Bebe Stores Inc

Bebe Stores Corporation designs produce and sells stylish women wear. In the late 1990’s Business Week Magazine named it one of the fastest growing companies in the United States of America. In 22 states across the country Bebe has about 101 boutiques. The majority of these boutiques are in the expensive malls and the target markets are the trendy females between the ages of 18-35.Bebe offers suits, dresses at a price which is very competitive to stores such as banana republic, Express and Guess. The store presents itself as a feasible choice to consumers who cannot afford the expensive price tag of dresses.Bebe has achieved its success not only because of its cost effective management and manufacturing methods but also because of the Entertainment business. The designs of the company appear on famous television shows such as Friends, Beverly Hills 90210, and Ally Mcbeal. Movie stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore and Alicia Silverstone have worn Bebe’s clothing in movies. Starting of Bebe The idea of Bebe was started by a former entertainment personality Manny Mashouf who was an expert in the management of arena’s and restaurants.In the middle of the 1970’s, Manny Mashouf saw a chance to earn profit from the rising market of women ear which were being designed specially for trendy young consumers. He opened his first store in San Francisco in 1970. The name Bebe was used as it summarized many of the descriptions he wanted his clothes to portray. The name to Mashouf represented growth and was taken from Hamlet’s famous phrase which was to be or not to be and in Turkish it means Women and in French it means baby.The name pronounced as bee bee was one of its kind and portrayed the customer and youthful and sharp originality which the company wanted its clothes to emerge. Bebe became an instant hit because its main focus was on clothes for the young and trendy females. The first couple of years, Bebe had one boutique and after several years it opened a branch in the northern part of California. Mashouf at first was very conventional in his approach to expand his business. He focused on the financial stability of the stores which he had already opened before opening up boutiques in new locations.This approach worked perfectly and the company started to grow in the North and Western part in the 1980s. Success of Bebe Bebe had a control over its design and manufacturing cost which was making it more profitable. All products were being produced by Bebe itself. Keeping its overhead cost lower than other companies Bebe was using locally produced material in its clothing. This benefited Bebe a lot as the company was saving on additional costs and was controlling its overall image. To offer consistency in style and quality in its clothes, Mashouf and his team saw their products from the initial stage to the final presentation.The popularity of the company grew very much in the 1980 and soon the company star ted to focus from trendy wear to sexy cocktail dresses. In the late 1980s, Bebe was in competition against big chains such as Ralph Lauren. It never kept a secret of its target market which was the young trendy females. The economy of United States started to grow and large and expensive malls were being built at a very fast pace. The company got its initial opportunity to expand from a local chain to a national brand.By 1994 Bebe with its expansion campaign had opened 38 stores in a year in well located mall across the country. The prices varied from a simple t shirt costing $30 to a sexy short cocktail dress costing $150. Bebe advertised its clothes in famous magazines such as Vogue in which models were shown wearing Bebe’s dress and posing in seductive way. The image portrayed in the magazine worked perfectly and profit and its name soared to new heights. After the initial success of Bebe, it took a bold step to seek name identification from not only its advertising campai gns but also through celebrity publicity.This step was taken because Bebe wanted the consumers to see the clothing on famous stars which would automatically associate those stars with the Bebe brand. This association would make profits rise even further than before. Heather Locklear a host of a successful television series in 1995 called Melrose Palace wore a dress of Bebe. In this show several attractive television stars were shown with unique dresses and were copied all around the country. The outfit of Bebe being showed in the series now started appearing on different celebrities including Madonna, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Cindy Crawford etc.and all of them were appealing to customers whom the company was trying to attract. Than Bebe’s dresses started appearing on famous shows including The Practice, Ally Mcbeal etc. The growing relationship between the entertainment industry and clothes was becoming a trend. In an episode of Ally Mcbeal, the story rotated around the length of a skirt worn by the star of the show. This skirt was of Bebe and after the show was aired, orders of the skirt went up all across the country. By the late 1990’s Bebe had become an important part of the entertainment industry. Bebe was not a trend setter like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan were.The success behind the company was its skill to precisely and quickly copy the styles of other trend setters from season to season. When Donna Karan came out with a pure, delicate dress for a season, Bebe followed with same design in a couple of weeks. By doing so, Bebe was allowing its fashionable customer to keep up with the new trendy wear. Duplicating the clothes of other famous brands, Bebe was offering the same trendy wear in half of what the customer would pay for the big brands. The company managed to make its own products which were attracting both celebrities and consumers without adding any significant costs.Another success factor was the company’s test and r eorder method, which was allowing Bebe to move its stock at a faster pace than its competitors. By this method, the company would begin shipping its products to stores in a limited quantity. If the product did remarkably well, the company would hold its new stock and started meeting the customer demands of the product which was doing well. As Bebe was making its own products, they had a firm control over the quantity of the products to be produced and at what pace they were to be produced.This test and reorder method soon became an import part of the company’s financial position. Bebe had developed itself spectacularly in the 1990s from a single boutique to such a financial strength that it went public in 1998. The initial offering was $11 per share and around 2. 5 million shares were sold. Mashouf had 88% of the share after the company appeared on the stock exchange and he played an important part in the company’s expansion. The target market of Bebe was the younger t rendy women mostly in the 20s but after its spectacular growth in the 1990s, the company started to target to even younger girls.Bebe started to offer less expensive, logo inscribed t shirts, jackets and sweaters. The introduction of the new merchandise not only brought new customer but made the name of company more noticeable. The company’s primary products were suits and dresses but than it added more casual wear to its already successful collection. The company than was noticed by many retailers who became partners with the company after agreeing on terms which was quite profitable for Bebe. Bebe signed an agreement with Genender International which produces fashionable but reasonably priced watches.Later another agreement was signed with Titan Industries to make footwear which was to be sold in Bebe shops and other renowned departmental stores. Than along with California design studio, Bebe produced sunglasses and optical frames with price ranging from $50-150. In late 19 98, Bebe went online and introduced an online boutique which was a significant step in the technological era. In 1999, Bebe managed to open 11 more stores and by the end of May the company successfully opened its 100th store. Two stores were opened internationally with one being in Kent England and the other being Vancouver, Canada.The popularity of these stored internationally encouraged the company to open more stores in countries like South east Asia, Israel and Greece. Bebe’s fairy tale success was not without risk. Bebe targeted to a limited customer market and was always condemned due to its small size and for creating clothes which could only be targeted to a small portion of the American female public. The expansion plan of Bebe was better than the company had planned and in 1999 the sales of the company were soaring and it became virtually unbeatable. Bibliography †¢ Bebe Stores (2007) from Wikipedia. Retrieved on April 30, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia. org/wik i/Bebe_stores †¢ Bebe Stores. Retrieved on April 30, 2007 from www. bebe. com †¢ Bebe Stores Inc, Company Profile from Wright Reports. Retrieved on April 30,2007 from http://wrightreports. ecnext. com/coms2/reportdesc_COMPANY_075571109 †¢ Bebe from Sanfransicoshops. com. Retrieved on April 30,2007 from http://www. fillmoreshop. com/pages/bebe. html †¢ Bebe Stores Inc from Yahoo. Retrieved on April 30,2007 from http://finance. yahoo. com/q/pr? s=BEBE †¢ Bebe stores from Hoovers. Retrieved on April 30, 2007 from http://www. hoovers. com/bebe-stores/–ID__56757–/free-co-factsheet. xhtml

Illnesses of the 1700s Essay

Illnesses of the 1700’s There were many illnesses in the 1700’s and 1800’s that were life threatening, or even a sure death, that are in current times, not a concern, or highly curable. Examples are smallpox, bubonic plague, typhus, mumps, influenza, yellow fever, and measles. These diseases almost single handedly wiped out several native American tribes, and wreaked havoc on European communities. Small pox, overtook half of Boston in 1763. There was no cure, and to this day there is not one, however, it is now completely preventable by vaccine. This disease killed 1 out of 6 people that it infected, and left the rest with horrible scars for the rest of their lives. Inoculation began with smallpox, and spread very quickly due to this particular disease. Documentation of Native American artifacts show that small pox swept these communities, wiping out many of the skilled artisans, thus resulting in a lack of recorded history for long periods of time for these affected tribes. Bubonic Plague was also rampant in this period of time, wiping out whole communities. This highly contagious disease is now preventable and treatable, however, even with prompt treatment with antibiotics, the mortality rate is 15%. With housing conditions the way that they were during these times, people lived with many extended family members in one house, and in close quarters with those around them. Bubonic Plague spread like wildfire, affecting thousands in a short period of time. Influenza, which in current medicine, also has a vaccine, and treatments available, swept Europe prior to and after the 1700/1800’s. It is recorded that influenza in Europe infected over 500 million people, with a mortality of 12 million. It is hard to imagine someone dying from the flu, however, even now, the influenza virus mutates from year to year. This makes it necessary for a new vaccine to be developed based on the infections from a particular region so that it is effective in preventing that particular strain. Mumps, measles and rubella also had a high mortality rate, and like the majority of the diseases that affected millions in that timeframe, they are highly preventable with today’s medicine in the form of vaccines. There is no treatment once these viruses are contracted, so the symptoms are treated for both. The MMR vaccine was developed to prevent all 3 of these viruses, and are given with the standard vaccines that children get at their newborn check up. Typhus was a disease spread by lice, that caused massive losses of population. Areas that were overcrowded and communities that were undernourished fell victim to this epidemic. The lice spread quickly and thus spread the disease, people often wore the same clothes for long periods of time, allowing the lice to multiply and spread among households. Even once this disease was discovered, and was being investigated for treatment, the Doctor’s researching both became infected and died from it. It is rare to find this virus active today, and it is treatable with antibiotics. The way that the government deals with outbreaks of diseases differs today from what the procedure was in the 1700/1800’s. The standard protocol then was to quarantine entire communities, without proper testing, and unknown incubation periods, it was difficult for containment to take place. In current times, we have the CDC, a government agency dedicated to discovery, treatment, and containment of communicable diseases. They provide information to the public and are responsible for keeping vaccines updated and effective. In this way, our communities are protected from the rapid spread of epidemics. As one can see, the way that diseases are treated and prevented now, varies wildly from the lack of modern medicine that was available to even the most modern societies in the 1700s.

Disneyland and history of it Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Disneyland and history of it - Essay Example This is by bringing into reality wild visions not only of the then period but also of the future as cited by Walt’s statement in Tomorrowland concerning scientists’ victory in unveiling more about space specifically to bring fame to America (Van 85). This is because during then there was no resemblance of such kind of structure capable of granting both parents and children chance to have fun as well as reviewing great visions of the state’s great men. Walt in his quest to actualize what for long had envisioned concerning a place where both parents and children could have fun, descended numerous letters coming from people who wished to come and visit his Disney Studio (Shaffer 30). Hence, dawning unto him that the studio had little space to accommodate numerous people during recreation whom he could not block their requests but look for other means. This encompassed fostering ideas on how to have a large space besides those he had already provided personally. In a ddition, Walt thought he could reach those ends due to the challenges he had earlier encountered and even managed to emerge triumphantly besides motivated by his father as a role model (Shaffer 30). Walt also visited other parks to get inspiration as well as document what he liked and thought would attract numerous people who would double once they enjoy for the first time especially from global states. Some of these parks, which he visited included Greenfield village, Tivoli Gardens, Fairyland and playland, hence Walt devising the name for his park to be Disneyland Park (Shaffer 30). Do you think that visitors to the Paris Park today come away with what Walt Disney intended? No. Since, the number of people visiting the place is far beyond what any other similar funny place in the region receives. Hence, aligning well with the founder’s intention of availing a funny place in Europe, this will be also successful like similar ventures in both Florida and California. In his init ial intention concerning the placement of the structure, it was in such a way it was at the center of the continent to serve its fun enthusiasts with convenience, which is evident today (Sehlinger 13). Studies so far conducted concerning the park cite the place is a â€Å"world-within-world† such that when somebody is inside cannot exactly tell whether he or she is in France besides being a happy place (Sehlinger 13). Therefore, I do not think visitors to the place, which receives high number of them, come away with what the founder anticipated to turn out during its operation period. What do you see when you consider Disneyland's version of history? I see immense courage and determination for a greater dreamer who contrary to numerous people who choose to let their visions die themselves managed to devote oneself into his goal’s realization. This is to the extent of even soliciting for help from financiers though some turned him down but he did not give up and contend what he thought for long was too big for its realization in a real world. Based on my opinion, his actualized vision as Walt stated acts as an exemplary to the naive and adventurous that can surpass even greater than what he has so far done. If you think that visitors really do learn something about what made America great, try and explain what

Raga Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Raga Music - Essay Example The raga cannot be written down like other forms of music because of the complexity in its keys and notes; therefore, Persons interested in learning the music or understanding its meaning have to listen to it over a long period. Raga is associated with colors, animals, emotions, and magic among other factors (Titon 12). The notes, melodies, and organization of the raga are similar to those of the maqam music. The maqam is an Arabic music played in the Middle East region of the world. The music contains ornamental patterns and phrases that are similar to the Indian raga (Titon 12). This similarity between the two music genres indicates that there is a relationship between Arabs and Indian. The relationship is further manifested in the similarity in the cultures of maqam and Hindu. Researchers argue that the relationship between maqam and Hindu make it difficult to separate the two music. An example of a music that is categorized as maqam and raga is the Sufyana Kalam (Titon 15). The V edas culture that is practiced in India was brought about the Aryans who settled along the Indus valley during the revolutionary period (Titon 268). The Aryans intermarried with Indians while they settled along the valley, and this assimilated their culture into that of the Indians. The culture values horses and cattle besides agriculture. The culture believes in numerous gods and goddesses most of them which are made of calves. The Vedas culture also has hymns, which are in form of poems that the Indians recite in memory of their origin and beliefs. The culture also speaks the Vedic language, which was originally spoken by the Aryans (Titon 268). The Indian classic music, which contains consists of sounds of high and low notes originates from the Vedas culture. The Vedas culture believed that sound was the greatest charming thing to both human beings and animals. The culture had a theory known as the Gandhara Veda, which was metaphysics of various sounds (Titon 269). The sounds in the music differ according to the emotion that they expose, for example, tranquility, loneliness, and sadness among others. The classic music of India such as raga contains these elements of the Vedas culture. The music is based on the four Vedas hymns that contain the beliefs of the culture such as magic, gods and goddesses, and praising the calf among others. The Moghul Empire played part in the development of classic music in India, which is a fusion of Hindu and Islam (Toton 277). The rulers of the empire allowed the Islams and Hindus to mingle with each other in all aspects. Akbar, the first ruler of the Moghul Empire was also the first to show interest in images and texts of musicians. During the reign of the empire, the music was not sung, but rather it was spoken and written in form of texts. The rulers controlled music by allowing musicians to sing and dance within the royal grounds. The palaces of the empires were painted with images of musical texts indicating that they v alued music. The empire contributed in the development of the music by allowing musicians from Islam and Hindu origin to sing and dance together. Before the ruling of the empire, Islams and Hindus did not mingle with each other; thus, music was not common at that time, and it was prohibited in some regions (Titon 278). Karnataka Sangeeta is a classical form of music that is mainly sang in the southern parts of India. The music is a fusion of Persian and Indian culture. Karnataka Sangeeta is similar to Hindusthani music in that it is not preserved through writing; in this music, every performance is considered to be original and unique. The music is preserved in form of images and sculptures, which

Contracts Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Contracts Law - Essay Example If this happens, it implies that the contact is executed. However, this is not usually the case. Many are times when one of the parties to contract does not fully commit themselves to the ultimate execution of the contract, prompting the other party to do away with it. In essence, such a contract becomes voidable. Moreover, the failure by one of the parties to the execution of a contact breaches it. In this regards, any contract, whose terms have been infringed by either of the parties, is eligible for legal settlement. Thus, courts are mandated to settle contract disputes. In so doing, the court may impose various remedies. Such remedies include but are not inclined to: cancelling the contact, specific performance, punishments as well as damages of various forms. There exist a profusion of cases where courts have settled contact disputes. To begin with, a celebrity artiste named Bruno Mars (whose real name is Peter Hernandez) sought a court intervention in a contract dispute with his publishing company. In this case, the publishing company had declined to let go of Mars on the grounds that he had not yet fully executed the terms of their contract. The next case involves Garland Coal who entered into a contract with Peevyhouse, allowing them to mine coal on Peevyhouse’s land with the agreement that they would restore it on the completion of the mining activities. On the contrary, Garland Coal left the land without rejuvenating it as agreed. This prompted Peevyhouse to sue Garland seeking damages of $25,000. Instead, the jury granted $5,000 to Peevyhouse instigating Garland to appeal in turn. From the holding and the ultimate ruling if the case, it is apparent that, as much courts are obliged to solve disputes arising from failure to fully execute a contract, they are bound to enforce the contract exclusively as it is. That is to say, the law has no intention to ameliorate a contract in any way. The enforcement of the

Canada should End its Constitutional Ties to the Monarchy Essay

Canada should End its Constitutional Ties to the Monarchy - Essay Example Any stance on this issue needs to be well informed, democratic, in consonance with the aspirations and spirit of the Canadian people, culture and traditions and inevitably must portend propitious tidings for Canada as a country and a responsible member of the International community. Time has come to question the cultural and political role of the Monarchy in the Canadian way of governance and in the Canadian social and cultural life. People need to think that does Monarchy has a pragmatic and viable role in the decision making and policy charting in Canada or is it merely limited to being a face on the Canadian currency? A thorough analysis of the wish of the Canadian masses, an in depth understanding of the Canadian culture and ethos and a strong affiliation to the local and international interests of the Canadian nation, do lead to a firm conclusion that Canada should dissolve is ties to the Crown at the earliest. Now is the time for the Canadian people to do away with their anach ronistic colonial past by establishing themselves as a sovereign republic. The very fact that a Queen located in some distant land and catering to the wishes and aspirations of the people of her land should try to or should be allowed to have a jurisdiction over the political life, law and order institutions and courts of a nation of freedom loving people like the Canadians sounds absurd and irrational.

Discuss the history (literature), art, sculpture, architecture, other Essay

Discuss the history (literature), art, sculpture, architecture, other archaeological nds, inscriptions, coins, and so forth abou ROMAN VILLAS - Essay Example o sectors in the Britain, those who were known as the well-off only had to occupy the villas and the poor who were the majority occupied the Celtic houses. The villas have paints on the tops which were different and the changing artistic styles. The walls were not or never plastered, this different information in the artist’s works was mostly borrowed from the Greeks art. The arts found in the Romans are presumed to be borrowed from the Greek hence most of the art work of the Roman villas and the Greek villas are same and closely related (Elaine K. Gazda). The presences of the Romans villas in other provinces show Romanization and the acceptance of the architectural forms and practices by the local elite. The proliferation of the villas in the Italy is a drastic transformation of the economy, it is regarded as capitalism in the empire and it was a clear indication of division in the social class. The villas are considered in two forms; the social and the economic way in which the intensity of change between different empires are considered (Grant). The roman art is considered in two ways; the public work and the private work. The public work is more pronounce than the private because as it’s per the public monument will always continue to provide a chronological armature in the field of the roman art with abroad view of the history. The public work of the roman art is more commemorate major historical events, religious rites and imperial policies through public monuments which express the collective ideas and achievements of the roman people. For the work of the private sphere it is upon them to turn forms and images that express the personal belief, taste and self-perceptions of the Romans. This art work helps to know the place and the position of individuals (Kemp). The private work art poses certain problem in that the scant documentation is available to student of art but the student is outside the purview of the official Rome. Also the meaning of the

Sustainability in visual imagery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Sustainability in visual imagery - Essay Example Communicating and highlighting the benefits and advantages of purchasing products with the lowest environmental impact is particularly noticeable in visual imagery which we face on a daily basis. The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze such images and investigate how they can shape consumers’ perception of sustainability in the context of furniture design. Over the course of the past decade, furniture as one of the most important elements of every interior, has witnessed a remarkable development and improvement in its design, often leading towards more environmentally friendly models. Research in a form of photographs, advertisements and illustrations has been collected through a visit to a sustainable furniture showroom, from current publications, including newspapers, magazines and books followed by internet websites in order to explore recent eco-friendly furniture designs and to investigate how sustainable they are in reality. In order to further explore this s ubject, a comprehensive literature review has been conducted and included in the study, to assess, analyze and understand various key concepts in the field of furniture design as it pertains to visual imagery and sustainability. Certain case studies – in the form of examples of existing concepts, from various parts of the globe are also included to broaden the understanding on the subject on hand, and reaffirm the claims made in the paper. A small selection of images has been chosen for further investigation and its analysis will be based on three methods of reading images –compositional interpretation, and semiology. Perception of sustainability and the methods used in visual portrayal of sustainable furnishings to alter opinions as the main focus of this paper have been explored in separate chapters to give a detailed insight into the subject matter. Related findings of other researchers, as explored in the literature review as well as through case studies, will be i ncluded as valuable support for this paper. The intended practical output of this study is an advice booklet available to public to help make best environmentally sound choices when buying furniture. A challenge of recommending seemingly unsustainable materials will be undertaken as an attempt to change public perception. Chapter 1 – Contemporary Concerns over Sustainability: Key Concepts It is commonly known that the quality of the environment has enormous influence on our behavior and physical and physiological wellbeing. We need the natural life-giving resources that only the biosphere can provide: clean air and water, soil in which to grow our crops, resources to maintain our industrial lifestyle that in turn generates wealth to support the development of technology. Unfortunately rapid technological progress and the excessive use of the planet’s resources over the course of the past centuries have resulted in extremely high levels of consumption and environmental damage which now threatens the long-term continuation of our existence. Although it is believed that the reasons for our depleted and polluted planet are fairly complex, it is undeniable that designers and design industry in general are co-responsible with others for this alarming situation. It is therefore inevitable that design responds to the environment and

The oil Price crisis in Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The oil Price crisis in Britain - Essay Example In The Daily Telegraph publication (The Daily Telegraph: 20 June 2008), executive foreign editor Con Coughlin asserted that "as things stand, protecting their precious reserves, rather than providing the world with cheaper oil, appears to be their main priority". In a similar tone The Times' chief foreign affairs commentator Bronwen Maddox described the Opec summit in Jeddah "a Saudi show, to deliver a Saudi message" (The Times: 25 June 2008), stating that , "Before Sunday's meeting, King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz al-Saud said that the kingdom was resolved to prevent oil prices from rising 'in an unjustified and abnormal manner', while announcing an increase in production too small to have any such impact." In other twist , Con Coughlin, The Telegraph's executive foreign editor, argued that the country is operating to capacity in the article published in The Telegraph (The Telegraph: 20 June 2008). He mentioned that, "the Saudis announced their intention to increase production by another 500,000 barrels per day, which will bring total production to 9.7 million barrels - the kingdom's highest ever level. And that is about the upper limit of what the Saudis can produce for any sustained period." However, "the Saudis will only produce more oil if they believe it is in their interests to do so," The somewhat incongruous perspective by Coughlin presents connotations tending to place blame over the oil price crisis on Saudi Arabia. Other opinion slants presented in the media coverage of the oil price crisis in Britain have focused on the reality of rising demands for oil which has not been succored on commensurate production levels. The BP Statistical Review OF the world Energy quoted in the Energy and Capital e-letter for August 2008 presents that, "It's no secret anymore that for every nine barrels of oil we consume, we are only discovering one."(The BP Statistical Review of World Energy August 11th, 2008). The writer in the article mentions that there is unprecedented oil usage rate on a global scale which has not been sustained by any feasible production increase measures. "The world is addicted to oil. In just 8 years, it's projected the world will be consuming nearly 50,000 gallons of oil every second. By that time, the world won't be able to meet the projected demand... for one simple reason: We're using up oil at breakneck speed. And it's also no secret that official oil reserve numbers furnished by OPEC member governments have been fudged for years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) even admitted to knowing about some of OPEC's wizards cooking their books." (Opcit) The electronic title also provides some sweeping predictions in an advertising blurb aimed at getting readers to subscribe to the e-letter. Some of the predictions enlisted are; Why we're never going to see oil priced at $40 a barrel ever again, what we learned from the 1970s oil crisis, and where the future of oil really stands... How oil reserve supplies will tighten, prices will continue jumping, and the world economy will feel the squeeze... The 3 best ways to capitalize on the investment opportunities of a post-oil economy. In another reportage Independent columnist Dominic Lawson vindicated Saudi Arabia (and Opec) from blame in the current price crisis, writing that "far from operating as a

Week 5 ethics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 5 ethics - Assignment Example 2. How can organizations specifically prepare themselves to operate in a global environment? What can be done when organizations from differing cultures are conducting business together and their ethical viewpoints are not aligned? Can you think of any recent examples where this was headline news? What occurred in those situations? Organizations must prepare about the relativity of culture across countries. What may be considered unethical and improper in one country may be acceptable in another country. For example, gift giving and receiving gifts in the US in the context of business may be frowned upon as improper and downright unethical and viewed as a bribe. In China however, it generally part of their culture to give gifts when doing business and is never perceived as improper which is a common complaint of western expatriates that used to banner in the news. To avoid this relativity of ethical standpoint, a certain standard of ethics in organization must be established and followed by the organization in all their transactions. In the case stated, this could be in the form of receiving gifts from suppliers to avoid favouring one supplier over the

Why Do People Lie Essay Example for Free

Why Do People Lie Essay 1. To hide information Anything or any relationship that can be labeled comes with a set of expectations. Whether you are a teacher, student, husband, wife, CEO, manager, son, daughter, friend and so forth, anyone at all, living in the society, you are expected to behave in a certain manner. When you traverse the boundaries, you are suddenly out there in the open, unprotected and vulnerable. You have to protect yourself now, you have to safeguard the expectations and save your relationship. If you hide the information, if no one gets to know you crossed the line, if you are perceived to be within the bounds, treading only the thoroughfare, you continue to be a functional artefact of the social apparatus. It leads to a temporary sense of peace, a sense of match, of fitting in the society. You just bought yourself time, you did not have to put up with the arguments that might have taken place had you shared the truth. You did not have to hurt the sentiments or trust of the other person by covering up your truth. This is the foremost cause of lying. People lie because they want to avoid confrontation and conflict. Lying becomes the easier route. 2. A matter of habit Often pursuing the first one, that is, hiding information, one gets into the habit of lying. When you repeatedly do the same thing over and over again, it becomes your habit. Perfection, carelessness, lack of detail or attention to detail etcetera are all habits as are telling the truth and lying. The habit of lying is formed, like many other habits, right from the childhood. Why? It must trace back to certain incidents during their early years or the atmosphere at home where speaking truth mostly ended up in an unpleasant conflict and undue scolding. When parents start to behave like kids too, it gives their children a strong reason to lie. By lying, they feel safe. However, this becomes their habit, their coping mechanism, their strategy to put up with all undesirable situations later on in their own lives. Unfortunate. It is incredibly hard to break the habit of lying. Like many other habits of smoking, drinking, punctuality and so on, children also pick up lying from their parents, other elders and peers. If you lie frequently, do not be harsh on your children expecting them to tell the truth. They will not follow what you tell them to do, they will follow what you do yourself. In other words, they do not learn from your instructions but actions. If this is how they see you living, it is but natural that they will follow suit. When lying becomes a habit, it leads to one of the two outcomes, and both are not mutually exclusive: the liar becomes fidgety with a wavering mind, or, they become aggressive with a depressed mind. Constant lying puts a tremendous burden on them to remember, to protect information, to bear the load of false information, to live the false identity. Over time, impatience, aggression, withdrawal, artificiality, depression, self doubt, low self-esteem, insecurity and the rest find a permanent home in the mind of a liar. 3. To gain attention This third reason comes with a powerful revelation. It can help one gain attention, respect, power. When someone lies to you about an incident where he was the only witness, he now has access to information that no one else does. He has just created a new truth. Exclusive information naturally leads to greater power and more attention. It was not just greed that triggered the greatest corporate scandals in the world, it was also about an inherent, an innate, an obtuse sense of gaining more power and control. I remember reading stories of a certain hunter during my childhood. This hunter would come to the village and make up stories on how he gallantly killed a lion with his fists alone, or courageously wasted a bear with just a small knife and so forth. All the villagers would gather around him to listen to his fascinating, if not fantastical, accounts of valor and bravery. He got attention and respect. If this formula works for the liar, he continues to lie till eternity. There are some who live a life of lies, there are many who justify their lies, it is even possible for some to protect their lies, however, it comes at the cost of their inner peace. They may not lose relationships or respect, they will, sooner or later, be robbed of their inner peace, however. So, if you want your partner, your child, or your friend to tell you the truth, if that is important to you, you had better encourage an atmosphere conducive to truth. If you are going to pounce upon hearing a confession, that may well be the last time you will ever hear a truthful version. It is for this reason, forgiveness is considered a divine virtue. Because by forgiving not only are you strengthening yourself and your relationship but also making a difference to the life of the other person and subsequent generations. Next time you feel like reacting to someones lie, just take a moment and look within you. A realization may dawn and you may find it easy to forgive the other person. On the other hand, if you are the one telling lies, just remember the price is paid in peace and bliss. Truth is bold by nature, and lie, arrogant. The former instills courage, the latter, fear. Truth stems from inner strength, and lie, from the inability to gain such strength.

Determination of Glucose Concentration Using Trinder Method

Determination of Glucose Concentration Using Trinder Method The Trinder method is used to determine glucose concentration only, (Lott et al, 1975). This method was first described by Trinder in 1969 thus named after him, (Lott et al, 1975). It uses an enzyme glucose oxidase for the first reaction and peroxidase for the second reaction thus the name of the enzyme Glucose oxidase/peroxidase (GODPOD), (Meiattin, 1973). Enzymes are biological or any chemical catalysts that speed up a reaction without it being used up, (Jan, 2010). It functions to catalyse a reaction by lowering the activation energy of the reaction. Activation energy is the energy needed to initiate the reaction. It is a point of high energy and requires more energy than the substrates. An enzyme also contains an active site for the substrate to catalyse the reaction. Its efficiency depends on the concentration of the substrate and conditions like temperature or pH, (Hames et al, 2005). The Trinder method, is based on two sequential enzymatic reactions, the first one involves the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and H2O2, (Casabnon et al, 2005). This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme Glucose oxidase. Then, the H2O2produced is quantified by a chromogenic reaction with peroxidase (POD), as the enzyme that catalyses the reaction with the reduced dye, (Casabnon et al, 2005). The oxidised dye changes colour to pink or red according to the glucose concentration. The colour formed is stable at room temperature for at least two hours after development, (Anon, 2010). The main advantage of this method is that it is very specific. It doesnt target other sugars except glucose. It is also simple straight forward and easy to manipulate. Its results are very reliable and specific, (Bauninger, 1974). Its final products are stable as they are not reactive at room temperature. Other colorimetric methods to identify glucose include, oxidation of glucose in the presence of Cu+2 to give Cu2O, and different types of Chromatography, (Casabnon et al, 2005). Glucose can be detected with o-toledine or other amines, (Casabnon et al, 2005). The experiment had to check for the specificity of the assay thus other carbohydrates were assayed. These were galactose, fructose, maltose and ribose. Maltose is a disaccharide which is made up of two glucose molecules joined together by a glycosidic bond. Galactose is a major sugar found in milk, (Hames et al, 2005). Its structure consists of six carbons with a glycosidic bond to join the next glucose molecule, (Berg et al, 2007). Fructose is abundant in fruits. It is a monosaccharide with six carbons as its structure. Ribose is a pentose sugar molecule with 5 carbons. It is mostly abundant in the nucleotides. The aim of the experiment was to determine glucose concentration in different concentrated solutions and unknown solutions. The specificity of the assay was to be determined by application of the assay on different sugar molecules. A standard curve was to be drawn from the absorbencies acquired from the spectrophotometer at 515nm Materials 12 Test tubes 2 Long pipette tips 1ml of 0.5mM Fructose 1ml of 0.5mM Maltose 1ml of 0.5mM Galactose 1ml of Unknown Glucose 1ml of 0.5mM Ribose 5ml of 0, 5mM Glucose 5ml of Distilled water 7ml of 0.1% Phenol 20ml of GODPOD Reagent 9 pipette tips 8 Disposable Cuvettes Black Marker Stop watch P100 Pipette Automatic pipette Recoding paper and pen Spectrophotometer at 515nm Water bath at 37oC Test tubes rack Blotting paper Method The test tubes were marked T1 to T6, for those that had to be inoculated with glucose and S1 to S6, for those that had to be inoculated with different types of sugars. They were arranged in order of concentration on the rack. One row was left out for agitating the test tubes. Inoculation commenced by transferring glucose into different test tubes T1being the least concentrated. 0.5mM of Glucose was transferred using a P100 pipette and not changing the tip. 0.2cm3 was inoculated into T2, 0.4 cm3 into T3, 0.6 cm3 into T4, 0.8cm3 into T5 and 1.0 cm3into T6. Distilled water was then inoculated into the test tubes using a different tip to avoid cross contamination. One centimetre cubed was inoculated into T1, 0.8 cm3 into T2, 0.6 cm3 into T3, 0.4 cm3 into T4 and 0.2 cm3 into T5. There was no water inoculated into the last tube T6. Phenol was then inoculated into all the twelve test tubes. It was transferred using a different tip to avoid cross contamination. One centimetre cubed of different sugars were inoculated in specific S tubes. 0.5mM of Galactose was inoculated into S1, 0.5mM of Glucose was inoculated into S2, Glucose unknown was inoculated into S3, 0.5mM of Fructose was inoculated into S4, 0.5mM of Maltose was inoculated into S5 and then 0.5mM of Ribose was inoculated into S6. These transfers were done with different tips for different sugars. One and half millilitres of GODPOD reagent was then inoculated into all the test tubes using an automatic pipette and a long pipette tip. The test tubes were then agitated on the rack and incubated in the water bath for forty minutes. The temperature was constantly checked during incubation. After forty minutes, the solutions changed colour from colourless to light pink according to the concentration. These different solutions were then read on a spectrophotometer in a cuvette. The spectrophotometer was zeroed at first then absorbencies of Glucose and other sugars were read and recorded. A cuvette was wiped on the soft side to minimize absorbencies caused by contamination. These different absorbencies were recorded on a table. Discussion The reactions of glucose with the GODPOD were slow due to the fact that the enzyme was stored in ice thus it took long for the reaction to take place. The enzymes structure was disrupted because it was kept in cold thus it took time to equilibrate with the conditions. The reason why GODPOD was slow to react was because it is sensitive to its environment, (Teal et al, 1985). Enzymes are sensitive to pressure, temperature and pH. This added to the fact that the colour produced was not very dark because the enzyme was adjusting to the conditions. The enzyme also didnt denature because it was kept in ice at 4oC not in the heat above 40oC. On the graph, the points that are not on the line of best fit might have appeared because there might have been a competitive inhibitor thus the reaction didnt go on well owing to reduced absorbance. The inhibitor might have been so because of cross contamination. The same pipette might have been used to transfer the solutions thus cross contamination. The specificity of the enzymes might have caused the other solutions not to produce reliable results. Enzymes are sensitive to pH, (Jan, 2010). The pH of the test tube might have been so low or higher than the required thus some of the points are not in the line of best fit. This might have been avoided by carrying out the experiment repeatedly and then getting average values. When the enzyme was applied to the other sugars, there was no absorbance at all because the enzyme is specific to one substrate thus it didnt catalyse the reaction of other sugars and GODPOD. There might have no absorbance because these sugars might have their own wavelengths they absorb the light. This might have been avoided by scanning the various wavelengths and determine the exact wavelength. The unknown glucoses were determined by the use of the graph. The line of best fit was used to determine the glucose concentration. An equation was used also to determine the concentrations. The other points not on the line of the best fit might be there because the transitional state might have been great, thus when thirty minutes had passed, the enzyme had not gone past the transitional stage. This might have been characteristic of the colours produced according to the concentration of the different solutions. The unknown glucose solutions showed to have the same concentration as the stock solution. It might have the same compounds and properties as the stock solution. The results of the experiment were according to the literature values. This was highlighted by the absorbencies of stock solutions and different sugars. The specificity of the reaction was achieved. In conclusion, the aims of the experiment were achieved by obtain reliable data and results. The standard curve showed the absorbencies of the different solutions and unknowns.

Treatment Planning System Software Reflective Essay

Treatment Planning System Software Reflective Essay â€Å"Improving one’s learning and performance could be considered to be a ‘meta-skill’, that is the skill of learning how to learn.† (The Open University, 2012) Clinical skills chosen The clinical skill that was chosen is learning how to use Varian Medical Eclipseâ„ ¢ Treatment Planning System software and acquiring knowledge on how to plan a treatment for the different cancers. Eclipseâ„ ¢ is a comprehensive treatment planning system that simplifies modern radiation therapy planning for dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians to efficiently create, select, and verify the best treatment plans for their patients while ensuring high standard of care and effective protocols (Varian Medical Systems, 2014). This skill was chosen because it is treatment related and is able to give me a deeper understanding on patient’s treatment. Furthermore, the resources were readily available in the department for learning purposes. Process of learning this skill The process of learning this skill was broken down into two components; mastering the use of Eclipseâ„ ¢ software efficiently and gaining knowledge on treatment planning. The intention of breaking goals down (University of Kent Careers and Employability Service, n.d.) into two components is so that I can tackle them one step at a time. Each component was further evaluated based on a three-stage framework of developing a strategy, monitoring progress and evaluating performance (Figure A), which can be used to develop and improve skills and learning in general (The Open University, 2012). Strategy first component of learning process Firstly, the strategy was to have an action plan and time checklist of what I should be doing each week and what I should achieve at the end of each week. An action plan is a review of one’s current capabilities and goals over an extended period of time (The Open University, 2012). It is useful as it provides a structured plan linking the objectives of the learning process together and setting targets for achieving goals. There is a time checklist/schedule plan created on a weekly basis at the end of every journal entry to keep me on track and ensure that the objectives for the week have been met. There was a change in the schedule plan in week 1 as compared to the schedule plan in the action plan because I realised in the first week that one week was insufficient and I needed more time to learn the software. Another strategy was to split the learning process into two components. Getting to know the user interface and all the functions of Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning system first would enhance my learning in treatment planning in the later part. Treatment planning requires both knowledge on treatment planning and skills on using the Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning system. Thus, the first component of my learning journey was to get myself familiarise with Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning software’s user interface and its functions. This took me a couple of weeks instead of one week that was originally planned in the action plan. I was able to learn a lot both on my own by referencing the user manual and also with the help of the senior radiation therapists during the 8-hour learning session per week. As I learn, I jotted down notes in the notebook. Note-taking was helpful as I was able to monitor my learning progress to keep me on track on the things that I have covered and have not. In order to evaluate my performance so far, a written assessment was carried out with the help of the senior radiation therapists at the end of week 2. The results from the assessment would determine my next step, which was to either continue learning the software’s user interface or to move on to the second component of my learning journey to learn how to plan a treatment. I chose a written assessment to evaluate my performance because it allows me to see my results visually in terms of scores. Scoring 92% for the written assessment on the software’s user interface gave me confidence to move to on to the second component of the learning process. Second component of learning process I passed the assessment and moved to learning how to plan a treatment for rectal cancer. For this component, I required the senior radiation therapist to guide me and share her knowledge. It was an observational and verbal learning for the first few hours after which I was left on my own with the hospital’s protocol booklist to try treatment planning on my own. The overload of information and knowledge caused me to miss out on quite a number of things in treatment planning. As such, it occurred to me that I would need a checklist. In my notebook, there were 2 types of lists: one of which is a step-by-step list for a treatment plan based on what the senior radiation therapist taught me and the other, is a checklist that the senior radiation therapists check against after every completion of a treatment plan. The advantages of having a checklist are that it focuses my mind on important objectives, orders my thoughts, making me less likely to forget certain details, monitors my p rogress and prevents me from side-tracking from my objectives. I managed to complete learning the treatment planning for rectal cancer a week earlier than planned. This caused a change in my schedule plan where the remaining planned weeks were brought forward a week. During this process, I should have read up textbooks for information instead of relying solely on the protocol book and the knowledge provided by the senior radiation therapist. I could have also used the Miller’s pyramid (Figure B) to monitor my performance on a personal level. Based on the Miller’s pyramid, I am at the â€Å"Shows† level as I am able to demonstrate the skill of planning a treatment plan for rectal tumours. I have yet to reach â€Å"Does† because I am still not efficient in treatment planning as I do still make mistakes such as over-shielding in the treatment plan for brain tumour. For each treatment plan, a competency-based assessment and verbal assessment were carried out to evaluate my performance. Firstly, I had to design a suitable treatment plan using Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning software for a particular case that was selected by the senior radiation therapist. After which, I had to explain and convince her that my treatment plan has met the requirements and was suitable for the patient’s condition. She used a competency-based assessment checklist (Figure C) to evaluate my performance. A competency-based assessment is a collection of evidence to demonstrate that a learner can perform a task according to specific standards (Singapore Workforce Development Agency – Quality Assurance Division, 2012). The assessment outcome will allow the assessor to make judgment with respect to the competence or incompetence (Singapore Workforce Development Agency – Quality Assurance Division, 2012). Such method of assessment has been used for many years by the planning department to assess training staff on treatment planning where they have to apply their knowledge in designing a treatment plan and explaining the rationale as well as suitability for the particular patient in accordance to the hospital’s protocol and patient’s benefit. This is good as it involves an assessment of a combination of treatment planning knowledge, process skills and transferable skills (Singapore Workforce Development Agency – Quality Assurance Division, 2012). Apart fr om competency-based assessment, I also chose verbal assessment for this component because it allowed me to gather feedback directly from my senior radiation therapist on ways that she thinks could have been better and on how to improve my treatment plans. Learning from my mistakes allows me to learn and grow as I will avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Type of learner I learned faster with the help of the senior radiation therapist. At the start of each session, the senior radiation therapist will show and explain to me regarding treatment planning. After which, I was given hands-on opportunities to enhance my learning. Among the learning styles (Figure D), I learned better through visual, verbal and logical styles where the senior radiation therapist showed and explained to me the different components of treatment planning. I feel that explanations make better sense to me rather than just verbal instructions. As such, I found myself asking more to get a deeper understanding of the interface and usage of the software as well as knowledge in treatment planning. After each discussion with the senior radiation therapist, I prefer to work alone to digest all the information and try out the treatment planning on my own. Therefore, solitary learning style (Figure D) was more suitable for me rather than social, also known as group discussion. Self-reflection using Gibb’s Reflective Model (Figure E) Description feelings I was able to learn new skills and knowledge from the seniors. Throughout this learning process, I learned how to develop my own learning goals, identify my own learning styles and be responsible for my own learning. At the start of the process, I struggled a little bit as the amount of knowledge and things to learn was too overwhelming especially since I am not IT-savvy. However, the hands-on practices helped me build up my confidence each week. I feel that this newly learnt skill and knowledge are useful as it can be applied when I carry out the daily treatments and also when I am doing the new treatment card check. The knowledge can also be shared with my juniors and students on attachment. Evaluation analysis The main challenge during the learning process was time. I only had one day (8 hours) every week to go to the treatment planning department. There was no fixed schedule plan as certain skill or knowledge required more time to learn. The changes in my schedule plan were made as more time was needed than expected to learn the software at the start and also due to the lack of manpower in the department which denied me of learning opportunities. However, I did managed to complete learning the treatment plan for rectal cancer a week earlier. As such, the schedule plan will always be adjusted based on my needs and capabilities each week. Despite this, it is crucial for me to keep to a certain timeframe as delaying a learning objective for too long would mean that the whole learning process will be completed at a later period. Given more time, I would like to be given a chance to create my own checklist on treatment planning and refer to more references from the textbooks instead of relying on the hospital’s protocol and knowledge shared by the seniors. Conclusion action plan If I was given another opportunity, I would repeat the same process with similar action plan but with a more realistic set of timeline based on my learning speed and capabilities. I would also like to develop my note-taking skills and the method of evidencing my skills. 1

Holdens Lonliness Catcher In the Rye :: essays research papers

Many young people often find themselves struggling to find their own identity and place in society. This search for self worth often leaves these young people feeling lonely and isolated because they are unsure of themselves. Holden Caulfield, J.D. Salinger's main character in the book The Catcher In the Rye, is young man on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. One contributor to this breakdown, is the loneliness that Holden experiences. His loneliness is apparent through many ways including: his lack of friends, his longing for his dead brother, and the way he attempts to gain acceptance from others. To Holden, everyone is either corny of phony. He uses these terms to describe what a person is if they do not act naturally and follow other people?s manners and grace. Holden dislikes phonies and thinks of them as people who try to be something they are not. He loathes people who showed off because it seems unnatural every time they do not act like themselves. Holden does not allow himself to have friendship because of his dull attitude. In the beginning of the book, the reader knows that Holden is lonely when he separates himself from the rest of the Pencey students by watching the football game from Thomsen Hill and not the grand stands. Holden is not a very sociable person partly because he finds himself better than many others. He dislikes his roommate because of his generic leather luggage. His next door roommate Ackley does not seem to want a friendship with him either. Holden finds Ackely?s zit crusted face ridiculous and doesn?t want him in his room at first. This shows the reader that Holden is a lonely person because he chooses to be lonely and does not want anything to do with people who do not fit into his perception of normal. Holden?s loneliness is apparent in more than just his lack of friends. His loneliness is made apparent by the way he misses his deceased brother, Allie. Holden makes several references to Allie and how the two used to get along and acted more like friends than brothers. Holden deeply misses his brother and even talks to him out loud to comfort himself because he still feels a void inside of him. Holden misses his brother more than others because Holden never had the final closure to his brother?s death, Holden never went to Allie?s funeral, and because Holden didn?

red scare :: essays research papers

The war was over. The last cry of help had been heard and peace was supposedly coming to the United States. But everyone was wrong. An ideological war which prompted mass paranoia known as the Red Scare had spread through the US. It began in 1919 and ended in 1921. Red Scare was the label given to the actions of legislation, the race riots, and the hatred and persecution of "subversives" and conscientious objectors during that period of time. At the heart of the Red Scare was the conscription law of May 18, 1917, which was put during World War I in order for the armed forces to be able to conscript more Americans. This caused many problems in the recollection of soldiers for the war. For one to claim that status, one had to be a member of a "well-recognized" religious organization which forbade their members to participation in war. As a result of such unyielding legislation, 20,000 conscientious objectors were inducted into the armed forces. Out of these 20,000, 16,000 changed their minds when they reached military camps, 1300 went to non-combat units, 1200 gained furloughs to do farm work, and 100 of these, 450 went to prison. However, these numbers are small in comparison with the 170,000 draft dodgers and 2,810,296 men who were inducted into the armed forces. Objectors were targeted in the Red Scare after the war. They were condemned as cowards, pro-German socialists, also they were also accused of spreading propaganda throughout the United States. Many organizations stood up for the rights of the objectors. One was the National Civil Liberties Bureau, which would later be renamed the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU gained a reputation for helping people with liberal cases who were too poor to pay for their own representation in court. After the real war ended in 1918, the ideological war, turned against conscientious objectors and other radical minorities such as Wobblies, who were members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), and also Socialists. It was thought that the Wobblies and the Socialists were trying to overthrow the United States government. Wobblies, were persecuted against for speaking out against the capitalist system. Most of what they said, was only to attract attention, but it was taken seriously by the government. From the very beginning of the Red Scare, the Wobblies attacked by the government, because they were a symbol of radicalism.

Political Communication in Oliver Stone’s Platoon and JFK Essay

Introduction: Political communication—communication with a political purpose about human interaction—takes many different forms including novels, poetry, music, television, and film, which all have their distinct advantages and disadvantages in communicating with the public. Although some political communication intends to enact or drive social changes, some political communication seeks to maintain the status quo. The film medium, which is the subject of this paper, has a much broader mass appeal than other medias and often changes the viewer’s original beliefs and perceptions when he or she experiences over an hour straight of visual indoctrination of only one view. Over the course of the semester, we have learned about the informal process of the government. In our first paper of the semester, we analyzed how the news media coverage’s role of acting as the fourth branch of the government and its effectiveness in educating the public. The second paper involved the informal workings and strategies of an interest group, but also focused on an interest group’s structure and membership. Finally, we read several political novels to see their role and political impact on the mass public. For this free choice final paper, I decided to analyze Oliver Stone and his two films Platoon and JFK. Oliver Stone, a three-time Academy Award winner and known as one of the best filmmakers in his generation, ignores Hollywood convention warning against making films with a message. Among some of his great films, he made the two films Platoon and JFK. In Platoon, he presents a gritty and emotional examination of American soldiers during the Vietnam War through the lens of Chris Taylor, a biographical representation of himself and so... ...f moviegoers about the concept of war and the government’s intentions. Works Cited Beaver, Frank. Oliver Stone: Wakeup Cinema. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1991. Internet Movie Database. â€Å"Titles with certificate: Vietnam:(Banned).† . JFK (Special Edition Director's Cut). Dir. Oliver Stone. 1991. DVD, Warner Home Video. 2001. Kurtz, Michael L. â€Å"Oliver Stone, JFK, and History.† Oliver Stone’s USA. Ed. Robert Brent Toplin. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2000. 166—177. Mackey-Kallis, Susan. Oliver Stone’s America. Boulder: Westview Press, 1996. â€Å"Novel.† Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. 10th edition. 2002. Platoon (Special Edition). Dir. Oliver Stone. 1986. DVD, MGM. 2001. Riordan, James. Stone. New York: Hyperion, 1995.

India Asean Free Trade Agreement

INDIAN-ASEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT A TERM PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCES (HONOURS SCHOOL) Supervisor :Submitted by: Dr. Rajesh KumarKumar Ranjan M. S. Sc. (Hons. ) 2nd Semester Roll No. 12 [pic] SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY AMRITSAR 2009 INTRODUCTION India and the association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have concluded negotiations for a free trade Agreement (FTA) after years of difficult negotiations. This agreement will be signed into a treaty at India-ASEAN summit to be held in Bangkok on February 26,2009 (Economic times, January 27, 2009) if every thing goes as planned. Expectation from India ASEAN FTA are high. Joint Media statement of Sixth ASEAM Economic Minister (AEM)-India consultations states that â€Å"the AIFTA (ASEAN-India free trade agreement) could be major avenue in harnessing the region’s vast economic potentials towards sustained progress and improved welfare not only for ASEAN and India but for greater East Asian regions as well†. The India-ASEAN FTA is the result of many international and domestic factors on one hand, the trend of international regionalization and the proliferation of FTA’s and the failure of the Doha round of Multilateral talks to yield concrete results led both India and the ASEAN countries to consider alternative solution towards free trade. On the other hand the adoption policies by India and ASEAN to develop better cooperation with their immediate neighbours in recent years has helped accelerate this negotiation. (www. e_pao. net) INDIA AND ASEAN: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Although India and ASEAN countries have shared cultural and historical ties, India’s interaction with ASEAN countries was quite limited during the cold war as the two pursued policies which were not very conducive to deep rooted interaction. Soon after the end of second world war, India championed the process of decolonization and drew recognition and appreciation from different parts of the world. It become one of the founding members of Non-aligned Movement (NAM). Even though Indonesia was also a member of NAM alongside India, this relationship did not extend beyond that (Sinha, 2007 pg. 357) The arrival of bipolar politics in southeast Asia, the Vietnam crisis and India’s close ties with the Soviet union led to the adoption of divergent policies by both India and ASEAN. ASEAN was formed in 1967 during the Vietnam war primarily to diffuse regional conflict and to promote better relations between members. Communists victory in Vietnam, Laos and combodia soon worsened the already fragile security situation of southeast Asia. Thus by 1976, ASEAN was forced to contemplate to become an association with security as its main concern. The reunification of veitnam and the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia created another security dilemma. Sinha, 2007 pg. 350). While ASEAN chastised Vietnam, India supported Vietnam. ASEAN’s suspicions of the soviet union and the paronoia it had with anything communist led many including India, to regard ASEAN as allies of the capitalists and pro-American bloc. Suspicions was so high during this time that refused to hold dialogues with A SEAN twice in 1975 and 1980. But with end of the cold war, interactions between India and ASEAN became more frequent: and relations between the two began to improve at very fast pace. Following the end of cold war and collapse of soviet union, India began to adopt liberalization policies. Mean while, ASEAN has also emerged as an important regional organization with great potential and opportunities for growth. The transformation of the international system and new outlook led to the adoption of the Look East policy in 1991, it marked a strategic shift in its foreign policy and perceptions towards its eastern neighbours. ASEAN’s strategic importance in the larger Asia-Pacific region and the potentials it has in becoming India’s major partner in trade and investment also added an impetus to India to develop closer ties with it. In addition, considering the proposed South Asian Free Tade Area (SAFTA) is unlikely to produce any solid outcome, this policy shift and agreement on the part of India is a strategic s it is important. In continuance of India’s Look East policy, the process of interregional cooperation was institutionalized with India becoming a sectoral Dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992; a full dialogue partner in 1995 and member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996. India because a summit level partner of ASEAN in 2002 and concluded the ASEAN-India partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity in 2004. India also became enganged in regional initiatives such as Mekong-guga cooperation (MGC) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic cooperation (BIMSTEC). India has also became member of EAST Asia Summit (EAS) in December, 2005, (Chakraborti, World Focus, 2008, 436). INDIA’S LOOK BEST, ASEAN LOOK WEST POLICIES The real turning point in India-ASEAN relations came with economic liberalization in 1991, the end of the cold war and enunciation of India’s â€Å"Look East† policy by Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao. As publication of Indian ministry of external affairs observed. â€Å"There was confluence of nterests. A new world order, the economic Reforms in India along with its â€Å"Look East† policy, coincided with ASEAN’s â€Å"Look West† and regionalization drive. (Baru, February 2001 pg. 13. ) Under the â€Å"Look East† policy pursued increased trade and investment cooperation with South Korea and Singapore. Apart from extending India’s enduring relation with Vietnam, the policy also pursued greater economic relations with Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. India became a ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner’ of ASEAN at the ASEAN’s Singapore, summit in 1992, and a ‘Full Dialogue partner’ of ASEAN at the Bangkok Summit in 1995. In February 1995 the ASEAN-Indian Business council was set up. India was invited to the meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July, 1996. At this it was decided that ARF would only admit as participants countries that have a direct influence on the peace and security of East Asia and pacific region. (Baru, 2001; pg 13). A key objective of India and ASEAN to move from derivative to direct relationship so that there are no distortions, no misperception, no ignorance and no intermediation. There has been doubling of trade between India and ASEAN countries in 1990s and a marked increased in joint ventures and foreign direct investment between the two. Section VI and VII provide a comprehensive account of India-ASEAN trade and investment relation. Suffice it to say that ASEAN has emerged as the third largest foreign investor in India’s after US and EU. There are two dimensions of India’s new relationship with ASEAN. First, the trade and investment dimensions; second, the foreign policy and strategic dimension. Neither of these relations has equal value to all the ASEAN countries clearly, India’s economic relations with some are more developed than with others. Similarly India’s political and strategic relation with some are more developed than with others. Suffice it to say that in no case is the relationship purely undimensional (Baru, 2001, pg 14) DEEPENING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN The deepening of relationship between India and ASEAN is reflected in the buoyancy of trade figures between the two. During April-September 2007-2008, trade grew from US$ 15. 06 billion to US$ 17. 2 billion that is trade grew by 13 percent. India foreign trade with ASEAN, according to directorate General of commercial intelligence and statistics (DGCIS), is also on the rise. During the period 2005-06 to 2006-07 India’s export to ASEAN registered a growth rate of 20. 67 percent. Similarly India’s imports from ASEAN during the same period registered a growth rate of 66% In dia ASEAN trade stoo at US$ 38. 37 billion in 2007-08 and is projected to reach US$ 48 billion during 2008-09 (Economics times, Jan 10). At the first India-ASEAN summit held at Phnom Penh on November 5, 2001. India called for an India-ASEAN within a 10 year time frame. In this context the second India-ASEAN summit held at Bali on October 8, 2003 was significant landmark in India-ASEAN relations. The summit saw the signing of the framework agreement for comprehensive economic cooperation between India and ASEAN. This agreement envisaged the establishment of an FTA within a period of ten years. In March 2004, an ASEAN-India Trade Negotiation committee (Al-TNC) was established to Negotiate the implementation of the provisions of the framework agreement. India, since than entered into numerous agreement with ASEAN. (Sharma, Third concept vol 21, pg 9,10) At the Sixth India- ASEAN summit held at Singapore on November last year, India proposed to increase its bilateral trade with ASEAN to the time of US$ 50 billion by the year 2010. The latest agreement is therefore the result of many years of tactfull policies that led to the thawing of the ice between these two important emerging power in Asia. In addition to these agreements with ASEAN, India has also made consistent efforts to develop bilateral ties with ASEAN members. With Thailand, India has 61 years of diplomatic relation. India also has free trade agreement with Thailand that was signed in 2004. The framework agreement on bilaterals FTA of 2003 was the basis of this FTA with Thailand. Trade b/w the two increased from a mere US $ 606 million to US$ 3. 14 billion in 2006-07. With the CLV countries Cambodia, Laso and Vietnam, India entered into a number of bilateral agreements for cooperation in the fields of trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence, visa exemption, tourism, IT and culture. India has major projects I in the projects in the field of education entrepreneurship development and IT in these three countries. In 2004, India extended a credit line of US$ 27 million to Vietnam. Malaysia is a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, particularly in the areas of LPG, power plant and highway construction. Trade between the two rose from US$ 2. 2 billion in 2002-03 to US$ 6. 6 billion in 2006-07. India public sector undertaking such as BHEL and IRCON have also undertaken and completed a number of projects in Malaysia (www. _pao. net). Presently after India-ASEAN FTA negotiations, it is reported that about 150 Indian Engineering firms are eying to diversify their export base in ASEAN markets and are planning to make Malaysia the Regional hub to penetrate the region. Many of these companies are exploring the possibilities of joint ventures, technology transfer and investment opportunities. It was mainly because of the insistence of Indonesia that Ind ia became a part of the East Asia summit in 2005. Relations between the two had been very good for many years. Bilateral trade between the two increased by 44% from 2005-06 to 2006-07. India has a comprehensive Economic cooperation agreement (CECA) with Singapore since 2005. This agreement include bilateral investment promotion treaty. Double taxation avoidance agreement, an air service agreement and an FTA. Singapore, along with Indonesia had been an important factor for India’s inclusion into the East Asian summit. In addition, it was Singapore’s role that paved the way for India’s association with the ARF. Singapore is the biggest source of FDI for India among ASEAN countries. During the period 2000to 2008, the cumulative FDI of Singapore into India was worth a whooping US $ 4. 35 billion. Concurrently, over two thousand Indian companies were based in Singapore (www. e_pao. net) India also has plans for a free trade area with Brunie, Indonesia and Malaysia by 2011 and with the remaining ASEAN countries by 2016. Since 1995, India have actively engaged Myanmar in Trade. It has singed several agreements and MOU’s including Tripartite Maritime Agreement with Myanmar and Thailand, border trade Agreement and for cooperation between civilian uthorities between India and Myanmar. Since 2000, a number of high level visits have taken place. During these visits, several agreements and MOU’s have been signed in areas ranging from hydroelectric projects on the Chindwin River and IT cooperation to cultural exchange programs. In year 2003 alone, Seven Agreements/ MOU’s were signed to promote trade and communication facilities. By 2006-07 bilateral tr ade between India and Myanmar reached US$ 650 Million as compared to US$ 341. 40 million in 2004-05 (www. e_pao. net). RECENTLY CONCLUDED FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN India is in process of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN. On 28 August 2008, India ASEAN concluded a trade in goods agreement which will operationalize the FTA in merchandize trade. They will formally signing this TIG agreement in ASEAN-Indian Summit now to be held on 26 Feb 2009. (Economic times, 27 Jan 2009). When India and ASEAN Kicked off Negotiation on the bilateral FTA in 2002, they were supposed to finalise a comprehensive agreement that covers goods, service and investment. However, regional grouping prevailed in India to conclude talks on goods, first and than move on to service and Investment. However signing of TIG Agreement was delayed as the negotiation got stuck a few times due to difference between parties on the coverage of the negative list. In free trade agreement countries are allowed to keep a small number of products out of coverage of the agreement. The issue of the negative list or the list of items that would be excluded from proposed FTA agreement had at one stage brought negotiations to a stands till. The items on the list would have limited or no tariff concession. Indian negotiaters were cautious as there were apprehensions that the ASEAN countries are more competitive in sectors like agriculture, textile, auto and auto components and electronics. India would face negative consequence unless sensitive items in these sectors are protected India submitted a list of aground 1414 products as a negative list. These products counted for 42% of total exports of ASEAN to India. But as the Negotiations from ASEAN insisted that the products include in the FTA, should cover at least 90% of exports to India, a pruning of negative list was done by Rao, Inderjit Singh, (India’s Deputy Minister for Defence). He reduced the number of items to be placed on a negative list from 1414 to 850 on 27 July 2006. In August 2006 These items were further reduced to 560 items. At the end it was decided that each signatory country of INDO-ASEAN FTA can have at most 489 products in its negative list provided that these products do not exceed more than 5% of total bilateral imports. India’s negative list includes 302 agriculture items, 81 items from textile and clothing, 52 items from machinery and auto and 32 items from chemicals and fertilizer plastics. There are 22 other items from various other sectors which are also part of negative list (Thakurta, South Asian Journal, 2007, 107-108). It has been decided in Negotiation that for products which are not in negative list duties will be reduced in phased manger starting from 2009 and the duty cut will be completed by 2018. Under the pact, India and ASEAN will eliminate import duties on 71% products by December 31, 2012 and another 9% by 2015. Duties on 8-10% products that have been kept in the sensitive list will also be brought down to 5%. For all product in non negative list duty will be reduced to zero by 2018. India has also identified 611 products, which will only get a partial duty cut. Among these products India has put five products on highly sensitive list. They are Tea, Coffee, pepper, palm oil and refined palm oil (The Economic Challenger, 2008). India stances during the negotiations indicates some what defensive position in goods sector. This is not surprising because India runs a fairly large trade deficits vis-a-vis ASEAN. Acc to data of Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS) published by IMF, India had a trade deficit of $ 14,562 million in 2007 with ASEAN. This is around 15% of India’s total trade deficits. Fore individual ASEAN members, India Trade Pattern show that for the last 10 years (1998-2007) it has a trade deficit each year with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. India runs a trade surplus with other ASEAN member including Vietnam and Philippines (TABLE 1). Table 1: India’s Trade surplus/Deficits with ASEAN Member countries (in million $) |1998 |1999 |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 | |Brunei Daressalam |3. 05 |1. 73 |2. 63 |2. 90 |3. 72 |4. 22 |4. 31 |32. 64 |40. 34 |50. 07 | |Cambodia |2. 85 |6. 60 |6. 88 |2. 48 |16. 97 |18. 55 |17. 10 |21. 68 |24. 43 |30. 32 |Indonesia |-556. 28 |-635. 64 |-536. 55 |-717. 28 |-541. 06 |-883. 68 |-1160. 84 |-1492. 88 |-2450. 39 |-3975. 02 | |Laos |0. 98 |1. 35 |5. 00 |5. 52 |1. 84 |0. 59 |2. 00 |1. 59 |5. 68 |7. 05 | |Malaysia |-1137. 28 |-1504. 35 |-820. 68 |-1032. 57 |-627. 00 |-1044. 68 |-1206. 95 |-1231. 50 |-4429. 51 |-4599. 52 | |Myanmar |-151. 45 |-139. 05 |-131. 31 |-144. 76 |-274. 11 |-304. 77 |-295. 35 |-383. 30 |-473. 73 |-587. 90 | |Philippines |113. 80 |85. 83 |126. 53 |147. 41 |299. 41 |236. 62 |208. 86 |272. 87 |233. 00 |176. 98 | |Singapore |-754. 57 |-862. 95 |-655. 53 |-2001. 17 |-92. 87 |26. 29 |919. 87 |209. 5 |-4000. 42 |-5664. 81 | |Thailand |63. 60 |103. 33 |174. 60 |81. 65 |301. 66 |250. 02 |72. 60 |95. 74 |-513. 20 |-1035. 06 | |Vietnam |116. 70 |136. 25 |195. 85 |157. 36 |280. 97 |356. 22 |427. 08 |534. 92 |648. 69 |1035. 88 | |Overall trade deficits |-2298. 61 |-2806. 93 |-1632. 41 |-3498. 46 |-630. 45 |-1340. 29 |-1011. 32 |-244. 77 |-10915. 11 |-14562. 02 | | Source: – (EPW, 15 Nov 2008) However, overall trade balance is significantly negative. The concern is that if India has already such a huge trade deficit, reduction of tariff rates may worsen the situation unless there is a significant export boost. Among ASEAN members, India already has preferential trade agreement with Thailand Myanmar and Singapore. India, Myanmar and Thailand are part of the Bay of Bengal Institute for multi sectoral technical and economic cooperation (BIMSTEC) which is now knows as Bangladehs, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand economic cooperation (BIMSTEC) (Thakurata, South Asian Journal No. 16, pg 108). India also has a seprate FTA with Thailand. India and Singapore have signed a comprehensive Economic cooperation agreement (CECA) few years back. Though the terms and tariff reduction conditions of these agreements may be different from the present agreement but still it can be assumed that the marginal impact of Indo-ASEAN FTA will be less for these three ASEAN countries (i. e. Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore). Among other ASEAN members, India has significant trade with Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. Though the current volume of trade with Vietnam is low, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing countries in the world and trade potential between India and Vietnam is considered to be significant. Nityanand Deva, India’s look-East policy, www. indianmba. com/occasional_papers/ OP104/ OP104html. HOW TARIFF PROFILE EFFECTS FTA? Tariff reduction, especially of custom duties on imports of Agricultural commodities, is an extremely sensitive issue in India. Till India initiated economic reforms in 1991, the peak custom duty rate used to be as high as 150 percent. (Thakurata, South Asian Journal, pg 110). One assumed that In dia will have some advantage in the ASEAN market because of tariff margin given TIG agreement. The India-Asean pact on goods trade will result in the signatory countries abolishing customs tariffs on 80% of goods including key raw material like Iron ore and aluminum, plastic goods and certain kinds of machinery. The deal is likely to be operational from January 2009 when the signatories to the pact will begin cutting import tariff in phased manner, import duties on normal goods will be reduced to zero over a period of six years and on items in the sensitive list will have a partial tariff reduction over longer period of time. (The Economic challenger, pg 18). It look six long years for the two sides to conclude the negotiation of ROO’s (Rules of origin). ROO means that goods exported from certain destination must have a minimum value addition in the country of origin of proportion specified. India has reportedly agreed to have 35 percent value addition and changes in tariff at level of sub heading whereas in case of bilateral arrangements with individual countries like Thailand and Singapore, the rules specify 40% value addition and tariff changes at the level of headings. ROO’s are major reason why negotiations between India and Thailand over expansion of items in FTA list are stalled. New Delhi fears that further relaxation of ROO’s could lead to imports for third world via Thailand that would, in turn, antagonize Indian industry. (www. bilaterals. org/article. php3? id_artilce=13650) India lowered its duties on crude palm oil (CPO) and refined palm oil to 37. 5 and 45% (against 80%) respectively. It has also agreed to lower duties on coffee and tea to 45% and pepper to 50% (against 100%). Under the pact India-ASEAN will eliminate import duties on 71% products by December 31, 2012 and another 9% by 2015. Duties on 8-10% products that have been kept in the sensitive list will also be brought down to 5%. India will keep 489 items in negative list of products to be excluded from tariff reduction commitments. Tariff rates in manufacturing goods in India is high whereas in major ASEAN countries are quite low. Therefore India is unlikely to get too much advantage because of tariff preference (The Economic Challenger, vol41, pg 18). On the other hand, the FTA is likely to allow the ASEAN countries to take advantage of the large gap between high Indian applied tariff rates and the preferential rates. It is expected that agreement will open up considerable market for ASEAN countries in Agriculture, electronics, motor car equipment and other light manufacturing goods in India. This way negatively affect domestic farmer in agriculture and small and medium enterprises in light manufacturing including textile in India. There are reports that Asian development bank to contribute to a fund to help compensate industries that likely to be hit by Indo-Asean free trade agreement (Dasgupta and PAL, EPW Nov, 15, 2008). WHAT ARE EFFECTS OF SERVICE TRADE ON FTA The crux of welfare gains from India ASEAN market integration does not rest on free trade in goods, but on free flow of service and investment. That is India’s service industries-IT services, design services and call operators-have long been a hub or source of outsourcing and off shoring from develop economies especially United States and the European Union. The India-ASEAN FTA that successfully liberalises trade in service and investment will therefore provide economic opportunities companies in ASEAN countries to strengthen their competitiveness in global market by fragmenting their production and establishing industrial clusters. www. bilaterals. org/article/phg3? id_article=13650). A treaty which involves services will be extremely important for India also because India sees a big market for its services export in ASEAN. India presently is one of top exporters of services and according to WTO data it is ranked 10th in the world ahead of ASEAN countries like Singapore (rank ed 16th), Thailand (ranked 27th) and Malaysia (ranked 20th). In 2006 reports of services from India were around $74 billion. India is particularly strong in Information technology enables services (ITES), professional services, telecommunication services, health care, financial services and distribution services. ASEAN is also big market for service imports. It is not importer of services and according to WTO (2007), total imports of service by ASEAN members was close to $ 150 billion in 2006. To put this figure in perspective, US imports of services was around $ 300 billion in the same year. ASEAN also has a major export interest in some services sector. Tourism in one of the most important services trade for ASEAN countries. Apart from that they are major exporter of air transport, construction, logistics insurance and financial services. (Dasgupta and PAL, EPW Nov 15, 2008). When India and ASEAN kicked off negotiations on the bilateral FTA in 2002, they were supposed to finalize a comprehensive agreement that covers good, service and investment. However, regional grouping prevailed on India to conclude talks on goods first and then move on to services and investment. India’s trade with the ASEAN, its fourth largest trading partner after the EU, US and China has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 27%. Bilateral trade stood at 38. 37 billion in 2007-08 and is project to reach $ 48 billion in 2008-09. The agreement on services allow Indian service providers to access the ASEAN Market and set up operation there. The investment agreement in expected to work both ways in terms of attracting FDI from ASEAN member, especially Singapore and Malaysia, and providing opportunity to Indian companies in sectors like pharmaceuticals, coal mining and automobiles to invest in ASEAN region (Economic times, Jan 10, 2008). For a major region which has liberal policies for merchandise trade, services trade in ASEAN in highly regulated. As Karmakar (2005) points out, services trade in ASEAN in highly regulated for foreign suppliers but the restrictions are also there for intra ASEAN, trade. Efforts are being made to gradually integrate service trade among ASEAN members. The ASEAN Framework agreement on services (AFAS) provide broad framework to achieve this. The target is to make ASEAN a single market and production base through free flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labour and free flow of capital by 2015 (Dasgupta and Pal, EPW Nov 15, 2008). HOW ENERGY SECURITY HELPFUL TO FTA? Apart from other items, closer economic and political ties with ASEAN are likely to held India’s quest for energy security. Indian position on global civilian nuclear cooperation received a boost as the 16 leader’s of ASEAN and its dialogue partner signed what was described as landmark declaration on Energy security at the second East-Asia summit. The Cebu Declaration on Energy security was signed by leaders of East Asia summit-an evolving regional forum that includes the ASEAN and six dialogue partners (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand). The declaration calls for reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and fossil fuel in the context of surging global crube oil prices and seeks to intensify the search for new and renewable energy resources and technologies with focus on civil nuclear power and biofuels (Thakurata, South Asian Journal No 16, pg 107). India is heavily dependent on west Asia for oil imports, which is geopolitically tense part of the world. India is currently the world’s sixth largest energy consumer, and third largest oil and gas consumer in Asia after China and Japan. For India oil imports account for about 72% of total oil consumption of which 67% is being sourced from west Asia. Hence on external front India is pursuing diversification of supply sources and trying to significantly increase exploration of oil and gas. Among the ASEAN countries, India at present import crude oil from Malaysia and Brunei, which contributes 5. % of its total oil from Malaysia which comprises just 3. 5% of its total LPG import on the other hand, among the ASEAN countries, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have about 1% of total world’s proven oil reserves and 3% of the world’s proven gas reserves (Dasgupta and Pal, EPW Nov 15, 2008). CONCLUSION To conclude it can be said that the Indo ASEAN trade in goods agreement may not be beneficial for trade in short run but it can be thought of as a part of long runs strategy to improve India’s economic, and strategic presence in the neighbourhood. Though India shares a land border with Myanmar and maritime border with Indonesia and Thailand, the ASEAN countries has never been economically very close to India. In fact India and the ASEAN countries are not considered natural trading partners. This is indirect contrast to China which was established a distributed regional network of production and trade in this region. The Indo-ASEAN FTA can be perceived as an intial step towards increased economic integration of India with South east Asia. From a broader perspective, the Indo-ASEAN FTA can also be viewed as other cog in the wheel of increasing South-south cooperation. This is important because the world economic system is presently going through some significant changes. On the one hand there is severe economic showdown and major financial problem in the developed world. On the other hand there is talk of developing countries like China and India emerging as driver of southern economic growth. Though the impact of China on other developing countries is much stronger. India can play a complementary role. While China provides a big market for exports, via a manufacturing supply chain for other Asian countries, India can potentially become a hub of services-led growth. If India aspires to play a prominent role in global economy and Governance, increased cooperation with ASEAN make a sense as a strategic move. BIBLIOGRAPHY Baru, Sanjay, â€Å"India and ASEAN: The Emerging States Relationship Towards a Bay of Bengal community†. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relation, February, 2001. Chakraboti, Tribdib, â€Å"India and Indo China states in the 21st century; Challenges and opportunities† World Focus Vol 347-348; Nov-Dec 2008. Dasgupta and Pal, â€Å"Does a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN make sense† Economic and Political weekly. Nov 15, 2008, Economic Times, January 27, 2009. Joseph and Parayil, â€Å"India-ASEAN cooperation in Information and Communication Technology: Issues and Prospects: RIS Discussion paper (www. ries. org. in) Sharma, Madan Lal, â€Å"India ASEAN Relation†; Third Concept Dec 2007, Vol 21. No 250. Sinha, Prabha Chandra, Handbook of ASEAN and Regional Cooperation. 2th Summit and beyond 2007. Takhurata, â€Å"India’s free Trade Agreement with ASEAN† South Asian Journal, April June 2007, NO. 16. â€Å"The Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN†. The Economic Challenger 2008, No 11, issue 11. WEBSITES www. aseansec. org/4920. htm. www. artilcebase. com/politics_articles www. bilateral. org/rubrique. php3? id_r ubriqu+159,13650,12959 www. econoimctimes. com www. e_pao. net/epsubpageextracts. asp? src=education. scientificpapersIndia-ASEANFTA. www. heindia_au. org/pr_072. html. www. indianmba. com/occasional_papers/OP104. op104. html

Final Monster Energy Bars

Have you ever thought of eating energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, AMP, NOSE and Rocks instead of drinking. We are not talking about any food item which will take you hours to cook food. It is not a product which comes in a large box or you have to heat it. Instead, we are launching a product which will save your time in cooking when you will eat it will provide you instant energy, nutrients and vitamins with four delicious and tempting flavors. The wait is over!! It's a launch of a product which is known as â€Å"Monster Energy Bars†, the name says it all.It is a bar which provides energy and revalidated as suggested by our tagging â€Å"To Recharge the World† Monster Beverage corporation, always believed in innovating new product with different flavors and proved themselves by satisfying customer taste buds. Monster is leading in the market for energy drinks in terms of flavors. The target group for â€Å"Monster Energy Bar† is 19 to 33 years; mainly individ uals who live an active sports life, corporate professionals, students, active youth. The product ingredients include various health factors related to our daily life.Packed with all natural ingredients such as fruit extracts, rotten, cocoa and caffeine, Monster Energy Bar is a great source of energy on the go. In the present scenario most people leaving a busy life often is avoiding healthy food and the necessary protein and calories intake which can cause health issues. Offering most of the great flavors and ingredients featured in energy drinks, Monster Energy Bar is likely to appeal all existing Monster Energy drink fans and new consumers. Mission Statement: We truly believe that time is the most valuable asset.Our main goal is to give our customers the most natural, nutritious and great tasting energy in the fastest way possible. We appreciate each and single one Of our customers and we know that our success and growth comes from not only meeting their needs, but exceeding expe ctations of our loyal consumers. We, as a team work really hard, to insure that we keep surprising and inspiring our customers with great new flavors. It makes us happy if our product helped someone to have a more productive day, reach the finish line, or simply go that extra mile.Macro – environmental analysis The macro environmental analysis is essential for the company. This analysis will help us to know whether the outside forces are beneficial for the many or not. The below are the forces which will help to determine the analysis for the product: Demographic forces will help to analyses the gender, age, income, and location. Monster Beverage Corporation already has its own target market, since â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† is a new product in terms of category and the aim is to provide energy on the go.The target market will be male and female between the age group of 19 to 33 years. The â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† are priced in such a way that youth such as st udents as well as professional (corporate people) can afford it. Strategically, location is targeted where here is lot of sport's activity, young students and commercial place are located. Economic: Sports nutrition is non-essential considered by customers, so the affordability plays an important role to market. The other factor which can affect is inflation.During inflation the spending habits of the people will change. Also, sports nutrition and particularly energy drinks and energy bars are recovering after the economy recession and appear to still growing. (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2005) Natural Forces: The natural forces which affect the products are natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, cyclone, etc. The other product ingredients related natural forces for energy bars contain Caffeine and Turin as their major ingredients which in high intake be considered not good for health.This is creating a shift to natural resources such as grains, natural caffeine or fruit based for health reasons. Technological: New trends are emerging in the sports nutrition business which is focusing on the delivery of new experiences through the development of new technology to improve the manufacturing process. Political/Governmental Regulations: The political and government regulations may affect the product. Food and drug administration may regulate the product because â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† contain caffeine content and other energy enhancements.The other impact which can affect the product is change in the government, new rules for the specific industry / category and changes in taxes. Cultural Forces: It is well known fact that Canada is multi-cultural- It has a diverse cultural where people are coming across the world. Although people are from different culture the main priority is healthy and convenient lifestyle, and sports nutrition products (I. E. Energy bars which provide energy) are the option to satisfy this need. The sports nutrition is s egmented in main categories: body builders, Pro / Amateur athletes, recreational users and lifestyle users. Canadian Community Health Survey, 2005) Marketing Segmentation: We will segment the market on the basis of Geographies, Chirography's, Demographics and Behavioral. Geographic Segmentation: This segmentation will consist of our target market location. As monster energy bar is the source of energy which is targeted for youth, sport's athletics and corporate people. The potential in the sports nutrition market is around IIS $4. 6 Billion (Euro monitor International 2010). Also is important that the maturity in energy drinks market drives the opportunity to expand the market towards the energy bars, in order attract new customers.The proportion of residents by province shows that British Columbia has the highest rate with 64% of people physically active followed by Yukon with 66% and Ontario the third with 54% (Canadian Community Health Survey, n. D. ). Chirography's Segmentation: The chirography's segmentation is based on various aspects like social class, lifestyle and personality characteristics. This segmentation will help us to identify the people from different lifestyle, their aloes and beliefs. Behavioral Segmentation: This segmentation will help Monster to segment their customers on the basis of usage of the product.The consumption of the bars will help us to segment the product to the target customers. Mostly customers are going to use for snack purpose, instant energy or during hectic work schedules. Demographic Segmentation: The demographic segmentation will help to segment the market on the basis of different perspective from customers. Monster Energy Bars will also be percept in another way because it is not just a natural bar. It is an energy bar which is healthy and active, targeting age group from 1 9 to 33 years.Also, the way We use to segment the marketing is considering the physical activity in the population by Age, Income, Gender, and p hysical activity preference in Canada. The household income play an important role a report shows that 32% of people with the highest income are physically active followed by 29% of high middle and 26% with middle household Income (Canadian Community Health Survey) Genders: Both Female & Male (with higher focus on males) Age: 19 to 33 province main focus and launch: British Columbia and Ontario MarketSegments: Young working professionals, college students and sport oriented, athletic people Income level: Middle to high Income Market Segmentation and Target Market The target market are based on the statistics that shows that the age range is important to consider because young men and women from 12 to 18 are physically active, we cannot target people under 18 due to ingredients in the energy bars and also the price is also a factor for the segment. The target market for our segment is 19 to 33 years which align very well with our product.To launch the product we will focus on Vancouv er, BC where sports s jogging, biking and swimming are the most common for the people and finally the income household targets from Middle to High in zones as: Anymore, Bellary, Greater Vancouver, Lions Bay, North Vancouver, West Vancouver (Census Data, Statistics Canada, National Housing survey, 2001). Multi-segments Our product is multi segment because Monster E Bar can benefit any type of consumer by providing instant energy. 1st Segment: Young males and females involved in various sports and recreational activities. ND Segment: Youth, college students and young working professionals. Is your product designed for consumers or business or both†¦. Why? The product is designed for consumers. Today consumers are very busy in their day to day life. Consumers are going out for long hours they can grab this bar and have it anywhere. It's for the people who needs source of energy, workout and for the students have very hectic schedule, many occasions they are rushing for meetings an d usually skip their meals. This bar is being very useful for them; it will keep them active and provides the ARQ aired energy.Why is the target market you selected profitable, sustainable, and how does it align with your product? The target market is profitable and sustainable because Monster Energy Bars has the potential to satisfy the customer needs by delivering the additional energy for the physically active people and professionals with busy work hours which directly align our target market. The initial launch itself is with four different flavors which will provide consumers to try new and different options Also, within the segment the household income of the target market is good and they will have the willingness to pay for the product.Decision on New Product Name: Strategically we have opted for name â€Å"Monster Energy Bar†. Monster Beverage Corporation has its own goodwill and very well renowned in the market for its energy drinks product. We chose this name beca use this company is well established and has provided various options to consumers in terms Of flavors and preferences. It is a new product that never existed before. It is energy drink that is in form of a bar. Monster Energy Bar is a new kind of energy bar based on ingredients and flavors of existing energy drink It's the first time when the energy drink is introduced in a form of â€Å"Monster†. Bar. â€Å"Monster† Energy bar is a soft and moist bar infused with combination f cacao, coffee and fruit flavors. It is the first and only energy bar on the market that does not consist of granola, oats, nuts and dried fruits, and is completely opposite to the rest of crunchy and chewy granola energy bars. Has absolutely different texture than a regular energy bar on today's market. â€Å"A 2009 Angus Reid survey for Contra Foods Canada found that 53% of working Canadians spent their lunch break reading, surfing the Web, or not stopping for lunch at all.If they do stop for lunch, they only break for 16-30 minutes, speaking to the need for convenience. Other attributes are also needed-?32% are looking for healthy ingredients, 25% are looking for quality, and 17% are looking for flavor. † (CNN Newswire Company, 2009) Our product is created to solve the issue above. It combines all natural, high quality and great flavors that along with compact size makes a perfect option for a quick, nutritious meal substitute that not only tastes great, but provides strong source of energy.Product Strategy The main strategy of our team is introduction of new, innovative and best fit solution for consumers when it comes to satisfying a need for extra energy. Our product is created to not only attract new potential consumers and early adopters who are willing to pay a higher price for a great quality; but entice already existing consumers to switch to our product. Thus we are planning on gaining a share of energy' bars market and keep on extending it with introduc ing new variations and flavors in the future.Upgrade Currently we are entering the market with four main flavors (Monster E Java, Monster E Cranberry/Raspberry, Monster E Citrus, and Monster E Banana). As our product will be growing we will expand the brand by introducing new labors, sizes and a bar that will consist of two flavors in one bar. We will also be able upgrade the quantity in which we sell our product by introducing such options like a bundle of two or three bars. But still it can be append with other monster products.At the same time our bar would be a perfect add on with a customer who frequently purchase energy drinks (especially Monster Energy) and would buy our energy bar on top of that. Packaging Packaging is very essential for any product development. The strategies we are going to use for packaging of â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† are clear visible of amen, logo and flavor. The logo will be same as â€Å"Monster Energy Drinks† because it has already cr eated image in the mind of the customers. This will help to draw attention towards existing customers and generate new customers.We are going to use airtight, vacuum, packaging with black, red, orange and yellow colors (corresponding to each flavor). The bar is going to have very clean and distinctive design and matte finish. The packaging will have English and French version of nutrition facts, ingredients, manufactured date, best before use and it will be certified by government (all of the ingredients are approved by required health standards). The packaging will be recyclable. On the shelves, bars would be displayed by color: black (Java), red (Berry), orange (Citrus), yellow (Banana) in that order.Pricing Strategy While launching our product we will use skim pricing strategy where we are going to set the price higher that other regular granola bars and energy drinks which are our main competition. We want our bar to be percept as a new, innovative, high quality product. By choo sing skim pricing strategy we are aiming to establish a recognizable, high quality product that will attract early adopters and those people who follow the latest trends and innovations and are looking for new and exciting products and flavors on the market.The MSP is 52. 4 CAD with a mark-up of 71 % from the unit cost of $0. 7 CAD, and there's is a margin of 48% for the wholesaler. MSP $2. 40 Wholesaler price $1. 34 Cost $0. 70 There is a cost per unit of $0. 7 CAD, includes Manufacturing materials, labeling and packing. The expected mark up for the product is 48% assuming that 44% will be the cost of the wholesale. We have calculated the cost which contains overhead expense, cost of goods sold, etc. As we have adopted skimming marketing strategies the price margin is also higher.Our MIMIC should be one that can create and nourish profitable relationships with our target customers and create an avenue for purposeful dialogue with them. For our Integrated Marketing Communications st rategy, we are going to incorporate the producer marketing activities to retailers and wholesalers who resell to our target customers, the rationale behind this is to ensure trade promotion(Cooperative Advertising) by producer and personal selling, as well as to enhance sales promotion by wholesaler or the retailer and public relations.