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Malaysian born Azrul Mohd Khalib writes frequently on issues affecting his native land. He is currently working in the issues related on HIV/AIDS, sex and human rights. He has written many articles in one of the daily email news website called â€Å"The Malaysian Insider†. His articles have also appeared in the Malaysiakini, the article â€Å"Baby-Dumping: Killing the mothers won’t solve any problem†, â€Å"Ramadan a time to be considerate†, â€Å"Law still fuzzy on marital rape† as well as â€Å"not impossible for teens to be having sex† and etc. He has currently runs and battling an addiction to the â€Å"A Song of Ice and Fire† book series. Azrul Mohd Khalib has written many articles in the Malaysiakini in its letters section. The Malaysiakini is a political news website that has been widely considered to be one of the leading non-government owned paid-news agencies in Malaysia. Its news coverage concentrates mainly on local events, with a strong emphasis on items related to Malaysian politics, and also publishes columns, readers’ opinions in its letters section which claims to practice an editorial policy that is consistently supportive of justice, human rights, democracy, freedom of speech and good governance. And now the Malaysiakini is a voice of reasoned discussion on the letters section and not an exercising excessive editorial control on letters section. Summary The article emphasize the teenage pregnancy in Malaysia is continuously increasing from year to year and many teenage girls lost their lives because of resulting from pregnancy and not provide them necessary support for those in need. Teenage pregnancy has no self-righteousness and despised by the people and how they look at them to judge them, neglect to provide help that actually they are the victims of the issues. The author mentioned happens to teenage pregnancy in social environment and provides his personal opinions to solve the teenage pregnancy problems. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) shows that many of the young people involved in the pregnancy. Besides that, MOH’s report show that some of the teenage pregnancy will carry her own burden and end up on the statistics of the MOH. MOH’s report also shows that some of the girls chose to commit suicide because of the cost of their lives. On the other hand, the author suggests providing the sexual reproductive health services for not just those who are married. Analysis of the presentation The author is referring to Ministry of Health (MOH) reports and attended his recent discussion which focuses on teenage pregnancy in Malaysia to present his point of view. He was not agree to look for people to blame them and outraged when read the reports of babies found buried and will moan about lack of religious and moral fibre, from the point of view of this sentence, it is show that this happens cannot be blame to those pregnancy of teenage and should find out the solutions to solve the problem. He support his point of view by giving the evidence, â€Å"These girls are victims of an environment created due to our continued neglect of issues relating to sexual health such as ensuring the availability of proper sexual reproductive health education and services. † The author state that the weaknesses of our social which aim to punish and harm but lack to provide necessary support for those in need. The author’s point of view is that our social lack of providing the necessary support to the teenage pregnancy. The author support his point of view by giving several evidence, which is â€Å"We allow people who call for hatred, discrimination and abuse on people who are gay or lesbian to give speeches to our students at schools but refuse entry to educators who talk about sex education and teaching things like how to use a condom. † The author also giving the evidence that proved his point of view, which is â€Å"The exploding numbers related to teenage pregnancy is a direct result of our society’s failure to acknowledge and address our blinkered views of sex. The author state the weaknesses of our social that no government healthcare facility offers abortion services for unwanted pregnancies or even condoms and sexual health information for singles and unmarried couples. From the point of view of this sentence, it is show that there is very few places turn to support and shelter those young women. The author state that reality of social culture in Malaysia has ready to judge f or the teenage pregnancy mistake. The author support his point of view with several evidence, which â€Å"there are more girls and teenagers living in fear as a result of an unwanted pregnancy. Most of them will increasingly resort to unsafe abortion and DIY attempts to force a miscarriage. † The author suggested underage marriage in the misguided and simplistic belief will solve the problem and this is better thing than being outside marriage. For the author’s point of view, the underage married can hide the problem. Also, the author’s point of view, there is another method which is religious convictions to improve the case of teenager pregnant. From the author’s point of view, sex education may confuse to the children with the complex messages. The author show several evidence to support his point of view, which is â€Å"â€Å"When I grew up, I didn’t need all of this and I was still able to live, marry and have kids†, a frequently comment from detractors of sex education. The author also suggested an effective way to improve the problem by providing relevant sexual reproductive health services. The author’s point of view, not just provide to those who are married but for all the young people. Author’s tone is recounting and invoking because he proves a lot of evidence to show that he really knows about the teenage pregnancy and he provide the solutions for teenage pregnancy from this article. Thus, our country should take a step and refer the facts and ways from this article to solve the problems of teenage pregnancy in our country. Response The author’s argument is practical and valid due to the author’s argument is logical and well-reasoned. In the article, the author uses the information from MOH report and the recent discussion about the causes of teenage pregnancy in Malaysia can proved that the author knew the situation of teenage pregnancy and narrates the problems in this country. Thus, he supports it by referring to his research which he more works on sex and human rights issues. The author’s argument is not objective enough to discuss the problem. He only narrates the role of teenage pregnancy happens in this country and not provide strong enough negative arguments to debate his own opinion. Besides that, the author wrote several causes in this article. He approached the causes happens and he described with the example of imagination. Apart from that, the author knew that the world is realistic to dealing with this issue of sex. He supports it by referring the MOH report and news from nowadays and the case happens to the young girls who went to commit suicide. Even though the article is not objective enough, however, the author provide the information is sufficient to convince the readers, education system, parents and government which not only belief in their own personal religious conviction, but government have to take an action to improving the teenage pregnancy. The argument is credible because the author, Azrul Mohd Khalib,his essays have generally posted in the MalaysiaKini, The MalaysianInsider, and The New Strait Times. He had works for sex and human rights issues for many years. This article was released at Monday, 12 of Nov 2012 in the Malaysian Insider. Malaysian Insider is a website that covers the issues of the day, politics, business, lifestyle, sports and entertainment that showcasing issues and opinions of reports analyses view to us. Besides that, the author uses his works on sex issues in long time research experiences, Ministry of Health reports and recent discussion of this issue that prove the evidence in the article, which show that the author’s argument is credible enough to the audience and has the experience of reporting the sex and human rights issues. Conclusion In conclusion, this article has been well written by the author and has high reliability. As a reader, I think that this article is very useful especially for the government, parents and education system to concern about the social’s role in the teenage pregnancy problems happens in our surrounding. I would like to recommend this article to several intended audience like teachers and schools and government because they are the main person can solve those social’s role in the teenage pregnancy problems in the future. After reading this article, government should be able to provide effective solutions and trying their best in several ways to help teenage pregnancy in social life problems.

Pedro Parama time line Essay

Juan Preciado came to look for Pedro Paramo after Dolores Preciado’s death. 4-7 Preciado follows the man who claimes to be Pedro Paramo’s son too. The man tells Juan that Pedro had died. 9 The man he followed, named Abundio, suggests Preciado to go see Eduviges   Meets Eduviges Dyada   Juan Preciado lodges at Eduviges’s. Talkes about Dolores and goes to sleep. Pedro Paramo is thinking about Susana. Family is praying for Grandfather’s death and is poor after the burial. Preciado awakes and finds out from Eduviges that Abundio had died already. Eduviges talkes about Dolores and her marriage to Pedro  Ã‚  Susana has left the town. Pedro Paramo longs for her. ‘The day you went away I knew I would never see you again’ 21-23 Eduviges talkes about Miguel’s death and his ghost visiting her. ‘Have you ever heard the moan of a dead man? ‘ 23-24 Pedro’s mother’s ghost comes to inform about his father’s death ‘And you mother? Who killed you? ‘ 25-30 Father Renteria does not want to pray for Miguel’s death. However, he needs financial support from Pedro Paramo. 30-32 Marie Dyada wants Father Renteria to save Eduviges Dyada who died of sorrow. Father Renteria refused since they are poor. ‘Let’s leave things as they are. Let us put our hope in God’ 32-33 Juan meets Damiana Cisneros from Media Luna. ‘No sound: not even of my breathing or the beating of my heart. ‘ discussion 1 37-38 Lucas tells Fulgor that Pedro was a disappointment. 34-37 Pedro’s family owes money, especially to the Preciado women. Pedro decides to marry Dolores Preciado to clear the debts. 38-41 Dolores agrees to the wedding. Pedro wants Fulgor Sedano to file Toribio Aldrete for falsifying boundaries   Fulgor Sedano took care of Toribio Aldrete’s boundary problem. 41-43 Preciado realizes Damiana Cisnero wasn’t alive Preciado hears two women talking about Pedro. Toribio Aldrete talks to his brother in law about the land. 45-46 Miguel Paramo is planning to elope with Chona, his lover. Discussion 2Juan realizes the sounds aren’t real and meet a man and woman The woman and her brother Donis live in sin and her face looks diseased. Man comes back and promises to lead him away the next day. A woman comes in while the two are out and scares Preciado. The two comes back and calms Preciado down. He awakes beside the woman, Donis is gone; Preciado goes out Preciado hears his mother talking to him. 57-58 Juan wakes up from the heat and goes outside, then falls unconscious. ‘There was no air; only the dead. ‘ Meets Dorotea and tells her what happened to himself. Dorotea talkes about herself and her delusion of a son.   Fulgor Sedano criticizes Miguel’s actions. Pedro is being overly protective of Miguel. 65-66 Juan Preciado & Dorotea talke about the sky. â€Å"The sky is so high and my eyes so clouded that I was happy just knowing where the ground was. † 66-68 Pedro is informed by Fulgor regarding Miguel’s death. â€Å"He felt no sorrow. â€Å"Night when Miguel died, Father Renteria recounts Miguel and Pedro, leads him to think about his confession to a fellow priest. 75-78 Narrated by Susana about her mother and Justina. 78-81 Juan hears Susana’s voice and learns that Susana’s mother died when she was born. Dorotea tells him how Pedro adored Susanna. 81-82 Fulgor Sedano informs Pedro about Susana’s return.   Narrated by Pedro Paramo, expressing joy at Susana’s return. ‘I felt that the heavens were parting’   Susana and her father quarrel about Susana ‘s decision to be with Pedro Paramo. 85 Pedro arranges to let Susana’s father, Bartelome, ‘disappear’ in the mine. 86-89 Indians from Apango visit Comala. Chapter explores Justina and Susana’s relationship. Susana is informed of Bartelome’s death and reminisces about her childhood of mistreatment by Bartolome. 91-93 Father Renteria consoles Susana about Florencio, her husband’s death. Susana: ‘why do you come see me, when you are dead’ *discussion 3* 93-95 El Tartamudo tells Pedro about the death of Fulgor Sedano. Pedro does not react and thinks about Susana instead. â€Å"But what world was Susana San Juan living in? † 95-96 Juan and Dorotea converse about the sea. â€Å"And the next morning, I was again in the sea, purifying myself. Giving myself to the waves. † Pedro Paramo provides the rebels with men and money for them to rebel against government. 99-100 Juan and Dorotea hear Susana’s murmurs about a dead man, possibly Florencio. 100-101 Susana pines over Florencio’s death. Pedro tries to console her but did not know how. 101-104 Gerardo Trujillo, Pedro’s lawyer, leaves after the fight between the rebels and Villistas, but comes back demanding more money. 105-107 Damiana Cisneros refused to let Pedro in from Margarita’s. She is aware of the revolutionaries 107-108 Damasio describes state of the war to Pedro and demands money 109-111 Susana and Justina converse about sins. â€Å"I only believe in hell† Two old women talk about Susana and the fact that she should confess before she dies. Susana dies. â€Å"He sheltered me in his arms. He gave me love. â€Å"discussion 4 People of Comala ignore Susana’s death due to festivities. Pedro swears to wreak vengeance on Comala. ‘†I will cross my arms and Comala will die of hunger. † And that was what happened. ‘ 117 Pedro orders El Ticuate to help the government 117-118 Pedro longes for Susana to come back Abundio, illegitimate son of Pedro, comes back to village to ask for money for his wife’s burial. Pedro rejects and is wounded.   Pedro Paramo dies.Discussions: 1. At this point, is this enough of an evidence to say that Juan Preciado has already died? If not, at what point of the novel do you think that Juan Preciado becomes one of the deceased? 2. Do you agree that the man here is referred to as Miguel instead of someone else? If there were other possibilities, then who and why? 3. Did Father Renteria die at this point? Or was Susana who died? Why did Father Renteria appear alive later on? 4. Is Susana referring to God or Florencio? Why do you think so and base on what evidences?

Motivations of War Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Motivations of War - Assignment Example The inefficient manner in which search operations for Osama-bin-laden was carried out showed that the American government’s interest lay elsewhere – namely the oil rich Iraq. The supposed presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of the authoritarian Iraqi leaders Saddam Hussein is also proven to be a fabrication. Hence, the real motivation for the ongoing War on Terror operations seem to be to secure strategic material interests of the United States. In this process, the consequences for Iraq/Afghanistan civil society and its local economy is given scant regard. We could analyze the War on Terror operations within the framework of ‘Just War’ theory presented in the book â€Å"The Origins of War: Biological and Anthropological Theories†. Admittedly, the 9/11 terror strikes were heinous acts that cannot be justified under humanitarian principles. The 9/11 attacks were not an attack on the United States alone, but on all of human civilization. Continuing in this vein, one could argue that the threat posed by networks such as Al Qaeda is potentially as big as that of totalitarian rulers of the past, including Hitler and Stalin. Hence, it won’t be illogical to equate the ongoing military engagements of the United States to its major confrontations against Nazism and Stalinism. (Dowd, 2009) But those state apologists who make these claims do not make a serious effort to justify the War on Terror with the conditions laid down by the Just War theory, most likely because the case is a weak one. The invasion and occupation of Iraq is a breach of several of the Just War conditions, the most blatant of which is the numerous civilian fatalities that the war has caused. We also realize that the doctrine of Pre-emptive war, which was the cornerstone of the eight year term of George W. Bush, has several flaws in it.

International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

International Business - Essay Example Factors that have aided the manufacturing business in China First, in order to achieve economic sustainability, the Chinese economy was transformed by various regimes from a mass market for western goods and services, to a supplier of cheap goods, materials, and labour, thus beating much of the global competition from many other countries. An example is the setting up of Honda car manufacturing plant in the northern eastern China. Secondly, the Deng Xiaoping political and economic reforms created rooms for development of liberal market business in an environment of well-controlled cheap labour, spurring rapid economic growth. Thirdly, after the reforms, China was modeled on five-year plan focusing on invest in infrastructure, increase in enterprise activity, advancement in technology and controlled population growth. This model has proven successful in the rapid economic growth of China. ... Challenges facing the manufacturing business in China First, the Chinese economy has been relying heavily on agricultural subsistence sectors to feed its population, a factor that made its economy almost to crumble in 1960 due to crop failure. Secondly, in China there has been interchange of power between leftist and rightist, with the left in power promotion ideologies at the expense economic and material development, while when rights being in government modernization, free business policies and building of economic relation with other nation encouraged spurring economic growth. These situations have been creating political struggles in China, which negatively affects the economic developments. Additionally, though doing well in terms of economic growth, China is still affected by a wide a range of problems including poverty, illiteracy levels, and political instability that can greatly affect the manufacturing business and the economy at large. Lastly, China economy largely relies on the dollars with the country’s currency Renminbi having low value, thus in times of financial crisis, the economy and industries suffer a lot due to over reliance on dollar. The IT service providers in India Indian software and IT companies compete successfully with other global companies by offering an attractive combination of quality, cost-effectiveness, short turnaround time and capacity to quickly scale up operations (OECD, 2006, P.129). The success of IT in India can be attributed to the following factors: First, India has a strong commercial sector with a wealthy middle classes and a strong culture of entrepreneurship making, India to capitalize on the emerging global IT and ICT services market. Secondly, India has allowed many

Case Study on Wal Mart Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

On Wal Mart - Case Study Example There is the Executive Wing, that is headed by Rob Walton (representing the family interest of the founder) who works as the Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer slot presents a hybrid governance role which combines operational leadership and executive leadership. There is also the President & CEO position which embodies the management unit of the company meant for the day-to-day running of the company. The history of leadership in Walmart can be attributed to the initiative taken by Sam Walton (924). The risks and entrepreneurial decisions taken by Sam Walton to invest in the discount retailing concept and grow such idea. Sam Waltons leadership philosophy has been instituted and deeply rooted in the relationship between members of the company. The concept encourages leaders to treat employees as partners, build for the future, learn from failures and involve all stakeholders in decision making processes (923). These soft leadership ideas became the foundation for the building of the organizational culture in Walmart. Other ideas from Sam Walton like the careful use of resources, collective systems of attainment of results, innovation, motivation, involvement of associates (Management by Walking Around) and good communication skills form the crux of the atmosphere of Walmart. Disciplined expansion: This is one of the most remarkable strategic decisions that the management of Walmart took. The backward expansion concept utilized very disciplined techniques and systems to ensure that they opened up stores in the suburbs and out smaller areas of each state. As the demand in these stores grew, they expanded into the city center and this ensured that they survived and remain profitable. Strong Marketing structures: Also, the management of Walmart must be credited with their ability to put together a great marketing strategy and structures to ensure that consumers remained interested in Walmart. Expansion of the

The perfect career Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The perfect career - Essay Example Didactic approach refers to living a life which is purposeful and extensively followed by morals. There are hardly any human beings that strictly follow this great approach and this is the only reason why the world is in a chaotic state these days. A perfect career can have myriad definitions but the quest is to know the best and follow the best definition of a perfect career. A perfect career would undoubtedly be made up of several sacrifices so as to revive this forgotten word in front of the whole world. A sacrifice made is arguably the biggest contribution and this is what makes people like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and others cynosures. The will and the ability to pursue the goal and a never say die attitude is what separates ordinary people from the extra ordinary people. Having a noble goal is another pivotal aspect when it comes to the perfect career, an aimless life has no significance whatsoever and there are countless people across the world that live such a kind of life. Noble aim combined with noble intensions makes the backbone of a perfect career; another pivotal factor is clarity of thought, without this even the most genius of all will not be able to capitalize on the opportunities.

The Phenomenal Growth of California Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Phenomenal Growth of California - Essay Example After 1940, approach towards boosted advanced technology such as aerospace and electronics industries was a significant move towards improvement. Consisting of talented soldiers, a military also became readily available for the state, increasing its status and stability (Deverell and Igler 3). The film stars of Hollywood and a numerous amount of high – standard movies added up to make California the hot spot and a center of attention from the globe. California became an American cultural phenomenon; the idea of the â€Å"California Dream† as a part of the massive American Dream of finding a better living attracted 35 million new residents from the start to the end of the 20th century (1900 – 2010). Silicon Valley became the world’s one of the biggest and vital midpoint for computer innovation and production. Over the next 25 years, California’s population would grow by about 500,000 per year, and overtook New York as the nation’s largest state in 1963.  Ã‚  Many couples had two or more children, which fueled a â€Å"baby boom.†Ã‚  Ã‚  These growing families generated ever-growing demand for places to live, transportation facilities, and education. Housing was in short supply immediately after the war. In response, suburban communities sprang up and spread prodigiously based on advert of mass produced housing. The Westchester district of Los Angeles was a prime example of a community built by mass - produced housing (Kolko, Neumark and Mejia 25).   Ã‚   A better transportation system was needed to serve this growing economy.  Ã‚  In 1940, the first freeway was opened.  Freeway development resumed after a wartime suspension.  Ã‚  In 1947 the Collier-Burns Act raised the gasoline tax, which enabled significant freeway construction growth.  Ã‚  In the 1950s and 1960s, in addition to the tremendous growth of urban freeway systems in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay

Academic article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Academic article - Essay Example a strategic plan may become accidentally successful, but it much more likely to achieve success, and to maintain its profitability, if it has a plan in place. A company with a strategic plan will know how it has got to current success and thus may be able to continue on this path in the future. This essay will consider aspects of good management and planning through the consideration of one of the most successful companies of recent years: McDonald’s Corporation. A company such as McDonalds, involved in planning first needs to be aware of what exactly is happening at the given moment within the business, and then needs to be able to extrapolate possible outcomes based upon that awareness. The first premise of planning is having as much knowledge as possible. The type of planning which is now occurring has changed radically from that envisioned in the traditional business model. As John Byrne puts it, â€Å"gone are the abstraction, sterility, and top-down arrogance of the old model.† (Byrne, 1) Now managers in the most successful corporations (such as McDonalds) are part of a system in which â€Å"today’s gurus of strategy urge companies to democratize the process†, and they do this â€Å"by handing strategic planning over to teams of line and staff managers from different disciplines.† (Byrne, 1) Often young, junior managers who are noted for their creative thinking are teamed with near-retirement, senior managers who essentially have nothing to lose and so can tell it like it is. So from the most junior to the most senior manager there is a role, both for planning within their own specific area of the business, but also for constant consideration of how that may effect longer-term and more far-reaching plans. Planning is perhaps the central role of all managers, because all the other functions flow from it and must always consider their relationship to it. A business without a plan has no future, and so all the other functions will be redundant. Organization

Dubai’s heritage and culture for future generations Essay Example for Free

Dubai’s heritage and culture for future generations Essay There has been a sufficient mention of a profound dearth of interest in preserving Dubai’s heritage and culture for future generations. The severity of Dubai’s cultural problems (both current and impending) is an overwhelming testament to the shortfalls of various cultural players. Dubai’s cultural scene is beset by issues ranging from funding to the non-existence of a governing agency on cultural arts and activities. The lack of funding allocation for Culture, Heritage and the Arts hampers government organizations from awarding prizes for artistic/literary achievements and awarding subsidies for the pursuit of the Arts. This phenomenon holds true for the Fine Arts and Literature although the UAE government has accorded ample financial support for Festivals like the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises and theatrical infrastructure improvements. Support for Folklores Promotion and Archeology and Heritage Campaign, however, has not been reasonable; folklore presenters being imported from Oman and Archeology and Heritage Funds mostly channeled to administrative expenses. Education, being an essential tool for information dissemination, interest stimulation, and revolutionary change has not been aptly utilized to impact artistic/cultural perspectives among Dubai’s youth. This has crucial implications for both the quality and availability of indigenous workforce in that line. There are limited schools for Drama and Theatre, Music, and Folklore. Academic trainings for Archeology and postgraduate courses for Media are unavailable in the United Arab Emirates. Insufficient emphasis is given to Fine Arts, Literature, Folklore, and Heritage in school curriculums. Commercial Music Institutes, more than being of questionable quality, are beyond affordability by some Dubai residents. Lack of public interest is often the offered rationale for these academic limitations, although initiatives focused on the dilemma could have sparked a renewed public interest in Culture and the Arts. This dearth of public interest has crucial implications for the composition of Dubai’s cultural workforce and the artistic/cultural participation among the populace. The Nationals’ interest in theatre and performing arts is in congruence with the number of theatrical activities providers- both are limited. Dubai’s Fine Arts Exhibits showcase some unique talents and the artistic experience. However, the arena is beset by commercialism and a lack of appreciation among UAE nationals. Expatriates are more keen on Emirate Arts which benefits from an artistic enthusiasm peculiar to a wealthier society segment. Dubai’s Musical Arena is characterized by a musically-inclined, musically-upbeat society, and a commercialized musical education system. Songs and dances are an important part of celebrations, and there is an inordinate demand for international concert seats. Inadequate project experience and strong public participation, however, marks Dubai’s Film Scene. The launching of the International Film Festival in 2004 and the Dubai Studio City Project are predicted to generate a strong reception on Dubai’s film, TV, and music industries. Dubai’s literary domain, mainly focused on poetry, is not supportive of the development of intellectuals and thinkers. Government-sponsored poetry awards are an insufficient compensation for the limited career prospects for literature graduates. Festivals in Dubai such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Summer Surprises have acquired an international reputation, drawing tourists from the Middle East and beyond. However, a highly-trained festival-hosting workforce stands in stark contrast to the unprofessional and poorly-trained folklore performers, mostly from Oman. While Dubai’s rapid economic growth has made it a preferred destination for business meetings and international events, its vantage for exhibiting local folkloric performances to an international audience has not been fully utilized. It is quite ironic in that part of the reason of the businesses’ choice of Dubai is the pursuit of some Mideastern charm. Restoration attempts on Dubai’s historic buildings and the circulation of accompanying brochures and maps in multiple international languages are commendable efforts at giving tourists a glimpse of its ancient glory. The aforementioned measures are necessary to take advantage of Dubai’s vantage in the highly-competitive heritage tourism industry. However, the unavailability of Archeology programs in the UAE academe, and hence, the dearth of local Archeology specialists consequence in expatriate archeologists having to send artifacts to their respective countries for research/examination. Dubai’s Media Sector, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and openness to competition, is in a struggle between foreign ownership and foreign workforce domination and calculated guardianship measures against Western infiltration. The media hub, albeit accommodating of the city’s cosmopolitan composition, suffers the dearth of a commercialized local cultural content. Islam is highly-inculturated and educationally-integrated in Dubai amidst its policy of accommodation and support to non-Muslim, expatriate religions. It is only a sober fact that the beauty of Islam has been overshadowed by negative perceptions pertinent to Terrorism. By and large, Dubai’s Islamic atmosphere, liberal for its multicultural make-up, is aptly guided by the Islamic values of tolerance and moderation. Technology can accord Dubai’s Arts and Culture a distinct vantage, but it can also effect otherwise. Electronic proliferation is a global trend, and cultural domination vis-a-vis high-technology is way unpredictable. It would also be of interest to note of the inadequate coordination among various cultural and arts providers and between Dubai’s public and private sectors. Dubai’s cultural scene is oblivious to common notice because of the dearth of literature in the subject; the absence of data on usage, patterns and preferences and the paucity of surveys and researches are common themes that beset Dubai’s cultural components. It is ironic that cultural/heritage problems prevail in Dubai, while the United Arab Emirates as a whole advocates culture and heritage. In the UAE, the preservation of many of its unique archaeological and architectural sites and its manuscripts have been given special preference. Literature and customs are widely studied in schools, while museum displays, heritage villages and the restoration of vanished monuments (based on photographs, local memory and documentary evidence) have helped to create a context and feel for this cultural legacy . It appears that most of the cultural development is occurring in Abu Dhabi; in 2005 a law was passed in this city establishing Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Authority. This new Authority’s goal is to sponsor intellectual and artistic activities and preserve the cultural heritage of the Emirates. This entails directly promoting Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, drawing up and implementing cultural policies, plans and programs, reviving cultural heritage projects, and organizing exhibitions and conferences on cultural heritage 1. Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New York-based Guggenheim Foundation to establish a world-class museum devoted to modern and contemporary art, called the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (GAD), the museum designed by the eminent architect Frank Gehry will place the Emirates as a leading international cultural destination22. The researchers have asserted that situated in the center of Abu Dhabi, there is a Cultural Foundation which is now part of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADCH); this, at the heart of the capital’s cultural life benefits children, adults of all ages, UAE citizens and expatriates. One of the most significant features of the Cultural Foundation is the National Library which has well over a million books, primarily in Arabic, although there are also collections in a myriad of foreign languages. A majority of these volumes are available for reference for the public, plainly requiring a simple registration process. There is also an area for children where special programs are planned, especially during the school holidays2 . It is apparent that the culture of Dubai should be promoted in the same manner; perhaps these cities could share wealth in culture preservation through the Fine and Performing Arts and the Media.

Argentina Environmental Laws And Regulations Environmental Sciences Essay

Argentina Environmental Laws And Regulations Environmental Sciences Essay The protection of water resources is ruled by National Decree 674/89 modified in part by Decree 776/92 on waste effluents discharged into sewage systems or water coursesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The territory of application is the City of Buenos Aires and the districts of the Province of Buenos Aires. (Consoli et al). This applies to facilities that are in the territory of application, which create waste effluents originated in the discharge of said effluents into sewage systems, rain drains or water courses, which may contaminate the water sources, damage Waterworks, installations or affect the public health. Industrial plants and facilities subject to this decree must have duly authorized effluent treatment plants and are required to file an annual affidavit that holds all the data required by the relevant regulation. This also establishes certain prohibitions like the release of effluent exceeding the tolerated contamination levels, the discharge of effluent without previous authorization, t he discharge of effluent in public places and the storage of solid wastes which may contaminate surface or underground water. Air Pollution Law 20.284 establishes rules to determine air quality and the allowed concentration of pollutants. It includes motor vehicles, machinery, equipment, facilities installations and incinerators, emitting substances which may produce atmospheric contamination. If not followed, subject to fines or temporary or total closure of the polluting source. Law 24.040-the control of substances which deplete the ozone, rules on the use and trade of CFCs. Hazardous Waste Law 24.051rules the generation, transport, handling, treatment and final disposal of hazardous waste, establishing duties, responsibilities and liabilities of generators, operators and transporters of waste. Law 24.051 is a local law but it is followed by the whole national territory (Nonna). A hazardous waste is any waste that can damage living beings or contaminate land, water, air or the environment. Individuals and legal entities subject to this law (generators, transporters and operators of hazardous waste) have to register with the National Registry of Hazardous Waste Generators and Operators. They need to do this to be able to receive the annual environmental certificate that allows them to operate. Generators of Waste Means Waste generators have to pay a levy. The levy is calculated by how hazardous the waste is, and how much is generated. Transporters of Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste can only go from the generator to the transporter. It has to be with a manifest that contains all the data identifying the generator. The transporter cannot: 1) mix hazardous waste with other waste or with incompatible hazardous waste; 2) store hazardous waste for more than ten days; or 3) transport, transfer or deliver waste not properly packed. Treatment and/or Final Disposal Plants Authorizations are for ten year for the operation of these plants. But they have to have annual renewals of the environmental certificate. They must keep a permanent operation record that follows the requirements established by authority. Argentina Faces the Dilemma of Unconventional Oil and Gas Vast reserves of natural gas and oil trapped underground, whose exploitation would signify major environmental impacts, will be the greatest challenge facing YPF, the Argentine oil company that recently returned to state control. The study assessed the viability of 48 shale gas basins in 32 countries and estimated Argentinas shale gas reserves at 774 (TCF), 60 times greater than the countrys current conventional reserves. The shale gas formations are in four basins, but the Neuquà ©n basin is the most promising. This is where the Vaca Muerta and Los Molles formations are found, which stretch across the subsoil of four provinces: Neuquà ©n and Mendoza, in western Argentina, La Pampa in the centre of the country, and Rà ­o Negro in the centre-south. The report states that, although there is a high degree of uncertainty, studies by the Undersecretariat of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Neuquà ©n estimate that there are 170 TCF of recoverable gas in the Vaca Muerta formation and between 130 and 192 TCF in Los Molles. The exploitation of these reserves would significantly increase gas production, create employment and promote the development of new technologies, but would also take a heavy toll on the environment. This is the dilemma facing the new YPF, after the expropriation of 51 percent of its shares, which were held by the Spanish oil company Repsol until the May 3 passage of the bill that President Cristina Fernà ¡ndez de Kirchner submitted to Congress on Apr. 16. YPF, created by the Argentine government in 1922, has thus returned to state control as a private corporation with a majority stake owned by the government and the rest held by national and foreign private companies and stockholders. The article, Gas y petrà ³leo no conventional: Perspectives y desafà ­os para su desarrollo en Argentina (Unconventional Gas and Oil: Prospects and challenges for their development in Argentina), outlines the opportunities offered by exploitation of these resources, but warns that the effects on the environment pose serious questions. A report published in October 2011 by the National Academy of Engineering of Argentina, Gas de reservorios no convencionales: Estado de situacià ³n y principales desafà ­os (Gas from Unconventional Sources: Current situation and key challenges), concurs with the warnings voiced by Matranga and Gutman. *The writer is an IPS correspondent. This story was originally published by Latin American newspapers that are part of the Tierramà ©rica network. Tierramà ©rica is a specialised news service produced by IPS with the backing of the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Bank. Top of Form Environmental sustainability situation in Argentina The following statistics give perspective to the ongoing environmental sustainability situation in Argentina: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Disappearances of Forests: In 1914, there were 105 million hectares; since 2005 there is an estimated 33 million remaining hectares of forest à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase in Pesticides: In 1991, agriculture reported using 40 million liters of pesticides; by 1997 that number had grown to 100 million liters à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ High Levels of Lead: In the province of Jujuy, 59 percent of children from the Abra Pampas have an unsafe amount of lead in their blood; the impact to local flora and fauna is unknown à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The burning of forests generates more greenhouse gases than motor vehicles à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Since 1985, the amount of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 140 percent; whereas carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulates have increased 60, 56 and 100 percent, respectively à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Since 1914, two-thirds of Argentinas native forests have been destroyed. If this destruction continues unchecked, all of Argentinas native forests will be gone by the year 2024. Challenges for Future Nationalised Oil Co. in Argentina:- One of the big challenges facing the Argentine government in its plans to regain state control of the countrys biggest oil firm, YPF, is to make up for the time lost under private management, when production and exploration fell. President Cristina Fernandez decreed intervention of the YPF board and sent Congress a bill Monday Apr. 16 to expropriate 51 percent of the shares of the company, which is controlled by Spanish energy firm Repsol. The move radically changes the countrys energy scenario. YPF, founded as Yacimientos Petrolà ­feros Fiscales (State Petroleum Reserves) by the Argentine state in 1922, is the largest oil and gas producer in the country. It was privatised in two stages, in 1993 and 1999, under the administrations of former president Carlos Menem (1989-1999). Since then the state has held less than one percent of the shares of YPF. Fà ©lix Herrero, the vice president of the movement for the recovery of Argentinas energy sovereignty (MORENO), told IPS he was in complete agreement with the bill, which declares the achievement of self-sufficiency in oil and gas to be in the public interest in order to guarantee economic development with social equity. . In Lamothes view, the government has waited too long to take action on an energy policy that has been failing to encourage investment. The authorities allowed most of the profits to be transferred abroad, and now there is an eight-year backlog in investments, he complained. He added that the future state-controlled company would have to move towards a model of partnerships with the private sector in order to fund necessary investments. And he thought it was premature to celebrate the governments move this week. At the unveiling of the initiative, Fernà ¡ndez said YPF would continue to be a sociedad anà ³nima or public limited company, with private participation. I want to make it clear that this is not nationalisation, but the restoration of sovereignty and control over an essential instrument, she said. She maintained that Argentinas plan is not a new invention, and ran through a list of industrialised and developing countries where the state controls the oil and gas industry. For example, she noted that in Brazil, the public sector owns 51 percent of oil giant Petrobras. But on this point, Herrero said, the president is mistaken. Constitutionally, the Brazilian state cannot own more than 51 percent of Petrobras, and actually owns 32 percent, while the rest of the company is in the hands of federal states, the state-owned National Development Bank (BANDES), workers mutual funds and private individuals and corporations, he said. Air, Water, and Noise Pollution Aging diesel buses may be the primary culprit in deteriorating urban air quality, but private vehicles (some still using leaded gasoline) and taxis contribute more than their share (some taxis and private vehicles, though, burn natural gas). Superannuated factories, with their subsidized smokestacks, are another source. A different sort of air pollution is the deterioration of the antarctic ozone layer, which has exposed both humans and livestock in far southern Argentina to ultraviolet radiation in summer. Though ozone depletion is a global problem over which Argentines have little control, they suffer the consequences of the growing ozone hole. Just as motor vehicles cause urban air pollution, they also produce most of its noise pollution, due partly to inadequate mufflers. According to one study, vehicular noise accounts for 80 percent of noise levels that, at corners like Rivadavia and Callao in Buenos Aires, exceed 80 decibels. Buses and motorcycles are the worst offenders. Drinking water is normally potable, but a historical legacy of polluted waterways derives from, first, the proliferation of European livestock on the pampas, followed by the processing of hides and livestock, and then by heavy industry. The textbook case is Buenos Airess Riachuelo, in the working-class barrio of La Boca, which more closely resembles sludge than water; its bottom sediments, thanks to chemical runoff from factories here and in nearby Avellaneda, are an even greater toxic hazard. The construction of riverside pulp plants in Uruguay continues to be a hot-button issue in Entre Rà ­os Province, but this is a complex issue characterized by much cynical posturing on the Argentine side. Solid Waste Buenos Aires and other cities produce prodigious amounts of garbage-Buenos Aires alone, for instance, generates 5,000 tons of solid waste per day. The capital ships its garbage as far away as the city of Olavarrà ­a, 400 kilometers to the southwest, but a new law stipulates that it will reduce the waste sent to landfills by half by 2012, and by 75 percent by 2017. Sidewalk pickups take place daily, but in the aftermath of the 2002 economic crisis, garbage-strewn streets became more common because of spontaneous recycling by cartoneros who ripped open plastic bags in search of reusable materials like cardboard. Theres another dark side to this recycling, as some cartoneros-apparently in league with criminal elements-have also absconded with valuable metals covering utility boxes and other similar objects accessible from the street. Sold and melted into ingots of bronze and other metals, these are almost untraceable. Another sort of solid waste is even more problematic. Greenpeace Argentina has protested an agreement with Australia to import that countrys nuclear waste for reprocessing near the Buenos Aires suburb of Ezeiza. Argentinas constitution prohibits storage of nuclear waste, though Argentina has its own 357-megawatt Atucha I reactor near the town of Lima, northwest of the capital. Energy Mismanagement and disinvestment are threatening Argentinas self-sufficiency in fossil fuels, so that the country is now having to import natural gas, at above-market prices, from Bolivia. The country does have hydroelectric resources in the subtropical north and along the Andean foothills, but Argentine governments have promoted nuclear power since the 1950s. While the country has renounced any intention to build nuclear weapons, the 357-megawatt Atucha I reactor has powered the capitals electrical grid since 1974. For much of the time since then it has operated at reduced capacity thanks partly to cheaper hydroelectricity, but also due to inadequate maintenance; the controlling Comisià ³n Nacional de Energà ­a Atà ³mica (CNEA, National Atomic Energy Commission) is not known for its transparency. Atucha I is due to close in 2014. Even hydroelectricity is no panacea, as the creation of the massive Yacyretà ¡ dam along the Paraguayan border in Corrientes Province may be raising water levels in the Iberà ¡ marshlands; this could sever the floating islands, on which their wildlife depends, from their anchoring soils. Similarly, upstream water diversions on the Rà ­o Iguazà º could affect the flow over the spectacular falls that are one of the continents greatest natural features. Soil Conservation and Deforestation Centuries of livestock impacts, both grazing and trampling, have caused serious erosion even in areas where there were never native forests, such as the pampas and the Patagonian steppes. Even today, some forested national parks-most notably Lanà ­n and Los Glaciares-have been unable to eliminate grazing within their boundaries. There has been pressure to create presumably sustainable forest-exploitation projects in the Magellanic woodlands of Tierra del Fuego. The hot-button forest issues, though, are in the northern subtropical forests. In Misiones Province, agricultural colonists and commercial tea and yerba mate plantations have cut over much of the selva misionera, a diverse, wildlife-rich rain forest that cannot easily reestablish itself when its natural recycling mechanisms are disturbed. In Jujuy and Salta Provinces, the yungas cloud forest on the edge of the Andes has already suffered deforestation from construction of a nearly pointless natural gas pipeline over the Andes to Chile, and from widespread clear-cutting to extract just a few prize timber species. Beans taking over forests Research in Argentina has shown that deforestation due to agricultural expansion of soybean is threatening the Yungas cloud forest, and the Chaco ecoregion, one of the largest forested biomes (a major regional group of distinctive plant and animal communities) in South America. In Argentina, while most recent expansion in soybean agriculture has relied on available agricultural land, there are aggressive targets to expand the agricultural area to increase soybean production for export.1 The cattle threat Beef production in Argentina also poses a threat to natural habitats. Beef feeding, located on land that used to compete with agricultural crops, has been concentrated in the Espinal Ecoregion (an area of thorny deciduous shrubland forest) threatening grasslands and forests. Similar impacts have occurred with cattle breeding, which has expanded into the Chaco ecoregion and is threatening forests. These processes are closely linked with an increasing demand for suitable land for soy cropping.2 Other environmental problems Argentina also faces the issue of energy consumption and management and the inefficient use of non-renewable resources. COMPARISON OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES BETWEEN ARGENTINA AND INDIA DEFORESTATION : ARGENTINA Argentina has over 33 million ha of forest, representing over 12% of the countrys land area. Between 1990 and 2005 Argentina lost 6.4% of its natural forest cover, although plantation expansion resulted in the net forest loss being lower at 2.1%. A forestry bill in 1997 offered tax breaks and subsidies to foreign investors for establishing tree plantations and the aim was to plant an average of 200,000 ha per year from 2000 to 2009. Although this target was not achieved, an average of approximately 50,000 ha per year were planted from 2000 to 2008. Much of the destruction of natural forests is due to the spread of agribusiness. In the central province of Cordoba soy production has increased steadily in the last decade, replacing forests; of the 10 million ha of forest in Cordoba a century ago, only 12% remain and in some areas, the figure is as low as 2%. The result has been soil erosion, water shortages and localised changes to the climate. The Cordoba Environment Agency introduced a law in 2005 banning clear-cutting for a period of 10 years, but allowing sustainable logging in native forests. In the north western province of Salta, the number of permits issued by the provincial government for land conversion increased in recent years; in 2007 alone, permits issued allowed for the felling of half a million ha of forest. At the end of 2008, 18 indigenous communities presented a demand to the Supreme Court for an immediate halt to the deforestation. The court imposed an immediate ban on deforestation in the region and demanded a public consultation take place prior to the court taking a final decision. This deforestation is also threatening the habitats of many species, including the jaguar and seven other cat species. Timber is not a major industry in Argentina; many of the companies involved in land clearing for agribusiness are also involved in the paper and pulp industry. Much of the potentially valuable timber is in remote areas and remains unexploited. In 2008 the World Bank approved a US$60 million loan to Argentina to work with smaller farmers to improve sustainable management of forest resources and preserve biodiversity. The work will focus on the most the most threatened areas, where ecosystems have been seriously damaged by agribusiness. In another positive move, the Canadian Forest Service has begun working with Argentina to develop six model forests and develop local indicators to monitor progress towards sustainable forest management. Deforestation Destruction of forests creates numerous environmental catastrophes, including altering local rainfall patterns, accelerating soil erosion, causing the flooding of rivers, and threatening millions of species of plants, animals and insects with extinction. The main causes of deforestation are: expansion of agricultural and industrial needs, population growth, poverty, consumer demand and landlessness. Despite increased public awareness and  a large number of initiatives, deforestation is still continuing in most of Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. During 1980-90 alone, the Latin American region lost 62 million hectares (6.0 per cent) of its natural forest, which was the largest loss in the world during those years, with a further 5.8 million hectares a year lost during 1990-95. (source:UNEP) India Approximately 45% of Indias land is degraded primarily due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, mining and excessive groundwater extraction. More than 2/3rds of this can be regenerated. India has the 10th largest forest cover in the world at 68 million hectares. The governments National Action Plan on climate change involves expanding forest cover from the current 23% to 33% of Indias territory, and to afforest 6 million hectares of degraded forest land. India has rich biodiversity more than 45,000 plant and 91,000 animal species. However there are rapid loss trends 10% flora and fauna are on the threatened list and many are on the verge of extinction. PESTICIDE : (IPS) The agriculture industry in Argentina is enjoying the boom in demand for soybeans and other commodities and the subsequent high prices, which are also fattening the state coffers. But the question of the unsafe handling of pesticides and fertilisers has basically been ignored amidst the collective euphoria. According to the Secretariat of Agriculture, the latest harvest set a new record of nearly 95 million tons of grains, half of which were soybeans. This year, the harvest should exceed 100 million tons, and the state expects to take in 7.5 billion dollars in tax revenue as a result. Last year, farmers purchased more than 5,000 tractors, a similar number of sewing machines and 2,000 harvesting machines. But as the area under cultivation has expanded and investment in technology has increased, the use of agrochemicals has grown as well. Private consultants estimate that 3.6 tons of fertilisers were used in 2007, 20 percent more than in 2006. And the growing demand has drawn major investments in fertiliser production plants run by local and international companies, which indicates that output will continue to rise. Statistics from the Secretariat of the Environment show that the use of pesticides has grown steadily since 1991, and that half of the demand comes from soybean producers. This issue has not yet been put on the agenda of social problems, sociologist Marà ­a Alejandra Silva, director of the workers health unit at the University of Rosarios School of Medicine, told IPS. Concerned civil society sectors have failed to get our voices heard. Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) led by the Rural Reflection Group have long been warning about the risks faced by the rural population due to the expansion of monoculture farming of genetically modified soybeans, which require glyphosate, and the aerial spraying of fields, that is frequently carried out without the necessary safety precautions. Silva, a researcher with the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), said the state, which brings in enormous tax revenues from farm exports, looks the other way. In an article on the challenges facing Argentina with respect to rural growth that has ignored environmental and health concerns, Silva wrote that in this South American country little or no attention is paid to the question of the environmental and health sustainability of the rural sectors current model of growth. She said the agricultural producers surveyed in the study expressed concern over the soils loss of fertility caused by intensive use, but were not worried about the lack of oversight and control in the production, transportation, storage, handling and application of fertilisers and pesticides, or about the disposal of the empty containers. The symptoms of mild or acute poisoning from agrochemicals include headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, restlessness, nervousness, perspiration, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of weight, thirst, moodiness, soreness in joints, skin irritation, eye irritation, and irritation of the nose and throat. Long-term exposure to pesticides and fertilisers without adequate protection and safety measures can cause cancer, neurological damage, endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, fetal malformations, immune system disruption and impaired nervous system function. A study conducted in different regions with the coordination of the Argentine Association of Doctors for the Environment (AAMMA) warns of the inadequate and indiscriminate use of pesticides, a lack of protection for the workers who handle them, and for their families, and the accumulation of contaminated containers on farms, plantations and orchards. Pesticides and fertilisers can pollute the soil and both surface and underground water sources, and pose risks to living beings, says the report on the problem of agrochemicals and their containers and their effect on the health of workers, the exposed population and the environment. The study, carried out with contributions from the Health Ministry, the Secretariat of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and several universities, says the inappropriate handling of these products is a serious environmental and health problem in Argentina that is causing damages that could be irreversible, especially for children. Around 15 percent of the farmers interviewed in the eastern province of Buenos Aires said they knew people who were resistant to pesticides and handled them without gloves. This was described by the authors as a popular misconception among farmers who often fail to understand that symptoms sometimes only show up in the long-term. In addition, many of the interviewees were unaware of, or simply did not follow, the regulations for disposing of empty agrochemical containers, which must be washed three times and then perforated so that they cannot be reused. Most of the containers end up in piles on unused fields around farms or are buried or burnt, with the subsequent polluting effect on the environment. In some low-income rural or semi-urban areas, people even use the empty containers to haul water. According to the study, the problem is a serious one because the funding is lacking for carrying out local research showing a direct link between the improper handling of pesticides and health effects that can show up decades after contact, or even in future generations in the case of pregnant women exposed to pesticides or fertilisers. In the meantime, in light of the real magnitude and urgency of the problem, the researchers recommend campaigns to inform people about the correct handling of such products and the risks they pose, as well as training, both for farmers and workers who use them and health professionals who must properly diagnose the symptoms of exposure to toxic agrochemicals. PESTICIDE : INDIA The term pesticide covers a wide range of compounds including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, molluscicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and others. Among these, organochlorine (OC) insecticides, used successfully in controlling number of diseases, such as malaria and typhus, were banned or restricted after the 1960s in most of the technologically advanced countries. The introduction of other synthetic insecticides organophosphate (OP) insecticides in the 1960s, carbamates in 1970s andPyrethroids in 1980s and the introduction of herbicides and fungicides in 1970s 1980scontributed greatly in pest control and agricultural output. Ideally a pesticide must be lethal to the targetted pests, but not to non-target species, including man. Unfortunately, this is not, so the controversy of use and abuse of pesticides has surfaced. The rampant Use of these chemicals, under the adage, if little is good, a lot more will be better has played havoc with human and other life forms. Production and Usage of pesticide in India The production of pesticides started in India in 1952 with the establishment of a plant for The production of BHC near Calcutta, and India is now the second largest manufacturer of Pesticides in Asia after China and ranks twelfth globally9. There has been a steady growth in the production of technical grade pesticides in India, from 5,000 metric tonnes in 1958 to 102,240 metric tonnes in 1998. In 1996-97 the demand for pesticides in terms of value Was estimated to be around Rs. 22 billion (USD 0.5 billion), which is about 2% of the total world market. Agriculture Agriculture is the essence of India. Since time immemorial, the majority of its population bank on agriculture sector directly or indirectly. This is the reason, the contribution of Indian agriculture industry to GDP (Gross Domestic Products) is around 25 per cent. Agriculture in India is a crucial sector in socio-economic development of the country. Comparing the total farming output of India with other countries, India is ranked second worldwide. Because of transforming farming scenario and international competition, augmentation in production and meticulous distribution of food receive higher priority across the globe. Being the largest producer of agricultural products like cashew nuts, coconuts, tea, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, the 2nd largest cultivator of vegetables, and the third largest producer of fruits. The total production of fruit is around 27.83 MT(Million Tons) and 54 MT in vegetables. India has also strengthened its position in the cultivation of flower and it is estimated that 35,000 hectare of flowers of various kinds like rose, jasmine, marigold, and so on are grown in one or the other part of India. Above all, India is now exporting rice wheat. That has made India self sufficient in food. Agriculture industry in India has seen some remarkable changes since independence, also become very important from the perspective of employment generation, so Indian economy is reckoned as agri oriented. With increased level of sophisticated technologies, application of modern bio technologies, and rendering considerable importance to seeds, fertilizers, irrigation sources, agriculture business has reached a new height. Agro Industry is a promising lucrative sector and riding on an impressive growth. Indias share in the global food market has grown to 0.7 percent and is assessed to reach 1.5 per cent. All these augur great for farming industry. Agricultural Waste Boosts Energy Production in Argentina:- The goal is to raise biomass participation in electricity generation by means of a platform for private projects in need of promotion, said Miguel Almada, head of the agroenergy area of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Many projects are already under way, or are negotiating tariffs, he told IPS. A worker unloads rice husk at a biomass power plant run by a company in Thailand. Credit: Nantiya Tangwisutijit/IPS According to a study carried out with the support of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Argentina has the potential to generate half the countrys total energy supply by burning biomass. The assessment by the FAO and government and technical bodies in Argentina mapped the biomass resources in each province to determine the available potential. Despite its potential, the FAO considers that biomass has so far been the Cinderella of energy sources, without political visibility or recognition in development planning in many countries, including Argentina. FAO, which published its study in 2009 at the request of the Argentine government as a step towards the official launch of the Probiomasa programme, says the use of biomass resources is not jus

Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth - The Supernatural is only Natural :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Supernatural in Macbeth In the play Macbeth, there were many interesting sections that could be further analyzed due to the suspense and the involvement of the supernatural. The use of the supernatural in the witches, the visions, the ghost, and the apparitions is a key element in making the concept (What concept?   State it or you may confuse your reader.) of the play work and in making the play interesting. By examining the play, it is noticed that the supernatural is definitely a major factor on the play's style. The use of the supernatural occurs immediately at the beginning of the play with three witches predicting the fate of Macbeth. The predictions of the witches gives the audience a clue to Macbeth’s future.   When the second witch said, "When the battles lost and won" (Act I, Scene I, l.4), she meant that one side loses every battle and another side wins. Macbeth's fate is that he will win the battle, but he will also lose his time of victory for the battle of his soul. After the prophecies of the witches revealed the fate of Macbeth, the plan in which to gain power of the throne is brought up. (Reword.   Unclear.)   The two ways to gain the power of the throne was for Macbeth to either inherit the throne or to murder and succeed King Duncan. Murdering the king was the easiest plan since the motivation in Macbeth’s dreams urged him on. Lady Macbeth also relied on the supernatural by her soliloquy, calling upon the evil spirits to give her the power to plot the murder of Duncan without any remorse or conscience (Act I, Scene V, ll.42-57).   The three sisters are capable of leading people into danger resulting in death, such as the sailor who never slept (Act I, Scene III, ll.1-37).   (Double-check citations.) Lady Macbeth convinced her husband Macbeth to murder King Duncan.   On the night they planned to kill Duncan, Macbeth waited for Lady Macbeth to ring the signal bell to go up the stairs to Duncan's chamber. He sees the vision of a floating dagger. The interest of the dagger is that it leads Macbeth towards the chamber by the presence of evil of the dagger being covered with blood. (Reword to make more sense.   Avoid the passive voice and saying â€Å"of the† so frequently.

Hannibal Barca :: essays research papers

Hannibal Barca was born in 247 B.C. in the city of Carthage, which was located in modern Tunis, or the northern tip of Africa. His father, Hamilcar Barca, was a great Carthaginian general of the army who fought in the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage, which the latter lost. At a very young age, Hamilcar made Hannibal promise â€Å"eternal hatred towards Rome† (Lendering, 1). At around age nine, Hannibal accompanied his father on an expedition to gain a hold in Spain. During this time was when Hannibal probably gained most of his military knowledge that helped him greatly later in life. When Hannibal’s father and older brother died in 229 and 226, Hannibal was elected commander-in-chief of the Carthaginian army. About ten years later, Hannibal, acting on his promise to his father, attacked the city of Sagantum in Spain, which was controlled by the Romans. This attack led to the start of the Second Punic War between Carthage and Rome.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Even before the war started, Hannibal knew what he was going to do. Since Carthage had no navy, there was no hope of going directly from Carthage to Italy over the Mediterranean Sea. Hannibal thought up a dangerous but ingenious plan. In order to get to Italy over land, Hannibal and his army would have to travel from Carthage-controlled Spain across the Alps and into the heart of the enemy. Hannibal left in the cold winter of 218 B.C. with 50,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry, and 37 war elephants. While crossing the Alps, â€Å"Hannibal’s force suffered greatly from the elements and the hostility of the local tribesmen† (Beshara, 3). By the time they reached Italy, after only fourteen days, over 9,000 men had perished along with most of the elephants, but this number was soon replenished after 14,000 northern Gaul rebels joined Hannibal’s army. This group of 60,000 men proved superior to the Roman forces, and after at least three recorded major vic tories, the Roman senate was exasperated. An army of 80,000 Roman soldiers was sent to stop Hannibal’s army of now 50,000 once and for all. In July of 216 B.C., the Romans engaged the Carthaginians in â€Å"the neighborhood of Cannae on the Italian east coast† (Lendering, 2). Greatly outnumbered, Hannibal realized that he would have to win by strategy, and that is exactly what he did. As the two lines met, Hannibal’s cavalry gained the flanks and, moving up the sides, attacked the rear of the Roman line.

The Dominican Republic Stock Exchange :: Spanish Essays

The Dominican Republic Stock Exchange La Bolsa de Valores: Conceptos En nuestro idioma y en nuestros medios, existen palabras que son sencillamente eso, la expresià ³n de una idea precisa, y existen otros tipos de palabras que nos hacen pensar en una implicacià ³n mà ¡s allà ¡ de lo que realmente expresa esa palabra. Asà ­ en el mundo actual cuando decimos invertir en algo pensamos en un resultado final, que es el lucro, o para ponerlo mà ¡s claro sacar el mayor rendimiento de nuestro dinero a travà ©s de esa inversià ³n. Ahora bien, si se nos ocurre decir vamos a especular con tal o cual cosa inmediatamente hay una connotacià ³n que implica que vamos a tomar un riesgo, y en la mayorà ­a de los casos se toma esta palabra con un sentido totalmente negativo. Si buscamos estas palabras en un diccionario encontraremos que tienen algo de similitud. La definicià ³n de Invertir es: comerciar, traficar, procurar provecho o ganancia. Especular se define como: operacià ³n comercial que se practica con mercaderà ­as, valores, o efectos pà ºblicos con la idea de obtener lucro. El inversionista que acude a la Bolsa de Valores, se puede catalogar como un especulador, la gran diferencia es que es un especulador racional, porque tiene el poder de estudiar y decidir cuà ¡l serà ­a su mejor inversià ³n y para eso hay muchas opciones. En la Bolsa de Valores las inversiones se hacen a travà ©s de muchos tipos diferentes de instrumentos, que el ingenio, y la inteligencia del hombro ha ideado, y los cuales dependiendo de las culturas de los diferentes paà ­ses en donde operan las Bolsas de Valores, se adecuan a las leyes y normas regulativas de cada nacià ³n. Asà ­ se puede encontrar instrumentos de alto riesgo, mediano riesgo y bajo riesgo. El especulador racional que invierte en la Bolsa tiene la oportunidad de analizar estos riesgos y decidir quà © tipo de inversià ³n desea realizar.  ¿Quà © es una Bolsa de Valores? La forma mà ¡s simple posible en que se puede definir la Bolsa de Valores es la siguiente: lugar donde se reà ºnen ofertantes y demandantes de los tà ­tulos de valores para poner en venta y/o comprar tà ­tulos de valores. Los tà ­tulos de valores son las acciones que representan el capital de una empresa; las obligaciones que representan instrumentos de deuda a largo plazo de una empresa; y cualquier otro tipo de instrumento o tà ­tulos que se emiten para ser comercializados en la Bolsa de Valores. En nuestro paà ­s la Bolsa de Valores de Santo Domingo Inc.

Procurement and Acuisitions Management: Fair Housing Internship

SOC 4490 Fall, 2010 A- Term Internship in Sociology Instructor Student November 14, 2010 A Sociological View of a Non-Profit Organization: Fair Housing Internship Introduction This paper will provide an analysis of an internship performed at the Central Alabama Fair Housing Center (CAFHC), Montgomery, Alabama. This paper will give an overview of the internship program and its requirements, the history of the Fair Housing Act, a sociological review of fair housing, and discuss the responsibilities and observations made during the internship.To qualify for the Sociology Internship Program, a student had to be an undergraduate working toward a degree in Social Sciences. The program was designed to provide qualified undergraduate students with experiences in a government, non-profit, or public service institutions under the supervision of a faculty member.The internship consisted of conducting tasks assigned by the agency supervisor, maintaining a journal describing activities performed and explanations of how they related to sociology, recording personal feelings about the experiences, a ten page paper related to the internship experience and working 150 hours at the Central Alabama Fair Housing Center. The objective of the internship was to have the student apply skills and knowledge learned during completion of social science coursework and, to work in a non-profit agency under the supervision of a faculty member.The methods of evaluating the internship included meeting twice a month with the instructor/advisor and discussing journal entries, being evaluated by the agency supervisor for work performance, evaluation by the instructor and writing an internship research paper due by December 7, 2010. History of the Fair Housing Act On April 4, 1968, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. , was assassinated. This act unleashed a firestorm of civil unrest in urban communities across the nation (Fair Housing Report, 2008).A week to the day after King’s assassinati on, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968). This law, co-sponsored by Senator Walter Mondale and Edward Brooke, had been languishing in Congress for two years and only passed because of the response to the assassination and subsequent events (National Fair Housing Alliance, 2008). In 1988, the law was amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act, co-sponsored by Senator Edward Kennedy and Arlen Specter.This law significantly strengthened the enforcement power of the Act, giving the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Justice the authority to enforce and expand the reach of the law while still providing for private enforcement mechanism (NFHA, 2008). The Fair Housing Act is now one of the most powerful tools in our civil rights arsenal but it can only be as effective as the skilled application and intent of the user of this tool (NFHA, 2008).Sociological Review of Fair Housing The Unit ed States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has defined the term â€Å"fair housing choice† as the ability of a persons of similar income levels to have the same available housing choice regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability (Analysis of Impediment to Fair Housing Choice, 2004).The Central Alabama Fair Housing Center is a non-profit agency, working to ensure equal housing opportunities for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (having or expecting children), or disability. Discrimination occurs when housing providers treat people differently because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental, sales, mortgage lending, and home insurance markets. Illegal ractices include guiding people to or away from a neighborhood or areas based on race (steering), refusing to insur e or finance a home based on the racial make-up of a neighborhood, not allowing a guide dog or wheelchair ramp in an apartment building, demanding sexual favors in exchange for rental assistance, inflating the price of a home to discourage someone from making an offer, refusing to rent an apartment to a person with AIDS or HIV and selectively asking for a â€Å"green card† or other documentation based on an applicant’s accent or ethnic background (CAFHC, 2010).Karl Marx, the nineteenth-century father of communism and one of the founders of the Conflict Theory viewed society as consisting of primarily two classes capitalists, or owners of the means of production, and proletariats, or workers, who were exploited by the capitalist (Harford, 2005). Marx’s division of classes is not the only division. Max Weber, an outspoken critic of Marx’s views, argued that property is not the sole basis of class. Instead, class is determined by the three p’s- proper ty, prestige, and power.Weber’s more general concept of class is accepted by many but their views of how to qualify fairness of prestige and power has been often different (Harford, 2005). Using Weber’s concept, when taking a look at the Fair Housing Act, we see that forty years after the Fair Housing Act, there are still more than 3. 7 million instances of discrimination reported each year (U. S. Bureau of the Census). African-Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and American Indians report unfair treatment within the rental, sales and insurance market daily.Marx and Weber categories deal only with economical stratification however; fair housing studies show that discrimination occurs regardless of economic status. For example a study performed by The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) showed that low- and moderate-income minorities received a lower portion of prime loans than high-cost loans. Lenders seem to favor middle- and upper-income white household borrowers with prime loans. In comparison, African-American with middle- and upper-income households received a lower percent of all prime and high-cost loans (NCRC’s 2007).Staff Responsibility& Duties Working as an intern with the Fair Housing Center has been very informative and exciting. As an intern, I observed the various staff members and their jobs duties. I learned the importance of each position. The Executive Director of a Fair Housing Center (FHC) must oversee, motivate and support staff members, each of whom are very valuable team members. The Executive Director oversees all of a FHC’s departments (including counseling, outreach, investigations and litigation) and is responsible for preparing and overseeing FHC’s annual operating budget.The Executive Director also ensures that The Fair Housing Center is fulfilling its contractual obligations to numerous governmental entities. Periodically, the Executive Director must attend city council or other mee tings, and network with others in the non-profit community, including local non-profit organizations, and fair housing organizations throughout the country. The Director, along with the rest of the Fair Housing Center’s management team, oversees the Fair Housing Center’s annual summits and conferences. Center’s staff also includes test coordinators.This is normally a full time staff member and duties include the recruiting and training of testers, designing and analyzing tests, and maintaining test files and other records. To hold this type of position, most candidates should have experience in conducting tests, great speaking skills, and experience in research analysis as, training in the fundamentals of fair housing. The test coordinator must be an advocate for civil rights and have earned at least a Bachelor of Science degree. A Fair Housing Specialist (Enforcement Specialist) is normally a part-time staff member.Duties include intake screening, demographic r esearch, data collection and analysis, identification of public impediments to fair housing choice, and enforcement-related outreach. He/she can also assist in developing test strategies and performing analysis as well as assist in writing reports as requested. To hold a position as a Fair Housing Specialist (Enforcement Specialist), candidates should have had training in the fundamentals of fair housing, have knowledge of civil rights, know how to conduct research, understand area demographics, and have earned at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a social science field.The position of attorney is a full time position. Duties include intake, client representation in HUD, taking administrative actions, conducting public and legal education programs, serving as a liaison to private attorneys, conducting legal and other research, and maintaining intake and case files. To qualify for this position a candidate must have a J. D. degree, a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, and an ability to work with diverse communities. The position of administrative Assistant/Office Manager is normally a part-time position.The duties include general office management, clerical tasks and serving as the office receptionist. Candidates for the position should have experience working for the public, very good social skills, an understanding of civil rights, ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences in non-profit office management. Summary and Conclusions The objective of the internship was for me to incorporate the knowledge learned from my social science classes into skills while interning.During my interning with the fair housing center, my responsibilities and activities included: reviewing fair housing laws, reading over Central Alabama Fair Housing Center’s grant proposals and work deliveries, discussing non-profit grant management/grant writing/daily operations of a non-profit organization with director, observing operations of organizat ion, including siting in on a job interview, learning about division of staff duties in the office, helping to implement grant activities/outreach and distribution files/information, deciding on a distribution plan for grant deliveries, helping to develop radio campaigns plans, learning about in-kind service donations, sitting in on fair housing education programs for housing management and developing a new survey for the city. Interning for a fair housing center provided a vehicle for travel that could and is helping society to achieve the balance and integrated living patterns envisioned by the original authors of The Civil Rights Act. While we have made some progress in reducing levels of residential segregation, most Americans still live in communities that are largely divided by race and ethnicity, ( National Fair Housing Alliance, 2008). Personal Thoughts and Opinions My experience as an intern with the Central Alabama Fair Housing was very informative, exciting and a helpful experience to me as a future director of my own non-profit agency.Although I will not provide services that will pertain to civil rights, having an opportunity to work within a fine tuned organization, learning the operations, and experiencing firsthand the everyday workings within a non-profit agency was the best experience that a future director could have. Experiencing outreach, research development, grant writing, organization application and Fair Housing training while interning, allow me to understand the importance of loving what you are called to do and showed me the difference one can make in society. I got a chance to learn that a fair housing center is one link that is connected to many links to form a chain called HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development.The fair housing centers are local centers that help to enforce justice that has been mandated by the civil right laws, expand comprehensive requirements of the civil rights law, while still providing a priva te enforcement mechanism for the area communities. The fair housing centers are state and local portals that are used to report, provide insight and attain answers for our nation’s struggles to achieve the benefit of living in richly diverse communities. Having an opportunity to learn while being a part of the non-profit arena, gave me the fuel needed to continue striving for justice. . References †¢Analysis of Impediments To Fair Housing, Montgomery city, 2004, August, Overview of what the Fair Housing Act Complaints. Harford, Tim, The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car, New York: Little Brown, 2005. †¢Hunt, Elgin f. , and Colander, David C. , Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society, 3rd edition, copyright 2008, Person publishing company. †¢National Community Reinvestment Coalition, conducted data file analysis, 2007 www. ncrc. org †¢WWW National Fair Housing Alliance, 2008 Fair Housing Trend Report, April 8, 2008 www. nationalfairhousing. org †¢WWW U. S Bureau of the Census, Income www. census. gov/hhes/www/poverty. html †¢WWW U. S. Bureau of Census, Poverty www. census. gov/hhes/www/income. html

Marketing Strategies of Mcdonalds in India

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Marketing is a procedure of attracting prospective customers and consumers in your products and services. However the crucial word in the above sentence is â€Å"procedure â€Å", hence marketing incorporates researching, advertising, selling, and distributing your products or services. Hence we planned to focus on one of the best known brands worldwide, McDonald’s Corporation. The following executive summary presents the key marketing aspects of McDonald’s Corporation and should be read as a complement to the contents of this report. Summarized content Page No. †¢ Key facts about the firm. External environment forces and consumer behaviour. †¢ The concept of Marketing mix and its various aspects. †¢ Decision making process and brand image. 2 2 3 †¢ The Product Life cycle and what steps the company is taking to revitalise its existing products. †¢ The different communication strategies used by the company in advertising its p roducts and the varying styles of television advertising carried out since McDonald’s launch in India. †¢ The distribution and the supply chain network of the firm in India. †¢ The SWOT analysis of the firm along with inference and some recommendations. 8 9 10 1. 0 INTRODUCTION Marketing is understood by majority of business groups as simply to mean simply to promote, sell and advertise. But this is not entirely true as marketing incorporates all techniques from human behaviour and cultures through research, new product launch, product life cycle, advertising, public relations and finally the sales function. The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) describes marketing as ‘the management method accountable for discovering, anticipating, and satisfying consumer requirement valuably. ’ Hence the most significant concept of marketing lies in knowing and understanding your customer. This report aims at investigating how McDonald’s Corporation, a global restaurant has achieved this enormous success in international growth and challenges due to its marketing strategies. 2. 0 BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION Out of the enormous market of fast food industry, McDonald's Corporation is the globe's fastest growing firm, with more than 20,000 restaurants in 100 countries (Vignali, 2001). In the UK, McDonald's operates a staggering 900 restaurants (www. bc. co. uk ). Initially it was started as a hot dog stand by Dick and Mac McDonald at California, USA in 1937. The business began in 1955 when Ray Kroc and the McDonald’s brothers opened a restaurant to the north of Chicago. From then on, McDonald's grew rapidly and today is known as an international brand. However, the cuisine menu has been changed to meet the demand and lifestyles of the customers. India has been a di fficult market for any overseas firm to do business considering its diversity and cultural differences. However McDonald’s established its first Indian outlet in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi in October 1996. McDonald's India has a 50-50 joint venture involving McDonald's Corporation, US and 2 Indian business men, Amit Jatia’s (Hard castle Restaurants Private Limited) and Vikram Bakshi (Connaught Plaza Restaurants Private Limited). About major percent of the menu available in McDonald’s in India is Indianized and exclusively designed to attract Indian consumers (Dash, 2005). But the success have not come at ease, the firm had to meet a lot of obstacles and problems in attaining its high standards. . 0 EXTERNAL MARKETING ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES McDonald’s faces many external marketing environmental forces, which the firm has to familiarize with and deal accordingly. With respect to environment forces, the firm has to adapt highly fragmented foodstuff marketplace and developing transportation. Considering the fact that India’s food expenditure is on the rise, Mc Donald’s also has to compete with the millions of road side stalls, dhabas (Regional Food Stalls) and carts which offer popular foodstuffs across India (Dash, 2005). Hence the company has come up with a variety of reasonable products at reasonable prices. In view of the cultural force, the firm has to conquer the major regional languages and the educational barrier among the people. Hence McDonald’s adapts to the local language and uses signs as a strong display of firm’s assurance to the localities (Chauhan, 2008). On the political front, the firm also has to check on the government intervention and pressure from various regional environmentalists and health camps (check http://www. hinduonnet. com ). Even on the economical front, some pressure exists as swadeshi (regional) mindset exists. The company also has to focus on the diverse distribution of income across the country. According to Mr Jatia, M. D, South and West Region, India, Indian people are increasing their visits to McDonald's as it has become more than an occasion meal especially to the middle class. (http://online. wsj. com ). Hence looking at the success, the fact can be drawn that both local management directors (Mr. Bakshi and Mr. Jatia) have played important roles in shaping McDonald’s to the prospects of the Indian market. . 0 MARKETING MIX The concept of Marketing Mix consisting of the 4P’ was formulated by McCarthy in 1975. This was used as principal foundation for many years. In the year 1996 Fifield and Gilligan added 3P’s (People, Process and Physical) to the existing 4P’s of Marketing Mix. These 3P’s are an integral part of services marketing. The 7P’s used to anal yse the Marketing Mix of McDonalds in India are: 1) Product (Features, Quality, Quantity): McDonalds aims to create standardized set of items, that taste same everywhere. But along with this it concentrates on localization by adapting to local tastes, customs, customer preferences etc. For example, McDonalds changed the ingredients of its ‘French Fries’ after it protested that it was made out of the oil from beef. This was done as Cow is considered sacred among Hindus in India. McDonalds has a variety of products specially made for the Indian market. Some of them are Vegetable McNuggets, Mutton based Maharaja Mac (as Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork). Apart from all these its menu includes beverages, frozen desserts and breakfasts combos. ) Place (Location, Number of Outlets): McDonalds follows concept of standardization in component of place also. The ambience and outlook all restaurants are the same. The reasons why most of its outlets in India are in Malls, shopping complexes, famous street markets is its locating strategies. It has over 130 outlets in 34 cities all over India. 3) Price (Strategy, Determinants, Levels ): In India McDonalds has set prices on the basis of the prices of its nearest organized competitors. For example, initially it set price in New Delhi on the basis of the price of Nirula’s, its biggest competitor in that area. Vignali, 2001) This way it attracted the customers, as they were getting an international brand at the price of a local brand. The pricing strategy of McDonalds with respect to competition is explained in the later stages of the report. 4) Promotion (Advertising, Sales Promotion, Public Relation): â€Å"Brand globally, advertise locally† is McDonald’s promotion strategy. (Vignali, 2001; Sander & Shani, 1991). For years it has maintained extensive promotion strategy. It focuses on children, overall eating experience and portrays itself as a ‘Family Restaurant’. Its global tag line is â€Å"I’m Lovin’ It†. Tag line to attract Indian customers is â€Å"Aap Ke Zamaane Mein Baap Ke Zamaane Ke Daam†, which means buy at a price, which your father used to buy in his days† 5) People (Quantity, Quality, Training, and Promotion): â€Å"The Company is strongly committed to staffing locally and promoting from within. This means that McDonald’s has managers who understand both the corporate and the local cultures† (Vignali, 2001). Particularly in India it is important to have local people, as language differs from state to state and staff from some other state might not be able to understand the local people’s language. ) Process (Blueprinting, Automation, Control Procedures): In McDonalds the procedure for making food is identical everywhere. For example, one out of two fries must measure 75mm, meat for Big Mac’s weighs 45g and is 20 per cent fat. (Vignali, 2001). The following is the process in McDonalds: 7) Physical (Cleanliness, Decor, and Ambience of t he Service): This is one of the most important components of the Marketing Mix. If the place where the food is served is not clean and hygienic then there will be no result from the components. Keeping this in mind, McDonalds aims at cleanliness, speed, quality and transparency of process. Strict standards of cleanliness are maintained at all times. 5. 0 CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR In terms of consumer behaviour, McDonald’s associates its products with routine response behaviour and in some cases limited decision making for some classes. For example, enjoying a happy meal for some people may just be a case of hunger while some for some eating at McDonald's may be luxury and hence they may only turn up on occasions. Majority of the decision starts with experimental buying. Personal factors which affect the firm in relation to the consumer are demographic factors like age, gender and race. However the firm can also produce some situational factors like offering free sport coupons and offering 2 meals at one price (Deng, 2009). McDonald's also enhances the individual level of involvement by offering healthy meal packages for adults and toys for children. Bearing in mind the social factors, the firm has understood various cultures and classes across India. As different people have different local tastes, the firm produces products with a mix of regional taste (Dash, 2005). In terms of opinion leaders, celebrities are being increasingly used in marketing communication by marketers to lend personality to their products. 5. 1 UNDERSTANDING THE INDIAN CONSUMER Understanding an Indian consumer was extremely important for overcoming the challenges of expansion in India. Some facts of Indian consumer are that they have a high degree of family orientation. In solution to this? In India, McDonald’s has placed itself as a family restaurant. The foundation of its approach is to attract families and friends (Dash, 2005). Secondly Indian consumer is influenced by discounts and freebies. Hence the firm has constantly distributed free schemes on its products with its pricing strategies. Notable fact is that Indian consumers choose expensive products as they feel that price is an indicator of quality and they are likely to buy environmentally responsible products and packs as the environmental awareness has started affecting India. In response to this McDonald's attracts the consumers with good quality products and its ethical and ecological responsible products and packaging help in clean environment. . 2 DECISION MAKING PROCESS After investigating the behaviour of Indian Consumer, McDonald’s has produced an effective decision making process which involves five stages. The firm initially tries to recognize the desired need of the customer with its research on regional consumers. Secondly McDonald’s provides information of the products through internet, reports, media and campaigns which he lps the buyer to differentiate and understand the product better. Information related to pricing, offers and health are provided to the consumer. Thirdly McDonald’s provides a range of alternative products and its benefits to different consumers and helps them to evaluate accordingly. In the fourth stage the company uses its price strategy and benefits; the company aims to attract customers and their decisions to purchase their products. And finally, through quality and service, McDonald’s tries to improve its service with customers providing Post-purchase evaluation. 6. 0 BRANDING In terms of brand experience, McDonald’s is not just a product but a fast, clean and easy way for families to enjoy together. In view of the firm’s branding, McDonald's emphasizes on Customer driven and goal oriented techniques. According to Arvind Singhal, Head of Marketing at McDonald's India, McDonald's chooses to familiarize the customer with the brand in terms of a marketing communications. Since the brand image symbolizes how customers view the organisation, the company launched a clown named Ronald. Sitting on the Ronald McDonald bench and pumping sauce from the sauce machine became brand rituals for children. Hence the company ensured that it as to be aware of fundamental needs by identifying, predicting and serving their consumers rather than just selling the product (http://www. businessweek. com ). Hence the firm concentrates not only on delivering products for the instant demand but also defending the long term brand status. Family values being important in India, McDonald’s promotion assured that it’s is not just a fast-food joint but a quick, healthy and easy way for famil ies to relish together. Thus McDonald's focuses not only on delivering sales for the immediate present but also protecting the long term brand reputation. . 0 COMPETITION AND RECESSION In terms of pricing strategies, which is a part of marketing, McDonald’s faces tough competition on several fronts. Traditional rivals such as Pizza Hut, KFC and most importantly the local dhabas and road side stalls are eating reasonable margins of McDonald’s sales. Considering the prices, a happy meal in Pizza Hut which consists of 2 pizzas would approximately cost ? 4. 5 (Rs 350) and similarly a burger and drink at a KFC outlet would cost around ? 1. 5 (Rs 120). But with its consumer value strategies, McDonald’s offers a happy meal at only (Rs 90) ? 1. 12 (www. businessworld. in ) Recession may affect organisations to change their marketing policies because as recession occurs, the consumer spends less money on the product or switches to alternatives of low cost. But recession seems to be an advantage for McDonald’s as Consumers will cut back on high-end dining, and McDonald's is the beneficiary as they provide food at reasonable prices. (www. europe. wsj. com ). The company also introduces new offers accordingly to the situation. McDonald's has benefiting from its worldwide existence during the present recession, by the launch of new products like McAloo Tikki (prepared with potato and vegetables) and the Maharaja Mac in India (http://money. cnn. com/2009 ). According to Vikram Bakshi, M. D of McDonald's operations in India, McDonald's will be doubling-up its returns in three years, and tripling our restaurants in the next five years. Currently the fast-food chain has 123 outlets in India (http://in. reuters. com ). 8. 0 PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE Underpinning the product life cycle concept is the belief that products move through a sequential, predetermined pattern of development similar to the biological path that life forms follow. This pathway is known as the Product Life Cycle (PLC)† (Baines et al. , 2008). According to Kotler & Keller (2009), a company’s positioning and differentiation strategy must change as the product, market and the competitors change over its PLC. [pic] Figure 1 As it can be s een from the above figure a product basically has five stages, with four of them directly related to the consumers who in many terms dictate different aspects or the whole of product. Thus all products have a limited life for the consumer as well as the product. Since McDonald’s is a company that deals in food items, its products will have a definitive period within which they have to get acquainted to the customers tastes, grow in value and earn profits for the company. Also since the McDonald’s products are perishable they have a short life cycle (see www. bbc. co. uk). Thus regular innovation of the food items is required by McDonald’s. For instance, McDonald’s French Fries have been an important part of the company’s menu worldwide. But in India, at one stage their sales were on decline. To counter this problem the management tried to implement certain steps. They introduced the fries with a mix of certain Indian spices. The product came to be known as Shake Shake Fries. This was well received by the consumers and it once again revitalised the sales of the fries. Thus without cannibalising the existing product a new product was created by the firm to delay the decline of a well established product which had the potential to generate income (Ghosh et al. , 2009). 9. 0 MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS The managerial system that ensures timely and comprehensive input to the corporate information and the decision making process and consequence production and expression of credible, persuasive representations of beneficial exchange opportunities with actual and prospective customers and other stake holders. (Varey, 2002). On a more a simple terms it is the method of communicating the right message, through the right medium, to the correct audience (see www. thetimes. biz). If a firm fails to comprehend these steps, it may result in its product failure. The communication methods adopted by McDonald’s in India are as follows, Newspapers, Journals and other forms of Print Media †¢ Television advertisements †¢ Point of Sale Display †¢ Merchandising †¢ Direct Mail †¢ Door drops †¢ Demonstrations †¢ Tele-Marketing(see www. thetimes. biz) Thus effective communication is, when the company develops a campaign which makes use of the above methods to ge t the desired results. Considering only the Television Advertisements of McDonald’s in India, these were not on the company’s radar until the turn of the century (see www. thetimes. biz). This was despite its entry into the Indian market in the latter part of 1996. This step was undertaken by the company so that it could concentrate more on the development of its stores, improve the quality of its products and tailor its global menu to suit the Indian tastes. It was only after 2000 that the first advert of the firm was telecast. â€Å"The first advert of the firm featured a child who suffers stage fright and is unable to recite a poem. On entering McDonald's, he easily recites it in the store's familiar environment. † This advert of the company basically focussed on McDonald’s being a comfortable and a familiar place (Chaturvedi, 2008). The next ad was based on a family moving to a new place. The kid in the family feels lonely in the new surroundings until he finds a McDonald’s. This ad was basically the friendliness of the McDonald’s personnel. Also the management of the firm in India noted that the local people were price sensitive. Thus they took out and ad with a tag of ‘Yesteryear’s Prices’. â€Å"It features Bollywood stars from past decades together with their sons and a message that prices have not risen in line with the passage of time† (Chaturvedi, 2008). Thus McDonald’s with a clear agenda timed their ads to perfection which gave them good returns. McDonald’s also with its advertisements gave its tagline utmost importance. This is evident from the fact that its initial ads were delivered with a punch line â€Å"McDonald’s Mein Hai Kuch Baat† which translates to ‘There is something special in McDonald’s’. When McDonald’s had been successfully established, its tagline changed to â€Å"To Aaj McDonald’s Ho Jaye† which means ‘Why not celebrate with McDonald’s today†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Vikram Bakshi, MD, McDonald’s India). He also adds that the main focus of the company with its advertisements was to change the perception of the Indians that McDonald’s was an ‘American brand with typical American values’. As Arvind Singhal, Head of Marketing at McDonald's India says â€Å"From a marketing communications standpoint, we chose to focus on familiarizing the customer with the brand. † Presently all of the McDonald’s communication strategies are focused to move the consumers to some kind of action. This may either be to visit the restaurant, buy the product or recommend it to a friend. It is also framed so that the consumers remember the product. Thus the mantra of the firm is that the more it knows about the people it is serving the more it will be able to communicate messages that appeal to them. 0. 0 DISTRUBUTION AND SUPPLY CHAIN McDonald’s uses an outsourcing model al all its markets, in some places it actively imports but in India gets materials from different places in India (Dash, 2005) it has suppliers all over India, supplying different inputs. This is done on order to procure best quality of input at the best possible price. Selecting a supplier involves a fou r step process. In each step the prospective supplier is evaluated carefully. Only item imported is the equipment to dish out burgers. The major suppliers in India are: Input Product |Supplier Company |Location | |Iceburg Lettuce |Trikaya Agriculture |Talegacon(Maharashtra) | | |Ooty Farms |Ooty | | |Meena Argitech |Delhi | |Cheese |Dynamix Dairy |Baramati (Maharashtra) | |Milk & Milk Products for Frozen Desserts |Amrit Food |Delhi and Mumbai | |Buns & Sauces |1)Cremica Industries |Philluar (Punjab) | | |2) Shah Bector and Sons |Khopoli ( Maharashtra) | | | | | |Patties, Pies & Pizza puffs |Vista Processed Foods |Taloja | (Dash, 2005) The entire distribution process is carried on by AFL Logistics Ltd, McDonald’s official partner in logistics and supply chain. 10. 1 DISTRIBUTION McDonalds in India uses what is called as a ‘Cold Chain’. This means that the vegetables are stored in cold storage from the moment it is harvested. These are then transported to restaurants in refrigerated vans. Semi – finished products are also stored a particular temperature. This ensures freshness and maintains the moisture level of the food. In the restaurant also the products are refrigerated. In the restaurant the deliveries are made to the customer within 60 seconds and the mode of service is self service. This is done to maintain speedy and quick service. 11. 0 SWOT ANALYSIS McDonald’s in India has been for around for around 13 years. Till now it has complimented the values and the cultures of the locals in an extremely ethical way. But still it has some weaknesses and threats, which if not countered, may well become grave. Thus the SWOT analysis shows the areas where the firm can build up on its existing strong image. ? Strengths †¢ Strong Brand – The McDonald’s Corporation in India has been able to live up to its global image of being able to handle any type of market. It has shown that by adopting the right approach and methods, any market can yield positive results. This has not only consolidated its powerful image and strong brand values but also has made the job difficult for the new entrants. Customer Intimacy – The firm in India with its correct mix of communication has been able to tap majority of the audience it focused on and has also developed affection from the large children populace of the country with its Children Centric ads. †¢ Product Innovation – the Compan y with its timely product innovation has regularly kept the consumers interested in its menu which caters to their tastes. †¢ Variety in Menu, Reasonable Prices and Great Service – Also with wide options in the menu McDonald’s also offers great prices with burgers starting from Rs20 ( Around 15p) plus with ‘1 Minute Service’ customers do not return disappointed from the place. ? Weakness †¢ Product on the scale of Health – McDonald’s in India is still not selling products which are good for health or which are made keeping consumers fitness. They are trying to fine tune their menu by adding more baked products rather than fried patties, but apart from McCurry Pan (launched 2003) it has not been able to introduce more healthy products (Dash, 2005). This fact forces many health conscious people to avoid the place altogether. ? Opportunities †¢ Expanding in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities – Despite the firm’s success in the urban and the metropolitan cities of India, McDonald’s has still not explored the whole of the country. This is due to the fact that the smaller cities in India are more inclined towards the home cooked food and eating fast food out is generally limited to local food joints that specialize in Indian cuisine. This presents a good prospect for the company to experiment with its menu, as McDonald’s has already localized its menu to a very great extent in the country. Entry into Breakfast Category – One of the other things that the company has still not made a complete foray into is the ‘Breakfast Menu’. McDonald’s have started only a couple of outlets in Mumbai and Delhi on experimental basis that serve Breakfast menu in December 2008. The options in this menu are available from 7 am to 11am in the morning. But the company is still to operate it on a large scale. †¢ Strong Beverage Brand – McDonald’s in India have till now only concentrated on to the food items they serve. The beverages they offer are just plain Coke available in small and large and coffee, tea and hot chocolate with no proper advertising. But it still has the opportunity to advertise and bring in its own brand of beverage as compared to something like Star Bucks’ The beverage may hot or cold and would give McDonald’s its own identity in the market which is dominated by Coke and Pepsi. ? Threats †¢ Changing Customer Lifestyle – Today, India has changed considerably as compared to 10 years back. Simultaneously the customer tastes are changing at a very fast pace. McDonald’s needs to keep this thing in mind since the customer taste for a particular product in today’s environment is very short-lived. †¢ Increased Competition – Today with the increasing number of malls and shopping centers in India, the number of fast food joints and restaurants has increased significantly that offer similar kind of food at comparable prices. This can turn out to be a disadvantage to the company since it mainly concentrates on opening its franchises in these malls. 12. 0 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS From the above report it is clear that McDonald’s marketing strategies in India have been successful. With complete understanding of the consumer and considering the various marketing environments, executing very reasonable prices to timely product innovation and lastly extremely effective communication techniques have included India in their long list of successful countries. The only thing that the company needs to focus on is to try and add more menu choice and variety to promote healthier lifestyles. Also it should contemplate its already existing operations before continuing expansion in rder to increase their profit margin and since India is a developing country the firm should try and concentrate on penetrating, at timely intervals, into more budding cities. 13. 0 REFERENCES Baines, P. , Fill, C. , Page, K. (200 8) Marketing Oxford University Press, New York. Chaturvedi, P. (2008) Super-localize me: how McDonald's evolved its marketing in India, Warc Exclusive. Chauhan, G. (2008) Language in India, Languages Group, Vol 8, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India. Deng, T. (2009) McDonald’s New Communication Strategy on Changing Attitudes and Lifestyle, International Journal Of Marketing studies, Vol 1, SolBridge International School of Business, South Korea. Fifield, P. and Gilligan, C. 1996) Strategic Marketing Management, Butterworth- Heinemann, Oxford. Ghosh, R. , Balaji, D. , Shah, J. , Sherlekar, N. , Sidana, D. , (2009) McDonald’s: Behind Golden Arches. Kotler, P. & Keller, K. L. (2009) Marketing Management, 13th Edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, USA. McCarthy. (1975) Basic Marketing: A Management Approach, Irwin, Homewood, pg – 98. Media Trust, The Institute For Volunteering Research (1997) Introduction To Marketing, Volunteering England and the Centre for Inst itutional Studies at the University of East London, UK. Prof. Dash, K. (2005) McDonald’s in India, The Garvin School of International Management, USA. Sander. D. M. & Shani. D (1991) â€Å"Brand Globally but Advertise Locally? An Empirical Investigation, International Marketing Review, Vol – 9, No – 4, pg – 18 – 29. Varey, R. J. (2002) Marketing Communication: Principles and Practice, Route ledge, London,pp 127-129. Vignali. C (2001) McDonalds: Think Global, Act Local – The Marketing Mix, British Food Journal, Vol – 103, No -2, pg – 97 – 111. 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