural India has been one of themajor driving forces for rural growth.Though the economy is growing in a fast manner, the high inflation prevalent in thecountry may affect the growth of the sectors like construction, consumer durables,agricultu re etc. It may also affect the purchasing power of the people and slow down themovement of white goods. Besides, consumers are more aware of energy efficient appliancesas they are proactively asking for star-rated refrigerators, air conditioners, waterheaters, pumps etc. If the Company fails to introduce energy saving models, it will befacing difficult situation to market the products.Moreover, in the highly inflationaryregime, price of the raw-materials may increase considerably leading to increased cost ofproduction. Attempts to pass on the price escalation to the consumer, may lead to, peopleopting for unbranded products, considering the price variation. 5. FUTURE OUTLOOKThe Indian economy is expected to maintain the growth momentum in the coming years. With the existing product range and by introducing new models which suits with the localrequirements of various markets and by providing good after sales service, your Directorsare confident of achieving desired growth levels and improve the profitability further.Possibility of adding one or two products coming in the home appliance segment is alsounder consideration. Thrust will be given to strengthen the existing manufacturingfacilities by making additional investment wherever required. Efforts will be taken toimprove the brand awareness in the new markets and more penetration will be made in thesemi-urban and rural areas. 6. RISKS AND RISK MITIGATIONThe Company has an Enterprise Wide Risk Management System in place and has laid downprocedures for risk assessment and its mitigation.A two level committee monitors therisks and its mitigation measures on a regular basis. The lower level consists of 4Product Risk groups each headed by a VP and comprising of concerned product heads andrepresentatives from other functions like Finance, Systems, Customer Service, HumanResource, Legal etc. The apex body, known as Risk Management Team is headed by theExecutive Director and comprise of Sr. Vice Presidents, Vice Pres idents, Chief RiskOfficer, Assistant Risk Officer and heads of various Product Risk Groups as members.The Product Risk Groups holds periodical meetings and review the risks and mitigationmeasures in the respective product groups and submit their reports along with the minutesof the meetings to the Risk Management Team, which review and consolidate the Risk reportand submit quarterly reports before the Audit Committee for its review and recommendationto the Board. The Company is also maintaining Risk Registers for each product and the sameare updated on regular basis.

Genetically modified foods Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Genetically modified foods - Research Paper Example As a result, GM could provide solutions to problems of poor, hungry, and marginalized people in developing countries (Weirich, 2007). Yet opponents of the technology are concerned that genetic modification can erode biodiversity, lead to genetic pollution, and cause the evolution of "super bugs" and "super weeds" (Weirich, 2007; Weick and Walchli, 2002). They also raise questions about the health safety of GM food and equity issues relating to the ownership of GM seeds (Weick and Walchli, 2002). Advocates of genetic modification often contend that the risks associated with it do not differ much from risks introduced by conventional breeding. Indeed, in 1990, the International Food Biotechnology Council recommended that GM food plants could be regulated with existing laws and practices and that no additional regulatory measures were needed (Ingenthron, 1991). Some argue, on the other hand, that new biotechnology is qualitatively different from conventional techniques (Victor and Runge, 2002). In conventional breeding, whole blocks of genes are moved by allowing crossovers or meiosis (Lappe and Bailey, 1998). With genetic engineering, only isolated genes carrying specific traits are transferred. Also, genetic engineering allows gene transfer between species that would not naturally exchange genetic material. The later trait makes this new technology revolutionary, as revolutionary as the splitting of the atom. Giddens (2000: 8) called it a quantum leap, both in terms of its p ossible advantages and risks. Like every scientific revolution, GM technology has entered into public debate with its perceived benefits and costs. In 1991, the Office of Technology Assessment stated that biotechnology would contribute to agriculture by: (1) lowering production costs; (2) increasing yields; (3) providing higher-quality food; and (4)

Iranian Architecture and Culture Research Paper

Iranian Architecture and Culture - Research Paper Example The other aspect of the Iranian architecture is the Islamic Impact on the Iranian architecture. I will analyze the connection between the Islamic Impact on the architecture of Iran and the purpose of ancient techniques utilized in the Iranian architecture. Iran is blessed with the natural resources and thus the architecture remains dependent on the natural resources. Moreover, the architects maintained to utilize the local resources in the construction. The geography of Iran is much diverse. According to Ayatollahi (2003) â€Å"Because of its geographic diversity, Iranian Plateau has always been, and still is, regarded as the land of many riches†. Besides the presence of natural resources, the Iranian architects always welcomed innovation. As Iran has a typical weather condition. In winters the temperature lowers to the freezing point and in summer the temperature rises to make it hot region. Climate has major impact on the architecture and Iranian architecture developed techn iques to produce cold water in summer by storing the natural ice in the winter season. The method is pit storage of ice. The major reason for storing the ice is to preserve fruits, vegetables and utilization of water for the drinking purposes. According to Mahdavinejad and Javanrudi (2012) â€Å"Ancient fridges are a pit with a sophisticated method to store ice in hot-arid climates. Ice prepared in winter season and reserves until hot seasons to keep meat, fruits and dairies, and also used as a method to making water cold and tasty†. The pits are of rectangular shaped, which are designed to store ice. According to Mahdavinejad and Javanrudi (2012), â€Å"The architecture of Iranian ancient fridges is analyzed with respect to the following factors: The architectural background of fridges in each hot-arid regions, Construction methods and materials, and Formation of the plans and sections†. The walls of the fridges are not uniformly constructed. The width of the walls va ries as the height of the walls varies. On the other hand due to the Islamic Impact in the regions, the major change on the architecture is the utilization of the towers, which are also known as ‘minarets’. Minarets are usually long slender towers, which are usually built near mosques. The major aim of a minaret is to define the ways towards the mosque. However, the minarets are equipped with some light source to show the way to the mosques at night. The minarets are not only built near mosques but also near schools, road sides and also near other places. According to Iran Chamber Society (2012), â€Å"The tall structures built on roadsides or near caravansaries, schools, or other gathering places were originally watch-towers that also provided lighting for the surrounding areas†. In olden days, minarets provide a top position for the prayer caller to call the people for the prayers. Minaret has three basic parts Base or foundation, shaft and gallery (Iran Chambe r Society n.p). The other important aspect of the Iranian architecture is the utilization of the dooms in the architecture. Dooms also show Islamic influence on the Iranian architecture. Dooms have a significant value in the Islamic architecture due to the sound effects, produced by dooms. The payer call and the verses read during the prayers, echo several times due to dooms. Due to the echo, the loudness of the sound and range of the sound

St George Cabinet by Philip Webb, reaction against commercialism Essay

St George Cabinet by Philip Webb, reaction against commercialism - Essay Example The importance of this piece during this time frame relates to the movements which were occurring against commercialization and the associations which many artists had with the changes occurring in society. Background of St. George Cabinet Saint George’s Cabinet was made in 1861 by Phillip Webb, a renowned architect of the time, as well as his collaborator William Morris. The focus of the cabinet began with the philosophy of a group of artists and individuals which Morris and Webb both belonged to movements which were interested in keeping the fine arts as a main association in society. This movement turned back to the classical structures and paintings, specifically renowned before the 1300s2. The exhibition of displays included intricate furnishings to homes, stained glass windows, large tapestries and murals inclusive of patterns and designs as were a part of the time frame. Each of these were known as an approach to the decorative and ornamental arts because of the intrica te work done, and that both Webb and Morris believed had value in developing a different association with the arts in the current time frame3. The associations with the artistic culture were furthered by the craftsmanship specifically because of other philosophies and considerations of both as well as the expectations for the cabinet. Morris was associated with the church restoration of the time and had developed a deep understanding of the pagan and Christian beliefs associated with the building of the churches during this time. Both also had a strong association with the resurrection of the church and the need to go back to the fundamental beliefs as a part of society, as opposed to the viewpoints as were a part of the church at the time. The scenes used depicted one of the famous stories of St George and is regarded as one of the most important scenes in Biblical history. The ornamentation and associations with this were used to highlight and bring to light the resurrection of th is particular story while trying to move back into the original form of the story that was a part of the time frame. This was combined with the expectation given to the cabinet to show it at the World Exhibition as a part of the arts and handicraft movement of the time4. Making of the Cabinet The cabinet made was a combination of pine and oak material, as well as an overlay of mahogany added after the cabinet was completed. This was combined with copper mounts used for the main display. The cabinet has a rectangular cupboard on a stand and with three doors with a lock plate. There are five scenes located around the cabinet, all divided unevenly among the three doors. The scenes are separated by daisy heads and vertical wavy lines with the rest of the cabinet painted in black with shell patterns and spots on the side and top of the cupboard. It is known the ornamentation is a combination of Orientalism was popular at the time as well as the artistic techniques were of interest to Web b and Morris5. (see Appendix A and B). The painting used for this particular cabinet can also be noted, not only with basic designs, but also with the process used by Morris. The figures in the paintings were depicted by poses of family friends as well as Morris’ wife for the painting. The interior decoration also used the process of layering, specifically with tinted varnish on the ground of silver leaf. This was a medieval method Burges had recently discovered and used with many of

Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 13

Memo - Essay Example Before joining ISU for my bachelor’s program, I had managed to garner some achievements in my young career life. Among the achievements I have garnered thus far, two stand out as the most memorable. The first achievement was receiving ‘Best Intern’ award during my time at ABC electronic company after graduating from high school. This award came after the hard work and drive I put in completing my tasks in a timely manner at the organization to the point where I got recognized by the staff and selected for the award. This award is of note as I had only interned at the organization for six months!! The second accomplishment was receiving a ‘best science fair project’ under a physics science fair held at my high school. This award helped to reaffirm my belief that I was destined to be great in the field of science. Before moving over to the US, I worked at a mining company in South Africa—Broadmill Mining. I was tasked as an electrical engineer intern where my responsibilities revolved around developing economic feasibility studies, researching on electrical systems at mining sites, and assisting with reporting on the various stages of project development. My abilities to multi-task, working around schedules, and being flexible were greatly tested and proven during this period. Individuals and organizations are nothing without the communities they serve in and serve for. It is for this reason that I am always passionate about community service and the overall giving back to the society whenever and however possible. I have been lucky to serve in organizations that are cognizant of upholding community service values. As an intern at ABC electronic Company I got involved with the organization’s ‘building green’ campaign for their community service. This campaign ensured everyone who worked at the organization would undertake tree planting during the weekends at various communal sites pinpointed by the organization

International business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

International business - Essay Example A trademark is infringed when, without the owners’ consent, another party uses a substantially similar mark in connection with the advertisement or sale of goods or service, and this is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception regarding their origin. A trademark owner who wins an infringement suit can obtain an injunction against uses of the mark that are likely to cause confusion. In certain circumstance, the owner can also obtain money damage for provable injury resulting from the infringement and for profits realized by the defendant from the sale of infringing product or service. The shop, SpeedEX, was doing a brisk business packing and shipping items for its customers. McDodgy remembered thinking to himself: â€Å"I want a piece of that action!† to that end, on his first day as an Agelino, McDodgy rented commercial space on Redondo Beach, and set up shop copying the SpeedEX logo exactly, except for one slight difference: the two â€Å"e† ‘s in SpeedEX were changed to one â€Å"u†. He promptly incorporated the business and registered its mark, using it on his letterhead, email, business cards, and of course, a sign for the shop. McDodgy’s new business, SpudEx, Inc. claimed to provide delicious, hot French fries in 3 minutes or less, or else they were free, and used the slogan: â€Å"SpudEx: FastFreies, or FreeFries†/ McDodgy figured that since SpudEx was an entirely different business than SpeedEx, its copying of the logo was not infringing on any trademarks. He also felt secure that since he was operation all the way across town form SpeedEx in Redondo Beach, he would be sage form a law suit. There are above 7 issues are related to provision of the Lanham Act and the Dilution of Trade Marks. The Lanham Act, which establishes federal protection for certain marks, defines as any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination of these. In certain limited situation

America Air Pollution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

America Air Pollution - Essay Example The air pollution was in the first industrial revolution because of massive amounts high-sulfur coal usage in the production process. Great amounts of industrial production largely used high-sulfur coal hence producing abundant SO2 into the air. Air pollution specifically in the cities is not a new encounter. In the Middle Ages, using coal in the cities had escalated. The challenge of poor quality of urban air as early as in the sixteenth century depended on the use of coal. After the first industrial revolution, the air pollution problem formed and developed during the second industrial revolution as a form of â€Å"smoke†. Many industries were located in the cities and towns. The fumes from these industries and the coal from domestic heating in the home made the levels of air population in the urban region be high. In times of foggy situations, the level of pollution increased leading to the formation of urban smogs (a mixture of fog and smoke). This made the cities in America to be brought to a halt, interfering with the traffic and causing the rates of death to increase dramatically. The influence of pollution on vegetation and building was obvious. In the year 1960 to 1990, the congress of the United States enacted a number of clean air acts that were useful in strengthening the air pollution regulation. These initiatives were followed by many states in the United States. The Clean Air Act established some numerical concentration limits of th e basic air pollutants thus giving the reporting and mechanisms of enforcement.

Graphic communication Essay Example for Free

Graphic communication Essay Sch 31: Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings. 1.2 Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting. Communication plays a massive part once building a relationship in the work setting. By regularly keeping effective communication between practioners, parents/careers and children makes a positive working environment. The relationships are mostly based on the type of communication between one another, communication is not just by verbally but also the body language we show, facial expressions and our gestures. Communication with children and young people is very important. When a child is new to the setting you would want them to feel comfortable and safe in your company away from parents/ careers. As of when the children and young people does feel positively about the new environment around then helps the parent/career of that child to feel relaxed and comfortable to hand over their child into your care knowing they will have an enjoyable experience. The main way to build positive communication with the child/ young person is through play, as you talk with them during activities the child would become more relaxed as you ask questions about their games and actions, by showing interest into the child’s/ young persons holistic development will then build a positive relationship with that child/ young person. By showing positive body language in the setting, shows an invitation to the child/ young person that you’re there to play games, do activities and be there to have a conversation. Lowering down to the child’s/ young person’s level which will then put you into the position to engage in eye contact, this will make the child/ young person feel like you are more approachable to communicate with for example; ask you questions. When verbally communicating between you and the child the tone of your voice is very important, the child will pick up on the way you say things more than what you said as this will tell them if you’re being positive towards them; talking with them, or either being direct; talking to them. Not only do you talk to them but also the child will response, or even approach you first to communicate; either for a general conversation or to ask a question. All children are different, either it is by the way they’re brought up, their culture, have different beliefs, and in the way they communicate for example; English is an additional language. If you had a child in the nursery who had English as a second language, and knew few words, verbally communicating with this child wouldn’t be the first thing you would do. There are loads of different ways to do this for example; using picture cars with words, not only will this technique help communicate but also help build the childs English vocabulary. Another being demonstrating, for example; in an activity, lets say gluing and sticking, show the child what to do by demonstrating the activity for them to then copy your actions. Communication is very important, not only with the child/ young person but also their parents/ careers. Parents and careers need to be kept updated with everything that happens with their child/children and information that they need to know about the nursery itself. The stronger the relationship between the practioners and the parent/ career the stronger the trust the parents/ careers have with their child/ children in your care. Information should be shared on a day to day basis between the practioner and the parent/ career abpout everything that happens in the nursery. This information can be shared in different ways depending on the confidentiality. Information for all parents to know who have children at the nursery should be notices such as for example; new children joining the group, allergies that children have prompting the parent/ career about the foods the child should be allowed to take into the nursery, changes to day plans (hours, activities, trips). This sort of information can be transferred by sending out a newsletter to the parents/ careers individually when they drop off of pick up their child/ children, a notice board inside/ outside of the nursery for everyone to read, emailing or texting to the parents/ careers as this could be an easier way for them. On the other hand information more confidential about an individual should just be kept between that parent/career of the child/ children and the practioner who is giving the information. This information can be transferred by a letter, email and a text but in my opinion this sort of nonverbal communication just doesn’t seem formal or appropriate. Information like this should either be told over a phonecall or even face to face at the beginning or end of the school day; Taking the parent / career aside to have a conversation in a private room away from other parents and practioners. The information given would be topics such as, the child’s behaviour; if they are being disruptive, not listening to the staff harming other children, or even if the child seems upset and won’t join in on different activities and games set. Sometimes communicating can’t always be as easy as having a conversation or written communication for example; a child’s information profile. A parent/ career can be harder to approach in different situations for example; the parent/ career has English as an additional language and knows some English but not enough to have a general conversation about the child, in this situation more verbal communication would be easier to approach than written communication. Also a parent/ career with dyslexia, verbal communication is easier to approach, especially when information is need on the childs profile for in the nursery, so in this scenario, the parent or career would have to verbally share this information with the practioner for them to record this information. As long as the parent/ career is knowledgeable of what is happening with their child and the nursery they will feel comfortable and trusting with their child in the care of the nursery. Keeping communication strong between yourself and work colleagues is very important as the information you share between one another is what will keep the nursery running where as if this communication was at a poor standard then no information will get told to everyone, people including staff, the parents/ careers and children. The sort of communication that would be between colleagues mostly on a day to day basis would be verbally, when in the work setting, such things being for example; about activities and games, day plans, child absences, food times and parents drop off and pick up times. Also this all doesn’t need to be verbally if it’s the same information to be transferred to each member of staff every day, there could be for example a chart e.g; in the baby room a chart been posted up on each child’s different feeding and sleeping patterns. Building a strong relationship with colleagues would make life in your setting more comfortable, easier to work with one another and just better to talk to each other. Also by having a stable relationship communicating with each other will keep all of the staff up to date with everything happening. Communicating with colleague to colleague is a different to which you would talk to a child or a parent/ career. Speaking to a colleague would be less formal than anyone else as in the work setting you would build a strong friendship as well as just a work relationship. On the other hand when speaking to a profession outside of the nursery such as a special educational needs coordinator you would communicate in a more formal way and confidentially would be strict. Of a profession like this you would communicate verbally face to face with them, or by even email, sharing the sort of information about a child they’re there to study. The different professions would need trust in you and the rest of the staff to make sure this child/ children don’t feel left out because they’re different and that you respect and look out for them. In conclusion, when working in a nursery setting you are to be prepared to strongly communicate with everyone involved in your work to build that trust and respect. Not only verbally and just speaking but also thinking about how to speak and how to show your body language and facial expressions.

Strategies of Job Analysis

Strategies of Job Analysis The most basic building block of HR management, job analysis, is a systematic way to gather and analyze information about the content and human requirement of jobs, and the context in which jobs are performed. Job analysis usually involves collecting information on the characteristics of a job that differentiate it from other jobs. Information that can be helpful in making the distinction includes the following: Work activities and behaviors Machines and equipment used Interactions with others Working conditions Performance standards Supervision given and received Financial and budgeting impact Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed What Is a Job? Although the terms job and position are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference in emphasis. A job is a grouping of common tasks, duties, and responsibilities. A position is a job performed by one person. Thus, if there are two persons operating word processing equipment, there are two positions (one for each person) but just one job (word processing operator). Differentiating between Job Analysis and Job Design It is useful to clarify the differences between job design and job analysis. Job design is broader in nature and has as its primary thrust meshing the productivity Job analysis A systematic way to gather and analyze information about the content and the human requirements of jobs, and the context in which jobs are performed. Job A grouping of similar positions having common tasks, duties, and responsibilities. Position A job performed by one person. needs of the organization with the needs of the individuals performing the various jobs. Increasingly, a key aim for job design is to provide individuals meaningful work that fits effectively into the flow of the organization. It is concerned with changing, simplifying, enlarging, enriching, or otherwise making jobs such that the efforts of each worker fit together better with other jobs. Job analysis has a much narrower focus in that it is a formal system for gathering data about what people are doing in their jobs. The information generated by job analysis may be useful in redesigning jobs, but its primary purpose is to get a clear understanding of what is done on a job and what capabilities are needed to do a job as it has been designed. Documents that capture the elements identified during a job analysis are job descriptions and job specifications. Job Analysis and the Changing Nature of Jobs Increasingly, commentators and writers are discussing the idea that the nature of jobs and work is changing so much that the concept of a -job  may be obsolete for many people. For instance, in some high-technology industries employees work in cross-functional project teams and shift from project to project. The focus in these industries is less on performing specific tasks and duties and more on fulfilling responsibilities and attaining results. For example, a project team of eight employees developing software to allow various credit cards to be used with ATMs worldwide will work on many different tasks, some individually and some with other team members. When that project is finished those employees will move to other projects, possibly with other employers. Such shifts may happen several times per year. Therefore, the basis for recruiting, selecting, and compensating these individuals is their competence and skills, not what they do.2 Even the job of managers changes in s uch situations, for they must serve their project teams as facilitators, gatherers of resources, and removers of roadblocks. However, in many industries that use lower-skilled workers, traditional jobs continue to exist. Studying these jobs and their work consequences is relatively easy because of the repetitiveness of the work and the limited number of tasks each worker performs. Clearly, studying the two different types of jobs- the lower-skilled ones and highly technical ones- requires different approaches. Many of the typical processes associated with identifying job descriptions are still relevant with the lower-skilled, task-based jobs. However, for fast-moving organizations in hightechnology industries, a job description is becoming an obsolete concept. Employees in these -virtual jobs  must be able to function without job descriptions and without the traditional parameters that are still useful with less changeable jobs.3 Work Analysis Work analysis studies the workflow, activities, context, and output of a job. This analysis can be conducted on a department, business process, or individual level. At one level, the industrial engineering approach of time and motion studies is useful in work analysis. At another level the linkage of what is done in one department may be looked at in relation to work activities performed Chapter 7 Analyzing and Identifying Jobs 215 Work analysis Studying the workflow,activities, context, and output of a job. in another area. For instance, in an electric utility if a customer calls with a service outage problem, it is typical for a customer service representative to take the information and enter it into a database. Then in the operations department, a dispatcher may access the database to schedule a line technician to repair the problem. The customer would be called back and notified about the timing of the repair. The line technician also must receive instructions from a supervisor, who gets the information on workload and locations from the dispatcher. A work analysis identified that there were too many steps involving too many different jobs in this process. Therefore, the utility implemented a new customer information system and combined the dispatching function with customer service. The redesign permitted the customer service representatives to access workload information and schedule the line technicians as part of the initial consumer phone calls, except in unusual situations. The redesign of jobs required redefining the jobs, tasks, duties, and responsibilities of several jobs. To implement the new jobs required training the customer service representatives in dispatching and moving dispatchers into the customer service department and training them in all facets of customer service. The result was a more responsive workflow, more efficient cheduling of line technicians, and broadening of the jobs of the customer service representatives. This example illustrates that analyzing work activities and processes may require looking at what capabilities individuals need as well as what they do. That certainly would be true as office support jobs, such as the secretarial job, are examined. Increasingly, it is being recognized that jobs can be analyzed on the basisof both tasks and competencies. Task-Based Job Analysis Analyzing jobs based upon what is done on the job focuses on the tasks, duties, and responsibilities performed in a job. A task is a distinct, identifiable work activity composed of motions, whereas a duty is a larger work segment composed of several tasks that are performed by an individual. Because both tasks and duties describe activities, it is not always easy or necessary to distinguish between the two. For example, if one of the employment supervisor„ ¢s duties is to interview applicants, one task associated with that duty would be asking questions. Job responsibilities are obligations to perform certain tasks and duties. For jobs that remain task-based, many standard phases of the job analysis process can continue. As indicated in the phases of traditional job analysis that are outlined later in the chapter, extensive effort is made to clarify what specifically is done on a job. Development of job descriptions identifies what is done and lists job functions. Competency Approach to Job Analysis There is a growing interest in focusing on the competencies that individuals need in order to perform jobs, rather than on the tasks, duties, and responsibilities composing a job. This shift emphasizes that it is the capabilities that people have that truly influence organizational performance. As E.E. Lawler suggests, instead of thinking of individuals having jobs that are relatively stable and can be written up into typical job descriptions, it may be more relevant to focus on the competen-216 Section 2 Staffing the Organization Task A distinct, identifiable work activity composed of motions. Duty A larger work segment composed of several tasks that are performed by an individual. Job responsibilities Obligations to perform certain tasks and duties. cies used.4 Competencies are basic characteristics that can be linked to enhanced performance by individuals or teams of individuals. The groupings of competencies, as Figure 7- 1 indicates, may include knowledge, skills, and abilities. VISIBLE AND HIDDEN COMPETENCIES hidden and visible competencies. Knowledge, being more visible, is recognized by many employers in matching individuals to jobs. With skills, although some are evident such as skill in constructing financial spreadsheets, others such as negotiating skills, may be less identifiable. But it is the -hidden  competencies of abilities, which may be more valuable, that can enhance performance. For example, the abilities to conceptualize strategic relationships and to resolve interpersonal conflicts are more difficult to identify and assess. A growing number of organizations are using some facets of competency analysis. A survey of over 200 organizations sponsored by the American Compensation Association (ACA) asked about the major reasons that firms have used the competency approach. The three primary reasons given were (1) communicating valued behaviors throughout the organization; (2) raising the competency levels of the organization; and (3) emphasizing the capabilities of people to enhance organizational competitive advantage.5 Many earlier efforts to use competencies have been job-based, meaning that competencies are identified in the context of specific jobs. In this way the competency approach is a logical extension of traditional job analysis activities. However, some organizations are taking the competency approach to another level by focusing on role-based competencies. This shift has been accentuated by the growing use of work teams, whereby individuals move among tasks and jobs. Some of the roles might be leader, supporter, tactician, technical expert, administrator, or others. Through competency analysis, the competencies needed for individuals playing different roles in work teams can be identified. Then selection criteria, development activities, and other HR efforts must be revised to focus on the different sets of competencies needed for the various roles. COMPETENCY ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY Unlike the traditional approach to analyzing jobs, which identifies the tasks, duties, knowledge, and skills associated with a job, the competency approach considers how the knowledge and skills are used. The competency approach also attempts to identify the hidden factors that are often critical to superior performance. For instance, many supervisors talk Chapter 7 Analyzing and Identifying Jobs 217 Competencies Basic characteristics that can be linked to enhanced performance by individuals or teams. Knowledge Scale: Visible Hidden Abilities Skills Conceptual Model of Competencies about employees„ ¢ attitudes, but they have difficulty identifying what they mean by attitude. The competency approach uses some methodologies to help supervisors identify examples of what they mean by attitude and how those factors affect performance. Several methodologies are available and being used to determine competencies, with behavioral event interviews being commonly found. This process involves the following steps:6 1. A team of senior managers identifies future performance results areas critical to the business and strategic plans of the organization. These concepts may be broader than those used in the past. 2. Panel groups are assembled, composed of individuals knowledgeable about the jobs in the company. This group can include both high- and low-performing employees, supervisors, managers, trainers, and others. 3. A facilitator from HR or an outside consultant interviews the panel members to get specific examples of job behaviors and actual occurrences on the jobs. During the interview the individuals are also asked about their thoughts and feelings during each of the described events. 4. Using the behavioral events, the facilitator develops detailed descriptions of each of the competencies. This descriptive phase provides clarity and specifics so that employees, supervisors, managers, and others in the organization have a clearer understanding of the competencies associated with jobs. 5. The competencies are rated and levels needed to meet them are identified. Then the competencies are specified for each of the jobs. 6. Finally, standards of performance are identified and tied to the jobs. Appropriate selection screening, training, and compensation processes focusing on competencies must be developed and implemented. Examples of the competencies used in organizations vary widely. In one survey of 10 companies, the following were most common. Customer focus Leadership Team orientation Innovation Technical expertise Adaptability Results orientation

Capital Punishment Essay: Death Penalty Can be Fair, and Fun!

The Death Penalty Can be Fair    Every American should want fairness in all areas of public policy - this is especially true with regard to the death penalty, since the stakes are high. But the opponents of the death penalty make a most peculiar argument about fairness. They argue that if the death penalty is not administered fairly, and especially administered with racial fairness, it must be abolished.    Nobody would even think of trying to apply this principle in a consistent way. If we find that black neighborhoods get less police protection than white neighborhoods, would we withdraw cops from both black and white neighborhoods? If banks are discriminating against black home buyers in mortgage lending, would we demand they stop all mortgage lending? If we find the IRS discriminating against middle-class and poor taxpayers, would we want to abolish the IRS? All right, that does have an attraction, but nobody is seriously suggesting it.    What do the opponents of the death penalty say should replace it? Life imprisonment, perhaps? But there is no reason to believe this penalty is more fairly imposed than the death penalty. So are we going to knock the maximum down to 10 years? If so, we face the same problem.    In addition to the philosophical incoherence of the argument, the empirical reality of racial disparity in capital punishment is a lot more complicated than simplistic notions about racism run riot in the criminal justice system would lead you to believe. It's important here to understand that the opponents of the death penalty make two different arguments about racial fairness, and they are flatly contradictory.    The first thing that we see when we start looking at statistics is... ...pital defendants are a highly self-selected and hardly unbiased group.    So what we have, in the way of hard statistical evidence, fails to support the politically correct fantasy of massive discrimination. Is the death penalty administered with perfect fairness? No. Is it administered as fairly as other public policies, and especially as fairly as other criminal sanctions? Yes.    Public officials should work to make the system even fairer. In particular, better provision could be made for an effective defense in capital cases. And I think that a revival of executive clemency (which has fallen into disuse) in cases where a jury is perceived to have been too harsh would be a good thing. But the notion that unfairness, and particularly racial unfairness, requires the end of the death penalty makes neither philosophical nor empirical sense.      

The Flat Tax Essay -- Economics

The Flat Tax The â€Å"consumption tax† as a replacement for the income tax is at least a subject of noteworthy question and debate. It seems as though, the means in relation to the ends are not always justifiable, but when approached properly, can benefit all. To answer the question of whether a consumption tax should be applied, I examined both my morals and my ideas of capitalism and free enterprise in relation to democracy. Is it fair to establish a tax that rewards the already wealthy and pose a threat to the already shaky financial standing of the poor? No; but a system that rewards success is important. So what is the solution? As an American, I am infused with the spirit of capitalism. While this is a wonderful thing, we must carefully draw the line between the tendency of capitalism towards over individualism and over extended tax burden. The burden to which I refer is of course, largely progressive taxes. With a tax system that is overly progressive (such as the present law system) we risk removing the incentive to invest in America’s companies and also remove money from the pockets of would be employers. As I examine the opposing idea of a regressive tax system, with which I am equally at odds, I find it to be morally repugnant to punish the poor simply for their lower economic standing. With the notion that income tax is going to tend towards the progressive side in the U.S., I feel that repealing such a liability may be beneficial for the Americ...

Images of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE Course

Images of Blood in William Shakespeare's Macbeth  Ã‚   In Shakespeare?s tragic play Macbeth, the symbol of blood is portrayed often and with different meanings. Blood as a symbol is developed throughout the play until it becomes the dominating theme. Perhaps the best way to show how the symbol of blood changes throughout the play is to follow the character changes in Macbeth. First he is a brave honored soldier, but as the play progresses acknowledged and trusted by his king, he becomes a treacherous person who has become identified with death and bloodshed, and ends up killing Duncan who put so much trust in him. This is ironic because the previous thane of Cawdor was executed for treason, which is the first thought that comes into his mind when he is appointed thane. He knows that the king?s trust was misplaced; the fact that he murdered his king plays upon his conscience and shows his guilt in different forms. The situation worsens for him after he murders Banquo, who was one of his most loyal and trusted friends. A similar idea can also be applied to lady Macbeth, as her character changes dramatically throughout the course of the play. Hers and Macbeth?s roles can be seen to swap in a way. When the idea of killing Duncan come s into the minds of Macbeth and lady Macbeth, Macbeth is uncertain, he seems withdrawn about the whole idea. Lady Macbeth comes across as evil and bloodthirsty, for it is she who ensures that the murder takes place. Towards the end of the play though, although both characters show the immense guilt of what they have done, it is lady Macbeth who is now withdrawn, and Macbeth who comes across as evil, for the full spell of the witches has now taken effect, he does not believe that the Scots will be d... ...s that he is guilty, when he says "But get thee back, my soul is too much charg'd with blood of thine already.? Of which, Macduff replies, "I have no words, my voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain than terms can give thee out." After the death of Macbeth at the hands of Macduff, the symbolic theme of blood swings back to the theme of triumph and glory that it was at the beginning of the play. It is the symbol of honor to Malcolm this time. The death of Macbeth is an honored feat that Macduff is congratulated for. As we have seen, the meaning of the symbol of blood changes from honor to treachery, and then to guilt, after this, it returns to the symbolic meaning of honor once again after the villain that changed the meaning from honor to tyranny is killed. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Ed. Dietrich Klose. Stuttgart: Reclam, 1970.

B&Q Case Study

Contents Executive Summary3 1. TASK ONE4 1. 1 Introduction4 1. 2 Possession and practice4 3. 3 B&Q case5 3. TASK TWO8 3. 1 Introduction8 3. 2 Time distance9 3. 3 Technological distance10 3. 4 Social distance10 3. 5 Cultural distance11 4. Bibliography13 Executive Summary In a modernized and globalized world, knowledge creation and synergization of knowledge in an organization is truly crucial.As data and information are readily available, and information communication technology (ICT) has highly advanced, organizations such as B&Q need to understand how knowledge creation can assist to improve internal and external processes and also encourage innovation. In task one, the aim is to differentiate between possession of knowledge and practice of knowledge and examine which epistemology B&Q uses throughout their supply chain. B&Q uses possession knowledge whereby it provides all their vendors with a code of conduct guidelines which they need to follow through.However, in the face of risk and uncertainty in an economic crisis, B&Q should adopt practice of knowledge and enabling people to do differently and better. In task two, the statement by Stoneman (2010) means that trust and power are the main factors that drive product, process and organizational innovation. For B&Q, due to their power as the distributor, they are able to develop and lay down the process and procedures that all their vendors need to adhere to. However, in an economic crisis, its regimental practice may ot work as uncertainty disrupts the flow of the procedures. 1. TASK ONE 1. 1 Introduction The studies on knowledge and its characteristics have long been explored and discussed in the business and supply chain world. With the emergent of technology and innovation, the possession and practice of knowledge has become more essential in this â€Å"knowledge society† (Nonaka, 1994; Bell, 1973; Drucker, 1968; Toffler, 1990). But what is knowledge and how does an organization activate and generat e knowledge?Knowledge is defined as â€Å"awareness, consciousness, or familiarity gained by experience or learning† (knowledge, n. d) which are the ways people in a social situations would understand and make sense of where they are and what they are doing. When knowledge is conducted and embraced in an organization, it will result to a group of people who develop shared beliefs, behaviours and routines that shape organization capabilities. Experts such as Polanyi (1966), Nonaka (1994) and Cook and Brown (1999) divide knowledge into two categories called tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge.Tacit knowledge is associated with the skills or know-how that people developed through their own experience in specific contexts. Whereas explicit knowledge is something that has been codified, written down or spelled out and is communicable across context. 1. 2 Possession and practice From the word possession itself, one can understand that it is about the knowledge that people have i n their mind (Cook and Brown, 1999). Blackler (1995), and Cook and Brown (1999) refer possesion of knowledge as â€Å"knowledge† and practice of knowledge as â€Å"knowing†.Knowledge is a mental or cognitive capacity which is hierarchical in nature and comprises of data, information etc. moreover, possession of knowledge is a personal property where people render meaning from subjective experiences, perceptions and previous understanding. As human minds are individually unique, hence different people may perceive and intepret the same information or data differently. Meanwhile, practice of knowledge sees knowledge as something that it developed through social interaction such as project work, group assignment or group discussion.When people practice knowledge, they convert tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, thus transferring knowledge from one person to another. This is done through sharing stories, experiences or creating norms to a group of people hence enablin g the experience of an individual to be related to a wider community. 3. 3 B&Q case B&Q plc works with many vendors such as Kingfisher Asia (KAL) who supply products to B&Q. Hence to manage their vendors and ensure processes and procedures are followed, B&Q come up with code of conduct (B&Q Operational Standards for Supply Chains) for all their vendors.The code of conduct is based on the international labour and envirnmental standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions which factories and worksites of all vendors throughout the world need to comply to. In summary, vendors need to let B&Q have full visibility of the enitre supply chain and fulfill and obey the code of conduct criteria at all facilities. Any failure to meet the nine Critical Failure Points (CFPs) will result in B&Q not buying or purchasing their products.Through this code of conduct, we can deduce that B&Q adopts a possession of knowledge rather than practice of knowledge. B&Q receives know ledge about labour and environmental guidelines from ILO conventions and uses the basic context to write down or capture in an information technology (IT) system which is then made available as an organizational resource – B&Q Operational Standards for Supply Chains. This is in contrast of having a group discussion with the vendors and seeking their opinions and views on how to create a better working environment for the workers (practice of knowledge).For example, Baer (1987) and Abbott (1988) explained that in order to defend their position, occupational groups such as doctors would write down or ‘black box’ their skills and knowledge which is then used by others as guidelines or instructions to follow. B&Q is following the same concept as they wish to guard their position as a responsible organization or employer where the rights of all workers throughout the world are respected and protected. Thus, this results to an encoded knowledge (Blackler, 1995) for the vendors as information is transmited through the code of conduct.Unlike an individual or specialist ‘black box’, the construction of the code of conduct requires the involvement of a group of people. This method of knowledge creation follows Nonaka’s SECI framework where it is a spiralling process of interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge (Nonaka,1994; Nonaka & Toyama, 2003). The SECI framework consists of four knowledge conversion processes; Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization; which can be seen in Figure 1. The breakdown for B&Q case is as follow: 1.Socialization – The ILO standards which was made known to the B&Q management assist them to create their own knowledge or set of standards which vendors are to adhere. 2. Externalization – B&Q management then decides to have their on set of guidelines in accordance to ILO standards and form a group to write down the code of conduct. 3. Combination – We beli eved that during the process of writing down the code of conduct, B&Q managerial level will each provide inputs and opinions based on the organization’s mission and values on what and how to write down.Once drafted, the Head of Human Resource Department will read it through and request for any necessary adjustments. Once finalized, the Chairman or Head of B&Q will give the approval to codified and disseminate the code of conduct to all the vendors. 4. Internalization – Vendors will then read the instructions and ensure all CFPs are met. For any areas which fail to comply, site management of the vendors will then follow the guidelines to make changes and improvements. Figure 1: SECI model of knowledge creation Source: Nonaka & Toyama (2003)However, Nonaka SECI framework downplays the difference of interest, power and political dynamics which people and organizations face everyday. Thus, during an economic crisis, B&Q may approach innovation differently due to the uncert ainty and adversity faced in a crisis. According to Tsoukas (1996) and Schauer (1991), even though organizations can make assumptions and obtain knowledge from previous economic crisis where similar conditions are seen, the formulate strategy may not work perfectly according to what the organizations believed as there are still uncertainty.Meaning to say, a strategy used in a crisis five years ago may not generate the same result due to the difference in technology, people’s mindset and other relating conditions. B&Q need to adopt practice of knowledge during a crisis as information may not be readily available since people and other organizations are wary and may not disclose essential information in order to survive the crisis. With competition between rival organizations getting tougher, B&Q needs to learn, practice and embodied skills and knowledge which increases their chance of survival (Barnett & Burgelman, 1996).As mentioned by Hitt et al (2007), a multilevel research approach to encourage employees to have better understanding of the strategy implemented by B&Q management. Hence, B&Q through providing an enabling context, B&Q allow its employees to do things differently and better. For example, when selecting their vendors, B&Q can not just rely on which vendor is able to adhere to its code of conduct. B&Q also need to look into the pricing, capability and other characteristic of the particular vendor.B&Q vendor management team need to have further dicussion with sales, procurement and operations team to gain their opinions and views on which vendors to select. With the current vendors, B&Q need to adopt open communication and discuss with them on how the crisis is affecting their perfomance and compliance towards the code of conduct. Another example is due to the crisis, a vendor had to lay off several staff and workers due reducing their headcount. Hence in order to meet B&Q rders, the vendor’s workers may need to work extra hours whic h is over the local law. Through discussion, B&Q may allow the vendor to carry out the new process until the economy stablize and the vendor is able to employ more workers. 3. TASK TWO 3. 1 Introduction Stoneman (2010) mentioned that â€Å"product, process and organizational innovation are socially and politically mediated processes†. This means that through social relationship and even political standing in an organization; product, process and organizational innovation are being conceptualized.Jackson (2001) noted that the real-world issues and situations do not match up to traditional disciplinary boundaries due to the inequality in the capitalist world. Therefore, trust and power play an essential role in the development of knowledge and innovation. Internally at B&Q, their managers may see themselves as the authority towards process and organizational innovation. For example, a manager has the power to decide on how his department should be run in order to meet the depar tment and organization goals.And through his relationship and interaction with the staffs, he may perceive a staff as capable if able to follow the process and excel in it. Hence, to gain trust and acknowledgement, employees compete and motivate each other to do better at what they do and also provide suggestions to the manager on improving certain situations or issues. As highlighted by Hardy and Dougherty (1997), depending on the organization’s culture and its board of management, resource power and process power can either work against or aligned with innovation.However, without meaning and a direction to support the need for innovation, people will notbe motivated to innovate. For example, the warehousing staffs at B&Q may face difficulties in picking the correct product. Thus, with its power, the warehouse manager can arrange a group discussion with the warehousing team leaders and their IT department to create a new process whereby the product are bar-coded and connecte d to a system which will provide the product information when it is scanned.Externally, when working with their supply chain members such as customers and suppliers, B&Q managers can use either its power or trust to ensure compliance are met by the suppliers and customers continue to purchase from B&Q. For example, the board of management has the authority to continue or discontinue the services of a vendor depending on its compliance and performance. However, during an economic crisis where risk and uncertainty are faced, B&Q managers may react to similar situation or innovation differently.B&Q decisions on innovation, processes and products are affected by four types of distance – time, technological, social and cultural. 3. 2 Time distance Due to the changes in time, environment and conditions, certain processes or procedures that B&Q managers created may not be applicable in an economic crisis. Moreover, the decisions B&Q managers made in a previous crisis are also not ap plicable even though the conditions are similar because there is still uncertainty whether the outcome would be the same.The finance department will be more guarded on the expenses and budget thus setting a more thorough process of other departments to ensure waste are minimized and costs are low. In a study done by Hardy and Dougherty (1997), innovators or managers in an anti-innovation environment would solve their problems through methods and ways which hamper innovation whereas in a pro-innovation environment, innovators are able to incorporate the organization’s resources, processes and meaning to develop an more suitable and effective product.Thus, in relation to the crisis, B&Q managers may tackle a deparment issue by pushing away the problematic function and work its way around it. 3. 3 Technological distance As ICT becomes highly advanced, B&Q need to be selective of the information and tacit knowledge that is available widely. This is because not all tacit knowledge is applicable to B&Q’s strategy and that an overflow of information will result to overloading and poor decision making. Through market and technology knowledge, innovators are able to examine problems, communicate and collaboratively develop new products for the organization (Dougherty et al, 2000).However, in an economic crisis, technology knowledge that is necessary for innovation may not be readily available or cost effective to the organization. Faced with uncertainty, B&Q board of management may decide to take on a survival mode concept and develop process such as budget control to restrict unnecessary cost and waste. Thus, if an innovator in B&Q requires a certain technology to assist in its development of new product, he need to go through many levels of strict procedures in order to attain approval. 3. 4 Social distanceDuring an economic crisis, organizations face many problems and situations as they try their hardest to survive and go through the crisis without a m ajor disruption or impact. Due to the uncertainty and risk, managers need to respond quickly and effectively. Even in a crisis, Jackson (2006) noted that managers need to ensure their processes are efficient and effective, staffs are motivated and knowledge is created and enhanced. This is to ensure that the organization is constantly better than their rivals thus surviving the crisis.While ICT and innovation should still move on in a crisis; being a regimental organization; B&Q managers follow routine and have the power to make innovation unlawful through rewarding short-term results, punishing mistakes and even not rendering the support needed for innovation (Hardy & Dougherty, 1997). Not only does this kills innovation in B&Q, the staff would also be less motivate to innovate as they unable to relate a specific project with B&Q’s strategy (Van de Ven and Polley, 1992; Hardy and Dougherty, 1997; Dougherty & Heller, 1994).Hence, B&Q board of management need to re-evaluate it s organization strategy and procedures if it wishes to maintain in the industry. Jackson (2006) suggest organizations to adopt creative holism which is a set of guidelines that are multi-paradigm, multi-methodology and multi-method in nature. Through holism, organizatons look at the situation at a macro and organizational level, thus assuring that the departments are connected and performing together as a whole.Dougherty et al (2000) explained that since organizational knowledge and learning involves many different processes, a focal point or objevtive is essential to ensure one is taking the right path. Pelz and Andrews (1966) recognized that the efforts to combine and link market and technology knowledge across and throughout the organization is often met and filled with tensions. Thus, B&Q need to incorporate these two factor and be less rigid if it wishes to produce and gain new ideas, products and processes (Weick and Westley, 1996). 3. 5 Cultural distanceKingfisher plc, the pa rent company of B&Q, is a United Kingdom (UK) based retailer that offers do-it-yourself (DIY), home decorations and home improvement products to their 6 million customers (Kingfisher, 2012). To meet their international market and demand, Kingfisher plc has overseas sourcing offices in India and Poland that act as a supplier to B&Q. To ensure these strategies and structure is maintain in other country, Kingfisher plc has to train its overseas employees, make them understand and cultivate the Kingfisher plc working culture.However, this will be a tough challenge for example, in India due to the poor education and different socio-culture. Thus, Kingfisher plc needs to accommodate its Western working culture with India working culture, but without losing its main mission and strategy. To ensure this is executed properly, Kingfisher plc needs to obtain a specialist in the Indian market and culture. An economic crisis affects countries differently, depending on where the crisis originates .However, due to globalization, a crisis in the European Union (EU) nations will have a ripple effect, thus affecting neighbouring countries and countries that depend on the EU economy and market. Likewise, if an economic crisis hits India where one of B&Q suppliers is located at, B&Q need to gather information and data from news reports and the India supplier’s representative, and analyse the data before making a decision on how to overcome the crisis and what B&Q should do to ensure that the crisis in India do not disrupt the entire supply chain.To ensure accurate and timely information and knowledge is recevied, Swan and Scarbrough (2005) suggest organizations to adopt a networked innovation process where the innovation procedures is collaborated in the network arrangements within and between organizations (Alter & Hage, 1993; Owen-Smith & Powell, 2004; Powell et al, 1996). B&Q needs to view networks as a means of communication where knowledge and information are dissemina ted (Swan & Scarbrough, 2005) and thus, adopting a open sharing concept where individuals and groups are allow to interact and exchange knowledge and information. 4. Bibliography Abbott, A. 1988). 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