Geely Automobile

International Business Environment Analysis for Geely plc. 1 International Business Environment II Module title: International Business Environment (P13KL9) Module convener: Lei Li Title: Critical Analysis of International Business Environment in UK and Malaysia : A Project of Geely plc‘s Foreign Expansion Group Name List GROUP NO. ID NO. 6501184 6501425 6501559 6501825 6501972 6500420 6501843 NAME Chen Yiduo Wang Hao Yin Xiaoyun Wang Zheng Zhu Weixing Zhu Leizhen Wu Gaoying Number of Words: 4201 Submission Time/Date: 14th May, 2010 2 International Business Environment II Covering Note: Yiduo, Chen(6501184), Leader: ASEAN, Leverage the multinational institutions—ASEAN, UNNC Gaoying, Wu (6501843): WTO, UNNC Hao, Wang (6501425): EU, Leverage the multinational institutions—EU, UNNC Leizhen, Zhu (6500420): Income profile, Culture, Marketing analysis—Income profile, UNNC Introduction, Econography, Political risk, Assessment, Conclusion, UNNC Weixin, Zhu (6501972): Xiaoyun, Yin (6501559): Legal System, Exchange rate, Geely‘s Reacts, Recommendations, UNNC Zheng, Wang (6501825): Tax regime, Restrictions, Marketing analysis—legal system, UNNC 3 International Business Environment II Table of contents Pages 1. Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 2. ECLIPTER facotrs analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 5 2. 1Econography 2. 2 Culture 2. 3 Legal system 2. 4Income profile 2. 5 Political risk 2. 6 Tax Regime 2. 7 Exchange rate 2. 8 Restrictions Institutions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦.. 13 3. 1 WTO 3. 2 EU 3. 3 ASEAN 3. 4. Assessment of Geely’s overall international expansion strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 15 5. Marketing analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 16 5. 1 Legal system 5. 2 Income profile 6. Geely’s reacts to the impact of the ECLIPTER†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 8 7. Leverage the multilateral institutions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 19 7. 1 ASEAN 7. 2 EU 8. Implications and Recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 20 9. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 21 10. References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 22 11. Appendix (Interview)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦28 4 International Business Environment II 1. Introduction Geely, the China-based auto company and one of the newly-emerged multinationals in the world auto market, exerts tremendous influences on the auto industry. This essay will conduct a critical analysis of the international business environment that the company faces. In the first part, the ECLIPTER factors including econography, culture, legal system, income profile, political risk, tax regime, exchange rate and restrictions, together with the multilateral institutions such as WTO, EU and ASEAN will be examined by using UK and Malaysia as examples. Then based on this analysis, it will provide an assessment of the company‘s overall international expansion strategy and process. In the second part, legal system and income profile, the two most important ECLIPTER factors on Geely‘ overseas operations, will be evaluated. Furthermore, the scheme which Geely used to deal with the impact of these two factors and leverage the multilateral institutions will be shown. Finally, this report will analyze whether the company‘s international adaptation of the business function is effective, and then give some recommendations and lessons. 2. ECLIPTER Factors Analysis 2. 1 Econography Econography refers to physical and human assets including distance from major markets, and natural resources of nations that affect industry performance. In the first, the close distance between parent company and foreign subsidiary can help the company to reduce the transport costs and overhead expenses; it also can improve the connection between them. If the parent company is in China, it is better to build a subsidiary in Asia such as Malaysia. Secondly, the natural resources used for making cars mainly include steel, copper, and aluminum. If the country owns rich mineral resources, it can greatly provide benefit in the production of automobiles. One of the major purposes for many multinational corporations establishing overseas subsidiaries is to exploit the foreign natural resources. This is good for companies to 5 International Business Environment II reduce production costs and get competitive advantages. As World Steel Association reported in 2009 that the crude steel production of United Kingdom is 13. 5 in 2008, whereas the crude steel production of Malaysia is 6. 1 in 2008. 2. 2 Culture This paragraph will analyze the effects of culture on auto industry through power distance index and saving rate. Firstly, power distance index measures the degree of inequality exists in a society (Hofstede, 1997). The power distance index is 80 in Malaysia whereas it is only 35 in UK (Hofstede, 2008). The unequal distribution of wealth makes most Malaysian citizens prefer to hold a commercial auto. So the inexpensive Geely auto could be a good option for them. Secondly, saving rate could be a standard to show the attitude of citizens. The saving rate of Malaysia was 47 per cent in the year 1998 which ranks second in Asia (Azia, 2004). In contrast, the saving rate in UK was significantly low, which was less than 10 percent in the past ten years. For instance, the saving rate of UK household in 2008 was only 1. 7 percent (chart 1)(Presser, 2008). So UK citizens are apt to consume a relatively high price car. Chart 1 Resource from Posser (2008) 6 International Business Environment II 2. 3 Legal system The auto industry has been affected by laws and government regulations since the 1960's. The first safety act passed in 1966 by Congress and was called the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Highfill, 2004). This act forced manufacturers to improve the safety for the passengers, the driver visibility, and the braking of the car. Not only safety, but also environment is being growingly concerned even before the oil crisis. The Vehicle Air Pollution and Control Act passed in 1965 was the first act to set standards for automobile pollution. Then in the 1970's, Congress passed the Clean Air Act that led to a 90% decrease in automobile emission within the next six years (ibid). In the 1970's the oil crisis led to the approval of The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 which stated that all automobiles must meet a certain mileage per gallon. The act required that all automobiles had to meet a standard of 20mpg by the 1980 model and then 27. 5 mpg for the 1985 model (ibid). EU 2020 growth strategy also emphasizes the importance of low carbon automobile (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 2010). There are also many special laws for auto industry in different countries, such as Malaysia, which has built a free trade area for production and assembly of products for export-oriented enterprises. Companies can enjoy the minimum tariffs, raw materials and simplified mechanical equipment import formalities. Nevertheless, the Malaysia government regulates that more than 80% products should export to other countries (Daily News, 2006). Furthermore, the UK Byers Acts Measures to cut the average price of a car by ? 1,100 and save private car buyers around ? 1 billion a year. Although it may lower the profitability of auto industry, the number of consumers will increase gradually (DTI, 2000). 2. 4 Income profile Since automobile is not inferior goods, the demand of automobile would rise when income increases. In the economic aspect, income could be an indicator of the purchasing power of individuals and nations. Data from UK national statistics office (2010) demonstrated that despite the contracted 4. 9 percent of GDP in the whole year, the GDP increased 0. 4 percent in 7 International Business Environment II the fourth quarter of 2009. Furthermore, Household expenditure also rose 0. percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 in UK (chart2). For Malaysia, the GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 was 4. 5 though the figure was negative in the whole year (chart 3) (Malaysia statistics, 2010). It can be observed that the economy of both UK and Malaysia seem to recover from the global financial crisis. This positive signal predicts the growing demand and diste nsible market for Geely in both countries. Chart 2 Resource from UK statistics 2010 Chart3 Resource from Malaysia statistics 2010 8 International Business Environment II The core competitiveness of Geely automobile relies on its high performance-price ratio. Per capital GNI (Gross national income) in Malaysia was 25784 RM in 2008. By analyzing the 2004 United Nations Human Development (UNHDP) report, except the 20% population of richest and poorest class, Geely will be a better choice for the rest citizens in Malaysia(chart 4) (Lumpur, 2004). In comparison, the young people account for a great amount of population in UK. A source from HMRC shows the average income of under 20 years is ? 9,570 and 20-24 years is ? 13,200 which is below the average (chart 5). It implies that when young generation decide to buy a car, price is the first consideration factor. For medium quality car manufacture companies, young population in UK could be a potential group of customers. Chart 4 9 International Business Environment II Chart5 Median Age Band Under 20 years 20 – 24 ? 11,800 years 25 – 29 ? 17,000 years 30 -34 ? 19,500 years 35 – 39 ? 20,100 years 40-44 ? 20,200 years 45 – 49 ? 20,300 years Resource from Lumpur (2004) ? 28,600 ? 24,800 ? 35,400 ? 15,200 ? 20,100 ? 28,100 ? 24,600 ? 34,600 ? 14,900 ? 19,800 ? 26,800 ? 23,600 ? 31,700 ? 15,500 ? 20,100 ? 23,900 ? 21,600 ? 26,700 ? 16,400 ? 20,100 ? 19,300 ? 17,800 ? 20,600 ? 15,900 ? 17,800 ? 3,200 ? 12,400 ? 13,800 ? 11,200 ? 12,300 ? 8,130 ? 9,570 ? 8,490 ? 9,810 ? 7,990 ? 9,250 Median Income Mean Income Income (Men) (Men) (Women) (Women) Income Income Income Mean Median Mean 2. 5 Political risk According to Guinger (2001), political risk describes the stability of government institutions. It can be measured in a variety of ways such as likelihood of foreign aggressio n and civil insurrection. The Transparency International (2009) showed that UK and Malaysia both face some problems of political corruption, which adversely affects the efficiency of economic operation. World Bank estimates that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 10 International Business Environment II billion a year – an amount equivalent to 1 or 2 per cent of GDP. The corruption in the UK is lighter than Malaysia, which ranked 17, whereas Malaysia ranked 56 in world in 2009 based on Corruption Perceptions Index 2009. But the corruption in UK is not unheard. Surveys by Control Risks and Simmons & Simmons show that the awareness of UK laws against foreign bribery may be decreasing over time. In 2002, after the act came into force, 68 percent of respondents said they were familiar with its main points. But in 2006, 48 percent people said that they have totally ignored it (Global Corruption Report, 2009). 2. 6 Tax Regime Tax regime refers to the tax instruments that governments use to raise revenues from multinational firms, such as corporate taxes. The tax of Malaysia is transparent, the multinational corporate must be taxed 30% of the corporate income which is just the same as Malaysia companies Marketing directory, 2005) According to the tax incentive treaties, auto ( . ndustry may be eligible for pioneer status which is given by the way of an abatement of 70% of the profits for five years (ibid). The remaining 30% of the profits will be taxed at the prevailing corporate income tax rate. The profits abated are exempt from tax and will be available for distribution as tax-free dividends. In UK the resident corporate tax is the lowest in Europe, even the tax is zero for t he small companies in 2002(Lawandtax-news, 2010). According to the tax treaties, multinational corporate which set up, purchase or control the companies in UK can follow the resident tax (Navstar, 2009). In the ordinary course of events, foreign companies cannot follow the low corporate tax, but with regard to double taxation and the agreement between UK and China, Chinese multinational corporates in UK now pay the low tax (ibid). 2. 7 Exchange rate Stable trade policies are extremely important for both the economic welfare of the countries and the multilateral trading system. Unfortunately, the liberalization measures were adopted by many countries. As Dornbusch‘s 1976 analysis has pointed out that when the exchange rate is used to provide protection for domestic firms, it is through undervaluation. An undervalued 11 International Business Environment II exchange rate protects domestic firms from imports and gives domestic firms greater incentives to export. For example, the Balance of Payments Committee of the WTO has received 39 requests from member countries for derogations from their international obligations and for a temporary increase in temporary protection. Moreover, several developing countries, such as Malaysia, have recently increased tariffs in response to financial crises even though the higher rates remain below the rates these countries bounded in the WTO. Moreover the analysis said China has become a great auto exporter, as a result of the huge subsidies, an undervalued exchange rate and dirt-cheap credit (Swaminathan, 2009). 2. 8 Restrictions Restrictions refer to the taxes and limitations that host governments place on foreign products and services or on foreign firms themselves when they enter or leave the host economy. Because of the policy of protecting their national automobile industry, the import tax of automobile is relatively high in Malaysia. Since 2004, Malaysia began to reduce the automobile import tax: for the import components the tax is reduce from 25% to 10%, and for the whole automobile the import tax is drop from 130% to 30% for the companies outside of Southeast Asia (MEI, 2009). In 2010, according to the agreement of ASEAN, the automobile import tax will be zero to all the regions of ASEAN. UK is a member of EU, it followed the economic agreement of EU which sets no import or export tax between members of EU and they must charge the same tax when they have business with the third country (European competitiveness, 2009). 12 International Business Environment II Scoring Analysis of UK and Malaysia Country Score Econography Culture Legal System Income Profile Political Risk Tax Regime Exchange Rate Restrictions Total (10) (10) (20) (20) (10) (10) (10) (10) (100) 8 7 18 8 8 8 7 7 71 7 6 16 15 5 9 8 9 75 UK Malaysia 3. Institutions 3. 1 WTO The major objectives of WTO‘s roles are ? the creation of a common automobile market through the elimination of barriers to intra-Community trade; the maintenance and expansion of a competitive world automobile industry; the use of voluntary import restrictions to prevent cheap imports and to maintain competitiveness? European Commission, 2006). For example, in 2006, WTO announced the establishment of a panel to examine whether China's tariffs on imported auto parts violate WTO trade rules, following a joint complaint made by the United States, the European Union and Canada, who accused China for its discriminatory charges on imported auto parts. After examining Ch ina‘s related regulations, WTO panel declared that China's regulations are inconsistent with China's WTO obligations. China has agreed to make the necessary regulatory changes by September 2009 (Herd, 2006). 13 International Business Environment II WTO facilitates Geely‘s international expansion since the elimination of trade barriers has cleared its path to world market and made it integrated to the world economy. In 2002, after China joined into WTO, 100 automobiles of Geely exported to Syria (Luo, 2005). 3. 2 EU EU functions as a rule-imposer. It sets strict requirements and institute rules and regulations to improve vehicle safety. Besides the vehicle crash tests executed by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program backed by European Commission), there are also some regulations set to protect the environment. First, in order to respond to the gradual aggravation of greenhouse effect, the European commission developed a mandatory emission standard to limit the emission of one major kind of greenhouse gas, CO2. The regulation set a fleet-average CO2 emission target for passenger cars, which is 120 g/km to be reached by 2015 (European Commission, 2010). The vehicle manufacturers must reach the CO2 emission target of 130g/km, with an additional reduction of 10 g/km to be provided by supplementary measures, such as the use of hydrogen fuel. A long-term target of 95 g/km to be reached by 2020 is also stablished by the regulation (ibid). This regulation will take effect in 2012. From 2012 onwards, vehicle manufacturers who do not meet this target will have to pay penalty for their excess emissions. According to DieselNet (2010), from 2012 to 2018, the penalties are â‚ ¬5 per vehicle for the first g/km of CO2; â‚ ¬15 for the second gram; â‚ ¬25 for the third gram; â‚ ¬95 from the four th gram onwards. From 2019, manufacturers will pay â‚ ¬95 for each g/km exceeding the target. Another congressional mandate imposed by European Commission requires tire pressure monitoring systems on all new cars in 2012. According to Europe‘s Information Society (2010), many road accidents resulting in fatalities and physical injuries are linked to tire defects. Furthermore, under-inflated tires can result in severely inefficient use of fuel and cause an extra two million tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere per year. So this mandate enhances vehicle safety and protects the environment. 14 International Business Environment II These regulations have incurred a rise in car prices since vehicle manufacturers are forced to increase price to offset the cost of upgrading. These regulations put Geely in an unfavorable position. Since Geely is better known for making low-tech and cheap cars, making eco-friendly cars is not included in the competencies of the company and huge R&D spending is inevitable for nurturing this competence. They set a high bar for the competition and limit Geely‘s ability to expand market in Europe. 3. 3 ASEAN ASEAN – Association of South East Asia Nations is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia. China and ASEAN are both newly-emerged, rapidly-developing auto markets. Cooperation in auto industry between China and ASEAN will bring a win-win situation for the two sides and make their cars more competitive in a global competition. For instance, according to Xinhua News Agency (2006), a report released by the Ministry of Commerce Indonesia has announced that compared to the expensive Japanese sedans, the China-made ones gradually gain popularity for more favourable price-performance ratio. ASEAN country also needs investment from Chinese carmakers to expand local employment and for more price-favourable cars, said a Germany auto expert at the China-ASEAN Expo, 2006. Consequently, in general, ASEAN opens its gate to Chinese car companies including Geely to achieve a win-win situation. 4. Assessment of Geely’s overall international expansion strategy Geely‘s current international strategy is to produce affordable automobile, so the market size and consume power of a foreign market are highly valued by Geely. Malaysia automobile market resembles China more than UK, in the aspects such as the people‘s income, the similar culture, and the similar geographical position, etc. As by now most cars have been exported to some developing countries like South-East Asia, Ukraine, Russia, and Mexico, Malaysia will be good choice. Meanwhile, although UK does not represent a neighboring or ? home‘ market, 15 International Business Environment II as markets in South-East Asia do, UK could be seen as an interesting market with a potential for higher margins, higher price levels and a more mature market for branding, technology, etc, as the UK‘s income per capita, and the automobile sales volume are higher than that of Malaysia. Considering the future international development, Geely should focus on UK. Therefore, at first, it is better for Geely to develop its ? producing automobile which most of people can buy‘ strategy in Malaysia, and when Geely is able to enter high-end automobile market, UK will be a better choice. In terms of multilateral institution, after evaluating the influence of international organizations, we suggest that Malaysia is a better choice for Chinese car companies to exploit new markets. Firstly, a win-win situation guarantees a favourably corporate relationship between Geely and ASEAN (Eichengreen, 2006). Secondly, there are various quality-related requirements and constraints in EU and probably NAFTA, which puts up a strong challenge for those Asian auto makers. Moreover, by far, there is no evidence to prove the acquisition of Manganese Bronze and Volvo have considerably increased Geely‘s sale in developed nations. Thus considering the opportunities and threats faced by Geely, it is recommended that the company emphasizes on developing nations‘ markets, rather than the developed markets. 5. Marketing analysis 5. 1 Legal system According to Alistair Darling‘s pre-budget report, UK will bring new opportunities for the low-carbon industries. Through the Innovation Investment Fund and the Carbon Trust's Venture Capital scheme, UK will invest at least ? 160m in low carbon projects (Guardian, 2009). They will also invest ? 90m in the European Investment Bank's new 2020 fund, which will put 6. 5 billion Euros of finance in green infrastructure projects. In this report, there are alterations to the climate change levy, company car tax, and fuel benefit charge (ibid). This is good news for Geely because now it dedicates itself to produce high-tech and eco-friendly automobile. In 16 International Business Environment II UK the amount of car tax depends on the price and the discharge amount for carbon, which is from 9% for electric motor car to 10%-35% for petrochemical car. UK also has a successful car scrappage scheme, which gives consumers a ? 2,000 discount off. If they scrap their old vehicle, it will help up to 125,000 families replace their inefficient boilers with new models (Julia, 2009). Through the government‘s support of low-carbon industry, Geely has more opportunities to innovate high-tech and eco-friendly automobile. Furthermore, because of the low tax and car scrappage scheme, customer is inclined to buy or change an electric motor car,. In 22nd March 2006, Malaysia published the new automobile policy (MEI, 2009). Since that day, the import taxes of CBU (Complete Built Unit) are reduced from 20% to 5% for the ASEAN members and 50% to 30% for other countries. The import taxes of CKD (Completely Knock Down) are 10%. In 28th October 2009, Mustafa Mohamed announced many new policies for auto industry which will give much more preferences and subsidies for the new energy automobile companies (ibid). . 2 Income profile It is known that the success of Geely relies mostly on keeping low cost and offering the affordable cars. For instance, Geely's best-selling four-door sedan, the King Kong, has been sold 6127 in April 2010 and the retail price is between 47,800RMB – 58,800RMB (Jiang, 2010). Geely sold 329,014 passenger cars in 2009, making it is the third largest domestic car producer (Zheng, 201 0). However, Geely's winning formula is under pressure in china because Chinese consumers are becoming wealthier; the higher-end models will gradually be affordable for them. Meanwhile, brands such as the Chery QQ, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Civic are threatening Geely‘s current market position. Geeky‘s winning formula is also challenged at the oversea markets like UK and Malaysia. Date from HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) indicates that nearly 50% of the population in UK earns ? 16400 annually which is much higher than the middle class income of Malaysia. This group of population could be a dominant power in the automobile market in UK. It is not a wise choice to sell its inexpensive cars in UK considering that low price would not be 17 International Business Environment II attractive for these relatively rich citizens. The similar situation also happened in Malaysia which made Geely‘s low price cars less competitive. This is because that the predicted real GDP growth in 2010, 2011 and 2015 are 4. 7%, 5. 0% and 5. 0%, Malaysian people are becoming richer than before(IMF, 2010). Their increasing incomes will directly affect their car buying choice. People nowadays prefer the higher-end models and the market share of Geely‘s lower-end models are estimated to reduce gradually. 6. Geely’s reacts to the impact of the ECLIPTER First, since the middle of 2009, the sales of car exports decreased from 37940 in 2008 to 6297. Furthermore, although Geely exports to more than 50 countries, most of them are developing countries which are not so effective in the promotion of the brand image. In order to get rid of low-end image, Geely changed its strategy from ? produce automobile which most of people can buy‘ to ? do not produce cars which price is below 40000 Yuan‘ (Fang, 2009). Besides, Geely take over Volvo which also expressed its desire to promote the brand image. Geely‘s strategy changes starts in May 2007, which is focus on transforming its competitive advantage from price to technology. In 2007, Geely used three new motorcycle type—Yuan Jing, King Kong and Zi You Jian, which have relatively higher value added to substitute the Haoqing, Meiri and You Liou. For doing that, Geely scraped its old molds, jigs and production line which worth up to 8 billion Yuan. In 2008, the sales of these three new auto types grew 12% without discount marketing strategy (Geely annual report, 2009). Furthermore, in 2010, Geely will market 21 new auto types, and some of them were designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, the Italy‘s famous auto manufacturer. Moreover, the new energy auto will also be produced in 2010, which will include Panda and DiHao (Wenqing, 2010). These new energy auto types have been showed in the Beijing car exhibition 2010 (Phoenix auto, 2010). In order to deal with these two factors, Geely also has a complementary strategy: cooperate or takeover other well-known international auto manufacturers. It will not only help Geely to promote its auto manufacture technology, but also improve its brand image. Geely has already cooperated with 18 International Business Environment II Britain‘s Manganese Bronze to produce luxurious brand-named taxi (China car Times, 2010) and assembled cars with Information Gateway Corp Sdn Bhd (IGC) in Malaysia, 2006 (Tan, 2006). 7. Leverage the multilateral institutions 7. 1 ASEAN One of the stunning news in 2005 was the political barriers Geely met in Malaysia, which was considered as the biggest challenge for its overseas expansion so far. Geely‘s President Li Shufu described Malaysia as ? an unexpected trap? because of Malaysia government‘s rejection on fulfilling the contract. After examining the ECLIPTER factors of Malaysia market, Li Shufu and his team regarded Malaysia as the first pillbox and cornerstone of its expansion to ASEAN countries. He believed the learning in Malaysia could be helpful. Therefore, in May 2005, Geely has made a joint contract with Malaysia IGC group for building CKD factory in Malaysia. However, Malaysia government denied the contract after a new document on automobile being published. According to the document, all cars made by foreign automobile manufacturers were prohibited to sell in Malaysia. Then the situation in Malaysia went against its expection of getting a huge sale. However, according to Geely officials, to some extent, ASEAN agreements have made Geely to reconsider the importance of Malaysia (Harwit). In South East Asia nations, there are some strict tariff-related regulations for automobile industry. Contrarily, tariff among ASEAN countries is in a minimum rate. According to an inner-ASEAN agreement, from 2003 to 2009, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore and Vietnam exempted auto import tariff for each other. From 2010, all ASEAN countries will implement zero auto import tariff for each other. At the same time, Indonesia, Thailand and some other ASEAN nations‘ demand of cars is increasing considerably (JAMA, 2008). Especially after an impressive increase in 2007, the car-sale in Indonesia becomes significantly dazzle. Therefore Geely 19 International Business Environment II planed to only manufacture cars in Malaysia and then export cars to other ASEAN countries, which seems like a forward-looking plan in a long-term development. Finally, Geely decided to move its Malaysia CKD manufacture center to Indonesia. However, its vision of leveraging ASEAN to pursue a sale performance in all ASEAN nations has not changed. 7. 2 EU In terms of EU regulations, since Geely has acquired 100% ownership of Volvo, the Sweden‘s company, Geely is no longer an outsider of European market. According to the EU Single market concept (European Commission, 2010), a free circulation of capital, labor, goods and services between EU members is granted. Geely now have got over tariff barriers and competes as an insider. . Implications and Recommendations One of the strategies of Geely is to promote new energy automobile, there are two advantages for this strategy: Firstly, Geely can get powerful support from government since the development of new energy is encouraged by the government. Secondly, since new energy automobile is environmental friendly goods, it not only reduces the carbon emissions, but also decreases the expenses o n routine maintenance (Bond newspaper, 2010). However, there are also drawbacks, such as the inadequate facilities. Acquiring other world famous bands is the other strategy of Geely, which facilitates the company‘s global expansion. For instance, Volvo is well-known by its safety, which could provide Geely with a competitive advantage on its brand trust. It also provides a valuable, more upscale user image. Therefore, through merger or acquisition of international well-known brands, Geely can get greater international fame and advanced technology, integrate into the world market and attract more consumers. However, certain risks should be considered when Geely acquires Volvo. The first risk is that the culture conflicts between two countries. It has been reported that one of the hindering factors is that the union of Volvo in Sweden disagrees the acquisition for their reduced 20 International Business Environment II welfare and unemployment (Gasgoo, 2009). The second risk is that the value of acquired equity. It has been said that Volvo‘s vaunted reputation for safety has been challenged by other manufacturers which can also provide automobiles with same safety standard. In this case Volvo‘s ? safe? advantage may not be as competitive as before. 9. Conclusion To sum up, this essay has analyzed the ECLIPTER factors of Geely‘s two overseas markets, Britain and Malaysia, and examined influence of the related multilateral institutions. According to this matrix analysis, legal system and income profile have the most important impact on the auto industry. For multilateral institutions, ASEAN and WTO generally promote the Geely‘s international expansion strategy, while EU regulations are less favored in its expansion. Considering both ECLIPTER factors and related multilateral institutions, it is suitable for Geely to enter developing nations to acquire market share at its initial development. But for long-term development, Geely need to pay attention to research and develop higher-end models. With the development of Geely Company and the overall auto industry, Geely‘s focus will shift from developing countries to developed countries. Currently, Geely‘s low price strategy is challenged by the legal system and income profile of developed countries. Therefore, Geely is increasing its efforts in releasing new model cars and tapping into developed countries through merger or acquisition. Geely intends to promote its brand image and enlarge its market share through these strategic moves, although it has to face the risk of culture conflicts and the uncertainty of acquisition value. 21 International Business Environment II 10. References: Azia, A. Z. (2004) Malaysia-Encouraging Saving in a Dynamic Economy [Online]. Available at:< http://www. bis. org/review/r040115c. pdf> [17 April 2010] Bond newspaper (2010) (There are many advantages of new energy automobile but it needs improve) [online]. Available at: [6 May 2010] China Car Times. 2010) London Taxi‘s should now be renamed Hangzhou Cabs. [Online] A vailable at: [11 April 2010] Daily News (2006) 10 ,80% (Geely will produce automobiles in Malaysia, 80% should not sell to other countries)[online]. Available at: [25 April 2010] DEPATMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA Official Website (2009) Population [Online]. Available at: [12 April 2010] DieselNet (2010) Cars: Greenhouse Gas Emissions [online]. Available at: [15 Ap ril 2010] DTI (2000) Byers Acts to Reduce Car Price [online]. Available at: [27 April 2010] 22 International Business Environment II Eichengreen, B. 2006) China, Asia, and the World Economy: The Implications of an Emerging Asian Core and Periphery China & World Economy / 1 – 18, Vol. 14, No. 3, 2006 [Online]. Available at: [24 April 2010] European Commission (2010) A Single Market for goods [Online]. Available at:[ 20 April 2010] European Commission (2006) A Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century [Online]. Available at:[ 20 April 2010] European competitiveness (2009) Tariff Barriers [online]. Available at: [21 April 2010] Europe‘s Information Society (2010) Tyre Pressure Monitoring System [online]. Available at : [21 April 2010] Fang, Wen (2009) Vs (The Difference Between BYD and Geely) [online]. Available at: [21 April 2010] Gasgoo. (2009) Volvo union meets Geely, no detail on financing. [Online] Available at: [11 April 2010] 23 International Business Environment II Geely (2009) Annual Report and Financial Statement [online]. Available at: [5 May 2010] Guardian (2009) Alistair Darling’s pre-budget report-full text [Online]. Available at: [20 April 2010] Harwit, E. (2006) Chinese Overseas Investment: Cases in the Automobile and Telecommunications Sectors [Online] Available at: [20 April 2010] Herd, J. (2006) Modern Global Automobile Industry [Online]. Available at: [21 April 2010] Highfill, D. , Baki,M. , Copus, S. , Green, M. , Smith,J. and Whineland. M (2004) Automotive Industry Analysis-GM, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Ford, Honda [online]. Available at: [28 April 2010] HMRC (2004) Rates and allowances – Income Tax [Online]. Available at: [17 April 2010] Hofstede (1997) Culture [Online]. Available at: [17 April 2010] Hofstede(2008) Wolrd map of Power Distance Index-Hofstede [Online]. Available at : [17 April 2010] Hofstede (2008), World Map of Uncertainty Avoidance – Hofstede [Online]. Available at : [17 April 2010] 24 International Business Environment II Ifeng (2010) (Analyzing Geely’s current position from the proportion change of ranking and sales) [Online] Available at: [12 April 2010] International Monetary Fund (2010) World Economic Outlook [Online] Available at: [11 April 2010] JAMA (2008) 1996-2007 ASEAN 5 Countries Sales Statistics [Online]. Available at: [24 April 2010] Julia, K. (2009) Scrappage Scheme Bosst Continues As New Car Sales Up 31% On Last Year [Online]. Available at: [20 April 2010] Lawandtax-news (2010) Corporate Taxation for Multinationals [online]. Available at: [21 April 2010] Lumpur, K. 2004) 2002 WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT [Online]. Available at: [15 April 2010] Luo, J. (2005) The Growth of Independent Chinese Automotive Companies [online]. Available at: [15 April 2010] Malaysia statistics (2010) Gross Domestic Product [Online]. Available at: [15 April 2010] 25 International Business Environment II Marketing directory (2005) (the Summary of Investment Environment of Malaysia)[online]. Available at: [21 April 2010] MEI (2009) (the New Policy of Automobiles in Malaysia) [online]. Available at: [20th April 2010] Navstar (2009) the detail of the corporate tax in UK) [online]. Available at: [21 April 2010] Office for National Statistic (2009) National Projections UK population to exceed 65m by 2018 [Online]. Available at: [11 April 2010] Phoenix auto website (2010) ( the new energy car showed in Beijing car exhibition) [online]. Available at: [5 May 2010] Posser, D. (2008) UK saving rate sinks to 49-year low as growth falters[Online]. Available at : [17 April 2010] Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (2010) EU 2020 growth strategy emphasises significance of low carbon automotive [online]. Available at: < http://www. eemsonline. co. uk/press_releases/08-03-10_3> [1 May 2010] Swaminathan S Anklesaria Alyar. TNN(2009) How India beat China in auto exports [online]. Available at [3 May 2010] 26 International Business Environment II Swee-Hock, S. (2007) The population of Peninsular Malaysia. [Online] Available at: [13 April 2010] TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL (2009) Corruption Perceptions Index 2009 [Online]. Available at: [11 April 2010] UK statistics (2010) GDP Growth [Online]. Available at: [15 Apr 2010] Wenqing F. (2010) 21 Geely will market 21 new types of automobile, new energy car also will produce)[online]. Available at: [24 April 2010] World Steel Association (2009) WORLD STEEL IN FIGURES 2009 [Online]. Available at: [11 April 2010] World Bank (2008) Gross National Income Per Capita 2008,Atlas Method and PPP [Online]. Available at: [15 April 2010] Xinhua News Agency (2006) China Eyes ASEAN for Car Assembly, Export [Online] Available at: [18 April 2010] 27 Internati onal Business Environment II 11. Appendix An interview with the Geely official Distinguished guest: Mr. Zhao Jie, Vice President of Geely Holding Group, In charge of Geely‘s international business. Time: 28 April 2010 Location: Mr. Zhao Jie‘s office Selected Q&A: Q: How does Geely react to the EU’s high standard of safety and emission? A: The high standard in Europe is indeed a big challenge for us late-movers. However, we have investigated a lot on the R&D and have made some success. As our new motto cited, we will ? devote ourselves to produce the safest, most energy-saving and environmental-friendly cars in affordable prices?. In spite of the European standard, we will also investigate on those aspects. Besides, we have acquired Volvo, a company with best reputation on its safety and reliability. Volvo will bring us the experience and advanced technology in pursuing safety. Moreover, developing new energy is not only the trend of all car companies, but also all those energy-based industries. Under the support of our government, we are confident in making a breakthrough in this area. Q: Have you got any type or design which could achieve the standard? A: Yes we have. Most of the automotive types in our series-EC were produced based on the EU standard. Q: We know Geely acquired Manganese Bronze. How can you successfully acquire Volvo from Sweden and DSI from Australia? 28 International Business Environment II A: Firstly, I am grateful to the lead of our Party and the flourishing Chinese economy. China now attracts the whole world‘s attentions. As one of the best Chinese companies, Volvo has its own advantage. As we have emphasized, you could not acquire Volvo only by money. That‘s like a free marriage, not an obligatory acquisition. They have already accepted us. As a fast developing China-based company, we could give Volvo continuous capital support. Also, our promotion will make Volvo more famous in China. In terms of DSI, there are several parades of their employees due to the downsizing. The company is on the edge of bankrupt. People clap their hands to welcome us, because they see the hope. Besides, we have developed the technology of gearbox for about 6, 7 years, we are able to understand and accept the technology of DSI. Q: Will there be any problems caused by culture collision after the acquisition of them? A: I don‘t think it is a problem for us. Firstly, Volvo is an international company who will make decisions with a global vision. Although everybody loves their country, the asset of an international company is complex, especially after becoming a listed company. It depends on the structure of the asset. For instance, who do you think Toyota belongs to? The asset structure is global, in which Japanese capital accounts for only a small part. However, the culture of Toyota is still Japanese. We think the situation is similar to Volvo, whose culture will not be changed by us. Our relationship is more likely a brotherhood, rather than hierarchical relationship. What we need to do is communication, respecting and taking care of each other. Q: Will Geely transfer the entire Volvo product line to China? A: Automobile needs indigenous producing, R&D and sale, and more importantly, the maximum indigenous complement. So the current factories in Sweden and Belgian will be remained permanently. Q: What’s your opinion on the Malaysia event, I mean the broken of your corporation? 29 International Business Environment II A: Based on the evaluation of all aspects, including the demand, competition, income and wage level, even the political aspect itself; we believed Malaysia was our best choice to enter ASEAN. Malaysia had already accepted our contract; we even signed the contract witnessed by both governments‘ staff. You know Wu Bangguo, chairman of National People's Congress and Malaysia‘s head of Parliament have attended the ceremony. I don‘t know why and how they allowed themselves to make such a decision. They denied the unilateral contract which goes against WTO regulation. I don‘t want to talk about it anymore. Q: The Geely Panda is transformed to â€Å"Tobe† and being sold in Taiwan, it is said that the real purpose is the ASEAN markets. Can you explain it a little bit? A: Sure. Firstly, Taiwan has an advanced system in sales and service. We could improve our service, especially after-sale service. Secondly, Yulon Motor has abundant experience in overseas sales. This ? Tobe? has already being sold in Vietnam, and will be sold in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippine. Q: What’s your future plan? A: Except ASEAN, we have run our business well in many markets. For instance, AIS Company from Ukraine, our best agency, sold out 8000 units for us in Ukraine and made ? Exterior? the most famous autotype in Ukraine. Considering the geographic advantage that Ukraine possesses, we will build CKD factory there, in order to expand to Russia and Eastern Europe. We also have signed a contract with a Mexico partner to build a 130-million-dollar all-around industrial centre. Our plan is, by 2015, build 15 produce centers abroad, and sell 2 million cars, in which 1. 3 million will be sold in overseas markets. Contacts: Address: Suite 15E, West Tower, 668 East Beijing Rd, Shanghai, 200001China Tel: 86-21-53086111 53086126 Fax:86-21-53085062E-mail:[email  protected] com 30 International Business Environment II

Research Project: Margaret Bourke-White Essay

Margaret Bourke – White, an American journalist photographer, was born in New York City on June 14, 1904. She was raised in a strict household. During her time in high school she became the yearbook editor and that is when she started showing her writing talent. Raised in a strict household, Bourke-White attended local public schools in Bound Brook, New Jersey, after her family moved there. In high school Bourke-White served as the yearbook editor and showed promise in her writing talents. After High school she kept on moving back and forth from the East to the Midwest, that was the reason why she attended several different universities. After tried out several different fields of studies, she discovered photography and decided to continue her education in this field. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1927. After her graduation she opened a studio in Cleveland, Ohio. At first she specialized in architectural photography, that was when she started taking pictures of the Otis Steel factory. Her work resulted to be some of the best steel factory pictures of that era, and these earned her national attention, by the publisher Henry Luce in Time magazine. Bourke-White became the associate editor and staff photographer of Fortune magazine, from 1929 till 1935. During that time she became the first western photographer who was allowed to document the Soviet Industry through photographs. That was a trigger to make her think about her work, from taking photographs for advertising, which was very profitable. She changed her perception on photography; she discovered how it is more of a powerful tool used to inform and influence the people, than an artistic medium. In 1937 she started working on a photo essay with Erskine Caldwell, whom she later on married in 1936, on revealing the social conditions in South America. Together they published a book, ‘You Have Seen Their Faces’ with their work from the photo essay, which became her best-known book. Never the less, this photo essay was one of the reasons why she was hired in Life magazine. During her time in Life magazine she composed her most famous single photograph, while covering the Louisville flood. Being a photographer doesn’t only mean taking photographs, but it’s to live and experience what you as a photographer are trying to show the world. It could be very dangerous and you will face a lot of obstacles. Bourke-White had no fear, all she cared about is to document and show the world what was happening. She was the first female photographer to document what was happening during the World War 2, and who was allowed  to work in the combat zones. She went was in Russia during the time Germany boomed Moscow for the first time, and that was when she decided to become a war correspondent. Of course this made her see horrors, which she could have never dreamt of seeing. At first she kept on going back and forth between the US Army Forces on the front lines of North Africa and Italy. During that time She experienced a torpedo attack on a ship she was taking to North Africa. This did not make her change her mind on covering the war, even after the fire she repeatedly came under in Italy in areas of fierce fighting. Her photos showed emotions and revealed the horrors to the war. There we two photographs she took during the war that had a great effect on the American population. The first one was a photo she took in Buchenwald camp, which was published in TIME magazine in 1945. Buchenwald camp was a concentration camp, where thousands of Jews were taken hostage and killed. Margaret was able to take a picture of the Jewish corpses that were piled on top of each other. It was a shocking picture that showed the suffering of the Jews and the cruelty of Nazi German. The second picture showed a Nazi mother who is covering both of her children with a white cloth. The story behind this picture is more shocking that what we saw. This mother killed her children after her husband was killed during the war, and then she ended up committing suicide. After the war was over Bourke White went back to documenting about humanitarian issues, which lead her to India. Two years after the Second World War, partition problems occurred between India and Pakistan that ended to be very violent. She was very keen to record all these horror to show to the world. She took photographs of dead victims with open eyes, streets filled with corpses and refugees with vacant eyes. These pictures touched a lot of people, some of them were displayed at â€Å"the posh shopping center Khan Market† in Delhi, India, and sixty-six of them were added in 2006 in a republished book called, ‘Train to Pakistan’. During her time in India, Bourke White took this chance to go photograph and interview Mohandas K. Gandhi. A lot of people regard her as being very lucky to have taken this interview, because a couple of hours after she left him he was assassinated. Her next destination was South Africa; she spent five month there documenting the unfair social and political treatment of black people and the cruelty of apartheid. After that she decided to fly to South Korea  to document the war that was going on during that time. Unfortunately that was her last trip, she discovered that she had the Parkinson’s disease, in 1956. She didn’t give up and fought back. She started working on her autobiography, Portrait of Myself that was published in 1963. She then died in 1971, due to her illness. Margaret was a strong and determined woman. She didn’t only play a big role in changing the people’s perspectives on the sufferings and problems that were around the world and the reality of things, but also how a woman can do a mans job. This wasn’t something common at that time. She has proved to the world that women can do everything, no matter how hard it is and her work reflected that. She crossed all barriers to make history and became well known around the world.

Rethinking Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rethinking Strategy - Essay Example To achieve competitive advantage, a business outfit should achieve superior performance on the strategic factors relevant to stakeholders. For the Harvard professor and one of the famous thinker's business models, "a competitive strategy takes offensive or defensive action to create a defendable position in the industry ("Competitive Advantage," 2007)." The basis for a business' beyond par performance in an industry, according to Porter, is that a business has competitive advantage. There are three approaches to attain this status. The first is by attaining cost leadership. This means that a firm aspiring for this must become the firm that has the lowest cost of production in its industry. It is actually the ability of a firm to design, produce, and market a comparable product more efficiently than its competitors (Kenney, 2003, p.44). In a case where a company's prices are similar or near that of his competitors, the company that has superior returns has cost leadership. The second is by differentiation. The firm seeks to be unique in the industry where it belongs, among some that are widely valued by buyers. One huge factor that a makes customers value a company's product is by having special product features and service. The third is through focus. ... The first and more "traditional" is the outside-in approach. According to this mode of thinking, the company's strategy heavily depends on external (market) constraints such as customers, entry barriers of suppliers, threat of substitutes, etc. The most vital means to success is the "strategic fit": the jibing between the company's strategy and its environment (Paawe and Boselie 2004, Kenny 2003, p.44). One of the most popular versions of this thought is Michael Porter's popular "outside-in" Five Forces model. Existing competitive rivalry between suppliers, threat of new market entrants, bargaining power of buyers, power of suppliers, and threat of substitute products makes up Porter's five forces (Chapman. 2005). These are all external, environmental forces. For Paauwe and Boselie, the company's primary course of action in the company's outside-in strategy therefore is to adopt contingency measures. The company puts premium to its reaction to the environmental forces (outside) that affects its operation and performance (in). On the other hand, the inside-out approach thinking more espoused by strategic managers than the traditional outside-in one in the late 1990's. This method is more concerned on the internal resources of a company rather than how it will strengthen itself from external problems. Core competence of Hamel and Prahalad is an example of a business model that applies the inside out thinking. Under this model, corporations should find a core of shared competencies. A core competency is "an area of specialized expertise that is the result of harmonizing complex streams of technology and work activity." To identify a core competence,

The Effect of Technology on Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Effect of Technology on Education - Essay Example The adoption of technology in education is capable of giving opportunity to the students to develop their thoughts according to the education offered. Before 2nd world war the American Business men used to appreciate the educational system that made people into workers without will or purpose. The adoption of technology into education should be in such a manner that it can be utilized in all the branches of education, so that no branch of education is left out without using the advances in technology. By adopting the technology in education there is a chance to liberate the effects of political philosophy. There is a possibility of changing the political philosophy according to the education by using technology. First of all the adoption of technology in any education concentrates on industrial efficiency and it produces efficient workers and managers. By adopting the technology efficiently and prudently in education, the present education system is producing the human resources. (Ma rot, Helen, 1865-1940, 2004) It is opined by number of experts and Glenn commission in 2000 that the educational technology and education interface is advantageous for both. The technology can get commercial usage and the purview and quality of the education can be enhanced. This is due to the fact that the educational technology regarding computer and its peripherals has grown rapidly in recent years. The usage of technology in education will result the increase of usage of technology in the commercial organizations and industry and vice versa. The present day students cannot understand or digest the limitations of technology in the educational institutions and the institutions that offer technological facilities are considered as the best ones in their domain. Both educational and industrial technologies are using internet related technology and this formed the core of education and business. The digital connectivity with other educational institutions, universities and industries is becoming more and more vi tal as the information and knowledge sharing has been organized and it will increase the efficiency of the institutions. The following quote is the opinion of the US department of commerce. "Therefore raising the level of digital inclusion by increasing the number of people using the technology tools of the digital age is a vitally important national goal. "(No author, 2005) 3. Enhancing the Positive Educational Change The vital importance of the technology is insisted due to the effective and positive change in education due to increase in usage of technology. The inability and uncertainty of schools and universities that do not provide leadership in technology areas of education cannot improve and share learning processes and methods. The sharing of the thoughts and views which is used to be done in the past after the education can be done in the course of education due to technology. This effect can make meaningful recommendation of increase of usage of technology in education. When the knowledge of technology is inadequate for any institution to make meaningful recommendations, they can take assistance of the government and industry. This advice is due to the fact that the technology is responsible for the increase of productivity and profitability in many industries. As the increase of p

Global Era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Era - Essay Example For example, the United States has improved its ties with Canada, United Kingdom and France. This has been an approach of ensuring both countries have a better hand in running their economy and other external affairs. The close ties with these countries have improved education, economy, wealth creation and an improvement concerning pollution. To begin with, the United States and United Kingdom are two countries that have been working together for a long time. Apparently, they are some of the greatest economies of the world. Therefore, working together would be a prudent approach in improving the economy of each other. As a fact, the relations between the U.S and UK are complex relations that range from shared history to corporation in the present day (Reitan 8). First, the two countries have various similarities in their religious affiliations, language and identical system. Therefore, they are prepared to work together since they have similarities. This is a better avenue of making close ties with each other as they are bound to benefit. Secondly, both UK and U.S have expatriates in each other country. Expatriates are professionals that assist in solving contentious issues that affect the two countries. Similarly, the expatriates help in strategizing on the best approaches in the two countries. For example, in this global era, both UK and U.S are adept in fighting terrorism (Reitan 9). Since the September 11 attacks, the UK and U.S have been categorical in annihilating terrorism. This has embedded trust in each other as they are fighting on the same side. Thirdly, the United States and United Kingdom have developed â€Å"special relationships† with each other concerning the â€Å"trans Atlantic alliance.† This is an approach where the UK and U.S make ties to assist the global economy. This will instil stability in the world as many countries will realize the positivity of this approach. Lastly, the relationship between the UK and U.S is considere d the most fundamental bilateral joint venture in the world. On one hand, the U.S has the American foreign policy. This policy deems to enhance the ties between the U.S and the UK. On the other hand, UK has initiated the British foreign policy. With these two policies in place, the two counties will have enhanced approaches to development (Reitan 9). Apparently, many countries have benefited from such policies as the two countries offer unparalleled help. As a fact, these two policies have helped the two countries in political alignment, commerce, finance, mutual trade corporations, technology and academics. For example, UK is the leading investor in the U.S, while the U.S is the principal investor in the UK. Mutual relationships between Canada and the United States have been in existence for over two centuries. Apparently, this led to development of the international relationships, which were considered mutually beneficial. As such, the United States has been influential in making close ties with Canada, as a country. To begin with, the two countries are economic partners. The United States is a chief economic partner to Canada. Similarly, Canada has improved its economic investments in the United States to level the trade. This has been a major step in ensuring the two countries are mutually benefiting in the global era. When Canada invests in the United States, there is a mutual benefit where there is job and wealth creation. These developments are also extended to Canada as the two countr

Chapter 3 Synthesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chapter 3 Synthesis - Essay Example the classroom environment and provide positive behavioral example (behaviorism) as well as mind the differences in culture, educational background, learning styles, and family life of the students (cognitivism). Constructivism emphasizes practical aspects of learning, asserting that all the participants of the lesson construct knowledge collectively, sometimes with considerable changes in the process, which requires from teachers flexibility and creativity. In reality, teachers should invest a lot of time in preparation for lessons: explaining the importance of activities, selecting activities, their sequence, playback strategies, and rehearsing. This will allow paying more attention to immediate reactions of the students: the chapter suggests assessing the progress of students and the atmosphere in classroom with maximal frequency. An ideal classroom works for itself in the sense that students work as much if not more than teacher and that they are so engaged in learning as to teach each other. In such collaborative environment, a teacher shares with students his/her expectations and his/her impressions from the process of teaching while remaining opened to the students’

Discuss how an understanding of the biology of insect pests assists in Essay - 1

Discuss how an understanding of the biology of insect pests assists in the control of stored product pests - Essay Example Due to the heavy economic damage caused by these pests, it is important to identify the biological characteristics of these pests in order to formulate effective strategies of eliminating them in our premises. This paper discuses how understanding of the biology of insect pests assist in the control of stored products pests. Characteristics of insects Entomologists and biologists have researched on different characteristics of insects including those infesting stored products. Examples of insect pests that infest stored products include grain weevils, grain and flour beetles, spider beetles, flour moths, mites and psocids among others (Heikki et al 1996). According to Robinson et al (2007), insects exhibit distinct physical, reproductive, and behavioural characteristics that enable them survive and multiply in different habitats. The major defining characteristics of insects are three pairs of legs, three body regions including the head, thorax and abdomen. In addition, insectsâ€⠄¢ bodies are usually enclosed in an endoskeleton (Robinson et al 2007). Because they have jointed appendages, insects are classified under bigger animal group called arthropod (Robinson et al 2007). Many insects have wings for locomotion, and others use their legs to crawl on surfaces. Another defining characteristic of insects is that they develop from eggs. They go through different stages called metamorphosis after hatching until they become full-grown adults. Insects undergo complete or incomplete metamorphosis (Isaac, & Rami, 2009). Complete metamorphosis comprises of four stages, namely egg that hatches into larvae, then pupae and later an adult develops from the pupa stage. Incomplete metamorphosis comprises of three stages, namely egg, nymph and adult (Isaac, & Rami, 2009). Another defining characteristic of insects is that they breathe through spiracles that are located in the thoracic and abdominal cavity (Heikki, et al 1996). The body of insects is relatively small and i t varies in shape and colour depending on the particular species. In addition, insects have one pair of antennae that is used as sensory organ to detect smell, temperature, and other forms external stimuli (Robinson, et al 2007).Insets have different feeding habits and they have specialized mouthparts adapted to suit a particular feeding method. For instance, insects that suck blood from animals or sap from plants have long sharp proboscis. Others that feed on stored products such as grains have different mouth parts, such as mandibles and sharp tooth like structures to enable them feed on the particular stored food material (Isaac, & Rami, 2009). Methods of controlling stored product pests Entomologists have developed different methods of eradicating insect pests infesting stored products basing on their biological characteristics. However, Jack and Nancy (1999) note that no method is 100% effective and a combination of several techniques are applied. Some of the methods used to co ntrol insect pests include insecticides such as fumigants, biological control, sanitation, drying stored products, temperature regulation among other methods. Fumigants work by interfering with respiratory process of insects in large and medium sized storage premises (Jack, & Nancy, 1999). According to Heikki et al (1996), fumigants are volatile and toxic chemicals and they kill the pest by suffocating. Chemicals applied in fumigation are effective at killing insect pests in different stages of metamorphosis. Biological information about these pests is

Art and Knowledge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Art and Knowledge - Essay Example This positive tradition which follows the western philosophical thoughts loves to believe that art is largely emotive rather than informative. To illustrate, according to people like Ayer (1952, p.54), the sources of empirical knowledge should be synthetic propositions the truth value of which can be determined. In addition, logical relationships should be derived from analytic propositions which are open to manipulation (ibid). Does art provide knowledge? The historical discussion Admittedly, this traditional belief that art has nothing to do with epistemology arose from the fact that arts are mainly aimed at arousing emotion. In fact, people seek out arts mainly to get oneself lost into the imaginary world created by the arts. Thus, one can easily point out that arts are primarily meant to reach a natural high which is often the result of ones sensory responses. Thus, traditionally, arts and sensory experiences were interlinked and inseparable. Thus, Plato (1992, p. 113) argued tha t the sensory side of human experience is primary in the arts. According to Stolnitz (1992, p. 191), the argument is that senses are a hindrance to the achievement of the high state in which reality can be understood. In fact, the weights and chains of the prisoners incarcerated in Plato’s caves were really surrogates or proxies for the distractions that our senses imposed upon whatever our rational mind could possibly muster. Thus, one can see that the stimulation of senses, which takes place through arts, is rather misleading. As John (2001, p.330) reflects, instead of making one reach critical thinking and rationality, arts lead one away from truth which can only be derived through critical rationality. And as time passed, there arose two extremes in the cognitive triviality of arts (ibid). The opinion of Plato was contradicted by Aristotle (2008, p. 45) in Poetics through the argument that poetry is capable of conveying the knowledge of universals to people. Thus, there a rise two classes of thought; one that believes in the aesthetic value of art, and one that believes in the cognitive value of art. Admittedly, it is possible to develop a third class of thought; that is, aesthetic cognitivism. This class of thought claims that art can give knowledge, and also that this knowledge can enhance the aesthetic value of art. According to cognitivists, it is possible for art to impart knowledge. In order to substantiate their claim, cognitivists rely on philosophical knowledge as derived from various works of literature. The gist of their argument is that though moral philosophy manages to provide an outline of what is good; works of literature are useful and at times necessary to understand the application of the same in various situations. As McKeon (2001, p.241) comments, Aristotle comes up with three types of knowledge; theoretical, practical, and productive. The theoretical knowledge refers to the knowledge about things that are fundamental in nature ( ibid). An example of this knowledge is the products and processes of nature. Practical knowledge refers to the knowledge that teaches what to do to address certain contingencies. Thirdly, productive knowledge teaches one how to make new things. Admittedly, the question arises as to how art can introduce productive knowledge. Thus, one gains the insight that the meaning of the word ‘knowledge’ itself is likely to change according to the nature of the problem one pursues (ibid). Based on the traditional view of scientific knowledge, knowledge is supposed to come along with evidence regarding the truth. In other words, knowledge is the ability to provide warranted assertions. In other words, the term ‘

Reality in the eye of representation Assignment

Reality in the eye of representation - Assignment Example The paper "Reality in the eye of representation" through analysis of various works produced in the eighties will give a clear picture of whether representation is a copy of reality or reality is a mere effect of representation. The use of signs in place of something else is known as representation. An artist can represent the world and reality through simple acts giving its element some unique attributes. The signs are thus organized in some kind of semantic construction and show relations. For example, both modern and ancient philosophers consider a man as a representative of all animals. The term representation can therefore be used to give various meanings such resemble or look like. It can also be used to stand for an object or individual. Representation therefore helps stimulate sensory information pertaining to an individual or item as described through a medium used. How perfect a representation look like the intended object depends on resolution that an artist assigns on the art and the word choice. Influence that presentation has on reality and the opposite of the same was a typical 1980s concern in art. Many arts were used to critique popular traditions. In 1980s videos portrayed the structural experiments of the past decades as political influenced. The arts instead looked to critique the social and economic premise on which the television was invented. The artist argued that the videos looked like TV shows though with something missing. The critique of representation became more popular.

Alternative sources of energy Essay Example for Free

Alternative sources of energy Essay There are several alternatives of energy that can provide renewable energy. Renewable energy is usually generated from the natural resources such as wind, sunlight, rain, geothermal heat and tides. Some of the renewable technologies range from wind power, solar power, biomass, hydroelectricity and biofuels for transportation, (Chiu et al). Biofuel This can broadly be defined as liquid, solid or gas fuel that is derived from recently dead biological materials mostly the plants. It is thus distinguished from the fossil fuel that is generated from the long dead biological materials. Biofuels are theoretically produced from a biological carbon source. Photosynthetic plants are the most common source of biofuels since different plants as well as plant derived materials are all used in the biofuel manufacture. Use of biofuels is common in Asia, Europe and also in America, (Anselmo, P. , Badr, O). The use of this renewable biofuels does provide increased energy security and independence from the petroleum since it is a renewable source of energy. Various issues that form part of the recent debates on the use or no use of biofuels include; the fuel versus food debate, effect on oil price, carbon emission levels, sustainability, soil erosion and deforestation, its impact on available water resources, the potential of poverty reduction, human rights issues, its price, its efficiency and energy balance and the comparison of the centralized versus the decentralized models of production, (Powlson et al). The greatest challenge in the use of biofuels is the conversion of biomass energy to liquid fuels that can be transported. The two most common strategies that re employed include; 1. Growing of sugar crops such as sugar beet, sugar cane or starch such as maize/corn and then employ a yeast fermentation process to produce ethanol (ethyl alcohol). 2. Growing of plants such as soybean, oil palm and algae that do naturally produce oil. These oils can be directly burned in diesel engine since heating of oils reduces their viscosity or they can further be processed chemically to produce biodiesel. A good example is the conversion of wood as well as its byproducts into methanol, woodgas or ethanol fuel, (Batistella et al). First generation Biofuels This refers to biofuels that have been made from starch, sugar, vegetable oil or even animal fats by employing the conventional technology. Grains or seeds such as wheat when fermented into bioethanol are the basic feedstock used in the production of first generation biofuels. Sunflower seeds are also used to yield vegetable oil that is used in biodiesel. The feedstock used for the first generation biofuels have even found their way to the human and animal food chain and has thus been criticized for the diversion of human food into the production of fuels a move that has potentially caused food shortages as well as increase in food prices, (Chiu et al).. Though the quality of obtained oil for use as fuel maybe lower, vegetable oil can be used in some of the old diesel engines that were equipped with the indirect injection system though only in warm climates. In most of the instances, vegetable oil has been used to manufacture biodiesel that is diesel engine compatible especially when blended with the conventional diesel. An advantage to this is that most of the used vegetable oil is being processed into biodisel though it is also worth to note that such companies as Wartsila, MAN B W Diesel and Deutz AG do make engines that are fully compatible with vegetable oil, (Warabi et al). Biodiesel In Europe, this forms the most common biofuel. It is a liquid that is similar in composition to mineral diesel and is produced through the process of transesterification from fats or oils. It’s chemically regarded as FAME (fatty acid methyl (or ethyl) ester. Methanol (or ethanol) and sodium hydroxide are mixed with oils and the chemical reaction that results produces glycerol and biodiesel (FAME). For every ten parts of biodisel produces, one part of glycerol is also produced. Some of the feedstocks used to produce biodiesel include rapeseed, soy, jatropha, mustard, mahua, flax, palm oil, sunflower, field pennycress, hemp and algae, (Shah, P. S. , Suppes, G. J). When mixed with the normal mineral diesel, biodiesel can be burnt in any diesel engine. Most people have been able to run their vehicles purely on biodisel and have not reported any problems though in circumstances of lower temperature, it has the tendency of becoming viscous/thick and some vehicles may thus require a fuel line heater. Most of the vehicle manufacturer taking a precaution on this give out a 15% recommendation of biodiesel that is blended with mineral diesel though most of the newer diesel engines are being made in such a manner that they can run on with 100% biodisel without having to alter the engine, (Schumacher et al). In the US, the rate is not the same as in Europe since more than approximately 80% city buses and commercial trucks in USA are on diesel. It can thus be said that the US market for biodisel is one that is growing at a very slow rate, (Chiu et al) Bioalcohols Through the action of enzymes and microorganisms in the fermentation of starches or sugars, alcohols such as ethanol which is most common and the less common ones such as butanol and propanol are produced. Biobutanol is now regarded as a direct replacement for gasoline since it can be directly used in gasoline engine just as biodisel is used in diesel engines, (Dasari). Ethanol the worldwide common biofuel. Methods used in the production of are enzyme digestion. It can be used some of the petrol engines to act as a replacement for the commonly used gasoline or can as well be mixed to any percentage with gasoline. Worth noting is that most of the currently existing petrol automobile engines can run with a mixture of up to 15% bioethanol and gasoline/petroleum. Also a mixture of ethanol and gasoline has higher octane thus implying that the engine does run more efficiently and even burn hotter. Another advantage is that a mixture of ethanol and gasoline is recommended as a winter oxidizer in high altitude air so as to minimize the atmospheric pollution, (Emerson). The disadvantage of using ethanol as a form of fuel is that it has less energy content and thus it would take more fuel to cover the same distance as compared to the conventional diesel. It is also highly corrosive to the fuel systems, aluminium, rubber hoses and gaskets and combustion chambers. Though an ethanol powered aircraft has already been developed, Embraer EMB 202 Ipanema, it is illegal to use alcohol containing fuels in aircraft. Ethanol is also not compatible with the marine fiberglass fuel tanks as it makes them leak and for the 100% ethanol vehicles to be used, the normal engine has to be modified. It is also a great disadvantage to note that it is not possible to transport corrosive ethanol in the normal petroleum pipelines and thus a more expensive system that would involve stainless steel tank trunks would definitely increase the energy and cost consumption to deliver it to the customer, (Dasari). Less motivating is the net energy gained. When all the energy consumed in cultivation, farm equipment, planting, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides, irrigation systems applied, harvesting and transport, processing and transport to the fuel terminals when also considering the fact that ethanol has lower energy content, the net energy value that is delivered to the consumer is very small, (Shah, P. S. , Suppes, G. J). To counter these challenges of bioethanol, some of the manufactures make flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV’s) that do run on either petrol or bioethanol and even up to the 100% bioethanol mark. These kinds of vehicles have an exhaust oxygen sense system that is designed to adjust the computers system and thus the fuel injection system accordingly. Unfortunately, this leads to increased acquisition cost as well as maintenance cost. When maintenance of the FFV is needed, pollution emission increases and efficiency falls despite the ratio of the mixture. Worth noting also is that the FFV combustion engines are increasingly becoming more complex impacting directly on cost both of maintenance and reliability. Alcohol does also mix with water beyond blending well with petroleum and thus there is the potential of ethanol fuels absorbing environmental moisture despite being dried. Conclusion Countries such as United States of America are searching for alternative sources of energy and the USA aim is to replace the 75% imported oil with alternative energy sources by the year 2025, (Ramos, L.  P. , Wilhelm, H. M). The difficult task for the world is to weigh the advantages as well as disadvantages of alternative sources of energy in comparison to the conventional diesel. It should not be forgotten that the main source of ethanol for use as a biofuel is from corn yet the world is experiencing food crisis. It thus appears that there yet more that the world has to streamline in order to enjoy fully the benefits of biofuel.

Mark Zuckerberg The Founder Facebook Media Essay

Mark Zuckerberg The Founder Facebook Media Essay Facebook is a famous free social networking website that allows registered users to create their own profiles, upload photos and video, as well as send messages and chat with friends, family and colleagues. Friends and family members can now connect anywhere with each other in a network of relationships, sharing photos and videos, sending emails or message, playing trivia quizzes and games, and generally having casual day-to-day contact that is often difficult due to geographical distances and busy lifestyles. Facebook is now available in more than 100 different languages [1] which come from great works of volunteer translators all around the world. By using Facebooks innovative Translations application, all phrases and words in Facebook are translated into several major language on earth such as Spanish, Franà §ais, German, Italiano, and etc [2]. Mark Zuckerberg, 23, founded Facebook while he was studying psychology at Harvard University [3]. Majoring in computer programming, Mr Zuckerberg developed a number of social-networking websites for fellow students, including Coursematch, which allowed the users to view people taking their degree, and Facemash,[4] where you could rate peoples attractiveness. In February 2004 Mr Zuckerberg launched The Facebook,[5] as it was the original name taken from the sheets of paper distributed to freshmen, profiling students and staff. Within 24 hours, 1,200 Harvard students had signed up, and after one month, over half of the undergraduate population had a profile.[6] As of September 2006, the network was extended beyond educational institutions to anyone with a registered email address and over the age of 13. According to Facebooks Press Room, the social networking site currently has over 400 million active users The site remains free to join, and makes a profit through advertising revenue. Yahoo and Google are among companies which have expressed interest in a buy-out, with huge figures of around $2bn ( £975m) being discussed. However, Mr Zuckerberg has so far refused to sell Facebook[6]. Features Facebooks users can create their own profiles with photos, lists of personal interests, contact information and other personal information. Chatting with friends and other users can be done through private or public messages or a chat feature. Users can also create and join interest and fan groups, some of which are maintained by organizations as a means of advertising. To combat privacy concerns, Facebook enables users to choose their own privacy settings and choose who can see what parts of their profile. Upload photos is one of the most popular applications on Facebook. Users can upload their favorite photos to their album, tag friends or family members who in the photos and comment on the photos [7]. The people who are being tagged are available to view the photos and give comment on the photos. Another feature of Facebook is users can upload and share their video clips on Facebook [8]. Video clips can be either uploaded via users personal computer or linked to YouTube website. Furthermore, viewers are allowed to comment and tag friends or family members on the video clips. Status updates also one of the most favorite applications used among Facebook users, which allows users to post their current mind or message to be shared with friends in Facebook [9]. They can share their current status such as feelings, whereabouts, actions and relationship in the post. In turn, friends can respond the message by giving comments on the posters status. Users can also click Like button to show that they are enjoying reading or agree with the message posted. Moreover, Facebook allows users to create and join their own favorite groups or clubs. Groups are used for discussions and events etc. Groups are a way of allowing Facebook users to come together to share common interest and discuss specific subjects. Its interface and framework allow a user to spread news and information virally as quick as any social bookmarking service [10]. Besides that, users can upload photos and video to the group to be shared. On April 5, 2008, Facebook pre-released Facebook Chat [11]. This attractive feature of Facebook enables users to live chat with another via Facebook. Although users are only able to chat with their Facebook friends and on a one-to-one basis, the user may chat with multiple friends simultaneously through separate chat interfaces. It is a simple and easy application and need not to install any software in order to send instant message. In order to improve the quality of instant message, Facebook developer announced that they are working o n XMPP support, allowing hundreds of instant messaging clients to interoperate with the service [12]. Another reason why Facebook can be popular is the website equipped with a lot of interesting games and quizzes. The fun thing is that users can play with friends online, rather than just a stranger never met. However, they can choose to meet new friends if they like. In the game, the players moves and scores are saved in the website. A friend list is shown during the game to inform that users friends are playing the specify games too. In order to play game in Facebook, the Adobe Flash Player plug-in is required to be installed on the browser [13]. Adobe Flash Player is one of the most common software and it is download for free, so playing all the games in Facebook is not a problem for most users. Future of Facebook and Recommendations Facebooks advertising revenue appears to still be growing high. We estimate that the company will bring in up to $1.1 billion this year(2010). Subsequent reports have quotes sources saying the company could reach $2 billion[14]. In the future, Facebook would be the next top advertising medium. Facebook is free to users and it generates revenue from advertising, such as banner ads [15]. With the huge growing number of users, Facebook has an opportunity to become a first search engine in the internet world that combines both social and real time results. Besides that, Facebook is replacing the need to many instant messenger services provided by such companies as ICQ, Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live Messenger [16]. That is undeniable because Facebook is launching a simple instant messenger service built into the site interface that is going to allow users to communicate just like users do with Windows Live Messenger [16]. Although its interface looks simple, it is easy and need not ins tall to be used. In the future, the Facebook developer is working on XMPP support which can improve the quality of instant messenger in Facebook website. [1]http://www.globalbydesign.com/blog/2009/03/17/facebook-from-1-to-100-languages-in-two-years/ [2]http://www.insidefacebook.com/2008/04/02/now-you-can-help-translate-facebook-into-any-language/ [3]http://www.businessinsider.com/how-facebook-was-founded-2010-3#we-can-talk-about-that-after-i-get-all-the-basic-functionality-up-tomorrow-night-1 [4] http://atypicaljoe.com/index.php/site/comments/facemash_facebook/ [5] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118539991204578084.html?mod=googlenews_wsj [6] http://knol.google.com/k/facebook/ [7] http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=2406207130 [8] http://mashable.com/2007/05/24/facebook-video-launches/ [9] http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1885010,00.html [10] http://www.webanalyticsworld.net/2007/09/successful-facebook-groups.html [11] http://techcrunch.com/2008/04/06/facebook-chat-enters-pre-release-beta/ [12] http://developers.facebook.com/news.php?blog=1story=110 [13] http://hybridhacking.com/node/35 [14] http://www.insidefacebook.com/2010/03/30/facebooks-revenues-grow-but-financial-market-expectations-grow-even-faster/ [15] http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-147857.html [16] http://www.blogohblog.com/the-future-of-facebook/

The Pandas Thumb -- Stephen Jay Gould Essay -- essays research papers

The Panda’s Thumb: More Reflections in Natural History With a touch of humor, geology, evolutionary theory, biology, cartoon characters and even some references to baseball, The Panda’s Thumb definitely makes excellent reading for people with all types of interests. The old clichà ©, â€Å"Don’t judge a book by its cover,† or in this case, title, holds true for The Panda’s Thumb. Theories concerning adaptations of the panda are only a fraction of the many exciting facts held within the pages of this publication. Gould is able to put what he writes about in words that are easy to understand without compromising the quality of the information. Many questions are raised in this book. Some questions that science just can’t answer at the moment. Time is a major theme in some of the essays in The Panda’s Thumb. I found these essays of utmost interest. Stephen Jay Gould writes as if you were sitting in a chair across from him having an insightful conversation. His essays are written in ways that are down-to-earth, entertaining, and easy to understand. Bits of humor are scattered throughout the book. One passage read, â€Å"The history of any one part of the earth, like the life of a soldier, consists of long periods of boredom and short periods of terror.† These little scraps of humor are placed in the just the right locations. After reading one of his essays concerning bipedalism (walking on two feet) I chuckled at the following statement, â€Å"It is now two in the morning and I’m finished...

Faulkner’s Contradictory Roles as Father and Artist in the Film, William Faulkner: a Life on Paper :: Movie Film Essays

Faulkner’s Contradictory Roles as Father and Artist in the Film, William Faulkner: a Life on Paper After viewing the film William Faulkner: a Life on Paper it would be easy to attempt a pseudo-psychoanalytic interpretation of Faulkner’s relationship with his daughter and the other women in his life, but I think that would do a disservice to him. The film focused on the contradiction between Faulkner’s personal life, especially his relationships with women, and his professional life as a writer. The artistic sensibility that caused him to drink to excess and behave erratically does not fit common expectations of a good father. I think, however, that the interviews with his daughter, Jill Summers, and the other women who grew up with him as a father figure (at least one grand-daughter and one niece) indicate how that apparent contradiction was an essential part of the man whom they loved. I would like to consider two comments made by men who had known Faulkner in Oxford, Mississippi. One, a blacksmith, said that one day Faulkner suddenly left in the middle of a conversation with him. Faulkner’s only explanation later was that â€Å"when I think of something, I’ve got to go.† The other, a former friend of Faulkner’s speculated that he didn’t â€Å"think anyone knew who Bill really was, he was so moody†¦he was different from anybody else, seemed like.† The first comment indicates Faulkner’s unpredictability, possibly a humorous idiosyncrasy, but certainly not what is expected of a father. The second comment is intricately tied to the first. Because Faulkner’s behavior was unpredictable, often indicating that he was entirely self-absorbed in his own ideas and work, others found him to be distant. Those closest to Faulkner—his daughter, Jill, Phil Stone, and even Joan Williams—do not offer a portrayal of him that objects to his being erratic and distant. Probably the most poignant moment with Jill Summers is when she tells the story of asking her father not to drink before her birthday. His response was to remind her that Shakespeare’s daughter was never remembered by anyone. Although Summers relates the other facts of her father’s short-comings with little display of emotion, her face appeared pained after this story. Yet she said earlier in the film that she was absolutely sure that her father loved her very much. Maybe the problem is partly in what we expect a father to be. The film raises the problem of whether someone can function as both a great

American Film Industry Essay -- Media History, Cinema

The American film industry has become the most dominant over all other national cinemas. Millions of people now watch feature films all over the world but there is, and always has been one prevailing place where the films originate and this is the ‘cinema of the United States of America’ better known as Hollywood. This essay will explain how Hollywood has become the dominant force over all the other national cinemas in relation to historical factors which have affected the high quality of the films, the economic supremacy of Hollywood’s budgets and revenues, aswell as the glamour of high-profile actors and actresses. Through discussing each of these concepts and comparing the success of Hollywood to other national cinemas, in particular British cinema, we can discover how it has become the most dominant cinema in the past to this present day. Before looking into the rise to dominance of Hollywood, we must gain an insight into the history of the cinema industry. The first practices of cinema entertainment was with Thomas Edison’s invention of the kinetoscope in 1896, which gave the audience the chance to view nickelodeons in fairgrounds and later on short films but it wasn’t until 1903 with the ‘Great Train Robbery’ (directed by Edwin Sporter) The pistol shot used in the Great Train Robbery is used in more contemporary films such as James Bond. The audiences started to show interest as now the cinema developed a narrative for the first time with the story shown through a series of various camera shots. It was then that longer movies with more complex story lines and innovative editing were released, and cinema’s possibilities as a form of market as well as entertainment were then recognised. The Motion ... ...gn markets and America’s investments in them could be jeopardized by restricting distribution. The 1948 Anglo-American Film Agreement, allowed American companies to withdraw only a fraction of their huge annual profits, in exchange for the abolition of import quotas. As Balio (1976: p397) points out, the Americans held veiled advantages under the act- ‘American companies could spend there frozen earnings in Britain†¦ to acquire story rights and buy real estate and studios.’ Similar terms could be found in the 1948 Franco-American Film Agreement, where ten million dollars of ‘blocked’ profits could be used to co-produce films with French companies and gain distribution rights. It is through Government collaborations such as this that Hollywood was able to attain the status of an expansive commercial enterprise within the U.S. and indeed outside it that it has today.

Writing in a Relaxed Atmosphere

Writing in a relaxed atmosphere, for me, was extremely hard to do in the beginning. As a single mother of two little ones, my mind constantly races through the ins and outs of our daily life. Once I finally found my very own quiet time and place, the words came freely and surprisingly, so did the emotion I have worked so hard to keep under control. In searching for my very own â€Å"relaxed atmosphere†, I took a blanket and chair out to the campsite that my husband and I camped at shortly after we wed. My husband, Kevin, committed suicide in March of 2009. As the assignment was given in class, I knew exactly who I would write to. Though unsure of what I would say, to whom I would write was never a question. Sitting alone thinking of what I would say, I realized why writing in solitude could be very beneficial. With daily distractions, my concentration is easily broken causing me to lose my train of thought. Writing a letter to Kevin in a place that held many special memories helped me to embrace the emotions and thoughts that I ignore daily. As I got comfortable with being alone, this is a rare occasion for me, I was shocked when the words just came. While the words in the letter came to me with great ease, the essay was more difficult. Even knowing that this was a letter that will never be read by the person it was wrote to, I am extremely thankful for this assignment. I found the seclusion to be soothing, comforting and for once felt that I could be honest about how his actions made me feel. The noises found in nature were distracting for me at first. After I really got going, the sounds faded away causing me to lose track of time I spent on the letter itself. To me, it seems solitude and writing go hand in hand. The silence and lack of distraction allowed me to write freely and without interruption. Since this was a personal letter and it was something I was comfortable writing, I embraced the alone time. However, I can see that if I were writing about something that was not of interest to me, it would be hard to do alone.

Comparision of Charecters in the Poisonwood Bible and the Mosquito Coast

Comparison of characters from ‘The Poisonwood Bible' and ‘The Mosquito Coast ‘The Mosquito Coast', directed by Peter Weir, is a movie quite similar in many aspects to the book ‘The Poisonwood Bible', written by Barbara Kingsolver, one of those aspects being the similarities between the setting and the characters. In both books, the figure-head of the family, Allie Fox (in ‘The Mosquito Coast') and Nathan Price (from ‘The Poisonwood Bible') both have similar characteristics, however, different approaches to their ideas. For example, Nathan believes in forcing on his views and ways onto the Congolese people, however, Allie believes in cooperation with them to succeed in his goals. Both also seem incredibly lifelike as they seem like determined men who are willing to get to their goals at the beginning, however, they seem somewhat more lifelike when they loose something that is close, and become obsessed with their goals, forgetting the welfare of their own families. Both stories are about two families who leave America, their home country, to go to a foreign land. The two ‘heads', however, leave for very different reasons, but they do somewhat leave their families with no choice but to go with them. In ‘The Mosquito Coast', Allie takes his family to the Central American rain forests as a means to ‘escape' America and it's fate with the Atomic Bombs. Allie also believes that his scientific research is not of any value in America, and believes that his inventions would be more valued if they where taken into areas that have barely been touched by civilization. Nathan, however, leaves his family with no choice when he says that they are moving to the Congo as part of his missionary work. He was actually offered this job, and took it in good stride, believing that he should take his message to places which are less civilized. Nathan Price is a Baptist Minister who lives his life by the Bible. He believes that he is a coward for having escaped the fate of being killed in the Battaan Death March, where his whole team died, but he survive due to prior injuries. After that incident, Nathan became quite obsessed with the idea of God hating him for his cowardice. He vowed never to be a coward again and devoted his life to saving as many souls as he could. Nathan becomes so obsessed with his work that he believed that every obstacle in his way was a ‘test by God' to see his resilience. Allie, on the other hand, is an inventor, so claimed by his son, Charlie. He seems to be obsessed, yet thinks quite morally. Allie believes that America is dying, so he decides to leave as he thinks it is too ‘painful' for him to watch something he loves die. He gave the example of his mother, who was in hospital when she said ‘†Why don't you just give me rat poison? ‘†, whereupon Allie said that he left, as he could not bear watch loosing someone close. Both Nathan and Allie share the same obsession of getting to their goals. So much so, in fact, that they forget about their families welfare and safety almost completely. Even when There is a sudden turn of events, they seem undeterred by what they call their ‘destiny'. Nathan was unmoved by the death of Ruth-May as he sees the rain as an opportunity to baptize the locals, instead of mourn for his daughters loss. Nathan blames the fact that Ruth-May was not actually baptized, hence making her death somewhat ‘acceptable' to him. Allie believes the destruction of his machine was somewhat supported by Reverend Spellgood. Allie seems to be a very non-religious person, however, he does know the quotes of the Bible. This shows that Allie explores a few possibilities, yet he only decides to expand on those that he likes. In that manner, Nathan is somewhat unwise in his approach to helping the people. He decides, as soon as he arrives at his house in Kilanga, to set up an ‘American Garden', whereby he will make food for his family as well as show the the people of Kilanga his prosperity just because he does not worship false idols. Nathan attempts to almost force his ways and ideas onto the Congolese people. He seems unbent on his determination to show no cowardice, yet he does not seem willing to accept other ideas. At a point, he does see that Mama Tataba's technique to plant his beans seem to be more appropriate, and does actually implant those ideas. As time passes by, and he sees not much crowd in the Church, he slightly looses his mind and then decides that all his obstacles where placed by God to deter him and to test him. This is very contrary to what Allie does at the beginning of the movie. Although he may have moved from the USA and dragged his family along, he decides to take a different approach into making his way into the locals hearts. Where Nathan attempted to force his ways onto the locals and believed that he was superior, Allie decided to work with them. He said before the project began ‘†If I don't work hard enough, you tell me. I am not your boss, I am your friend, and I want to work for you†¦ ‘†. He may have planned out the project, but he certainly did work as though he were under instructions to do what he was told. He seemed very cooperative, and whenever Mother Fox got any materials to share, she enhanced her husbands popularity by sharing those goods, for example the cloth she was given by the missionaries. She made clothes for her daughters and noticed that Mr. Haddy, a local, was eying the cloth, she decided to make one for him. In the next scene, it shows that everyone on that small island was wearing the same yellow piece of cloth in some shape of form. Had Nathan been in this situation, he would probably have told his wife of for giving away their resources to the ‘unsaved' souls, yet he might also see it as a tactical move to make them go to Church. Allie took this in stride and made the most out of the people's gratitude towards their family by still making them work hard. Nathan and Allie both seem very lifelike characters in their own environments and also in the real world, they could be anywhere amongst us. Their obsessive and arrogant attitudes can be seen in quite a few people who seem quite determined to get what they want. Nathan seems very lifelike and rationale at the beginning, where the image of a determined Baptist Minister is portrayed. As the story progresses, that image becomes a haze and a more arrogant and devoted trait comes to light, towards the end, he seems possessed by his work, whereupon he forgets the welfare of his own family, remaining undeterred by the death of one of his own children. This, towards the end, seems slightly unrealistic and immoral. However, the presence of this possibility is definitely strong. Allie seems like a genuinely outgoing and friendly person at the beginning, and this is completely believable. Many people use the same cover of saying that they are all equal in order to get work done. His depression also seems very lifelike as he seems to be completely shattered when he sees his beloved Ice Machine blow up. Yet, towards the end, he does seem also obsessed with the idea of exploring new possibilities. He does go paranoid, thinking that his family is against him, so he forces them to sit on their home-turned-boat and decides to go upriver. When the rotor breaks away from the main engine, Allie goes underwater to get it. Due to his extended period underwater, his family worries and Charlie gets the idea of heading back downriver to get help from Mr. Haddy, and quite possibly also return to America. As soon as this idea is shared, Allie comes up and realizes that his own kids are conspiring against him, and punishes them for it. This seems extreme, yet absolutely possible for a man who seems to be addicted to his goal. Not only do Nathan and Allie share similarities, but also their wives. Both Orleanna and Mother always seem to be following their husbands orders, yet at a point, they both realize that what they are doing is wrong. Towards the beginning, both wives are happy to see their husbands working outside, Nathan in the garden and Allie in the jungle clearing space for his house. Orleanna seems to realize quicker on in the story that Nathan could potentially get them hurt, and decides to speak up. This, comparing to Mother's timing, seemed quite early. This could very likely due to the fact that Nathan seems uninterested in his family and Allie cares a lot about them. Mother only decides to go against Allie when they reach the Ocean and the whole family is rejoicing with the thoughts of returning to America, when Allie destroys their enthusiasm by saying that America isn't there and that they weren't going back. This made Mother question Nathans morality, whereupon the lack of enthusiasm spreads across the whole family. Allie goes from being a friend to a leader almost spontaneously. Orleanna starts to make plans of escape immediately after she gets better from hearing the news of the Congo going into an election period and that her family was staying through it, due to her husbands arrogance. She does eventually leave him, however, Nathan changes slightly in a way one may perceive apologetic. Allie, after burning Reverend Spellgood's church bell, goes back to see his family leaving him, and says that they couldn't live without them. When he gets shot, their family escapes with his injured body on the boat. All the characters in both the book and the movie seem incredibly lifelike as the stereotypical family is put into extreme conditions. This causes the stereotypical families, which generally include of the male being the leader f the house, the bread earner, and the females being the followers, commanding her children to follow her father and herself. This changes very quickly when the two families go through some trouble in their respective environments, causing the males to get angrier and the females to look out for the welfare of her children more than anything. Both men forget about the opinion of their families (Nathan, ofcourse, not caring about their opinion any ways), and seem set on doing everything possible, except return to the life of luxury.