The United States' use of atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was Research Paper - 1

The United States' use of atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not justified - Research Paper Example On August 9, another bomb destroyed Nagasaki (Truman, 1945). For those that condone its use, the moral questions are satisfied because, though many thousands were killed or maimed, the bomb saved many more thousands of lives on both sides. If, in fact, the use of the atomic bomb averted an invasion of Japan thus saving more lives than were lost in the bombing of Hiroshima, the moral dilemma is indisputable. However, even for those of this opinion, the issue regarding the morality of the second bombing remains in dispute. This is not sufficient justification for others who believe the use of the bomb was wrong given any criteria of moral judgment. Deliberately attacking a civilian population is not considered morally acceptable regardless of any real or perceived outcomes. This view was and remains popularly held by both American civilians and the military; this reasoning was not employed in this case, but why? Was it the passions of wartime, a justifiable act in this one instance or was the bombing wrong under any circumstance? In 1945, the U.S. was a country weary of war and its citizens deeply prejudiced against both the Japanese and Germans believing that both types of peoples were inherently evil. Though a ridiculous notion today, it is a somewhat understandable sentiment given the nature of the circumstances at that time and overall acceptance of racism during this period in American history. Following the end of the war, a poll conducted by Fortune Magazine found that nearly a quarter of the American people thought that the U.S. should have used â€Å"many more† atomic bombs on the Japanese before that country had the opportunity to surrender (Dower, 1986: 54). These polling results accurately reflected the intense hatred that Americans directed towards the Japanese people during the conflict. President Truman himself, as well as many other American political leaders, was not immune to these

Quality management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quality management - Essay Example It is a privilege to be able to spend time at health institutions being exposed at first hand to the practice and day-to-day work that takes place there. Among the many areas I was able to visit were chemistry, hematology, and microbiology specialist laboratories. In most of these, the experience I had was both interesting and valuable on a learning level. The training, the information shared with me, the interactions I was able to have with staff, and the environment all contributed to my being able to learn and experience more. I was generally assigned a specific mentor – a member of the staff of the institution who guided me and instructed me as we observed the happenings together. I was also assisted by numerous staff members when able to â€Å"try things out† such as working with the resources available. The â€Å"hands-on† nature of much of the learning was very valuable, as I was able to see how instruments worked and experience the way in which the theoretical knowledge that was being shared with me, was used practically in the real-life situations I observed. Mentors or guides also communicated much of their experience with me. Again, their experience, shared with me, was very valuable as it gave me perspective on how their everyday work relates to the theoretical knowledge I am learning. It was also important for me to be able to share my opinions and thoughts. With most staff at the institutions, this was encouraged. The conversations I had, and the questions I asked, were enjoyable, interesting, and mutually respectful. I did not feel as if I was imposing on their time, or that I had nothing to offer. Instead, the majority of people listened to me with interest, and debated with me, even when I was wrong. I felt that I was able to speak openly, and ask questions, and give opinions without embarrassment or fear, since I would receive positive, thoughtful, and meaningful responses. Perhaps of most value to me, and

Natural food and drink industry Essay Example for Free

Natural food and drink industry Essay Executive Summary The all natural food and drink industry is relatively new, it has emerged as part of the clean label trend and is seen as an alternative to the organic products or products labeled as â€Å"free-from†. The global all natural food and drink market has shown a steady growth during the last few years and is expected to grow due to rising demands for healthy, nutritional, natural foods and drinks without chemicals and artificial ingredients. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 35% annually, Indian non-carbonated drink market is likely to touch Rs. 54,000 crore by 2015 from the current level of Rs. 22,000 crore including fruit drinks, nectars and juices etc. Our company J-GAPS started in 2014 thereby tapping this potential in the Indian market had come up with a natural flavored drink segment in terms of coconut water with Kewra and Mint with the product named SIPCO in order to revive freshness. This could be seen as great opportunity in Maharashtra near the Konkan region where the natural source of tender coconut could be fully utilized to provide healthy natural beverage to people. The financial assistance is catered by coconut development board in terms of 50% cost of production. The vision of our company is to provide a natural drink to the consumer so as to improve their health in a fast paced lifestyle. Identifying the gap in this market through market analysis especially in terms of coconut water wherein there are hardly tetra packs available in order to make it convenient for people to have the nutritional drink without carrying the hard husk. The main drivers of introducing such a natural beverage includes rising consumer concerns regarding artificial ingredients, artificially introduced hormones and genetically modified products, and their awareness of the long term health benefits of natural food and good nutrition thereby having a lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS). We therefore see ahead a great potential in this market as GEN – Y would be the most prominent segment to be tapped in order to sustain in the market and thereby expand our presence in India. 1. Current Marketing Situation 1.1 Industry overview The Indian packaged tender coconut water is still an industry in its development phase. There exist a very few players in this market. J-GAPS  aims to position its product in the general market where exist players like Pepsi, Coca cola, Parle agro foods etc. who are major players in the soft drink segment. The emerging trend among consumers to go for healthy and natural food products will drive this industry. Coconut water is a fruit juice with many unique features and a major one is a low calorie content .This makes it a very attractive prospect for weight management positioned juices. 1.2 Company description J-GAPS will primarily engage in extracting, processing and adding flavors to tender coconut water which is then ready to be delivered to stores. It is a privately held firm will be located in Ratnagiri in the state of Maharashtra .We have identified a location which is closer to the coconut farms. J-GAPS sources the tender coconut for its requirements from its own farms and also additionally from other farmers directly. Our processing unit has a capacity of processing liters water annually. 1.3 Market analysis- Tender flavored coconut water is recommended for people of all ages. With the consumers turning health conscious and preferring natural products, we believe that our product has a strong market both in domestic circles and in countries abroad. Our main target customer is the young generations who have a fancy for energy drinks. We also target sport persons with our special energy pack. We want to make our drink available for homes, offices, hospitals, sports persons, marriages, other occasions, hotels and restaurants. The recent studies showing the impact of aerated drinks on health has turned customer to ignore such artificially produced drinks and go for natural food drinks. The rising population will require larger amount of food drinks. Our product will be a natural thirst quencher with added flavor of Kewra essence in it which will be beneficial during the long summer months. 1.4 Major Segmentation Approach 1.5 PESTLE Analysis The Pestle Analysis identifies the political, economic, social, technological, legal and ecological influences on an organization. Political factors Various political factors affect the fruit juice industry. With the change of government the policies regulating the industry might change. As the taxation policy keeps changing, it has a significant effect on fruit juice industry. The government plans of encouraging foreign direct investments would affect our industry highly as organized fruit juice industry has only 3 % share as of now in the market but with FDIs it could increase significantly by coming of bigger players. Economic factors Our company would rely on trucks to move our raw materials to the processing plant and distribute our finished product so, fuel is also an important subject, so the company is subject to the fuel price fluctuation, and to possible fuel crisis. Since, ours is an agro based industry so we would be exposed to the risks of high prices due to crop failure, non-availability of raw material because of pest attack etc. Other economic factors affecting fruit juice industry are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. Factors like money supply, energy availability and cost, business cycles, etc. would also affect our company. Socio-cultural factors We are more than a billion strong nations and the youngest country as well. We are also home to the great Indian middle class. The major growth drivers in fruit juice market are increase in health consciousness among consumers, increase in disposable incomes and more sophisticated cocktail culture. There is more money circulating in the economy. With life becoming more hectic and tiring, consumer preferences are witnessing a visible shift towards healthy foods. Even the younger generation has started shifting from fizz to fresh and healthy. As people are becoming more and more educated, they are taking the healthy route. Technological factors Fruit juices have become big business throughout much of the developed and developing world with the increasing health conscious proportion of population. In this ever growing industry technology plays a major role in maintaining the quality and cost efficiency to generate higher profits.  Better technology can increase the shelf life of our product. Technology refers to both production process as well as machinery. Legal factors Processed fruit juices are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations as a food product and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act. The Food and Drugs Act creates identity standards, provides a basis for labelling requirements and establishes the safety parameters for soft drinks. As food safety requirements become more advanced across the beverage industry, tracking and traceability capabilities are a prerequisite. Ecological factors One environmental issue that food processing companies face is waste remaining from packaging. However, the problem often lies in feasibility of collection, separation and purification of the consumers’ disposed bottles or drinks packets. Environmental issues have gained importance because of regulatory requirements. It is not possible to sell a new packaging material without covering all the environmental issues. The reduction of materials in packing cartons can potentially provide both financial and environmental benefits. . We propose to provide our product in tetra packs so that lesser damage is done to the environment in comparison to PET bottles. 2. Product review 2.1 Product features In India coconut water has always been considered as a health drink to refresh the body due to its nutritional value. Tender Coconut Water is considered the healthiest best sports drink in the world, because it contains vitamins. It is very refreshing and rich in sugar, electrolytes and minerals – available in the natural form in most sterile conditions. It is a natural isotonic drink where the electrolyte levels are similar to those found in the human body. The water of fresh green coconuts is actually fat free. Our company keeping this factor in mind has come up with two natural flavored drink containing 1. Kewra essence which has a floral fragrance thereby providing a cooling effect in the drink. 2. Mint flavor to provide freshness and energizing flavor to the drink Chota Anna would have two variants in terms of Kewra drink and Mint drink. Kewra drink Mint drink Coconut water Coconut water Kewra essence Mint sugar honey Farm Fresh Tender Coconut are selected (50% capacity extracted) and the rest purchased from the Ratnagiri Association Coconut supplier and Natural Tender Coconut Water is squeezed out, untouched by hand and put through a special process in order to add the natural flavors of Kewra essence and Mint. The product is packed in food-grade Bottles/ Cans, which keeps it fresh for 9/18 months. The taste is natural and hence good.

The Role and Importance of the International Law in World Politics Essay Example for Free

The Role and Importance of the International Law in World Politics Essay International law has been of increasing interest to scholars in recent decades, following several incidents that have severely challenged the concepts of how international order, peace, harmony, and justice between nations and states are maintained through the application of an international system of rules and sanctions. (Huysmans, 2006; Slaughter, 1993,1995; Nijman, 2007; Stahn, 2007; Goddard Nexon, 2005) One of the most significant events was the 9-11 Twin Towers attack in the Unites States, which precluded renewed aggression on the Middle East, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan, and all other states considered to be aligned with the axis of evils or coddlers of religious and ideological extremism. The actions of the United States and its allies, particularly the attack on Afghanistan, deprived of international consensus, have understandably raised â€Å"questions about the relevance of international law, the legitimacy of torture, justification for pre-emptive use of military force, the rise of U.S. unilateralism, a crisis of the United Nations, etc.† (Huysmans, 2006:12) In the same manner, this has encouraged many scholars to study â€Å"how power constrains international law (or dooms it to irrelevance), how the powerful can harness international law to their ends, and how international law may reconfigure power in its own right.† (Steinberg Zasloff, 2006:64)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The increased concern over the importance of international law has likewise gained more impetus as the world entered the era of globalization. Indeed, in no other time has the need for laws with global scope become more paramount as in the information age, when the rise of transnational crime syndicates as the direct consequence of a better global information network and communications infrastructure, as well as the widely changing norms and perceptions of many cultures (Bentivegna, 2006: 341) has forced countries to work in untraditional ways to confront challenges and formulate solutions. It is therefore not surprising for the debates over the significance of international law be centred upon what an increasing number of scholars and critics have called â€Å"the politics of international insecurity,† which brings to the fore the problems on the conceptualization of the international legal infrastructure and the enforcement of its rules and sanctions. International Law, Politics, and Power The discourse of international law and its enforcement is necessarily a discourse of political power and its outcomes in the international terrain. In its inception and early stages, however, it was not recognized in its inception and early development that the two had a dialectical relationship, or indeed, that international law enforced and reinforced world politics in the same way that the latter affected the way the international system of policies and sanctions was structured.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Doubtless, there remains a strong consensus today that the very nature of international law is rooted on its dialectical relationship with the political motivations, behavioral patterns and concepts of identity of states. However, in order to determine the extent to which international law remains an important influence in the conduct of world politics, it would be beneficial to examine the development of the concept of international law with respect to its historical and sociological framework. While it may be conceded that there are diverging opinions on the role of international law—or of its consequence, if at all—on international relations, the fact remains that it is presently active today than any other time in history although the reason for its existence has been very much contested.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The classic notion of international law assumed that governing states was as easy as governing people, with its basic assumptions moored on the belief in the peoples’—and states’, for that matter—ability to comply with rules and regulations. Underlying this belief was a concept of people as being inherently conformist based on a fixed set of norms that were universally accepted, largely influenced by those who believed in the rationality of law in the governance of societies which stipulated that â€Å"legal rules and institutions did not arise out of the power of the coercive state but, rather, out of custom, consensus, and private ordering.† (Steinberg Zasloff, 2006:66) International law was therefore optimistic in the outset, with the notion of its power perceived to be a function more of self-regulation among states rather than a product of force or coercion. Another important assumption was of international law’s being a â€Å"neutral, apolitical avenue in which to settle international disputes† owing to its separation from the sphere of politics. (Steinberg Zasloff, 2006: 67) The rise of fascism, however, provided enough reason for a change in viewpoint. At the heart of this was the growing recognition that international law was useless if it had no power at all to stop the aggressive tendencies of some states—or if did not present itself as a threat enough to be able to effectively police nations. Hence, there was an increased popularization and acceptance of the argument that international law cannot be separated from the discourse of politics and of the multiplicity of political agendas within the international community. Scholars such as Morgenthau (1959:502), for instance, suggested that â€Å"universal moral principles, such as justice and equality, are capable of guiding political action only to the extent that they have been given concrete content and have been related to political situations by society.† This mirrored the general attitude of realists, who argued that â€Å"international law could ever play more than an epiphenomenal role in the ordering of international life.† (Slaughter-Burley, 1993:206) Such an assertion stemmed from the core belief of the realists that international law merely reflected the â€Å"interests of powerful states,† (Steinberg Zasloff, 2006: 67) which encouraged some scholars of the realist tradition to assert that international law was inconsequential as it was beholden to the powerful and could be bent to suit the interests of powerful nations. (Slaughter, 1995:1; Kocs, 1994) Morgenthau (1967), for instance, illustrated how the issue of intervention into sovereign states, which was declared unacceptable by the international law, was often violated by powerful entities acting for the preservation of their interests, which suggested that economic and political imbalances in the world—where the richer economies were able to influenc e the political and legal structure and framework of the developing world by dangling foreign aid—made the international law inutile in reflecting the interests of the poor and the rich on an equal scale. There have been departures to these beliefs, naturally, as new criticisms emerged from the constructivist camp which argued that interests and identities were inseparable from social groups and as such, â€Å"international law both reflects and reinforces identities and interests.† (Steinberg Zasloff, 2006: 82) Constructivists underlined the role of â€Å"norms, identities and other socio-cultural phenomena in international politics,† (Goddard Nexon, 2005: 29) which assert that like cultural symbols, norms and identities in international law and politics are constantly created and recreated by its actors. (Kocs, 1994) Therefore, the role of the international law and its influence on the behavior of sovereign states is mediated upon by the prevailing beliefs and concepts of order, justice and peace. The Dilemma of Hegemonic Power: Challenges to International Law Thus, the central role of international law in the world, today when violent conflicts and inequalities have sharply divided the world, has transformed into that of an equalizer of power, an expectation that is held by every individual and every society that ascribes to and believes in the tenets of democracy. The international law, through the international court, also functions as a last repository of justice for societies, and is instrumental in providing elusive justice to victims of human rights violations by despotic leaders and to victims of war atrocities that otherwise could not have sought redress from the domestic courts of their countries. (Stahn 2007) Whether the international law has been able to live up to these expectations is another matter, of course, and lately the power of the international law itself to maintain peace among states has been gravely challenged.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After the Second World War the United States emerged as the new superpower, which would give the realists their bases for attacking the role of international law other than in maintaining the interests of the status quo. Subsequent events that unfolded in history, from the Gulf War to the war on Afghanistan and the prolonged occupation of Iraq on the ground that it was harboring nuclear armaments have further highlighted the crises of the ability of international institutions such as the United Nations to enforce the international law. Another damning issue is the global climate change and the starkly bullheaded position of the United States and other developed countries on not signing the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases emission which puts the whole world at more peril than the nuclear armaments supposedly kept by North Korea and Iran that the U.S. has been keen on decimating. These events have therefore raised the questions of whether the U.N. and the international law are, as suggested by the realist camp, prevailed upon by powerful states so that these states are able to enjoy an â€Å"exceptionality† when it comes to demanding compliance by the international community.    In the same manner, recent events such as the Iraq War which the U.S. has failed to justify based on the context of abating a â€Å"clear and present danger,† and despite the absence of consent from the international security council to launch the attack, have highlighted the gross imbalance of power that undermines the very existence of the international court as a mediating body in transnational conflicts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is unfortunate indeed not only for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan for all other peoples in the developing world as the current stance of the U.S. and other powerful countries not only tramples upon the very foundations of the international law but sets a dangerous precedent to ignore the rules set upon by the international community. Likewise, it presents a cause with which other countries may willfully violate the sovereignty of others regardless of international laws and based only on its perceptions of insecurity. It is in this context that the role of international law must be evaluated upon, on whether it has balanced out the capabilities of democratic societies to engage in fruitful relationships based on critical partnerships, or it has one-sidedly benefited the more powerful to the detriment of the weak, which it has, in recent years, appeared to be more and more inclined to do so. Works Cited: Bentivegna, S. (2006) Rethinking politics in the world of ICTs. European Journal of Communication, 21(3). Huysmans, J. (2006). International politics of insecurity: Normativity, inwardness, and the exception. Security Dialogue, 37(1):11-29. Goddard, S.E. D.H. Nexon (2005). Paradigm lost? Reassessing theory of international politics. European Journal of International Relations, 11(1):9-61. Kocs, S.A. (1994). Explaining the strategic behavior of states: International law as system structure. International Studies Quarterly, 38(4):535-556. Morgenthau, H.J. (1959). Dilemmas of Politics. International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-), 35(4):. 502. Morgenthau, H.J. (1967) To intervene or not to intervene. Foreign Affairs, 45(3): 425-36. Nijman, J.E. (2007). Paul Ricoeur and international law: Beyond ‘the end of the subject’ towards a reconceptualization of international legal personality. Leiden Journal of International Law, 20: 25-64. Stahn, C. (2007). The international criminal court and the shortcomings of domestic legislation: Introductory note. Leiden Journal of International Law, 20: 165-166. Slaughter-Burley, A.M. (1993). International law and international relations theory: A dual agenda. The American Journal of International Law, 87(2): 205-239. Slaughter, A.M. (1995). International law in a world of liberal states. EJIL, 6: 1-39. Steinberg, R.H. J.M. Zasloff (2006). Power and international law. The American Journal of International Law, 100(1):64-87.

Admissions Essay - My Long Route to Medical School -- Medicine College

Admissions Essay - My Long Route to Medical School    I have always loved science and had planned a science career from an early age. However, life circumstances required me to follow a longer, less traditional route toward my goal, learning useful skills and gaining valuable experience along the way.    From the time of my parents' divorce, when I was eleven, I have had heavy family responsibilities. Initially, these responsibilities included caring for my three younger brothers and sister, and maintaining our home, while my mother worked.    I began to work as soon as I was able, as my income was required to help support my family. I was fortunate to find work in a picture framing shop, where I was allowed the flexibility to schedule my nearly full-time work hours around my classes in high school, and later, in college.    In 1977, I entered Arizona State University with the goal of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. However, I found it difficult to achieve good grades, work nearly full-time, and attend to my responsibilities at home. After two years, it wa... ...ese skills include performing tasks efficiently, managing my time well, coping with stressful situations, being flexible, and working hard for long hours. Evidence of this is my 3.84 GPA since returning to ASU in 1991, and achieved while maintaining a parenting role with my nephew and working as many as 70 hours per week. In addition, my years of meeting the public in the workplace have allowed me to develop good interpersonal skills. I believe that these qualities, along with my love of science, will enable me to become a competent and humane physician.

An Analysis of William T. Vollmann’s The Visible Spectrum Essay

The task of interpreting William T. Vollmann’s works seems as monumental for the reader as writing the story oneself. The text of â€Å"The Visible Spectrum†, in fact, does not feature any extensively challenging vocabulary or particularly thwarting subject matter; yet it would seem that in all of its â€Å"objectivity† and â€Å"transparency†, there lies no obvious, dominant or intended interpretation. The narrative is ambiguous in its â€Å"message† to an infinite degree, and thus the reader must construct its â€Å"meaning† given only scraps of discontinuous plot, description and dialogue. Vollmann’s story concentrates on the private experiences of individuals in a hospital. The commonality of the setting allows the reader to make necessary assumptions about the locale, timing and purpose of these hospital visits, also permitting the author flexibility in selecting events to comprise the plot. The universality of the hospital experience (lingering in the waiting room, a doctor’s examination, and a nurse’s questioning, for example) encourages the reader to relate to these private events in a shared, public manner. In this way, Vollmann relies upon one’s knowledge of hospital procedure to make greater comments about other institutions and society in general. Using a pseudo-scientific, case-study approach, â€Å"The Visible Spectrum† correlates the ideologies of a hospital to that of society. Vollmann’s sociological critique describes the hospital as a microcosm of the society in which it is located; although theoretically structured, efficient and beneficial to its patrons, in practice, however, the institution (and likewise, society) veils its omnipotence in the illusion of an individual’s agency and self-determination, while acting... ...aims to a final hope or refuge for humanity, but rather concludes its hospital-as-society metaphor with a semi-entropic presentation of sociological reality as counter-utopian, desolate and irreparable. WORKS CITED 1. Vollmann, William T. â€Å"The Visible Spectrum.† Postmodern American Fiction. Ed. Paula Geyh et al. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, 1998. 153-161. [1] I suppose that characterization is not particularly necessary in this story, as one is able to ‘connect with’ a character given the generality of his or her experience (having blood drawn, for example). [2] On another note, a discussion of veins and blood seems necessary in Vollmann’s work. In one sub-chapter, â€Å"People without Veins† (Vollmann, 157), it appears as though the author is hinting that the vein-less individuals (who are therefore also blood-less) are inhuman, almost robotic

What Made Non Violence Work

Gandhi and Mandela: What Made Non-Violence Work? Background Essay The history of violence in the world is well documented. However it is also possible to use non-violence to bring about change. This DBQ will look at two countries where a non-violent movement was successful. Historic Context India and South Africa were two important nations on two different continents. But although they looked strong on the outside, each one suffered from a disease that threatened the health of the whole. For India, the disease was colonization. For South Africa, it was racial segregation. Three ConditionsIn each of these nations three conditions help explain why non-violence worked. The first condition was that both of them had been colonies of England. And like England both countries thought law was very powerful – more powerful even than government officials. The second condition was the presence of violence. Without the possibility of a violent revolution, the government might not have been willing to change. The third condition was the presence of a leader – Mohandas Gandhi in India and Nelson Mandela South Africa. Each of these men was so charismatic he could lead his followers to a non-violent victory.Both of them gave their lives to the cause. Gandhi was shot by an assassin while Mandela spent almost twenty-seven years of his life in prison. These are their stories. Mohandas Gandhi – â€Å"An eye-for-an-eye only makes the whole world blind† Mohandas Gandhi was born in 1869, in Porbandar, India. His father taught his son respect for all religions. His mother taught him that all living things are holy. Following custom, Gandhi married at age 13; his wife, Kasturbai, was even younger. At age 19 he went to London to study law, and at age 22 Gandhi completed his studies.He now felt more than ever that the English, who had ruled India for almost two centuries, were law-abiding and fair. Hopes high, he sailed for home. Gandhi tried to set up a law pr actice in India but was so shy he failed miserably. When someone suggested he try his luck in South Africa, he jumped at the offer. But no sooner had he arrived there than he was thrown off a train, just for being a â€Å"colored† man holding a first class ticket! Even for a shy man, it was too great an insult. When he fought back he was sent to jail. It was there he became a leader, bringing about important changes for South Africa’s Indian community.When Gandhi returned to India, he was paraded around like a hero because of his South African victories. But everywhere he looked he was horrified by the poverty he saw. He saw, too, that to be successful in the world the English had built. Indians had to imitate their rulers – their clothes, their manners, and their standards of beauty. Gandhi refused! Gandhi wanted people to live free of all kinds of snobbery, even the ones imposed by India’s ancient caste system. The first thing he did was to build a diff erent kind of community where he could model this classless society.He dressed in the clothes a poor man would wear and did chores an untouchable [people so low they are below caste] would do. Most Indians thought he was absurd. But slowly his strange ideas were accepted until Gandhi came to be known as ‘Mahatma’ or ‘Great Soul. ’ Gandhi saw that India’s self-respect was tied to independence. But England was a giant with colonies all around the globe. And Indian politicians had worked for independence for at least half a century. How much harder would it be for the gentle Gandhi? Yet in the end Gandhi succeeded. The question is how?Nelson Mandela – â€Å"People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love. † Rolihlahla Mandela was born in 1918 in a tiny village in South Africa. He was still a baby when his father, a tribal chief, was dethroned for disrespecting an English judge. At age seven he was sent to a boarding school where he learned to live under apartheid, a Dutch South African word meaning â€Å"racial apartness. † There he was given the name â€Å"Nelson† because his African name, which could sometimes be translated as â€Å"Troublemaker,† wasn’t European.This was the first time, though not the last, that Mandela felt disrespected for his blackness. In the 1930’s it was rare for a black South African to attend college. But Mandela not only attended, he graduated, got a degree from law school, and set up a practice in Johannesburg which he hoped could support his small family. Yet apartheid was always a humiliation to him. When the Afrikaner, or Dutch South African, Nationalists came to power in the 1948 election, the segregation habits of the past three hundred years became law. Hoping for a brighter future, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became its first Youth Leader.In the 1960s, many of the colonial natio ns of Africa were gaining independence. The ANC was encouraged and campaigned for democracy in South Africa. They were mild campaigns at first, but as the government became more hostile, so did ANC protests. In November 1961, a military branch of the party was organized with Mandela as its head. It authorized the limited use of arms and sabotage against the government, which got the government’s attention—and its anger! Mandela went into hiding in 1964, he was captured, tried, and sentenced to life imprisonment. It was a sad day for black South Africa.As days stretched to months, months to years, and years to decade, Mandela lived most of them at brutal Robben Island Prison. There his guards did their best to break his spirit with isolation and abuse. Remarkably he kept his hope and dignity alive. Then, twenty-six and half long years after his imprisonment began, he was released. Again, Mandela could tackle the job of dismantling apartheid. He hoped, like the Afrikaner government that freed him that he could keep South Africa from erupting into civil war. The Question Gandhi and Mandela were sitting on powder kegs built on hate and injustice.The people in each society knew the powder kegs existed. More importantly their governments knew they existed. Yet both men were able to bring about non-violent change. Gandhi brought independence to India and Mandela brought democracy to South Africa. So how did they do it? The presence of violence, the respect for law, the leadership of a charismatic individual—these 3 ingredients were important, but not the whole story. Now examine the documents that follow, looking for further ways that non-violent change was achieved in India and South Africa. Again the question: Gandhi and Mandela: What made non-violence work?

General systems and operations design Essay

The human-system design should be least complicated and easy to operate and maintain. Less complications and operational requirements would mean minimum training requirements and workload for the people and thus, less error potential. Hardware operations and computer procedures should also be standardized so that similar operations would require similar hardware and similar applications would only require similar uses and procedures. Operations should only be standardized and implemented to minimize the number of required tools as well as human errors from improper training and minimum skill. Also, the minimization of maintenance requirements and the standardization of procedures and operations should be done so that any person involved in the exploration would at least have an idea on the operations which is especially necessary in cases of accidents when a company in space becomes incapable of operation (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). Changes in Anthropometry As people travels farther from Earth, there is the loss of gravitational pull. This loss, together with the changes in environment exert great effects both in the anthropometry and biology of humans and thus requires extensive consideration especially in designing workstations. In particular, the human body size and posture, the surface area, the movement and volume as well as the mass considerably change with the absence of gravity (Vogel, 1976; Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). The height of a person generally increases for both short and long-term missions (Sinha, 2002; Vogel, 1976). This is caused by spine lengthening which can vary from 0.5 inch to about 3% of the baseline height prior to the mission. The fluid shifts caused by gravity cause changes in the chest, waist and limb-circumferences, usually a decrease (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). Because weight is a function of gravitational force, the weight of a person decreases from 3-4%, most of which because of water, and loss of lean body mass as well as fat. Metabolic changes that happen further throughout the mission also cause further weight loss while the center of the weight becomes the head (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). Pre-operation anthropometry does have an effect on how much increase or decrease will happen with the decrease in gravitational pull. This means that in general, sex and race could also have an effect on the amount of changes that would happen as a result of the decrease in gravity. People from the West are usually taller compared to their Eastern, Asian counterparts. In addition, males are generally taller compared to the females of the same race (â€Å"Man-Systems Integration Standards,† n. d. ). The anthropometric data are usually used in the design of equipment. The equipment to be used must be able to fit to any user regardless of size. This is done by designing a one-size-fits-all principle, to accommodate all possible users. This is especially applicable to the design of chairs and the dimensions of the window. Equipment sizes can also be tailored to fit a specific user so long as he or she would be the only user. Objects that must be reached such as buttons and switches must be adjusted based on the reach of the shortest person. In addition, the fact that the spine lengthens while in space would affect the placement of reachable objects. Because the spine lengthens, there would be an increased or easier overhead reach while the downward reach becomes more difficult because of decreased assistance by gravity (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). The anthropometric data can also be used in the design of clothing. Since height increases generally happen as a result of the increase in spin length while in space, the designers must tailor the space suits to accommodate such changes (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). In addition to gravity, the actual tasks that must be performed in space are considered in the design of equipment. To exemplify, if the task involves great precision, continued operation and the use of two hands, the task should be as close as possible to the operator. For tasks that require the use of special suits, design reach dimensions are generally reduced (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). Changes in Work Capacity and Biology The lack of gravity also forces design changes particularly in objects that require pushing, and pulling. Because there is lack in gravity, human force is basically reduced. Diminished musculoskeletal strength and reduced cardiac capacity are effects of lack of gravity and can affect work performance and capacity (Miller, n. d. ). It follows then that in functions that require force such as pushing and pulling, there should be mechanical assistance in the forms of body restraint systems that could substitute for gravity. These restraint systems must be developed under neutral buoyancy conditions on Earth or in actual conditions of the space. Handhold, waist and foot restraints can be used for holding onto a handgrip to accommodate functional reaches; waist restraint for good body control; and foot restraint if the need is excellent reach performance, stability and control (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). Gravity could also have a significant effect on a person’s biology. Particularly, the reduced gravitational force could induce spatial disorientation and space adaptation syndrome or space sickness (Ercoline, 1994). Such are not considered positive effects because they cause impairment of performance. Spatial disorientation refers to changes in posture, vertigo and illusions of movement that could result to tumbling (Brown, 2000). Critical activities are not advised to humans on mission when they are spatially disoriented. In the first days in space when humans experience space adaptation syndrome, humans tend to limit head motions. The effect is increased task time. What is usually done at this point is having limited activities that require speed (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). As implied earlier, gravity also has effects on the human muscular and circulatory system. The effects of diminished gravity on humans’ exercise capacity as a result of reduced cardiac activity (Davis, 1999; Bungo, 1983) and muscular strength (Patton, 1987) necessitates countermeasures such as diet plans and exercise plans (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). One thing that must be considered by the space industry is the adjustment of the human circadian rhythm and the effects of such adjustments in human performance (Gander, 1989). As it is, the goal of human factors research is to effect easier conditions in the space so that better and more successful performance is expected. Failure to do so would mean a loss in life and loss in significant investments (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006). Another thing that humans involved in space missions experience is great acceleration and vibration. Acceleration affects the vision depending on how its force is directed. The usual results are dimming of vision, loss of vision at a certain side, usually the periphery, and diminished, blurred or doubled vision. This restriction in vision could induce motion sickness which could affect performance (Stern, 1990). Vibration also has a degrading effect on the performance. It is usually during the lift-off and landing when vibration is greatest. Unfortunately, there are many times when vision is very important. Because of this, letters on equipment and signs are usually written in large format so as to accommodate any blurring or degrading effect of vibration on the person’s vision (Man-Systems Integration Standards, 2006).

The Evolution of Indian Accounting Standards: Its History and Current Status with Regard to International Financial Reporting Standards

1. Introduction Propelled by globalization, world attention today is centered on two emerging market economies, India and China. China's managed liberalization has allowed it to achieve more rapid growth and has attracted a larger portion of direct foreign investment. India, with its messy democracy and nod to individualism in recent times promises a more exciting market environment with greater potential for future growth. The liberalization of the Indian economy since 1991 has exposed Indian firms to foreign competition and foreign investment. As a result, the information needs required by both managers and investors have changed. A first step in this process is the demand for transparency in the financial reporting. This transparency is rapidly occurring in India as the country catapults into becoming a major economic power propelled on by the combined forces of the technological revolution, the opening up of its borders and the privatization of many infrastructure industries such as transportation and communication. This paper addresses the adoption and applicability of International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to India. 3 Specifically, the paper highlights some major areas where the country lacked harmonization with IAS in 1993 and the rapid congruence with IAS in the decade that followed. The attempt to achieve congruence with IAS appears to be more a by-product of the country's rapid economic growth rather than its catalyst. However, continued growth and the attraction of foreign capital to domestic ventures will depend on the transparency of the financial dealings. The Institute of the Chartered Accountants of India, (ICAI), India's standard setting body, is increasingly attempting to provide this transparency by revisions and additions to accounting standards, and by Exposure Drafts which aim to bring India more in line with International Financial Reporting Standards. The focus of this paper is on the evolution of these Indian Accounting Standards. 2. Literature review In order to effectively review the literature with regards to harmonization of accounting standards in general, it is deemed appropriate to first examine the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB) position, reasons for harmonization, and recent efforts towards this goal. Epstein and Mirza (1997) define the IASB's goals as first, to promote the acceptance of proposed accounting standards across the world; and second, to continue improvement in the harmonization of accounting standards, regulations, and procedures. As of 1990, sixteen countries had achieved 100% conformance with the thirty IAS that existed at the time, and seven developing countries such as Pakistan and Malaysia had adopted IAS fully as their own national standards (Gernon, Purvis, & Diamond, 1990). As of October 2007, a total of seventy-three countries have made IFRS a requirement for reporting for domestic listed companies. Despite this seemingly widespread acceptance, some research suspects the irrelevance or inapplicability of common standards in certain national environments ([Larson and Kenny, 1996], [Larson and Kenny, 1995, Summer] and [Fechner and Kilgore, 1994]). Based on their research, Larson and Kenny (1996) conclude that the adoption of IAS depend on a country's economic development theory, and its proposed level of adoption of the IAS. They also find no support for the hypothesis that there is a positive correlation between adoption of IAS and level of economic growth, and between adoption of IAS and level of equity market development (Larson & Kenny, 1995). In a panel discussion of policy setters concerning harmonization of accounting standards in 1990, several panel members noted that harmonization of accounting standards may not be appropriate or cost effective. They suggested large, multinational companies around the globe had the abilities and the funds to cope with lack of harmonization. As a result, they perceived a lack of incentive for preparers and users to harmonize accounting standards (Gernon et al. , 1990). The largest obstacle hindering the harmonization of accounting standards is national culture, especially in developing countries. Riahi-Belkaoui (1995) researched the required accounting standards across thirty-three national stock exchanges and found that accounting disclosure is significantly affected by the cultural dimensions of power distance, individualism, and uncertainty avoidance studied by Geert Hofstede. In particular, Riahi-Belkaoui (1995) found that in â€Å"societies in which people accept a hierarchical order in which everyone occupies a place that needs no justification†¦Ã¢â‚¬  people are â€Å"expected to take care of themselves and their immediate families only†¦. As a result, these societies are â€Å"tolerant of ambiguity and have strong conditions for extended disclosure requirements of stock exchanges† (p. 124). Hence, disclosure requirements of stock exchanges of certain developing nations were more extensive than that nation's general financial reporting standards. This is a major point in the case of India, whose stock exchange, for example, required a statement of c ash flows long before its general standard – setting body did in 2000. Also, since 2002, consolidated financial statements have been required by the Securities Exchange Board of India, while the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) only provides some loose guidelines to date (Deloitte, 2007). Along this same vein, other researchers suggest the influence of many external factors on the development of accounting standards such as cultural factors, the external environment, and the institutional structure ([Fechner and Kilgore, 1994] and [Doupnik and Salter, 1995]). According to this research, these varying effects on accounting standard – setting are significant, and along with varying legal systems, are found to be major determinants which cause conflict in setting accounting standards (Doupnik & Salter, 1995). Fechner and Kilgore (1994) have proposed a modified general framework to assess the extent to which economic factors, cultural factors, and the accounting subculture (uniformity, professionalism, conservatism, and secrecy), directly or indirectly affect accounting practice. In spite of opinions, conflicts and hindrances to the contrary, there is abundant support in favor of international accounting harmonization and for the adoption of IAS in the literature ([Epstein and Mirza, 1997], [Graham and Wang, 1995], [Wyatt, 1992, Spring] and [Gernon et al. , 1990]). For example, Gernon et al. (1990) point out that the benefits of harmonization range from better decision making within a firm with respect to asset allocation, to improving the efficiency of capital markets, and increasing competitiveness among firms within and across national boundaries irrespective of a country's stage of development. Complementing this argument, Riahi-Belkaoui (1994), notes that accounting standard harmonization is crucial to a developing country which needs outside capital or foreign loans as potential investors and creditors often rely on these financial statements in making decisions such as allocation of capital. Furthermore, he points out that harmonization is often mistaken for â€Å"complete standardization† (1994) whereas harmonization recognizes the specific needs of each country. Therefore, he suggests the first step in harmonization should be to recognize certain country – specific issues, and to reconcile them with the objectives of other countries. The second step should be then to â€Å"correct or eliminate some of these barriers in order to achieve an acceptable degree of harmonization. † As a starting point, the evolution of the Indian accounting system is investigated and the various domestic influences, such as economic, political, legal, socio-cultural and academic factors, are considered along with international influences that may have had an impact. Secondly, the bare essentials of the Indian accounting system are juxtaposed with the international standards and a compare and contrast approach is adopted for the purpose of analysis. Thirdly, the major differences with respect to accounting treatment – statutory requirements for certain items and altogether absence of these requirements for other items – are highlighted, along with the degree of disclosure of information in financial reports. Finally, an attempt is made to identify various causes and effects of such differences and variations. 3. The historical development of Indian accounting standards The evolution of India's present day accounting system can be traced back to as early as the sixteenth century with India's trade links to Europe and central Asia through the historic silk route. The subsequent entry of the East India Company had widespread influence on Indian trade and commerce, and soon the economy was virtually taken over by the company's owners. The British government, realizing immense potential by way of business opportunities, natural resources and manpower, decided to colonize India by taking over the East India Company. The British Raj (rule) explains the almost identical pattern of accounting and financial reporting practices between India and England (Marston, 1986). However, since 1947, when India regained independence, some changes have taken place to accommodate the special needs of the Indian economy. Indian accounting practices reflect its diversity as India has eighteen official languages and scores of dialects spread over twenty – eight states and seven union territories. Each state has its own distinct culture and general trade practices. Furthermore, the accounting practices of the unorganized rural/agricultural sector and the small-scale–urban–industrial sector vary considerably from one region to another. The establishment of a certain uniformity in the accounting and trade practices for these sectors is, therefore, nearly impossible. Moreover, a large number of businesses are controlled by tightly knit conservative families and the management of such businesses is usually very reluctant to disclose any financial information for reasons of privacy and fear of competitors. 4 A vast majority of the Indian population lives in the rural area, with very low levels of education and economic development. The primary source of income for this majority is through agriculture, although virtually no agricultural accounting system exists. Due to the linguistic and intra-cultural differences, it is also not possible to bring about a standardization in rural accounting practices. Changes to this scenario began to occur with the introduction of the Panchayati system or the grass roots level of administration by the late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. This program empowers the Village Chief with political and financial administration within the boundaries of the Indian Constitution, and has been fairly successful in that it has made a substantial dent on the existing sluggishness in the underground economy. In sharp contrast, India is one of the world's largest industrial nations in the world, a military superpower in its own right, and a world leader in space research and satellite technology. A jolt to the Indian economy occurred in 1991, when India strained for foreign reserves and pressure from the International Monetary Fund, (IMF) introduced major changes in economic policy. The net result was a substantial reduction in government interference and in taxes on the business sector, long favored by then Finance Minister (now Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh. Markets were opened up to foreign collaboration and investment. Segments of the public sector were privatized (Anderson & Lanen, 1999). As a result, India has emerged as a major player in exporting software technology, industrial and consumer goods, and financial services through a large number of multinational corporations. The presence of such global conglomerates also means increased interaction with international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, just to name a few. However, the public sector still continues to play a major role in the Indian economy since all industries that are relevant to national defense and security are owned by the Indian government and account for a major portion of the nation's industrial economy. The accounting practices of this public sector, along with that of the organized private sector, fall into the realm of The Companies Act, 1956, and are similar in many respects to International Accounting Standards. The involvement of international institutions and businesses in financial matters makes it even more imperative that the Indian accounting system be compatible with its international counterpart. The Indian accounting system, which is based on the Companies Act of 1956, is basically a copy from its counterpart in the U. K. The Act has been amended several times to suit Indian conditions. More notable amongst the amendments are the ones in 1965 and 1969, which introduced regulations relating to maintenance of cost accounts and requirements for a cost audit. Also relevant are the two notifications issued in 1971 and 1973, which extended disclosure rules considerably (Marston, 1986). Research efforts at several Indian universities and other organizations have been commendable and have exerted influence on the accounting system in that they have focused on the changing needs of accounting with respect to the rapidly changing economic and technological environment. Such organizations include: the Indian Council of Social Science Research, which organizes research surveys in the areas of accounting and financial management; the Indian Accounting Association, which has made significant contributions through independent accounting research; and the Institute of the Chartered Accountants of India, (ICAI), which promulgates accounting standards for use by Indian companies. 5 Other international bodies, of which India is an active member, have also contributed towards bringing the Indian accounting system to par with International Accounting Standards. Examples of such bodies are: the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants; and the Ad hoc Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (Marston, 1986). In addition, the Financial Stability Forum organized by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the G7 has helped to promote standards for global best practices (Echeverri-Gent, 2001). As a result of all these forces, an amendment to the Companies Act was enacted in October 1998 which established a new National Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards (Deloitte, 2007). However, cultural and political dimensions continue to influence India's accounting practices. 4. Comparative analysis of the international accounting standards and the accounting standards and practices of India Our analysis of the differences in International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the accounting standards and practices of India is presented in this section. Gernon et al. (1990) note six ways of evaluating national standards in conjunction with the IAS, which they extracted from an IASC survey entitled Survey of the Use and Application of IAS 1988. The six categories are as follows: 1. IAS adopted as national standard, 2. IAS used as the basis for a national requirement, 3. National requirements conform ‘in all material respects, with IAS’, 4. National practice ‘generally conforms with IAS’, 5. National requirements do ‘not conform with IAS’, and 6. National practice does ‘not generally conform with IAS’. Differences between accounting standards issued in India and accounting standards issued by the IASB fall under items five and six – either national requirements do not conform, or national practice does not conform. Using these criteria, Gernon et al. (1990) found India's conformity index with IAS to be 56%, in the decade before the 90s. It was the fifth lowest among the countries represented. Since Gernon et al. ‘s study in 1990, the IASB revised many of its standards, which became effective in 1995 (Epstein & Mirza, 1997). This â€Å"Comparability/Improvements Project† attempted to narrow the alternatives available to adopting countries. 6 Ten IAS were revised under this project and are included in IAS 1997: Interpretation and Application of IAS 1997. The standards affected include: inventories; errors and changes; research and development; construction contracts; property, plant and equipment; revenue recognition; retirement benefits; foreign exchange rates; business combinations; and borrowing costs (Epstein & Mirza, 1997). Our research and analysis of IAS includes these revisions. For purposes of our research, accounting standards used in India were extracted from the International Accounting Summaries of 1993 (Coopers & Lybrand (International), 1993) and from the Accounting Standards Updates by Jurisdiction (Deloitte, 2007). This includes accounting standards and guidance notes issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Companies Act of 1956. The ICAI had issued twelve standards as of 1993, seven of which were mandatory. These 12 standards are contrasted against the IAS. 7 Appearing in descending order of IAS, the major differences in accounting standards are outlined below according to the same format used by Graham and Wang (1995). 4. 1. IAS 2 – Inventories Based upon the Comparability / Improvements Project, the base stock method for costing of inventories is now prohibited, while the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, has been reduced to an â€Å"allowed alternative† (Epstein and Mirza, p. 11). The Indian Accounting Standard, AS 2, revised in 1999, is generally in line with the IAS now with FIFO being the popular method among public limited companies. However, there are many firms still using the LIFO method, which is the allowed alternative under IAS, (Shankaraiah and Rao). This practice contrasts with the earlier period when under accounting standards issued by the ICAI, the base stock method could be used in â€Å"exceptional circumstances†, and the LIFO method was normally accepted (Coopers & Lybrand (International), 1993). Yet the fact that different procedures are still allowed make it difficult to compare performances across firms. 4. 2. IAS 7 – Cash flow statements Epstein and Mirza (1997) note that national and international accounting standard setters view the statement of cash flows as a â€Å"necessary component of complete financial reporting†. Thus, the statement of cash flows is a required component of a set of financial statements to be prepared under IAS. Under standards issued by the ICAI, AS 3, revised in 1997, either a funds flow statement or a statement of cash flows is acceptable. In practice, the majority of firms provide a funds flow statement with their annual reports. This is a significant change from the earlier period when the statement of changes in financial position (funds flow statement) was recommended but was not common practice (Coopers & Lybrand (International), 1993). However, under Clause 32 of the listing agreements for stock exchanges, a cash flow statement in similar conformance with the corresponding IAS was required for Indian companies at the time. An example could be found in the1995-6 Annual Report of Tata Iron & Steel, now Tata Steel (Tata Iron & Steel, 1996). 4. 3. IAS 8 – Net profit or loss for period, fundamental errors and changes in accounting policies Effective in 1995, IAS 8 allows as an alternative, inclusion the effects of errors in current period income, while the ICAI standards (AS 5) permit this approach as the only accounting treatment. However, AS 5 requires only the disclosure of prior period items but not its effect on current income (Shankaraiah and Rao). AS 5 was revised in 1997 and an exposure draft was issued in 2001 proposing limited revisions. 4. 4. IAS 11 – Construction contracts Based upon the IASB's Comparability/Improvements Project, the percentage-of-completion method for accounting for construction contracts is required, and the completed contract method is no longer allowed. The ICAI standard, AS 7, revised in 2002, allows for both the percentage-of-completion method and completed contract method but recommends the percentage-of-completion method if a reliable estimate of the outcome is possible. Also, under the umbrella of construction contracts is IAS 23 – Borrowing Costs. Under IAS, interest incurred on a construction contract should be expensed. This is the benchmark treatment. Capitalization of interest costs is an allowed alternative. The ICAI standards, AS 16, allow capitalization of interest if it is incurred during the period of construction. 4. 5. IAS 12 – Accounting for taxes on income IAS 12 permits the use of the tax deferral method or the tax liability method, in accounting for income taxes. The ICAI permits use of the tax payable method or the tax liability method. Also, the IAS prescribe a three year reversal period before timing differences can be excluded, while under tax laws in India the reversal period is five years. Also, under tax laws in India, a tax loss is permitted to be carried forward for eight years, while IAS 12 does not specifically prescribe a time period. 4. 6. IAS 14 – Reporting financial information by segment IAS 14 requires disclosure of segmental information if the firm has public subsidiaries, or if national standards require such treatment. AS 17, issued in 2000, is broadly in line with IAS 14. No such requirement existed earlier, but there were extensive disclosure requirements when reporting by product. As of October 2007, IAS 14 has been superseded by IFRS 8 – Operating segments. 4. 7. IAS 16 – Property, plant and equipment Under the Comparability/Improvements Project, IAS 16 now suggests historical cost as the benchmark in valuing property, plant and equipment. Revaluation is the allowed alternative. Under the ICAI's standards, AS 10, the appraisal method is preferred, and the most common in practice. 4. 8. IAS 17 – Accounting for leases Accounting standards issued by the ICAI did not include leases in 1993. In practice, no distinction was made between financial and operating leases. Under IAS 17, provisions for accounting for leases include both capital and operating leases. Accounting standards for leases were issued by ICAI in 2001, AS 19. These standards are broadly in line with IAS. 4. 9. IAS 19 – Retirement benefit cost IAS 19 requires actuarial valuations to be allocated to income on a systematic basis. Also, new under the Comparability / Improvements Project the accrued benefit valuation method is the benchmark in accounting for pensions, and the projected benefit method is the allowed alternative. Standards issued in India, AS 15, had no language concerning valuation methods, and no specific reference on how to account for actuarial valuations. However, the standards that were revised in 2005 and became effective in 2006, require that enterprises â€Å"actuarially determine and provide for such liability based on the ‘Projected Unit Credit Method’†(Deloitte, 2007). 4. 10. IAS 21 – The effects of changes in foreign exchange rate Since accounting standards issued by the ICAI do not require consolidation, the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates are reflected in the financial statements of the foreign branches of the â€Å"parent† company. The benchmark under IAS 21 is to recognize the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates as differences in income or expense in the period incurred. The allowed alternative is to include the difference in the carrying value of the related asset. Under the ICAI's standards, revised in 1994 and 2000, exchange rate differences are accounted for in the carrying value of the asset only for fixed assets. For all other accounts, differences are recognized as income or expense in the period incurred. For foreign entities not integral to operations, the IAS prescribe accounting for all assets and liabilities at the closing rate. Assuming foreign branches outside of India to be non-integral, non-monetary items are accounted for at the rate prevalent on the date of transaction under India's accounting standards. Clearly, the issue of accounting for changes in foreign exchange rates is in a state of flux in India, and a hotly debated item, as the rupee continues to strengthen. It has moved upwards relative to the dollar by 15% since 2004 with most of it occurring in the period 2006–2007. 4. 11. IAS 22 (superseded by IFRS 3) – Business combinations The Companies Act of India had no requirement for consolidation until April 2001. In turn, there was no requirement to write off goodwill, or to use the equity method. Subsidiaries normally accounted for in consolidation were accounted for as investments. AS 21 requires a parent company preparing financial statements to provide financial information about the economic activities, resources, obligations and results of its group. It is not mandatory to prepare consolidated financial statements. However, the Securities Exchange Board requires listed companies to prepare consolidated statements as of 2002. 4. 12. IAS 24 – Related party disclosure Although there was no prescribed accounting treatment by the ICAI or the Companies Act concerning related party transactions or disclosures, the Act did specifically define related parties. AS 18, issued in 2000, is now broadly in line with IAS 24. 4. 13. IAS 31 – Financial reporting of interests in joint ventures Accounting standards issued by ICAI had no standard concerning the different forms of joint ventures until 2002. Jointly controlled entities were accounted for as long term investments. AS 27, reporting of interests in Joint Ventures lays out principles and procedures for accounting for Joint Ventures for both venture partners and investors. The standards still differ from IAS. In accounting for jointly controlled entities, IAS 31 prescribes proportionate consolidation as the benchmark; and the equity method as the allowed alternative. The above analysis indicates that there are many critical issues that need to be dealt with by India's standard setting body, the ICAI. An important consideration in analyzing the differences between IAS and standards issued in India is the absence of mandatory requirements for consolidated financial statements. Fischer, Taylor, and Leer (1993) suggest that the presentation of consolidated financial statements is of great importance to the parent company's stockholders. Firms in India account for their subsidiaries as investments under the cost method of accounting for investments. This is perhaps a grave misinterpretation of the parent company's economic substance. The use of the cost method in accounting for subsidiaries in contrast to consolidation accounting represents the legal form of the companies, but does not represent the more important economic substance. In addition, the lack of consolidated financial statements in a developing country such as India impedes the progress towards comparability of multinational financial statements. Many large Indian companies have numerous subsidiary companies whose selected financial figures are presented separately in the annual reports as opposed to being consolidated with the â€Å"parent† companies. This makes it increasingly difficult for potential investors and financial analysts worldwide to make knowledgeable decisions. As recent as March 2007, the Press Trust of India quoted the ICAI president, Sunil H. Talati, as saying that Indian accountants face problems in accounting for mergers and acquisitions. However, as Indian companies opt to get listed on exchanges at home, the Securities Exchange Board of India requires consolidated financial statements. 5. Conclusions In recent years, India, one of the fastest growing economies has captured the attention of investors worldwide. Since the early nineties, following the opening up of the economy with more liberal policies, technical and financial collaborations have increased multifold and so has foreign direct investment and portfolio investment (Anderson & Lanen, 1999). Nevertheless, certain archaic accounting practices still continue. In their study on managerial accounting practices in India, Anderson and Lanen, 1999 S. W. Anderson and W. N. Lanen, Economic transition, strategy and the evolution of management accounting practices: The case of India, Accounting, Organizations and Society 24 (1999), pp. 379–412. Abstract | PDF (297 K) | View Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus (21)Anderson and Lanen (1999) report little involvement by investors and owners in the development of strategy which still is to a large extent controlled by the government. The Company's Act restricts â€Å"takeovers† and blocks transactions that the government may view as prejudicial to the interests of the company or the public. It is not surprising therefore to find that financial accounting practices mirror this policy by the lack of consolidation of parent and subsidiary financial statements, a major divergence from the IAS. Fischer et al. (1993) note that â€Å"stockholders are interested in the total financial position of the corporation, regardless of how diversified the operations have become† (p. 64). They also report that unconsolidated subsidiaries are very rare in businesses today. The push for changes in accounting practices appears to come from the equity markets. Change has come more rapidly to the equity markets because reform in these markets â€Å"have not aroused as much political opposition† (Echeverri-Gent, 2001). However the banking and business sectors are still steeped in tradition and political agendas of national and state parties affect their evolution. Besides, it is also important to consider the strong cultural element present in India. This could impede the process somewhat even though over the last few years many Indian standards have sought conformance with the International Accounting Standards (Narayanaswamy, 1992). Nevertheless, in March 2007, the Press Trust of India reported that India had adopted only 21 IAS in comparison to the 47 IAS adopted by several developed countries. Press Trust of India, 2007). In July 2007, the council of the ICAI announced a plan to converge the Indian Accounting Standards with the International Financial Reporting Standards (formerly IAS). However, it retained the stipulation that any modifications will still have to reflect â€Å"Indian conditions. † (Deloitte, 2007). The new standards will be effective on or after April 1, 2011. Our study of the Indian accounting system in conjunction with the International Accounting Standards indicates the importance of developing comparable financial statements in emerging economies with those of the developed world. In India, the political and social impediments need to be tackled in order to improve comparability for financial statement users. On the Business Competitiveness Index, India is ranked 48th among industrial countries. By conforming to international standards, India would be taking the necessary steps to improve its competitive position in world markets. References Anderson and Lanen, 1999 S. W. Anderson and W. N. Lanen, Economic transition, strategy and the evolution of management accounting practices: The case of India, Accounting, Organizations and Society 24 (1999), pp. 79–412. Abstract | PDF (297 K) | View Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus (21) Coopers and Lybrand (International), 1993 Coopers and Lybrand (International), International accounting summaries, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , New York, NY (1993). Deloitte, 2007 Deloitte, Accounting standards updates by jurisdiction (2007). Doupnik and Salter, 1995 Timothy S. Doupnik and Stephen B. Salter, External environment, culture, and accounting practice: A preliminary test of a general model of international accounting development, The International Journal of Accounting 30 (1995), pp. 189–207. Echeverri-Gent, 2001, August John Echeverri-Gent, Political economy of India's fiscal and financial reform, Center for Research on Economic Development and Policy Reform (2001, August). Epstein and Mirza, 1997 Barry J. Epstein and Abbas Ali Mirza, IAS 97: Interpretation and application of International Accounting Standards, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , New York, NY (1997). Fechner and Kilgore, 1994 Harry H. E. Fechner and Alan Kilgore, The influence of cultural factors on accounting practice, The International Journal of Accounting 29 (1994), pp. 265–277. Fischer et al. , 1993 Paul M. Fischer, William J. Taylor and J. Arthur Leer, Advanced accounting (5th Edition), College Division, South-Western Publishing Co. , Cincinnati, OH (1993). Gernon et al. , 1990 Helen Gernon, S. E. C. Purvis and Micheal A. Diamond, An analysis of the implications of the IASC's Comparability Project, School of Accounting, University of Southern California: SEC and Financial Reporting Institute (1990). Graham and Wang, 1995 Roger C. Graham and Chin-hsin Coco Wang, Taiwan and International Accounting Standards: A comparison, The International Journal of Accounting 30 (1995), pp. 49–167. Larson and Kenny, 1995, Summer Robert K. Larson and Sara York Kenny, An empirical analysis of international accounting standards, equity markets, and economic growth in developing countries, Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting 6 (1995, Summer), pp. 130–157. Full Text via CrossRef Larson and Kenny, 1996 Robert K. Larson and Sara York Kenny, Accounting standard-setting s trategies and theories of economic development: Implications for the adoption of international accounting standards, Advances in International Accounting 9 (1996), pp. 1–20. Marston, 1986 Claire Marston, Financial reporting in India, Croom Helm, London, UK (1986). Narayanaswamy, 1992 R. Narayanaswamy, Accounting for leases by lessees in India: Some evidence of economic impact, The International Journal of Accounting 27 (1992), pp. 255–261. Press Trust of India, 2007 Press Trust of India, ICAI sets up taskforce on accounting standards, PTI-The Press Trust of India (2007). Riahi-Belkaoui, 1994 Ahmed Riahi-Belkaoui, Accounting in the developing countries, Quorum Books, Westport, CT (1994). Riahi-Belkaoui, 1995 Ahmed Riahi-Belkaoui, The cultural shaping of accounting, Quorum Books, Westport, CT (1995). Shankaraiah and Rao Shankaraiah, K. , & Rao, D. N. Corporate governance and accounting standards in India. An empirical study on practices. Working Paper. (February 10, 2004). Available at SSRN: http://ssm. com/abstract=501242. 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Reasearch Paper-Barriers Among Homeless Youth

Barriers Among Homeless Youth In Health Care Sebastian Henao Conestoga College Homelessness amongst youth is common in nearly every part of the world, including the region of Waterloo. Given these circumstances many young adults have barriers that they must overcome in a daily basis in order to stay alive. Some of these barriers include substance abuse, sexual intercourse and poor access to health care. All of these barriers can potentially harm a young person’s life.So how can nurses help the homeless youth from overcoming these barriers? A review form â€Å"Health-Seeking Challenges Among Homeless Youth† suggests that information on healthcare services and assistance to homeless youth, is key for their wellbeing. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2009, 10 to 20 youth in Waterloo Region are experiencing persistent homelessness and at least 75 are at-risk. These youth are more likely to engage in risky behaviour due to barriers they experience ever y day.Even though the research of, â€Å"Health-Seeking Challenges Among Homeless Youth† was done in the United States, as nurses, we can still incorporate their message into our practice, the research was done to determine what were the biggest barriers homeless youth encountered in healthcare services. Do to this research nurses can plan ways to ensure the wellness of homeless youth and ensure these barriers don’t take place. As nurses we are taught that our patients deserve the best care possible, disregarding age or social status. Rather than provide resources for homeless youth, youth frequently were confronted with unforgettable comments that were full of judgment. † (Hudson et al. ,2010) It is important that as nurses we are open and not make judgements in order to provide the best client care possible, this is seen as a barrier to homeless youth that feel like whenever they go to a clinic they are being discriminated. The different barriers that homeless youth encounter on a daily basis are not the same barriers that other patients may encounter.Therefore, the health teaching used for homeless youth should be different than that of the average patient. â€Å"Health-seeking Challenges among Homeless Youth† research report has shown the different barriers the youth face and as nurses, we must be flexible with providing them with the appropriate health teaching to ensure their wellness. Mental health, sexual orientation and substance abuse help are just a few of the health teaching the youth need â€Å"As a result, young adults called out for more outreach, particularly for mental health treatment† (Hudson et al. , 2010).Being able to identify and give effective help to patients suffering from mental health, can lead to a better health and recovery. In order to reach out to the younger homeless population, all the related interproffessional teams should discuss what the best solution is to pass on the information to the y outh. One way that the use could access the information is through programs or classes that can be held in shelters, these classes can be held to provide information regarding substance abuse, sexual intercourse and mental health; how to reach help and if necessary could provide with other resources.Some other ways the information can be passed on the youth could be to hold clinics through the city, this can give a chance for the homeless to come get information and be able to get any help they need. According to Throughout the Waterloo region there are a number of programs to help out homeless people, however, these programs should incorporate information on how the health care services can help them.If we all work together and provide the necessary information, the barriers that homeless youth experience in healthcare can be eliminated. References First Call Bc (2012). Resources on the Mental Health of Homeless youth in Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2012 from http://firstcallbc. wordpress. com/2012/05/30/resources-on-the-mental-health-of-homeless-youth-in-canada/ Hudson, A. , Nyamthi, A. , Greengold, B. , Slagle, A. , Koniak-Griffin, D. , Khalilifard, F. , & Getzoff, D. (2010).Health seeking challenges among homeless youth. Nursing Research, 59(3), 212-218. National Alliance to End Homelessness (2009). New Funding for Homeless Youth Services and Housing – Guide to Community Planners and Youth Advocates. Retrieved September 20, 2012, from www. endhomelessness. org/section/policy/focusareas/youth. Region of Waterloo (2010). Social planning, policy and program administration. Retrieved September 22, 2012, from http://www. regionofwaterloo. ca/en/regionalGovernment/resources/SA2010-0406. pd

Marketing Strategy Analysis For Kingfisher Airlines Tourism Essay Essays

Marketing Strategy Analysis For Kingfisher Airlines Tourism Essay Essays Marketing Strategy Analysis For Kingfisher Airlines Tourism Essay Essay Marketing Strategy Analysis For Kingfisher Airlines Tourism Essay Essay Kingfisher Airline is a private air hose based in Bangalore, India. Around 66 % of Kingfisher Airlines is owned by Mr. Vijay Mallaya United Beverages Group through his keeping companies. Other investors include fiscal establishments and single investors. Kingfisher Airlines started its operations on May 9, 2005 with a fleet of 4 Airbus A320 aircrafts. The air hose presently operates on 42 domestic paths and 6 international paths. Kingfisher is one of merely six air hoses in the universe to hold a five star evaluation from skytrax. It has besides received multiple awards for best air hose, best service, invention etc. PRODUCT Offer: Kingfisher meets the demands of its clients with services such as personal gentleman at the airdrome to help in luggage handling and embarkation, sole sofas with private infinite, accompanied with refreshments and music at the airdrome, sound and picture ondemand, with extra-wide individualized screens in the aircraft, sleeperette seats with extendible footstools, and three-course epicure culinary art. CUSTOMER NEEDS Apart from the basic map on travel the company besides provides a hassle free safe journey. When associated with Kingfisher airlines a client feels like aˆ? Transportation aˆ? Oneworld aˆ? Personal Valet at a invitee in person s place while at the same clip kerb aˆ? Safety aˆ? King Club aˆ? In-flight services aˆ? Convenience aˆ? Relationship supplying him with an aura of success. The individualized Manager aˆ? Off flight services attending to detail in quality and services from the clip aˆ? Service upgrades you book a ticket to the clip you leave the airdrome all gives the guest an experience of success while at the same give him a feeling of being taken attention of and being pampered. Memberships with confederates like recognition card companies, hotels and assorted golf classs with the Kingfisher wages card called King nine merely enhances the feeling and experience. Functional Symbolic Experiential SEGMENTATION STRATEGY: Based on the analysis of the client cleavage Administration Business Travelers Leisure travellers Department Kingfisher has into 2 divisions to provide to the differing aˆ? Age 25-45 aˆ? Company representative civil air power demands of a fast turning economic system. aˆ? Age Group 30-60 aˆ? High Disposable income aˆ? Increased income aˆ? Looking for majority Kingfisher foremost and Kingfisher premium caters to aˆ? Time orientated engagements aˆ? Adventurous and funny aˆ? Price aˆ? Price sensitive concern travellers who look at service quality and aˆ? Looking for comfort aˆ? Flexibility aˆ? convenience aˆ? Flexible aˆ? Value added services comfort and Kingfisher red which focuses on leisure aˆ? Open minded travellers who are chiefly cost witting. Through this division, Kingfisher can supply value to the client by cross functionality of the competitory advantage. On clip public presentation record High employee satisfaction Amalgamation with Deccan Experienced employees Youngest aircraft fleet Business Model Based on the demands of the client, Kingfisher has based its concern on Supplying a high Quality, Safe and friendly winging experience and has build its substructure to foreground it s high quality in these Fieldss Personal gentleman for luggage handling Safety record Resources Chef on board for customized repasts Training academy Dependability and safety Kingfisher repute Vijay Mallaya Quality of offering Strong Image Cross selling King nine rank benefits INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS: The Indian economic system is turning at an norm of 8.35 % which has seen 360 degree quality and Brand 5 star evaluation Word of place with invention a jet of activity in the civil advertisement from skytrax Mouth extendible awards footrest air power industry. The liberalisation of the air power sector and the unfastened skies policy adopted by the authorities has propelled this growing from 1993. At present it is estimated that Domestic and International air travel will turn at an estimated 20 % to 25 % . In Jan-June 2010, 25.1 million riders flew with Domestic bearers, which is a 22 % growing from the corresponding period last twelvemonth. Most of this growing is attributed to the services industry which is responsible for 35 % of the employment in India. This altering Dynamics has led to an addition in utilizing air power to run into the transit demands of the populace. The addition in disposable incomes has allowed leisure travellers to see alien venues both in India and internationally. The growing of the services sector has led to the addition in concern travel every bit good. It is estimated that concern travellers account for around 48 % of rider traffic and around 66 % of the grosss generated. There are six major bearers in Indian air power jet air passages, kingfisher, Indigo, spicejet, GoAir and the national bearer Air India. VALUE NET Socio cultural Di Environment Education, position symbol Raise Suppliers Boeing, Airbus, Aviation Fuel Technological Eliminate Enviornment Infrastructure betterment INDIRECT ENVIRONMENT A high growing in the Indian economic system has resulted in investings in air power. There are presently around 30 new airdromes being built to run into the current and future demands of the turning Indian in-between category. There is besides a redevelopments made to bing airdromes to increase burden managing capablenesss and open up future national and international paths. The airdromes of Delhi and Mumbai are a instance in point. This betterment in substructure and unfastened skies air policy coupled with a growing in income, instruction and consciousness of the Indian Population can heighten the growing of the industry. However this period is besides witnessing high fluctuating air power fuel monetary values which adversely affect the operating costs. The economic recession in 2008 adversely affected the air hose industry. Customer Load Factors and Revenues reduced by 30 % and 45 % severally Eliminate Competitors Jet Airways, Spicejet Complementors code portion with jet, oneworld member Reduce Customers Political Eliminate enviornment Open sky policy Business and leisure travellers Economic Eliminate Enviornment High growing rate DIRECT ENVIRONMENT Aviation has ever been a capital intensive low growing industry. Of the six major air hoses merely 50 % of them are runing at a net income. A deficiency of appropriate human capital and a limited sum of providers for aircrafts increases the operating costs of these air hoses. The intense competition to pull new clients has resulted in a monetary value war which has diminished net incomes well. Jet airways, Kingfisher and Indian air hoses ( subordinate of Air India ) are the chief rivals in the industry who are contending for the concern and leisure travellers in the state. To battle increasing costs air hoses have began to organize confederations with each other to maximise output and better client keeping. Kingfisher has late joined the oneworld air hoses. This partnerships allows codification sharing and fillip points sharing among a figure of intl air hoses. In the domestic sector, Kingfisher has inked a codification portion understanding with Jet air passages to better outputs MABA The factors stated supra have shown us the unpredictable nature of the industry and although there are enormous growing chances in the sector, the high dependance on external and internal factors increase the capriciousness of the same. This would be a reasonably low attractive industry which has a really high gestation period, intense competition and low ROI. *Quantifiable informations would supply us a more accurate estimation. However Data is unavailable at the minute. Some factors like client burden factor and mean monetary value of a ticket are available for some industries while other factors to see are either in per centum footings or are unavailable RAISON DETRE: Stockholders aˆ? Dividend Paid out aˆ? Pride and prestige associated with the trade name Employees aˆ? Remuneration Package aˆ? Decentralized construction aˆ? Best resource hiring policy aˆ? High Internal Growth aˆ? Kingfisher Academy Customers aˆ? Delighters aˆ? Feedback Mechanisms aˆ? Brand Loyalty plans aˆ? Personalized Service Society aˆ? CSR enterprises aˆ? 5 star from skytrax aˆ? First to order boeing A380 H A P PI N ES S WE S EE K T O BU I LD AN O RG AN I Z AT IO N WI T H PE O PL E WH O C H O O S E T O B E H A P P Y, AN D WI L L EN D E A VO U R TO IN FL U EN C E O U R G U ES TS AN D C O WO R K E RS T O BE HAPPY TOO. This mission statement is a true contemplation of the nature of being of Kingfisher air hose. It addresses the four stakeholders to which it adds value to. The organisation has done a good occupation in pass oning and distributing the vision of the company to its clients, employees and society. The employees have been given all the tools to experience insecure and independent while they are making their occupation. They have been encouraged to work together to carry through the aim of the company. The society at big is proud and happy to hold an air hose like Kingfisher associated with them. A batch of the enterprises taken by them have been industry number ones. The acknowledgment given to them by the international community is a taking visible radiation to the Indian air power industry. Kingfisher nevertheless has nevertheless had a batch of hard currency flow issues which have impacted the value given to stockholders. The amalgamation with Air Deccan has given the company a larger base but at the cost of net incomes. The high debt has created a batch of jobs on the fiscal viability of the house and the company is looking at ways to cut down the current debt load Sustainability At the present Kingfisher has a distinguishable competitory advantage. The value for the client was created by supplying him a alone winging experience where the client felt delighted right from the minute he booked a ticket to wing with Kingfisher. Follow up calls to booked clients, regular free ascents, a alone substructure both in the aircraft and the waiting sofa and above all the unfastened and ask foring communicating gave an increased perceived value to the client. Kingfisher has besides been created Value for itself by looking at the client demands. With the amalgamation of Air Deccan it was able to provide to a larger consumer market and be able to supply some benefits of one section to the other. By mentioning to clients as invitees they give the feeling of unity among everyone in the organisation. All these factors contribute to supplying a alone competitory advantage for itself and the consumer at the present minute. However to prolong this competitory advantage it will b e necessary for it to heighten and introduce this nucleus. Culture Durable Demand Efficienc Y Distinct cape History Imitation Barrier @ competition Company VISION The Kingfisher Airlines household will systematically present a safe, value-based, gratifying travel experience to all our invitees. In a recent interview Vijay Mallaya proprietor of Kingfisher air hose outlined his Long term Vision for the company. He stated that A?A? Kingfisher aims to be the most profitable international air hose in IndiaA?A? Although this purpose is decidedly bold and ambitious the company has created the substructure, the engineering, trade name image and loyal client to recognize this aspiration while staying true Consumer Survey Feedback forms Online reappraisal After gross revenues calls to the vision and values of the organisation. Target group MARKETS MARKET Devising Customer feed back Geographic group Kingfisher has created an environment of uninterrupted feedback to understand the altering demands of the client. Through assorted feedback mechanisms like studies, solution mapping feedback signifiers and after gross revenues calls the company captures Media advertisement Consumer Pilot undertaking and the demands of the clients and analysis it with relation to the consciousness Results proving market and the resources available. After a solution is found and positive pilot testing is done there is a bustle of Promotions activity through assorted media channels and their online Alliances beginnings to make consciousness of the merchandise. In 2009 entirely Kingfisher spent near to INR 100 Million on advertisement entirely. Once the consciousness is completed and the merchandise launched at that place Resource analysis Launch of merchandise Feedback analysis and market research is a feedback on that which is used to further heighten the offering. This dedication to uninterrupted betterment has besides led to opening of new path programs and takes advantage of being the first mover. The trade name name and the services that Kingfisher offers it is able to keep its competitory place on these paths. Kingfisher s mean ticket monetary value is 8000 which is one of the highest in the market and it is set to profit even more as the air power market matures which is estimated to do a 20 % addition in monetary values Market Hunt: Interest capturing Closing of sale Service provided Awareness presales Follow up Gross saless Direct Gross saless Gross saless force Channels Ads and publicities Brand image Company call Centre Relationship Directors Online channels Service resources Owner and trade name embassadors External Market Making Internal Market Making Kingfisher has two chief channels for gross revenues which are its direct gross revenues and the on-line channel. The growing in the societal environment of the state has reduced the dependance on travel agents and now they account for merely 3 % of the entire grosss of the air hose. This transportation has resulted in an increased dependance on on-line engagements. Kingfisher supplements the online booking channel chiefly with their call Centre which assists client questions and besides gross revenues to those clients who are non comfy with the online system. The direct gross revenues channel is farther divided into branch locations and direct gross revenues representatives. The subdivision office captures the single concern travellers and the leisure travellers while the direct gross revenues representatives focal point of block gross revenues in the B to B section. The relationship directors are responsible for understanding the consumer experience and guara nting repetition gross revenues. The Decentralized nature of the organisation enhances coaction and enhances coaction with the aid of advanced technological substructure. The external aid received by the gross revenues and selling force besides assists the squad in making higher grosss. Kingfisher leverages in trade name image through assorted Medias to make consciousness about the merchandise and services and aides the pre gross revenues procedure. This enables the gross revenues squad to concentrate on seeking to carry through the client demands. Market Farming: Most of Kingfishers gross stems from the domestic market. It is estimated that ticket monetary values will increase due to the turning Customer nature of the industry. Kingfisher will profit the most from this life-time Value monetary value hiking and will be able to tap the monetary value sensitive consumers. The Kingfisher group is known to be a lifestyle trade name which has Base Extended Leveraged Business Business Business merchandises like whisky, Beer, Water etc and experiential services like a cricket squad and a expression 1 squad. Along with these services the Airlines besides have a low cost subordinate in Revenues from Domestic Complementary International 19 % Loyalty plans associated trade names Kingfisher red. The house captures these synergisms through branding 89 % 9 % bundling and cross merchandising and 9 % of the grosss are attributed Inter organisational Relationship to these activities. Kingfisher has been successful in adding offerings Management value to the cl ient by binding up with other lifestyle merchandises to sell the trade name. An illustration of that would be its tie up with ICICI recognition cards, Inox multiplex and assorted golf classs in India. Market ANALYSIS Kingfisher was a late entrant in the Airline industry. In order to turn in the market it was really advanced and speedy in responding to the consumer demands. Most of the alterations attributed to it hold been reactive and non proactive. Although the organisation has a really good resource base they are non able to capture the necessary information due to the decentralized nature of the house. Another issue of the house is the liquidness jobs that it has faced which have had an inauspicious affect on the house s net incomes. Trends show that with the industry maturating many of the participants are switching their focal point from being low cost bearers to being full service 1s who will concentrate on supplying quality services to the client. In the last six months mean ticket monetary values have risen about 20 % from the old twelvemonth. This is an exact tendency reversal from 2008 where the economic downswing had forced the air hoses to follow a monetary value sensitive operation scheme. Although Kingfisher is still in the market leader place there is a good opportunity that if the organisation does non settle its debt fast adequate and does non introduce the rivals will invalidate the alone merchandise offerings of Kingfisher. Scheme CSF ( Relative to competition ) Important High Musts have Present Liquid Economies of graduated table Short term Future aˆ? Strategic tie ups Long Term Future aˆ? Economies of graduated table aˆ? Cargo Cargo Making On board experience Strategic Tie ups Medium Loyalty Pricing aˆ? Liquidity aˆ? Brand leveraging aˆ? On board experiences Opportunity costs plan Low Let Them Be At Par Below Par Nice to hold Way below Par Based on our concern demands it is clear that the company needs to be profitable at the earliest. The capital crisis is straight haltering the concern and is restricting the chances the company has to turn into new markets. Based on research analysis and understanding the rivals we can look at the undermentioned Phases of scheme that Kingfisher needs to implement to make success. Weakness Maping THE PRESENT Kingfisher needs to get down distinguishing itself from the rivals. By being more Proactive in bettering their service offerings and leveraging their trade name Kingfisher can supply an odd service offering. For e.g. utilize the cricket squad and the expression 1team and roll up that experience with Kingfisher Beer and Kingfisher air hoses. Short TERM FUTURE The touristry industry is turning at an estimated rate of 20 % . Apart from binding up with Luxury hotels and resorts, Kingfisher can distinguish itself by roll uping its services related to gamble touristry. This section is a high growing section which targets a similar client base. Long TERM FUTURE: Presently Kingfisher is one of the largest in the industry. However with the rapid growing of the industry, Growth will be required to keep the position Quo. The lading Market is one avenue where they can better drastically. Despite holding the basic substructure in topographic point Kingfisher has merely 9 % of the air Cargo Market which contributes to merely 2 % of the grosss of the company against Its chief rivals Jet which has 38 % of the market. This section is still in the nascent phase and the rivals have still non yet tapped the full potency of this section. A determined, concentrated attempt in this country will make huge benefits for the house by bring forthing a new beginning of gross and supplying them with more selectivity in their path programs. THIS MIX OF FOCUSING ON IMPROVING THE CORE WHILE INNOVATING FOR FUTURE GROWTH CAN HELP KINGFISHER BUILD SUSTAINABLE ADVANTAGES Risk-Return Analysis Turning High Beating Cargo Services Tourism Synergy Economies of Scale Brand Synergy Tax returns on investing Low Despite being a capital intensive Project, the immense chances of growing make this one of the chief focal point countries Kingfisher will hold to look into one time it additions profitableness. By doing inroads in the touristry subdivision and capitalising on the groups different merchandises will let Kingfisher to prolong its competitory advantage in footings of Quality of offerings and trade name image. Eroding Low Wasting Hazard of non doing it High Structure Based on Greiners theoretical account of growing Kingfisher is in the 3rd revolution of growing which is that of control. The corporate restructuring that will take topographic point will let the organisation to capture synthesis and do better usage of the information. This will enable to assist better carbon monoxide ordination and communicating between the people in the organisation. Visual perception Change Barriers to alter High Loss of civilization Impact of Barrier New Stakeholders Change in corporate construction Fear of Job Loss Gross redirection Low New Skills Development Low Likelihood of Barrier High Vijay Mallaya is the laminitis and the face of Kingfisher. He is a magnetic and airy person who Is a premier incentive. His degree 5 leading manner transformed kingfisher Beer, his expression 1 squad and his cricket squad from perennial tail enders to taking entities. Although he does non resist at the thought of doing hard determinations he prefers to portion duty of the organisation with each employee and do them portion of the household. By giving duty and independency to the resources and by affecting them in planning and implementing alteration in the organisation, he has managed to make a learning company. Most of the barriers to alter that will happen can be clarified with the current communicating mechanisms. Start AND SUSTAINING CHANGE BENCHMARKING: we have to place the phases of alteration and the clip period for this alteration. Each one should be a miniBHAG which will drive the company to accomplish mileposts. HAVE THE 300 Attitude: Motivate and prepare the employees. Explain the importance of each employee to accomplish alteration. Ingrain the us against the universe outlook. This will convey the employees together and experience more like a household. This will ensue in an accelerated rate of alteration. ACKNOWLEDGE THE ALEXANDERS: Indentification and public recognition of the first agents of alteration in the organisation. Reinforcement of successes and Symbolic wages system to promote eveeryone to be involved in the alteration procedure. VIJAY MALLAYA FOR A DAY: For those employees who are non really enthusiastic for the alteration that is implemented, they will be selected to fall in as the advisers to Vijay Mallaya and assist him understand the alterations and assist him in the determination devising procedure. Change THE TRAIN TO A Airplane: This is an enterprise to seek to acquire everyone to travel in the same way to a commom end. This enterprise is particularly for people who are non for the alteration proposed. The chief intent of this exercising would be to understand the cause and cogency for opposition and do the needed determinations to guarantee that the squad is on the same page. The phases in this enterprise are Identify, Notify, Speak, Listen, Review, Report. If even after working with the person on this manner it does nt work we will hold to see if there is a different undertaking that he could be involved with or does he necessitate to be deplaned all together. THE WATERCOOLER EFFE CT: Communicate the Advancement to let people to track the advancement of the house. It has to be in outstanding topographic points like the tiffin room and the H2O ice chest where contributing treatments take topographic point. The advancement studies should be communicated even in topographic points of corporate treatment like meeting suites so that it can stay on peoples heads. Shout THE PROGRESS: Do nt direct electronic mails or newssheet shout the advancement. Anounce the advancement. Bring people together to actuate them to go on the advancement. CHRISTMAS EVERY QUAR TER: Observe the little accomplishments in advancement. BALNCED SCORECARD Apart from the regular constituents dwelling of the balanced scorecard, Kingfisher will concentrate more on understanding path optimisation and shipment optimisation. Apart from the gross segments Kingfisher will hold to concentrate on understanding the public presentation of their leveraged concern. This will enable to understand what sort of enterprises are working and what is nt so that they can proactively do alterations and enhance growing Balanced scorecard Gross Load factors analysis Customer Acquisition cost Revenue per section Gross per kilometre No. of successful Cargos Customer transition ratio, By section, By part, By Channel Non-revenue No. of Flights per trueness card Loyalty plan efficiency Perception analysis % of positive reappraisal % of ailments worked on