Guide for Assignment Presentation

Introduction An assignment should be regarded as a piece of academic writing. The following comments and suggestions about the construction and presentation of assignments are intended to provide a guide.They are not intended to be considered as rigid rules. However, there are a number of academic conventions which should be met in academic work. Of most importance in academic writing is an overriding need for internal consistency in presentation. Internal consistency is achieved by thoroughness and attention to detail in the presentation of work. The purpose of an academic piece of writing is to report the results of an investigation to other members of the discipline for their information, evaluation and criticism.Communication of the results of academic activity is important as it allows the dissemination of information and is fundamental to the establishment of groups of people who are interested in similar problems and who are interested in applying similar analytical techniques to identify solutions to these problems. Writing an assignment is an exercise in effective communication and requires more than just learning of techniques of analysis and facts about the economic process. There are a number of books available that assist with writing assignments.See for example, Betts and Seitz (1986) Writing Essays in the Social Sciences and Anderson and Poole (1994) Thesis and Assignment Writing. It is recommended that students consult these for information about how to research and write an assignment. 2. Assessment Criteria Each units/modules offered through the HND Programme will have stipulated the criteria for assessment of assignments in the Course Outline. A number of assessment criteria that may be relevant for all courses are listed below. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Relevance of your answer to the question or task set. Clarity of expression. Supporting documentation for arguments.Proper acknowledgement of documentation and t he use of a bibliographic convention. Logical planning and sequence. Overall presentation, including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Comprehensive coverage reflecting mastery of set readings and text. 3. Presentation of the Assignment You should always ensure that you prepare two hard copies of your Assignment and keep a copy on disc. On occasions assignments go missing, or second copies are required by University/College. †¢ Each Assignment should be clearly marked up with your name, your study centre, your Student registration number and at the end of the assignment a word count.The assignment should be word-processed. 1 TEG 2007 †¢ The assignment presentation format should directly meet the requirements of the assignment brief (i. e. reports and presentations are the most called for communication formats). You must ensure that your assignment does not appear to be an extended essay. If it does, you will lose grades. †¢ The word limit will be included in the assignment brief. These are specified by Lecturer/Tutor and must be adhered to. †¢ Appendices should clearly link to the assignment and can be attached as supporting documentation at the end of the report. However, failure to reference them by number (e. . Appendix 1) within the report and also marked on the Appendix itself will lose you grade. Only use an Appendix if it is essential and clearly adds value to the overall Assignment. The Appendix is not a waste bin for all the materials you have come across in your research, or a way of making your assignment seem somewhat heavier and more impressive than it is. 4. Time Management for Assignments One of the biggest challenges we all seem to face day-to-day is that of managing time. When studying, that challenge seems to grow increasingly difficult, requiring a balance between work, home, family, social life and study life.It is therefore of pivotal importance to your own success for you to plan wisely the limited amount of t ime you have available. Step 1: Find out how much time you have Ensure that you are fully aware of how long your module lasts, and the final deadline. If you are studying a module from September to December, it is likely that you will have only 10-12 weeks in which to complete your assignments. This means therefore, that the meeting of deadlines is vitally important, as submission schedules are extremely tight. Step 2: Plan your timeEssentially you need to work backwards from the final deadline, submission date, and schedule your work around the possible time lines. Clearly, if you have only 10-12 weeks available to complete three assignments, you will need to allocate a block of hours in the final stages of the module to ensure that all of your assignments are in on time. Late submissions will not be accepted, and no extensions will be allowed. Students who do not submit will be treated as a ‘no show', and will have to re-enter for the next assessment period and undertake an alternative assignment. Step 3: Set prioritiesYou should set priorities on a daily and weekly basis (not just for study, but for your life). There is no doubt that this mode of study needs commitment (and some sacrifices in the short term). When your achievements are recognised by colleagues, peers, friends and family, it will all feel worthwhile. Step 4: Analyse activities and allocate time to them Consider the range of activities that you will need to undertake in order to complete the assignment and the time each might take. Remember, too, there will be a delay in asking for information and receiving it. 2 TEG 2007 †¢Preparing terms of reference for the assignment, to include the following. 1 A short title 2 A brief outline of the assignment purpose and outcome 3 Methodology (the methods you intend to use to carry out the required tasks) 4 Indication of any difficulties that have arisen in the duration of the assignment 5 Time schedule 6 Confidentiality – if the assig nment includes confidential information ensure that this is clearly marked on the assignment 7 Literature and desk research undertaken †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ A literature search in order to undertake the necessary background reading and underpinning information that might support your assignmentWriting letters and memos asking for information either internally or externally Designing questionnaires Undertaking surveys Analysis of data from questionnaires Secondary data search Preparation of first draft report Always build in time to spare, to deal with the unexpected. This may reduce the pressure that you are faced in meeting significant deadlines. 5. Planning and Sequence of an Assignment The assignment should contain at least three well defined and distinct sections: (a) An introduction (or ‘a beginning’) (b) The body of the assignment (or ‘a middle’) (c) A conclusion (or ‘an end’) †¢The introduction, whi ch occurs at the beginning of the assignment, should include a statement of the aims or objectives of the assignment. The introduction provides a clear statement of the problem or question to be considered; the limitations or assumptions you plan to use when examining the problem, and the analytical techniques used. Although the task set will frequently determine the question posed for the assignment, there is still scope for the introduction to define more precisely the question/task or to set the bounds of the assignment. Do not simply state the title of the assignment or repeat the task posed by the lecturer. The body of the assignment contains the argument that you present in support of the question you have posed in the introduction. The argument should be logical and embody the standard techniques of analysis as well as display familiarity with standard economic concepts and doctrines. †¢ The conclusion should complete the assignment by following up discussion points rais ed in the previous sections. It should relate clearly to your statement of aims and purpose provided in the introduction. As a general rule, no new material should be introduced in 3 TEG 2007 the conclusion.The conclusion normally should draw conclusions and point to further directions one could take from matters which have been argued fully and stated in the body of the assignment. Do not simply repeat, or summarise, what you have already said in the body of the assignment. Repetition is regarded as padding. 6. Common Specific Instructions used in Assignment Questions or Tasks Define Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase and show why the distinctions implied in the definition are necessary by expanding on particular elements that may be sources of confusion or misunderstanding.Discuss Investigate an issue by examining the positive and negative arguments and by exploring interesting alternatives. Illustrate Use a model to clarify a particular point or use examples taken f rom everyday reality. Explain Clarify by the use of explanation, model and example. Compare Describe the similarities and differences and evaluate likely outcomes. Contrast Present an overview of two points of view and set them in opposition to bring out the differences. Describe Give a detailed explanation and clarification. EvaluateMake an appraisal on the basis of pre-established criteria, explore other points of view and, perhaps, include your personal opinion. Interpret Expand the meaning of a particular issue or event. Justify Show the basis for a decision or conclusion by the use of an appropriate model or relevant evidence. Outline Describe the major features of an issue or theory omitting minor details and emphasising structure and key conclusions. Relate Show how things are connected to each other and how they influence each other. State Present in brief, clear form. SummariseGive a brief overview of the key points of a matter, omitting details and examples. Trace Follow t he development of a topic from some point of origin. 4 TEG 2007 7. PRESENTATION The style and presentation of assignments are important. Your assignment should be easy to read and be presented in a way that shows you have organised your material to present your argument clearly. In addition, your assignment should be referenced where appropriate and literature cited in the text should be accurately documented. 7. 1 Writing Report Students often ask ‘what do they mean by a report? ‘ or ‘what should the report format include? ‘There are a number of approaches to reports, formal or informal: some report formats are company specific and designed for internal use rather than external reporting. For Assignment-Based Assessment process, you should stay with traditional formats. Below is a suggested layout that might assist you when presenting your assignments. A Title Page – includes the title of the report, the author of the report and the receiver of the re port Terms of reference – who ordered the report, when and why, any conditions (Optional) Contents page – providing a clearly structured guide to the contents of the report with page number references for each item.All section numbers and titles, using exactly the same wording as in the report. Executive summary – a brief insight into purpose, nature and outcome of the report, in order that the outcome of the report can be quickly established (Optional) Introduction – background information Main body of the report includes findings, description, facts, opinions, etc. This must be well structured and divided into sections, which are clearly labelled. Decimal numbering is common. Here is brief example. 1. 0 Introduction 1. 1 Situation Analysis 1. 1. 1 External Analysis 1. 1. 2 Internal AnalysisConclusions – draw the report to a conclusion, highlighting key points of importance that will impact upon any recommendations that might be made. It’s also summary of results. Recommendations – clearly outline potential options and then make your recommendations. Where appropriate, justify recommendations in order to substantiate your decision. Appendices – ensure that you only use appendices that add value to the report. Ensure that they are numbered and referenced within the text. If you are not going to reference it within the text, then it should not be there.Appendices (not always necessary) – additional details, tables, graphs, detailed analysis. 5 TEG 2007 Bibliography – whilst in a business environment a bibliography might not be necessary, for an assignment-based report it is vital. It provides an indication of the level of research, reading and collecting of relevant information that has taken place in order to fulfil the requirements of the assignment task. Where possible, and where relevant, you could provide academic references within the text, which should of course then provide the basis of your bibliography.References should realistically be listed alphabetically and in the following sequence Author's name and edition of the text; Date of publication; Title and sub-title (where relevant); Edition number; Place of publication; Publisher; Series and individual volume number where appropriate. 8. Tips for Writing Assignments Everybody has a personal style, flair and tone when it comes to writing. However, no matter what your approach, you must ensure your assignment meets the requirements of the brief and so is comprehensible, coherent and cohesive in approach. Think of preparing an assignment as preparing for an examination.Ultimately, the work you are undertaking results in an examination grade. Successful achievement of all four modules in a level results in a qualification. There are a number of positive steps that you can undertake in order to ensure that you make the best of your assignment presentation in order to maximise the grades available. Step 1 – Work to the Brief Ensure that you identify exactly what the assignment asks you to do. †¢ †¢ †¢ If it asks you to be a marketing manager, then immediately assume that role. If it asks you to prepare a report, then present a report, not an essay or a letter.Furthermore, if it asks for 2,500 words, then do not present 1,000 or 4,000 unless it is clearly justified, agreed with your tutor and a valid piece of work. Identify whether the report should be formal or informal; who it should be addressed to; its overall purpose and its potential use and outcome. Understanding this will ensure that your assignment meets fully the requirements of the brief and addresses the key issues included within it. Step 2 – Addressing the Tasks It is of pivotal importance that you address each of the tasks within the assignment.Many students fail to do this and often overlook one of the tasks or indeed part of the tasks. Many of the assignments will have three or four tasks, some wil l have even more. You should establish quite early on, which of the tasks requires you to collect information and which provides you with the framework of the assignment, i. e. the communication method. Possible tasks will include the following. †¢ Compare and contrast. Take two different organisations and compare them side by side and consider the differences and contrasts between the two. 6 TEG 2007 †¢ Carry out primary or secondary research.Collect information to support your assignment and your subsequent decisions †¢ Prepare a plan. Some assignments will ask you to prepare a plan for an event or for a marketing activity. Provide a step-by-step approach, rationales and a time-line. Ensure your intended outcomes are measurable and achievable. Make sure your actions are very specific and clearly explained. †¢ Analyse a situation. This will require you to collect information, consider its content and present an overall understanding of the situation as it exists . This might include looking at internal and external factors and how he current situation evolved. †¢ Make recommendations. The more advanced your studies, the more likely it is that you will be required to make recommendations. Consider and evaluate your options and then make justifiable recommendations. †¢ Justify decisions. You may be required to justify your decision or recommendations. This will require you to explain fully how you have arrived at as a result and to show why, supported by relevant information. In other words, you should not make decisions in a vacuum; as a marketer your decisions should always be informed by context. †¢ Prepare a presentation.This speaks for itself. If you are required to prepare a presentation, ensure that you do so, preparing clearly defined PowerPoint or overhead slides that are not too crowded and that clearly express the points you are required to make. †¢ Evaluate performance. It is very likely that you will be asked to evaluate a campaign, a plan or even an event. You will therefore need to consider its strengths and weaknesses, why it succeeded or failed, the issues that have affected it, what can you learn from it and, importantly, how can you improve performance or sustain it in the future.All of these points are likely requests included within a task. Ensure that you identify them clearly and address them as required. Step 3 – Information Search Many students fail to realise the importance of collecting information to support and underpin their assignment work. However, it is vital that you demonstrate to your tutor ability to establish information needs, obtain relevant information and utilise it sensibly in order to arrive at appropriate decisions. You should establish the nature of the information required, follow up possible sources, the time involved in obtaining the information and likely gaps in information.Consider these factors very carefully. Tutors are very keen that stude nts are seen to collect information, expand their mind and consider the breadth and depth of the situation. Submitting a bibliography is a good way of illustrating the level of information collection and application within the assignment. 7 TEG 2007 Step 4 – Develop an Assignment Plan Your assignment needs to be structured and coherent, addressing the brief and presenting the facts as required by the tasks. The only way you can successfully achieve this is by planning the structure your Assignment in advance.Earlier, we looked at identifying your tasks and, working backwards from the release date, in order to manage time successfully. The structure and coherence of your assignment needs to be planned with similar signs. In planning the Assignment, you should aim to include all the relevant information requested. You should also plan for the use of models, diagrams and appendices where necessary. Plan contents †¢ Introduction †¢ Content †¢ Main body of the assig nment †¢ Summary †¢ Conclusions and recommendations where appropriate Step 5 – Prepare Draft AssignmentIt is good practice to produce a first draft of a report. You should use it to ensure that you have met the aims and objectives, assignment brief and tasks related to the actual assignment. A draft document provides you with scope for improvements, and enables you to check for accuracy, spelling, punctuation and use of English. Some tutors provide you with an opportunity to review a draft assignment. If this is the case, you should take every opportunity to let them provide you with support. Step 6 – Prepare Final DocumentIn the section headed ‘Presentation of the Assignment' in this guide, there are a number of components that should always be in place at the beginning of the assignment documentation, including labelling of the assignment, word counts, appendices numbering and presentation method. Ensure that you adhere to the guidelines presented, or alternatively those suggested by your tutors. 9. Group Working †¢ Group work is necessary to develop the skills to be effective in real work situations. Very rarely do you work completely on your own †¢ Group work can be more productive as there are more people generating ideas †¢Group projects are often more interesting as the task can be more complex †¢ Group members can motivate and support each other Group problems: †¢ Domination – one or two members take over, and the others lose interest 8 TEG 2007 †¢ Critical – in order to sound knowledgeable, some members are always critical. Sometimes competition emerges †¢ Conflict – sometimes open, sometimes not †¢ Sexism and racism – you must inform your Tutor, or Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator †¢ Avoidance – whole group avoiding the task, often due to fear of failure †¢ Inactive listening – nobody listens – people working as individuals , not as a groupSome suggestions: †¢ Analyse the skills and strengths of each member †¢ Brainstorm ideas and form a plan of action †¢ Allocate tasks and set dates for task completion and regular meetings †¢ Set up communications – phone numbers, room numbers, e-mail addresses †¢ Set meeting places – this is absolutely essential at a first meeting †¢ Keep reviewing progress on the task and on any problems with the group †¢ Discuss any problems openly and with all group members 10. Effective Reading Before you start: †¢ Is this the correct book/article for your purpose? Check date/author/scope †¢Scan the contents, is it the right level? Read a section/chapter to check †¢ What questions are you trying to answer? †¢ Clarify before you start Reading: †¢ Read with purpose (what questions to be answered? ) †¢ Read selectively – scan and skim – only read in detail what you need to †¢ Mentally r ecite what you have just read †¢ Make notes at appropriate points – bullet points, do not rewrite the whole book. Review: †¢ Did I answer the questions I wanted to? †¢ Do I understand and remember what I read? 9 TEG 2007 11. Oral presentation Plan: †¢ What is the purpose? What are your objectives? †¢Who are your audience? †¢ What facilities can you use? – flip chart, OHP, PC, etc. †¢ Structure your presentation -the old rule is: Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em, then tell 'em, then tell 'em what you told 'em. i. e. an introduction, the contents, a conclusion †¢ Make sure any visual aids can be seen and read †¢ Rehearse and time your delivery Delivery: †¢ A good start – make an impact, and make your audience want to listen †¢ Don't read – use crib cards, OHP slides as notes †¢ Speak slowly and clearly †¢ Look at your audience, don't talk to the wall, your feet, or the OHP screen †¢ Vary the speed and pitch of your voice †¢ Make sure you are not standing in front of the visual aids †¢ If it is a group presentation, make sure that you link well together †¢ Be lively and finish on a high note 12. Punctuation Why use it? It is to guide the reader in the natural pauses in writing. It is also there to show how the grammar of a sentence is supposed to work; a capital letter at the beginning of a sentence and a full stop at the end. Punctuating your sentence need only involve: colon, semicolon, full stop, question mark, dash, apostrophe, comma, quotation marks, brackets. †¢Colon (:) is most often used to introduce a quotation or a list. †¢ Full stop (. ) Use full stops more than you expect to. When in doubt, your instinct should always plump for a full stop. Semicolon (;) Represents a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a full stop. (If in doubt about its use don’t use it. ) †¢ 10 TEG 2007 It is used between clauses when the second clause expands or explains the first e. g. neither of them moved; they waited to see if the intruder made a quick exit. It is also used before clauses which begin with â€Å"nevertheless†, â€Å"therefore†, â€Å"even so†, and â€Å"for instance† e. . He looked before he leaped; even so he landed in the water. It is used to mark off a series of phrases or clauses which themselves contain commas. e. g. You will need the following ingredients: four eggs, preferably size 3; 4oz caster sugar; a few drops of vanilla essence; and 2oz almonds, which must be ground. †¢ Question mark (? ) Use a question mark every time there is a genuine direct question. That means Are you going? but not I asked if he was going? (wrong because it is a reported question). †¢ Dashes (-) Use dashes but don’t overdo them.You can use a pair of dashes – in place of brackets – or a single dash to mark a break in the sentence before a punch line or a throwaway remark: In life, two things are never with us – death and taxes. †¢ Apostrophes (‘) They do not make things plural. They are not used to make things plural e. g. 1990’s, MP’s HQ’s. The general rule is: if something belongs to someone you write someone’s or for example, the student’s. If it belongs to several people (the students), you write the students’. Plurals like people and children, that aren’t made with an s, take apostrophe s i. e. children’s.Apostrophes are also shown where letters are missed out – can’t play, won’t play. It’s is short for it is. Beware of : its, (meaning â€Å"of it†)yours, hers, ours, theirs, and whose. None of them takes as apostrophe. †¢ Commas (,) Commas, like buses, often come in pairs. It is wrong to write The reason is as it always was, to save money. Two commas should be used, like brackets, either side of the phrase as it al ways was. The test is whether, grammatically, the sentence would hold up if the section between the commas were removed. The common mistake is to forget the second comma.Commas are needed, and are not optional, when someone or something is being addressed. Kiss me, Hardy must take the comma after me. Yes Minister should have be Yes, Minister. Pairs of commas should be used when however, say, meanwhile and for instance are interjected into sentences – he might be paid, say, ? 50,000 a year. 11 TEG 2007 At the beginning of a sentence, these words or phrases need to be cordoned off with a single comma – However, investigations into†¦ , For instance, if we look at†¦.. Commas are used to mark off separate items in a list, except, usually between the last two items.You can put a comma in before and if it's needed to make the sentence clear Goods are transported by lorry, horse and cart, and even handcart. A strong adjective usually takes commas after each one excep t the last – old, crabby, pedantic Dr Johnson. †¢ Quotation marks (â€Å") Use double to enclose direct speech. Use a colon, not a comma before quotes – Mr. Smith said: â€Å"This is good news for all poor students. † Use a comma after quotes (before the second quotation marks) – â€Å"It will help many students,† said Jim. Quotations direct from a book or journal also need to have double quotation marks (â€Å") Davis et al. 1991, p243) stated that â€Å"Equilibrium is the sense which tells you when your body is balanced and when it is tipping, turning or inverting. † Unless the length of the quotation is more than three lines of your text, in which case it is indented and no quotation marks are necessary. †¢ Brackets ( ) The use of brackets (whose technical term is parenthesis) should be kept to a minimum. They are used to indicate a supplementary remark, or a qualification of some sort. Grammatically they work like commas, but the remarks inside the brackets tend to be less important than those inside commas.Brackets are always used in pairs. If the brackets surround an entire sentence then the full stop at the end of the sentence stays within the brackets. (This is the procedure you should follow. ) If the brackets only surround part of the sentence, the full stop goes outside. This is the procedure you should follow (under normal circumstances). †¢ Square brackets [like these] Square brackets are used to indicate your changes or your own comments on somebody else’s writing. The report that 25000 had been killed in battle [a figure shown to be greatly exaggerated] changed the course of the war. 3. Plagiarism Plagiarism is the act of passing off as your own work another person’s writing, words, or ideas. You must make it clear which ideas and which words you have obtained from someone else. Superficial and minor changes do not disguise your use of the words of someone else. You commit plagiarism if you do not acknowledge the source of a direct quote, or a specific piece of writing that you have paraphrased, or even if you describe an idea or concept that you have heard or read somewhere without a reference or acknowledgement.University / College rules will apply into plagiarism and also subject to disciplinary action. 12 TEG 2007 14. General Guidelines Follow these stages while you are doing your reading/note taking. Generating ideas †¢ What are the implications of the title? †¢ What ideas lie behind the title? †¢ What are you being invited to explore? †¢ Put your ideas on paper †¢ Things should become more complex at this stage †¢ There should be a mixture of fact/description and theory/argument Finding your perspective †¢ Try to sort the complexity into a clear, logical pattern †¢Is there an obvious sequence such as: intentions/results; pro/anti; before/after; cause/effect; hypothesis/evidence? †¢ What's most relevan t/interesting, convincing/contentious? †¢ What evidence supports your argument? †¢ What is the basic question/problem here? †¢ Diagrammatic structure of ideas may help A draft plan of the essay †¢ Roughly, the structure of the content †¢ Sequence of the argument †¢ You may be able to plan your paragraph structure †¢ A diagram plan may be useful †¢ Plan to go from the general to the specific Write a draft version †¢ Amend as you go along Maybe start each section on a separate page †¢ Several drafts may be needed †¢ Should new paragraphs be added/ some be divided? The final version †¢ Ask someone else to proof-read it for you. 13 TEG 2007 BTEC Higher National Grade Descriptors The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications will be at unit level and there will be no overall grade for either the Certificate or the Diploma. Each unit will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction. A pass is awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria.Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement. In order to demonstrate achievement, learners typically undertake assessment activities that include a series of tasks or assignments, reflecting typical practice in the sector concerned. In order to judge the level of achievement, assessment criteria are used for the pass grade and grade descriptors for the merit and distinction grades. Achievement of a pass grade – a pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for each individual unit.Achievement of a merit or distinction grade – all the assessment criteria and merit grade descriptors need to be completed within a unit to achieve a merit grade. All the assessment criteria, merit and distinction grade descriptors must be completed within a unit to achieve a distinction grade. The generic merit and distinction grade descriptors need to be viewed as a qualitative extension of the assessment criteria within each individual unit. The grade descriptors will be contextualised to meet the needs of the unit and be incorporated into the design of the assessment activities.Any single assignment however, as with BTEC Higher Nationals, will only be able to indicate that the learners has achieved some of the descriptors, say M1 and D2 unless it is a project style assessment that covers the whole unit (i. e. all learning outcomes and criteria). For example, if an assignment task requires the learner to: To pass the task you need to explored the organisational structures and cultures of the two organisations and prepared a suitable comparison in terms of the unit content requirements — types of organisation and associated structures, organisational networks and linkages, organisational culture.The qualitative aspect of the work, that will be used to determine your achievement of M1 on this occasion, will be the level of detail of both understanding of the subject matter (effective approach to study) and the depth to which you have taken this in the comparisons (effective approach to research). The approach taken in the example above shows how the indicative criteria can be adapted to better fit the work being undertaken in the task. In some cases the indicative characteristic could be used just as it is with no more than an identification of the evidence to which it relates (e. g. report, presentation, diagram, etc. ).

A Memo to the President of the Big Private University

Madam, the recent events that have brought our university within the media’s limelight may possibly give problems to the University, if no immediate action is taken. Allow me to outline the events and the possible NCAA infractions that our university may incur. The University is in the middle of an NCAA-imposed probation. As such, any additional infraction may seriously compromise the university’s status in the NCAA. The following incidents involving our male football team may lead to unwanted additional infractions: a total of 12 student-athletes had grade point averages ranging from 1.60 to 1.75; and Billy Joel, the team’s current quarterback, made an oral agreement on future possible plans with Whitney Houston, a sports agent. Allow me to expound on my point. The fact that five juniors, two sophomores, and five starters on defense have averages from 1.60 to 1.75 goes against the academic standards set my NCAA. The five starters, all of whom were freshmen last year, had averages lower than the NCAA set average of 1.8. The NCAA Backgrounder on Academic Reform clearly states the following: â€Å"Freshmen in college are required to complete 24 hours of course work and have at least a 1.8 grade-point average.† The low GPAs of the other student-athletes may also compromise another rule of the NCAA. The fact that these students have averages ranging from 1.60 to 1.75 may mean that they have failing marks which may greatly affect the completion of their degree requirements. Again, the said backgrounder is univocal: â€Å"Student-athletes entering college are required to complete 40 percent of their degree requirements by the end of their second year, 60 percent by the end of year three, and 80 percent by the end of year four.† I will personally look into this matter and investigate on the completion rates of the degree requirements of these concerned students. Nevertheless I think it is important for your good office to be aware of this potential problem. All in all, this lower than required grade point average of some of our student athletes undermines the NCAA’s set Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 925. Not complying with the APR will mean a contemporaneous penalty for the football team which, in plain language, refers to cuts in financial aids and scholarships granted to individuals in the team. Madam, it is also bothersome that the coaching staff hid these from the school administration. I cannot pinpoint who exactly in the coaching staff is culpable, but once NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions holds its own investigation, the university as an entity might not the only one to be given a sanction; individuals from the coaching staff (and other individuals from related departments) may also be held individually liable and as such, individual sanctions may be imposed against them. The last concern that I think should be brought up to your office is the fact that Billy Joel made an oral agreement with Whitney Houston, a sports agent, as he was threatened by the possibility that Marshall Mathers might take his place as quarterback. Again, NCAA is clear in its memo to directors of athletics dated October 6, 2006, that student athletes are not allowed to have a written or oral agreement with an agent who represents a sports agency. We must bear in mind that even if Joel’s agreement rests on the future possibility of Mathers replacing him, such an oral agreement on future plans is also not allowed: student athletes may not â€Å"agree to be represented by an agent in the future† (NCAA, â€Å"A Career in Professional Athletics: A Guide for Making the Transition,† 2004, p. 26). This also highlights the fact that Mr. Joel did not inform either his coach or his compliance coordinator regarding these matters. These are the NCAA-related concerns that I thought would be best to be brought up to your office. Thank you. References (2006-07). NCAA waiver of initial academic eligibility requirements pursuant to NCAA bylaw 14.3, application instructions. (2006-07). NCAA waiver of initial academic eligibility requirements pursuant to NCAA bylaw 14.3, waiver application. NCAA (2004). A Career in professional athletics: A guide for making the transition. NCAA (2005). NCAA backgrounder on athletic reform. In The online resource for the national collegiate athletic association. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from http://www.ncaa.org/. NCAA (2005).APR questions and answers. In The online resource for the national collegiate athletic association. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from http://www.ncaa.org/. NCAA (2005).Infractions case: Lincoln University. In The online resource for the national collegiate athletic association. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from http://www.ncaa.org/.

Preschool Childrens Reading Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Preschool Childrens Reading - Research Paper Example The importance of motivating children’s reading in information this technology era. Reading is integral in the process of educating children (Alderman, 2013). However, for children to read and study effectively they need an incentive that would lure them into the process (Brock et al., 2008). Therefore, the imperativeness of motivating their reading is of utmost importance (Blachowicz et al., 2006). The reading techniques, teaching procedures, curriculum contents and the aesthetic environment are also foremost. Technological factors can also be incorporated into reading with regard to the era of dynamic technological advancements (Brock et al., 2008). The significance of preschool educators in promoting children’s reading is highly related to children’s language, social, emotional, and aesthetic development (Becker, McElvany & Kortenbruck, 2010). While trying to promote children’s reading habits, the educator’s should take the popular language into consideration.Children are likely to enjoy readings that are encrypted in a language that they can easily relate to (Bishop et al., 2010). Understanding is integral in the reading process and relevant reading languages foster the children’s understanding of the materials that they are reading. Social and emotional aspects also have a bearing on children’s reading habits. Therefore, educators should consider the children’s attitudes towards reading because this is a core indicator of their emotions towards the same.

How did the differences in Persian and Greek political and military Essay

How did the differences in Persian and Greek political and military organization determine the course of the Persian Wars - Essay Example It may be more than substantial to note that most of the facts on the Persian Wars were written by Greeks in what can be perceived as less than objective detail of account. The tyrants who were placed into office after their defeat at Ephesus in 498 B.C. created further conflict among the Hellinistic states. Sparta lend a hand to Alcmaeonidae to overthrow Hippias in 510 B.C. but it was still not enough to ensure a lasting alliance. The eventual coalition came to be in defense of Ionia wherein the leading factions were able to set aside their differences to be able to overcome Persian autocracy. ii The emergence of Greece as a strong compounded force made it difficult for the already dwindling Persian force to defeat it. As the war fizzled out, the huge Persian Army, which overshadows the Greeks in sheer number proved to be inadequate in comparison to the combined cunning and force of the Greeks. The internal conflicts among the different convictions within Athens in reference to other city-states were one of the main factors which contributed to the prolonged indifference to finally halt the

Evaluate the Role of Market Research in the Decision Making Process of Essay

Evaluate the Role of Market Research in the Decision Making Process of an Organisation - Essay Example Mostly, the firm undertakes a study of a small sector of the population and the data collected represents the entire population. For example, married women who work in Bristol and are between the ages of 30-45 can be used to represent all urban women who work in the United Kingdom. The Role of Market Research in the decision making process of an organization In order to reach and appeal to the target market, organizations utilize strategies that enhance the success of their activities in the market. For example, Arbitron conducted market research that indicates people who frequently attend movies say that commercials on television cannot be termed more acceptable than commercials aired before the start of the movie. 53% of people who frequent cinema halls find movie advertising more acceptable; only 46% contend that television advertising can be termed as acceptable. The research also indicated that 59% of people who attend movies remember the commercials they watched on the screens before the start of the movies (Wiley 2012, p. 4). The study also indicated that advertising using cinema can be regarded as the best way of connecting with the younger generation. Movie theaters’ adverts reach 124 million people or 45 percent of Americans from the age of 12 years. 67% percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years frequent movie theaters in every 30 days. The collection of such data during market research plays an essential role in informing the decision making process of an organization (Wiley 2012, p. 4). In the decision making process of an organization, market research plays a number of roles. First, market research contributes significantly to the marketing system, especially in the marketing intelligence feedback process. It provides management with data regarding the effectiveness of the marketing mix that the organization relies on in the market. Based on this, an organization will be in a position to identify the necessary changes that ought to be made in the marketing mix. In addition, market research plays a crucial role when the organization wants to explore new opportunities available in the market. This is accomplished through new product research, which enables an organization to make decisions on how to structure the product to meet the demands of the customers. For example, an organization makes decisions on branding and packaging of the products (McDaniel & Gates 1998, p. 5). Another role of market research in decision making emanates from the crucial role that it plays in helping the management understand the needs of the customers. In the modern world, market research provides many organizations with the necessary knowledge on the customers' needs. As a result, the organization will be in a position to make decisions that will enhance the retention of customers and customer loyalty. Consequently, this will lead to job satisfaction and employee retention as employees becomes effective while serving loyal custo mers (McDaniel & Gates 1998, p. 7). Statistics in a study conducted by Bain and Company indicates that a reduction in the rate of customer defection can boost the profits by 25 percent up to 95 percent. Apart from assisting the organization to understand the ne

Sound in Films Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sound in Films - Essay Example Through the challenge of the lack of sound films in the 1920s were able to present an artistic form of visual arts while successfully conveying the message. Comparative analysis of the present and past audience can reveal that the audience during the period of silent movies have more open mind in terms of communication. It can even be perceived that understanding was achieved by the audience through a sense of empathy and emotional acceptance. But through the said issue, it can provoke the analysis that sound is an important element. Although this is the case, the absence of sound in the silent films created made these films worth of admiration on the basis of the fact that other elements are exponentially compensated. On the other hand, in the present era sound can be considered an indispensable component of film making. To be able to present an analysis on the key concepts of sound in films, it is important to concentrate on a particular film. ... is can be attributed to the fact that the movie Sunrise belongs to the batch of films that pioneered the use of soundtrack of music and even sound effects that had been recorded. The role of the said film can be considered essential to the perfection and development of the synchronized sound in films (McCaffrey and Jacobs 8). It can be observed that the silent era presented an important capacity to create an atmosphere that can make the audience understand the message. This was done through visual instruments. Through the course of the film history, the shift on the capability to relay messages to the public is through the sound. The sound became one of the most important tools in the film that were produced from the 1920s up to the present. It terms of the production of films, it can be considered as a continuous challenge to the present batch of film makers to be able to achieve the level of classic triumph that was achieved in the early films. In Sunrise, the objective of the film was achieved through the capture of the visual sense of the viewers. In addition, it had introduced the era wherein even the sense of hearing is satisfied. Due to the said fact, the film was able to create more success in capturing the attention of the audience. Basically, the sound in the said film was only used to be able to create an atmosphere of feeling the film. This can be attributed to the fact that the said movie can still be classified as a silent film. The only difference is the background music or musical scoring. For that matter, Sunrise can be considered as a hybrid or a transitional type of film, a form that is intermediate of the silent and modern films. Analysis of the Key Components of Sound Sound as we presently conceive can be considered as one of the major

Teenagers and Young Adults Are Changing Marketing Practices Literature review

Teenagers and Young Adults Are Changing Marketing Practices - Literature review Example The world has said to be entered in the era of globalization as there are no real boundaries and distances are contracted because of the free flow of information and knowledge. Indeed, the advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), especially the arrival of the internet, have facilitated networking and information sharing among people worldwide. For instance, this has not only benefited the trade and commerce but also provided new business and investment opportunities to entrepreneurs across the globe. Also, this has resulted in intense competition among the firms because new people/ investors/firms regularly enter the corporate world, which ultimately benefits consumers in terms of greater variety and availability of choice. However, it is worthwhile to mention that this competition also put greater strain on marketing personnel, since they have been bombarded with various new responsibilities and duties to ensure survival, growth and sustainability of an enterp rise. (Chan & Fang, 2007) Marketers have realized the fact that teenagers (under age bracket of 12 – 16 years) and young adults (16 + years) could be the most attractive and lucrative market segments; since they have relatively better purchasing power as well as inclination to acquire innovated products and accept ideas. Nevertheless, Spero and Stone (2004) argued that this segment was not provided sufficient channels, which they could use to express and share their ideas, values, aspirations and opinions with the general public.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Essay Example There are currently no treatments that treat polycystic ovary syndrome as a whole, but individual symptoms are tended to based on the desires of each female. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common medical condition in which women have an â€Å"imbalance of female sex hormones (Kovacs, 2007)† in women of reproductive age. When a teenage girl’s or woman’s ovaries produce significantly abnormal amounts of androgens, which are male sex hormones, the development and release of eggs are interfered with. With polycystic ovary syndrome, cysts - sacs filled with liquid - form instead of the eggs maturing. Then the cysts build up in the ovaries, often becoming enlarged, in lieu of an egg being released. When a teenager or woman has polycystic ovary syndrome, they often do not have a regular menstrual cycle. Polycystic ovary syndrome is among many disorders that doctors have been unable to determine a sole, definite cause. However, enough research in the matter has revealed a variety of factors that may play a role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. One such factor is genetics, with many doctors believing that if an individual’s mother or sister has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, then the individual risks developing the syndrome as well. Similarly, current research is being undergone to determine if a mutated gene is involved in the formation of the cysts, making polycystic ovary syndrome a genetic disorder. Another possible factor in the developing of polycystic ovary syndrome is an excess of insulin. If an individual has a resistance to insulin, which would cause an impairment in effectively utilizing insulin, then the pancreas would produce more insulin to keep sugar available for the cells. If there is too much insulin, it can cause an increase in the androgen that is produced by the ovaries. This hormone is vital to the cysts’ survival, and too much androgen will allow them to

Persuasive research paper-- quit smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Persuasive research paper-- quit smoking - Essay Example dangerous smoking really is, the other day I saw a video of a man who was coughing incessantly and I saw him bleed and this really scared me to an unprecedented extent. I am completely motivated and geared up to stop smoking, I remember I smoked for the very first time when I was young and I knew nothing about the damage which smoking could cause, I got to know about the damage only later on and I have been trying hard to quit but the temptation always lingers on and it is quite hard to stop it but this time around I am going to do it and I have already been quite successful. I do not even remember the last time that I smoked and this I think is really a big achievement for me and I am going to carry on and completely stop it because I have realized that it is really dangerous and can cause lung cancer, I have already seen enough pain and suffering in those videos. Those videos have been really useful and have motivated me to quit. Chewing gum has also helped me a ton, whenever I feel the urge to smoke I start chewing and this has been of great help to me, the urge to smoke goes away as soon as I pop it into my mouth and the urge to smoke instantly goes away. â€Å"Nicotine replacement therapies work by giving you a small amount of nicotine, but without the dangerous effects of inhaling tobacco smoke. This helps relieve the withdrawal symptoms and cravings for a cigarette that you get when you stop smoking, and allows you to get on with breaking the psychological habit of smoking. If you are physically addicted to nicotine, using NRT has been shown to almost double your chances of successfully quitting smoking.† (Nicorette Gum) This idea was first suggested to me by a good friend and I tried it and it works like a charm for me, the first time I tried it and I was very happy with the results and I knew this was going to save me, I have bought several gums to help me quit. These are a couple of ideas that have really helped me, discipline in life is really

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult - Essay Example When Anna files a lawsuit to take full control of her body, she is self-centered because her decision is mainly to put her self-interest above her sister’s life. Kate is destined to die without Anna’s kidney. This paper seeks to explore Anna Fitzgerald as the protagonist in the book My Sister’s Keeper. Anna Fitzgerald, a thirteen-year-old sister and daughter is characterized to be subtly assertive. This is evident when she obtains a court order to be in full control of her body. She displays a character that is funny and thoughtful, as she is the only member of the family who seems to bring color and life to her family that has been immensely devastated by Kate’s illness. Anna is inquisitive. Unlike most children, she asks the reason for her existence beyond the surface-level inquisition. She goes ahead to claim that if outside creatures, such as an alien, see children in this world, they might assume that these children were born out of a drinking spree or a mishap in the use of artificial birth control (Picoult 7). This lamentation is a no-nonsense gibberish for Anna because all her life, her existence was literally purposeful. Her character is always inquisitive by asking, proving, and confirming the nature of her existence. With those questions, she was also able to formulate her own sensible answers. Furthermore, her inquisitive nature was also displayed many times in the book, particularly when she sought the help of Campbell Alexander, the lawyer she wished to defend her in court. She was initially declined, but her inquisitive nature made their conversation going and eventually earned the approval of Alexander to present her. Anna Fitzgerald also emerges intelligent. This observation is evident when she effortlessly elaborated the cases that she thought would be related to her possible case. More importantly, her intelligence was seen in the entire book as she manages to bring to the

Cadet Entrance Response Essay Example for Free

Cadet Entrance Response Essay Compose your own response. What are the most important qualities in becoming a successful USMA cadet and a successful Army officer? Resilience, dedication and leadership are qualities befitting for a successful USMA cadet and a successful Army officer. Resilience is not only an essential quality for becoming a successful cadet or officer, it is also essential for your life. Resilience is the ability to resurrect one’s self from hard times, to never give up, and displays ones mental strength. In the academy I’ve heard that on a cadet’s first year they undergo times of overwhelming stress in tests of emotional stability, perseverance, and ability to organize and perform under stress. With resilience and resolve a cadet will be able to overcome these stressful obstacles. Likewise, discipline is another quality in becoming a successful USMA cadet and a successful Army officer. At times resilience may complement dedication because when one dedicates their self to something, one needs the resolve to continue on with it and never give up. Dedication shows ones loyalty, commitment, and devotion, in which is an important trait when offering one’s service to their country. To finish, a successful USMA cadet and Army officer should have the quality of leadership. As a leader one must offer guidance and work together as a team to get things done efficiently. Leadership brings out control and order in a group. Showing resilience and dedication as a leader conveys a sense of trustworthiness and cooperation among their followers. Any person with a position of leadership needs to set a positive example in order to make their self charismatic and a successful leader. Having these qualities will show the mental strength, devotion, and management skills it takes in becoming a successful USMA cadet and Army officer.

Factors Influencing While Purchasing Tyres

Factors Influencing While Purchasing Tyres Abstract   In this project I have study of â€Å"factors influencing while purchasing tyres† JK tyres manufactured by Jk Tyre Industries. In this competitive era of marketing where the satisfaction of the customer towards the product is become first priority, it is therefore very important to analyze customer behaviour. Consumer behaviour can be looked upon as study of how individuals make decisions on how to spend their available resources like time, effort, money in various consumption related items. The understanding of customer needs and wants is one of the major underpinning construct of marketing. Without putting customer on the top company cannot get success, forgetting success every company should target customer, because market is totally customer oriented. This project evaluated which factors influence the customer most when he/she goes for purchasing tyres. Finally I have given some views and suggestions to the company with which they can satisfy the customer the most. Preface Inspite of theoretical knowledge gained through class room study, a person is incomplete if not  subjected  to practical exposure  of real corporate world. He may have to face hurdules, which will be difficult  to overcome  without any first hand experience of business. In this context, research program has been designed  to make aware of  happening of real business. The project entitled â€Å"Factors influencing  while purchasing tyres† with special refrece to JK tyres, has been done at New Delhi and Jalandhar as completion part of Msc International Business. In my work-based dissertation, we worked upon the analysis of the JK tyre industries in New Delhi and Jalandhar by customer attitude through  the personal contact and  questionnaires. During my work-based dissertation, I got opportunity to apply my theoretical skills and knowledge and meaningful concept to actual business condition and Familiarize  with the marketing activities of the products. All the work done on this  project is confined to my  broad objective. In today’s world of intense competition and rapid dynamism, all companies worldwide are tuning their focus on the customer. Suddenly, customer had succeeded in capturing all attention of the companies towards him, so much so, that maxim, â€Å"customer is god† has become so true and relevant today. There has been a paradigm shift in the thinking of these companies and none other than customer has brought this about. Earlier there was seller market, since the goods and services were in short supply and sellers use to call the shots. But ever since the advent of era of globalization there has been total transformation in the way of customers being perceived. Today, marketers are marketers are directing their effort in retaining customers and customer base. The customer importance has assumed imponderable proportion in today’s world because of inherent value that customers command. A customer can â€Å"make or break† the company. It is the responsibility of every company that to see all its customers are equally satisfied with them , for one single dissatisfied customer will tell at least nine other customer about the dissatisfaction and will spark off the chain reaction and spell doom for that company In the past customer were taken as ride, as there were not many players in the fields, not much importance was attached to product safety, quality, service and product appeal. The attitude of manufacturer was that of â€Å"Caveat-emptor†. Thanks to the government policies on liberalization, globalization and privatization, the market has changed today. Today customer has host of defence mechanism like customer protection laws, regulation of government, the powerful hands of organization, switching to or competitors. The maxim â€Å"Caveat-emptor† has been replaced by â€Å"Caveat-venditor†. In the past after sales service was consider as cost centre, companies were lethargic in attending the customer complaints. Availability of trainee service personal and quality genuine spare parts was serious problems. However, with rising competition, there could not be much product differentiation as product, quality was comparable and latest technology was with each and every company in the field.  Since there could not be much differential a tangible assets, the companies concentrated on the intangible assets normally service factor which served as major differentiator. Today after sales is considered as major aspect for every company and it is no more considered as cost centre but now it considered as profit centre Company profile JK tyre is only manufacturer of truck and bus tyres and second largest manufacturers of 4- wheelers. JK tyre and Industries in counted among the huge corporate entity which is the symbol of excellence, diversification and pioneering new technologies. Since its commencement it has been supreme in the value of technology which made it grow .JK tyre manufacturers and sells the tyres and tubes fot passenger car, truck, jeep, buses, multi utility vehicle,tractors and light commercial vehicle under its brand â€Å"JK tyre†. The company is the only manufacturer of ‘T’ ‘H’ high performance tyres in India. JK ranked â€Å"Highest in customer satisfaction with original tyres by J.D power Asia Pacific Study†. Its customers are mostly Replacement for four wheelers, entire Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in India along with state and defence transport units. Moreover JK have customer base across 45 countries and 6 continents.   Administrative Office: Link House, 3, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg,   New Delhi 110 002 http://www.jktyre.com/j-k-industries-limited.html Vision mission Vision â€Å"To be amongst  most admired companies in India committed to excellence† Mission  ·Ã‚  Be customer obsessed company  ·Ã‚  No. 1 Tyre Brand in India  ·Ã‚  Deliver enhance value to all stakeholders  ·Ã‚  Most profitable tyre company in India  ·Ã‚  Enhance global presence through acquisition  ·Ã‚  Motivated and committed  team development  for high performance  organization http://www.jktyre.com/j-k-industries-limited.html Key developments JK tyre industries Earning results for first quarter declared 30.06.09 For the first quarter company has reported  net profit of INR 40.75 crores or earnings of Rs 9.92per share on the Net Sales of INR 897.67 Crores In gross sales has been INR 964.58 Crores .The board [emailprotected] 27% dividend on equity shares for the financial year ended 31 march 2009 . Companies profit before tax had been INR 62.16 crores and operating  profit was INR 107.14 Crores. Performance  during the quarter has significantly improved on account of all round cost reduction measures, better operating  effeciencies, productivity, and richer product mix. First tyre company to receive ISO 14001. First and only tyre company to export passenger  car radial to Europe. World’s first tyre manufacturer to get QS9000 for its operation. India’s first to get ISO 9001. JK tyre is pioneer in promoting Rallying, karting, motor sports, JK tyre  pioneer of steel radial technology. Customer satisfaction JK tyre is the preferred choice of the all leading vehicle manufacturers in India like Maruti (http://www.jktyre.com/directors-report06.pdf) BEML (http://www.overdrive.in/story-news-general_news/jk_tyre_to_produce_otr_tyres-12662-0.html) Ashok Leyland (http://www.financialexpress.com/news/truck-tyre-mkt-on-road-to-radialisation/88811/) TATA Motors Mahindra Force motors Volvo (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2008/03/09/stories/2008030950701100.htm) JK Tyre meets ISO 9001, QS9000, ISO14001,E-MARK, DOT,IN METRO standards where ever applicable. JK Tyres efficient RD department is deeply involved in making improvements in the product performance, quality, and bring out new products. Company aims to give satisfaction to its customer by offering high quality and cost effective tyres and tubes. (http://www.jktyre.com/quality-policy.html) History of the company On 14 February 1951 JK organization was incorporated as a private limited company. Till 31 March 1970, the company was involved only in the business managing agency. After that, company took manufacturing activities and in February 1972 company obtained the letter of intent for production of automobile tyres and tubes. In 1974 company manufactured 4 lakh automobiles tyres and tubes per annum then on 1st April 1974 company was converted into public limited company. After this company promoted manufacturing project, it was done by J.K. Synthetics Ltd and straw Products Ltd. The company took international step by collaboration with General Tire Co.,U.S.A.,which was subsidiary of General Tire Rubber Co.,U.S.A. ,this collaboration was for the technical services which was for about 5 years and sales agreement for the supply of technical know-how, engineer and documentation for operation facilities for eight years. According to the agreement, J.K. tyre had right to use on its products the wording made in the collaboration with General Tire Co. Company renewed its technical collaboration agreement for further 5 years. In 1987 apart from 51 days strike as well as go slow from 14 October  the overall working resulted in substantial profits. Since the strike was resolved efforts were made to launch a new pattern in steel belted Radial tyres and it was introduced for Maruti Gypsy and Tata Mobile by the company in 1988. The company proposed install latest and sophisticated RD equipement by incurring expenditure of Rs 300 lakh.   Due to RD in 1989 company introduced several new pattern and sizes of tyres including a semi-lug Nylon Truck tyre, and got good response from the market. In 1991 Hidrive Finance Ltd., Radial Finance Ltd., Handeep Investment, J.K International Ltd., J.K Asia Pacific, Shivdham Properties, Pancham Investment ltd., became the subsidiaries of the companies. By 1992 company international division expanded its activities by opening its office in Moscow( Russia) apart from company’s subsidiaries already in U.K and Hongkong. Market well accepted the radial tyres for tractors launched previous year. In 1993 company introduced new brands of radial tyres ‘Brute’ and ‘Ultima’. After this compony started manufacturing steel belted radial tyres for the prestigious cars like Mercedes Benz, Peugeot,Daewoo race and Opel Astra. Market well received the new patterns developed for bus and trucks ‘PE-T8’. Despite of rise in inputs cost and cost of raw material and the competion company maintained its progress. Company attained higher capacity and all around cost reduction on both plants at Jaykaygra and Banmore. Many new generation cars accepted the J.K steel radial as T- rated ultima launched and was accepted by Daewoo’s ‘Cielo’ and then Mercedes benz india also choosed J.K steel radial  after this it G.M’s ‘Astra’. Then next were `Peugekot FIATs, `UNO and M Ms `Ford. After this company launched premium tyre to meet heavy load market which was ‘Jet Trak’-39 with this company launched new tractor rear tyre ‘SONA’ which was also greatly accepted by the market. During 1996 company launched car tyre JET Drive XS,and nylon car tyre for maruti along with semi-lug and heavy duty lug tyre for trucks. In radial category, Ultima XR Radial, a terrain tyre was introduced. All these tyres got good response from the consumers. Companies both the plants were operated at full capacity. In radial tyres units also launched dual contact high traction and high performance Aquasonic steel radial car tyre. As company had loan repayment of Rs 635 crores it proposed to reduced its debt by 125 crore in 2000. J.K tyre and the Indian oil corporation came  collaboration to install digital air pressure gauges and setting up sales out at IOC petrol station across the country. In 2001 managing director of J.K Industries Raghupati singhania was selected 19th chairman of ATMA (Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association). J.K Industries in 2003 got new Marketing Director as Mr. Ajay Kapila who was earlier  Senior-Vice President in Kinetic Engineering Ltd. J.K. tyres merged with Vikrant tyres along with the non tyre business, sugar and agriculture into separate companies which were J.K Sugar Ltd and J.K Agri-Gentics Ltd. On 2nd April 2007 J.K Industries Ltd changed their name to J.K tyre and Industries Ltd. (http://www.moneycontrol.com/stocks/company_info/company_history.php?sc_did=JKT01) History of JK Organisation JK Organisation owes its name to late Lala Juggilal Singhania, dynamic personality with broad vision. Inspired by the cause of Swadeshi movement of Mahatma Gandhi and driven the zeal to set up an Indian enterprise .Lala Kamlapat Singhania founded JK organization in 19 century ushering in new industrial era in India. The process of industrialization and diversification was worthily and successfully carried on by Lala Kamlapat’s illustrious sons –Sir Padampat, Lala kailashpat, Lala Lakshmipat, aided in no small measures by the Late Gopal Krishna son of Sir Padampat. (http://www.jktyre.com/founders.html) 1933- Juggilal Kamlapat cotton Spinning and Weaving Mills Co. Ltd was the first to manufacture calco prints in the country. In 1940 J.K iron and steel Co Ltd manufactured first time steel bailing hoops for jute and cotton with which country became self sufficient in meeting the entire demand. Then in 1944 they produced first time  aluminium virgin Metal from the Indian  Bauxite at  Aluminium  corporation of India Ltd, Jaykaynagar. There after J.K engineer files manufactures first time in India Engineering files in 1949. In 1959 they were the first one to set up a continuous process plant of Rayon.  In 1960 J.K Iron steel Co Ltd at Kanpur manufactured for the first time in the country a hydraulically operated cane crushing Mill for their sugar plant in Khandsari and then they completed their 100 ton plant. During 1961 J.K chemical set up world’s first plant for production Hydrosulphite of soda by the amalgamation process of sodium. Similarly in 1962 they their company J.K synthetics Ltd at kota produced first time nylon-6 with its own polymerised raw material in India. J.K Chemicals Ltd was the first one to produce sodium formaldehyde in India. In  1968 they produce T.V sets in India along with Metallic Cops for Synthetic Filament yarn  industries.  In 1969 J.K synthetics manufactured acrylics fibres in the country for the first time in the country and J.K synthetics Ltd developed Dyeable Nylon. In 1973 they were the first to the licence Synthetic fibre technology to third party and produce Synthetic Fibre Machinery. In 1976 they produce steel belted radial for the first time in india  for the trucks, buses and passenger cars in their tyre plant at kankroli and then they make steel belted radial tyres for three wheelers which was manufactured for the first time in the world. In 1984 they produced white cement in India for the first time in India  through dry process. Then J.K Synthetics produced Cathonic Dyeable fibre first time in India and nylon tyre cord based on Spin Draw Technology. In India J.K magnetic produced first magnetic tapes with cobalt technology.  In 1991 company set up a tyre palnt at Banmore with annual capacity 5.7 lakh tyres. Then in 1992 HASTERI RD centre was established bu the company after two years in 1994 they launched India’s first T-rated tyre and Banmore tyre plant crossed 100 TPD. Next year mecedez benz was launched on J.K tyres and they got the ISO 9001 which was given to first time in history to tyre manufacturer. In 1996  they introduced steel wheels and launched first time in India dual contact high traction  steel radial- aquasonic. Next was the big year for the compay they acquired Vikrant tyres ,awarded national export award for 96-97, first and the only tyre manyfacturer to get ‘E’ mark certification, they launched first H rated tyre and their research institute got ISO 9002.  In 1998 they were awarded capexil’s highest export award for 1997-98, got QS 9000. In 1999 Jk tyre was ranked world’s 16 largest tyre company, synergy with VTL in procurement, marketing and production flexibility, they got ISA-14000 certificate for environment and safety. In 2000 National Go-Karting  championships were introduced by the company. In 2001 company received CAPEXIL award and FOCUS LAC export award. In this year 2nd Go-karting championship was held by the company. (http://www.jktyre.com/milestones.html) Jk tyre acquisition of Mexican tyre company tornel JK tyre acquired Mexican based –company with the annual capacity of 6.6 million tyres ,this deal cost Rs 270 crores. This deal made the JK tyre No.1 tyre maker in the country as their annual capacity increased to 15 million units because they have surpassed Apollo tyres which was earlier No.1 with the capacity of 8-10 million. This acquisition not only gives JK tyres an additional tyres but access to the  lucrative market of Latin and North America. (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=5hid=3[emailprotected]) The company is planning to sell both the brands JK and Tornel in U.S and Canada. They have planned to spend million more on the Tornel plants to add new shape to JK  brand and launch the JK radial and Tornel passenger and light truck brands  for U.S customers. (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=10hid=101[emailprotected]bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=35120934)   JK tyre and motor sports It’s been two decades that the JK tyre is closely related to adventurous world of motor sports. JK tyre has been constantly  promoting motorsports not just only to discover several winners, but also using their awareness and knowledge of RD department  to develop tyres on which world can race upon. JK tyre realised the absence of the infrastructure, which is necessary for the accomplishment of the motorsports in India. Over the last five years, JK tyre has embarked over Rs 15 crore to support the motorsport in India. (http://www.jktyre.com/motorsports/jk-in-motorsports-history.html) Global presence Jk tyre along with its associates Vikrant Tyres Ltd is the leading exporter of tyres from the country which counts roughly 26% of exports. JK tyre is the world’s first manufacturer of tyre to receive ISO 9000 along with QS 9000 for its operations. Across the world only JK tyre has received has certificate of QS 9000 for its multilocation operations. In the country it is only JK tyre was the first company to receive ISO 14001 in recognition of its environmental management systems. Nowadays, products manufactured by JK tyres compete with international players in the international market across the world. The products are exported to to more than 55 countries and in 6 continents. The company has robust and well developed distribution network for exports and the distributors get the full support from technical team for the product development so that they can meet the market requirements. JK tyre products are internationally certified in Europe, US, Middle East and South America. For commitment of offer in superior quality , standards and path-breaking breaking innovation the company has received numerous awards for exports for  last years.in 1999-00 JK being the largest tyre exporter to Latin America it was acknowledged  by the Indian trade promotion organization (ITPO).  In 200-01 company was honoured with ‘The Special Export Award’ from Capexil, with this company made its fourth consecutive award from India’s premier industrial association. JK tyre is constantly making any eefort to deliver value to customerswith along with sound marketing strategy forms which are establishment consistent performance in international market.   To develop new products of excellent and distinguished products so that they can compete in the international market, JK tyre had had maintained its marketing and distribution strategies for export market. This credit goes to India’s biggest in-house RD centre, HASTERI (Hari Shankar Singhania Elastomer And Tyre Research Institute). This centre is well equipped with latest testing facilities which helps in getting excellence by evolving technologies for superior product performance and it also reduces waste and thinks about the consumer needs. All over JK tyre has obtained many milestones. Despite of , bencjmarking customer sevice and plans to bring in several pioneering technologies there, a lot which will roll out in future in JK tyre’s winning path. (http://www.jktyre.com/global-business.html) JK tyres in North America In Mexican based company Tornel, JK tyre bought 100% stake. By this move JK tyre got access in the markets Of US along with this company can entered into the markets of South America. Tornel has total three manufacturing units with total capacity of 6.6.Million tyres per annum (http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=319837) Technology at JK tyres Error proof Computer Aided Design Analysis JK tyres use updated tools and techniques which help them to figure out  and annihilate failure at the drawing board only. World class manufacturing on Automatic Machines Manufacturing of radials is done at air-conditioned plant fitted with the finest machinery to provide customer consistent good quality. Rigorous Testing Before the JK tyres reach the market it has to go through tough validation tests, both indoor and outdoor. Jk is one of the few companies that test their tyre so rigorously. Network of JK tyre Marketing Steel Wheels With the objective of meeting customer demand s and bringing best products and services form the customers, JK tyre established franchised chain nationwide retiled outlets as JK tyre steel wheels. It is considered to be one stop solution for the problems of and requirements of tyres and their services. In these they provide facilities like computerized wheel alignment, automated tyre changing, wheel balancing, air care, tyre rotation with the high technology and trained personnel guidance. Dial-a-tyre JK tyre has started delivering the tyre at the customer’s door. With this JK trained technician will deliver and fit the tyres at a pre-appointed time. In this wheel changing, balancing, and alignment is including. This step is user friendly to make the customer comfortable and for his convenience. AD-Campaigns JK tyre launched different types of ad campaigns to promote the product and the brand. The company publicized its product by placing its information in the media. Following are some of the ad-campaigns of JK tyres. Products JK tyre is leading manufacturer of tyres in India. It manufactures tyres  for entire segment of Truck/Bus, LCV, Passenger and Farms. Truck/ Bus-: JK Tyre is the leader in the segment of Truck/ Bus tyres. It has 70% market share in the truck and bus tyre segment. However this is very small sector Indian market but it is expected to grow in near future. They make Bias and radial types of tyres for this segment.   LCV-: In LCV segment they manufacturer such type of tyres and this they provide Bias and Radial. JK is the second largest  market share . Corporate social responsibility initiative by JK tyres J.K tyre believes that they get numerous inputs from the society, it adds value to these and offers the needed products and services to public at large. The profit which company makes is the enhancement by the public for value added. The purpose of CSR is enhance the government efforts by helping the citizen of the country, with which they can lead life which is prosperous, healthy, happy and more meaningful. It is believed that it is not only the job of the government to do the needful to the extent needed. That’s where the role of corporate citizen comes. In fact, it is helping ourselves because inputs and outputs comes from society and go back to society. So it is long run. J.K tyre and Industries undertook three major initiatives, 2004 onwards, as per deliberation in the central HRD Committee, presided over by Shri Hari Shankar Singhania, where all presidents and all time directors are members. Adult Literacy In 1950 the condition of china and india  was same i.e 18% of literacy. If the so huge population is illetrate then it is very difficult to imagine society making scientific progress and citizen leading purposeful and meaningful lives. From1950 there has been progress in this issue. China has got illiteracy 95% but our country got stuck at  65%. Looking at this J.K group took initiative, started  in may 2004  has made 6900 citizens of the country literate. Today, another 700 are participating in learning session in 30 groups at 10 different locations  in different six local languages viz. Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati Hindi, under the guidance of our plants local management. The company has target for the year 2009 which 3000 plus.  The various place where classes are taken are J Central Pulp Mills at Songadh in Gujarat], Lakshmi Cement in Sirohi Rajasthan, J K sugar nr. Barielly, Fenner [ Hyderabad Madurai], J K agri in Hyderabad. For this company use the software developed by M/s TCS at the locations. The photograph shows a class in progress in a village near Hyderabad, organized by J K agri.K Tyre [ Banmore nr. Gwalior, Vikrant in Mysore, Kankroli in Rajasthan], J K paper [Rayagada in Orissa Prevention Of Hiv / Aids : Focus on Outside Community Mainly truckers and their helpers who are highly attacked by the disease HIV/AIDS. Looking at this scenario J.K tyre started in November 2005, and is supporting three clinics in situated at National Highway at Indore, Dhanbad, and Vishwa karma Nagar. J K Tyre supports the work being done by Melinda Bill Gates Foundation in collaboration with TCI Foundation. Awareness is the main objective of the project so that people should use preventive measures. In ‘Infotainment Melas  which are held near the clinics company also participate , in these mela’s entertainment is combined with spreading message. Despite of 3 clinics run by TCI foundation and supported by JK tyre , one clinic named â€Å"JEEVAN KIRAN† which is fully financed by JK tyre has been opened in Nov 2007 at Transport Nagar, Jaipur and 2nd clinic at shahpura on NH-8, which 70 Km short of Jaipur on way from Delhi on 25th May 2008. It’s day-to-day operations are controlled and managed by NGO called, â€Å"Vatsalya†. Till now , in all five clinics more than 39000 persons have been attended to for ailments, of which 9590 were treated  for STI’s [sexually transmitted infection] and rest for general ailments. Suspected cases were  referred to government centres. Prevention Of Hiv / Aids : Inhouse , Focus on Our Employees JAN 2008 = MOU signed ; between ILO [Internationaal Labour Organization] for helping us in this endeavour ; also a 2 hr presentation was made to group of Sr executives by ILO. March 2008 = J K TYre HIV /AIDS POLICY was announced has been widely disseminated. Four pillars of this policy are : AWARENESS, NON-DISCRIMINATION, CONFIDENTIALTY CPOLLABORATION. APRIL 2008 = among employees a survey was carried out at all the location to assess the level of knowledge on the subject by an outside agency. MAY 2008 = among the employees training of 31 master trainers  by ILD took place who will address the other employees for 2 hour awareness session at all location. By the starting of July 2008, approximately 7000 employees took part in the  2 hour awareness program addressed by the Master trainers/Peer Trainersand this was highly appreciated by the workers and unions. HIV / AIDS, As additional initiative in 2008 for Observing WORLD AIDS DAY ON 1st  December 2008 Company joined  TCI foundation in observing the WORLD AIDS DAY at 13 locations across India [Delhi, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Dhandbad, Jamshedpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore] The function called Truckers ‘Utsav was attended by 22000 truckers which combined awareness generation  with entertainment. Many invitations went out in transport community with J.K tyre logo. JK tyre also facilitates their products and banners and speaks few minutes about the company on the mike. (http://www.jktyre.com/corporate-social-responsibility.html) What is tyre? Review of literature What is Tyre? â€Å"A tyre is just black and round with hole in the middle. Actually, it’s a complex piece of high technology that is essential for the passenger safety and the efficient running of the vehicle. It’s a composite product. A tyre is a composite product that is, an inseparable assembly of materials with very different properties, whose manufacture demands great precision.†Ã‚   (http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk/en/car-van-44/what-tyre/20070301111326.html) Structure of Tyre  ·Ã‚  Tread is that part of which comes into contact with road. It provides high grip, longer life durability  and protects carcass.  ·Ã‚  Steel belt also protects carcass and provides stiffness to tread.  ·Ã‚  The work Spiral layer contributes to high durability and manoeuvrability.  ·Ã‚  Shoulder being thickest part of the tyre it saves the carcass from outer shocks and damages.  ·Ã‚  Side wall being most flexible protect the carcass and provides comfortable ride to the driver.  ·Ã‚  Main body of the tyre is ply cord, it’s that which manages inflation pressures and endures load and road shocks.  ·Ã‚  Bead filler contributes in the high durability as well as manoeuvrability.  ·Ã‚  A bead wire is that part which hold tyre on rim.  ·Ã‚  Heat generated due abrasion of bead and rim flange id protected by chafer. NOTE: Construction of tyre may vary with size and pattern. (http://www.bridgestone.co.in/tyre/tyreknowledge/radialtyre.asp) Maintenance of tyre Maintenance of tyres is very essential to obtain the best performance. Following steps should be followed for proper maintenance of tyres-: Proper tyre mounting and de-mounting  ·Ã‚  New tube should be used with new tyre.  ·Ã‚  It should be kept in mind that tyre and tube are of same brand.  ·Ã‚  Combination of tyre and rim should always be correct.  ·Ã‚  Rim should be dirt and rust free and no bend should be there on the rim.  ·Ã‚  It should check that rim valve is smooth and round.  ·Ã‚  Before the tube is placed in the tyre, it should be cleaned the properly.  ·Ã‚  Mounting machines should used as much as possible and use of hammers and chisel should be avoided.  ·Ã‚  Ensure that before mounting and de-mounting tyre beads are lubricated.  ·Ã‚  Before inflating the tyre, ensure that tyre beads are seating correctly on rim or not. Tyre balancing An un-balanced tyre may cause vibration. So it is very important. Balancing  of tyre should be done under following circumstances-:  ·Ã‚  When vehicle covers 5000 Km  ·Ã‚  If vehicle is coming across any vibration  ·Ã‚  Mounting/de-mounting Tyre rotation Tyres must be rotated if any defect is found or vehicle have covered the distance of 5000 Km. First tyre  rotation is very important as it sets stage for long and even for tyre wear. Wheel alignment  ·Ã‚  Proper wheel alignment should be maintained of the vehicle.  ·Ã‚  It should done when ever required or after every 5000 Km. Daily tyre check Every morning before starting the vehicle, tyres should be properly checked. If the damages are exposed in the tyre, it should be cha

Cadbury Competitive Advantage Strategies

Cadbury Competitive Advantage Strategies 5. What is there about this companys strategy that can lead to sustainable competitive advantage? The following are several strategies that Cadbury had used to bid and acquire Adams into its confectionery business. Cadbury had created a dedicated M A team, which is under Stitzers strategy group, at corporate headquarters to replace autonomous and dispersed work by local businesses. Besides that, Cadbury Schweppes brought in nearly 100 managers from divisions around the world to Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City for a two week workshop to refine the model and build commitment to the deal and the planned synergy numbers. Thirdly, Cadbury Schweppes had indentified the top tier of Adams management and began making determinations as to who they would like to keep in the event of successful acquisitions. Next strategy is the mantra Best person, right to take the most qualified candidate to match the job that best suited him or her. They also assumed the merger as the potentially transformative event. Cadbury Schweppes had developed an exhaustive integration plan in the event of a successful bid for Adams. A steering committee would be set up with integration management team, and enable teams to achieve the full potential of the merger. Each of this strategies will be evaluated with 4 variables which are value added, rare, hard to imitate, and not easily substitutable. Any of these strategies which had fulfilled all of the four criteria will lead to the sustainable competitive advantage in order to bid Adams successfully from other potential bidders like Nestle, Wrigley, Kraft, Pepsico, Mars, Hershey and Pharma companies. According to the case, Cadbury is estimated ranked as the fifth in the line of potential bidders which is behind Nestle, Kraft, Mars and Hersheys. The first strategy is creating a dedicated merger and acquisition team to replace autonomous and dispersed work by local businesses. We evaluated it as rare because not many companies would spend so many times and human capital to build a comprehensive business model of Adams and also human resources just to make one acquisitions. Besides that, there is a added value behind the team, whereby a team of talented people were gathered to make a strategic business model to bid Adams as they could see the future of Adams which can make Cadbury a leading confectionary company in the industry. It is also rather hard to imitate because the strategy of mergers and acquisitions were planned by whole department rather than just 5 people unit. This 5 people unit team is non-substitutable, as Cadbury is the first company with the team that already begun a comprehensive of Adams model of businesses which include detailed information about marketing and sales, list of potential cost and revenue syne rgies for each of 50 countries and etc. This strategy had proven how well that Cadbury analyzed on Adams before they make decisions to acquire a company. Moreover, Cadbury Schweppes brought in nearly 100 managers from divisions around the world to Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City for a two week workshop to refine the model and build commitment to the deal and the planned synergy numbers. We do not see this as rare because according to the case, competitors would have higher cost. This strategy has value creations because it has brought in the value of team work and stimulates closer relationship between managers from division of around the world. It is rather hard to imitate by many of the companies because, such strategy may require a very large cost by having two week workshop the synergy numbers that they planned in this strategy are easy to substitute because in the case, Stitzer claimed that the synergies were not large enough to support the price necessary to win the deal. Third strategy whom Cadbury Schweppes had indentified the top tier of Adams management and began making determinations as to who they would like to keep in the event of successful acquisitions. This strategy has value creation because, before Cadbury identified and analyzed their organizational culture and its top management team whether it is suitable with Cadburys corporate culture to make a successful joint business in future or not. Furthermore, this strategy is considered as rare as it will help increase possibility of becoming the preferred purchaser for Adams as well Pfizer who is currently the CEO of Adams. It is also not easy to imitate by competitors, as not many top executives can win the chance to know Adams detailed corporate information as what Cadburys do. This strategy would be difficult to substitute by other competitors. For example Nestle, as they do not have much information about Adam especially regarding their corporate culture whether it would culturally fit wi th them or not, although they have large capitals to bid Adams over Cadbury. The fourth strategy with the mantra Best person, right job which means human resources will take the best qualified candidate to match the job that best suited him or her. Added value created by having the most qualified and talented employee to produce the best quality job for the company. Besides that, it is rare, because every company is unsure that it had any of their employees who could lead the large American divisions if Adams is successfully acquired. It is also hard to substitute as many managers did not have the experience to run an integrated business on a global scale. However, the mantra or slogan that Cadbury carry with them are easily imitated by others as every company have the same objectives to employ the best employee in order to help the company to achieve the utmost results as well as to improve productivity. They assume the merger as the potentially transformative event. This strategy has value added element where it is an opportunity to centralize, transform practices and create more shared services. Besides that, it is also rare that only Stitzer believed that this kind of acquisition may motivate others to accept changes towards better improvement. Furthermore, acquisition on Adams is something new on both cultural and social on the company itself. With such strategy in mind of every executives is hard and difficult to adapt my every organizations, as not everyone especially the senior executives will accept new changes or new cultural when a company are merged and have to change their rules and organizations which has caused this strategy hard to imitate. However, Cadburys senior managers foresee the merger and acquisition as an opportunity to restructure a new business model for Cadbury towards achieving leading confectionary company. There is very less substitute as Cadbury who wil l have a very motivating thinking towards accepting new changes which help the company to achieve sustainable advantage. Cadbury Schweppes had developed an exhaustive integration plan in the event of a successful bid for Adams. Such plan is rare because, within 90 days, all validation and planning of the synergies has to be complete and new synergy projects that needed to Beat the Model to be identified and mapped out. In addition, the plan is quite hard to imitate, as all the bidding preparation are required to work out within a short time and period whereby there is no other teams or competitors that could work out a successful integration plan in such a short period. Furthermore, we find out that it is quite hard to find another similar merger that could implement an integration will all the detailed work plan as well as synergy projects to be done within 60 days. Within the first 90 days monthly, all the monthly status report about merger integration and applicable synergies will begin in each department of the company itself, which indicated that the Cadbury has added value in terms of building st rategic plan to acquire Adams compared to other competitors. A steering committee would be set up with integration management team and enabler teams to achieve the full potential of the merger. This strategy contains regional value capture teams as well as functional value capture teams which are important to drive the company towards achieving sustainable competitive advantage. This is also rare because it is necessary to prepare huge amount of human resources to manage several teams in carrying out the integration plan. Furthermore, it is not easily imitated by competitors as not many companies would have interest to focus and spend time to organize a huge number of human capital to implement an integration plan just on the acquisition strategy which the company that acquired are not 100 percent would bring profits for the company itself. Besides that, Adams will also find hard to find other bidders like Cadbury whom had been making deep analysis and study about the corporate detailed information and there are some business similarities betw een Cadbury and Adams. In conclusion, out of so many strategies that Cadbury had implemented, only some of the strategies can lead to sustainable competitive advantage as they had fulfilled 4 criteria, namely added value, rare, hard to imitate and hard to substitute. The strategies are: (1) creating dedicated merger and acquisition team to replace autonomous and dispersed work by local businesses; (2) indentifying the top tier of Adams management and begin making determinations as to who they would like to keep in the event of successful acquisitions; (3) assume the merger as the potentially transformative event; (4) developed an exhaustive integration plan in the event of a successful bid for Adams; and (5) setting up steering committee with integration management team, and enabler teams to achieve the full potential of the merger

The Course of Political Development in Uganda and its Effect on Economi

The Course of Political Development in Uganda and its Effect on Economic Development Development has recently become a new buzz word in international relations. Through an exploration of political, social and economic development around the globe, scholars are trying to understand which policies are most beneficial, and why certain policies are effective and why some fail. The connection between different types of development is often an important part of this research as well. The connection between political and economic development is of specific interest since the end of the Cold War and the failure of most communist-based systems. The emergence of capitalism as the dominant world economic system at the conclusion of the Cold War forces countries in the developing world to adopt capitalist policies. However, the question remains as to the effect of political development on economic development. Political development is traditionally defined as moving towards a democratic system with free and fair elections in which all citizens can participate to govern themselves, and eventually moving to a more liberal democratic state which also protects civil rights. The path of this development is often hard to define because each state has its own history and therefore its own methods for moving towards this end goal. Many western scholars recommend that states create and implement institutions to promote democracy, hold elections and open political competition to multiple parties. However the success of states attempts at implementing these policies is debatable. Economic development, on the other hand, is historically defined as economic growth, often based in gross domestic product, increased international trade, in... ...ame Press: Notre Dame. Harvey, Charles and Mark Robinson. 1995. â€Å"Economic Reform and Political Liberalization in Uganda.† Institute of Development Studies: Brighton. â€Å"Hostile to Democracy: The Movement System and Political Repression in Uganda.† 1999. Human Rights Watch: New York. â€Å"Idi Amin Dada Oumee.† Updated, 8 September 2003. www.moreorless.au.com/killers /amin.htm. Jà ¸rgensen, Jan Jelmert. 1981. â€Å"Uganda: A Modern History.† St. Martin’s Press: New York. Kreimer, Alcira, Paul Collier, Colin S. Scott and Margaret Arnold. 2000. â€Å"Uganda: Post-Conflict Reconstruction.† World Bank: Washington D.C. Sharer, Robert L. Hema R. De Zoysa and Calvin A. McDonald. 1995. â€Å"Uganda: Adjustment with Growth, 1987-94.† International Monetary Fund: Washington D.C. â€Å"Uganda Vision 2025.† 1999. National Long Term Perspective Studies Project: Kampala.