Traffic Problem

Interstate 80, seen here in Berkeley, California, is a freeway with many lanes and heavy traffic. Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel. Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the road are both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, with marked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, traffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck); other vehicle (e.g., moped, bicycle); and pedestrian. Different classes may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on drivers' common sense and willingness to cooperate. Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency.Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include: road construction, collisions and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. A complete breakdown of organization may result in traffic congestion andgridlock. Simulations of organized traffic frequently involve queuing theory, stochastic processes and equations of mathematical physics applied totraffic flow. Traffic in English is taken from the Arabic word taraffaqa, which means to walk along slowly together.Contents1 Rules of the road 1.1 Directionality 1.2 Traffic regulations 2 Organized traffic 2.1 Priority (right of way) 2.1.1 Uncontrolled traffic 2.2 Turning 2.2.1 Intersections 2.2.2 P edestrian crossings 2.3 Level crossings 2.4 Speed limits 2.5 Overtaking 2.5.1 Lanes 2.6 One-way roadways 2.6.1 High-speed roads 2.6.2 One-way streets 3 Congested traffic 3.1 Rush hour 4 Congestion mitigation 4.1 Rush hour policies 4.2 Pre-emption 4.3 Intelligent transportation systems 5 Future of congestion mitigation 6 See also 7 References 8 External links 9 Further reading Rules of the road[edit]Traffic controller in Chicago, Michigan AvenueTraffic control in Rome, Italy. This traffic control podium can retract back to road level when not in use. Rules of the road and driving etiquette are the general practices and procedures that road users are required to follow. These rules usually apply to all road users, though they are of special importance to motorists and cyclists. These rules govern interactions between vehicles and with pedestrians. The basic traffic rules are defined by aninternational treaty under the authority of the United Nations, the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.Not all countries are signatory to the convention and, even among signatories, local variations in practice may be found. There are also unwritten local rules of the road, which are generally understood by local drivers. As a general rule, drivers are  expected to avoid a collision with another vehicle and pedestrians, regardless of whether or not the applicable rules of the road allow them to be where they happen to be.In addition to the rules applicable by default, traffic signs and traffic lights must be obeyed, and instructions may be given by a police officer, either routinely (on a busy crossing instead of traffic lights) or as road traffic control around a construction zone, accident, or other road disruption. These rules should be distinguished from the mechanical procedures required to operate one's vehicle. Seedriving. DirectionalityMain articles: Bidirectional traffic and right- and left-hand traffic Traffic going in opposite directions should be separated in s uch a way that they do not block each other's way. The most basic rule is whether to use the left or right side of the road. Traffic regulationsSee also: Category:Rules of the roadIn many countries, the rules of the road are codified, setting out the legal requirements and punishments for breaking them. In the United Kingdom, the rules are set out in the Highway Code, which includes obligations but also advice on how to drive sensibly and safely. In the United States, traffic laws are regulated by the states and municipalities through their respective traffic codes. Most of these are based at least in part on the Uniform Vehicle Code, but there are variations from state to state. In states such as Florida, traffic law and criminal law are separate, therefore, unless someone flees a scene of an accident, commits vehicular homicide or manslaughter, they are only guilty of a minor traffic offense. However, states such as South Carolina have completely criminalized their traffic law, so , for example, you are guilty of a misdemeanor simply for travelling 5 miles over the speed limit.Organized trafficPriority (right of way)[edit] See also: Right-of-way (disambiguation) Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to  go first is called â€Å"right of way†, or â€Å"priority†. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. Signs, signals, markings and other features are often used to make priority explicit. Some signs, such as the stop sign, are nearly universal.When there are no signs or markings, different rules are observed depending on the location. These default priority rules differ between countries, and may even vary within countries. Trends toward uniformity are exemplified at an international lev el by the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which prescribes standardized traffic control devices (signs, signals, and markings) for establishing the right of way where necessary. Crosswalks (or pedestrian crossings) are common in populated areas, and may indicate that pedestrians have priority over vehicular traffic. In most modern cities, the traffic signal is used to establish the right of way on the busy roads.Its primary purpose is to give each road a duration of time in which its traffic may use the intersection in an organized way. The intervals of time assigned for each road may be adjusted to take into account factors such as difference in volume of traffic, the needs of pedestrians, or other traffic signals. Pedestrian crossings may be located near other traffic control devices; if they are not also regulated in some way, vehicles must give priority to them when in use. Traffic on a public road usually has priority over other traffic such as traffic emerging fro m private access; rail crossings and drawbridgesare typical exceptions.Uncontrolled trafficUncontrolled traffic comes in the absence of lane markings and traffic control signals. On roads without marked lanes, drivers tend to keep to the appropriate side if the road is wide enough. Drivers frequently overtake others. Obstructions are common. Intersections have no signals or signage, and a particular road at a busy intersection may be dominant – that is, its traffic flows – until a break in traffic, at which time the dominance shifts to the other road where vehicles are queued. At the intersection of two perpendicular roads, a traffic jam may result if four vehicles face each other side-on.Traffic ProblemsTraffic congestion in many cities around the world is severe. One possible solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on cardrivers and use this money to make public transport better. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a measure. One of t he first benefits of such a measure is that the heavy taxes would discourage car owners from using their cars because it would become very expensive to drive. This would mean that they would begin to make use of public transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and pollution as well. Another benefit would be that much more use would be made of public transport if it was improved. It is often the case that public transport in cities is very poor.For example, we often see old buses and trains that people would rather not use. High taxes would generate enough money to make the necessary changes. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. First and foremost, this would be a heavy burden on the car drivers. At present, taxes are already high for a lot of people, and so further taxes would only mean less money at the end of the month for most people who may have no choice but to drive every day. In addition, this type of tax would likely be set at a fixed amount. This wo uld mean that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst the rich could likely afford it. It is therefore not a fair tax. To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation, but there are advantages and disadvantages of introducing such a policy.Traffic managementCreating a travel planOne of the most effective ways to ease traffic congestion at schools is to reduce the number of cars coming and going from your school. Boards of trustees can encourage students and staff to walk, cycle, take public transport, ride the school bus, participate in a walking school bus or car pool to school. Another way to manage traffic is to prepare a travel plan for traffic movement in and around the school, parking and pedestrians. Developing a travel plan with your community will get people thinking about alternative options for getting to and from school.Complete the Traffic management checklist [Word; 92kb] before preparing the travel plan. Guidance on developin g a travel plan is available at: NZ Transport Agency – provides a guide for developing school travel plans and organising a walking school bus Safe Kids New Zealand – has resources for educators about keeping kids safe including child pedestrian safety NZPolice – has a School Road SafetyEducation programme which teaches young people road safety skills. Check with your local council as they often have information about safety on the road. For example, Auckland Transport has information about road safety, walking and cycling, and encouraging students to use alternative transportation; Christchurch City Council has a programme called Safe Routes to Schools which investigates road safety issues in school communities and develops strategies to encourage safe and active travel to school. Improving traffic movement through the schoolA good system for dropping off and picking up students will help manage traffic around and through the school. The system will depend upon the school, for example, if the school is located in an urban area with busy streets, coordinating traffic in and out of the school during peak times is critical, otherwise drivers are tempted to park illegally in the surrounding neighbourhood. Illegal practices include double parking and parking on yellow lines, across driveways, and near crossings. Many drivers justify this behaviour because they are only parked for a short time and they usually stay with the car. However, this practice is irritating for neighbours and unsafe for other road users. Traffic movement checklistA good traffic system through the school includes: car traffic flows in a clearly marked oneway direction pedestrian access points located separately from car access points the bus bay is separated from car and pedestrian access points an off-street drop-off/pick-up zone staff station at key points to manage traffic flow car access separate from the car park. If your school does not have land available to creat e an on-site drop-off/pick-up zone, you can contact the local council and ask for a dedicated kerbside access area on an adjacent street, if there are traffic issues. An example of an efficient traffic systemOther ideas for improving the flow of traffic include: staggering start and finish times for different year groups having staff to manage drop-offs and pick-ups at peak times will encourage  cars to move along and not park. Paying for work to improve traffic systemsBoards can use Five Year Agreement (5YA) funding for work to improve traffic systems on their school site. Work needs to be planned in the 10 Year Property Plan (10YPP), and budgeted within the available 5YA funding. Car parkingBoards of trustees should have a parking policy about who can use the car parks on the school site. The policy will usually provide for staff and some visitors' car parks. It is likely that there are not enough parks for students at a secondary school, which can create congestion in the neigh bourhood. Schools can to talk to their local council, including parking enforcement officers familiar with the area, for ideas about managing the school’s parking issues. New car parksThe need for new or upgraded car parks may be triggered by new teaching spaces for roll growth space. In the new teaching spaces budget, boards are given a site works allowance for each roll growth classroom to pay for new car parks. The Ministry does not have a policy on the number of car parks schools should have, but local councils may have requirements in their District Plans that kick in when the school applies for building consent for a roll growth room or other type of project.The council may require a traffic impact assessment. If the costs of new parks exceed the site works allowance, either because of the number required by the council or their cost, then additional funding will be considered. If the board wants car parks in excess of the council requirement, this must be funded throug h 5YA.Special events – parkingSpecial events can cause parking problems. Ideas to manage these problems include: encouraging people to walk, car pool or use public transport opening up some of the grounds, such as playing fields or tennis courts, to provide extra parking arranging the use of nearby parking facilities  arranging the use of remote parking facilities and provide shuttles to the event employing staff to direct traffic.Traffic impact assessments When a school applies for a building consent for a new building project the council may ask for a traffic impact assessment. The council will want to know if the proposed project will generate extra traffic and a need for additional parking, and how the school intends to manage the changes in traffic or parking. For larger projects, the council may require a professionally-prepared traffic impact assessment with an engineer’s report. Ask your council for names of companies who carry out these assessments or search the internet for traffic assessment consultants.Traffic requirements vary depending on what the council has in their district plan. Some councils may require more parking spaces to be provided and some may have traffic requirements depending on the educational use, breaking them down by primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Other councils may have more general requirements. Schools will have to convince the council they are managing parking and traffic flows – having a good travel plan and traffic system will help. Boards should ensure their school community are not causing traffic and parking problems for neighbours because those neighbours may object to a school’s building consent application. Traffic management checklistThe following checklist will be helpful: before starting the travel plan for use by the professional consultant hired to prepare a traffic impact assessment – the assessment should address these issues as a minimum and providing this information will reduce the time and therefore cost of a consultant.

Roman Fever

( , 445000) , , , (Alida? Sladea? Grice? Ansley)(  ·  · ) , , ; ; An Analysis of the Application of Cooperative Principle and Conversational Implicature in Roman Fever Li Yu’e (School of Foreign Languages, Hubei University for Nationalities, Enshi, 445000) ?Abstract? According to Grice's conversational implicature theory , conmunicators should conmunicate based on the cooperative principle which consists of four criteria,namely: quantity, quality, relation and manner. Betrayal of those four criteria means the arising of conversational implicature. This paper intends to apply the theory of conversational implicature into the conversations of Roman fever’s main characters(Alida? Sladea and Grice? Ansley)to give a pragmatic analysis , in order to help readers better understand the development of stoy and the main characters, and ultimately comprehend the work’s theme. Key words? Cooperative Principle;conversational implicature; criteria :  ·  · 19 20 , , 1905 ,1920 , , , , , ,  · , , :  ·  ·  · 25 , , , 25 , , , , 25 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , —— —— , , , , , 1967? , (Logic and Conversation) † Cooperative Principle)† ,â€Å" , , †? 1? â€Å" , , †? 2 , , , ,? â€Å" † â€Å" †, (Quantity), ; (Quality), , ; (Relation), ; (Manner), , â€Å" , , †? 3? , ,? â€Å" †(Conversational Implicature) (2003) , † , , :1 , 2 3 â€Å" †, , 4 4? , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1. , , , —— , , , 25 , , , (Id) (Ego)? , , , , (superego) , , , (1) Mrs. Slade :Well,I don’t see why we shouldn’t just stay here. After all,it’s still the most beautiful view in the world. Mrs. Ansley: It always will be,to me. Mrs. Slade : It ’s a view we’ve both been familiar with for a good many years. When we first me t here we were younger than our girls are now. You remember! Mrs. Ansley:Oh,yes,I remember. There’s that head-waiter wondering. ?5? , , , â€Å" † â€Å" † , 25 â€Å" † , , ,â€Å" † , â€Å" † , , , , , , , , :â€Å"When we first meet here we were younger than our girls are now. you remember? â€Å"Oh,yes,I remember. † , , ,â€Å"There’s that head-waiter wondering. † , , (2) Mrs. Slade: Well, why not! We might do worse. There’s no knowing, I suppose, when the girls will be back. Do you even know back from where? I don’t! Mrs. Ansley: I think those young. Italian aviators we met at the Embassy invited them to fly to Tarquinia for tea. I suppose they’ll want to wait and fly back by moonlight. Mrs. Slade: Moonlight-moonlight! What a part it still plays. Do you suppose they’re as sentimental as we were? , , , , , , , â€Å" †(moonlight) â€Å" † , , , , , , , , , , , , â€Å" † , â€Å"Museum specimens of old New York†(â€Å" †), , , , â€Å"‘vividness’†(â€Å"‘ ’†) , , , 2. (1) Mrs. Slade:Five o’clock already. Mrs. Ansley: There’s bridge at the Embassy at five. Mrs. Slade:Bridge, did you say! Not unless you want to†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ But I don’t think I will, you know. Mrs. Ansley: Oh, no. I don’t care to at all. It’s so lovely here; and so full of old memories, as you say. Mrs. Slade:I was just thinking, what different things Rome stands for to each generation of travelers. To our grandmothers, Roman fever; to our mothers, sentimental dangers-how we used to be guarded! to our daughters, no more dangers than ghe middle of Main Stree. They don’t know it-but how much they’re missing! I always used to think, that our mothers had a much more difficult job than our grandmothers. When Roman fever stalked the streets it must have been with such beauty calling us, and the spice of disobedience thrown in, and no worse risk than catching cols during the cool hour after sunset, the mothers used to be put to it to keep us in-didn’t they! Mrs. Ansley: One,two,three—slip two;yes,they must have been. â€Å"Five o’clock already. † , 25 , ,â€Å" There’s bridge at the Embassy at five. † , , , ; , 25 , , , , , , ,â€Å" , ‘ ’: ‘ ’? ‘ ’, ‘ ’? ‘ ’, ‘ ’? ‘ ’,‘ ’ †? 6 , , â€Å" † , , , , , â€Å"One,two,three—slip two. † , , , , (Id) (Ego), (2) Mrs. Slade:I-oh, nothing. I was only thinking how your Babs carries everything before her. That Campllieri boy is one of the best matches in Rome. Don’t look so innocent, my de ar-you know he is. And I was wondering, ever so respectfully, you understand†¦. Wondering how two such exemplary characters as you and Horace had managed to produce anything quite so dynamic. Mrs. Ansley:I think you overrate Babs, my dear. Mrs. Slade: No, I don’t. I appreciate her. And perhaps envy you. Oh, my girl’s perfect; if I were a chronic invalid I’d-well, I think I’d rather be in Jenny’s hands. There must be times†¦ but there! I always wanted a brilliant daughter†¦ and never quite understood why I got an angel instead. Mrs. Ansley:Babs is an angel too. , , , , â€Å"and never quite understood why I got an angel instead. † , , , â€Å"Babs is an angel too. , , , , , , , (3) Mrs. Slade:The sun’s set. You’re not afraid, my dear? Mrs. Ansley:Afraid- Mrs. Slade:Of Roman fever or pneumonia! I remember how ill you were that winter. As a girl you had a very delicate throat, hadn’t you? Mrs. Ansley:Oh, we’re all right up here. Down below, in the Forum, it does get deathly cold, all of a sudden†¦ but not here. Mrs. Slade:Ah, of course you know because you had to be so careful. Whenever I look at the Forum from up here, I remember that story about a great-aunt of yours, wasn’t she? A dreadfuily wicked great-aunt? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Mrs. Slade:Not often; but I was then. I was easily frightened because I was too happy. I wonder if you know what that means? Mrs. Ansley:I-yes†¦ Mrs. Slade:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ And the Colosseum’s even colder and damper. Mrs. Ansley: The Colosseum-? Mrs. Slade:Yes. It wasn’t easy to get in, after the gates were locked for the night. Far from easy. Still, in those days it could be managed; it was managed, often. Lovers met there who couldn’t meet eslewhere. You knew that? Mrs. Ansley: I-I daresay. I don’t remember.

Christians & Children Essay

Children today are a strong focal point of our society. Family upbringing can a be a big factor in to whether a child can act as a Christian or not. If a child is brought up with good values and are thought to think of others and that life is not just about ourselves then they will be able to act as good Christians. Children can often be selfish and only think of themselves if not taught better. Although if you observe children you can tell which ones have had a good upbringing and those that have not been taught right from wrong. Children are more likely to accept and not question at a young age whereas if older they may already be selfish and only think of themselves. Also in St. Marks gospel Jesus says; ‘I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (10:15)’ By this he means adults must learn from children who have an unquestioning, unconditional love and belief in what they are taught- an honest innocence. Most Christian children today are baptised as a baby, this is because their parents want them to be part of God’s family. When a child is baptised one of the things that they will be blessed with is that they will be able to resist temptation if you are baptised as a child you are more likely to be able to be a better Christian as you have the power to resist temptation. Some people may argue that being baptised as a baby is too young, as Jesus was baptised as an adult, but I think if a child decides they do not want to follow on in the Christian faith they can then not follow on to do their conformation class which then they will be able to make an informed decision about what they believe. Children may be seen as too self-interested to be a disciple and are more likely to fail but part of being a disciple is failure for example when Peter disowns, Jesus forgave him and he shows that he understands human failure. Peter went on to be the leader of the Church despite his failing. Although these are still children we have to think about the fact that Christianity equips you with the tools and guidance of the Holy Spirit to help and guide you away from wrongdoing. With all this support children should still be able to be just as much of a Christian as any adult. Children can do many things to act as disciples such as go to church, give money to charity, read/serve in mass and fundraise. I think a good example of how much children do really care is in Blue Peter, every year they organise the Blue Peter appeal, in which thousands of children organise bring and buy sales and other fundraising events for the issue they are raising for. ‘Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all (11:43-45)’ By this Jesus meant that we should serve others and help them as much as possible and I think all the children taking part in the Blue Peter appeal have done this. Another thing that we have to consider is when you say ‘child’ what this would mean. In the dictionary there are two definitions these are; * Any person between birth and puberty * An infant; a baby What would we see as the right definition it is hard to classify do we mean by their mental age or by their physical appearance or by their age. If we cannot identify what a child is then how can we decide that we cannot have them as Christians? I do not agree with this statement as I feel there are many worthy children that are Christians in the world today. Children today are tomorrow’s generation and we depend on them to carry on good will an d follow our faith. Christianity is a way of life not an age.

Regal Marine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Regal Marine - Essay Example The product life cycle has four stages: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. During the introduction stage sales are low because there are few customers buying the product (Netmba, 2011). The product needs advertising in order to attract new customers. The profits during this stage are nonexistent due to the fact that expenses are high and sales are slow. Regal Marine losses money when new boats are introduced, but eventually if the products survives and stays in the market during its entire product life cycle the firm generates a profit from the model. The maximum amounts of profits are generated during the growth stage. The growth stage of the product life cycle is considered a period of rapid market acceptance and substantial profit improvement (Kotler, 2003). Regal Marine should produce a lot of units during this stage. Investments made in advertising during this stage have a high return. The third stage of the product life cycle is the maturity stage. Competition is high during this stage which causes sales to decline (Valuebasedmanagement, 2011).The firm should lower its advertising expenses during this stage because the product is well known. The final stage, declining, is a period of downward sales and eroding profits. At the end of the declining stage the boats model is taken off the market.

The Yellow Christ by Paul Gauguin Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Yellow Christ by Paul Gauguin - Assignment Example The essay "The Yellow Christ by Paul Gauguin" explores the artwork by Paul Gauguin called "The Yellow Christ". This painting conveys starkness of the Breton scenery despite gay colors. Women in this painting portray a peasant potency. The outline of image the Christ in the painting and bold shading of women represents Gaugin’s emblematic style. Paul Gauguin uses oil with color pigments forming emulsions for application onto a canvas surface by cloisonnism. The applicator is a paintbrush that spreads the emulsion evenly on a canvas surface. Color pigments are miscible in oil and take a comparatively long period to dry. Shades of colors produced are clear and last for long periods with no risks of fading. Oil and canvas form basic materials for painting since time immemorial. Lines in the â€Å"The Yellow Christ† spread all over its frame. Vertical, horizontal, straight, curvilinear, and contour lines mingle in this painting bringing about diversity. Contour lines represe nt the landscape while straight lines outline the crucifix. The painting is a rectangular frame with dimensions of 92 Ãâ€" 73cm. Shapes of women and Jesus are elliptical and merge with smooth outlines of landscape. â€Å"The Yellow Christ† painting portrays a mixture of primary and secondary colors signifying various features. Yellow color in the painting merges Jesus with the scenery. Shades of blue and black on women in the painting depict contrast between bright and deep colors. Contrast of colors form a balancing relationship in the painting.

Financial Analysis of a Publicly-Traded Company Research Paper

Financial Analysis of a Publicly-Traded Company - Research Paper Example However, after conversion of preferred stock held by the US government into a common stock, US government is the largest stakeholder of the company to the tune of over $25 billion (Stempel, 2009). Q.2 Identify the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Porter's five forces of competition describe Citigroup’s relative standing in the financial market and the impact these forces may crate on the company can be elaborated under the following heads (Porter, 2008). Threat of Entry from Other organizations Banking business requires huge resources and credibility to begin with and that will surely create an entry barrier for a new entrant. The economies of scale go in favor of the Citi as that helps Citi to provide the services to the consumers at affordable cost. There is always a moderate threat from overseas players to enter in the niche area of Citi. Supplier Power Citi is in the business of financial services. Deposit holders provide huge chunk of capital to the Citi. In most of the cases, they do not have any bargaining power as they are in millions scattered all around and individually too small to dictate any terms. Currently, money flows globally and forward and backward integration of the companies in financial service business can create some turbulent times to the Citigroup but that applies to all firms within the financial market. Buyer Power Being in the financial services business, retail buyers do not have any bargaining power as such and they need to buy as per the market offerings. It is true that business moves in favor of the market-driven company but buyers bargaining power in the financial sector is not substantial to tilt the scale against the companies in this sector. Institutional buyers are the informed buyers and they do possess bargaining power to a certain extent because they buy in bulk; however, that bargaining power is not always one-sided. Financial products are inherently complex in nature and buyers hav e limited capacity to understand them though they do get substitutes in the market. This factor is not likely to affect much to the company like Citigroup. Rivalry Factor There are numerous competitors in the financial services business in retail and the institutional sectors; however, brand equity is superb in case of Citi. Mergers and acquisition is a common phenomenon in the financial sector. Size of the corporation does matter and Citigroup is one of the giant in the financial sector business so that is always a plus point for the company. Usually, companies change the hands but do no prefer to exit completely as sector offers lucrative business opportunities in the long run. Product differentiation is always possible to carve a suitable niche for the company and Citi has been doing the same for several decades. Substitution Threats Due to numerous players in the financial service sector business, substitute products are always available and the consumers weigh them with all pro s and cons. Citi also faces the issue of

Homosexuality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Homosexuality - Research Paper Example Members of the Society for the Reformation of Manners in England accused Captain Rigby of sodomy. The captain was convicted and sentenced to serve one I year in prison. He was also made to stand in a public place where people get to humiliate him for his supposedly bad manners. During the reign of Germany’s National Socialist (Nazi) government under the leadership of Adoft Hitler, the Nazi attempted to rid Germany of people whom they think do not fit their vision of the Aryan race. Since homosexuals do not fit into their vision of the Aryan race, many homosexuals were summarily put to death (see United States Holocaust Memorial Museum). Although times have changed since the open persecution of homosexuals through the courts and through summary execution, the public perception of homosexuals still remains mixed. Some people have become more tolerant to gays while others remained close minded on the issue. In our modern times, homosexuals enjoy more freedom but still, there are areas where these people still do not enjoy the kind of freedom that most people have. A good example of this is the case of the military. During the Clinton Administration, the government adopted the â€Å"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell† policy for gays in the military. This laws which took effect in 1993 authorized the government to discharge an American soldier for coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual. The rationale behind this legislation is that accepting people who are openly gay into the military would affect the high standard of morale in the military and would affect the implementation of good order and discipline among soldiers. The Bush administration supported the policy but the Obama administration promised to allow gays to openly serve the military. Of course this promise of President Obama is yet to be seen in the military. As of now, the â€Å"Don’t Ask Don’t Tell† policy still

Becoming agile through mindfulness Dissertation

Becoming agile through mindfulness - Dissertation Example Organizations dealing with information systems development (ISD) have started shifting to agile methods. This has been necessitated by the fact that the previous traditional methodologies, such as waterfall methodology, have been restrictive in terms of processes and extensive planning (Lee & Xia, 2010). The agile manifesto has been derived from the following four main tenets; interactions and individuals over roles and processes, contract negotiation through customer collaboration, response to change over plan following and a working software rather than an exhaustive documentation. Through these four doctrines, the agile manifesto came up with 12 principles that have led to the creation of different other methodologies. Such methodologies as XP (eXtreme Programming), FDD (Feature Driven Development), DSDM (Dynamic System Development Method) and Scrum have had lots of support from leading industry practitioners. Agile practices can be fused with mindfulness to ensure effective deliv ery of software applications to customers. Mindfulness involves attention to changes and the surroundings during the software development process (Argote, 2006). Through mindfulness, it is possible to achieve a certain degree of flexibility that allows an organization to be strategically at an advantage compared to the others. Literature Review Agile Global Information Systems Development (GSD) Many Information Systems Development Companies are migrating to Agile methods as a way of coping with the increased demands placed on such organizations. Most of them have gone further ahead to introduce a substitute solution, Global Systems Development (GSD). This alternative has resulted in numerous benefits including an increased potential for innovations, reduced costs of software development, large pools of talent, reduced proximity to markets or clients, transfer of knowledge, division of work across sites and reduction in duration for developing the software especially due to the effec tiveness in time zones (Conchuir, Agerfalk, Olsson & Fitzgerald, 2009). According to Carmel and Agarwal (2001), firms and organizations should be well aware of challenges posed by the implementation of such methodologies. Just like Agile methodologies this area has not been well researched. The little research that exists on this area represents problem reports rather than extensive research that provide solutions in terms of significant techniques and practices (Smite, Wohlin, Gorschek & Feldt, 2010, p. 91). However, developing distributed or global software development through the use of Agile methods has been an area of great interest (Agerfalk, Fitzgerald & Slaughter, 2009). Such collaboration between distributed development and Agile methods has been conceptualized due to the capability that is produced when the two are fused together (Ramesh, Cao, Mohan & Xu, 2006). According to Turk, France and Rumpe (2002), such collaboration was regarded as highly unlikely. This was largely due to the fact that distributed development methods rely on formal methods while Agile methods are reliant on informal processes. Further research into this area has indicated that apart from the excellent blend that results from this collaboration, it is also possible to address issues of control and communication that arise during development of distributed systems (Ramesh, Cao, Mohan & Xu, 2006). This is an indication that Global Software Development is becoming much popular (Stotts, Nagappan, Baheti, Jen & A J, 2003). Such systems have

Design of a Research Project Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Design of a Project - Research Paper Example This makes them costly as the manufacturing process includes removal of impurities. The spherical solar cells are silicon spherical cells that are repeatedly melted and fused with low-purity metals. The spheres are made by using the surface tension in a zero-gravity environment. This makes them relatively expensive to produce. However research has suggested that the spherical solar cells have certain benefits over the simple planar cells. The most important of these advantages include the spherical directivity of such cells. Because of the spherical nature of the cells, there is no directivity of light in case of spherical solar cells and lights from all directions including reflected and scattered light (Nakata, 2001). However there has been no quantitative analysis of this proposition. This paper aims at doing the same. The light-receiving characteristics of a spherical solar cell will be evaluated through a geometrical model. This will include the analysis of the characteristics of the light receiving properties of spherical solar cells, along with a comparison of the planar cells. Based on the comparison, advantages and disadvantages of each type will be evaluated. As can be seen from the figure 3, L1 is incident perpendicularly to the surface while L2 does not strike the surface in a perpendicular fashion. Since a unit cell is having a very small effective area, every point on the cell will have directivity with respect to the incident light. On the basis of this, the effective area of the entire cell can be calculated: Based on the available literature, and the model described, it can be assumed that there is no directivity in unit cells. The author also expects that the power generated in spherical cells is much more than simple planar cells. The author expects to conduct experiment trails to validate these assumptions. Based on the theoretical framework described above, the methodology will try to assess the effective area of

Women and Gender in Islam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Women and Gender in Islam - Essay Example For this text analysis assessment, the purpose is to analyze and compare/contrast the issues pertaining to the Islamic culture and specifically the women of Islam. Women are viewed as subservient to their husbands, with very little choice but to remain as a secondary force to the dominant male race. To better understand the role of women in a culture such as this, as well as to assess how the cultural aspect plays into such a societal standing, the two pieces of work to look at are "Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate" by Leila Ahmed and "Believing Women" in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Quran by Asma Barlas. What was often common place for a woman in this culture would be to marry someone, but to marry a person that was chosen by her father. A marriage such as this would commonly be referred to as an "arranged marriage". As she begins her work, Ahmed brings up the first of many points regarding women and marriage. That is, "Neither the diversity of marriage practices in pre-Islamic Arabia nor the presence of matrilineal customs, including the association of children with the mother's tribe, necessarily connotes women's having greater power in society or greater access to economic resources," Adding that, "Nor to these practices correlate with an absence of misogyny; indeed, there is clear evidence to the contrary. The practice of infanticide, apparently to girls, suggests a belief that females were flawed, expendable," (Ahmed p.41). Ahmed begins her work with one of the central themes for study of women in Islamic cultures. While there was a vast cultural diversity throughout the region , in the end the women were seen as the weaker sex and as such could be done with as was decided by the male elders of the home. Ahmed emphasizes this by the choice of the word misogyny in her text. That is defined as, "hatred or strong prejudice towards women; an antonym of philogny," Elaborating further that, "Misogyny is considered by most feminist theories as an implicit motivation of political ideologies that justify and maintain the subordination of women to men," ("Misogyny" p.1.). Just as monarchs were throughout the ages, males in this culture tended to express more outward joy at the birth of a male offspring rather than a female birth. This can be explained by the understanding that males sought to continue on their blood lines, as well as having someone to train that would be able to take a place of leadership as they saw it. Ahmed does counter with the fact that variation did occur in regards to the roles with which women were able to play throughout the vast Islamic culture. She sets out to compare lives, as well as the marriages, which the Islamic leader Muhammad would have had with his wives Khadija and Aisha. Unlike some of the other women around her, Khadija was a woman of wealth who actually was an employer of Muhammad as it was his job to keep an eye on her interests. Unlike the cultural norm, Khadija herself proposed marriage to Muhammad. Ahmed writes that, "She proposed to and married him when she was forty and he twenty-five, and she remained his only wife until her death at

Exxon Mobil Resources and Capabilities Essay Example for Free

Exxon Mobil Resources and Capabilities Essay Mobile is one of the most successful companies in the oil and energy industries today. But what makes them so successful? In an effort to answer this question, a thorough internal investigation can be helpful in determining what aspects of this company are making it an industry leader. Two aspects of this internal analysis of Exxon Mobile are the company’s resources and capabilities. Resources One of the most reputable resources that Exxon Mobil has today is a strong brand name. Exxon Mobil operates all over the world and is recognized in every part of the world (Datamonitor, 2008). When people all over the world know who a company is, what they do, and where they are located, the company gains a unique competitive advantage over the rest of the industry. A good way to analyze this resource is to use the VRINE Model (Strategic Management, 2007). This breaks down in order to analyze its value, rarity, inimitability, and exploitability. For this resource I’ll start by assessing its value. The question that must be answered is, â€Å"does this resource allow the firm to meet market demand or protect the firm from market uncertainties? † (Strategic Management, 2007). In the case of the brand name resource, I believe that it gives them ample protection against uncertainty and enables them to compete, if not lead, in the industry. Exxon operates in over 200 countries around the world (Datamonitor, 2008) The fact that this company is present all over the world, and not many other industry competitors operate in so many different regions, proves that this particular resource is very valuable to the company. If a company can possess something that another company cannot, value is inevitably created for that resource. This resource also protects them from uncertainty because this brand is already established itself within the market and can thrive in it without too much concern about the well being of the company, thus limiting some uncertainty. Next in the VRINE model is assessment of its rarity. Do any other companies possess such worldwide recognition as Exxon Mobil’s brand name can bring? There are some companies that have come close in competing with Exxon Mobil, such as ConnocoPhillips and Chevron, but none can compare with the unique profitability and opportunities that the name Exxon can bring to a region. The name is undoubtedly trusted throughout the world and rarely rivaled. Those aspects of the brand name recognition make this brand name a rarity. The next step in the VRINE model is to assess the inimitability. To assess this, the question of can competitors â€Å"acquire the valuable and rare resource quickly, or will they face a cost disadvantage in doing so? † (Strategic Management, 2007). The simple fact that the Exxon Mobil name is trademarked and registered makes it impossible for any other company to replicate its name. Also it would cost a substantial amount to buy out the company and gain its name. This alone makes the brand name inimitable. Now assessment of the nonsubstitutability is needed. The question arises, â€Å"is there protection against ready substitutes? † (Strategic Management, 2007). For Exxon, their name reputation is one that substitutes have a very difficult time matching. Exxon is leading the industry and continues to be a leader of almost every aspect of the industry today. Though substitutes are present in the industry, none can surpass the reputation of Exxon Mobil. The final step in the VRINE Model is to assess the resource’s exploitability. The question to answer is, can the firm â€Å" nurture and take advantage of the resources and capabilities that it possesses? † (Strategic Management, 2007). For Exxon, they can bring the company anywhere in the world and use the recognizable name to establish credibility and power in that region. This gives the company a considerable advantage when it comes to exploiting its brand name to establish the company around the world. After analyzing the resource using the VRINE Model, all aspects of the model have been met, so it is safe to say that this resource can give them a competitive advantage among its competitors. Another important resource that Exxon possesses is the presence of human expertise capital throughout the company (Datamoitor, 2008). Exxon employs many scientists and engineers that are researching and finding new ways to gain access to more energy resources and make the new innovations less harmful to the environment (Annual Report, 2007). This human capital has proven to be a very important resource for the company as shown by their development of new ways to increase liquid natural gas supplies and â€Å"enhancing heavy oil recovery† (Annual Report, 2007). Using the VRINE model again, I will assess this resource. In analyzing the value of the human expertise capital, again we must consider whether this resource helps the company meet market demand and can eliminate some uncertainty. In this case, I believe that the unique research department that houses these scientists and engineers is one that gives the company a great capability to compete in the market, and even excel within the industry. I believe it also eliminates some uncertainty because while the company is researching and developing cutting edge technology, it keeps them knowledgeable about all the new innovations and ideas that are throughout the industry. This makes the resource very valuable. Next, the rarity of the resource must be analyzed. I believe that this resource is rare because of the entire department (the Upstream Research Center) within the company devoted to letting these scientists and engineers use their knowledge to propel the company into the future (Annual Report, 2007). Some companies have R D departments, but they don’t posses the funding for such expertise and capabilities within these departments like Exxon has in its Upstream Research Center (Annual Report, 2007). This makes the breadth of their scientists and engineers and rare resource among it competitors. Following the VRINE Model, inimitability is the next aspect to analyze. I believe that it would be very difficult for any company to gain the human expertise capital that Exxon has. Exxon pays particular attention to its scientists and engineers by providing opportunities to use their knowledge to help solve every day problems that the company is facing. Many of these scientists and engineers had PhDs in their respective fields, thus making their ideas more credible and valuable to the company (Annual Report, 2007). This make the human expertise capital an inimitable resource because it makes it hard for other companies to replicate the magnitude of the distinguished human capital that Exxon possesses. The next step in the VRINE Model is nonsubstitutability. It would be nearly impossible for a competing company to substitute an equally effective team of engineers and scientists. The cost would be too great for the company. Exxon is leading the way in Research and Development trends, and substitutes for the quality of employees that Exxon has would be very difficult for other companies, making the nonsubstitutability of Exxon’s human capital very high. The final step is to analyze the exploitability of the human expertise capital. Exxon has proven that the expertise that is present can be exploited to develop new and innovative ideas that help Exxon maintain as an industry leader. One example of the result of this exploitation is the development of Metallyte UBW-ES, which is a new polypropylene film for packaging that has unprecedented sealing power (Datamonitor, 2008). This example proves that the exploitability of this human expertise capital makes this resource a valuable asset to the company. After analysis of the human expertise capital resource using the VRINE Model, it can be said that this resource gives Exxon Mobil a competitive advantage in the industry. Capabilities After assessing the resources that Exxon has available to them, it is now easier to illustrate what Exxon’s capabilities are because of the acquisition and ownership of these resources. One of Exxon’s important capabilities is their extensive research and development capabilities. Exxon’s research and development capabilities are very dynamic in the sense that as new energy conservation and developments arise, they can adapt their research and development departments to meet the new technologies and innovations. Their research and development capabilities go insofar as to â€Å"improve existing products, and enhance service† (Datamonitor, 2008). Using the VRINE Model again, it can be easy to see if this capability really gives Exxon a considerable competitive advantage. First we have to look at the value of this capability. Exxon has utilized the company’s valuable resource of human expertise capital do help head the research for new improvements and innovations that help lead the way for Exxon to grow (Annual Report, 2007). One such innovation is the development of Enable mPE, which has â€Å"substantially reduced waste and energy consumption across a wide variety of film applications† (Datamonitor, 2008). This capability allows them compete within the market and gain headway in developing potentially high profit innovations, thus giving value to their research and development capability. Next the rarity needs to be assessed. Though almost all of Exxon’s competitors have research and development departments, none have invested the amount that Exxon has. Also there are only a handful of top competitors within the energy industry so that alone makes Exxon’s R D department rare. In fiscal year 2007, Exxon invested $814 million in R D. Though the idea of an R D department is not a rarity in its own right, the amount invested and products produced because of their extensive R D work makes this a rare capability among its competitors. The next assessment in the VRINE Model is the inimitability of this capability. As mentioned before many other companies have a R D department, but not to the extent that Exxon’s is being funded and operated. In the past 5 years, Exxon has invested upwards of $3. 5 billion in research and development alone (Annual Report, 2007). Very few of Exxon’s competitors can match that without having an almost impossible financial obligation afterward. That is one feat that few companies can imitate. The next step is to analyze its nonsubstitutability.

What is popular is not necessarily right Essay Example for Free

What is popular is not necessarily right Essay We are fortunate enough to live in the best democracy in the world. Our society is fantastically tolerant of the enormous diversity of cultures within it. Democracy is fundamentally about protecting minorities. It is not about enforcing the will of the majority on a law abiding, tax-paying minority: at its best that is bullying, at its worst fascism. The huntsmen are undoubtedly a minority. They are becoming persecuted by people who harbour the same sentiments as racists do about coloured people and homophobics about gays. The root cause of these feelings is simple- IGNORANCE. Tolerance and understanding come from education. Education must overcome the knee-jerk hatred exhibited by many anti-hunt lobbyists. The ignorance of most hunt protestors shines through their weak arguments. I do not hunt, it does not appeal to me enough to warrant the expense- both time and money. I can however see the attraction; comradeship, shared excitement, danger, tradition and a deep love of the countryside and animals. I know people who hunt. You only have to see them with their hounds and horses to know the real affection they have for animals. These are decent people, with families and not the faceless, Range Rover driving snobbish elite that the League Against Cruel Sports would have you believe. Hunting with hounds began because it is an effective way of controlling the population of a pest. It remains the most effective way of doing this. Those who advocate other methods are again showing their ignorance, Im afraid. Shooting. This is not as easy as it sounds. Foxes, we all know, are cunning. They have incredible senses of smell, hearing and sight. Their habits are largely unpredictable. This makes getting into a stable firing position without scaring the fox off very, very difficult. The fox is a small animal, making the humane target area (i. e. that which will kill it instantly) very small indeed. On a Stag its small enough, a fox is almost impossible to shoot cleanly. Trapping. Well it doesnt take much brainwork to see how cruel, indiscriminate and dangerous this is. Poison. Again, indiscriminate and painful for the animal affected. If you still do not approve- thats fine and healthy for society. Please think about the point I made at the start of this, unintentionally long, opinion: lets not persecute a small minority, who do not affect the majority of citizens, just because we dont like what they do. I do not like football, or the hooligans that follow it but I do not rant about banning it because at the end of the day it does not really affect me. By making a ban on fox hunting a manifesto pledge the Labour Party is seeking to deny a large minority their liberty and to destroy a proud community in return for short term political gains. I wonder how much influence the i 1 million, given to Labour by the Animal Political Lobby pressure group, bought? Quite a bit, I bet. Education and Tolerance are what I think is needed here.

Analysis Of The Musical Grease Film Studies Essay

Analysis Of The Musical Grease Film Studies Essay In this musical written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, it is 1959 and Rydell high is crowded with defiant, fun-loving students. In the middle of this landscape, Sandy Dumbrowski arrives as the new girl in school. It turns out that over the summer she and Danny Zuko, leader of the Burger Palace Boys gang, have had a brief love affair. While Sandy tells her new classmates about the emotional involvement she had with Danny, he makes of tales about the sexual side of their relationship. As the show progresses the kids at Rydell High have to deal with issues surprising to people who have a romanticized view of the 1950s; love, gang violence, teen pregnancy, and friendship. In the end, Sandy and Danny work out their differences with each other and their friends and end up together and happy. I saw this production at the JSU/McClellan Theatre in Anniston, Alabama. The stage in this theatre is of the proscenium type. I think that overall, this is the perfect type of stage for this play but the arrangement of the theatre was a little lacking for this production mainly because of the seating challenges. There were three sections of seating. The middle section was fairly large and centered with the stage. There were two sections on either side that hugged the wall. The section on the far right was behind the orchestra. The orchestra pit was not really a pit and was actually on level with the seating. Therefore, those people in the rows behind the orchestra had a very difficult time seeing over the musicians and instruments; especially the harp that was used in this production. I know this because I was one of those unlucky enough to be sitting behind the aforementioned musicians. I spent the play with my head tilted at an odd angle trying to see around them. What I did have a good view of was the wing, stage left and unfortunately I could see the actors getting ready to make entrances and exits which ruined a little of the ambience. Had I been sitting in the center section and further back I believe it would have been much more enjoyable. This play had elements of the realistic and the non-realistic. It dealt with very real themes such as teen pregnancy, bullying, peer pressure, drinking, and gang violence. The non-realistic bits were obviously the musical numbers. In real life, we do not just burst into song because we broke up with a boyfriend or girlfriend or had a teenage romance. The sets of this play were not what I would call realistic. They attempted realism but it seemed as if the budget of the play and the way it had to be staged left them with no choice but leave it slightly abstract. The sets were very basic and the car set used for the Greased Lightning and Alone at a Drive-In Movie numbers was very cartoonish. The costumes in this play attempted realism but fell short. In the dance scenes, the dresses looked like leftovers from a 1980s prom sale that had been re-cut in an attempt to make them look like they were from the fifties. The clothing in the earlier scenes was a little bit better and closer to th e true fifties flavor. The use of props was done well. The actors used actual props for the most part, there was very little miming of actions. This play was a musical with elements of comedy. The comedy was mostly verbal with subtle inflections of tone. There were a few physical comedic elements mostly used by the characters of Eugene Florczyk and Cha-Cha DiGregorio, who did an excellent job making the audience laugh. The character of Jan played by Michelle Bain combined a few elements of physical with verbal comedy. Betty Rizzo, played by Judy Shealy was amazingly funny with her dry quips and very sarcastic delivery of Rizzos best lines. This play was structured episodically. This play was very entertaining. There were a few elements of it that could be taken as social messages such as the drinking and rebelliousness that resulted in a pregnancy scare for one of the characters. The playwright and director seemed to work in beautiful harmony for this production. You could see that there was a lot of effort put into the acting and the direction. The letter from the artistic director that was printed in the front of the program gave a small amount of background. For someone who was not familiar with the work it would have helped them to perhaps understand a little bit more of the motivation behind the play. There were several stand out performers in this play and also a few disappointments. Hands down Judy Shealys portrayal of Betty Rizzo was the show stealer. She gave the character real life. From the wisecracking to the sad and scared she made you care about what happened to her. Her performance of There Are Worse Things I Could Do was one of the standouts of the play. As I mentioned earlier the characters of Eugene and Cha-Cha played by Daniel King Jr. and Georgia Cook were wonderful. Both of these characters were very funny and entertaining. Jacob Cummings Teen Angel was excellent. The Teen Angel scene is one that I rank among my least favorites and it usually bores me, but I found myself loving this portrayal. Cummings sang excellently and lent a degree of humor to the role that was refreshing. Michelle Bain as Jan was another standout. She is a very good comic actress and her affected accent was very funny. I was not however thrilled with Heather Garlick or Joshua Cody Hunt who pl ayed the roles of Danny and Sandy. These are the two main characters and should carry the show. I found myself bored I am sad to say when they were on. Heathers performance as Sandy was wooden, one- dimensional and not at all believable. I found myself bored whenever she was on. Joshua Hunt as Danny was almost as bad although when he was interacting with the Burger Palace Boys he seemed to shine a little more. The scenery was low budget and it was obvious. It did detract a little from the overall performance. It was almost as if a high school had thrown the production together at the last minute as far as the scenery is concerned. The lighting was acceptable, but the band was excellent. They and the actors worked together well and there seemed to be no missed cues and everything flowed seamlessly. Overall, this was a very acceptable performance. The actors were as a whole very good, with the exceptions noted above. The band and actors worked flawlessly together and were very enjoyable. There was obviously a great deal of effort put into the choreography of the dance scene and it came off very well. It was a fun evening and certainly put a smile on my face. I came away nostalgic for a time I was not even alive to witness. Production Details Your name Cassie Patterson Name of production Grease Author Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey Producing organization or theatre where you attended Community Actors Studio Theatre Date of performance October 3, 2010 Style of performance (realistic, non-realistic, Combination combination) Structure of the play (climactic, episodic, ritualistic, Episodic Etc.) Form of the play (tragedy, drama, comedy, etc.) Musical Stage space (proscenium, arena, etc.) Proscenium Acting styles (realistic, melodramatic, exaggerated, Realistic, comedic etc.) Style of scenic designs (realistic, abstract, etc.) Abstract Style of costume designs (fantasy, abstract, etc.) Realistic Style of lighting designs (realistic, abstract, etc.) Realistic Production Personnel: Director Kimberly Dobbs Scenic Designer Eric Key Costume Designer Hayley Long, Lolly Payne, Sara Semmes Lighting Designer Terri Sherrill Stage Manager Pat Tiller, Chrissy Patterson, Cierra Parker, Tristan Waid, Janet Harbor, Tim Doyle, Alexandre de Lavalette

Not Music To My Ears! :: essays research papers

Not Music To My Ears Today’s current music scene has steadily become filled with pre-packaged assembly line bands and singers. This teen oriented pop phenomenon is repulsive. I see the so-called bands and singers for what they really are. They are passing trends made special, just for the teens, with all image and no real talent. For their own good, I can only hope these brainwashed teens will grow out of this horrible phase. Fabricated bands such as O-Town, N*Sync, and The Backstreet Boys exhibit a minimum level of talent. The Backstreet Boys, referred to as BSB, for example were initially actors trying to get a job in Orlando, Florida, a virtual hotbed for aspiring young stars. None had any musical past history, however they were hired on an audition for a band because they are marketable. As we all know sex appeal has the power to market anything, and teens have money to burn on CD’s and any product containing the bands name. We have all seen teens at the mall buying boy band paraphernalia such as Calendars, mugs, and pens. They will purchase just about anything with the band name imprinted on it. The bands and record companies make their money not in record sales, but in revenue form this merchandise. An article from the Montreal Gazette written in July 1998 states that boy bands are a â€Å"Mass-marketed phenomenon, manufactured for overnight success.† Not one of the five members of the BSB can play a musical instrument. I went to the official Backstreet Boys website and learned that out of over 40 songs they released, the band only wrote three of them. Is it just me, or aren’t bands supposed to write their own songs and play musical instruments? How they can be referred to as â€Å"boys† in the first place I will never comprehend, they are all men in their twenties. These posers show teenyboppers that it is okay to be uninspired. Trans Continental president and music producer Lou Perlman has created such â€Å"Boy bands† as The Backstreet Boys and N*Sync. His latest project, an ABC network show in collaboration with MTV called appropriately enough â€Å"Making the band†, has tracked the weekly progress of his latest super group invention O-Town. I have had the unfortunate displeasure of viewing one episode where their voice coach scolds the five men; The coach told the members of O-Town they are â€Å"easily replaceable.

Analysing Blessing and An Old Woman` Essay -- Poetry Imtiaz Dharker Ar

Analysing Blessing and An Old Woman Poetry from other Cultures Question 2 Culture means the beliefs, traditions, and customs of people within a society. Fundamental aspects of a culture are faith, values, and history. People that share a culture also share its beliefs and ways of life, which are different to others. Poetry is an effective way of describing and exploring a culture, and events within it, because certain aspects can be expressed with vivid descriptions, and imagery that would be unsuitable in other types of text. Some cultures have also used poetry as a form of storytelling, describing events that happened to their ancestors, or even themselves. Poems can be concise and leave some details to the imagination of the reader, therefore they are easier to remember, and remain in the readers mind for longer, which makes them more memorable. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The two poems that I have chosen are 'Blessing' by Imtiaz Dharker and 'An Old Woman' written by Arun Kolatkar. I selected these poems because they are both set in poor, third-world countries, and the people within their communities value so strongly items that are take for granted in developed countries. In 'An Old Woman', a beggar woman is trying desperately to get 'a fifty paise coin', which is equivalent to less than 1 pence, off a tourist. This amount of money is frequently, and carelessly dropped on the floor without a second glance, in countries such as our own, yet in India an elderly woman needs this to survive. In 'Blessing' water is highly valued, and every drop is precious because their community is so short of such a substance. However, people in our, more developed, comm... ...tent and happy with the life that they live. However, in 'An Old Woman' this impression is not given. The beggar does not appear to be content with her way of life and is worn and tired as a result of it. I think her discontentment is conveyed in line 20-21 "bullet holes she has for eyes". I believe this, because she has to hide her true feelings from the outside to prevent anyone knowing what she really feels, and therefor her eyes seem to just glaze over and hold no feelings. I think she does this so that she can concentrate on trying to earn a living to stay alive, in doing this though, all her feelings are trapped inside and she is unable to overcome them. In doing this, it appears that she has no feelings and is completely isolated from the rest of the community. This is illustrated in line 29-30 "round the shatter-proof crone who stands alone".

Flaws In Germinal :: essays research papers

The Flaws in Germinal At first glance, one might say the capitalist system is righteous and it leads to more productivity, but upon discreet examination, the system has numerous flaws. As we discussed in class, one of the main flaws was the inability of the workers to advance themselves in society beyond the point of keeping food in their stomachs. One generation after another follow each other down below into the mines without cessation. First and foremost the company needs to insure that all members of the mine town have enough to eat, enough to wear, and a roof over their head. The company can possibly provide clothing and food through a ration-based system that guarantees the people will not die of starvation or frostbite. These are necessities that the company should provide even if they are in debt. The workers should also receive a salary based on performance and profits of the company. This spending money can be used for amenities or the worker can save it if he or she one day desires to move away and attempt to start a better life somewhere else. The root of the problem lies with the education the residents of the mine town receive. Children as young as seven or eight are being sent down to work in the mines when they should be starting school. If families are unable to pay for schooling a type of â€Å"indentured worker† system might work out where children can attend school for free if they agree to provide the company with a year(s) work when they become of age to work. That also brings up the issue of child labor. Children should not work until at least 16 and even then they should not be responsible for dangerous and important jobs such as securing the limbering. Another important issue concerns the rights of the workers. Workers’ unions should be set up and all should join to make sure that the company does not use and abuse the workers. Unions should unite all workers with the same profession across the region. A strike when carried out effectively will cripple the company and force them to pay higher wages.

Informative Speech Essay

Attention Getter: Mothers day is coming up, and there is a few options for you to use as gifts. 1. You can spend fifty dollar on flowers just to watch them die in a week. 2. You can buy her chocolates even though most of us are constantly trying to cut back. 4. You can do nothing and look like a jerk. 5. Or can simply spend a dollar at a thrift store, and create a desk ornament using only an old book. Topic Sentence: Recently I’ve made a few of these and have gotten a really great response from family and friends. I suppose I’d call it book-origami, but I’m not sure if there’s a proper title for this sort of thing. My purpose tonight is to teach you how to make one of these. Credibility / goodwill: After I made my first book, I got several compliments on it. Afterward, I came to the conclusion it might make a great mantelpiece, or even a desk ornament. Itsinthestars.com/us shows a survey taken in 2012 that states â€Å"The average person ends up purchasing 16 gifts or more a year.† Gift buying can add up quickly so I have found that it is nice to have a backup plan in case you’re broke at the time. Surely some of us in this very room have come to this dilemma so I am hoping to provide an idea for such an occasion. Thesis: Tonight I will teach you how to make one of these decorations by first teaching you what type of books are best to use, secondly I will tell you how to prepare the process of getting started, and lastly I will be teaching you a few of the folding techniques. Body: (Chronological = steps in a process) I. The First step in making one of these book decorations is to find the right kind of book to work with A. Through trial and error, I have found that it is best to use a hardcover book. 1. The way I have been making these has been without the use of any glues or starches, and the hardcover frame seems to help the book hold its shape naturally. B. When choosing your book you will also need to consider the number of pages that it has. 2. This was actually my first book, and it has about two hundred fifty pages in it. My second book actually has over 550 pages in it. The choice you make depends on your taste, but personally I think the thicker book has a much fuller and professional look. C. You should also consider the size of the cover of your book. 1. I believe that a someone smaller book makes for the best decoration because it doesn’t take up much room. Transition: Now that you have chosen a book to work with, you are ready to divide your book in sections. A. In my first book I didn’t take a whole lot of time, and just approximately divided the book into 3 sections. 1. You might not be able to tell at first glance but one side actually has around 15 pages more using the first folding style. B. If you want to go for a truly symmetrical look, I would suggest counting out each page individually. It will take more time this way, but you will probably be happier with the end result. 1. After you have decided how much you want in each section, I would recommend marking each sections beginning and end with a bookmark. Transition : Now that you have sectioned off your book, you’re ready to start folding. (please excuse my lack of technical terms, but this is really just something I’ve been experimenting with and was not actually taught anything about origami. A. I like to start off each book with several simple corner folds. 1. After each page, you should alternate between folding the top corner down, and folding the bottom corner down. 2. The reason I start the book this way because it is a really easy technique, and it also seems to help the book expand quite a bit. B. Another fold I use quite a bit I would call an airplane fold. I call it this because it is how I remember starting off paper airplanes, again this isn’t a technical lesson. 1. This technique is done simple by folding the top and bottom edges into the middle of the page. 2. I tend to use this technique for the middle section because again, it is very easy to do, and it helps the book to stand up. C. What I have used for the outer-middle section here is actually just a variation of the airplane fold. 1. After folding both edges in, you then take the middle point of the page and fold it to either the upper or lower portion, again alternating with each following page t o get this accordion look. Conclusion: Thesis: Tonight I have taught you how to make one of these decorations by first teaching you what type of books are best to use, secondly telling you how to prepare the process of getting started, and lastly I taught you a few of the folding techniques. Closure: Now you’re ready to make one of these for yourself. I’ve only been doing this for a few months, and I have found that most of the fun comes from trying new techniques. I’ve only shared with you a couple of the techniques that I’ve used. I would highly encourage you to try some of your own ideas, get creative . You could try ripping or cutting the edges of certain pages to give them a rough look, or you could add paperclips to portions of the book to give it a specific hold. Maya Angelou once said in the book Conversations with Maya Angelou printed in 1989 â€Å"You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have† I’ve always agreed with that. I have found this to be a fun, creative and cheap idea for a gift. Mothers day is Sunday the 12th of May this year, so you should get started.

1920s Fashion Abstract

1920s Fashion Abstract The â€Å"Roaring† 1920s, was a period in America of social evolution. There were changes in the areas of transportation, music, art, dance, and even language just toname a few areas. Fashion endured the most dramatic changes in many phases. There were changes in dress and dressing techniques. Hairstyles and products took a turn for the better as well. As a result, many of the citizens who were able to reach new heights in dress and hair design also acquired a new attitude to accompany the new styles in fashion. Many of the elegant and expensive sacraments shared today by the modern bourgeoisie are direct results of the changes of the 1920s. The results of a horrid World War I were that America entered a period of prosperity. With the stock market flourishing and women entering the workforce there was room to expand other thanfinancially. Clothing changed with the society. The conservative dress code of women was tweaked, and sportswear became a norm for working women. Shorter and more maneuverable clothing became available for active women. Clothing that revealed skin gave women a sense of liberation. As skirts became shorter, necklaces, particularly strings of pearls, became longer. Tan or flesh colored stockings was made popular. Formal wear for men included tail coats for tuxedos, and cummerbunds. The tuxedos either had rolled collars faced in silk or notched collars. Wide leg trousers and tweed jackets were introduced for men as well. Children were also impacted during this era of fashion reform. Spotted cotton dresses and suspenders were incorporated to be worn by children. Many geometric forms and shapes were implemented into the designs of 1920s clothing, to add a level of flamboyance. Children were also impacted during this era of fashion reform. Spotted cotton dresses and suspenders were incorporated to be worn by children. Fashion had the biggest impact on women’s liberation through hairstyle. The biggest impact came with the event of women cutting their hair for a shorter hairstyle. For some families it was a problem for the wife or daughter to cut their hair, it was not considered motherly. However, with women adapting to more active lives, the shorter haircut saw an increase in the number of women wearing it. Many of these women wore hats to accompany their short hairstyle. The premier hairstyles included the â€Å"BOB†, finger waves, and marcel waves. Many of the bob hairstyles were configured to fit with the woman’s face. I noticed that many of these hairstyles were not done with â€Å"black hair† in mind. Never the less, black women were able to adapt to these styles in the years following. Fashion has always been influenced by the mode of transportation, the architecture of the period, cultivation of the earth and the customs of the people, as it was in the 1920's. Clothing developed closer relationships with art, kinetics and an increased sense of freedom with carefully selected fabrics, and an intelligent use of color. Beautifully coordinated and accessorized outfits were a feature of 1920's ladies fashions. Hats, shoes, stockings, handbags, dresses and jewelry all came together in harmony to create a unique and elegant style that can only be appreciated when seen in real-life or. Men and children also saw a fashion shift. More importantly the fashion movement of the 1920s was a symbol in the liberation of women’s rights. Bibliography All historical information derived from the following: Text book: How to make you own 1920s dress tirocchi. stg. brown. edu/514/story/fashion_twenties. html www. 1920-30. com/fashion/hairstyles www. kaboodle. com/reviews. model_behavior_1920s www. oldmagazinearticles. com

The South African Youth

Reflecting back on the tragedy that just occurred at Columbine High School in Denver Colorado and the generalizations being made about the U.S youth and the crisis that we are in and supposedly are experiencing ,I decided to research the youth crisis in South Africa. There is at present no â€Å"youth crisis† as such. However young people find themselves in the midst of a range of crises that should be addressed urgently by the state and society. † South African youths† as a category refers to South Africans between 15 and 30 years of age; they constitute 29,5% of the population, yet there is no comprehensive youth policy in place to attend to their needs. Most young people share common values of society – signs of radicalism and militarism are found in only a minority of youth. Only a small percentage of South Africa's youth can be considered truly marginalized as the country's youth as a whole and therefore cannot be called a â€Å"lost generation†. Thirty-seven per cent of South Africa population were below the age of 15 in 1991. It can be compared with the average of 40% for similar countries in the world, less-developed countries averaging 44% and industrialized countries 23%. The composition of people between 15 and 30 years, comprised 29,5% of South Africa's population. Figures for racial categories indicate a total of approximately 8,3 million (75%) black, 1,4 m. (12%) white, 1,1 m. (10%) colored and 300 000 (3%) Asian youths in this group. There are many problems for the South African Youth and some of the most challenging problems include family and community instability that leads to a wide range of other social problems for youth. The black family has been under enormous strain partly because of an education system that is not providing all youth with relevant and quality education. Economic stagnation, together with inadequate education, has resulted in high levels of unemployment and poverty, especially among women and blacks. Demographic factors which continue to impact on the South African population and more specifically the youth. It has been estimated that by 1995, 50% of the age cohort 15 to 19 will live in urban areas. The extent to which young people from the different racial and cultural groups have become isolated from one another, with the accompanying negative stereotypes, intolerance and racism. A historical survey in the report leaves little doubt that South African youth have over the years been victims of political and socio-cultural crises. They have been subjected to poverty, blatant political manipulation, racial and other divisions that tore the country apart, and a lack of any systematic youth policy to attend to their needs. As a group, they have for many years been largely ignored by the leaders in control of their destiny. And yet, from the earliest decades of the century, they have attempted to assert themselves by forming youth organizations, by protesting against injustices and by insisting on a decent education and living conditions. Unemployment has been a struggle for the South African Youth. Studies show roughly 42% of youth between the ages of 15 and 30 were unemployed. Young women were particularly disadvantaged. In the first place, they were less likely to be part of the labor force because large numbers were involved in unpaid domestic work. Secondly, they found it difficult to find employment while being involved in unpaid domestic work. Unemployment affects the unmarried, junior members of households more adversely than the other members. Unemployment is higher in the homelands and in urban areas that comprise squatter and informal settlements close to the major metropolitan area. It is however unclear as to whether unemployment is higher in rural or in urban areas. At the time, studies indicate 45% of the black, 12% of the white, 40% of the colored and 29% of the Asian youth were unemployed. Family structure and living conditions play an important role. The core family has been seriously affected by social upheavals. Studies indicate that 22% of white, 20% of Asian, 32% of colored and 40 % of black families are currently headed by females. Stability may be found in nuclear, extended, compound or single-parent families. The extended kinship system among blacks and Asians seems to cushion the negative effects of disrupted nuclear family units. However, many youths are not experiencing stability of an enduring nature, and it emerges from surveys that a lot of young people are receiving only fragmented care. The lack of control, supervision and attention is clearly linked to teenagers' negative behavior such as alcohol and drug abuse, crime, indiscriminate and unprotected sexual activities, etc. Percentages of teenage pregnancies and births out of wedlock are unacceptably high and AIDS is a frightening reality. Amenities such as electricity, on-tap water, waterborne sewerage, refuse removal, etc, are massively under provided to blacks. Black youth live in homes of which 46 % do not have running water and 57 % have no electricity. Only 53 % blacks have access to television Over the life span of today's youth, a third of all Asian families, nearly a quarter of all colored families and nearly a fifth of the black population were forcibly moved by one method or another. Culture and youth organizations play a very important role in the South African youth of today. Studies affirm that one cannot really speak of a single, monolithic â€Å"youth culture†. In an era of rapid social transformation, stereotyped binary cultural oppositions such as urban/rural, elitist/popular, modern/traditional, are also losing their essential distinctive value. For example, some research point to the possibility that the position that youth occupied in â€Å"traditional†, conservative societies has changed with urbanization and westernization. Recognition of youth's new, more assertive position has important implications for policy formulation regarding their diversity and their ability not only to react to change and development but actually help guide it. On the other hand, one study showed that, in spite of lingering signs of racism, 60% of adolescents from all the population groups preferred to identify themselves as â€Å"South African†, which may indicate an increasing sense of shared identity, if not unity. The present processes of societal transformation and democratization make the promotion of a shared culture and values essential; something that should start at school level. Recreation and sports play an important role in young people's lives: 41,7% of male youth and 18,7% of female youth in South Africa are active members of sports clubs. Only 16,3% of all youth however belonged to a youth club and only 8,4% belonged to a cultural organization. Facilities for sports, recreational and organizational activities are urgently needed. The crisis in education is well documented. Black education was seriously disrupted during the 1980s. However, black education expanded greatly in an attempt to fulfil its community's needs, and improved its retention rates at the same time, despite a range of crises that were almost beyond human imagination. For the majority of black youth in South Africa, access to secondary education is restricted to traditional secondary schools where places are limited, facilities are not up to standard, teachers are not properly qualified and access to subjects such as mathematics, physical science, economics, business economics, accounting, etc, is limited because of a shortage of teachers qualified in these subjects. This causes the whole system to be skewed in favor of such subjects as biology, geography, history and biblical studies, which are the four most â€Å"popular† non-language subjects among black pupils. Clearly if this trend were to continue, the youth would be even more fr ustrated with the learning opportunities offered to them. Violence and crime remain endemic in the country and have many destructive effects on youth. Scientific research has shown that black respondents generally rejected violence as a political option, but that about 20% of the white the respondents tended to be militarized in their outlook. In a new democracy like South Africa it is imperative that all its citizens should be politically literate to enable them to participate fully in all facets of a democratic society. Several studies on political literacy among young South Africans have suggested that this country's youth are not well informed about politics. There is probably no area of South African life which has more compellingly shown the extent to which apartheid has isolated and insulated different sections of this country's youth from one another than the area of politics. Youth who grew up in the security and tranquillity of white neighborhoods could fully participate in the parliamentary politics of apartheid South Africa if they wished to do so. They had very little knowledge or understanding of the harsh realities of township life which confronted the vast majority of South Africa's youth every day. For most white youths the events, that have taken place in South Africa's black townships since the mid-seventies, were nothing more than images on the television screen – events they were socialized to interpret as being initiated by radical (communist inspired) people who were attempting to take away their (whites') privileged position. Indeed, white and black youths under apartheid lived in different worlds. Studies have shown that the above problems are ameliorated by two sets of findings, namely that â€Å"the South African youth† by no means represent a uniform category of people, and that the majority of South Africa's young people want to play a constructive role in the creation of a new South Africa. Their rejection of violence, their respect for the cultural and racial diversity in South Africa, the value they place on education and training are all very important to the South African youths of today and in that sense we American youths should learn a thing or two from them. They have adapted in remarkable and innovative ways to the often painful processes of rapid change, and although they may lack skills and opportunities, they are eager to face the challenge of reconstruction and development. Most of them share their communities' values and are basically conservative in their views. Only 8% of the sample claimed no religious affiliation – the majority felt that religion played an important role in their daily lives. In conclusion that the tide may be turning for the country's youth. Population growth rates are decreasing, income distribution is becoming more equal, the assault on family structures was balanced by the growth of the compound family, a legitimately elected government is in place and a national youth policy has been promised in the RDP. June 16 has been declared a public holiday and renamed Youth Day. Not only youth's many contributions to the country, but in particular their sacrifices and hardships have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

Organisation Study in Ayurveda

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1. INTRODUCTION Organization is a pattern of relationship through which employees under the direction of Managers pursue their common goals. It is the study and careful application of knowledge about how people act within the organization. Organizational studies are usually conducted to gain practical knowledge about various aspects of an organization. It provides structure for this relationship to attain the goals. The organization study is similar as it reveals the effect of people collaborating as on organization, under the guidance of the higher-ups. The organizational study is an important part of our academic curriculum. This study is aimed at an opportunity to the students to observe, learn, assimilate and analysis the objectives and vision of the organization and the functioning of various departments. This study enable the student to get a practical and the real time feel of various aspects concerned with the organization and relate it to the concepts and theories studied so far in the class room. This studies would help the future manages to face the challenges lying ahead.Organization studies primarily focus to get a corporate exposure in understanding more about the organization and it’s functioning as whole. It upholds the close scrutiny of the market conditions prevalent as well as ongoing competition that reveals the pinnacle at which the organization has strived to accomplish over this time span. Since Ayuveda is gaining importance in our day today life, a detailed study of an organization manufacturing and marketing is apt in its own sense. Hence the organization study was taken up at MVM Ayurvedic research lab; a well defined industry in ayurvedic preparations situated a stone throw from Kollam. . 1 OBJECTIVES The main objectives of the study are; 1. To study about the structure of various departments in the organization. 2. To know the functioning of each of the departments. 3. To get a clear idea about product a nd production process 4. To understand the strengths and weakness of the organization . 5. To know the attitude of customers and the public towards the organization. 6. To analyze the origin and growth of the organization. 7. To know the position of the organization in the Ayurveda industry. 1. 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge.In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation once can also define research as a science and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Research is, thus an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. For conducting the organizational study both primary and secondary data are used. * Primary Data * Interview with managers, office staff and workers. * Observations. * * Secondary Data * Data collected from reports of the firm and company websites. * Data collected from catalogues, broachers and internet. * Data collected from ayurvedic jour nals, magazine etc. 1. 3 SCOPE The organization study was conducted in MVM Pooyappally, 11k. m from Kottarakkara. The study place more emphasis on the process that takes place in various departments in MVM. Organization structure and management of various department of MVM are taken for the purpose of study. Sufficient attempt has been taken to cover almost all the facets of this organization and to understand the complex of factors that are functioning within this organization. 1. 4 LIMITATING FACTORS 1. Time bound study for the completion 2. Financial constraints 3. Non availability of confidential matters of the company 4.Lack of precision due to the biasing of the responds 2. 5 Chapterisation Chapter 1 – Includes the introduction, objectives, research methodology, and limitation of the study. Chapter 2 –This chapter deals with industry profile Chapter 3 –It includes history of company, vision, mission, and product profile of MVM Ayurvedic Reseach Lab. Chapte r 4 –It describes structure of the departments and functions of the departments. Chapter 5 –This chapter contains the details regarding the firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and political, economical, social, technological, environmental, and legal aspects.Chapter 6 –This deals with findings, suggestions and conclusions. Chapter 2 INDUSTRIAL PROFILE ABOUT AYURVEDA Ayurveda is the oldest Indian indigenous medicine system, probably with its roots in the Indus Civilization. In the Vedic period, the osadhisukta of the Rig-Veda is the oldest documented knowledge about plants and herbal medicines. The term Ayus means duration or span of life, Veda means unimpeachable knowledge. The common translation of the Ayurveda is science of life. The earlier recorded knowledge about ayurveda is found in the Rig-Veda and the Atharvaveda, both of the second millennium BC. he Atharvaveda lists eight divisions of ayurveda; internal medicine surgery of head and neck, ophthalmology, surgery, toxicology, psychiatry, pediatrics, gerontology or science of rejuvenation and the science of fertility. According to philosophical concepts on which ayurveda is based, all bodies-material, living, conscious and unconscious- are evolved out of prakriti by the subtle influence of the purusa, the absolute or the primal self conscious principle and every component of the human organism is created out of the tathvas as evolved out of the prakrti.In ayurvedic medicine, health is defined as soundless of Sarrira, Manas and Athma. Each of these must be nurtured if the individual is to have good health. Ayurveda is basically a humoural medical system and conceives of three essential humours. The three humours are Vata, Pita; Kapha occasionally in the surgical tradition a fourth humour-blood was also added. A STUDY ON AYURVEDA Ayurveda is the ‘’knowledge or science of life’’. According to Charaka, the ancient physician-sage, life i s a unified state of the physical body, the cognitive organs, Mind and the soul, thus signifying a living being.Ayurvedic deals with the maintenance of health and relief from disease. Susruta, another physician-stage of early times, Defines the healthy state thus: ‘A person whose somatic and psychic humors are In equilibrium, digestion is uniformly healthy, with normal functioning of the Fundamental tissues of the body and body wastes, accompanied by the processes of the soul and cognitive organs. This is said to be a healthy person. The primary position given to humoral equilibrium indicates its importance in maintaining health . any disequilibrium is considered to lead to disease.Health is the physiological maintenance of all the functions of living being, while disease is the disturbance in the physiology. The contemporary practice of ayurveda is based on the several hundreds volumes of classical treatise and on the officials formulatory and pharmacopoeia. REVIVAL OF AYURVE DA During the 500 years of foreign domination of India, Ayurveda was held in ridicule, and it withered. But the invisible spirit of this life science survived and thrived. Today, Ayurveda has caught the attention of the people the world over both laymen and professionals.The major credit for reviving and spreading the message of Ayurveda in the 20th century goes to the KottakkalAryaVaidasala and its founder Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier. Called the ‘’Saviour of ayurveda in the south’, he was the first man in south India to organize the treatment of patients under the Ayurvedic system. He pioneered the production of Ayurvedic medicines on modern lines, and ensured that Ayurveda occupied. It has a rightful place among the country’s major medical system. Inspired by the zeal, vision and human compassion of its great founder, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala carried on with its noble mission.It sailed smoothly through two World Wars, the Great Depression of the thirties and several natural calamities and political upheavals. Today, it has grown. In to a mighty organization unparallel in South India the services of the Arya Vaidya Sala reach its patients through a nation wide network of 14 branches and more than 1000 retail distributors that market its 500-odd formulations. Thousands of patients visit Kottakel every year, seeking succour at the healing hands of Arya Vaidya Sala. Ailing people from the West European, Arabian, and American and Far East countries also approach the institution.Ayurvedic /Ayurveda Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India that provides guidance regarding food and lifestyle so that healthy people can stay healthy and those with health challenges can improve their health. There is several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique; * Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which food and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to its use of a constitutional model. *Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient text. It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas. * Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and body. Ayurveda the Indian system of nature cure Life is a combination of the body, senses, the mind and the Alma. They cannot be separated from each other and none can be neglected. From this combination ensures Ayur- the span of life. Ayurveda- the science of life is the knowledge of this association and of how to maintain it as long as possible. Ayus- means knowledge.This system of medicine evolved around 600 BC in India. Ayurveda is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and long life. Ayuveda believes that human beings and nature should be in perfect harmony and that disease occurs when the equilibrium between these two is disrupted. Restorat ion of this fundamental balance, through the use of nature and its product is the main goal of this medical system. The concept is not just curing bodily ailments but also preventing it. Ayurvedic treatments are person specific rather than disorder specific.The age of the patient, the climate in which he lives, his cultural and social surroundings and his bodily constitution are taken into account before offering a prognosis. Touch, inspection and interrogation are the main tools of diagnosis. Then the physician emphasizes a regimen of diet with the use of herbal medicines. Herbs are used to eliminate excesses and strengthen deficiencies. Their primary action is to stimulate particular organic functions. Thus ayurveda aims to solve many health problems; only through the adjustment of diet-so there are no distressing side effects.Such an approach has proven effective over the centuries and has today become an internationally acclaimed form of healing, rejuvenation and healthy living. Ayurveda is all about the science of holistic healing and it involves a complete plan to achieve the perfect health for all individuals. Despite the fact that it originated thousands of years ago, ayurveda is equally pertinent in the current scientific world. And Kerala has played a vital role in keeping the magic of Ayurveda alive. Ayurvedic health packages are an integral part of tourist activities carried out in the state.Another aspect about the important role of Ayurveda in Kerala is that Kerala’s fair climate and richness in resources make it the perfect destination for a soothing Ayurvedic massage and other traditional actions here. All these massages are readily available at our resort at attractive prices that will surprise you once you compare them to others. Our treatments include relaxing body to face massages that will add to the glow on your body as well as on your soul and will leave you to look absolutely stunning. These treatments are all done with expert ha nds to achieve better customer satisfaction.You can be rest assured that all these treatments, massages and other ayurvedic measures will satisfy you to your heart’s content and leave a smile on your face so much that you will crave for more!!! Health Rejuvenation Treatment The Kerala Ayurvedic Health Rejuvenation program that we offer will drive away all physical suffering, control several dreaded disabilities, ward off the middle age syndrome, retard the aging process and provide unlimited curative powers for body and mind by repairing the worn out tissues, revitalizing the body, increasing memory power, improving vigor and vitality and make oneself physically and mentally fit.This is done through a process of  cleansing by employing special medicated oil massages, Dhara/Kizhi, medicated steam bath and a rational combination of medicines to correct the functions of body and mind. This reduces overweight and mental tension, enhances body complexion and skin luster, correct s metabolism and deficiency and recharges the mind and body. Therapeutic Treatment There are no proper treatment in other systems of medicines like allopathic for diseases such as Arthritis, Spondylitis, Lumbago, Slip Disc, Frozen Shoulder, Stress & Strain, and Sciatica etc.A variety of result-proven procedures are available in Ayurveda namely Pizhichil, Njavarakishi, Abhayangam, Sirodhara, Elakizhi etc. for treating these problems. PIZHICHIL It is a relaxing, soothing and rejuvenating treatment with medicated warm oil used in a continuous stream for a definite period for the whole body (excluding head & neck). It is used to effectively treat arthritis, ageing, general weakness, paralysis etc. ‘Pizhichil’ and ‘Sarvangadhara’ are technically the same. ’Pizhichil’ literally means ‘squeezing’.Here, warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body from a piece of cloth that is periodically dipped in a vessel containing th e oil. In Sarvangadhara, oil is poured over the patient’s body from pitchers. Pizhichil requires a lesser quantity of oil when compared to Sarvangadhara. Before beginning Pizhichil, a suitable type of oil should be applied to the head and body of the patient. In some cases, a talam is also applied on the head and bandaged with leaves. The masseur usually begin by squeezing oil on to the shoulders and then down the hands of the patient who sits in an upright position. Each masseur uses on hand to pour the oil hile massaging with the other. Pizhichil is recommended for diseases caused by a vitiation of the Vata humour-Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), paralysis and muscle spasms – and other degenerative diseases that affect the muscles. NJAVARAKIZHI' It is a whole body massage using medicated milk-porridge made into a bundle. It is an immuno-enhancing rejuvenation therapy and is made use of in convalescence period of injury and trauma, muscular wasting, arthritis, general weakne ss, paralysis etc. SIRODHARA It is a unique treatment where specific medicated oils are used to bathe the head in a regular stream for a definite period.It is an effective therapy for mental relaxation and cures insomnia, stress, depression, decreased mental agility etc. When medicated buttermilk replaces oil (sneha), the therapy is called Takradhara. If medicated milk is used instead of medicated oil, then the process is called. SHIROVASTHI It is considered more of a palliative (Shamana) treatment than an eliminative (Shodhana) one. The treatment is usually preceded by oleation (Snehana) and sudation (Swedana) a leather sleeve of about six to eight inches in length is placed on the shaven head of the patient and a band (vartti) tied around the forehead to keep it in place.Kneaded dough is used to line the inside of this sleeve and ensure that it does not leak. Oil is then poured into the sleeve and allowed to remain on the head for a while. The oil commonly used is Ksheerabala or D hanwantaram. The length of time the oil should be kept there is determined by the severity of the disease. Usually it is up to fifty minutes for diseases caused by severe Vata disorders. This treatment is prescribed for disorders like facial paralysis, cataract, deafness, earache, insomnia and other diseases that afflict the cranial nerves. ABHYANGAMIt is otherwise known as Uzhichil where medicated oil is used to massage the body with specific implications to the 107 vital points (marmas) of the body. It helps to give better circulation, muscular tone, mental tranquility and better health maintenance. ELAKIZHI It is an innovative classical massage with medicated leaves and is used to tackle joint pain, muscle cramps, stress and arthritis. Basics of Ayurveda In Ayurveda, living beings are supposed to be created and composed of five eternal substance namely space, air, fire, water and earth and three humors nd seven basic tissues. Disease is understood as an imbalance between the body ’s three humors. The three humors are Vata Pitta and Kapha. Vata consists of the predominance of air and space, Pitta consists of the predominance of Agni and Kapha is predominant of water. These three humors are present in tissues and doshas. The seven basic tissues or Sapta Dhatu are Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medas, Asthi, and Shukra. As soon as food is taken, it is digested and Saara and Mala are produced. Mala means sweat, urine, faeces, nasal discharge, eye and ear discharges and so on.The three humors move from one part of the body to another part and produces sound health, happiness, good complexion, resistance against disease and decay and physical strength. But if they are excited or vitiated they not only produce disease but also degeneration of the body. Vata (Air) The activities and movements of the body and basic emotion are governed by Vata. The main functions are to give motion to the body and the conduction of impulses from sensory organs and separation of Rasa, Kit ta from the body, the secretion and evacuation of urine and semen.It is responsible for speech, tactile sensation, hearing and basic emotions. It is also responsible for the formulation and development of foetus in intrauterine life. When Vata is deranged or vitiated, it produces psychosomatic disorder and thereby loss of weight, loss of biological and physical strength causing congenital deformities. Types and Sites of Vata According to the functions and the site of activity, Vata is of 5 types. 1. Prana 2. Udana 3. Vyana 4. Apana 5. Samana Prana vayu is located in the head, nose, tongue and the cheast. Its most important function is to control the mind and the respiratory activity.Udana Vayu is situated in umbilical region, chest and neck and is responsible for the Vocal functions. Samana Vayu is situated in the stomach and duodenum is responsible for the digestion of food material and separation of waste products. The regulation of body temperature, composition of body fluids and movement of Kapha and Pitta are also its important functions. Vyana Vayu is mainly situated in the heart and travels all over the body, regulates the circulation of blood and also the movement of the body. Apana Vayu is mainly situated in the intestines, rectum and the urinary bladder.Its main functions are secretion and evacuation of urine, semen, regulation of menstrual flow and expulsion of foetus and faeces. Pitta (Bile) The Pitta is blue and yellow in colour, liquid; light, viscous, acrid, sour in taste, fleshy and unpleasant in smell, hot to touch. It is the byproduct of blood. It imparts colour to the blood, promotes digestion, vision and is responsible for intellectual functions in the body. It is mainly responsible for the production of body heat, appetite, thirst, complexion, intelligence and courage. AYURVRDIC MEDICINE INDUSTRY IN INDIASeveral thousand companies in India produce Ayurvedic medicines, but most of them are quite small, including numerous neighborhood pharma cies that compound ingredients to make their own remedies. It is estimated that the total value of products from the entire Ayurvedic production in India is on the order of one billion dollars. Less than a dozen major companies have dominated the industry for decades, joined recently by few others that have followed their lead, so that there are today 30 companies doing a million dollars or more per year in business to meet the growing demand for Ayurvedic medicine.The products of these companies are included within the broad category of â€Å"Fast Moving Consumer Goods†. Most of the larger Ayurvedic medicine suppliers provide materials other than Ayurvedic internal medicines, particularly in the areas of foods and toiletries where there may be some overlap with Ayurveda, such as having traditional herbal ingredients in the composition of toiletries. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned by Charaka in the Ch araka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text.Tulsi is considered to be an adaptive balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of â€Å"elixir of life† and believed to promote longevity. The key suppliers in Ayurveda are Dabur, Baidyanath and Zandu, which together have about 85% of Indians domestic market. Various writers mention these and a handful of other companies repeatedly about the Ayurvedic business in India; a brief description is provided for them, arranged here from oldest to newest.Dabur India Ltd. India’s largest Ayurvedic medicines supplier and the fourth largest producer of FMCG. It was established in 1884, and had grown to a business level in 2003 of about 650 million dollars per year, through only a fraction of that is involved with Ayurvedic medicines. Last year, about 15% of sales volume was pharmaceuticals; the remaining 85% were most ly non-medicine items such as foods and cosmetics Daburs Ayurvedic Specialties Division has over 260 medicines for treating a range of ailments and body conditions from common cold to chronic paralysis.These materials constitute only 7% of Daburs total revenue. Dabur Chyawanprash has market share of 70% and chewable Hajmola Digestive Tablets has an 88% share. Other major products are Dabur Amla Hair Oil, Vatika and Lal Dant Manjan. Sri Baidyanath Ayurvedic Bhawan Ltd. Baidyanath was founded in 1917 in Calcutta, and specializes in Ayurvedic medicines, through it has recently expanded into the FMCG sector with cosmetic and hair care products; one of its International products in Shikakai (soap pod) Shampoo.Baidyanath has a sales volume of About 350 million dollars, but most of the products sales are in the cosmetic range. The company reports having over 700 ayurvedic products made at 10 manufacturing centers, With 1,600 employees. Included items are herbal Teas, patent medicines, mass age oil and Chawanprash. Zandu Pharmaceutical Works It was incorporated in Bombay in 1919, named after and 18th century Ayurvedic. The company focuses primarily on ayurvedic Products. However, today Zandu has chemicals division and cosmetics division.Its total sales volume is about 45 million dollars. One of its current projects is to develop a dopamine drug for a plant extract, applying for new drugs status in the U. S. Himalaya Drug Company Himalaya was established in 1934 in Banglore. It currently has a business level about 500 million dollars and has a U. S. distribution division. It is known in the U. S for the product Liv-52, marketed as a liver protector and therapy for liver diseases like vital hepatitis; the product was first marketed in India in 1955. Charak PharmaceuticalsCharak was founded in 1947, and currently has three distribution centers in India; it produces liquid, tablets and veterinary supplies. It has gained a large advantage with its new product Evanova, a pre paration containing 33 herbs and minerals and non-hormonal active ingredients used as menopause treatment alternatives to HRT. Soya is one of the main ingredients used in this product. The product also contains Ayurvedic herbs that act like selective estrogen receptor modulators as well as asparagus root, which reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Vicco LaboratoriesVICCO Laboratories was established in 1958. I t mainly produces topical therapies based on Ayurveda and is based on Ayurveda and is best known internationally for its toothpaste product, Vajradanti, which has been marketed in the U. S for more than 25 years. Emami Group Emami was founded in 1974, provides a diverse range of products, doing 110 million dollars of both business annually, through only a portion is involved with Ayurvedic product, through its Himani line; the company is mainly involved with toiletries and cosmetics, but also provides Chyawanprash and other health products.Aimil Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Incorporated in 1984 and engaged in manufacturing and sale of both generic and proprietary Ayurvedic medicines, with a business level about 20 million dollars annually. Its wide range of Ayurvedic herbal formulations, covering most therapeutic segments, was honored by the Indian government’s National Award for Quality Herbal preparations and National Award for R ; D in the year 2002. It is known for its proprietary formulas for hepatitis, diabetes, menstrual disorders, digestive disorders and urinary diseases. Several small companies that have grown rapidly in recent years envision hemselves as primary players in the Ayurvedic market. As an example, Viswakeerthy Ayurvedic medicines in India. Viswkeerthy Ayurvedic Pharmacy was founded by Dr. K. Mohammadkutty a great friend of Nature and Ayurveda. Started in 1977, as a fledging pharmacy, viswakeerthy today is one of the largest manufactures of Ayurvedic Medicines with a formidable presence all over Kerala. The dynamic lead ership of Dr. K. M. Kutty, complemented by the energetic drive of his team of young enthusiastic professionals has taken viswkeerthy Ayurvedic Pharmacy to new heights.The philosophy behind the inception was to â€Å"serve Humanity through Ayurveda- the Authentic Way† by propagating and practicing genuine Ayurveda and producing quality Ayurvedic medicines. Today, this philosophy has taken Viswakeerthy to new heights of Ayurvedic excellence. Realizing the importance of standardization of medicines and the modernization of production, Viswakeerthy took the significant step of updating the technology of the existing pharmacy and establishing a sophisticated private limited company, Viswkeerthy Herbals Pvt. Ltd at Kalpakanchery, Malappuram District of Kerala. Chapter -3COMPANY PROFILE Brief History The M. V. M organization was started in 1991 as a sole proprietorship of Mr. K. M BABU. During the preliminary stages the firm was producing only General medicines. Manivaidhyan is the father of K. M BABU, he had a hospital and he was an efficient Doctor. This unit was not profitable in its initial stages. The proprietor realizes the reasons for the failure and re-oriented the business. They decided to introduce a new product called â€Å"Krishnathulasi cough syrup†. The management formulated some new marketing techniques like giving more importance to advertisement.As a result, the sales turnover went up and the firm becomes profit. The name MVM is derived from the names of their beloved father Mani Vaidhyan. Mr. K. M Babu, the managing director is the backbone of the organization. The initial invest of the company was only 6 lakhs. The company commenced its commercial production during 1993 and with a short span it has grown into dominant establishment. The company could provide employment to more than 70 persons directly and they also provide opportunity to the distributors. After the manufacture of cough syrup the company developed one more product call ed â€Å"Krishnathulasi hair tonic’’. he company markets its products to different gulf counties through distributors. The company has scored a 100% growth rate with its innovative product range and drug category license are awaited from different countries. The company achieved the standard of ISO 9002 certification from well-reputed international agencies. All the machineries keep the GMP standard and are based on the latest technology and gives high performance and least wastages. The introduction of most modern equipments and implementation of high quality standards helps to stand in a par with international standard. COMPANY PROFILEFrom a dream seen by a visionary, Mr. K. M Babu, MVM has come a long way. Originating from a small makeshift research and developed center and Clinic, the first product hit the market. From such a humble beginning to research to the level of one of the Kerala’s largest Company has been a saga of dedication, commitment and applic ation. Today krishnathulasi has established an overwhelming presence across the globe with a vast range of products and services in Ayurvedic sector. The company has recorded a phenomenal growth rate during the current year while totaling the sales more than Rs 5 core.Moreover strategically sound marketing sense and techniques, employed by a talent pool of professional has seen to the increasing presence of the company’s products in the shop shelves around the world. The company has a full-fledged R;D facility where original research work is done on various divisions are headed by doctorate holders with long experience in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Photochemistry etc†¦ The company has also initiated a scheme for the cultivation of the spices described in the famous Hothouse Malabaricus, the renowned 17th century work.A large number of these spices are lost or unidentifiable today. The objective is to identity those presumed lost and create a biological environment suita ble for the spices for the benefit of the future generation. Vision The company has an inspiring and ambitious vision for future growth. The vision targets the systematic popularization of Ayurveda so that by every human being shall use Ayuveda at least for meeting a part of his or her general health care needs. Mission The company is vowed to explore the vast Indian flora to bring out life saving herbal preparations with no side effects and 100% efficacy.The dedication with a missionary zeal and enthusiasm Mr. K. M Babu and his team of ayuvedic research are succeeding in curing diseases which other systems of medicines presumed incurable. Utmost purity and superlative standards are maintained by conscientious research and strict quality control measures for the people to enjoy the benefits of traditional ayurveda medicines. Product profile ETHICAL PRODUCTS OTC PRODUCTS Ethical Products Arishtams Choornams Kashayams Kuzhambus Lehyams Thailams OTC Products Krishnathulasi cough syrups Krishnathulasi hair tonic OTC PRODUCTS Krishnathulasi cough syrupKrishnathulasi cough syrup is the age-old, natural way of cough relief. A blend of 100% herbal ingredients, Krishnathulasi Cough syrup contains no sedatives or steroids and is free from any side effects. Raw materials used The main raw materials used in krishnathulasi cough syrups are Cardamom, Clove Ginger, Glucose, Kamtakari, Pepper, Sugar, Thulasi leaves, Vasaka, Yashtimadhu etc Dosage: Adults 1-2 teaspoons 4-6 times daily Children below 2 years: ? teaspoon 3-4 times daily Children 2-6 years: 1 teaspoon 3-4 times daily Children 6-12 years: 1-2 teaspoon 3-4 times daily Krishnathulasi hair tonicHair Tonic is a highly effective remedy for falling hair and premature graying. Use it and rejuvenate your hair from the root up. Raw materials The important raw materials used for the preparation of hair tonic are Amla, Brahmic, Cocooil, Kattarvazha, Kayyonni, Keizharmelli, Lemmon Dosage and Direction Apply on the scalp befor e every bath ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Organizational structure is a basic framework within which the managers decision making behaviors takes place. Structure basically deals with relationships. The structure of a system is the arrangement of its subsystems and components at a given moment of time.Organization structure can be viewed as established pattern of relationships among the components of the organization. it refers to the differentiation and integration of activities and authority, role and relationships in the organization. It is the pattern in which various parts or components are interrelated or interconnected and also shows the relationships among various activities and position. Since various persons hold these positions, the structure is the relationship among people in the organization. Organization structure is set forth initially by the design of the major components or subsystem.It is the patterning of these relationships with some degree of permanency, which is r eferred to as Organization structure. Role of organization structure Organization structure is capable of serving many functions at the same time but cannot serve all the functions equally well over unlimited time. Structure created for one purpose may not serve other purpose well. Therefore, it is important for managers to determine the outcomes desired from organization structure; and to match the organization with changing needs. ORGANISATION CHART Chapter-4 DEPARTMENT PROFILE unctional departments * administrative department * research and development department * purchase department * production department * stores department * marketing department * finance department * human resource department PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT Administrative department is considered to be the brain of every concern. It sets the goals and objectives to be accomplished and formulate plans and decision. The administrative Officer Mr. Mohanan Nair heads this department in MVM and is suppor ted by assistant administrative officer.There are other two office assists working as subordinate assistant administrative officer. At mvm, the administrative departments’ looks after the personnel management function also. Around 70 workers are employed in the organization including 50 workers and 20 office staffs. The office hours in the company starts at 10 am and finishes at 5. 30 pm. while the factory hour is from 8. 30 am to 5. 30 pm. It is obvious that there exists strong industrial relation with in the organization. Both the officers and workers are free to communicate with the managing director about their problems and suggestions.Hence it is clear that an open door policy of communication is followed. The general body meeting of the organization is conducted once in every two months and management review meeting is conducted weekly. The management gives adequate weight age to employees’ suggestions in the meeting. The workers also have adequate participation in the decision making process. So they are more loyal to the company and no trade unions are followed to grow with in the concern. The company is undertaking various welfare measures to ensure safety and security to the workers. Both monetary and non-monetary benefits are offered to them.The facilities such as medical allowances, canteen facilities etc are enjoyed by the employees. In case of any overtime work, extra charges and transport facilities are made available to the workers. The organization follows a time rate system of wage payment. They pay remuneration to the workers on monthly basis. As production is carried out under strict supervision, it does not give rise to idle time. Since the administrative department undertakes the functions of personal department also, they manage the recruitment, selection and training of personnel. Selection of candidates is made through interviews and on-the job training.Following are the expenses met by the Company * Raw material cost * M anufacturing expenses * Labor cost * Selling expenses * Administrative expenses Recruitment and selection In MVM recruitment of new employees were selected from the candidate by advertisement is released in newspaper. This department has to analyze each job to determine the nature of work, the necessary qualification, required training etc. Selection process Most of the companies follow different process of selects a person. Following are the important process of selection. * Screening of application * Interview Final selection * Inviting application * Performance Appraisal Performances of the employees are appraised on the basis of their commitment toward the work, their regular attendance and the quality of work done. For the Performance appraisal following factors are included; * Job knowledge * Efficiency * Achievement of target * Co-operative * Communication * Organizing ability * Leadership * Judgment * Physical and Mental stamina * Discipline * Attendance * Punctuality * Moti vation * Integrity Financial benefits Company provides various financial assistance for its workforce.It includes educational benefits for family members and financial benefits incase of emergency situation. Fringe benefits They provide Employment provident fund to their employees and also provides bonus to their employees. The following benefits are * Traveling allowances * Annual leaves * Compensation leave * Medical benefits Grievance handling In MVM if an employee is not satisfied with the decision of the head of the department we can approach straight the general manager. Again if he is not satisfied with the decision of the general manager he can approach to the managing director.Wages and Salary Administration * The wages of employee consist of basic wages, dearness allowances, provident fund, Incentives and bonus. The salary is fixed to the office staff and wages are paid to the workers. * Salary is fixed according to the seniority and positions of the employees. * Wages are paid according to the minimum wages act to the workers. * Company also provides additional bonus and long term incentives. * The company is also providing medical care facilities etc RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The R;D department is well equipped to carry out any type of research in the field of ayurveda.Research department is the core area for MVM as all products are developed there under the keen supervision of Dr. Vincent. Mrs. Leelamma Babu is the chief of R;D department. Under R;D department there are five departments- Department of Pharmacology, Dept. of Quality control Dept. of Chemistry and Dept. of Botany. Dept of Chemistry has two divisions- Dept of Biochemistry and Dept. of Analytical Chemistry. Each these sub departments has two assistants. The department of Quality control and Pharmaceutics are followed by two assistants. All the product of MVM is the output of this department.All the products are 100% natured ayurvedic formulation. The official declaration and recognition of MVM is another noticeable achievement added to the crown of the Company. PURCHASE DEPARTMENT The purchase departments make all purchase for the company. The purchasing function has emerged as a specialized organizational activity. His success of the purchasing department depends upon the quality of the inputs and also upon the ability of the purchasing department personnel to analyze the inputs to the fullest extent. Mr. Isac is the head of purchase department. He has an assistant manager followed by two assistants.The company makes all the purchases only after obtaining purchase requisition from the stores department. Purchase department has appropriate store coding for all of its raw materials and for packing materials. Cartoons and wrappers are purchased on job order basis. Packing materials are purchased from Sivakasi in Tamilnadu and plant was purchased from Thankasi. Most of the raw materials are purchased from outside Kerala, especially from Tamilnadu. Some ar e cultivated in the Company’s own garden. Purchase are made both on cash and credit basis, the suppliers usually give thirty or more days to make payments.PROCEDURE The stores department generate purchase indent when the stock level maintained at the store reaches the reorder level. The purchase indent is handed over; with this purchase order materials are reorder. Goods inward note is prepared based on the incoming materials. Quality check is conducted on the incoming material to check whether the material stand up to the standard stipulated under the acceptable norms. Then they will prepare store inward note. According to the requirement of the production department the materials are issued. R;D Request Purchase DeptStores Purchase Indent Materials Receives Stores AcceptReject PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT This department is headed by the production manager –Mr. Vinodh and immediately followed by the production manager. The production supervisor and packing supervisors is su bordinate to the assistant manager and they are assisted by production assistant and packing assistant respectively. There are separate workers for both production and packing. The various products manufactured are subject to inspection by the quality inspector t ensuring that they are up to the standard.The plant is equipped with modern machineries and operations are organized under the watchful eyes of talented physicians and health scientists. Production and manufacturing facilities are fully geared for the mass production of Ayurvedic medicines in strict adherence to ancient Ayurvedic scriptures. Incorporation of modern technology for mass production, upholding traditional value, makes the facilities a well-integrated synthesis of tradition and modernity. The Company's manufacturing operations are mechanized to a large extent by making further contributions by way of hygiene, accuracy and speed.There are nearly 50 workers, both male and female, working under production and packi ng section respectively. These workers are paid on monthly basis. For any overtime work, extra charges are paid and transport facilities are also provided. Other facilities such as canteen are also provided to the workers. Production Process * . Raw material Verification * . Pulverization * Grinding * Boiling * Continuous staring of materials * Finishing * Packing MAINTENANCE WING Maintenance is very important to extend the useful life of an asset. maintenance has not only to reduce scheduled stoppage time but attempt to void unscheduled stoppages and breakdowns by frequent performance checking, testing and providing inspection and skillful repair when required to ensure better service, availability and reliability. The effectiveness of production is highly dependant on the quality of maintenances service facility. For the proper maintenance and repair of plant and machinery, a separate maintenance wing functions under the control of General Manager. The principal objectives of this wing; * Is to maximize the availability and reliability of assets. * To extend the useful life of assets by minimizing wear and tear and deterioration. to ensure operational readiness of all equipment required for emergency use at all times * To ensure safety of personnel using facilities. This wing includes fitter, electrician and plumber. This wing carries out both preventive maintenance and breakdown maintenance. Preventive maintenance is done as and when required. With the permission of General Manager, outside agencies are considered for special cases and paid separately. PACKING SECTION Packing is defined as the general group of activities in product planning, which involve designing and producing the container or wrapper for a product.There is a separate section for the packing of the products. Manufacturing date, expiry date etc is printed on the wrappers. In India, they use different language targeting different states. Important decisions regarding packing and labeling is taken by top management. STORES DEPARTMENTS The success of every business depends to a large extent on the efficient storage and material control. As all the activities in any organization cannot be carried out at one point of time, storage is an inevitable process. Stores department shall check the material received and confirm that the material supplied meets all purchase order chart condition.Stores department is under the control of purchase manager followed by store manager, then storekeeper. The storekeeper looks after the various activities related to the store-keeping department. They are keeping minimum stock to every product. They are keeping 200 cases of Krishnathulasi cough syrup as minimum and in the case of hair tonic, they keep 100 cases. Purchase manager stores manager stores keeper MARKETING DEPARTMENTS The modern market is consumer oriented market and it deals with customers. A satisfied customer is a good advertiser of that product. So customer satisfaction is ve ry important.Marketing department is the nerve system of MVM. Marketing manager Mr. Vinodh manages the function of this department with the assistance of area sales manager and assistant marketing manager. Area sales manager is intended to control the external marketing functions and the assistant manager controls the internal functions of marketing. The sales officer follows the area sales manager and assistant marketing manager and sales representative is the immediate subordinate of Sales Officer. The main function of this department is to ensure uninterrupted distribution of products to the customers.It makes a market study with the help of out side agencies to know the demand for their respective products and supply is made accordingly. Now they are ready to market new products. Their main product Krishnathulasi cough syrup is supplied to almost every state within India. The company has successfully exported to Malaysia, Singapore and other gulf countries and is aiming to tap t he market of USA. all the distribution activities are done with the help of distributors, their main agece are Monark Internationals and Star exporters. They were gave 10-12% commission to the wholesalers.ADVERTISEMENT POLICY TV, Radio and News papers are the main modes of advertisement. They will spend more than 1crore per year for the advertisement activities. MVM has the policy of direct advertisement; there is no agency for it. Distributing Agency Agencies around Kerala The main agencies of MVM around Kerala are * Indian Drug House –Trivandrum * AB Agency,A&Associates-Kollam * Rose Pharma-Kochi * Sydha agencies-Kozhikodu Outside Agencies The outside agencies are * Kottakkel-bombay * Vivek traders-Maglore PROCEDURES FOLLOWING FOR A NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Step – 1 Market analysisMarket analysis is a process including the evaluation of the existing market condition in order to find out the nature and trend of the market. It is the best way to find out the strength an d weakness of the close competitors and it is very easy to identify the procedures which are of very powerful and useful to compete and to be one of the successful companies in the industry. Market analysis is the best way to tackle with the customer’s tastes and preferences. It will help the firm in order to launch the production in a very conducive environment, and it is very important for the better survival of the company.Market analysis helps the company in order to find out whether there is any similar type of product or where there is any product which is existing in the market which can be of offer tight competition with our products. Step – 2 Fixing of affordable price (Pricing) A firm whether it is a new firm or an already existing firm, the main target of the firm is the objective that is the maximization of profit. It is possible only by boosting of sales towards the maximum extent and which should be cash sales and with ultimately carefully settled price w ith an intelligence analytical decision.Pricing is exactly the main sensible area of business operation, because any decision whether it is favorable for the organization or not favorable for the organization it is having a very deep impact on the close survival of the company. Whether the price settled is of lesser than the anticipated price or the price of the competitors the product will some time will be accepted but the ultimate result for the firm will be of negative and a huge loss is the final result.If the price settled is considerable higher than the price of the competitors the product will summarily be rejected in the market, because there is plenty of choice for the customers to go for considerably lesser cost project with a required quality. Hence decision regarding the pricing of the product is very important and the price so fixed should be very reasonable and affordable by the customers. This kind of decision is only possible by a close analysis of the market. The b est way analysis and comparison of the prices, the product which of substitutable character with our product or having the products ith same quality or same character. Step -3 Availability of potential distributors The success of a particular product is lying on the clear cut distribution. There should be potential distributed must be there in order to promote proper distribution and clearance of goods from the go down of the firm. There should be prompt payment should ensure on the part of the distributor. In order for the better survival of the product in the general market. The way to find out a better distributor is on the shoulders of the potential marketing departments through efficient marketing executives.Step – 4 Reaching of the final consumer through the retailer The success of new product is that point at which it is received by the consumer and when the product is accepted by the end user. Here the actual role is playing by the sales executives and selling departm ent. Retailer so selected must be of having the potentiality to market the product with so care and ability. The sales executives must paid clear attention on the after distribution follow-up, because exhibiting the product on the vicinity of the consumer is paying a crucial part for the movement of the goods in the highly competitive industry.FINANCE DEPARTMENT Finance is considered as the life blood of every business. Hence finance department has significant importance in business organization. In this organization, finance Director- Mrs. Licy controls finance department. The accountant is subordinate to the Director and Accounts Manager assists him. The accounts Manager is immediately followed by three assistants who help in carrying out the functioning of the department. The main function of the department is to manage the available finance efficiently and to keep the books of accounts up to date.It is evident from the records that the company has made an interesting tendency in profit percentage and the turnover for the year 2007-2008 was around Rs. 6 crore. The company uses both owned and borrowed fund. Corporate bank provides the main source of borrowed fund. They also have a good forienexchange record by export in their product. Internal audit is done during the years in the organization. Cost per bottle Cost of cough syrup-24. 90 Cost of Hair tonic-79 Chapter-5 COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS 5. 1 SWOT ANALYSIS Strength 1. Peaceful atmosphere is maintained in the company. 2. There is no trade union in the company. . No chance of strikes and disputes inside the organization. 4. Workers participation in decision making process. 5. Both the workers and employees are sincere and loyal to the company. 6. The employees are satisfied with their working environment. 7. Less labour turnover. 8. R& D department plays an important role in the growth of the organization. 9. The company has diversified range of products. 10 The products of MVM have a good brand image. Weakne ss 1. Some of the raw materials are brought from different parts of India . 2. Most of the customers were unaware about the classical products. 3.Lack of advertisements in other states. 4. Sales promotion measures for classical products are less compared to other types of products. OPPURTUNITIES 1. The company had a greater opportunity to expand their brand in more nations. 2. Because of wide variety of products the company is expected to be more successful. 3. Fast growing market. 4. Globalization. THREATS 1. Fast growing technology 2. Competitors have stronger brand names. 3. Allopathic treatment gives fast relief compared to ayurveda. Chapter-6 FINDINGS, SUGGETIONS AND CONCLUSION 6. 1 FINDINGS * The management and employees maintains a good relationship. The employees were satisfied with their working environment. * The employees are remunerated with time rate system. * There is no trade union in the organization. * The company has a full-fledged R&D department. * The company giv es utmost importance to product quality. * Good services for the customers. 6. 2 SUGGESTIONS * Purchasing raw materials from outside is very expensive so, it would be more economical if they arrange it by themselves. * Should give more importance to advertisement. * Packing of the products should be made more attractive. * They should expand their product line Conduct market surveys for identifying the customer needs 6. 3 CONCLUSION The study had been carried out to analyze the functioning of various departments. It helps me to understand the functions of various departments of the organization. The company is managed by professionally qualified and experienced team of managers and staffs. The company was established under the name and style of MVM in 1992. MVM achieve greater heights during the past two decades in ayurveda. Today MVM Herbal India has established an overwhelming presence across the globe with a vast range of products and services in Ayurvedic sector.The company is a foot to forge ahead with the soul intention of ensuring harmony of body, mind and soul. The company has an inspiring and ambitious vision for future growth. BIBLIOGRAPHY * Chabra T. N, Human Resource Management – Dhanapat Rai &Company private limited,NewDelhi,2003. * Panday IM, Financial management-Vikas Publishing House private Limited,NewDelhi,2004 * Prasad LM ,principle &practices of Mgt, Sultan Chand and sons publications,NewDelhi 2004 * Department Files * Annual reports * Company Website