Explain Vince Rizzo's search for identity in the movie City Island Essay

Explain Vince Rizzo's search for identity in the movie City Island - Essay Example This paper will shed light upon Vince’s search for identity in the movie; light will also be thrown upon how he fathered a child in his teenage, who comes back in his life and how things progress from there. Vince is a native of the island, he is uncomfortable with people who come to stay there and bring about unwanted changes, and the opening scene of his voiceover presents the same very comprehensively. Vince is not comfortable with his job, he is a prison guard, and his ambition of becoming an actor is perhaps the most important thing in the movie. He lies to his wife and moves to Manhattan to pursue a career as an actor. There are a lot of misunderstandings in the movie, Vince’s wife thinks that her husband is after some mistress who he has been pursuing for quite some time, Vince’s ambition and several misunderstandings make this movie very intriguing. Vince has several problems which he is completely unaware of, his daughter strips at a club in order to pay her school fees; he meets his step son who he fathered out of wedlock. Vince’s son is addicted to porn on internet and wants to fulfill his fantasies with a girl residing in the neighborhood; these are some of the many problems which Vince was facing. The introduction of Tony, Vince’s step-son brings a huge twist in the movie.

Particular religion Essay Example for Free

Particular religion Essay I do not subscribe to any particular religion, but I believe in the transcendence of the human spirit, and that there is something greater than ourselves out there—an absolute entity that encompasses us all. Many could qualify this absolute being as a God, but the word holds many sociocultural implications such as worship or a personification of that beings attributes that I choose not to call it as such. I believe in the universality of goodness and that the only way one could achieve happiness and fulfillment is by living an good and honest life. My lifes experiences led me to believe in the concept of an absolute being, however, religion is not integral to my beliefs. My beliefs are determined my my experiences and not by religion. I have realized that most religions are man-made, and thus do not have any legitimate claim to the truth. It is all too apparent today that there exist many different religions, sects, churches, and denominations, most of which have conflicting beliefs. I have not encountered any one that works for me. Growing up, I was initiated to the religion of my parents—that is, Christianity. As a youngster, it easy to unquestioningly accept whatever it was that was inculcated in me. However, as I have gotten a better understanding of the world and myself, I have realized that that religion is lacking—for me it does not provide the adequate explanation as to living my life in the fullest sense. Over the years, religion has become irrelevant. For me, religion is a matter of faith—something I have but not to the extent that I accept that everything one religion tells me is true. Being a generally empirical person, that is to say, that I believe that something must be proven for it to be true, the idea of a religion, as we traditionally know it does not hold any weight for me. Having qualified what religion means to me, I can say that my definition does not reduce it to what I, as Frederick Streng says, â€Å"happened to be acquainted with by accident of birth and socialization. † I recognize the existence of a myriad of ultimate realities and pluralities when it comes to reli ¬gion and that having an open mind is the key to understandings what each belief really mean to the people who have them. I would not say that I have an anti-religion view, but having said that I do not subscribe to one may give that impression. My belief does not mean that I eschew every other religion as being false. I believe that religion have redeeming qualities, and that anything that influences a human being to be good and be the best that one can be could not be that bad. I would like to believe that my open attitude towards the concept of religion eliminates any perceptual bias, or reduces in the least. In the same token, my definition encompasses all, since I do not believe in the absoluteness and infallibility of any one. I regard new and emerging religions on the same ground as the old ones. All provide the means to potentially transform an individual. While my definition attempts to encompass all religions, it may not have enough precision to address each and every one of them. Just as beliefs evolve as one matures, so does ones definition of concepts and ideas. Its possible that I still have not experienced enough to qualify a universal definition that applies to every one. However, I believe that the search for the true understanding of religion is an ongoing process, that a closer study of it would make a clearer picture of the religious life emerge.

Samuel :: Short Stories War Violence Essays

Samuel He looked into her eyes and proceeded to tell her how beautiful she was to him. He had to her many times before, and every time she would smile and look away. Sometimes he wasn’t really sure how things came to be. No-matter how bad things had become, he always found strength in her. Now there was a baby on the way, his whole life was turning around. The child was born in a place where war and hardship had become a commonality. He was given the name Samuel by his mother. Before Samuel was even born, his father was killed while fighting on the outskirts of town, and in his mother’s heart there was left a hole that was kept from consuming her only by the hope and anticipation of her son that would soon be born. Still, she could not imagine bringing a boy up in such a war ravaged place, and without a father. However, she loved her son enough to keep them both alive, and for twelve years they held strong against the harsh cold, bullets, and starvation. Like Samuel’s father, death and war would soon claim Samuel‘s mother. The inevitable occurred when Samuel’s mother was hit by gunfire in the market place. Now he was alone. His mother, the only person who loved him, had gone. He ran to her that day and held her head and prayed for her life. She was gone before she even touched the ground. Still the boy held her. He felt sick and cold on the icy asphalt but he could not move. However, he did not cry. Maybe he could not cry. He was strong, and naturally he would stay strong through the tough times, but this was different. He felt something he had never felt before. He quickly learned the ways of war and learned to fight. He could no longer find forgiveness or wholeness in his heart. For the next part of his life he was driven only by his vengeance and passion for his dead mother. Nothing anyone could say or do could mend his broken heart. He was too consumed by the void in his life that the kind words of friends and cousins had become little more than echoes in an endless gray space.

Development Broadcasting in India and Beyond

In this journal, Fursich sets out by decrying the effect of commercial satellite television in many Asian countries whose media was state run. This, he says, leaves the old-hand broadcasters with only one way of survival: reassess their role in the newly competitive market. Fursich has a valid point here; the old broadcasters have to re-invent themselves in the ever dynamic market landscape lest they remain irrelevant (Johnson, 54). As we are left to think of the reassessment of the new market’s needs, the issue of globalization of commercial media should be centermost.The Indian context used by Fursich to advance his argument does not out rightly discredit his point because of the premise that many a researcher have researched on Indian media with reference to the topic. However there are disparities in the measure of response to media commercialization in different third world countries (Eko, 67). To use the Indian broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) as a microcosm of all the third world media is to overlook some vital components of a totalitarian research.In fact, it makes his expose’ much of India and less of â€Å"and Beyond†, an aspect which could have been avoided if Fursich could quote the media situation in some other third world nations. The severe pressure that Fursich says has faced DD in the new satellite and cable channels’ era awaits most of those other â€Å"traditional channels†-those that were there before the advent of commercial satellite television (Hamelink, 174). This is because the media was government owned, and the basic purpose was to educate the masses making the need for financing an n entertainment channel veer off the reason for its establishment.Even as the general policy of these state-owned channels change, to borrow from the Doordashan’s case, the issue of tailing and not leading arises as he aptly states. Most state-owned media across the third world form poor matches to the numerous private ly owned commercial channels; one is because their content is more dynamic and the channels are many. The mention of the Television’s historical development since 1950’s serves as a base for understanding the notion of broadcasting as a tool for national development, a concept that still rules in most African media settings (Eko 179).This tool for national development is what later turned to be a political tool. The argument here fits into the reality very well as stated by Cambridge (151) that the state owned and funded media were overly dependent on western programming and furthered the interests of the political elites while at the same time limiting the forms of expression and national identity development. The present situation, thanks to commercialization of the media has greatly increased the use of communication as part of international trade agreements and not political initiatives (Hamelink 172).The negotiations in international trade have also enhanced priva tization of communication infrastructure a point mentioned by Fursich in his article. The state funding, its abuse by political elite and the widening global marketing can be said to have liberated the media. This follows from Hamelink’s argument (Hamelink 172) above that international trade agreements and not political initiatives improved communication. The end result as Fursich states was that the state-owned broadcasters had to adjust to what he calls a mixed economic model that encompassed advertising and reducing state subsidies.The new commercial media environment, he adds, led to among others proliferation of shows stations and formats with advertising focused on the haves, neglecting the have-nots. I could not agree more with Fursich on this point primarily because ,brought down by the heavy financial needs so as to achieve its national goals, the national broadcaster of any country will use all means possible to hang onto the issues in its blue print. When faced by imminent downfall, what did Doordarshan do? This question could as well apply to any other state-owned broadcaster in the third world.DD however had an upper hand as its basic foundation on development mandate and though tailored for this purpose, it positioned itself as not only local but also international competitor to the channels that offered a range of programs. From this information, the issue of ambition can be seen, raising question whether the aims of a given broadcaster can be realized if it crosses the geographical boundary of a third world nation and still aim to satisfy the locals and the ever competitive international market (Johnson, 2000).The same rhetorical can be inferred from Fursich’s article. India’s effort in making its broadcast center on programming and technological innovations that dealt with agricultural education and nation building is worth appraisal unlike, as Fursich says, the other post-colonial countries’ mixed programming strat egy that imported former colonial masters’ programs. This allowed the educational aim of the media to be realized as the citizenry were given lessons on what locally faced them and thus doing away with the surrealistic mixed genres of other post colonial nations.The state funding of the DD, which was increased (Kumar, 20) thereby enabling promotion of state initiatives and later assisted in the setting of additional centers other than New Delhi. This is worth borrowing especially by the third world nations whose state-owned media stations are at the verge of collapse due to inadequate financing. The focus on the primary goals of a state-owned media can be kept at the same time introduce entertainment programs that were not initially planned for. This can be seen in the case of DD which housed two operas in 1980’s (Fursich, 378) that had been slotted in by the broadcaster in its bid to go commercial.The themes of the opera the Hum Log was family planning, and women educ ation ,topics that cannot be said to be just for entertaining households but also educating them. The point here is that programs can be chosen so as to work in a two-pronged way, entertain the citizenry and educate them (Kumar 30). The coming into the Indian market by such private broadcasters as CNN and MTV can serve as an eye opener to the state-owned media in the third world into the insight of collaborative business contracts which will ultimately rid them of any financial problems that may result due to the state’s inability to fund them fully.The localized transmittance of certain programs that appeal to the locals as in the case of India can greatly improve the markets of upcoming economies. The locals will be paying for the programs they like most and in return the state will easily achieve its goals. This is a noble initiative by the Indian broadcaster that should be adopted by the other third world nations. In this case, such issues as cultural conservation can eas ily be achieved because the localized transmittance serves persons with more or less the same cultural orientations.Some worries may creep into the state-owned broadcaster because while is strives to accomplish its missions, the state has a stake in what should really reach the citizenry thus making these state-owned media to lack autonomy. Having looked at various aspects of the Indian broadcaster and what challenges it has faced, I can postulate that the same challenges can befall any state-owned broadcaster in the third world. The choice of India a representation of all the third world countries without an attempt of a comparative approach cannot discredit the immense and valuable information by Fursich’s article.

A Case Study of Joint Venture Banks in Nepal Essay

Using the data set published by joint venture banks in their annual reports, and NRB in its supervision annual reports, this paper examines the financial health of joint venture banks in the CAMEL framework. The health check up conducted on the basis of publicly available financial data concludes that the health of joint venture banks is better than that of the other commercial banks. In addition, the perusal of indicators of different components of CAMEL indicates that the financial health of joint venture banks are not so strong to manage the possible large scale shocks to their balance sheet and their health is fair. THE HISTORY OF MODERN commercial banking industry dates back to 1937 A.D in which year Nepal Bank Ltd. was incorporated. Till 1984, financial sector was closed to private sector and foreign investors. HMG/Nepal started to liberalize the financial sector in the first half of the 1980s. But it speeded up this process only in early 1990s. Private sector rushed into the finance industries especially after the restoration of democracy in 1990. Most of the commercial banks came into operation during the decade of 1990s. Government of any countries highly monitors and controls the finance industry even in the liberalized market economy. Government does so due to its high gravity in the national economy, and to build up the confidence of private sector in its financial system. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) as an apex monetary authority of the country started to monitor and control the finance industry especially at the end of the 1990s by issuing the directives to the financial institutions (FIs). It initiated the offsite and onsite supervision of FIs to maintain their sound financial health and to build up  the confidence of private sector in the liberalized financial system and protect the interest of the investors. It has adopted the CAEL (capital adequacy, asset quality, earning and liquidity) system to check up the health of FIs. It has yet to use the CAMELS to evaluate the financial performance and check up the financial health. Independent outsiders also can not use all components of CAMELS to check up the financial health of FIs in Nepal due to the full disclosures of required financial information to outsiders. NRB dictated FIs to disclose the financial information in uniform way only in the fiscal year (FY) 2001/02. In this paper, attempt has been ma de to check up the financial health of joint venture banks in the framework of CAMEL. 1. Rationale of Regular Health Check up of Commercial Banks Not only the commercial banks but also any FIs require regular health check up to maintain the confidence of private sector in financial system of the country and protect the interest of depositors, lenders, shareholders and other stakeholders. The gravity of the importance of sound financial sector has increased tremendously after the international financial turmoil of the second half of the 1990s. International monetary authorities such as International Monetary Fund and international FI like the World Bank have underpinned the need of healthy financial sector to build up the confidence of private sector in the liber41 The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies alized financial system. Therefore, they have directed their member countries to reform the financial sector and conduct the regular health check up of FIs through onsite and offsite supervision. International FIs like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are supporting the projects run in the vein of reforming process of the financial sector of different countries. For example, the World Bank is constantly providing the technical and financial support to reengineer NRB and restructure Nepal Bank Ltd. and Rastriya Banijya Bank (NRB 2005). Health of financial sector depends on the health of individual FIs. In addition, individual FI’s health counts on the myriad macro and micro factors. Among the macro factors, political stability and the real sector growth are vital. The financial health of FIs can not sustain without the political stability and sustainable real sector growth with sound health. However, the intensity of contagious effect of these macro variables may vary from one individual FI to another. Therefore, health of individual FI should be checked up regularly to know the intensity of such effect. Health of an individual FI is a function of multiple factors such as quality of its assets, liquidity position, capital base, management quality, market sensitivity and earnings. All these factors affect the different types of risk to an individual FI. Different types of risks: credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, market risk, off-balance sheet risk, foreign exchange risk, sovereign risk, technology, operational risk, insolvency risk, affect the health of an individual FI adversely if they are not managed in sustainable manner (Saunders and Cornett 2004). A number of factors such as quality of assets, financial market condition, foreign exchange market, composition of assets, financial health of its clients, profitability, capital adequacy, affect the degree of these risks. Financial health check-up of an individual institution should be made regularly to detect the adverse effect of these risks on its health. Micro-prudential indicators such as capital adequacy, asset quality, management soundness, earning and profitability, liquidity, sensitivity to market risk, and market based indicators like market price of financial instruments, credit ratings are used as indicators of the sound health of an individual FI (Evan and others 2000). These indicators are explained at length in the ensuing section of this paper. 2. Theoretical Prescription of CAMELS Framework The Basle Committee on Banking Supervision of the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) has recommended using capital adequacy, assets quality, management quality, earnings and liquidity (CAMEL) as criteria for assessing a FI in 1988 (ADB 2002). The sixth component, market risk (S) was added to CAMEL in 1997 (Gilbert, Meyer and Vaughan 2000). However, most of the developing countries are using CAMEL instead of CAMELS in the performance evaluation of the FIs. The central banks in some of the countries like Nepal, Kenya use CAEL instead of CAMELS. CAMELS framework is a common method for evaluating the soundness of FIs. This system was developed by regulatory authorities of the U.S banks. The Federal Reserve Bank, the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation all use this system (McNally 1996). Monetary authorities in the most of the countries are using this system to check up the health of an individual FI. In addition, International Monetary Fund also is using the aggregated indicators of individual FIs to assess the financial system 42 Health Check-up of Commercial Banks soundness of its member countries as part of its surveillance work (Hilbers, Krueger and Moretti 2000). 2.1 Capital Adequacy CAMELS framework system looks at six major aspects of an FI: capital adequacy, asset quality, management soundness, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk (Hilbers, Krueger and Moretti 2000). The first component, capital adequacy ultimately determines how well FIs can manage with shocks to their balance sheets. Thus, it tracks capital adequacy ratios that take into account the most important financial risks—foreign exchange, credit, and interest rate risks—by assigning risk weightings to the institution’s assets. For the purpose of capital adequacy measurement, bank capital is divided into Tier I and Tier II. Tier I capital is primary capital and Tier II capital is supplementary capital. In Nepalese context, Tier I (core/primary) capital includes paid-up capital, share premium, non-redeemable preference share, general reserve fund, accumulated profit, capital redemption reserve, capital adjustment fund, and other free reserve. Amount of the goodwill, fictitious assets, investment in the financial instruments issued by an organized organization in excess to the limit specified by NRB, and investment in the financial instruments issued by the organizations having the own financial interest is deducted from the sum of all elements of the primary capital to arrive at the core capital. Similarly, Tier II (supplementary) capital comprises of general loan loss provision, assets revaluation reserve, hybrid capital instruments, subordinated term loan, exchange equalization reserve, excess loan loss provision, and investment adjustment reserve. Thus, the total capital of commercial banks is the sum of core capital and supplementary capital (NRB 2005). Leverage ratio can be used to measure the capital adequacy of a bank. This is the ratio of bank’s book value of core capital to the book value of its assets. The higher ratio shows the higher level of capital adequacy. The U.S.A. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA) of 1991 has fixed the five target zones: i. 5 percent and above ii. 4 percent and above iii. under 4 percent, iv. under 3 percent, v. 2 percent and less, of leverage ratio. The leverage ratio falling in the first zone implies that bank is well capitalized. Similarly, the leverage falling in the second zone shows that bank is adequately capitalized. The leverage falling in the last three zones indicates that bank is inadequately capitalized and regulators should take prompt corrective action to bring the capital to the desirable level (Saunders and Cornett 2004). The leverage ratio stated in the foregoing discussion is simple capital to assets ratio. In other words, assets are not risk adjusted. The 1993 Basel Accord enforced the capital ratio to risk adjusted assets of commercial banks. According to this accord, core capital must equal to or exceed 4 percent of the risk weighted assets of the commercial banks. Similarly, the amount of the supplementary capital should not exceed the amount of the core capital and the total capital must equal or exceed 8 percent of risk weighted assets (Saunders and Cornett 2004). NRB initially fixed the core capital at the level of 4.5 percent of the risk weighted assets and total capital at the level of 9 percent of risk weighted assets of the commercial banks (NRB 2058). For the current FY2005/06, the mandatory levels of core capital and total capital are 6 percent and 12 percent of risk weighted assets of commercial banks. But NRB has strictly directed all commercial banks that the amount of the supplementary capital should not be in excess to the amount of the core capital (NRB 2005). 43 The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2.2 Asset Quality Credit risk is one of the factors that affect the health of an individual FI. The extent of the credit risk depends on the quality of assets held by an individual FI. The quality of assets held by an FI depends on exposure to specific risks, trends in non-performing loans, and the health and profitability of bank borrowers—especially the corporate sector. We can use a number of measures to indicate the quality of assets held by FIs. ADB suggests these measures—loan concentration by industry, region, borrower and portfolio quality; related party policies and exposure on outstanding loan, approval process of loan, check and balance of loans; loan loss provision ratio; portfolio in arrear; loan loss ratio; and reserve ratio—of checking the quality of assets of an FI (ADB 2002). NRB uses composition of assets, nonperforming loan to total loan ratio, net nonperforming loan to total loan ratio as the indicators of the quality of assets of commercial banks (NRB 2005. NRB has directed the commercial banks in regards to the concentration of the loan. Any licensed FI can grant the fund base loan to a single borrower or borrowers related to the same business group up to the 25 percent of its primary capital. In the same vein, it can provide the non-fund base loan up to 50 percent of its core capital (NRB 2005). Similarly, it has directed FIs to classify the loans into performing loan and nonperforming loans. The loans that are not due and 3 months past due fall in the class of performing loans/performing assets and others do in the non-performing loans. Further, non-performing loans are classified into three groups: substandard, doubtful, and bad debt/ loss (for detail classification see NRB directive 2/061/62). Commercial banks have to make 1 percent provision for pass loan/performing loan, 25 percent for substandard loan, 50 percent for doubtful loan and 100 percent for bad loan (NRB 2005). Non-performing assets in the total assets of commercial banks was 22.77 percent in the FY 2003/04. But the percentage of non-performing assets of an individual commercial bank varies from 0.76 percent to 57.64 in the same fiscal year. But the normal international standard of the percentage of non-performing assets is 5-8 percent of the total assets. 2.3 Management Quality Sound management is key to bank performance but is difficult to measure. It is primarily a qualitative factor applicable to individual institutions. Several indicators, however, can jointly serve as an indicator of management soundness. Expenses ratio, earning per employee, cost per loan, average loan size and cost per unit of money lent can be used as a proxy of the management quality. ADB recommends cost per unit of money lent as a proxy of management quality. But this can not be used as an indicator of management quality in Nepal. Since the data on amount of the total loan mobilized during a particular FY is not available in published financial statements and annual reports. As stated earlier, NRB has skipped up this component of CAMELS in the performance evaluation of commercial banks (see NRB 2005). 2.4 Earning Performance Earning capacity or profitability keeps up the sound health of an FI. Chronically unprofitable FI risks insolvency on one hand and on the others, unusually high profitability can reflect excessive risk taking of an FI. There are different indicators of profitability. Return on assets, return on equity, interest-spread ratio, earning-spread ratio, gross margin, 44 Health Check-up of Commercial Banks operating profit margin and net profit margin are commonly used profitability indicators. NRB uses return on total assets as an indicator of profitability of a commercial bank. In addition, it uses the absolute measures such as interest income, net interest income, noninterest income, net non-interest income, non-operating income, net non-operating income and net profit, to evaluate the profitability of a commercial bank (NRB 2005). 2.5 Liquidity Liquidity risk threats the solvency of FIs. In the case of commercial banks, first type of liquidity risk arises when depositors of commercial banks seek to withdraw their money and the second type does when commitment holders want to exercise the commitments recorded off the balance sheet. Commercial banks have to borrow the additional funds or sell the assets at fire sale price to pay off the deposit liabilities. They become insolvent if sale price of the assets are not enough to meet the liability withdrawals. The second type of liquidity risk arises when demand for unexpected loans can not be met due to the lack of the funds. Commercial banks can raise the  funds by running down their cash assets, borrowing additional funds in the money markets and selling off other assets at distressed price. Both liability side liquidity risk (first type risk) and asset side liquidity risk (second type risk) affect the health of commercial banks adversely. But maintaining the high liquidity position to minimize such risks also adversely affects the profitability of FIs. Return on highly liquid assets is almost zero. Therefore, FIs should strike the tradeoff between liquidity position and profitability so that they could maintain their health sound. Commercial bank’s liquidity exposure can be measured by analyzing the sources and uses of liquidity. In this approach, total net liquidity is worked out by deducting the total of uses of liquidity from the total of sources of liquidity. Similarly, BIS maturity laddering model can be used to measure the liquidity of a commercial banks. In addition, different liquidity exposure ratios such as borrowed funds to total assets, core deposit to total assets, loans to deposits, and commitments to lend to total assets are used to measure the liquidity position of a commercial bank (Saunders and Cornett 2004). NRB uses total loan to total deposit ratio, cash and equivalents to total assets ratio, cash and equivalents to total deposit ratio, NRB balance to total deposit ratio to measure the liquidity position of commercial banks in the course of the performance evaluation of commercial banks (NRB 2005). 2.6 Sensitivity to Market Risk Commercial banks are increasingly involved in diversified operations such as lending and borrowing, transaction in foreign exchange, selling off assets pledged for securities and so on. All these are subject to market risk like interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk, and financial asset and commodity price risk. The health of an FI more sensitive to market risk is more hazardous than that of less sensitive. Foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk, and commodity price risk are the indicators of sensitivity to market risk. 3. Methodology At present, all together 17 commercial banks are in operation. Out of this, Rastriya Banijya Bank is fully owned by HMG/Nepal while in case of Nepal Bank Ltd, HMG/Nepal is the major shareholder. There are six joint venture banks in collaboration with the foreign investment partners and remaining are fully owned by Nepalese investors. For the purpose 45 The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies of this study, the population has been defined in term of joint venture commercial banks. So the population of this study is six. For the purpose of this study, 3 banks—Nabil Bank Limited (Nabil), Nepal SBI Bank Ltd. (NSBI) and Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited (SCBN), were selected randomly (for sampling frame and sample refer to Appendix 1). This study is based on the historical data disclosed by annual reports of commercial banks. NRB has dictated the commercial banks to disclose the financial information in the prescribed format since the FY 2001/02. So, the comparison of financial performance of commercial banks each other is only possible only the FY 2000/01 onward.1 Most of the commercial banks have yet to hold the annual general meeting and publish their annual report for the FY 2004/05. So, it is not possible to include this FY in the study. Therefore, this study covers the last four consecutive fiscal years—from the FY 2000/01 through FY 2003/04. The analysis of this study is entirely based on the CAMELS framework. As stated in theoretical prescription, health check up of any FIs in this framework is concentrated in the six components: capital adequacy, asset quality, management quality, earning, liquidity and sensitivity to market. But in this study, the last component has been dropped due to the presence of much more complication. So, analysis of financial health of joint venture banks is carried out in the framework of CAMEL. Indicators of each component also have been used according to the financial data disclosed in annual reports of sampled joint venture banks. So, complicated indicators of each component of CAMEL framework of checking up the health of the banks have been skipped up in this study (for the indicators of each component refer to Appendix 2). 4. Analysis of Financial Health of Commercial Banks This section of this paper analyses the indicators of the financial health of sampled joint venture banks in the CAMEL framework. As stated in methodology, all indicators of the financial health of FIs have not be worked out and analyzed, only the indicators permitted by the publicly available comparable financial data have been used to analyze the financial health of the sampled banks. The ensuing section presents the analysis of different indicators of sound health of an FI in the context of joint venture banks in Nepal. 4.1 Capital Adequacy As stated earlier, leverage ratio, core capital ratio, total capital ratio and supplementary capital ratio are used as the indicators of capital adequacy of an FI. Leverage ratios of sampled banks, in general, show that joint venture banks are well capitalized and they are strong enough to mange the shock to balance sheet. Since the leverage ratios of sampled banks during the study periods are greater than 5 percent. Conventionally, leverage ratio of 5 percent or greater than 5 percent indicates that commercial banks are well capitalized. The indicators: TCR, CCR and SCR, of capital adequacy of joint venture banks also corroborate with the implication of leverage ratio. In general, all banks under study have met the capital adequacy ratio as directed by NRB. Only NSBI has not met the minimum capital requirement as directed by NRB in the FY 2000/01 and FY 2003/04. In these fiscal years, its TCR and CCR are lower than that of minimum ratio specified by NRB. Similarly, in the Financial information for the FY2000/01 were extracted from the annual reports of the sample banks. But this was not possible in Nabil Bank Ltd. Capital of commercial banks in Nepal is negative due to the heavy amount of negative capital of two public sector banks: Nepal Bank Ltd. and Rastriya Banijya Bank. Capital of these two banks is negative due to the heavy accumulated losses. Thus, the public sector banks have yet to meet the capital adequacy requirements as required by NRB. But private sector banks have, in general, met the capital adequacy requirement. The comparison between the capital fund to risk weighted assets ratio of each individual joint venture bank with the aggregate capital fund ratio of private sector commercial banks (IAR) implies that joint venture banks have stronger capital base than that of other private sector banks in general. In addition, average capital fund ratio of joint venture banks during the study period hovers around 14 percent. This is higher than the minimum ratio specified by NRB. This clearly implies that joint venture banks are complying with the directive of NRB on the requirement of the capital base of commercial banks. As stated in the foregoing analysis, banks under study are well capitalized and they are complying with the directive of NRB on capital adequacy ratio. But their capital base relative to the risk weighted assets is not so strong. According to the international rating convention, total capital should be greater than 19.5 percent of the total risk weighted assets of commercial banks in order to be a strong capital base. But none of the banks under study has the capital fund greater than 19.5 percent of the total risk weighted capital. As indicated by TCR, on the average, capital adequacy of joint venture banks is fair during the study period. Total capital adequacy ratio less than 15 and equal to 12 indicates that capital adequacy is fair and on the average this ratio falls within this range. 47 The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 4.2 Asset Quality It is obvious from the theoretical prescription that the health of commercial banks largely depends on the quality of assets held by them, and quality of the assets relies on the financial health of their borrowers. As stated earlier, many indicators can be used to measure the quality of assets held by commercial banks. But, here, only two simple indicators— non-performing asset ratio and loan loss reserve ratio—are used to measure the quality of assets being held by banks. The increasing trend of these ratios shows the deteriorating quality of commercial bank assets. In general, 5 percent to 10 percent of non-performing assets is considered as satisfactory level of quality of bank assets, Table 2: Indicators of Asset Quality of Sampled Banks

Free Essays on Men Are From Mars Wome Are From Venus

Men and women are different, that is understood. Please, just stop writing about it. There’s so many books, and articles for men to understand women and vice versa. Honestly, I believe they are all a waste of trees. We will never fully understand how the other sex thinks, because not everyone thinks like these books say they do. They are stereotypes that we have made of each other. Deborah Tannen wrote an article â€Å"Put down that paper and talk to me!† Rapport-talk and Report-talk. I understand many women talk to talk. I also know many women who hate to talk. She has a valid theory and I did enjoy the way she presented what she knew. She is a one and though she can’t help it she is bias. She was never a man and could never fully understand what the â€Å"average† man is thinking. Tannen was correct in some of her examples where she discussed the man at breakfast reading the paper and his wife disappointed that he isn’t talking to her. Women do feel this (though I must say I hate talking while I eat) quite often. I don’t feel the same way that other women feel when they are not taking, but I understand how they feel. I’d rather just talk to convey information but sometimes my boyfriend gets me in to a debate with him. He is the one who talks to talk. He can never sit in silence unless he’s working on his homework. Maybe we just have an odd relationship. John Gray the author of, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, is full of crap. I don’t care for his over exaggerated nonsense. My boyfriend also swears by this book and has been trying to get me to read it since he bought it. After reading this overstated repetitious waste of ink and the rainforest, I would rather pour bleach in my eyes and run around screaming in pain. Everything he says is just so far fetched. This man has issued. I’m not such if his parents ignored him or his wife is over abusive, but I think him and DR. Phil or DR. Rut... Free Essays on Men Are From Mars Wome Are From Venus Free Essays on Men Are From Mars Wome Are From Venus Men and women are different, that is understood. Please, just stop writing about it. There’s so many books, and articles for men to understand women and vice versa. Honestly, I believe they are all a waste of trees. We will never fully understand how the other sex thinks, because not everyone thinks like these books say they do. They are stereotypes that we have made of each other. Deborah Tannen wrote an article â€Å"Put down that paper and talk to me!† Rapport-talk and Report-talk. I understand many women talk to talk. I also know many women who hate to talk. She has a valid theory and I did enjoy the way she presented what she knew. She is a one and though she can’t help it she is bias. She was never a man and could never fully understand what the â€Å"average† man is thinking. Tannen was correct in some of her examples where she discussed the man at breakfast reading the paper and his wife disappointed that he isn’t talking to her. Women do feel this (though I must say I hate talking while I eat) quite often. I don’t feel the same way that other women feel when they are not taking, but I understand how they feel. I’d rather just talk to convey information but sometimes my boyfriend gets me in to a debate with him. He is the one who talks to talk. He can never sit in silence unless he’s working on his homework. Maybe we just have an odd relationship. John Gray the author of, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, is full of crap. I don’t care for his over exaggerated nonsense. My boyfriend also swears by this book and has been trying to get me to read it since he bought it. After reading this overstated repetitious waste of ink and the rainforest, I would rather pour bleach in my eyes and run around screaming in pain. Everything he says is just so far fetched. This man has issued. I’m not such if his parents ignored him or his wife is over abusive, but I think him and DR. Phil or DR. Rut...

Alternative Medicine Speech Essays

Alternative Medicine Speech Essays Alternative Medicine Speech Essay Alternative Medicine Speech Essay Introduc? on Alterna? ve medicine Have you ever wondered about the side e? ects of most medica? ons? Or worse, what that speci? c medica? on treads? According to the American Medical Associa? on, the average of Americans of age 65 take 7 di? erent prescrip? on pills, 2 of them tread the symptoms of the original disease or diseases and 5 suppress the side e? ects of the ? rst medica? ons. Most don’t think of alterna? ve medica? ons as an op? on, but it is. In fact, alterna? ve medica? ons can be be(er for your body than conven? onal medica? ons. What I’m going to explain is what alterna? ve medicine is, why some disapprove it and why it  can be be(er for you. Body That being said, Alterna? ve medicine can be de? ned as any form of medica? on prac? ce outside of the realm of conven? onal medicine, and there are more 100 types of alterna? ve medica? ons in use today. Some examples include: yoga, acupuncture, aromatherapy and herbalism. So why there are so many people against alterna? ve medicine? Well, some say that there isn’t a lot of research on the subject, it? s not really documented and there? s no evidence truly suppor? ng this medicine. To this argument, I say yes, it does need more research. But if we are going to compare, only 15% of conven?  onal medical prac? ces are supported by any evidence at all. Let’s take herbalism. If you start taking vitamin C daily, or any other herbal supplement, what is going to do with you? It’s just gonna make your body be(er, it’s not gonna harm you, it’s not like a random drug trial, where you take a pill once and have to su? er the side e? ects of vomi? ng, excessive swea? ng, dizziness†¦ it’ll only keep you from ge8ng sick. Another advantage of this kind of medicine is in the fact that, unlike conven? onal medicine, it focuses on preven? ng diseases and not just treading them. You may ask: why can’t I just take an? bio? cs, for example? It makes me feel be(er then why shouldn’t I take it? Well, over the years an? bio? cs lose their e? ec? veness and the frequent use of them can lead to a weaken immunity, because our immune systems works through experience and if we take a pill for everything, our body will never learn how to ? ght even the simplest germ. One important thing to know about alterna? ve medica? on and probably the most important thing is that it cannot ? x everything and it doesn’t claim to ? x everything. If you absolutely need a prescrip? on pill, like an an? bio? c when you are su? ering from a severe  disease, then yes, by all means take it because the role point of the medica? on is to not let that disease spread through your body. But, just keep this in mind: you don’t need a pill for everything. Conclusion Finaly, I’ve explained what alterna? ve medicine is and give you some examples, now, I simply asking you to think di? erently about your health and even try to improve it. Alterna? ve medicine doesn’t mean voodoo or banning your doctor, it’s just another way to live healthier. Remember this: you don’t want to be 65, taking 10 di? erent medica? ons and have 5 of them treading the side e? ects of the previous 5.

Blog Image Context How To Choose Relevant Blog Images

Blog Image Context How To Choose Relevant Blog Images It was mid-autumn, and the air was getting colder. I was walking with a friend down the street, heading to that evening’s symphony performance. As we passed by the county jail on the opposite side of the street, I stopped. I could not believe my eyes. â€Å"Look at that!† I said to my friend. I pointed to the south entrance of the jail building. Now I know that it is commonplace to see photographers with their clients out and about, shooting photos in alleys, the middle of the street, parks, and especially our state capitol grounds library which has soaring two-story Ionic columns and is about the only place around here that you can get that kind of architectural background. But I admit I was surprised to see a photographer out shooting a very-pregnant woman in a tube top on the steps of the county jail. â€Å"What are they doing?† my friend asked. â€Å"I imagine she is having some pregnancy photos taken. You know, the ones that show a baby bump.† â€Å"But why in front of the jail?† â€Å"I assume they want the Art Deco architecture in the background,† I said, hoping it wasn’t because the baby’s father was inside the jail or that she was establishing some horrific self-fulfilling prophecy of where her child would end up. â€Å"I’m not sure the subtlety of the Art Deco elements is really worth it if you have to use the jail as the background.† Our discussion continued as we walked to the concert, ranging from how cold it would be to wear a tube top on that chilly evening to the proclivity for Art Deco to pop up in North Dakota architecture. But I’ve thought about that incident a lot since then, weighing the photographer’s decision to go for an interesting background for her photo and choosing to ignore the context that background provided. Not everyone would know the photo was in front of the jail, but many would. Every image carries, and is in need of, context. This is important when it comes to choosing powerful images for your blog posts. Every Image Needs Context Benign images- stock photos at their worst- carry very little context beyond that of you grabbing a photo for your blog post because you know it’s a best practice to have one. The problem is that even that seemingly innocuous context can work against your great blog post, suggesting that the copy that goes along with this plain vanilla image is just as unexciting. Every image needs context and has its own context, and all of this can work for or against your blog post and the likelihood that someone will read it. 1. A picture is worth a 1,000 words. Any words. A picture is worth a thousand words. But which thousand? On its own, a photo assumes the context the viewer is most comfortable with. Rare is the image that can’t be interpreted differently depending on what the viewer brings to it. One viewer sees complexity while standing before a Pollock painting, and another sees the handiwork of a kindergartner gone mad. That same painting evokes different reactions, too, depending on whether it is hanging in an art gallery or on the wall of an elementary school. A few weeks after the jail photo shoot, I met a friend for coffee. Out of curiosity, I asked her what she would assume if she saw the county jail in the background of baby bump-type photo. â€Å"I’d assume the father of the baby was in jail.† â€Å"Really?† Her reaction surprised me, but maybe she was correct. My assumption had been that the Art Deco elements were the goal, but then again, my major was in art and that’s how I see everything. Pollock’s painting will always be hanging in a gallery for me. The context of your  images helps define the content in which they  appear.Consider your audience. Consider your blog. The thousand words that your image contributes to your post might not be the thousand you were aiming for if you don’t consider who is reading and the blog it is being read on. Tip: In this day and age where it seems as if everyone is looking to be offended, always review the images you select for your blog posts. While you can’t please everyone (and you don’t want to, because that leads to bland, flavorless content), get a set of fresh eyes on the imagery and ask them what they think when they see it with your blog post’s headline and after reading the blog. 2. The words you put with an image changes its impact. Moving beyond the thousand words that your image brings with it, you can include words with images to change its impact. This works best with flexible or peripheral images, those that are illustrating an abstract concept or scenario that could be used lots of ways. These are powerful images because they evoke reader curiosity (which we’ll talk about in a bit). However, they also have to be framed into proper context or confusion arises. For example, imagine an image of a child, head down at a school desk. What does that image mean? If your headline or caption reads: â€Å"Almost half of children don’t eat breakfast before school†... ...your interpretation of that image would be different than if that same text read: â€Å"How to blame your dog for eating your homework, and other productivity hacks†. The same image can mean very different things. The words you use with an image puts it into context so that you don’t have to wonder if the baby’s father was in jail or if the mother loved Art Deco architecture. Recommended Reading:  How To Design The Best Blog Graphics With Free Tools And Design Theory Admittedly, when searching for stock images, we only have keywords to go on, and it’s tough to find images outside of the typical realm of our search. A search on â€Å"productivity† will turn up boring images of computers, notepads, office scenes, and so on. You’ll miss out on those peripheral images that can mean different things in different settings unless you get really good at searching on abstract words for big ideas (which we’ll talk about in a bit). Tip: Use captions with images, and consider captions that do more than indicate where you got the image. Pose a question as a caption, one that the image hints at to answer. Or, use highlighted text or pull quotes in the body of your blog post that frame your images properly. People who are skimming content will see images, headings, and pull quotes. If they are all in contextual sync, the better for you. 3. Images pulled out of context take on new context. Several years ago, I was reading a story online about a man who had been arrested for abusing children after quite a manhunt. The story had only one photo, a small headshot of the reporter who wrote the story. It was the newspaper’s practice to include the headshot of the author. The headshot was a few paragraphs down, embedded in the text of the story, on the right. The problem was that there was no other photo for the story. As this story was shared on social media, the bold headline that told of a man who had committed a horrific crime against children was associated with an image of the reporter. By the next day, the headshot was pulled from the article, so this unfortunate realization must have occurred to the newspaper, too, but I’d already seen the article shared on social media with the grinning reporter next to the headline, insinuating he was the criminal. The first rule would be that you should always have a featured image for every blog post so that your headshot or a random ad doesn’t become the image on social media. But there’s more to it than that. A clever or innocuous image that relies on the body copy of a blog post may seem fine, but when it gets shared on social media, all that people may have to go by is the headline and the image. Is the right context still there? More than ever, headline clarity matters. But so does headline-image match. Look at your blog post’s featured image, the one that you (and others) will be seeing when it is shared on social media. Is the context all wrong? Is the message not what you expected? Tip: If need be, incorporate words into your graphic itself (using Canva.com perhaps) so that wherever the image travels, the context does, too. This is especially helpful if your blog post topic is controversial or evokes strong reactions. Choosing Powerful Images That Work It isn’t easy choosing an image to go with a blog post, matching image with message. Most of the time is devoted to the actual blog post, and it’s pretty common to toss an image in as an afterthought just before you publish. The image, however, is doing some serious work (such as helping your blog post get read on already image-saturated social networks), so you should give it serious consideration. Recommended Reading:  How To Make The Best Blog Graphics (For Non-Designers) I came up with a few ways to approach making a decision about images you will use with your blog posts. Whether you use all or some from this list is up to you. 1. Your image must stand out. Getting your image to stand out isn’t easy. Every social network is overrun with images. The methods you’ll use to get your image to stand out are, quite simply: Color Startling image Using humor. Humor is probably the easiest way to go when it comes to creating a startling image that stands out, but when everyone does it...no one does it well after a while. This is particularly the case with memes. I know that a lot of blog posts recommend using memes and other pop-culture images, but I suggest proceeding with caution in how you choose those types of images. We’ve all seen the Boromir â€Å"One does not simply†¦Ã¢â‚¬  meme to death, or the Dos Equis Most Interesting Man In The World meme. Neither are particularly funny at this point, and are almost completely ignorable. In other words, they are no longer a startling image because they became overused. Humor startles when it’s fresh and stinks when it’s stale. Shake up assumptions. Startling images are hard to come by, at this point, and completely subjective. However, you can use an image out of typical context and make a strong point for your blog post that is completely within your context. An example is an image I found for a post Garrett wrote several years ago. Despite the age of the post, that image still comes to mind even now. In his post, he introduced the concept of content marketing to readers, and discussed how it was different from traditional marketing forms. While looking for an image to illustrate the post, I considered the usual suspects: stock photos of computers, people, pens on notebooks, guy holding a loudspeaker- you know the kind of generic images I’m talking about. And then I found this: The color (or the lack thereof) is striking, but the image itself is also startling. And the image, in conjunction with the title (â€Å"What Is Content Marketing?†), is startling, too. It inspires curiosity that could get someone to read your blog post, because what would a post-apocalyptic dystopia have to do with content marketing? When I stumbled across the image in the stock photo gallery, I was immediately drawn to it, and it suddenly occurred to me that it perfectly illustrated the problem that content marketing solved. In the wasteland of marketing, there had to be a better solution. I captioned the image, â€Å"Traditional marketing has desensitized our audience and made them tune out our message. What now?† and used it to tap into the initial problem that filled the introductory paragraphs of the blog post (to which content marketing was the eventual solution, of course). Another example is this post, a blog post about capturing ideas. Avoiding the usual imagery of a lightbulb, post-it notes, or someone with question marks above their head, I went with goldfish in a bowl that had striking orange-blue (complementary/opposite) colors. An example of blog image context with an unusual, interesting visual. Tip: The best image is the one that makes you ask a different question about your blog post. Instead of merely illustrating the blog post’s obvious concepts or generic associations, try finding an image that illustrates an abstract concept in a surprising way. 2. Your image should illustrate the idea. Not every post will have a post-apocalyptic dystopian photo to go with it (nor should it), but you should always try to match your graphics up to the big idea in your post. What I mean is that your post is about something bigger than a computer keyboard or a jar of pens or whatever other generic stock photo image you so often see on blog posts. Boring imagery often illustrates objects that are related to the topic instead of the higher concepts. Sure, a computer is related to content marketing, but who cares? This is tricky, particularly if you are pressed for time and know that you need to have an image with every blog post so that it fares well on social media. It takes serious time to find or create images that perform this level of illustration. One of my favorite illustrations is the one Ashton did  for a blog post I wrote about creating content for fragmented audiences. When Ashton finished the illustration and sent it to me for review, I absolutely loved it. She illustrated the big idea perfectly, showing two forms of fragmentation (generational and device use) in one simple image. The image hit on concrete points in the post as well as showed, at a glance, the challenge a fragmented audience presented to content marketers. The post-apocalyptic dystopia image from #1 fits this criteria, too, by addressing the big idea behind the problem which requires the solution outlined in the blog post. Any image is better than none (mostly), but part of your editorial planning should be about deciphering the big idea in your post and finding or creating imagery that illustrates that instead of peripheral objects or actions that don’t mean anything. Tip: When you finish writing your blog post, sum it up in one sentence for yourself. Find the big idea, and then find an image to illustrate that specific idea instead of finding an image to illustrate your blog post in general. 3. Your image could evoke curiosity. As long as your image isn’t fighting the proper context (i.e. suggesting the opposite of what your blog post is about), it could function successfully even if it is vague (sort of like the examples in #1). Let’s take a look at an old blog post of mine from several years ago. The blog post is about how the people you follow on social media can actually change you and how you view and react to things. When I set about trying to find an image that would go with the post, I wanted to avoid social media logos, stock photo people, or those creepy white stock photo balloon stick figures. But this was a tough topic to find an image for. Should I find something that illustrated the concept of following? Of social media? Of change? These were abstract ideas, which are hard to find images for. I decided to focus on the idea of â€Å"view†, and I ended up using this image: It was visually strong with its graphic circles and bold red element, fulfilling #1. It’s a photo of camera filters, suggesting the idea of how the people we follow on social media filter our understanding and view. Now, in hindsight, I’d have gone back into the post to rework the copy a bit to highlight this concept, freely using the camera/lense/viewfinder/filter analogy so that it would make better sense to the reader. That would have made it work better. Tip: Write your post. And then, if you find a fantastic image that evokes curiosity, go back and edit your post so it fits. Sometimes the image can inspire the copy, and that’s perfectly fine. How Will You Explore Blog Image Context? In a nutshell, this post is about understanding how context can affect a reader’s interpretation of an image, and what you can do to frame that context. And then, it’s about playing around a bit with context, bending those rules as far as you can so that you choose blog post images that really get attention and get readers to read. Recommended Reading: We’ve written a lot of posts to help you with both choosing and creating images for your blog content. Are You Sure You’re Using Copyright Free Images For Your Blog? Should You Use Stock Or Free Images For Blog Posts? Color Psychology In Content Marketing: The Ultimate Color Guide

Complexity theory in public management Research Paper

Complexity theory in public management - Research Paper Example Unfortunately, complexity theory has little been used in public management. In other social sciences, for example economics, evolutionary approach has widely been used instead of complexity theory. The question on whether complexity theory can increase our understanding of the phenomena of public management is intriguing. Weber (2008) says that the public sector has largely been ignored because of its stale and impractical ideas which are only based on the understanding of its existence. Public management has in the recent past crumbled and therefore, its time to replace its proliferation of frameworks, theories and concepts (Weber, 2008). Because of complexities in public management theories, public management has split into many sub-strands, like sociologists, political scientists, economists, and management theorists, who are developing alternative theories that try to explain management in the public sector. Complexity theory and problem resolution Complexity theory helps to addr ess problems of decision making and service delivery in public management. ... Complexity theory has all potentials of addressing the challenges in public policy and management that practitioners face. They are also important in weaving many theoretical strands in management of public sectors into a seamless whole. Early works that have tried to connect public management with complexity theory related concepts wasted by great scholars like Douglas Kiel and Sam Overman among others (Weber, 2008). Public management policy has recognized limitations that they are prune to due to the complexity and diversity of human nature. Decision making is characterized by both practical and theoretical limitations due to rational; thinking and comprehensive protocols. Complexity theory provides the groundwork within which alternative ways of understanding these rationalist protocols and logistics can be recognized. According to Weber, complexity theories may be the only solution that will help increase theory’s coherence and re-invigoration of the discipline across many perspectives that bear these problems in public management. Complex adaptive system is particularly suggested as an essential way of understanding systems that provide an intellectual framework where fresh understanding of the systems of public management can be observed and sought. The multiplicity, non linear interactions and intensity of complexity theory seems to agree with complex adaptive theory. Though their outcomes are rarely fully predictable, they may not serve their purpose well in public management. Emergent order and self- organization concepts seem like characterizations that are reasonable. Effects of complexity theory on management practices in current systems Complexity theory gives the public sector a big room for improving the understanding of public management and

Should narcotic be legal in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Should narcotic be legal in America - Essay Example In this paper, the issue of legalization of narcotics in America will be scrutinized having an ethical standpoint. If people can take drugs without harming the other people then these should be legalized. Just for the sake of argument, if we keep all the harms of drugs aside if we have a situation where drugs can safely be used without any chances of harm then it should be legalized. Human beings are pleasure seeking creatures and drugs are major source of pleasure in the life of Americans. In life the facilities like music, games literature, picnic and tourism are all for human pleasure. If pleasure is deducted from human life then only we are left with boring daily routine. Pleasure satisfies our mind and nerves system. Drug also give mental satisfaction and is a source of pleasure for many people in the world. Therefore when other pleasures of life are permitted then drug use should also be legalized (Fieser 2008). Moral duty of avoiding drug related harms to society are as strong as they were centuries ago. It is obvious that many Americans are behind the bars in jail in different American cities. Drug usage has adversely affected their social life. Another thing to consider is that a drug user gets access to drugs despite all hurdles. When alcohol and marijuana are used in a controlled quantity then harms on society are not visible. Drugs should be legalized in America as we see that people can control the use of recreational drug with out harming themselves and society (Fieser 2008). It should not be the moral duty of government and law makers to stop adults from using drugs. Similarly authorities do not have any moral obligation to stop a person drinking limited quantity of alcohol or other drugs. Use of force against willing drug user must be prohibited and this can only be possible after legalization of drugs (Friedman

United Arab Emirates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

United Arab Emirates - Essay Example United Arab Emirates The principal and the most prosperous of all of the seven states is the capital of the federation, the Abu Dhabi generating nearly sixty percent of the country’s wealth. The most popular city from the federation, Dubai City is located in the Dubai Emirate, the second leading emirate while Sharjah City and Khawr Fakkan are the two main cities in the third biggest state, the Sharjah. The UAE consists of tribal groupings of Arabian Peninsula sheikhdoms found on the tip end of the Persian Gulf and north the Gulf of Oman, the area was involved in several dynastic clashes for centuries just immediately after it was converted to Islam in the seventh century. The main tribal groups of the country’s nationals are the Qawasim and the Bani Yas who emerged as the powerful tribes after the dynastic disputes. The Qawasim were originally traders and inhabit the present day emirates of Ras al Khaymah while the Bani Yas were predominantly agriculturalists and pastoralists and lived in what is today the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The British mounted expeditions against the inhabitants in an attempt to have control of the maritime routes and a desire to establish supremacy in the area over other interested European powers. However, regular warfare among tribes was still rampant at sea and the sheikhs made several truce agreements with the supervision of British political authorities to whom the warring parties reported any violations of the truce treaty. A perpetual maritime truce was signed by the tribal sheikhs in May 1853 to end any further conflicts at sea between the tribes. The coastal sheikhdoms thereafter remained under British protection practicing their traditional form of Arab monarchial rule while Britain oversaw their defense and foreign relations. In 1952 under the guidance of Britain, the seven sheikdoms established the Trucial Council to advance the implementation of common policies concerning administration of the sheikhdoms with the aim of eventually leading to a federation of emirates. In 1968, Britain decided to end the protection status with the seven sheikhdoms and withdrew United Kingdom armed forces out of the region. Three months thereafter, the seven sheikhdoms formed a Federa tion of Arab Emirates together with Qatar and Bahrain, still under British rule. However, in 1971 the latter two states decided to cede from the federation to establish separate sovereign states. Immediately after in the same year, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Dubai, Sharjah and Umm al Qaywayn agreed to have a common federal constitution in order to achieve independence under the United Arab Emirates. On December 1, 1971, Britain ended all ties and relationships with the seven sheikhdoms including every one the treaties and declared the federation independent on December 2, 1971. Initially the six emirates formed the federation and the other remaining sheikhdom, Ras al Khayman, joined the United Arab Emirates in February 1972. When independence was declared, Sheikh Zayid of Abu Dhabi assumed the presidency of new UAE until 2004 when he died while Sheikh Rashid Al Maktum of Dubai was entitled the vice president and his son Sheikh Maktum ibn Rashid Al Maktum was named the prime mini ster. Geography

Art history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Art history - Essay Example visually appears the same as buon fresco, the pigments simply adhere to the surface since they are not absorbed into the wall; hence fresco secco does not have buon secco’s longevity (Gardner et al: 410). â€Å"This mural painting is among the greatest twelfth century European paintings in the United States†(MFA1, 2008). Earlier it had decorated the apse or semicircular area behind the altar of the monastery church of Santa Maria de Mur, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. The large-eyed, solemn figure of Christ, dominates the composition. He holds a book on which is inscribed reinforcing passages relating to Christ’s centralization in Christian art and doctrine, which states: â€Å"I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh into the Father but by me†. All four Evangelists, who are authors of the New Testament Gospels, surround Christ. The fresco’s lower tiers contain the twelve Apostles, the original followers of Christ, and scenes from the Bible. The formality, symmetry and positioning of the figures are Byzantine, but the Spanish artist substituted Byzantine mosaic in favor of direct painting on plaster coated walls. The iconographic scheme in the semi-dome of the apse is more closely related to those of the Romanesque Church portals of France. In the fresco, Christ in a star-strewn Mandorla is flanked by the signs of the four Evangelists, which is the apocalypse theme that greatly fascinated the Romanesque imagination. Seven lamps between Christ and the Evangelist signs symbolize the seven Christian communities where St.John addressed his revelation, the Apocalypse, at the beginning of his book. Below, the apostles stand in pairs, adding to the formality of the composition. The main figures are presented with partitioning of the drapery into volumes, made to look tubular by local shading. The painter stiffened the irregular shapes of actual cloth into geometric patterns. The effect overall is one of simple, strong, and str aightforward

Mild Mental Retardation Related focused on pediatric population and Research Paper

Mild Mental Retardation Related focused on pediatric population and communication disorders - Research Paper Example To establish a diagnosis of mental retardation, the intelligence has to be atleast 2 standard deviations less than the mean intelligent quotient. Mental retardation can be categorized into mild, moderate, severe and profound based on the intelligent quotient and of these, mild mental retardation (MMR) accounts for more than 85 percent of the cases. The intelligent quotient is between 50-55 to 70 and the standard deviation below mean is 2-3. According to Reschly (2009), "MMR was the official designation of a level of MR that involved current intellectual functioning performance between 2 and 3 standard deviations below the population mean and significant limitations in some, but not all, facets of everyday adaptive functioning." The DSM (2005) criteria for mental retardation includes "significantly sub-average intellectual functioning- an IQ of approximately 70 or below, trouble with functioning in multiple areas of life and onset before age 18." Since those with MMR do not have much biological or physical involvement, there is no biological stigmata associated with the diagnosis (Nadelson, 2001). On the other hand, in those with levels of mental retardation beyond MMR, the diagnosis is often made in preschool years and the setting of identification is usually a health care system (Reschly, 2009). The comprehensiveness of the individual is poor and affects performance of the individuals in all social setting and also functional roles. Biological stigmata is always present with the diagnosis (Reschly, 2009). Diagnosis of MMR is often complex and also controversial because of lack of unequivocal symptoms and signs (Hegde and Pomaville, 2008). The diagnosis of MMR was recognized formally about a century ago and has been described in the earlier versions of American Association on Mental Retardation Disabilities (Reschly, 2009). When compared to other levels of mental retardation, MMR is usually not diagnosed until the child attains school age and the diagnosis usua lly occurs subsequent to referral from the class teacher of the child for suboptimal academic performance. Individuals with MMR typically do not exhibit any physical characteristics, neither do they have much impairment of comprehension (Reschly, 2009). When compared to other levels of mental retardation, MMR is usually not diagnosed until the child attains school age and the diagnosis usually occurs subsequent to referral from the class teacher of the child for suboptimal academic performance. Individuals with MMR typically do not exhibit any physical characteristics, neither do they have much impairment of comprehension (Reschly, 2009). Recent formulations for grading the severity of mental retardation are based on the levels of support needed rather than intelligent quotient. This is because; support levels are anyway related conceptually to impairment levels. Four levels of support are described in this regard and they are analogous to the four levels of impairment used earlier (Reschley, 2009). In this essay, communication problems, their evaluation tools, and treatment will be discussed with reference to MMR. Since there are several causes of MMR and it is beyond the purview of this essay to discuss them, one cause of MMR, the William syndrome will be discussed. Speech and language characteristics of the disorder The permanence in MMR is variable and its identification is unlike during preschool age period and adulthood.

Art history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Art history - Essay Example visually appears the same as buon fresco, the pigments simply adhere to the surface since they are not absorbed into the wall; hence fresco secco does not have buon secco’s longevity (Gardner et al: 410). â€Å"This mural painting is among the greatest twelfth century European paintings in the United States†(MFA1, 2008). Earlier it had decorated the apse or semicircular area behind the altar of the monastery church of Santa Maria de Mur, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. The large-eyed, solemn figure of Christ, dominates the composition. He holds a book on which is inscribed reinforcing passages relating to Christ’s centralization in Christian art and doctrine, which states: â€Å"I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh into the Father but by me†. All four Evangelists, who are authors of the New Testament Gospels, surround Christ. The fresco’s lower tiers contain the twelve Apostles, the original followers of Christ, and scenes from the Bible. The formality, symmetry and positioning of the figures are Byzantine, but the Spanish artist substituted Byzantine mosaic in favor of direct painting on plaster coated walls. The iconographic scheme in the semi-dome of the apse is more closely related to those of the Romanesque Church portals of France. In the fresco, Christ in a star-strewn Mandorla is flanked by the signs of the four Evangelists, which is the apocalypse theme that greatly fascinated the Romanesque imagination. Seven lamps between Christ and the Evangelist signs symbolize the seven Christian communities where St.John addressed his revelation, the Apocalypse, at the beginning of his book. Below, the apostles stand in pairs, adding to the formality of the composition. The main figures are presented with partitioning of the drapery into volumes, made to look tubular by local shading. The painter stiffened the irregular shapes of actual cloth into geometric patterns. The effect overall is one of simple, strong, and str aightforward

Globalization and the United States Military Policy Essay

Globalization and the United States Military Policy - Essay Example The US military troop has also observed same lines of objectives. The varied policy of the US government in controlling and setting guideline for operation has been dealt differently by different leaders. Some of the policies have undergone criticism, while some have been appreciated, in context of global as well as the sate framework. The impact of US military troops on globalization will not provide much help to revive its dominant nature and reflect its strength. US Military policy: Off late US military is away from campaigns and battles and have indulged in peace enforcement. The preponderance of US military seems to degrade in matters of exercising powers with the arsenals like missile and the Nuclear weapons. The significance of the United States as a military power seems to dwindle. The employment of the US forces is used in areas to augment social integration, in handling events of natural disaster. American military is experiencing a new era in the advent of globalization. S ignificant changes in the mission of US military have been observed with change attitudes. The change in US policy of military administration was observed in the Weinberger- Powell doctrine in 1984. The doctrine specified circumstances where the US forces are to be deployed. The main objective of the doctrine was to prevent the catastrophe which occurred in Vietnam. It specified that Americans should indulge in fight or war only at times when the countries interest is at its stake. The missions should been undertaken only if it has similar political and military objectives. The deployment should only be done when all the measures undertaken have failed. (Preble, 2011)The Weinberger- Powell doctrine seems to vanish with the beginning of the Bush era in The United States. George Bush deployed The US forces in the northern Iraq and Somalia and also carried air attack in parts of Iraq. The policy of US president Bill Clinton was also transparent. His doctrine signified the priority towa rds avoidance of any casualty and the use of force to cause absolute minimal damage. However the temptation to put the strongest military force of the world into action was also hardly resisted by him. Under his regime attacks against Iraq for punishing Saddam Husain was also carried out. Besides, Serbia was also subjected to daily bombings by the US military force. Clinton government was however strategic in the use of forces. Forces were deployed in specific targets which had lesser probability of causing bloodshed and slaughter, and had limited capability to retaliate. A fair distinction was drawn between the terms war and attacks in the backdrops of national sacrifice. US military and globalization: With Globalization creeping in and the world experiencing an open economy, America still persuades to showcase its global power. America aims to set up an international order with openness as its primary characteristics. The emergence of an open world will create opportunities for ne w military requirements. The proper functioning of the open economy will require rules to be framed. United States aims to impart discipline and cohesion to the system. The rules framed by the US government needs to be maintained by the nations and they have to abide by the fundamental economic importance of the global market. President Clinton had the view that without the presence

Procter & Gamble Essay Example for Free

Procter Gamble Essay Proctor and Gamble Co. is sending video crews run by a small research firm in London, Everyday Lives, Ltd. , into about 80 homes worldwide to record peoples daily routines in the name of marketing research. PG believes that some people have selective memory in focus groups and interviews, and some insights into consumer behavior may be lost. Camera crews will arrive at the participants home when they wake up and not leave until they go to bed for a duration of four days. Cameras may not be manned at all times, and bedroom and bathroom activities will not be recorded. Families will be paid an undisclosed amount for their participation. PG wants to solve problems that their shoppers may not have known they had. For example, marketers discuss multitasking habits while watching a woman in Thailand make breakfast, feed her baby, and watch television simultaneously. The study will initially take place in the UK, Germany, and China since there are such major growth opportunities overseas. Project risks include people behaving abnormally in front of the cameras, local privacy laws, searching hours of videotape for ideas, and producing successful products. PG’s goal is to maintain a huge video library that can be organized by key words, and will give a global perspective on something as simple as eating snacks. By stepping into the homes and lives of their audience PG has found a way to have up to date information on the routine habits of the population of their target market and develop an intimate relationship with them by making themselves a part of the daily rituals that no one other then the individual may see. They will even be able to observe the innate actions that a person may not even realize they do. Market conditions are continuously changing and having this live information will give PG the sufficient knowledge to develop a successful marketing strategy. They will also benefit by being able to see other products the families are buying to gain a perspective of the average budget people are able to afford for similar goods. In the past this obtrusive plan of watching a persons’ every move would have been seen as crossing a line, or illegal, and participants would be hesitant to partake. The plan fits into modern society trends, however, where reality shows are amongst the highest rated programs on television. The intrusion is now acceptable, and even seen as somewhat glamorous, especially when a monetary transaction is involved. In my opinion, PG will have a laborious task ahead of them, but the information from this market research has the prospect of yielding a host of innovative convenience products and goods.

The Body Shop Marketing Plan Marketing Essay

The Body Shop Marketing Plan Marketing Essay The purpose of this paper is through analysis the current market environment to establish the marketing plan of The Body Shop in Hull to help it hold the competitively position during the spring of 2013. The context will analysis the external environment and the internal environment of the Body shop in Hull, and based on these information to do the SWOT analysis to evaluate the current market and try to build reasonable marketing objectives which are benefits for the development of the their market share. background of the Body Shop According to the Bodys Shop website, their business is about engaging and inspiring customers around their individual needs for skin care and hair care this relies on attracting and retaining the skills, knowledge and creative talent to deliver excellent products with exceptional service to their millions of customers worldwide. The company has a presence in over 51 countries, conducts business in 21 languages, operates nearly 2000 stores (about 70% are franchised), and employs over 6000 people in company stores, regional offices and UK-based Service Centre. Products are also sold via the Body Shop at Home, an in-home sales program that operates in 48 US states and Australia and via a company website in the US. Environment analysis In order to increase marketing share in a current market, companies must carefully examine a host of issues. One of the most important issues is the marketing environment. The marketing environment includes two essential elements, one is external environment, the other one is internal environment. External Environment This part explores that the trading and ability of an organization to satisfy its customers who are influenced by the external forces which fall into two categories: the macro and micro forces of the marketing environment (Dibb, 2006). Macro Environment The macro-environment defined by Worthington and Britton (2009, p.6) as those macro-environmental influences on business which affect a wide variety of businesses and which can emanate not only from local and national sources but also from international and supranational developments comprises the PEST checklist which stands for Political, Economic, Sociocultural and Technological. Political The government will shrink the finance expending, which may further reduce consumers shopping willingness. At the same time, governments have passed specified law to forbid animal-testing (CNN, 2003). Additionally, this series of industries need to deal with the waste and rubbish, which comes with production. In this way, all over the nations, societies, and companies would keep a sustainable development and material recycle using. The Hull Council have doorstep recycling collections and  a network of recycling sites, and they make it easy for people to recycle.(www.hullcc.gov.uk,2012)Above all, the whole industry should not make any pollution to our environments. Lastly, the countrys political steady is the root line to keep a regular industry chain (Nicholls A, Opal C, 2005). Economic Not only in the UK but also in the whole EU, governments are now all suffering from financial issues more or less. Following debt-fuelled growth, households remain laden with debt. As a result, the beauty and personal care market saw increased price consciousness among consumers and thus a switch to family and bulk purchases during 2011 (Euromonitor International,2012) . In this situation, its really not a positive circumstance for private label products development. More importantly, in such a negative economic situation, the companies need to do something more, such as promotion and discounting, or develop some more products for some more potential consumers. Sociocultural In this section, the health and beauty industries need to take the aging and male potential consumers into consideration, in which way to satisfy their special needs (Euromonitor International,2012). Secondly, an industry should be responsible for their customers. The products need to be developed without any synthetic ingredients in order to lower the risk for health (Euromonitor International,2012),and also over half of women refuse to use any beauty products, which have been tested on animals first.(SkinInc,2008).Lastly and equally importantly, Consumers upgraded to one time bulk purchases in categories such as bath and shower, deodorants, hair care and oral care (Euromonitor International,2012) Technology Increasing the potation of e-commercial sale methods, such like new coming products introduction and promotion on line, dealing and negotiation over the internet, or business consultants with live video chat. And the company is highly recommended to build their own website or with some relative partners, via which to display the productions and deepen their brands as well(Euromonitor International,2012). Meanwhile, companies should focus on developing new technologies, for example, whiting, In this way, related companies would also in a positive competitive. Most importantly, an efficient product is the root of a brand as to a company. Micro Environment Micro environment have a very board influence on every organisation operating in a particular market, from market to distributers to competitors to customers, and such an impact is largely universally felt by such organisations (Dibb, 2006, p89). Market 2010 is a year of prosperity and growth for the beauty and personal care industry. The growth rate of the industry value increased from 4% to 5%, which was contributed mostly by the mass market. In particular, with 3% value growth following a 0.5% drop in the last year, the recovery of cosmetics was the most eye-catching in this industry(Beauty and Personal Care State of the Industry, 2011). Customers Target audience ¼Ã… ¡ The first target audience is females, age 18 to 34, who have low brand awareness for the body shop and little discretionary income but still want to indulge in the spa-at-home products. The second target audience is females, age 35 to 55. Currently in the US, there are 43.98 million total women ages 35 to 55.Buyer power(see appendice3). Customer behavior The price in Hull are similar low in the market, and people use less money to buy convenience products or high price products like house, so people have more free money to buy beauty products like products which are sold in the Body Shop especially the average earnings have increased. (www.hullcc.gov.uk/,2012)(see appendice8). Competitors The body shops main rival is Bath Body Works who offers a variety of beauty products. Bath Body Works runs more than 1600 stores in the UK compared to the body shops 300 nationwide stores. In 2009, the turnover of Bath Body Works exceeded 2,300 million dollars, at the same time, it spent more than 915,000 dollars in advertising(see Appendice7). Compared the website page with The Body Shop, they are similar except the color, but The Body Shop have a higher high brand loyalty(www.dmnews.com/beauty-product-retailers-tick-all-the-boxes-but-only-one-passes-the-sniff-test/article/265442/,2012)(see Appendice9). Suppliers The suppliers of this industry could also be divided into three classes. The first one is Top-level brands, Most of the suppliers are sold in bulk and the diversity of special ingredient is not too much, so the power of the suppliers is stronger than other suppliers. The second one is Mid-Level Brands. In this level, the suppliers also produce non-differentiated products and specialized . The power of those suppliers is also strong, and the switching costs are low as the same as top-level brands. The last one is Generic Brands. There are various suppliers in this group, the diversity of the products is low, therefore, the switching costs are low(IAA Cosmetics, 2002). Distributors There are two main kinds of distributors. One is according to the traditional distributors, the supermarkets played a dominant role in the distribution channel of beauty and personal care industry in the UK, it accounted for a 49.8% share of totality in 2010. (Hand Body Care Industry Profile, 2011) Another one is internet retailing, The internet retailing makes beauty and personal care advanced remarkably. Internal environment The last step in the Environment Analysis is gathering information for the internal environment. Brand Image The Shop ensures their image by guarantying its cosmetics and personal care products are not tested on ani-mals, and that they contain sustainably sourced oils and other vegetarian ingredients (The Body Shop). In addition, the campaigns in which The Body Shop participates is another step they take to make a difference both environmentally and individually. The company promotes beauty is in the customers eye instead of the beholders (Hoovers, 2004). Competitive advantages If the company can sell the products which are hard to copy and have great value which their competitors cannot have, the company own the competitive advantages which can increase their market share and build their brand identity. We compare The Body Shop with LOreal and OlayNivea(see Appendices3,4). Product/Service The Body Shop  operates in the global cosmetic and toiletries (CT) industry. From  Euromonitior, the CT industry includes the following broad group of  products; baby care, bath and  shower products, deodorants, hair care, color cosmetics, mens grooming products, oral hygiene, fragrance, skin  care, sun care and  depilatories. Skin care products are the majority occupying 27% of all products. (Schieffer Multimedia: The Body Shop Media Plan ). Company has already produced a range of over 600 beauty and health products and more than 400 related accessories including exfoliating bath gloves, mitts, body buffers and so on until March, 2010. These products can further be segmented into two categories based on  product ingredients those made from natural materials and those made  from synthetic chemicals. As green policies TBS always pursues, company reduces their packaging by use as little packaging as possible in the first place. For the vast majority of products they use simple bottles and jars, with no secondary packaging (The Body Shop Values Report, 2009) and most of their gift packaging can be reused. TBS also provides varieties of services for customers. TBS official website includes a Technical Support area designed for those experiencing difficulty with the online store. An extensive FAQ section with categories pertaining to shopping, ordering, shipping, returns and so on(see appendice1,2). Price The prices are ranged from highest 43 pounds to lowest 2 pounds. Compared with the average income level in Hull, the price of TBSs products can be considered as relatively affordable level. Compared with competitors in Hull, the price of TBS is medium level described as massige price. Place In Hull city, TBS owns two stores managed directly by headquarter. There are also some shops which are run on a franchising basis in Hull. These two shops locating separately in Princes Quay Shopping Centre and St Stephens Shopping Centre which are largest shopping centers in the Hull where can attract quantities of people especially on the weekends. In order to satisfy the customers requirements and obtain timely and detailed market information, the body shop the reduce the distribution channels, they want to do the direct market which do not contain any agents to sell their products. They use their own shops and websites to do the selling. Promotion The body shop does little advertising because they regard stores as the most effective platform to advertise themselves. Advertising Traditional media: the TBS in Hull advertises on traditional media such as magazines. New media: the body shop try to use new media to attract more customers, they make a high profit through the website campaign. TBS develops an e-CRM structure as network marketing of TBS matures and evolves. This system provides different services containing the Body Shop SPA, personalization program and so on. And TBS in Hull also sells products face to face with kind service. Staff of stores in Hull have been train well to be familiar with products and offer good service.(see appendice5) Following the development of the apple online shop they promote their own app software called Love Your Body. They also build the home shopping party plan in the UK. Personal selling TBS had built a unique member club for loyal customers where rewards them with discounts, free gifts and access to the kinds of perks and privileges only club membership brings. They also have a lot of discounts and gift packages in different seasons and festivals which can attract customers. SWAT Analysis Strengths 1.Leader of Animal Protection 2.Expand E-Commerce Activities 3.Innovative products 4..High brand loyalty Weaknesses 1.Small number of stores in UK 2.Many products are in the mature of declining stage 3.little advertising Opportunities Bans of animal-testing laws which help the body shop to attract more customers 2.Expand The Body Shop at Home Program 3.Increased awareness of organic and eco-friendly product 4.Increasing number of online buyers Threats 1.the shrink finance which influence peoples awareness to buy products 2.Competition in Cosmetic Industry 3.Risks in Material Supply Marketing Objectives 1.Reinvigorate the body shop in the minds of women who have previous experience with the brand to increase the market share. The body shop can do some campaign like give people free samples and show people the material of the product. 2.Promote awareness of the Body Shop core brand and specific mens grooming product offerings through targeted channels such that at least 35% of the target demographic  are aware of  the products and the unique values of  the Body Shop. In Hull there are marginally more males in the general population than females whilst in the East Riding there are marginally more females, this is likely to be a function of the younger population in the city. The Hull City Assessment Report notes that in Hull in under 70 age bands males outnumber females in every age group whilst females outnumber males in older age groups. This highlights the continued trend towards higher female life expectancy(Economic Development Regeneration, 2011)(see Appendices8 ). Conclusion In conclusion, in order to get a high market share and attract more customers, the body shop should do more advertising and extend their market to the men. Appendices Appendice1 FIGURE 1: The Body Shop UK: Estimated sales as share of UK cosmetics and toiletries specialists sales, 2006-10 SOURCE: Mintel Appendice2 FIGURE 2: The Body Shop: Outlet data, 2006-10 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 UK Outlet numbers 312 322 338 329 311 Of which: Company owned 261 282 299 295 297 Franchises 61 40 39 34 14 Estimated sales per outlet ( £000) 542 577 511 477 490 Estimated sales per outlet (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬000) 797 849 639 536 581 SOURCE: LOrà ©al Company Accounts and Annual Reports/Mintel Appendice3 FIGURE 3: The Body Shop shoppers in last 12 months, by gender, age and socio-economic group, November 2011 Note: Bars show The Body Shop shoppers relative to all people who have bought skincare, cosmetics and fragrances/aftershaves in the last 12 months SOURCE: Ipsos Mori/Mintel Appendice4 FIGURE 4: The Body Shop shoppers in last 12 months, by ACORN group, November 2011 Note: Bars show The Body Shop shoppers relative to all people who have bought skincare, cosmetics and fragrances/aftershaves in the last 12 months SOURCE: Ipsos Mori/Mintel Appendice5 FIGURE 5: The Body Shop: Online consumer demographics, three month average to October 2011 SOURCE: comScore/Mintel Appendice6 Table 1 Table: United Kingdom hand body care market distribution: % share, by value 2010 Channel % Share Supermarkets/hypermarkets 49.8% Pharmacies/drugstores 19.0% Specialist Retailers 13.2% Others 18.0% Total 100% Source: Datamonitor DATAMONITOR Appendice7 Table 2:Compare with other beauty brand The body shop LOreal OlayNivea Product line Mainly skincare Broad Focus on skincare Market position Environment friendly Leader Major competitor In skin body care market Competitive advantages Natural-base brand value Very experienced global brand Low price product innovation Price range Mid-range Slightly lower than the body shop Mid-low (the body shop, Kannu Priya Rawat 30th Mar 2010) ONS MYE 2009 Hull East Riding GB Appendice8 Table 3:Resident population ONS MYE 2009 HULL East Riding GB Number % Number % Number % Resident Population (2009)1 262,400 100% 337,000 100% 60,003,100 100% Males 132,800 50.6% 166,000 49.3% 29,495,400 49.2% Females 129,600 49.4% 171,000 50.7% 30,507,700 50.8% Source: ONS Mid Year Estimates 2009 1Percentage is proportion of total population Appendice9 Figure6:the average earning increase Source:HULL ECONOMIC SITUATION UPDATE No. 31 28 April 2011 Appendice9 Table 4: compare the Body Shop with BathBody works