Thursday, December 26, 2019

Report on Portfolio Management for Investors - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2518 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Marketing Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? When investing in some securities, investors are expecting to receive returns, which will compensate the risks taken. Usually, investors form a portfolio, which involves a number of securities, and expect them to generate returns. However, by buying, for example, stocks of leading companies in flourishing industries is not a guarantee of high returns and the effectiveness of the portfolio. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Report on Portfolio Management for Investors" essay for you Create order That is why investors should choose and apply the appropriate strategy of portfolio management. Today, there are two strategies, which can be implemented for effective portfolio management: the traditional approach based on a balance of the portfolio, its diversification (selecting of papers of well-known companies from different industries, which have a sufficient level of liquidity), and modern portfolio theory approach (constructing portfolios basing on the calculation of the correlation of investment instruments returns: negatively correlated investment may compensate for the failure of one instrument by increasing the profitability of others, while the maximum effect of diversification is achieved by combining a portfolio of negatively correlated investments). All investors, no matter how wealthy he/she is, aim to reach the specific goals, such as safety of the investments, their profitability/returns, and capital growth. The most reliable and secure securities are governm ent securities, which virtually eliminates the risk of the investor. More profitable securities are these of traded firms, but they have a high degree of risk. The most risky investments are stocks of young high-tech companies, but they may be most beneficial in terms of capital gains. Construction of the Portfolio As the major goal of portfolio is its diversification, only the right and wise portfolio structure can provide such diversification. So, constructing the portfolios structure is the essential step in portfolio management. If constructed well, the portfolio can bring significant returns. While being constructed poorly, it can lead to huge losses. The more aggressive an investment portfolio is, the higher the level of risk is and correspondingly higher possible returns are. Thus, the profitability of any investment is a kind of prize for that risk, which the investor takes. Due to the clients requirements of constructing the risky portfolio, the following promising industries have been analyzed: Consumer Goods, Basic materials, Technology, and Healthcare. The choice of industries is based on their influence on peoples lives and economy development. In these particular industries, the following sectors have been identified for further companies selection: services, biotechnology , sporting goods, gold, and communication equipment. According to Bodie (2009), when the economy on its contraction stage, it is advised to choose technology, financials, utilities, consumer durables, and health care sectors; when the economy on its expansion, it is advised to invest in materials, industrial, and energy (p.383). So, taking into account these recommendations, the sectors listed above have been chosen as targeted ones for investments. Asset Allocation Asset allocation is the essential part of the portfolio construction. There are two approaches of asset allocation: bottom-up and top-down. This particular portfolio was constructed using the top-down approach. Thus, the very first decision to be made is to choose between major asset classes, such as money market, bond market, and equity market. , in this case equity market is the most preferable class for allocation of assets. As far as the client is a wealthy person and aims to receive high returns by investing in high risk portfolio, the target securities to invest in are stocks. After deciding on assets class, it is necessary to identify the potential companies, in whose stocks investment will most likely be made. Stocks Selection After the targeted asset class has been identified, the following step is stocks selection. As far as the wealthy investor is interested in earning a high rate of return and is willing to take on substantial risk, therefore, high risk securities. Basing on this requirement and by analyzing historical prices performance for the past two years, ratios in comparison with industry and SP 500, and also taking into account analysts rating, and coefficients of correlation, the portfolio with following companies has been constructed: Aviat Networks, Inc. (AVNW), Codexis, Inc. (CDXS), Claude Resources, Inc. (CGR), DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. (DWA), and Johnson Outdoors Inc. (JOUT). These companies are not listed in the SP 500 market index. According to analysis of past prices performance (Appendix 4), all stocks, except DWA, have been performing well with the increasing trend, while DWA experienced a decrease in stock price. During the two-year period, DWA reached its min. price of $27 .08 and max. price of $44; CDXSs min. price was $7.11 and max. price was $14.45; JOUTs min. price was $8.96 and max. price was $15.22; CGRs min. price was $0.92 and max. price was $2.3; AVNWs minimum price was $3.46 and maximum price was $7.87. Analysts stocks ratings also were taken into account in order to evaluate and forecast the future stocks performance. According to Zacks Investment Research (2011), DreamWorks Animation Skg Incorporated, a mid-cap growth company in the consumer services sector, is expected to significantly outperform the market over the next six months with average risk; Claude Resources Inc., a micro-cap growth company in the basic industries sector, is expected to underperform the market over the next six months with very high risk; Johnson Outdoors Inc., a small-cap value company in the consumer services sector, is expected to match the market over the next six months with above average risk. The major condition for creation a well-diversified portfo lio is choosing negatively correlated stocks. For revealing stocks, which will provide portfolio diversification, the correlation analysis was conducted. The results of this analysis are presented in the Appendix 2. According to this matrix, DWA is negatively correlated with both JOUT (-0.42) and CGR (-0.36). JOUT is also negatively correlated with AVNW (-0.42) and CGR is negatively correlated with AVNW (-0.16). The negative correlation means that a failure of one investment will be compensated by a rise of another. Correlation analysis has also revealed that coefficient of correlation of DWA and AVNW is 0.86, meaning that if DWA stock price rises, AVNW stock goes down, and vice versa. Regarding the results of analyses described above, the portfolio was structured the following way: AVNW 19%, CDXS 2.23%, CGR 9%, DWA 12.19%, JOUT 58.26%. Companies Overview Aviat Networks, Inc.  [1]  is a leader in wireless transmission solutions. The company applies innovation and IP networking expertise toward building a carrier class foundation for future mobile and fixed broadband networks. With more than 750,000 systems installed around the world, Aviat Networks has built a reputation as a leader in offering best-of-breed solutions including LTE-ready microwave backhaul and a complete portfolio of service and support options to public and private telecommunications operators worldwide. With a global reach and local presence in more than 46 countries, Aviat Networks works by the side of its customers allowing them quickly and cost effectively seize new market and service opportunities. Aviat Networks listed on NASDAQ (AVNW). Codexis, Inc.  [2]  develops industrial biocatalysts, enzymes, and microbes for energy, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries. The company focuses on conversion of renewable resources into transportation fuel s and pharmaceuticals. It offers development of technologies for air and water treatment and chemical manufacturing. The companys products include biocatalyst panels, custom biocatalysts, enzymes, active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates, and human cytochrome biocatalysts. Codexis is listed on NASDAQ (CDXS). Claude Resources, Inc.  [3]  acquires, explores, and develops precious metal properties, as well as produces and markets minerals in Canada. The company principally focuses on gold. Its primary mineral properties are located in northern Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. The company owns the Seabee Mine, a producing gold mine located at Laonil Lake, Saskatchewan; and Madsen properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of northwestern Ontario. It also holds interests in a portfolio of exploration properties that are located in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Claude Resources is listed on NYSE (CGR). DreamWorks Animation SKG, In c.  [4]  engages in the development, production, and exploitation of animated feature films and characters worldwide. It provides animated feature films and characters for the theatrical, home entertainment, television, and merchandising and licensing markets. The company has strategic alliances with McDonalds, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Samsung. DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. is listed on NASDAQ (DWA). Johnson Outdoors, Inc.  [5]  , together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of outdoor recreation products worldwide. Its Marine Electronics segment provides battery-powered fishing motors for trolling or primary propulsion; sonar and GPS equipment for navigation; downriggers for controlled-depth fishing; and marine autopilot systems for large boats. It offers its products through outdoor specialty retailers, retail store chains, marine distributors, international distributors, and original equipment manufacturers. PORTFOLIO EVALUATION For proper portfolio evaluation, it has been monitored during a three-week period. For its assessment such tools as CBOE and RiskGrades were applied. CBOE.com provided a possibility of virtual trading and monitoring the portfolio performance during three weeks from January 31, 2011 to February 18, 2011. Also, with the help of CBOE.com it was possible to buy/sell the chosen stocks and watch how the portfolio could have changed. Another tool, RiskGrades, provided evaluation of risks associated with stocks and portfolio itself. It also helped to make Risk vs. Return analysis, Sector analysis and Risk ranking. Portfolio Performance As mentioned above, the portfolio has been monitored for three weeks. On the January 30, 2011 the following stocks were bought at amount and a price respectively: 20 shares of AVNW, $5.09 per share 5 shares of CDXS, $9.18 per share 85 shares of CGR, $1.98 per share 5 shares of DWA, $28.4 per share 90 shares of JOUT, $15.19 per share As it was an experimental portfolio, such insignificant amount of shares was purchased. The initial portfolio value totaled $1,896.00. During the three-week period the stocks were performing comparatively well and positive; the average change in AVNW price was 0.46%, CDXS 0.12%, CGR 0.13%, DWA 0.44%, JOUT 0.28%. Along with positive average changes in stock prices, the SP-500 market index changed by 0.31%. On February 7, 2011, I have sold 20 shares of CGR @ $2.58 and 70 shares of JOUT @ $15.59 due to constant down falling behavior; moreover, selling of these stocks could help improve portfolio performance and minimize losses. Aft er selling these stocks, the portfolio value also decreased, amounted to $758. From the sales proceeds, I have purchased 80 shares of JOUT @ $15.66 and sold another 10 shares of CGR @ $2.58. As a result of these transactions, the ending value of portfolio was $1,979. Therefore, during three-week period the portfolio gained $68. Risk and Return Analysis Risk and return are the major issues, which the investor is always mainly concerned about. For risk and return evaluation the Risk Grades tool was applied. So, according to RiskGrades.com, the riskiest stock in the portfolio is the stock of Claude Resources, Inc. (CGR), it has a risk rank of 64%, which means that 36% of the tickers in U.S. markets are riskier than CGR (RiskRanking, n.d.). The next, less risky stock is that of Aviat Networks, Inc. (AVNW) having risk rank of 55%. The stocks of DWA, JOUT and CDXS have the risk rank of 30%, 37% and 47% respectively. The portfolio has the total risk rank of 29%, which implies that 71% of the stocks in SP-500 are riskier than the portfolio. According to RiskGrades, the portfolio is 1.81 times as volatile as the SP SP 500 Index. Basing on Return Analysis, the average expected return of the portfolio is 47%. In the short-term perspective, JOUT will generate the highest return in the portfolio (24%), and the lowest return will be that o f DWA (-11%). In the long-term perspective, CDXS will not generate any return, whereas the CGR will generate the highest return (136.6%). But DWA will continue to generate negative return (-39.5%). All in all, the average return in the long-term perspective is going to be 24.38%. Sector Analysis Sector Analysis focuses on how much value movement of the portfolio is explained through average value movement of each sector in your market. Portfolios weights are compared to risk contribution in each sector against markets benchmark index (Sector Analysis, n.d.). So, taking the Risk Grades as a basis for this analysis, it can be concluded that: Financials is the most overweight sector compared to the benchmark. Health Care is the most underweight sector compared to the benchmark. Materials is the most overexposed sector to risk compared to the benchmark. Industrials is the most underexposed sector to risk compared to the benchmark. According to Sector Analysis, the portfolio specific risk (86.4%) is twice as higher than the specific risk of SP-500 (43.5%). Although, the investor wants to invest in high risk portfolio, the fact that the portfolio specific risk is higher than that of SP-500 can be omitted. However, the diversification benefit of 14.5% can minimize the specific risk of the portfolio. RECOMMENDATIONS The primary purpose of this report was to research, analyze the market and construct the portfolio for a high net-worth client, who aims to invest in a high risky portfolio. After conducting the research of literature, industries and sectors, colleting historical prices of some stocks, and making careful financial analysis of key ratios and correlation analysis, and also after monitoring the trial portfolio for three weeks, the following conclusions and recommendations can be made. First of all, the chosen industries and companies are performing quite well for this time and are at high demand. Although, stocks of Codexis, Inc. have been underperforming, and causing significant losses. Also DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. stocks have not been generating positive returns; moreover, its return will continue to decrease in the long-term perspective. So, in case the investor will keep the current trial portfolio, I would advise to replace the stocks of DWA and CDXS with other stocks. Des pite the fact the CGR stocks the riskiest ones in the portfolio; they will bring the highest return to the investor. So, it is advised to keep them. In addition, it is advised to include such stocks as JOUT and CGR in the new future portfolio, as these stocks have been performing well and are most likely to generate high returns in the long-term perspective, moreover these companies stocks have the high risk rank. But, by including the AVNW stocks in the new portfolio, which are negatively correlated to both JOUT and CGR, an investor will compensate potential losses. REFERENCES Bodie, Kane, Marcus. (2009). Essentials of investments (8th ed.). McGraw Hill Primis. CBOE trading system. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.cboe.com/ MSN Money. (2011). Key Ratios. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from https://investing.money.msn.com/investments/ Morningstar. (2011). Financials. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from https://financials.morningstar.com/ratios/r.html?t=AVNW Risk grade system. (2011). Retrieved from https://riskgrades.com/ APPENDIX 1 Company Ticker Sector DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. DWA Services Codexis Inc. CDXS Biotechnology Johnson Outdoors Inc. JOUT Sporting goods Claude Resources, Inc. CGR Gold Aviat Networks, Inc. AVNW Communication Equipment APPENDIX 2 DWA CDXS JOUT CGR AVNW DWA 1 0.65 -0.42 -0.36 0.86 CDXS  1 0.34 0.15 0.66 JOUT   1 0.46 -0.42 CGR    1 -0.16 AVNW     1 APPENDIX 3 Ratio Company Industry SP 500 DWA P/E Ratio 13.3 13.7 20.3 Price/Book Value 1.76 11.59 3.59 Leverage Ratio 1.4 2.1 2.3 Current Ratio 2.63 1 1.4 ROE 14.2 -62.6 22.4 ROA 10.8 -26.6 8 CDXS P/E Ratio NA 14 20.3 Price/Book Value 3.56 5.64 3.59 Leverage Ratio 1.32 1.7 2.3 Current Ratio 3.35 4 1.4 ROE -12.01% 1.7 22.4 ROA -3.71% -2.38 8 CGR P/E Ratio 231 40.4 20.3 Price/Book Value 2.73 3.31 3.59 Leverage Ratio 2 1.5 2.3 Current Ratio 2.3 5.2 1.4 ROE 1.6 3.2 22.4 ROA 0.7 -22.8 8 JOUT P/E Ratio 15.4 13.7 20.3 Price/Book Value 1.2 2.88 3.59 Leverage Ratio 2 2 2.3 Current Ratio 2 2.6 1.4 ROE 8 15.9 22.4 ROA 4 8.3 8 AVNW P/E Ratio NA 26.3 20.3 Price/Book Value 1.36 3.12 3.59 Leverage Ratio 2 2.7 2.3 Current Ratio 1.88 2.6 1.4 ROE -48.9 13.4 22.4 ROA -29.2 6.3 8 APPENDIX 4

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Marketing and Gillette - 1387 Words

Marketing Management Case 7: Gillette The Razor Wars Continues Prepared by: Hala Question 1: Evaluate product innovation at Gillette throughout its history. Has Gillette been a victim of its own success? Has product innovation in wet-shaving market come to an end? Explain? King C. Gillette has founded Gillette in 1901. It was one of the first great multinational organizations and a marvel of marketing effectiveness. Gillette has set a goal for his company: To offer consumers high-quality shaving products that would satisfy basic grooming needs at a fair price. Throughout its history Gillette has always strived to be on cutting edge of shaving technology in a market that thrives on innovation. Gillette did a great job in†¦show more content†¦Wither it is product or marketing innovation, Gillette has to always exceed in innovation to stay dominant in its market. Gillette launched the new technology for Fusion in June 2010, the Gillette Fusion ProGlide and Fusion ProGlide Power, the number 1 Dermatologist recommended razor. Gillette combined seven technological advancements in shaving performance, Keeping Gillette on cutting edge for technological advancements. Question 2: What do you make of the battle between Gillette and Schick? Is the battle of one-upmanship good for either company? The war has first started around 1962 with Schick introducing the first stainless steel blade by this decreasing Gillettes market share. Yet Gillette was lucky because Schick couldnt exploit the niche it has created and Schick ended up in selling its blades to Gillette. Another technology was introduced by Schick in 2003, the Quattro four-bladed razor to gain market share from Gillette. The battle of one-upmanship is aggressive between Gillette and Schick and this is leading to all technology advancements in the wet-shaving industry. Gillette has always dominated the shaving market since its founding in 1901. Currently, Gillette controls 70% of the wet-shaving market. Schick claims roughly 18%. I think Gillette must always be cautious of schick and fair competition is always healthy for companies since it keeps them on edge with advancements to gain more marketShow MoreRelatedGillette Marketing Plan687 Words   |  3 PagesManagerial Marketing Marketing Plan Questions for Discussion 1. Evaluate product innovation at Gillette throughout its history. Has Gillette been a victim of its own success? Has product innovation in the wet-shaving market come to an end? Explain. While evaluating the product innovation at Gillette throughout its history, it is easy to relate to the companies ups and downs, as well as its struggles. 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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Annual Production Budget in Beverage Industry †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Annual Production Budget in Beverage Industry. Answer: Introduction Food and beverage industry runs on some basic strategies, which are common with most of the reputed restaurants across the globe. Strategy making is required while designing the menu for the customers. This affects the profit margin. It is indeed necessary to be flexible with the designing of menu. If one menu is not working the way it was implemented for. Then it is wise enough to switch over to another kind of menu style. The implemented strategy requires a monitoring of sales over the few coming weeks to check the feasibility of the strategy (Hou et al. 2015). This study is also focused on an authentic Italian restaurant, which is based in Australia. The study revolves around a given case study, which shows that the restaurant is on a reducing graph in terms of overall sales. The owner of the restaurant Francesco Del Piero is worried of the sales because of which the owner has intended to switch over to all you can eat buffet concept from the previously used A La Carte style of me nu. The study checks the viability of the selected menu in terms of overall sales with the help of relevant evidences on it. The switch over strategy of Francescos looks a potential option to increase the sales and control the average expending on the food and the drinks items. The hotel in the case study had initially used the a la carte menu style, which means that customers can select their choice of dishes from list of numerous kinds of dishes. Additionally, in such menu style, the price for every item differs to one another. Additionally, there will be a distinguishing wait time for the preparation of each food that is being ordered (Gormley, Rawal and Little 2012). Despite the facts that it is a traditional style of offering food to the customers, the strategy has seemed to have not worked for the Bellini Italian Restaurant. A decreasing trend for sales has been observed. Additionally, the average weekly spending on the foods is also proving to be costlier, which is different to the traditional style of pricing (AbuKhalifeh and Som 2012). The owner of the company has shown some resistance by switchin g over to a different strategy for menu. The strategy is all you can eat in buffet style. In the buffet system, customers are encouraged to have different items in a sequential form. Definitely all the items are priced differently and it is little reliable than the a la carte style of menu (Liu et al. 2012). The chosen strategy by the owner of the selected restaurant looks effective because of the various following reasons: The strategy will help to reduce the average spending on the foods and drinks because the selected strategy will help in increasing the unit sales. This is so because the format of menu is something that customers will think of package rather than few selected items. An increasing unit sale will help in reducing the average spending because customers are buying in package such as the complete breakfast or lunch. This is less possible with the a la carte style because customer can also select only one item. This is clear that the volume of unit sales will increase. The company might be able to bring back the average spending within a standard range such as 28 to 35 percent of the gross income (Asaolu, Agorzie and Unam 2012). The strategy will help to increase the unit of items sold. This means that there will be an increase in overall sales. It has already been mentioned above that the strategy will help in reducing the average spending on the foods and drinks. On the other hand, an increase in sales will result in enhanced profit margin, which is what Francesco is looking for. The switching over to another strategy is just to get the average profit, which other reputed companies make (Rezende and Silva 2014). Key information to monitor over the next few weeks The implemented strategy needs to validate the hopes of Francesco. The owner wants to implement the strategy in order to reduce the average spending on foods and drinks. Additionally, the owner also wants to enhance the profit margin to a standard level as it is evident from the business performance of reputed food beverage companies across the globe (Guimares, Klabjan and Almada-Lobo 2012). The expected increase in sales can only be felt if the visitation of customers have enhanced. Additionally, if they have changed perception for the offered foods and drinks then it means that they like the changed menu style. This is for all such reasons it is necessary that a continuous monitoring on the visitation numbers is necessary. This is also necessary to avoid from an unexpected loss (Wu, Huang and Chou 2014). This can happen as customers might not think the way the owner of the restaurant think. This is also necessary because flexibility is utterly required in the food and beverage bus iness. Moreover, this will help in changing of decisions if it is required at any time after implementing the all you can eat buffet style. Flexibility indeed is a key factor in the food and beverage business (Ivkov et al. 2016). It is also necessary to monitor the daily behavior of food preparation and the amount of wastes if it occurs. The monitoring of food production along with the wastages is immensely required as this will supply some important information. Moreover, the information supplied is very essential to attain success with the implemented strategy. The management should have clear information on the wastages as this will educate on the trend for the flow of foods. Avoiding wastages is utterly required to earn maximize benefits and save on the average spending. A clear idea of the wastages on a daily basis will guide to a more measurable approach for producing the foods (Mirabella, Castellani and Sala 2014). Cross checking the average spending on food manufacturing and the amount of wastages on a daily basis will provide the following benefits (Betz et al. 2015): Reduction in food wastages Consequent reduction in average spending on food manufacturing Enhancement in the profit margin as the cost of production will be reduced; however, the rate of benefits will remain the same. Moreover, sales figure does not depend on the wastages. Difference in contribution margins (buffet vs. a la carte) This is another very important look out for the few coming weeks. The switching over to a buffet style menu will require a quick analysis of the responses that it will generate after its implementation. The analysis will help in measure the changes after the implementation of the strategy. The changes can be either positive or negative as well. However, it is indeed required to measure the changes occurred in order to judge the viability of the changed strategy (Yang 2012). There are advantages and disadvantages of both the menu style; however, the real lookout is not to discuss the advantages but it is rather focused on attaining the presumed advantages. Following are the benefits of cross checking the differences in business behavior with the help of the both the kinds of menu style (Auchincloss et al. 2013): Quick analysis of average spending on foods and simultaneous benefits will be observed The calculated benefits will help in analyzing the percentage of spending in the overall profit This will further help in analyze the differences the changed strategy has brought if there is any Overall sale volume and the gross profit will also help in analyze the effectiveness of the implemented strategy. The earlier menu style and the resultant gross profit are already known. Calculating the overall effect of after implementing the strategy will tell the resultant changes. Moreover, this will help in analyze the effects that the changed menu style has brought. If the changes are positive then this is good to move with the implemented strategies. On the other hand, if the changes are not positive then there is a requirement to quickly fix the issue or jump to some better strategy. Apart from the overall effects, this is also necessary to consider few cautious moves to prevent any unexpected loss. This can be done by measuring the wastages of foods on a daily basis and the costs incurred in producing the foods (Dopson and Hayes 2015). Recommended ways to investigate the problem and to improve the overall profitability The investigation could have been done in some other ways as well. Stock maintenance is a key to understand the behavior of average spending on foods drinks and the resultant sales. Stock maintenance not only observes the inflow and outflow of goods but it also observes the wastages amount. Moreover, this is very necessary to measure the effectiveness of any menu style. Additionally, flexibility is also required in designing the menu to avoid the loss of customer base. A responsive nature will indeed make them feel served. Table Dhote (Deals) service will have indeed produced a much better results. The mentioned service is all about offering fixed menu to the customers on a fixed price. Moreover, it could have been much wiser to run a la carte with the table dhote (deals) service. This would have categorized the different set of customers based on the two kinds of menu style. A la carte is for those who belong to a decent income group. On the other hand, table dhote (deals) service is for those who belong to a lower income group. Moreover, the combination of the two strategies will have attracted the both kinds of customers, which will only result in an increased sale. Conclusion The strategy selected by Francesco Del Piero in the Bellini Italian Restaurant is a potential option; however, this could have been much better. The combination of two menu styles such as A La Carte and Table Dhote (Deals) could have produced a much better result. The combination of strategies will have attracted customers of different types such as belonging to both the descent and low income group. This will have resulted in an increased customer visitation and consequently, this will also resulted in an increased volume of sales. Moreover, the purpose of Francesco Del Piero could have effectively been attained if the owner had considered the combination of both the strategies. References AbuKhalifeh, A.N. and Som, A.P.M., 2012. Service quality management in hotel industry: a conceptual framework for food and beverage departments.International Journal of Business and Management,7(14), p.135. Asaolu, T.O., Agorzie, C.J. and Unam, J.M., 2012. materials management: an effective tool for optimizing profitability in the Nigerian food and beverage manufacturing industry.Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences,3(1), p.25. Auchincloss, A.H., Mallya, G.G., Leonberg, B.L., Ricchezza, A., Glanz, K. and Schwarz, D.F., 2013. Customer responses to mandatory menu labeling at full-service restaurants.American journal of preventive medicine,45(6), pp.710-719. Betz, A., Buchli, J., Gbel, C. and Mller, C., 2015. Food waste in the Swiss food service industryMagnitude and potential for reduction.Waste Management,35, pp.218-226. Dopson, L.R. and Hayes, D.K., 2015.Food and beverage cost control. John Wiley Sons. Gormley, F.J., Rawal, N. and Little, C.L., 2012. Choose your menu wisely: cuisine-associated food-poisoning risks in restaurants in England and Wales.Epidemiology Infection,140(6), pp.997-1007. Guimares, L., Klabjan, D. and Almada-Lobo, B., 2012. Annual production budget in the beverage industry.Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence,25(2), pp.229-241. Hou, C.I., Huang, H.C., Tsai, Y.H. and Lo, C.Y., 2015. Research On Decision Making Regarding High-Business-Strategy Caf Menu Selection.International Journal of Computer Science Information Technology,7(2), p.89. Ivkov, M., Blesic, I., Simat, K., Demirovic, D., Bozic, S. and Stefanovic, V., 2016. INNOVATIONS IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY-AN EXPLORATORY STUDY 1.Ekonomika Poljoprivrede,63(4), p.1169. Liu, P.J., Roberto, C.A., Liu, L.J. and Brownell, K.D., 2012. A test of different menu labeling presentations.Appetite,59(3), pp.770-777. Mirabella, N., Castellani, V. and Sala, S., 2014. Current options for the valorization of food manufacturing waste: a review.Journal of Cleaner Production,65, pp.28-41. Rezende, D.C.D. and Silva, M.A.R., 2014. Eating-out and experiential consumption: a typology of experience providers.British Food Journal,116(1), pp.91-103. Wu, P.H., Huang, C.Y. and Chou, C.K., 2014. Service expectation, perceived service quality, and customer satisfaction in food and beverage industry.International Journal of Organizational Innovation (Online),7(1), p.171. Yang, S.S., 2012. Eye movements on restaurant menus: A revisitation on gaze motion and consumer scanpaths.International Journal of Hospitality Management,31(3), pp.1021-1029.

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Roman and Anglo-Saxon conquest Essay Example

The Roman and Anglo-Saxon conquest Paper There were 3 main reasons why The Romans wanted to conquer Britain: 1st Big amount of corn; 2nd Rome was a slave owning society and they needed more slaves; 3rd In the first century b. C. Rome was in war with Gaul and the Cells from Britain helped Gaul to fight against the Romans. It took 98 years for the Roman to conquer a part of Britain known today as England. 55 years b. C. Julius Caesar undertook the first attempts but failed because of the very strong Celtic opposition . 54 years b. C. Caesar came back with an army of 25. 00 people and conquered a small terrier near present day London . His aim, however, was not to conquer the terrier as such, he took everything he wanted (corn, slaves) Introduced heavy taxes Celebrated. 43 years a. D. (after Jesus was born) Emperor Claudia finally conquered the terrier of pres day England and pushed the Cells, who lived there to the less fertile and more mountains area of present day Scotland and Wales. The Roman legacy: 1. They build a large network of solid military roads some of which exist and are used even today. Ex: The road that connects 2 cities London and Chester and Is called Witling Castro) these camps later developed into a number of English towns, so If today the name of an Eng town has the suffix Chester, it means that to was founded by the Romans. Ex: Manchester, Chester, Lancaster,Lester,Windcheater. 3. The Romans brought reading and writing, naturally in Latin. 4. They brought the tradition of Baths to Britain. (They founded hot mineral springs near pres day town of Bath and established the first SPA -area In Britain. 5. The Romans build a number of protective walls to defend themselves against the hostile Cells. Ex: The Hadrons wall, which nowadays stands on the border between England and Scotland and was build in the 4th century. 6. The Romans developed a small village of Linden into a own and maid it their capital with the name Aluminum. In pres day English there is a number of Latin borrowings that came from the Romans . There are some groups : 1 . Words connected with food and drinks :wine, cheese, peas. 2. Words connected with clothing : shirts,belt. 3. Rods con with Christianity: In the year 395 Roman Empire was divided into 2 parts and all the Romans in England were withdrawn to defend the rest of the empire against the Barbaric attacks from the Germanic lands, unfortunately in 476 the Roman Empire finally collapsed and there started a knew era of Middle Ages. The Angle-Saxon conquest. In the middle of the 5th century 3 Germanic tribes started their invasion in England. 1st the Juts; 2nd the Angles (they both came from pres day Denmark and established the following small kingdoms!! : 1. Northumberland, 2. Hurls. 3. We will write a custom essay sample on The Roman and Anglo-Saxon conquest specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Roman and Anglo-Saxon conquest specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Roman and Anglo-Saxon conquest specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer East Anglia, 4. Kent. Ad tribe Saxons. They came from Another Germany and established the following small kingdoms : 1) Wastes: 2) Essex; 3) Sussex. The Anglo- Saxons and the Jutes were close to each other in speech and customs so they gradually formed into one group called Anglo-Saxon. However Wales, Cornwall and Scotland remained unconquered , so many Cells that survived after the Germanic attacks fled to these territories and thus the culture of Cells continued Its existing, conquered the Picks and the territory formed into the Scottish kingdom in 1 lath century. The struggle between the Cells and Anglo-Saxons gave place fore manifold tales most famous of which are legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round table. The Anglo-Saxons were pagans and worshipped different gods, their names are reflected in the names of pres days of the week : Tit (Tuesday) was the god of war, Wooden(Wednesday) god of kings, Thro (Thursday) god of storm, Frigid (FRR) Woodened wife, goddess of nature and love. Saxon villages consisted of 20 to 30 families all faithful to their leader. The Saxons kingdoms fought between one another and in the 9th century Wastes became the leading kingdom and united the rest of England to fight against the Danes and since 829 the greater part of the country was united under the name England. An important event that united the country and developed the culture was the adoption of Christianity in England in 664. Christianity began to develop much earlier. It is connected with the name SST. Augustine that found the Church of England in 597.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Technology Headaches essays

Technology Headaches essays Have you ever been frustrated with your computer? Misplaced you cell phone? Or could not program a VCR? Well thanks to technology we have all these modern day convinces. Unfortunately the downside, to the fast pace world of technology, are the high stress levels and even more dangerous the growing dependences. Like most people I have had the urge to smash my computer with a bat, or throw it out a window. At one time or another everyone has the urge to beat their computer, for me it is more often than most. Although the computer is a great tool that allows us to do so many different thing such as chatting online, email, shopping, and researching, the thing it does best is frustrate us. Being a computer systems information major, I have trouble shot the many problems that can occur with computers. I know the pain one feels when losing that long important essay on the computer, or having a computer freeze while chatting or playing games, or the having the computer crash, and the one program that just will not work. Computer problems can be very stressful to many people, including myself. As many people deal with technology today it is all too easy to become stressed out. With each advance in technology, which is supposed to make life easier, our daily lives get slightly more complicated. Unfortunately, it cannot be escaped. Technology is becoming apart of our ever day lives. As computers are incorporated into your everyday lives one must be careful of the health problems. High stress can lead to high blood pressure, or long hours at the computer screen can cause eye strain, improper posture which can cause back problems, and even repetitive typing may lead to carpel tunnel syndrome. When working with computers or any technology one should take be patient and try not to stress out. Every so often take a break from the computer, step away stretch and get a breath of fresh air outside. ...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Free Essays on Decision Making Model

Making decisions is a major portion of the manager's responsibilities. It is not an aspect that cannot be taken lightly nor can it be done in a hasty manner. Hasty, careless decisions can have devastating results on the manager's department or even for the entire company. Decisions that are made with deliberation using different kinds of processes, however, can lead the department or company to better and/or more profitable operations. When decisions are indeed made in this manner, the manager should feel confident that he or she has made an appropriate decision and is the best option given the information available at the time. This does not mean to say that the manager will always make the correct decision; lack of information or situational changes can lead to faulty analysis. However, if the manager uses critical thinking and proven successful decision-making strategies, he or she can and should be confident in whatever action they have decided is appropriate. Their own confidence level will, in fact, affect the outcome of their action. To make an effective and ethical decision, a manager could utilize a decision making model that consists of several, relatively simple steps. The first step in this model would be to gather all of the pertinent facts. By doing this, a manager will ensure that he or she has all of their bases covered. Secondly, a manager will need to create a list of all the stakeholders involved. They would need to ask these simple questions: Who is involved? How will it affect them? What could happen if chose an alternative? Then, utilizing the last question asked, imagine the alternatives that could be taken and then discard those that are clearly wrong. Through this technique, a manager will be able to, figuratively speaking, â€Å"weed† out the wrong from the right decisions. Lastly, picture each remaining alternative in terms of some relevant questions and then choose correctly. These questions includ... Free Essays on Decision Making Model Free Essays on Decision Making Model Making decisions is a major portion of the manager's responsibilities. It is not an aspect that cannot be taken lightly nor can it be done in a hasty manner. Hasty, careless decisions can have devastating results on the manager's department or even for the entire company. Decisions that are made with deliberation using different kinds of processes, however, can lead the department or company to better and/or more profitable operations. When decisions are indeed made in this manner, the manager should feel confident that he or she has made an appropriate decision and is the best option given the information available at the time. This does not mean to say that the manager will always make the correct decision; lack of information or situational changes can lead to faulty analysis. However, if the manager uses critical thinking and proven successful decision-making strategies, he or she can and should be confident in whatever action they have decided is appropriate. Their own confidence level will, in fact, affect the outcome of their action. To make an effective and ethical decision, a manager could utilize a decision making model that consists of several, relatively simple steps. The first step in this model would be to gather all of the pertinent facts. By doing this, a manager will ensure that he or she has all of their bases covered. Secondly, a manager will need to create a list of all the stakeholders involved. They would need to ask these simple questions: Who is involved? How will it affect them? What could happen if chose an alternative? Then, utilizing the last question asked, imagine the alternatives that could be taken and then discard those that are clearly wrong. Through this technique, a manager will be able to, figuratively speaking, â€Å"weed† out the wrong from the right decisions. Lastly, picture each remaining alternative in terms of some relevant questions and then choose correctly. These questions includ... Free Essays on Decision Making Model Decision Making Model Making a good decision requires time and effort. Everyone makes decisions everyday. Most of these decisions are made without a lot of time and effort. When confronted with ‘big’ or ‘important’ decisions most of us struggle with how to make the best decision. If we try to make decisions using logic, careful analysis and perform a thorough information search we should feel confident that we are going to make a good decision. When applying rationality to decision making we are forced to confront and clarify our priorities and values. Imagine someone walking into a neighborhood drugstore to purchase a bottle of Scope mouthwash. What made him/her purchase Scope rather than the Listerine that he or she has been using since the tender age of ten years old? The answer may lie in critical thinking. What is critical thinking? According to Bassham et al, â€Å"critical thinking is the general term given to a wide range of cognitive skills and intellectual dispositions needed to effectively identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments and truth claims, to discover and overcome personal prejudices and biases, to formulate and present convincing reasons in support of conclusions, and to make reasonable, intelligent decisions about what to believe and what to do† (Bassham et al, 2002). Does a person always use critical thinking? Not always, because we are so used to being in a decision routine. But we all may have used critical thinking at one time or another. Rational Decision Model What is a rational decision? â€Å"A rational decision is one which best achieves the multitude of objectives of the decision maker(s).† (Ernest H. Horman & Mary Ann Selly, 2001). When we want to make the ‘best’ decision we need to take our time, look at our options and really try to figure out what we want to accomplish. We have to think about the various scenarios that may result because of the decision we make. One model that...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Analysis of the Buzz Generated Around the Launch of iPhone Essay

Analysis of the Buzz Generated Around the Launch of iPhone - Essay Example The essay "Analysis of the Buzz Generated Around the Launch of iPhone" analyzes the reasons for a huge amount of buzz being generated around the launch of iPhone and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the strategies adopted by Apple in launching iPhone since namely the marketing strategies brought such a success.The marketing strategies adopted by Apple in order to market its iPhone gained the praise of business experts all across the world. The basic strategy of the company was to create an initial market boom through extensive campaigning on the uniqueness of the product. Further Apple ensured to utilize the ripples created in the market by these campaigns in favor of the product. The company could successfully initiate an impatience in the customers to wait for the release of the product. The launch of iPhone was much discussed in the media especially by the business critiques and eventually the launch was made to matter much for the common man as well.Apple could succe ssfully use its previous product iPod which was launched in 2001 as background to the campaign for its new mobile technology titled ‘the iPhone’.The iPod was proved to be a splendid success in terms of business. The product was unique in its utility and portability. This uniqueness was very well utilized by the company while launching iPhone. The similarity in the name was deliberately created by Apple, in order to help its customers relate the quality and market repute of its new product to that of iPod.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

A study of War and Military History, 1867 to the Present Essay

A study of War and Military History, 1867 to the Present - Essay Example With its large expanse of land mass covering North America, right above the United States, proved to be of strategic importance for the British. Trade between Canada and the main British isle was usually undeterred by the vast Atlantic Ocean, and such supply routes were usually left undisturbed for the most part. On the social and political situation, the Canadians were mostly North American colonists who remained loyal to British imperial rule and also composed of colonists from the United States who maintained their allegiance with the British rule. This group of Canadians formed the majority of Canada’s society and usually held a strong voice with regards to the colonial affairs. On the other hand, there were also the French speaking Canadians who were mostly from the domain of Quebec and Montreal. The French Canadians were formerly French Empire colonists during the 16th and 17th century who were conquered by the British by the end of the French-Indian War. The fact that F rench Canadians were usually not treated with much respect as that of the English Canadians, French Canadians most of the time took the polar opposite with regards to political opinion. When the outbreak of the First World War happened in Europe, it was first thought that the British Empire would not be involved in the war which at first was thought to be merely involved between the Austria-Hungary against Serbia. But when Germany entered the war, in the side of Austria-Hungary, Great Britain decided to enter the war against what would later be known as the Central Powers, namely the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to prevent the German Empire from expanding its imperial influence. Canada was involved in this armed struggle across its borders since it had its obligations as a colony of the British Empire. Prior to all this, Canada had a large standing militia force, yet a small regular army and an even smaller navy. Sam Hughes, the Minister of Militia and Defense during that time, was tasked to raise enough soldiers for the war in Europe to complement the British forces around the Western Front. For this to be done, volunteers of men were needed to be implemented to enlist enough manpower to be of potential support for the war efforts. Many joined in the hundreds of thousands, becoming known as the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Canadians were known to serve well and with distinction. They were notable in their involvement in major battles such as the Battles of Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele and the Hundred Days offensive. Canadian Corps were considered as fine soldiers, being highly motivated and dogged. But as the war dragged on and losses were mounting high on the British and its Commonwealth forces, it came to the point that conscription would be needed. After the Battle of Somme, in which casualties on both sides of the belligerents where high, there was a great demand to reinforce the forces in the Western Front. Because of the terrible amount of casualties as the battles raged on the trenches in the Western front with no clear or decisive victory in sight, the number of volunteers of Canadians drastically dropped . This eventually caused conscription to be seen as a necessary measure for the Canadian government to pass the act of conscription. By this period, the government Canada decided to pass the act of conscription. Opinions about conscription in Canada during the First World War were divided distinctly between the

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Formal Outline Essay Example for Free

Formal Outline Essay INTRODUCTION Attention material: The world stopped getting warmer almost 16 years ago, according to new data released last week. The figures, which have triggered debate among climate scientists, reveal that from the beginning of 1997 until August 2012, there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temperatures. This means that the plateau or pause in global warming has now lasted for about the same time as the previous period when temperatures rose, 1980 to 1996. Before that, temperatures had been stable or declining for about 40 years. Credibility material: The current cycle of global warming is changing the rhythms of climate that all living things have come to rely upon. What will we do to slow this warming? How will we cope with the changes weve already set into motion? While we struggle to figure it all out, the face of the Earth, as we know it—coasts, forests, farms, and snowcapped mountains—hangs in the balance. Thesis statement: Today I want to share what I’ve learned about global warming and it’s causes. Preview: We need to consider causes, effects and dangers of global warming. (Transition: Lets begin by understanding more about global warming.) BODY I. The Earth is warming and human activity is the primary cause. A. U.S. scientists said in the media January 19, 2012, about the influence of mankind on the state of global warming has increased from 18% to 51%. B. The primary way humans cause global warming is by burning fossil fuels. 1. When we drive or fly. 2. When we eat meat and Exotic Foods. 3. When we use electricity. 4. When You Move Into A New Development. (Transition: Now, from this it becomes clear why humans are the main cause of global warming, let’s examine its major effects) II. Global Warming effect information. A. The planet is warming, from North Pole to South Pole, and everywhere in between. Globally, the mercury is already up more than 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius), and even more in sensitive polar regions. B. Some impacts from increasing temperatures are already happening. 1. Ice is melting worldwide, especially at the Earth’s poles. This includes mountain glaciers, ice sheets covering West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice. 2. Researcher Bill Fraser has tracked the decline of the Adà ©lie penguins on Antarctica, where their numbers have fallen from 32,000 breeding pairs to 11,000 in 30 years. 3. Sea level rise became faster over the last century. 4. Some butterflies, foxes, and alpine plants have moved farther north or to higher, cooler areas. 5. Precipitation (rain and snowfall) has increased across the globe, on average. 6. Spruce bark beetles have boomed in Alaska thanks to 20 years of warm summers. The insects have chewed up 4 million acres of spruce trees. C. Other effects could happen later this century, if warming continues. 1. Sea levels are expected to rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 and 59 centimeters) by the end of the century, and continued melting at the poles could add between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters). 2. Floods and droughts will become more common. Rainfall in Ethiopia, where droughts are already common, could decline by 10 percent over the next 50 years. (Transition: So now, we know about global warming effects, lets see our future†¦and how we can fix it!?) III. Predicted Effects and Impacts of Global Warming. A. Future effects about global warming. 1. Increased spread of infectious diseases: an increase in the number of people exposed to vector borne diseases (e.g. cholera) and an increase in heat stress mortality. 2. Degraded water quality: Projected climate change will tend to degrade water quality through higher water temperatures and increased pollutant load from runoff and overflows of waste facilities. 3. More frequent and more intense heat waves, droughts, and tropical cyclones. B. Some basic predictions of global warming. 1. Global mean temperature should increase by between 1.4 and 5.8 C (2.5 to 10 F). 2. The sea level should rise by between 9 and 88 cm (3.5 to 35). (Transition: Finally, I want to tell you about the solution of this huge problem.) IV. Solutions to Global Warming. A. There is no single solution to global warming. 1. Boosting energy efficiency. 2. Greening transportation. 3. Revving up renewables 4. Phasing out fossil fuel electricityManaging forests and agriculture 5.Exploring nuclear 6.Developing and deploying new low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies. 7. Ensuring sustainable development CONCLUSION Summary statement: Some impacts—such as record high temperatures, melting glaciers, and severe flooding and droughts—are already becoming increasingly common across the country and around the world. However, there is much we can do to protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations from the consequences of the heat-trapping emissions caused when we burn coal, oil, and gas to generate electricity, drive our cars, and fuel our businesses. Concluding remarks: Since 1880 the world has warmed by 0.75 degrees Celsius.

Friday, November 15, 2019

An Analysis of Class and Gender Conflict in Pygmalion Essay -- World L

"Pygmalion is a serious analysis of class and gender conflict." Bernard Shaw's play, entitled Pygmalion, transcends the nature of drama as a medium to be utilized for sheer entertainment value. Shaw's play powerfully comments on the capacity for the individual to overcome the boundaries established by systems of class and gender. Dominant assumptions and expectations may essentially prevent an individual from becoming socially mobile within a seemingly rigid hierarchical social structure. However, Liza, the protagonist utilizes language as the tool which enables the her to escape the confines of the lower class and to be regarded as a human of a certain degree of worth within society. As Liza transforms from flower girl to duchess, the audience is witness to the many ways that an individual can be dehumanised through the socialisation process. Issues of both class and gender arise from the tensions within the play that surround the interactions between Higgins and Liza and the viewer is able to openly question the values that exist within a soci ety that judges the character of a person on the basis of wealth and education. Henry Higgins represents the upper class of society, those that are expected to be both educated and wealthy. He is profoundly aware of his status and is not particularly sympathetic towards those of the lower class. This is revealed as he is first introduced to Liza and refers to her as a 'squashed cabbage leaf.' (Shaw, 2003:18) This first scene is important as it establishes the class differences that are evident within the language contrasts of each of the characters. Higgins plays an important role in establishing this theme as he places great emphasis on phonetics. He has the ability to place an i... ...e society of Shaw's time and of contemporary society. Liza is an independent woman at the closing of the play, when one takes into consideration that she possesses an assertive sense of free will and a determination to maintain her strength of character. Ultimately, Liza's insistence on remaining true to herself is a positive ramification of a transformation process, that in itself presented many moral questions to the perceptive audience. The protagonist has confronted the obstacles imposed on her by social conventions, with regards to both gender and class stereotypes, and has essentially deconstructed the boundaries that had previously prevented her from fulfilling her own capabilities and sense of self worth. Bibliography Bentley, E. Bernard Shaw, 2nd edn. London: Methuen, 1967. Shaw, B. Pygmalion, London: Penguin Books, 2003.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Drug Pricing and Competition Issues in India Through Dpco and Cdcso Activites

Introduction Drug pricing is a complex phenomena. Different countries have different methodologies of pricing such as Germany has reference based pring. Canada has system of fixing pricing of patented drugs. India fix the prices of prescription drugs on the basis of cost of the drug. Cost is the main phemomena iin the pricing policies of the drugs. Pricing is important aspect of competition law also. But competition commission is not a price control agency. However price based anti-competitive practices are important area in competition law. DRUG REGULATORY REGIME IN INDIA Indian drug regulatory regime is devided in two branches.Drug standards and marketing is dealt by CDCSO and drug pricing is controlled by NPPA. The CDSCO prescribes standards and measures for ensuring the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs, cosmetics, diagnostics and devices in the country; regulates the market authorization of new drugs and clinical trials standards; supervises drug imports and approves licence s to manufacture the drugs. The process for drug approval entails the coordination of different departments, in addition to the DCGI, depending on whether the application in question is for a biological drug or one based on recombinant DNA technology.The issues relating to patent are dealt by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), who heads the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO), assumes responsibility for the amendments to the Acts and Rules. Other major related Acts and Rules include the Pharmacy Act of 1948, The Drugs and Magic Remedies Act of 1954 and Drug Prices Control Order (DPCO) 1995 and various other policies instituted by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. PRICING REGULATION IN INDIA The drug prices are regulated under Essential Commodities Act 1955.It is administered by Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The prices of drugs are fixed under the Section 3 of Essential Commodities Act 1955. National list of essential medicines is prepared under this Act. The prices are controlled according to Drug Price Order 1995. It employs Cost Based formula of drug pricing. In India Drug manufacturing, standards and marketing is done under Drug and Cosmetics Act 1940. There are Drug and cosmetics rule 1945 to assist and provide procedure for the assisiting the Act. NPPA has been reguaslting the drug pricing since 1997.It fixes the prices of essential drugs. The list of essential medicines is updated at regular intervals. As mentioned earlier, pricing policy and industry regulation constitutes one of the key responsibilities of the NPPA. Price control on medicines was first introduced in India in 1962 and has subsequently persisted through the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO). As per the directive of NPPA, the criterion for price regulation is based on the nature of the drug in terms of whether it enjoys mass consumption and in terms o f whether there is lack of adequate competition for the drug.The year 1978 witnessed selective price controls based on disease burden and prevalence. The list of prices under DPCO subsequently witnessed a gradual decrease over a period of time. Around 80% of the market, with 342 drugs, was under price control in 1979. The number of drugs under DPCO decreased from 142 drugs in 1987 to 74 in 1995. Drugs with high sales and a market share of more than 50% are subjected to price regulation. These drugs are referred to as scheduled drugs. The NPPA also regulates the prices of bulk drugs. The MRP excise on medicines was levied by the Finance ministry in 2005.The objective was to increase revenue and lower prices of medicines by using fiscal deterrent on MRP. This change may have had some impact in terms of magnifying the advantage to industries located in the excise free zones. This also succeeded in attracting some small pharmaceutical firms to these zones. (Gehl Sampath 2008, Srivastava 2008). General objective and scope of price regulation in India the general objective of price regulation India is to regulate the equitable distribution and increasing supply of bulk drugs and formulations in india and making it available in india. Consequences of excessive pricingImpact of price regualation on indian drug pricing Coverage of drugs in India Prices of formulations based on scheduled bulk drugs are fixed in two ways: (i) based on applications of the manufacturers and (ii) on suo-motu basis. As per para 8 (2) of Drug (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 1995, a manufacturer using scheduled bulk drug in his formulation is required to apply for fixation of price of formulation within 30 days of fixation of price of such bulk drug (s). Applications received in NPPA from manufacturers in Form III and importers in Form IV of DPCO are considered for price fixation.As per para 8(4), the time frame for granting price approval on formulation is 2 months from the date of receipt of the complete information from the company. 2. Pricing and Competition Issues 3. NPPA pricing methodology a. DPCO 1995 b. National Drug Pricing Policy 2002 c. National Drug Pricing Policy 2006 Director General (Investigation and Registration) Vs. Fulford India Ltd. Ishaan Labs (P) Ltd v Union of India Director General (Investigation And Registration) Vs. Parke Davis India Ltd. And Ors. MANU/MR/0039/2003, I(2004)CPJ15(MRTP) Director General (Investigation And Registration) Vs.Pfizer Ltd. MANU/MR/0008/1999 (2000)1complj405(MRTPC) Director-General (Investigation And Registration) Vs. Zandu Pharmaceutical Works Ltd. MANU/MR/0012/1994, [1994]81compcas377(NULL). Director General (Investigation And Registration) Vs Biddle Sawyer Ltd. On 11/7/2001 Director General (Investigation And Registration) Vs Infar (India) Limited On 24/8/1999 Director-General (I & R) Vs All India Organisation Of Chemists And Druggists And Ors. On 1/7/1996 Director-General (Investigation And Registration) Vs Indian Dr ugs Manufacturers Association And Anr.On 16/8/1991 Director-General (Investigation And Registration) Vs Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association And Anr. On 16/8/1991 1992 73 Compcas 663 NULL Mars Therapeutics & Chemicals Ltd. V. The Union Of India & Anr W. P. (C) 10277/2009 & Cm Appl 8853/2009 Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited V. Union Of India Union Of India & Anr. Vs. Cynamide India Ltd. & Anr. 1987 Air 1802, 1987 Scr (2) 841 4. Canadian Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Legal Framework Policies Guidelines and Procedures Submissions by Patentees on Level of Therapeutic Improvement Comparable Dosage Forms Therapeutic Class Comparison TestReasonable Relationship Test Median International Price Comparison Test Highest International Price Comparison Test International Therapeutic Class Comparison Test Application of Price Tests for New Drug Products CPI-Adjustment Methodology DIP Methodology Criteria for Commencing an Investigation â€Å"Any Market† Price Reviews Offset of Excess Revenues Updates to the Compendium of Policies, Guidelines and Procedures ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Canada (Patented Medicine Price Review Board) [1996] F. C. J. No. 1065 Shire Biochem Inc. v. Canada (Attorney General [2007] F. C. J. No. 1688 Conclusion

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Plastic surgery Essay

Plastic surgery is an operation that allows a person’s image change into a new and pretty appearance. Nowadays, plastic surgery has been a growing fascination for many Asian countries, including Malaysia. Most Malaysians opt to pursue plastic surgery although some of them have good looking figure. In my opinion, is a good idea for someone to change their appearance though plastic surgery. Firstly, people who having plastic surgery can build confidence and increase their self-esteem. For instance, people feel comfortable in social community and communicate with others. Furthermore, it is easier for them to get a particular job. Therefore, it may carry out a successful career in their life. Secondly, plastic surgeries will improve health conditions. For example, there are many women suffers from chronic back pain solved by breast reduction. Moreover, physical defects and injuries due to accidents, genetics and diseases also solved by plastic surgery. Some people argue that plastic surgery carries with certain of risk. The most common mistake people is choosing a wrong doctor who has no experience and without certification may put their health into risk. However, with rapid development of technology, plastic surgery technique has become more effective and reliable. The majorities of people still have faith in plastic surgery and change their lives. People can improve their living condition and help to reshape their appearance in future life. In conclusion, I strongly agree to someone change their appearance through plastic surgery because plastic surgery builds confidence or increase self-esteem and improve health condition.

Friday, November 8, 2019

The Manhattan Project essays

The Manhattan Project essays In 1939 and research into atomic energies was progressing at a frightening pace, and the world was in turmoil. At this time in history the imagined immediate and long term consequences of allowing an overtly aggressive regime to gain such a powerful technological advantage lead Albert Einstein to draft a letter to President Roosevelt informing him that powerful bombs could potentially be developed utilizing the strong forces present at sub-atomic levels (Einstein 1). In an effort to evaluate the possibilities Einstein proposed Roosevelt formed a special committee to conduct preliminary research on the military implications of atomic energies and offered grants to private researchers ("August 1939"). By 1942 pressure was mounting in what seemed to be a race to develop an atomic bomb. Russia, Germany, France, and even Japan were on the hunt to be the first countries to get the upper hand in atomic technology ("The Story of the Atomic Bomb"). In September 1942 Roosevelt created The Manhattan Project (officially: The Manhattan Engineer District) which moved control of the research from the public sector to the United States Army. The project was named after the location of Columbia University within New York City where a majority of the preliminary research was conducted ("Why Was the Manhattan Project Called That?"). The first controlled nuclear chain reaction occurred in a room under the stands of the abandoned University of Chicago stadium in December 1942 ("Genesis: The Chicago Pile"). Within two years, the Manhattan Project would successfully test the world's first atomic bomb in the deserts of New Mexico. The success of the Manhattan Project gave the United States the upper hand not only in bringing World War II to a close, but also in the post-war world where conventional methods of total war were forever altered. ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Gun Ownership by Country -- Americans Lead

Gun Ownership by Country Americans Lead The United States has the highest level of gun ownership per person of any country. This fact is startling but true. According to data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and analyzed by  The Guardian, Americans own 42 percent of all civilian guns in the world. This figure is especially startling when you consider that the U.S. makes up just 4.4 percent of the worlds population. Just How Many Guns Do Americans Own? The estimated tally in 2012, according to the UN, was 270 million civilian-owned guns in the U.S., or 88 guns per every 100 hundred people.  Unsurprisingly, given these figures, the U.S.  has the highest number of guns per capita (per person) and the highest rate of gun-related homicides of all developed countries: 29.7 per 1 million people. By comparison, no other developed countries come even close to those rates. Among the thirteen developed countries studied, the average rate of gun-related homicide is 4 per 1 million people. The developed nation with the rate closest to the U.S., Switzerland, has just 7.7 gun-related homicides per 1 million people. (There are other countries with higher rates of gun-related homicide per capita, but not among developed nations.) Gun rights advocates often suggest that the U.S. has high annual numbers of gun-related crime because of the size of our population, but these statistics which examine rates rather than totals prove otherwise. About a Third of American Households Own All Those Guns In terms of ownership, however, the rate of 88 guns per 100 people is rather misleading. In reality, the majority of civilian-owned guns in the U.S. are owned by a minority of gun owners. Just over a third of U.S. households own guns, but according to the 2004 National Firearms Survey, 20 percent of those households own a full 65 percent of the total civilian gun stock. American Gun Ownership Is a Social Problem In a society as saturated in guns as the U.S., its important to recognize that gun violence is a  social, rather than an individual or psychological problem. A 2010 study by professors Paul Appelbaum and Jeffrey Swanson published in  Psychiatric Services  found that just 3–5 percent of violence can be attributed to mental illness, and in most of these cases guns were not used. While those with certain types of serious mental illness are more likely than the general public to commit an act of violence, these individuals only make up a small percentage of people with mental illness: most people with a mental illness don’t engage in violent behavior. Moreover, individuals with mental illness are also at a higher risk of being victims of violence. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, alcohol is a much more significant contributing factor to the likelihood of whether someone will commit a violent act. Sociologists believe that gun violence is a social problem because it is socially created by support for laws and policies that enable gun ownership on a mass scale. It is justified and perpetuated by social phenomena too, like the widespread ideology that guns represent freedom  and the troubling discursive trope that guns make society safer, though overwhelming evidence points to the contrary. This social problem is also fueled by sensationalist news coverage and dangerous politicking focused on violent crime, leading the American public to believe that gun  crime is more common today than it was two decades ago, despite the fact that it has been on the decline for decades. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, just 12 percent of U.S. adults know the truth. The connection between the presence of guns in a household and gun-related deaths is undeniable. Countless studies have shown that living in a home where guns are present increases ones risk of dying by homicide, suicide, or by gun-related accident. Studies also show that it is women who are at greater risk than men in this situation, and that guns in the home also increase the risk that a woman suffering domestic abuse will ultimately be killed by her abuser (see the extensive list of publications by Dr. Jacquelyn C. Campbell of Johns Hopkins University). So, the question then is, why do we as a society insist on denying the very clear connection between the presence of guns and gun-related violence? This is a pressing area of sociological inquiry if ever there was one.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

- Financial Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

- Financial Accounting - Essay Example See appendix 2 (Clarke 2010, pp. 71). (b): while preparing the cash budget, the sales increase by  £ 3,000 per month has been factored in. On a similar note, the quarterly payment of electricity cost and the reduction of the electricity by  £ 1,000 every month have been factored in. See appendix 3 (Albrecht 2007, pp. 901). (c): Working capital includes cash, inventory, marketable securities and account receivables. It is always advisable for business entities maintain a sufficient amount of cash, since it is the most liquid asset, to enable an entity’s operations to run effectively. Therefore, cash, account receivables and marketable securities are types of working capital that are constantly required to carry out the operations of a business entity. Kawasaki Ltd has two types of working capital under its management. They are the account receivables, the inventories and cash. Though the inventories are not as liquid as compared to cash, they can be converted to cash when the need arises (Bhattacharyya 2004, pp. 29-50). The company has a policy in place to regulate the account receivables. The policy states that the buyers have 30 days after sales to pay their dues. Therefore, the debtors’ payable period is 30 days. The period is short enough to reduce the amount of cash tied up on debts, thus, increases the cash availability for the company. In addition, the policy improves the revenue generated by the company, thus, improves the net income. Second, the company has formulated a policy that would see the inventory levels reduced during the low-demand season. The policy will see the inventory wastage eliminated; thus, eliminate the cost related to such wastage, thus. Improve the revenue. Third, based on the cash budget for Kawasaki Ltd, the cash balance increases every month. From the cash budgets, the cash availability in the company is sufficient enough to support the company’s operations. The cash levels should be

Friday, November 1, 2019

Dynamic Content Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Dynamic Content Management - Essay Example The basic operation of a Web content management system was set out clearly in the 1990s by the then MIT (now Harvard) database expert Philip Greenspun (2003). CMS is defined as those: â€Å"principles and practices around developing, managing, maintaining, and deploying (web) content in an organization† (Nakano, 2002) CMS concerns itself with the organizational tasks, goals and roles which lead to high quality content and accurate, attractive, useful websites which are easy to use. The average organisation's Web site or intranet has anywhere between one thousand and one million pieces of content. By the time the organisation has reached this size, it has a substantial Web content management challenge. What is a Web Content Management System? From Cascading Style Sheets through XML, has now evolved into the web CMS environment, where USD6.4 billions is expected to be spent by 2007 according to IDC. In a Web Content Management system the design and presentation of content on a Web page is separated from the content creation process. This is because Web pages and links can be dynamically generated from information held in a database. TerminalFour’s Site Manager is an example of a commercial off the shelf product which has found favour with commercial, public and academic sectors. By making use of XML (extensible Mark up Language), a CMS can also allow content that is stored in the database to be repurposed for different devices such as mobile phones, handheld computers, kiosks and Web TV as well as PCs.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 24

None - Essay Example In other instances, the error may be a result of omission or negligence. For a practice or occurrence to be considered a medical malpractice, the patient must prove certain elements, which include liability, direct causal link, and damages. For an occurrence to fulfill the requirement of liability, the patient must prove that there existed a professional relationship between the health professional and the patient. This is often easy to proof. However, the patient must also proof that the health care provider concerned offered substandard care or was negligent. Depending on the circumstances, substandard care is at times not considered a medical malpractice. The next element that the patient is required to prove is that there were injuries, which directly resulted from the negligence or substandard care (Mor & Einy, 2012). In Jose’s case, there was some of negligence since proper care was not provided in good time, which resulted in the injuries. It was clear that the permanent disability of his shoulder was due to the delayed surgery. In this particular case, the person who can be held responsible or liable is the emergency center physician since he understood the seriousness of the injuries. However, he failed to consider other measures since there was no anesthetist on call. He would have advised Jose’s parents on the seriousness of the problem and maybe they could have sought treatment elsewhere. The physician had foreseen the possible complications that could arise from the injuries but insisted that Jose’s waits until morning when the anesthetist would be available. Moreover, the physician did not inform Jose’s parents of the risks involved if the surgery was delayed. The parents could have opted for other options. Although the anesthetist who was not available, he wa s not on duty at the particular moment and was thus not

Monday, October 28, 2019

Conflict and culture Essay Example for Free

Conflict and culture Essay Conflict is an integral part of human culture. When a number of people of interact with their own individual perspectives, view points, ideologies, cultural and social backgrounds and intellectual development then differences and debates are bound to arise as a logical and inevitable consequence of the interaction (Killian and Pammer Jr. 2003, 3). These differences, acted upon by incompatible interests of attaining personal goals, change into conflict within groups, societies and nations. (Rahim, 2001,1) The greater the diversity and richer the profile of a society, the greater is the scope and range of its embedded conflict. Therefore it is essential to educate people on understanding and handling conflict and treat as an integral component of a democratic society that is important for developing a healthy social life (Killian and Pammer Jr. 2003, 3). In every conflict, whether it is individual or at social scale, culture has always an important role to play. Depending upon the actors involved and the context of conflict, the role of culture in conflict can be direct or subtle, but it is always present as the ultimate factor in deciding the scope of conflict, its direction or its outcome. Culture even decides the existence of conflict, for people who are embedded in the culture of seeing world as a harmonious entity, may not be aware of any conflict through their life. In all the major disputes, debates and disagreement taking place around world, differences in cultural identities and perceptions are fundamental causative factors. A further evidence of the role that culture plays is evinced by peace and harmony existing among societies that have same culture, such as observed between USA and Britain, sharing same historical and cultural roots. Every conflict, whether it is trans-generational, geographical, religious, organizational, or personal, has a cultural component involved. People enshrined in their own culture often react with hostility against any cultural identity that appears contrary to their thought process and ideas. It follows therefore that any effort of conflict resolution needs to incorporate cultural understanding and acknowledge the existence and necessity of diversity (ibid).

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Entertainment Value of a Buffy the Vampire Episode :: Buffy Vampire Slayer Essays

In this essay I ultimately want to address the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Once More with Feeling" (season 6, episode 7). However, I do not want to look at this episode in isolation from the remainder of the Buffy franchise but rather argue that it exemplifies a certain entertainment strategy that courses through the Buffyverse. Now it seems to me that entertainment is either too often denigrated as a specific ideological formation that produces negative effects of audience passivity as against more overtly challenging texts, or, alternatively, entertainment is celebrated within a postmodern theoretical framework that views the multiplicity of pleasures afforded as inherently productive and even oppositional. Alternatively I want to concentrate on entertainment for entertainment's sake which is to say as a dialectical operation that in Fredric Jameson's terms intermingles wish fulfilment and repression by arousing radical fantasies in order to contain them (Jameson, 1990: 25). In order to analyse this mechanism I will concentrate less on consumers and ideology (that assumes unilateral transmission) and more on fans and affect (that inscribes a dialectical procedure into reception). What seems to me to be of specific interest therefore is the manner in which Joss Whedon, Marti Noxon and the other writers/directors working on Buffy for Twentieth Century Fox target affect and fans by constructing scenarios that feed into and exceed audience expectation. I will argue that his formula culminates in the episode "Once More With Feeling" that ventures beyond Jameson's dialectical formula in that it appears to wilfully play with wish fulfilment/invocation that both figuratively and literally run the risk of arousing utopian fantasies that cannot be contained. Before turning to the musical episode in particular I believe our exposition would benefit from a brief survey of critical approaches to the Buffyverse. The critical material on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in print at least (see here the Slayage online journal), is expanding but currently somewhat limited. However, as a general rule two tendencies emerge. The first is to treat some self-contained aspect of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as an ideological work. Such analyses concentrate upon the encoded more or less implicitly pre-determined messages that the text transmits. Certainly some ideological responses are definitely triggered by Buffy and I will briefly make reference to two critical examples. Brian Wall and Michael Zyrd adopt a Marxist master frame of analysis to determine the world historical content of Buffy.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

How is childhood presented in Games at Twilight Essay

There are many similarities between the ways that childhood is presented in these two short stories. When acting as a group, the children are frequently portrayed as cruel and aggressive. In ‘The Red Ball’ the young boy is given a variety of cruel names by other children due to his thin frame, for example ‘Thinny Boney’ and ‘Match-stick foot’. This shows the brutal honesty of children of a young age. In ‘Games at Twilight’ the children are rough and belligerent, shown by ‘the shoves became harder’ and the frequent quarrelling of the children over who will be It in their game of hide and seek. In ‘Games at Twilight’ the children are frequently shown in an animalistic light. The author’s use of vocabulary reveals this, for example ‘wild’, ‘maniacal’, and ‘snarling’. Words such as ‘prey’, ‘stalked’ and ‘pounded’ relate to hunting in the animal kingdom, and therefore reinforce the author’s portrayal of children as animalistic. In ‘The Red Ball’ Bolan is said to have ‘waited like a small animal’, so children are again compared to animals. The fact that the children in both stories play their games in large groups could represent the packs that animals exist in in the wild. By using animalistic images the authors are able to reinforce their portrayal of children as cruel and aggressive. Childish games seem to hold great significance to the children in both stories. In ‘Games at Twilight’ the author says that the children are desperate to start their business – ‘the business of the children’s day which is – play’. By making the children in the story so dependent on games the author suggests that the children have basic, immature values, since play is not an adult business. In ‘The Red Ball’ games also hold a great significance for the children – it is Bolan’s ability to play cricket well that gains him acceptance amongst the other children. It is obvious that friendships are built when games are participated in, as Bolan steals money from his parents to buy a red cricket ball in order to be more highly thought of by his friends. It is interesting to see that the games in both of the stories are carried out outdoors. In ‘The Red Ball’ the author writes ‘the boys played cricket until the fireflies came out’. In ‘Games at Twilight’ Raghu is described as ‘crashing and storming in the hedge wilder’. Thus the children in both stories are more closely linked to nature, reinforcing the authors’ portrayal of them as animals. In both stories the main characters are portrayed as outcasts. In ‘The Red Ball’ the young boy watches other children play cricket from the outskirts of the park, and in ‘Games at Twilight’ young Ravi hides alone, only to find that the other children have ‘quite forgotten him’. The difference between the stories is that the young boy in ‘The Red Ball’ is eventually accepted by his peers and revered by them – he becomes their ‘star’ bowler and therefore essential for their game. In ‘Games at Twilight’ we are led to believe that Ravi will eventually be accepted by the other children for winning the game of hide and seek – ‘he †¦ smiled to himself †¦ at the thought of so much victory’. However Ravi never achieves such victory as the other children forget about him – ‘having disappeared from the scene, he had disappeared from their minds. Clean.’ By using such a short sentence, ‘clean’, the author is stressing the fact that Ravi was forgotten by his peers, and therefore emphasises his insignificance to the other children; he is bottom of the pecking order. In ‘Games at Twilight’ young Ravi is portrayed as rather unintelligent and cowardly. He is frequently described as fearful – ‘Ravi shook †¦ with fear’. His desperation to be accepted by his siblings shows that he is not highly thought of, and is also somewhat pathetic. Thinking that he will win the childish game of hide and seek he thinks that ‘nothing more wonderful had ever happened to him’. His unimportance is confirmed in the final sentence of the story – ‘he lay down full length on the damp grass †¦ silenced by a terrible sense of his insignificance’. In ‘The Red Ball’ Bolan is portrayed as a somewhat more intelligent, wise individual. He is capable enough to understand that by replying when he is called offensive names by the other children, he will be labelled with those names. He is also able to comprehend more difficult family situations, and shows perception and intelligence when the author writes – ‘it was one of those moments when he felt as if he had held his mother in front of him as a sort of shield to save himself from a rain of blows’. In conclusion, the presentation of childhood in the two short stories, ‘Games at Twilight’ and ‘The Red Ball’ varies. The main characters, when alone, are portrayed as more innocent individuals, whereas when in larger groups, the children seem to be more cruel and hostile. ‘Games at Twilight’ offers the less favourable impression of children overall, frequently incorporating animalistic images into the story to describe the children.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

People as a huge asset Essay

1.1INTRODUCTION Organisations are made up of people and people are a huge asset to any organization. To be more successful in achieving their goal and objectives; organisations needs to have an understanding about their human assets, their behavior, tendencies, best practice etc..† Leadership is the ability of one person to influence a group of persons toward the achievement of common goals† (Yukl, 1994). Influencing others means that leaders must have an understanding about their behavior, which can only happen when they themselves understand their values, assumptions, beliefs and expectations. Understanding oneself means one must carry out self-assessment/evaluation as this is very important for leaders today. I will be carrying out an assessment about the benefit of self -assessment/evaluation to leaders today and the importance of understanding human behavior in oraganisations. 1.2 DEFINITION OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR Human behavior is the way people behave and which can be influence by culture, emotions, attitudes, values, ethics, genetic etc.. Depending on the society and environment, human behavior can either be common, usual, acceptable or unacceptable. Human behavior can either be learnt as we relate to our environment; for example, tying your shoes is a learned behavior or it can be innate which can be inherited through genes. 1.3THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOR TO AN ORGANIZATION Organisations depend on the behavior of both individual and teams to achieve their goals and objectives; as such it is very critical for organisations to have thorough understanding of human behavior. Understanding human behavior is a  key to organisational success. Human behavior defines how people work together and relate with one another. Communication being the cornerstone of behavior can only be effective when people understand one another. Interpersonal conflict can be reduced in an organisation once there’s an understanding of human behavior. Behavior can influence negatively on the achievement of an organization’s goals and objectives if not manage well; will lead to poor output and failure. Organisations need to plan their training programme, understanding the behavior of its employees will inform the planning process, thereby ensuring that training needs are effectively met. An effective understanding of the diverse behavior of personnel is important. Evidence has shown that as people get to know one another, they became less concerned about differences if they see themselves as sharing more important characteristics, such as personality and values, that represent deep-level diversity† (Stephen P Robbins & Timothy A Judge, Organizational Behavior -15th Editions) A co-operative team that knows how to work with one another can produce better result than those who have problems relating to one another. 1.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOR BY LEADERS Organisations need strong leadership to achieve its goals and objectives. An organisation is only as successful as its leadership. Leadership is the ability to influence a group towards the achievement of a vision or set of goals. Individuals or group can only be influence when there’s an understanding of their behavior. Business necessity, enlightenment about differences and moral fortitude have combine to push organisations into hiring a diverse set of employees, as a result managing this diversity has proven to be a challenge to leaders†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Leaders can effectively manage this challenge through understanding this diversity. A leader who fails to understand his followers thereby focusing at a very superficial level by commanding others to do their will; is at the bottom of the leadership level. Deeper understanding provides more options, give one more potential tools, and frankly, makes one a powerful leader (Stephen P Robbins & Timothy A Judge, Organizational Behav ior -15th Editions). This is a trait of level 5 leadership. â€Å"Understanding the behavior of followers will assist leaders in putting together teams to manage projects and it will also assist in  assigning task to employees in a way that will put to efficient use each member’s strength rather than their weakness â€Å" (www.employment-testing.com) Attempting to influencing individuals without understanding why they behave the way they do, might yield random or unpredictable effect and this will lead to leaders being unsuccessful as followers will be alienated; whereas understanding the personalities of subordinates and superiors informs leaders as to others expectations and provides insights into motivation, competitiveness and interpersonal relationships and communication. 1.5 LEADERSHIP SELF-EVALUATION/SELF-ASSESSMENT As leaders the ability to influence people has to be continuously improved; and the first step in achieving that will be by knowing yourself and gaining understanding of your leadership style, skills, traits, competencies, abilities, personality type and experience. According to Kevin Sharer of AMGEN CEO and president, â€Å"Leadership has many voices. You need to be who you are, not to emulate someone else.† An apt statement as leaders has the responsibility of influencing others in the achievement of goals and objectives; an achievement that will be almost impossible to attain when followers lacks faith in their leader. People normally have faith in authentic leaders as they are leaders who not only know what they believe in and value but also act on that values and beliefs candidly and openly. Most leaders are unaware of the effect their emotional intelligence has on their superiors and subordinates, many a time we blame negative outcome to those around us, all the time bei ng totally blind to the fact that our personality might have had effect on others action. â€Å"Those who use the emotional intelligence framework to guide their thoughts and actions may find it easier to create trust in relationship, harness energy under pressure, and sharpen their ability to make sound decisions-in other words, they increase their potential for success in the workplace†(Jones and Bartlett learning PTT) only by carrying out self-assessment/evaluation will you be able to understand your emotional intelligence and other traits. As leaders one should know what their strength and weaknesses as this will enable them build on their strength and march it to their leadership opportunities, it will also assist in the development of their weaknesses and allows for the  elimination of threats to leadership. 1.6 THE BENEFITS OF SELF- ASSESSMENT/SELF-EVALUATION TO LEADERS TODAY. Most of the benefits of self-assessment have already been discuss above, however some benefits are; A.Develop Emotional Intelligence When taking time to self-reflect you are looking inwards. Self-awareness gives you the ability the ability to understand your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, drives, values and goals, and recognize their impact on others you are leading. Being self-aware will aid you in controlling or redirecting your disruptive emotions and impulses and adapt to changing circumstances. Building these emotional intelligence components will improve your leadership. B. ASSISTS IN BECOMING EFFECTIVE LEADER Authentic leaders are clear on their core values, and this will help to strengthen leadership integrity and lead you to better decisions. Understanding your core values will build followers trust in you as a leader and this will make decision making easier as our integrity is often put to the test during stressful and difficult times. C. BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE Confidence is crucial for leaders. It helps in effective communications, decision making, and influence building. People will see you as you see yourself, being aware of your strength as leader will build self-confidence and this will increase team effectiveness.