Home-Style Cookies Essay

In this case study, the focus revolves around the Lew Mark Baking Company. The Lew-Mark Baking Company according to the case study is from a small town in western New York. Lew-mark Baking company operates in New York and New Jersey. It employs around 200 workers in a mainly blue collar, informal atmosphere. In my paper, I will answer several questions about operations for this company The Cookie Production Process When describing the cookie production process for Lew-mark baking, it is best described as using the batch processing system. The batch processing system can best be described as the execution of a series of programs (â€Å"jobs†) on a computer without human interaction. â€Å"Batch Processing is used when a moderate value of goods or services is desired, and it can handle a moderate variety of products and services† (Stevenson 2009, P 239). This method helps with quantity management because Lew mark only makes cookies according to demand. What are two ways that the company has increased productivity? Why did increasing the length of the ovens result in a faster output? One obvious way the company is increasing productivity is that it only makes cookies according to the demand. What ever order it receives from its distributor is what is made in the factory. This ensures that productivity is centered on the demand and time is not wasted baking products that might or might not sell. This is return, makes productivity quicker and more efficient. As mentioned above, the Batch processing system is a huge contributor to increasing productivity. Having two ovens also helps in speeding up productivity. Lengthen the ovens by 25 feet, increased the rate of production by allowing more cookies to be baked at the same time. Automating the Packing Although automating the packing of the cookies in normally a quicker and more efficient way of doing business, it is my opinion the Lew-mark baking Company is doing the right thing by employing local workers to do this job. It is vitally important to create good relationship within the community. This allows a company to have a stake in the community and thus foster good relationships with the local government, political officials and members of the community. Fostering these types of relationships can also be beneficial when it comes to future plans or expansions. Plus, the company has an obligation to the workers once they are employed with the company. As longs as profits and the bottom line are healthy, it should keep its commitment to the community. This would hold true in a small or large community. It is the obligation of industry to keep workforce engagement in tact. As long as industry is alive, some sort of human engagement is needed. What factors cause Lew-mark to carry minimal amounts of certain inventories? What benefits results from this policy? Obviously, the shelf life of perishables (cookies) keeps companies like Lew-Mark from storing big quantities of cookies in the warehouse. The longer these cookies stay in the warehouse, the lower the possibility of being sold. In reading the text, Stevenson’s goes into great detail about the Single Period Model of Inventory Management. This Model is used for ordering perishables and other items with limited useful life. It is interesting how Lew mark keeps a smaller inventory of labels. Their rationale is that the FDA label requirements change frequently and they do not wan to get stuck with labels they cannot use. Most of their inventory is ordered in small silos two or three times a week to save on ordering cost. This type of inventory control favors smaller businesses as long as they can forecast their production with accuracy. This allows Lew-mark to only buy what they use and use what they buy. If production decreases, they buy less. If production increases, they buy more. In the case of Lew-Mark Baking Company, this type of inventory control makes sense. Quality There are advantageous and disadvantages in using a non additive and non preservative approach to selling products. The advantage is that you can target a more health conscious audience to your product. With all the health disparities facing the country, you can carve out a specific audience for these types of products. On the flip side, you have to race against the clock because these non additives and non preservative shorten the life of these perishable items. In other words, your selling approach needs to be more progressive in its nature Conclusion In conclusion, the Lew-Mark Baking Company has an excellent product available to its consumers. Its pitch to sell non additive non preservative cookies targets and audience that is looking for this type of product. Because of its size, Lew-mark capitalizes in efficiency by using very tight inventory controls and production processes that keeps the company financially conscious and fiscally responsible. Its sensitivity to the community also brings morale responsibility that is noted by many members of the community and abroad. The Companies Strategy is to create a product that is desirable to the consumer and delivering that product in a way that makes the best business sense to its owners. As a consumer, I prefer quality in the form of a soft cookie. Understanding that the cookie has non and non preservatives is a plus.

My apartment Essay

When I was younger, I fantasized about how wonderful life would be when I moved into my own apartment. Now I’m a bit older and wiser, and my dreams have turned into nightmares. My apartment has given me nothing but headaches. From the day, I signed the lease; I’ve had to deal with an uncooperative landlord, an incompetent janitor, and inconsiderate neighbors. First of all, my landlord has been uncooperative since the first day I came to that apartment. As promised, I arrived there at 3 p.m. sharp but he leisurely came there one hour late with depressed looking faces. Then he immediately started to give tour in the apartment and explained a little bit about the rent. After that, he impatiently asked for a deposit even though I’m still touring the apartment for any deficiency in the apartment. At that time I noticed that the flush in the toilet is not functioning and asking him to repair it but him keep insisting me to pay for the deposit first. Thus with an irritating voice, I said to him that he really needs to repair it and I can see his brows frowned. It’s been two months I stayed there, yet no plumber ever came to my apartment and another problem followed in which the air- conditioner started making noise and in the end it broke down. I called and emailed him but there’s no reply at all, so I went straight to his house. Surprisingly, he was there laughing with his friends and my anger cannot hold anymore, so I shouted furiously about the problem happened in the apartment. After a few days, a plumber came and the air – conditioner has been fixed. I’ve had a problem not only with my landlord but also with an incompetent janitor who is a middle-aged man. My first impression toward him is already bad, for he just came to my apartment without brought any equipment to clean the apartment. Not to mention that he used the whole bottle of the cleaning product just to clean the small apartment. I can a ccept if my apartment will be shining but the thing is that I can still see muck in my toilet, dust under my sofa and dirt in my kitchen. There’s one time when he actually made my apartment like his own house. He would laid-back on my sofa and talk with his friends on the phone, watch television and eat my food in the refrigerator without my permission. The intolerable thing I can’t accept is that he thinks himself a plumber by fixing my kitchen’s sink and in the end my sink becomes worse. It has cost money for the sink to be functioning again. Perhaps the worst problem has  been with the inconsiderate neighbors who live in the apartment above me is that they think they own the whole apartment. Even with problem occurred in the apartment and at work, I still felt that my apartment is my heaven but the peaceful moment do not last longer when they moved in the apartment above me after five months I stayed there. Then at that time my dream turned into my worst nightmares in which music being played loudly at 3 a.m. and drums being played deafeningly and people talking boisterously. Sometimes I noticed that my balcony full of dust even when the janitor came to clean my apartment. I assumed that maybe the janitor didn’t sweep the balcony properly but it turn out that the neighbors above me actually was the one who constantly threw dust after they had sweep their house, for they think it’s just debris of dust. Sometimes, my apartment seems like a small, friendly oasis surrounded by hostile enemies. I never know what side trouble is going to come from next: the landlord, the janitor, or the neighbors. Home may be where the heart is, but my sanity is thinking about moving out.

Interior design history Essay

The late Dorothy Draper who lived for eighty years was born to the family of Tuckenman in 1889 and died in 1969. She got married to Dr. George Draper in 1912. The family was blessed with kids. Dorothy Draper received no formal primary education. Far back in the middle 60s, Dorothy was credited as an excellent founder of interior design. She was a well respected designer. She used exceptional traditional materials and styles in designing. In the year 1939, Dorothy, drove by the passion to inspire the world around with the importance and practice of designing, she was an author of many designing books, one laying emphasis to how fun is generated from designing. The book subtitled – â€Å"How to Be Your Own Decorator† received wide attentions in the modern works of interior design. Of the Designer Dorothy, the absence of formal education was not a barrier to the vision of exploring the diverse fields of art. She was inspired by the privileged endowment of pleasant natural environment she lived. A creative task of translating an abstract experience into visible objects for the relish of viewers. Secondly, the reckoning adventure into the designing world was not unconnected to her numerous travelling experience around the cities of Europe. The breakthrough came shortly after her wedding to Dr George Draper when she painstakingly took up the task of decorating their home to taste. The beautiful home received steadfast attentions from their visitors and led to the publicity of her great ability. The Works of Dorothy Draper Sequel to publicity of her home interior decoration, she was consulting for an architectural company (Owned by Franck L. Wright) who hired her on partnership. She was employed to decorate a gigantic 37 floors Hamphire House, a hotel in Manhatten; she had in historical records decorated cars for Packard Company. For Convair airplane manufacturing company, she also made her contribution therein. She was a specialized interior designer of places like clubs, restaurants, hotels, institutions such as hospitals before her demise thirty-nine years ago. Though much of her works were not surviving to the modern age, they were however, serving the foundation upon which modern tips were consulted for design finishing. Some of her works are in the monument of Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, U. S. A (created by Donald Albrecht). Howard Johnson restaurants all over reflects the commissioning of Dorothy Draper as a color specialist, this is an important aspect in the act of designing/decoration. Recently, starting about two years ago till now the works of Dorothy is under exhibition. Pictures showing two of her best works exhibited in New York City Museum included that of â€Å"the Arrowhead Spring Resorts and the Green Brier Hotel†. In December ’06 to June ’07, the exhibition at a Museum in Dallas also displayed a snapshot of her project in the Stoneliegh Hotel. Dorothy and the History of Design Dorothy Draper, a founder of interior design, recorded an exemplary dealings that any upbringing designer in the field of interior decoration cannot bye pass. A number of books she authored presently speak volume of her passionate contribution to the modern survival of design. It takes a creative mind to imagine. It takes a brilliant mind to extract the imagination into the reality and express good radiant to every beholder. In addition to her books is â€Å"How to be a popular Hostess†. This book emphasizes the fun embedded in the business of entertaining with designs (Varney, 1988, pp235-37). In conclusion, among women of substance all over the world, not reckoning with Dorothy Draper’s contribution in art industry is an unpardonable omission. References Varvey, Carleton. The Draper Touch the High Life and High Style of Dorothy Draper, New York: Prentice – Hall Inc. , 1988 (ISBN 0-13-219080-X) Jeanette J. Fisher, 2006. Interior Design Psychology, History of Interior Design Available at: http://www. jeanettefisher. com/dorothy_draper. htm Draper’s High Style, The Museum of the City of New York Remembers the Legendary Decorator, Aavailable at: http://www. architecturaldigest. com/architects/legends/archive/draper_article_052006 http://www. google. com. gh/search? hl=en&q=Dorothy+Draper%2C+works+in+design+history&btnG=Google+Search

Multiculturalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Multiculturalism - Essay Example In general, the practice of multiculturalism is said to be effective in improving the marketing communication of the Chinese and Indians who are residing in Australia. (Zhu, Nel, and Bhat, 2006) By considering the intercultural dimension and characteristics of each customer, business people are able to create a stronger buyer-seller relationship. Among the Australian Indians, it is the creation of trust and loyalty between them and the Asian seller(s) which further creates a way to develop future business opportunities. On the other hand, the Australian Chinese develop a close relationship with its Asian suppliers in order for them to be able to be able to end up making a win-win negotiation concerning the price and quality of the products they will purchase.Aside from improving the purchasers’ relationship with the Asian suppliers, multiculturalism also improves the working relationship between Australian business owners and their employed groups of workers in the Asian count ries. As a result of implementing multiculturalism within a business institution, a company’s all business performance and efficiency can be improved.The application of multiculturalism in doing business with Asia particularly in the trading of human power, raw materials, and finished products removes the cultural barriers and racial discrimination between Australia and the Asian countries. International trading is important since it could result in a significant economic advantage on the part of Australia.

Contemporary Issues in Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Contemporary Issues in Management - Essay Example This in turn has created issues and challenges for the companies operating in different industries and in different regions (Chiaroni, Chiesa, and Frattni, 2011). Most companies tend to invest loads of money in research and development. They invest huge amount of money in research and development regardless if they are getting results in days, months or in years. These companies know that if by doing research they can bring innovation which will eventually lead them towards the glorification of brand name and business. However, in order to manage innovation in effective and efficient manner it is important for the organisations to make sure that the innovation is supported by the other organisational elements as well (Chiaroni, Chiesa, and Frattni, 2011). In this report working of Zara and Hennes and Mauritz fashion retailers will be put under consideration with lime light on structural factors these companies has including how much they spend on research and development, what kind o f organizational structure they have, concept of decision making, empowerment and strategies alliances with regard of innovation. Furthermore the effective use of corporate culture in order to get innovation for instance by giving flexible timings to worker, the concept of knowledge sharing, project initiation or by project organization giving different teams different projects will also be a part of this report. Finally policies of human resource will be discussed and its aptitude how these companies deals with human resource policies in order to encourage innovation. How they resolve staffing issues by hiring new or by retaining the current best staff in order to get productivity and innovation. Innovation Management: Innovation management is the process of managing the innovation by coming up with different related strategies and techniques. Different organisations are coming up with rapid innovations and new products and business methods in order to remain competitive in the ind ustry. The innovations are not only in the form of providing the customers with new products or services but also revolve around the improvement of different business processes and operations. In order to make sure that the innovation is implemented and managed in effective and efficient manner it is important to come up with appropriate innovation management strategies. It is also important to keep in mind that innovation management is an ongoing process and the organisation should carefully monitor, design, and execute different strategies. In order to make sure that innovation is a success it is important to adapt the other organisational elements accordingly (Rowley, Baregheh, and Sambrook, 2011). For instance, the company should have supportive corporate culture, organisational structure, and human resource management policy. The three elements or factors which should be given special attention in this regard are as follow: 1. Structural Factors: the structural factors include the structure of the research and development department, the structure of the organisation, different systems for encouraging innovation, and other related factors. 2. Corporate Culture: the corporate culture is used to come up with a supportive atmosphere for creative and innovative ideas

Recommendations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Recommendations - Essay Example 1. The restaurant needs to introduce new initiatives of employees’ health and wellbeing programs to reduce their health problems. Exhaustion is found to be the main cause for their lack of enthusiasm which is reflected in their level of service at the end of the day. A separate small place should be allotted to them to take short breaks to relax and reinforce their energy. Constant communication and constructive engagement with employees significantly enhances morale and commitment to work (MacLeod & Clarke, 2010). Management should involve employees in discussions on how to improve work environment so that they are happy. 2. The management needs to recruit more people to not only maintain its reputation for excellent customer service but it would also relieve pressure from the existing staff. The employees were unanimous in the view that more people are required to meet the rush of the clients. The HR people therefore should create a pool of human resource who can be given part-time work during the rush time. This would help the permanent staff to recover from the highly stressing work of serving many people in short time and with efficiency. 3. Workers need to be motivated through incentives and fringe benefits like complementary weekly family meal at Chipotle or company sponsored family vacation on weekends. It could be a once a month affair based on work performance. This would motivate workers for higher performance (Fisher, 2005). At the same time, it would give them an opportunity to spend quality time with family. The long hours and workplace stress have adverse impact on the work-life balance, creating dissatisfaction amongst the staff. This initiative would boost their morale. 4. The company must provide the workforce with new opportunities of enhancing their skills and knowledge. In-house trainings on skill development and options for partial or full funding of cost for pursuing

English as an Additional Language Learning Programs for Multicultural Case Study

English as an Additional Language Learning Programs for Multicultural Students - Case Study Example Before 19th century ends, there are already more than ten states that had implemented this English as an additional language Law. Some localities also had also English as an additional language but without the admission and permission of the state. During the 20th century there are already more than a thousands of students who had already adopt the English as an additional language. At present, there are already millions of people worldwide who are studying English as an additional language.Because of growing global migration, national, and linguistic diversity in different Irish Schools, English as an additional language became more widespread and more evident. In Ireland, different schools had been in need of this English as an additional language. The Department of Education and Science earn funds for the English Language for the different students in Ireland. Today, the growing need for the establishment of English as an additional language around northern Ireland is indeed a pro per distinction as to how the nation tries to provide the necessary indications that are needed to be considered when it comes to educating their visitors of the language that could assure them of a better future in the country and even in the field of modern global approach.The British society at present has the highest rate of having a multicultural society. The advancement of the economic developments that globalization has opened to the British society has made it possible for people from all sections of the world come towards the so called 'dream land', the British territories. Some are coming in the country for the sake of employment, some for education and some for permanent residential. As a result, the students who are coming from different nations around the world meet a challenge of dealing with the difficulty of living and getting used to a the living that is accustomed for the foreign land that they ought to fit into. In this paper, a comprehensive set of lessons shall be discussed that would be directly applicable to any subject in general. The applicability of the said lessons is attested by the fact that in dealing with multicultural classes, there is a certain need of having a variety of approaches as to how the subjects are presented. Problem Statement It has been mentioned earlier that there is a dire need of producing or formulating programs that suits the need of adults and young students as well to learn business English for them to be prepared in facing the real business world later on. Hence, the problem that is to be discussed in this paper is much related on the way that the educators were motivated to make the necessary adjustment for the said program applications. The following are among the questions to be answered: How could the educators be moved to take advantage of the current need of 'producing' students who are able to speak English as their Second Language, thus giving the business industries higher competencies in the future' How should the educators feel about the progressive teaching strategies that the program requires of them' Would there be progress in applying the necessary points of consideration in the said program, especially with regards to teaching strategies' These questions shall serve as guidelines for the author of this paper in completing the required data for this assignment. Purpose of the Study The main reason why this study has been commenced is to be able to show the important factors that motivational procedures contribute to the success of different educational programs offered specifically in Toronto. These programs involve different

Final Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 13

Final Paper - Essay Example Moreover, very few people remember their lives when they were young and in their toddler ages. The same principles apply with the main principles that are guiding us in the present day. People are given the liberty to act and to think according to the situation and according to what their instincts hold and tell them. The decision and the way people live is also influenced by many factors that surrounding them. It may range from various diversities such as education, religion, the environment and other factors that influence the guiding principles in a person’s life (Bhattacharjee, p 130). Through various societal and cultural influences, people tend to believe in various practices that make them make the decisions they make in life and stand by them. I therefore do not believe in being controlled by an evil genius because an evil genius tends to make people do wrongs in the society constantly. I believe that human beings have the power to design and choose their fates (Bhattacharjee 150). I believe human beings control themselves and their behavior. An empiricist can coherently believe in God as man’s five senses are not adequately reliable for the main reason that man is neither infallible nor perfect. Humans do not have the divine ability to possess complete flaunt less knowledge to everything around them. There are some things in life that man cannot give adequate answers to. Assured and broad knowledge requires humans to depend on a perfect being and that is God. God is Infallible and full of exhaustive knowledge (Gupta 67). The man’s five senses can only provide information and awareness with reference to only specific attributes of an object. There are many fields that empiricists have no answers to. Believing in god is the only option that can offer those answers. The question of origin and existence for example, answers can only be found in religion. The empiricists believe

Analytical paper on either Daisy Miller Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analytical paper on either Daisy Miller - Essay Example The heroine of the story Daisy miller is a typical representative of American life. Winter Bourne first meet this girl of beauty of charm in Vevey , Switzerland. At the first sight itself Winterbourne is attracted towards her and thinks that all Americans are like her. After a few talks with her he remarks that the young lady is â€Å"really not in the least embarrassed.† Winter Bourne came to know about her father that he is veryrich and does not like European culture. The free will of Daisy is exploited by Winter Bourne though he knows that such advancement in behavior is not polite. He continues to keep in relation with her against the opposition of his aunt Mrs. Costello. She considers Daisy as a disgraceful character only because that she agrees with Winterbourne to visit the Chateau de Chillon immediately after they have known each other for only half an hour. â€Å"I haven’t the least idea what such young ladies expect a man to do. But I really think that you ha d better not meddle with little American girls that are uncultivated, as you call them. You have lived too long out of the country. You will be sure to make some great mistake.† What the readers feel at this moment is about the absolute innocence of the character Daisy Miller. She is incautious and behaves according to her own impulses instead of vigilance and rule. This is the typical nature of the Americans. She was bold enough to break the barriers of the European culture even if it happens unknowingly. During their visit Winterbourne informs her about his coming visit to Geneva the next day. Daisy expresses freely to him her sadness of the event and asks him meet her later. The lack of knowledge and experience, both the leading characters face in the story is also a mindful attempt from the writer .In Rome Daisy and Winterbourne meet meeting the parlor of Mrs. Walker. When he comes to know about the relation between Daisy and Giovalli, he doubts whether he failed to unders tand Daisy. It is more clear when he sees the two sitting their in colosseum and Winterbourne is unable to understand the right and the wrong. One of the main themes of the story is Winterbourne s question about Daisy’s innocence. It can also be considered as ignorant or untamed etc. At first he considers Daisy as merely ignorant and harmless. But when the story progress he even doubts her mindset, lack of concern for modesty etc. The problem of communication is also a major theme with regards to the relation between Daisy and Winterbourne. Daisy reacts on impulses to the world around her without bothering about the response and felling of the public. Winterbourne on the other hand who is a typical representative of European American culture often feel inwardly. He always thinks about how to view Daisy. He even applies the known conventional rules. Towards which Daisy seems to be ignorant. The incapability of Winterbourne to come deep in the life of Daisy is due to his lack o f compassion. Sometimes we feel that fate of Daisy is due to Winterbourne and he himself is the leading character of the novella. His waiting and trying to find a proper answer to the questions in his mind about life seems to of misuse at the end of the story. Daisy is affected by ‘roman fever ‘and dies at the end. Only at that point Winterboune comes to understand that Daisy is innocent. The author himself says that the theme of this novel is innocence

Unit IV Assessment#1 Biomass Exposure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit IV Assessment#1 Biomass Exposure - Essay Example as also a pertinent comparison of the adverse effects of biomass as compared to LPG, expertly intended to discourage people and governments to avert using biomass. Exposure to biomass affects the length of the menstrual cycle. In most cases, oligomenorrhea (extended cycles) is common (22.2%) while 7.5% of women exposed to biomass experienced short cycles. The prolonged cycle is disadvantageous since it increases the risk of preterm delivery, stillbirth, and abortions (Gurjar et al., 2010; pg.150). Biomass significantly changes the levels reproductive hormones in females. However, biomass combines with physical fatigue and stress related to poverty and affects the endocrine system thus leading to oligomenorrhea. Gurjar,  B.  R., Molina,  L.  T., & Ojha,  C.  S. (2010).  Air pollution: Health and environmental impacts. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Retrieved from

Theories on Cognitive Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Theories on Cognitive Process - Essay Example In verbal communication, it is not enough to refer to actual words or phrases to decode the meaning of the speaker. There may be some nuances or shades of meaning to any particular word or phrase depending on the intention of the speaker, and likewise, the recipient of the communication. As such, the combination of any two statements spoken in succession or randomly may or may not have a relationship, and such a relationship may only be inferred. Philosopher Paul Grice introduced this concept of implicature, in which the relationship of two statements is implied but not required. Hearers routinely work under a set of assumptions in their interpretation of verbal communication, and this is where the problem of pragmatics surface. While these assumptions may be accurate, ambiguities and nuances in meaning may give lie to a presumed fact and while such ambivalence may not be immediately apparent, failure to allow for such circumstances may lead to a misinterpretation of the speaker's intention, leading to a breakdown in communications. Pragmatic interpretation is considered by from this argument many as a non-demonstrative inference process, in which there is no certainty of the correctness of the hearer's interpretation. Pragmatism in communication may make use of inference to det... There are several views by which pragmatic interpretation is viewed, one of which is where it is considered completely metapsychological. In this view, the Fodorian central processes or "theory of mind" is applied in which mind-reading is involved. The authors propose that a metacommunicative module may be developed from the application of the Fodorian central system in which ambiguities of verbal communication may be resolved. Grice believed that comprehension is attained through a calculation or "working-out schema" which upon reflection may seem to be rather tedious with the use of long chains of inferences, and not convincingly a person normally would pursue comprehension. It also underestimates the metapsychological aspect of comprehension. The current trend in cognitive studies is to view the mind is modular, and Grice concurs that this implementation of his approach may be a way to work out the presence of a conversational implicature intuitively. This modular view of the mind is based on the tendency in evolution to select systems that promote efficiency, and that many of these systems are genetically subscribed. In mind-reading, it is assumed that it is not a general purpose reasoning mechanism, but a dedicated module that "exploits the regularities in intentional behaviour" although it is uncertain how this mechanism works. There are many theories, such as the rationalization account which uses a form of belief-desire reasoning, the simulation account where intentions are attributed through acting out the action for interpretation, the Gricean account of implicaturs and relevance-theoretic accounts. It is suggested that within the

The College Culture Essay Example for Free

The College Culture Essay One of my most distinct characteristics is that I am a Born Again Christian. Being a Christian is a way of life not just a set of practices. My religion defines who I am and dictates my actions. Being a Christian influences how I speak, what clothes I wear and what activities I engage in. Our church is an evangelistic church and so we’re encouraged to invite people to church activities. One goal of this study is to find out how an outsider receives these invitations. It will also be found out what factors determine the non-Christians’ response to such invitations. Being a Christian has changed how I act in situations and most people I know have adjusted to my principles. Some have also generalized my personal principles such that when they meet other Christians they assume the latter will act the same way as I do in a given situation. Thus another aim of this study is to see the effect that interactions with Christians has on the perception of Christians as a whole. In order to achieve these goals interviews will be undertaken: one with a person practicing a different religion and another with a person with no professed religion. The interview will start with a discussion of what, in the interviewee’s perspective, is a Christian. Questions pertaining to how Christians may be differentiated from non-Christians will also be asked. This will be followed by whether or not the interviewee has ever been invited to a Christian gathering before and how he or she responded to this invitation. Next, the interviewee will be asked to relate a memorable experience with a Christian. Finally, the interviewee will be asked to assess based on his interactions with Christians how he believes Christians perceive non-Christians of the same religious belief or non-belief as him. It must be borne in mind that the interview itself might be misconstrued as a means to invite the non-Christian to church. The interviewee of another religion may even become defensive and this would confound the answers given. Therefore, from the onset it should be made clear that the purpose of the interview is to improve Christians’ relations with non-Christians and to correct any Christian practices which promote negative impressions. As Patton stated in his work, an interviewer must be able to build trust at the onset of the interview and the purpose for the interview must be made clear to the interviewee (1987). The topic of religion isn’t so much a welcomed concept particularly because of the rivalry and conflicts that have arisen â€Å"for the sake of religion. † In order to prevent the interviews from being another venue for such arguments, a collaborative approach will be encouraged through the research. As it has been emphasized in other studies, research isn’t a means to exploit the â€Å"other† rather it is a means to reach a mutually beneficial conclusion regarding overlapping interactions of different cultures (Fitzgerald 2005; de Munk Korotayev 2000). Analysis of Interview Material Interviews were conducted with two non-Christians (see Appendix A and B). As was indicated to the respondents, this research has been conducted in order to improve interactions of Christians with non-Christians. As has been discussed by past researchers, a cross-cultural study should benefit not just the researcher but also the person studied (Gibbs 2001). The very essence of collaborative research is that all parties to the study are benefitted by the findings. Such a conclusion may be reached through the results of the present study. The responses of the respondents may be classified into several dimensions. The first is how past interactions with Christians have affected the respondents’ perception of Christians. One respondent showed that a positive experience with a workmate allowed him to see Christians in a better light. Despite having had many negative experiences with Christians, a positive personal experience with several Christians was able to lessen his negative impression of Christians in general. On the other hand, the other respondent whose personal experience with Christians was negative has now generalized the impression and applied it to all Christians. Therefore, the personal experience with Christians is more important in forming an impression of what a Christian is. However, for persons with deep-rooted biases against Christians due to external factors, such as intercultural conflict, the personal experience only tempers the bias but doesn’t altogether eliminate it. This is the case with the Moslem respondent interviewed. It must therefore be asked what qualifies as a positive experience. In the case of the Moslem respondent, the positive experience consisted of the Christian attempting to understand the former’s religion. It can be seen from the second appended interview that one of the reasons why a negative impression was held of Christians is because â€Å"I leave them alone to believe what they want. They could at least extend the same courtesy. † This shows that the respondent also hopes for some tolerance from the Christians she encounters. Furthermore, when asked how she felt regarding being invited to her mother’s Christian gatherings, the respondent showed that she felt irritated because she had already made it clear that she didn’t wish to go. From the above, it can be seen that a first step towards a positive impression is a manifestation of tolerance on the part of the Christian. This tolerance required in cross-cultural interactions of religions aids in the facilitation of interactions between their subcultures (de Munck Korotayev 2000). This is important particularly since the growing complexity of society ensures that the religious cultural units will interact in one regard or another. However, as evidenced by the Moslem respondent, this tolerance is not sufficient to overcome the in-bred conflicts that religious differences have fostered between cultural units. Therefore, a greater level of understanding between cultures is necessary in order to bridge the gap between religions. In order that this might be achieved the respondents reflect some insight. The agnostic respondent stated, â€Å"But the fact is that they can’t explain why they believe what they do. They can’t even explain half of what’s written down in the Bible. † The Moslem respondent on the other hand stated, â€Å"But there are those who seem to know about the love that their Jesus taught. I have no problem being friends with people like that. † The above statements show that Christians need to know about the foundation of their own faith in order to be able to preach it to others. A failure to understand their own religion comes across to non-Christians as insincerity. This insincerity renders the religion in itself doubtful. Non-Christians would thus be even more unwilling to learn about a religion which was understood and misapplied by its own followers. Finally, the interview shows that in order that Christians might become more effective in interacting with non-Christians they should be able to engage in a bottom-up process. What normally occurs when Christians invite other people is that they become imposing yet they don’t make the effort to understand the factors which the person being invited must consider before giving a response to the invitation. In order that they would be able to connect with the person being invited they must be able to understand how the other perceives them as Christians. The Moslem respondent stated, â€Å"I think they think the same we do about them. That we are wrong in our belief. I think that a lot of Americans are afraid of Moslems though. † This shows that he believes that Christians are as stubborn in their belief as he is. Therefore, an invitation from them would mean an attempt at conversion. Being a firm believer of Islam, he would of course say no as he would have no desire to be converted. Therefore, the Christian should be able to explain to the non-Christian the purpose of the invitation, particularly if it is for the reason simply of being able to get to know the other person better. In answer to the question of how she felt when being invited, the agnostic respondent was able to intone a similar response, â€Å"Annoyed. I mean, they just don’t seem to get a clue. If I wanted to go to church I’d do it without any prodding. † This shows that the method being employed by the Christian mother was no longer effective. In fact, it hadn’t been effective for a long time already. And yet, she didn’t change her approach or try to talk with her daughter in a more personal manner in order to understand the daughter’s aversion to religion. The respondents gave answers regarding how they defined what a Christian was. In both answers it is evident that they perceive Christianity as a set of practices and rituals. The essence of Christianity as a lifestyle and as a relational interaction was lost to them. Having learned about their experiences with Christians, it isn’t surprising that they feel this way. It’s clear therefore from this study that in order to improve cross-cultural interactions between Christians and non-Christians a more personal interaction should be encouraged. This interaction should be imbued with a sense of tolerance for the other and a desire to understand the situation and motives of such other. References De Munck, V. A. Korotayev (2000), â€Å"Cultural Units in Cross-Cultural Research,† Ethnology, 39(4), 335-448. Fitzgerald, T. (2005), â€Å"Cross-Cultural Research Principles Partnerships,† Management in Education, 19(1), 17-20. Gibbs, M. (2001), â€Å"Toward a Strategy for Undertaking Cross-Cultural Collaborative Research,† Society and Natural Resources, 14, 673-687. Patton, M. Q. (1987), â€Å"How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation,† CA: Sage Publications. Appendix A: Interview with a non-Christian practicing a different religion Interviewer: Good afternoon. First, thank you for agreeing to meet me for this interview. Before we begin I just want to remind you that the purpose of this study is to better understand the interactions of Christians with members of other religions. Your answers will be used only for the purpose of this study and for no other purposes. Having said that, are you willing to participate in this study? Respondent: Yes. I: Thank you. First let’s start with some information about you. Is there a religion that you practice? R: I’m a Moslem. I: How long have you been a Moslem? R: Well, I was born into a Moslem family so I can say that I have been practicing my faith since I was born. I: In your perspective, how would you define a Christian? R: Well, Christians are people who believe that Jesus is God and not Allah. We Moslems also believe in Jesus but he is only a prophet and only Allah is God. I: Have you ever interacted with Christians? R: Of course. Most people here are Christians and so I have to deal and talk with them every day. I: Have you ever been invited to attend a Christian gathering? R: I work with some Christians who have once or twice asked me to go to an activity or concert. I: Did you go with them? R: No. It’s not allowed in Islam to acknowledge other gods. I don’t see the point of going anyway. It would be a lie for me to pretend to believe what they would say there. I: How did you feel when you were invited? R: It was a little awkward. I didn’t understand why they would want to. It’s not like I would go with them. But at least they don’t give me a hard time about being a Moslem. I: Are there Christians who do? R: Sure. It’s not new. There are really those types. I: That’s interesting because I also wanted to find out how you think Christians view Moslems. How do you think Christians view Moslems? R: I think they think the same we do about them. That we are wrong in our belief. I think that a lot of Americans are afraid of Moslems though. Everyone seems to be afraid we’ll turn into Osama Bin Laden or something. I: Thank you for sharing that. I’d like to ask you now about some personal experiences you’ve had with Christians. Is there any particular instance, good or bad, that you shared with a Christian that sticks out from your other interactions? R: I remember this one guy at work, the same guy who invited me to that concert at their church, he asked me once about Islam and he seemed genuinely interested. He tried finding similarities between Islam and Christianity. He was pretty nice. He just struck me as different from most Christians and I appreciated that he tried to understand my religion and didn’t just base his impression on what other people were saying. I: Alright, you’ve been very responsive so I have only one last question left. As a whole, how would you describe Christians? R: Well, most Christians don’t know their own religion. There are some who take it too far and they can be really condescending. But there are those who seem to know about the love that their Jesus taught. I have no problem being friends with people like that. I: [Respondent] that concludes our interview. Thank you very much for your time. Appendix B: Interview with a non-Christian without any professed religion Interviewer: Good morning. First, thank you for agreeing to meet me for this interview. Before we begin I just want to remind you that the purpose of this study is to better understand the interactions of Christians with members of other religions. Your answers will be used only for the purpose of this study and for no other purposes. Having said that, are you willing to participate in this study? Respondent: Sure. I: Thank you. Let’s start with some information about you. Is there any religion that you practice? R: I don’t exactly believe in organized religion. I: Was there any religion that you used to practice? R: Well, we used to say a prayer at the dinner table before dinner. But that was a long time ago. I just don’t see the need to anymore. I: Alright. Well, as I told you earlier, the focus of this interview is Christians and their interactions with others. So to start off, how would you define a Christian? R: Well, Christians are people who read the Bible, believe in God, pray, sing praise songs, all that. I: Have you ever been invited to a Christian gathering or activity? R: Sure. My mom used to make me go to church with her. She hasn’t stopped pestering me about it yet. I: Do you ever go? R: Not since I could say no without getting grounded. I: Why don’t you? R: Like I said, I don’t see the purpose. I mean look at my dad, he doesn’t go and he’s alright. If prayer is all there is to it then my mom is probably praying enough to save all of us. It just doesn’t seem important. I: How does it make you feel when you’re invited? R: Annoyed. I mean, they just don’t seem to get a clue. If I wanted to go to church I’d do it without any prodding. Besides, if God were real then they wouldn’t have to work so hard to make the rest of us believe in Him. It all just seems like a whole bunch of lip service. It gets tiring. I: It’s very helpful that you’re talking about your family and how they are active in practicing Christianity. But apart from your family have you had any other interactions with Christians? R: Sure. They’re all the same. Preachy. When you ask them about why they’re doing it though it all boils down to cop-out faith. Who can argue with that? I: Is there any particular experience you’ve had with a Christian that strikes out? R: I have this housemate who’s all about religion. She keeps leaving little cards with psalms on them in my things. I just find it a little irritating that she can’t just accept that I don’t do that kind of thing. I: The interview is going well so far so I only have one last question. How do you describe Christians in general? R: Well, Christians can be really devout about their faith and about having other people believe the same thing. But the fact is that they can’t explain why they believe what they do. They can’t even explain half of what’s written down in the Bible. Even worse, they can’t understand that other people just don’t want to believe the same things that they do. I mean, it’s not that I hate god. I just don’t believe he exists. And they act like that makes me the worst scum on earth. I leave them alone to believe what they want. They could at least extend the same courtesy. I: Thank you so much. Your responses have been really helpful. That concludes our interview.

Strengths And Weaknesses Found In Victoria Bc Tourism Essay

Strengths And Weaknesses Found In Victoria Bc Tourism Essay Australia is the 12th strongest economy in the world1 by GDP; it is also the 5th country with highest percentage of older population in the world and despite the worlds recession, Australia continues being a stable economy. The stability in this country makes it a good target for outbound tourism towards foreign destinations like Victoria, BC in Canada. By using a SWOT analysis, we will first evaluate the internal factors of our destination by outlining the strengths and weaknesses found in Victoria BC as a tourist site. In this investigation, we will identify the characteristics that will position Victoria in competitive advantages over other cities in Canada or other destinations overseas. Furthermore, in the same analysis, we will scan the external factors in Australia that will present opportunities or threats favouring or hindering the source of tourist outflow towards Victoria BC. In addition, through a segmentation analysis we will identify targets that will represent the primary and secondary segments that will become the focus for a tourism marketing strategy. Moreover, after performing a segment attractiveness examination, we will formulate a recommendation on the preferred segment to market and position Victoria BC as a tourist destination for senior Australian visitors. Strengths: As a tourist destination for Australians, Victoria has strong assets. First, it offers a variety of attractions that caters to everyone from local heritage and aboriginal attractions to outdoor and nature exploring opportunities. Second, Victoria climate is an advantage over other closer competitors. Being on opposite ends of the globe, seasons between Victoria and Australia are opposite in time. During winter period in Australia, Victoria will be enjoying the sunshine of June or July. In addition, Victoria is known for the best climate in Canada which makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities all year long. Third, the geographic location offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, exposure to wildlife, nature, trail and ocean site walks. Consists mainly of rolling lowlands interspersed with granite rocks of up to 300m/985ft in height. The city is bounded by ocean on three sides. In the north and west, cliffs, spits and lagoons formed by glacial action make up portions of the shoreline. Elsewhere, the shoreline consists of  beaches  of pebble and sand punctuated with coves. Several elevated viewpoints in and around the city provide a birds eye view of all this and more2. Fourth, it gives easy access to cosmopolitan and metropolitan cities like Vancouver and other tourist destinations like USA by ferry and airplanes in both English speaking locations. Furthermore, Victoria hosts authentic restaurants that represent the multicultural population of the island as well as central lodgings which are at walking distance from the heart of the city. SWOT ANALYSIS (SEE APENDIX I) Weakness Victorias main weaknesses come from the lack of awareness of the city as a tourist destination. Additionally, the high competition makes travel expenses higher and fewer direct international flights coming to and from victorias international Airport. Moreover, Canada as a whole does not support health services for temporary visitors. Lastly, shopping is made more difficult for tourist due to high taxes in Canada. Opportunity There are some opportunities that Victoria should consider in order to boost their number of visitors: Increase awareness through tour operators, Develop agreements with neighbour cities to promote affordable trip packages, Develop sustainable and cultural tourism. Victoria should also take advantage of the cities common characters with Australia and their resembling motivations for tourism3 (sceneries, access to nature and outdoor activities, wildlife and proximity to cosmopolitan cities) Threat Victorias tourism industry can be threatened by other competitive markets like the USA, which due to currency depreciation present themselves as more attractive and affordable destinations. Other closer competitors within Australia, in Asia or Europe may as well present a threat to the long and expensive trip to Victoria. Lastly, the unclear definition between Vancouver and Victoria may take away from the international outlook to Victoria as a preferred tourist destination. Segmentation Analysis The Target segments are 17% of the Australian population who are 60 years or older and are living in metropolitan areas which according to the department of community, Senior well living in Australia reported %73 on seniors live in metropolitan areas. In addition, the segment will be focused on couples with no children with account to %50 of the senior population in the country3. In addition, according to The Conference board of Canada %40 of seniors in Australia live in poverty4. This would leave a margin of %60 seniors that could potentially become the primary target for this tourism marketing proposal services4 Assumptions: There are different types of seniors that I am trying to target: the primary segments are those seniors, who have retired and feel they want to relax, take a trip with no rush and exposure to a healthy environment with ample access to Nature and Culture. The second segment are seniors who have either retired or are about to retire and feel life is starting and need to adventure now that they dont have the responsibility of work or family. -Metropolitan areas are more expensive to live in; therefore the target segment will have better financial stability and potentially be receiving retirement from service. The income source may indicate that a portion of this group have retirement plans savings and or investments. SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS Broad Market Segmentation Golden Age Traveler Cultural Heritage Interest Travelers Geographic Segmentation Australian senior citizens, baby boomers who have strongest interest in ecotourism and cultural heritage attractions such as historic sites, museums, nature, parks and wildlife exposure Australian senior citizens, who have the Interest in short trips with outdoor activities like sightseeing, golfing, shopping, gambling and easy access to cosmopolitan and other tourist destination Demographic Segmentation Retired married couples with graduate studies and no children living at home age 65 and over living in metropolitan areas High Income Married Couples with no children living at home age 60 and over living in metropolitan areas Psychographic Segmentation Self-sufficient individuals, family oriented, community values who enjoy peaceful traveling, exposure to nature and environmentally conscious with are interest in exploring other cultures High disposable income with active lifestyle, enjoy socializing with other people of same interest and look for outdoor activities, casinos, high-end restaurants, resorts and sports Behavioural Segmentation5 Occasion: Benefit Sought: User Status: Loyalty Status Buyer Readiness stage: Winter Vacations -Authentic experience that explores a destinations Natural and cultural heritage. First time visitors -Switchers Investigate options, costs and take time to decide Winter Vacations -Getaway with easy access to cosmopolitan cities and metropolises -Frequent visitors Soft Loyal Look for a short getaway no much investigation, they look, like and buy Segment Attractiveness Primary Secondary Segment Attractiveness Analysis The Segments are measureable because we have quantitative data of the subject in terms of demographics, age groups and financial conditions that could become our primarily target. %73 segments living in metropolitan areas give them easier access to mass media, technology and better income. However, there is no specific data describing the literacy rate of this specific group and it is for this reason that the assessment for this criterion is a 6. If specifically identified, the segments chosen are indeed substantial and profitable enough to serve. Graduates, affluent and high income seniors are highly inclined to use their savings, disposable income or retirement funds to enjoy their lives after retiring from the workforce. The segments are also highly distinguishable from other segments because they have specific geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural characteristics. Additionally, this group is accessible. Eeffective marketing, sales and service programs can be formulated for attracting and serving the segments because they are located in central areas exposed to technology and other marketing venues. Finally, this segment is ethically approachable because they are not presented as a vulnerable group that can potentially attract negative opinions. SEGMENT ATTRACTIVENESS CRITERIA ASSESSMENT (0-10) 1 Measurable 6 2 Substantial 8 3 Differentiable 9 4 Actionable 8 5 Accessible 8 6 Ethical 10 Total Assessment for Segment 49 Recommendations The primary target segment: Retired married Self-sufficient couples, 65 years or older (golden- age), no children living at home, located in metropolitan areas with strong sense of community values who enjoy peaceful traveling, exposure to nature and environment, interested in outdoor activities and exploring other cultures. Brand Positioning Statement: Australian Golden age couples, rest at ease in the colourful city of Victoria, Explore the aboriginal history and heritage of the city while walking through the most exuberant sceneries in all Canada Conclusion Having identified the economic and demographic assets of Australia as a powerful potential market for senior outbound tourism, the swot analysis, segmentation analysis and segment attractiveness analysis have narrowed down our target sector in order to exploit Victoria in competitive advantages over other cities in Canada or other destinations overseas and position it as a tourist destination of golden age travelers age 65 and older. If Opportunities are explored, we can promote victoria as an authentic experience that will allow natural, cultural and seasonal traveling for first time or frequent visitors. APENDIX 1 STRENGHTS WEAKNESSES Perceived as desirable destination (Ocean, Rocky mountains, gardens, beaches, lagoons) Museums Historic Sites Attractions and Entertainment Parks, wildlife, natural areas Outdoor activities Local Heritage Aboriginal Attractions Location and Safety (near cosmopolitan cities, bordered with USA) Same Language Seasons are opposite from Australia Brand is no very Recognized Not many international Flight go Directly out or into Victoria High Taxes for shopping Health Services are not available to temporary visitors Lack of high end shopping High prices for airfare, accommodation and tourist attractions OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Canada meets Australians market on motivations for visiting a country(sceneries, access to nature and outdoor activities, wildlife and proximity to cosmopolitan cities) Increase awareness through tour operators Develop sustainable and cultural tourism Develop agreements with neighbour cities to promote affordable trip packages Depreciation of USA dollar makes it a more attractive and affordable tourist destination. Closer are more affordable destinations in Europe and Asia could shift Australian visitors flow from Victoria Australia offers similar products in terms of tourist attractions, events and activities Not clear differentiation between Victoria and Vancouver. Notes 1. Wikipedia, List of countries by GDP (nominal). Last modified 2013. Accessed February 13, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal). 2. Super Natural British Columbia , Victoria Geography. Last modified 2012. Accessed February 13, 2013. http://www.hellobc.com/victoria/geography.aspx. 3. Global Summary Report 2011.  Canadian Tourism Commission. : 27. http://en-corporate.canada.travel/sites/default/files/pdf/Research/Market-knowledge/Global-tourism-watch/global_summary_gtw_yr5_2011_en.pdf (accessed February 13, 2013). 4. Department for Communities. Western Australian, seniors Wellbeing Indicators 2012, Demographic Profile.Perth, Western Australia 2012. http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/serviceareas/seniors/research/Documents/SO46 SWI Demographic Profile.pdf (accessed February 13, 2013) 5. Exams Tutor, Behavioural Segmentation. Last modified 2012. Accessed February 13, 2013. http://www.examstutor.com/business/resources/studyroom/marketing/market_analysis/9_behavioural_segmentation.php.

Analysis of Indias Mutual Fund Industry

Analysis of Indias Mutual Fund Industry Executive Summary The report titled â€Å"Mutual Fund† has been prepared to give an in-depth analysis of mutual fund industry in India and also a brief study of Mutual fund structure outside India. The report starts with the introduction of Mutual Fund, giving details about what Mutual Fund is all about. This has been done so to make even a layman understand what a mutual fund is. After the introduction part, there is a mention of the parties involved in mutual fund business, namely the AMC, Fund Managers, Dealers of Mutual Fund, Distributors, Investors of Mutual Fund, and the Regulators and so on. Later on, in the report, the inclusion of types of Mutual fund, gives a good knowledge of different categories of mutual fund. The categorization has been made on different measures. Almost all the measures have been included in this report. This part of report has great details of the types of mutual funds. Later part of the report contains the Mutual Fund history in India. The developments that have taken place since the start of Mutual Fund in India have been discussed in this part of the report. The history of Mutual Fund has been discussed in here under different phases. After the history part, the report discusses about the different fund performance. One of the important parts of the part is the NAV part. In this section of report, a detailed study has been done on Net Asset Value (NAV) of Mutual Fund. How the NAV is calculated, its misconception in the minds of investors, how important it is for the parties of Mutual Fund has been explained in this section of the report. Just after this section, there is a mention of Taxation in Mutual Fund. How Mutual Funds are taxed and what are the tax-free Mutual Funds available in the market has been discussed. This part has been discussed with examples, so as to make the investors understand, how they can be benefited with the buying of Mutual Funds. The different terminologies in Mutual Fund namely, SIP, SWP, ARP, AWP, etc has been discussed in this report. The last section of the report discussed about the risks involved in the mutual fund. The different methods through which the risks involved in mutual fund, has been discussed in this section. Also discussed are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a mutual fund. There has also been a comparison made between the returns that can be earned from mutual fund as compared with fixed deposit in banks, in post offices and investment in stock markets. MUTUAL FUNDS What is a Mutual Fund? A mutual fund is a vehicle to pool money from investors with a promise that the money would be invested in a particular manner, by professional managers who are expected to owner the promise. In India mutual funds are governed by the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The basic idea behind a mutual fund is that individual investors generally lack the time, the inclination or the skills to manage their own investments. Thus, mutual funds hire professional managers to manage the investment for the benefit of their investors in return for a management fee. Then Mutual Funds came as a solution to benefit investors who had little or no idea about the working of stock market but were eager to create some money out of it. It was created for the benefit of investors who were not able to understand the complicated functioning of the stock market but had money to invest in it. The basic purpose of any mutual fund is to put the money of the investors into various scrip in the stock market by creating a portfolio (a collection of various shares) and making investors understand the benefits and drawbacks of each and every scheme. The benefit to the customers is that they can invest in various stocks, can get help from professional people and that their money is being managed by professional who have clear understanding of the market. The organization that manages the investment is the Asset Management Company (AMC). Employees of the AMC who perform this role of managing investments are the fund managers. Professional Managements Main idea behind mutual fund is that individual investors lack time and technical skills to research their choice of stock and invest in them so mutual fund hire skilled professional to manage investment of investors in return of management fee. The organization which mange this mutual funds are called Asset Management Company (AMC) And employees who perform this task are called Fund Mangers SCHEMES Portfolio Management Schemes Investors have their own preference on how they want to invest their money and how much risk they want to take. Personal treatment with which an individual investor manages their investment and how much risk they want to be decided is done by professional managers is referred as Portfolio Managements Schemes (PMS). This is normally done for investment under Rs 10 lakhs. Money in trust A mutual fund manages investment of the schemes for the benefits of the investors. Every schemes has an Investment Portfolio (portfolio statement) Account of income and expenditure (revenue Account) Account of asset and liabilities (Balance Sheet) To insure fairness in investment, SEBI regulates the expenditure that can be charged to a scheme. Who are the Parties Involved? Investors Every investor according to their financial position takes risk that is called risk profile or risk appetite. So hypothesis tells that by taking risk of loosing whole or partial money it is possible that investor would gain profit out of investment. Trustees These are the people within the mutual fund organization who are responsible ensuring that investors interest in a scheme is taken care properly. Asset Management Company AMCs manages the investment portfolio of schemes. An AMCs income come from the management fee it charges for the schemes it manages. Every AMC asset under management because cost can not be reduced below some fixed level after that it becomes viable. Distributors Distributors bring investors in mutual fund and it earns commission on each investors. It is AMC decision whether to bear cost fully on distributors or partially. On financial and physical resources distributors could be: Tier 1 who have their own franchised network reaching out to the investors all across the country. Tier 2- who are generally regional players with some reach within their region. Tier3 who are small and marginal players with limited reach. Registrar An investors holding in mutual fund schemes is typically tracked by schemes Registrar and Transfer agent. Some manages it own house and some appoint it outside. Request to invest more money or to redeem money against existing investment is done by RT. Custodian/Depository The custodian maintain the securities in which the scheme invest this ensure an outgoing independent record of the investment of the schemes Schemes and units:- Investment in company is normally represented by certain number of shares People invest in a company by acquiring its share and disinvest by selling its shares. The total outstanding shares of a company multiplied by the face value of each share, Constitute the share capital of a company. Shares are represented in a company and units are represented in a mutual fund scheme. Types of schemes Mutual fund schemes can be offered with any of a range of investment objectives each corresponding to a certain point in the risk return matrix. It can be categorized based on tenor, asset, class, position philosophy geography. Open End Schemes These are the schemes which do not have the fixed maturity. The mutual fund ensures the liquidity by announcing sale and repurchases prices for the units of an open end schemes on an ongoing basis. Investors who wish to exit from an open end scheme can offer their unit to the mutual for redemption, generally called repurchase. Similarly mutual fund can sell new units to investors who want to participate in schemes generally called sale. Additionally a mutual fund can choose to provide liquidity by listing in stock exchange, in that case investor can either trade schemes or opt for above mentioned route. Closed End Schemes These are schemes which have fixed maturity Liquidity in such case is available through listing in stock market. Trade alters change in ownership but dont change in schemes unit capital. Occasionally closed end schemes provide a re purchase option to investors. Either by a specified period or after a specified period normally up to a total limit for all investors together, or limit per investors. Such repurchase would reduce the unit capital of the schemes. Asset Class Equity schemes invest in shares. Depending upon the schemes objective investment could be, Growth stock where earning growth is expected to be attractive Momentum stock that can go up and down with line market Value stock where the fund manager is of the view that current valuation in the stock market does not reflect intrinsic value Income stock that can earn high returns through dividends. Debt or income schemes GILT schemes These invest in government securities. Apart from being the most liquid schemes in the debt market, government securities are eligible for liquidity support. Bond Schemes These schemes invest in bond securities issued by the government or any other issuer. BondSchemes can help people overcome some of the barriers to private renting posed by the requirement to pay a bond to a landlord. Bondschemes are usually set up by the local authority, a voluntary organization or by the Probation Service. All BondSchemes have the same goal: to help people who could not otherwise do so to access private rented accommodation. In achieving this goal a successful scheme will be contributing to the confidence and efficiency of the private rented sector and helping to combat homelessness by assisting homeless and potentially homeless people. Features of the 8% Savings (Taxable) Bond Scheme 2003 Junk Bond Schemes Junk bond schemes in securities that are below investment grade. High yield bonds are politically correct way of referring to junk bonds. Junk bonds can be identified through the lower grades assigned by rating services (e.g., BBB instead of AAA for the highest quality bonds). Because the possibility of default is great, junk bonds are usually considered too risky for investment by the large institutional investors (mutual funds) that provide U.S. corporations with much of their investment capital. Junk bonds are often issued by smaller, newer companies. Money Market and Liquid Schemes These schemes invest in short term debt instrument. Money Markets Instruments include: Commercial papers Commercial bills Treasury bills Government securities having an unexpired maturity up to one year Call or notice money Certificate of deposit Usance bills Permitted securities under a repo / reverse repo agreement Any other like instruments as may be permitted by RBI / SEBI from time to time. Liquid/Money market schemes: These are designed for corporate and small businessmen to use for cash or treasury management. These schemes allow them to park short-term surplus funds in the money market, so that they earn some return before they find end uses. They invest in money market instruments like call money, inter-corporate deposits and commercial paper. Their returns range from 8 to 11 per cent, depending on money market conditions. Even salaried individuals can use them in the short term, since they offer better returns than savings accounts. Some funds even offer cheque-writing facilities. Risk comes from money market volatility which also creates the possibility of gain due to a sudden increase in rates. Balanced Schemes Balanced schemes invest in both equity and debt. The debt investment ensures a basic interest income. Which fund managers hope to top up with capital gains on the investment portfolio. However loses can eat into the basic interest and the income. Big advantage of these schemes is that market risk is more palatable Capital Protected Schemes It is a kind of balanced schemes, where a part of the initial issue proceeds is invested in gilts that would mature to a value equivalent to the unit capital of the schemes. Thus the investors capital is protected. Physical Asset Technically said that mutual fund can invest in any asset whether it can be real asset, precious metals, other metals (aluminium, steel) oil and commodities. In India regulatory framework does permit investment in real asset. Schemes by Position Philosophy. Sector Funds Regulator equity funds invest in a mix of equities that are spread across different sectors so they are called diversified equity funds. Sectors funds on other hands invest in a particular sector, Like energy funds. Index Funds These funds create and replicate according to the specified index such as BSE, NSE, etc. and such position can be created by two methods It can be done by maintaining an investment portfolio that replicates the composition of a chosen index. Weight is same according to the index weight. This replicating style is called the passive investing. Investment fund are called passive funds. And funds that are not passive are called managed funds. Index schemes are also called as unmanaged schemes(since they are passive) or tracker schemes(since they track index) Another is by doing research and identifying a basket of securities and derivatives whose movement is similar to that of index. Schemes that invest in such basket are called as active index funds. Enhanced Index Funds This is a managed index funds that can beat the performance of a bench mark index by at least 0.1 % but no more than the 2% if it crosses 2.5 it is called equity mutual fund. Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) These are open end funds that trade on the exchange. ETF different from index funds in following respect A single NAV in case of open end and in case of ETF is traded in the market place. so its price keeps changing during day The AMC of an ETF does not offer sale and re purchase price of the units. Unique feature is that beside secondary market it also has primary market. Fixed Maturity Plans This eliminates the risk of capital loss by investing in a pre specified debt securities. When a series of FMP are issued for different maturities they are called serial funds. These funds can chose exclusively to invest in government securities and called Serial gilts, alternatively they can invest in non government securities in which case they become Serial Bond Schemes. Non government securities have risk of default (credit risk) which does not exist in case government securities. Schemes by Geography Country or region funds These invest in securities from a specified country or region. This is based on the fact that a particular country or region will show a higher growth or returns on the equity market. Offshore funds- these mobilize the money from investors for investment outside their country. The principle of time diversification has given rise to the concept of Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) It refers of investing constant fund regularly generally every month. When market goes up then the money invested in that period gets translated into fewer numbers units for investors and vise versa. Thus it is clear that SIP tempers with the gain or loss from the investment SIP does not offer protection from losses. If the market turns adverse then you can lose money even in SIP. SIP ensures that your acquisition cost approximate the average NAV. Therefore this investment style is also called rupee cost averaging. Value averaging ensures that investors book profit in rising market and invest in loosing market. For e.g. for ICICI bank (Open ended equity fund), monthly: Minimum Rs. 1000 + 5 post-dated cheques for a minimum of Rs. 1000 each. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) It is mirror image of SIP, under SWP investor would withdrawal constant amount periodically. The benefits are the same namely that through SWP the investor can temper gains though it does not prevent losses. For e.g . in case of ICICI bank (Open ended equity fund) SWP is a Minimum of Rs.500/- and Multiples thereof. Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) Investors exposure to different type of securities whether debt or equity should flow from their risk profile or appetite which the function of their financial position and personal disposition. It occurs in two situations On investment or disinvestment (here SIP and SWP is useful) On change in value of securities in market. In case of mutual funds such rebalancing can be achieved by systematically moving money between schemes. Mid-Cap Fund Mid cap funds are those mutual funds, which invest in small / medium sized companies. As there is no standard definition classifying companies as small or medium, each mutual fund has its own classification for small and medium sized companies. Generally, companies with a market capitalization of up to Rs 500 crore are classified as small. Those companies that have a market capitalization between Rs 500 crore and Rs 1,000 crore are classified as medium sized. Big investors like mutual funds and Foreign Institutional Investors are increasingly investing in mid caps now a day because the price of large caps has increased substantially. Small / mid sized companies tend to be under researched thus they present an opportunity to invest in a company that is yet to be identified by the market. Such companies offer higher growth potential going forward and therefore an opportunity to benefit from higher than average valuations. But mid cap funds are very volatile and tend to fall like a pack of cards in bad times. So, caution should be exercised while investing in mid cap mutual funds. Growth Option The Scheme will not declare any dividends under this option. The income earned by the scheme will remain invested in the scheme and will be reflected in the NAV. This option is suitable for investors who are not looking for current income (but who have invested with the intention of capital appreciation). Moreover, if units under this option are held as capital asset for a period of at least one year, from the date of acquisition, unit holders should get the benefit of long term capital gains tax. Dividend Option This option is suited for investors seeking income through dividend declared by the scheme. Only unit holders opting for the dividend option will receive dividends. An investor on record for the purpose of dividend distributions is an investor who is an unit holder, as of the record date. In order to be a unit holder, an investor has to be allocated units representing receipt of clear funds by the scheme. The scheme may be at the discretion of the trustee, declare annual dividends in its dividend plan subject to availability of distributable profits. Dividends will be declared on the last business day of March. If March 31st is a non business day, the previous business day will serve as the record date. Interim dividends may be declared at the discretion of the trustee. Unit holders also have the option to reinvest their dividend at the ex-dividend NAV. The trustee, in its sole discretion, may also declare interim dividends. It should be noted that actual distribution of dividends and the frequency of distribution indicated above, are provisional and will be entirely at the discretion of the trustee and depend, inter alia on the availability of distributable surplus to the extent the entire net income and realized gains are not distributed, the same will remain invested in the scheme and be reflected in the NAV. Payout Dividend As per the regulations, the fund shall dispatch to the unit holders, the dividend proceeds within 30 days of declaration of the dividend. Dividends will be payable to those unit holders whose names appear in the register of the unit holders on the date (record date). Dividends will be paid by cheque; net of taxes may be applicable. Unit holders will also have the option of direct payment of dividend to the bank account. The cheques will be drawn in the name of the sole/first holder and will be posted to the registered address of the sole/first holder as indicated in the original application form. The fund will endeavor to dispatch the dividend cheques within 30 days of the record date. To safeguard the interest of the unit holders from loss or theft of dividend cheques, investor should provide the name of their bank, branch and account number in the application form. Dividend cheques will be sent to the unit holder after incorporating such information. Reinvest Dividend Under this sub-option, unit holders may chose to reinvest all of their dividends by way of additional units of the scheme instead of receiving dividends in cash. Such additional units by way of reinvestment of dividends will be at the applicable NAV on the next day (excluding Saturday) after the record date. The dividend so reinvested shall be constructive payment of dividend to unit holders and constructive receipt of the same amount from each unit holder for reinvestment in units. Any such investment will be made by indicating in the investors original application or by providing the fund with written notice signed by all the registered holder(s) of the units and also sent to the registrar. Revocation of any such decision also must be made in writing and signed by all the registered holder(s) of the units and also sent to the registrar. The additional units issued under the sub-option â€Å"Reinvest Dividend† under option B and held as capital asset would get benefit of long-term capital gains tax if sold after being held for one year. For this purpose one year will be computed from the date when such additional units are issued. Effect of Dividend: The NAV of the unit holders in dividend option will stand reduced by the amount of dividend declared. The NAV of the growth option will remain unaffected. Mutual fund industry in India The origin of mutual fund industry in India is with the introduction of the concept of mutual fund by UTI in the year 1963. Though the growth was slow, but it accelerated from the year 1987 when non-UTI players entered the industry. In the past decade, Indian mutual fund industry had seen a dramatic improvement, both qualities wise as well as quantity wise. Before, the monopoly of the market had seen an ending phase; the Assets under Management (AUM) were Rs. 67bn. The private sector entry to the fund family raised the AUM to Rs. 470 bn in March 1993 and till April 2004; it reached the height of 1,540 bn. Putting the AUM of the Indian Mutual Funds Industry into comparison, the total of it is less than the deposits of SBI alone, constitute less than 11% of the total deposits held by the Indian banking industry. The main reason of its poor growth is that the mutual fund industry in India is new in the country. Large sections of Indian investors are yet to be intellectuated with the concept. Hence, it is the prime responsibility of all mutual fund companies, to market the product correctly abreast of selling. The mutual fund industry can be broadly put into four phases according to the development of the sector. Each phase is briefly described as under. First Phase -1964-87 Unit Trust of India (UTI) was established on 1963 by an Act of Parliament. It was set up by the Reserve Bank of India and functioned under the Regulatory and administrative control of the Reserve Bank of India. In 1978 UTI was de-linked from the RBI and the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) took over the regulatory and administrative control in place of RBI. The first scheme launched by UTI was Unit Scheme 1964. Second phase1987_1993 (Entry of Public Sector Funds) Entry of non-UTI mutual funds. SBI Mutual Fund was the first followed by Canara bank Mutual Fund (Dec 87), Punjab National Bank Mutual Fund (Aug 89), Indian Bank Mutual Fund (Nov 89), Bank of India (Jun 90), Bank of Baroda Mutual Fund (Oct 92). LIC in 1989 and GIC in 1990. The end of 1993 marked Rs.47, 004 as assets under management. Third Phase- 1993-2003 (Entry of Private Sector Funds) With the entry of private sector funds in 1993, a new era started in the Indian mutual fund industry, giving the Indian investors a wider choice of fund families. Also, 1993 was the year in which the first Mutual Fund Regulations came into being, under which all mutual funds, except UTI were to be registered and governed. The erstwhile Kothari Pioneer (now merged with Franklin Templeton) was the first private sector mutual fund registered in July 1993. The 1993 SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations were substituted by a more comprehensive and revised Mutual Fund Regulations in 1996. The industry now functions under the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations 1996. The number of mutual fund houses went on increasing, with many foreign mutual funds setting up funds in India and also the industry has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions. As at the end of January 2003, there were 33 mutual funds with total assets of Rs. 1, 21,805 crores. The Unit Trust of India with Rs.44,541 crores of assets under management was way ahead of other mutual funds. Fourth Phase- since February 2003 This phase had bitter experience for UTI. It was bifurcated into two separate entities. One is the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India with AUM of Rs.29, 835 crores (as on January 2003). The Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India, functioning under an administrator and under the rules framed by Government of India and does not come under the purview of the Mutual Fund Regulations. The second is the UTI Mutual Fund Ltd, sponsored by SBI, PNB, BOB and LIC. It is registered with SEBI and functions under the Mutual Fund Regulations. With the bifurcation of the erstwhile UTI which had in March 2000 more than Rs.76, 000 crores of AUM and with the setting up of a UTI Mutual Fund, conforming to the SEBI Mutual Fund Regulations, and with recent mergers taking place among different private sector funds, the mutual fund industry has entered its current phase of consolidation and growth. As at the end of September, 2004, there were 29 funds, which manage assets of Rs.153108 crores under 421 schemes. Performance of Mutual Funds in India Let us start the discussion of the performance of mutual funds in India from the day the concept of mutual fund took birth in India. The year was 1963. Unit Trust of India invited investors or rather to those who believed in savings, to park their money in UTI Mutual Fund. For 30 years it goaled without a single second player. Though the 1988 year saw some new mutual fund companies, but UTI remained in a monopoly position. The performance of mutual funds in India in the initial phase was not even closer to satisfactory level. People rarely understood, and of course investing was out of question. But yes, some 24 million shareholders were accustomed with guaranteed high returns by the beginning of liberalization of the industry in 1992. This good record of UTI became marketing tool for new entrants. The expectations of investors touched the sky in profitability factor. However, people were miles away from the preparedness of risks factor after the liberalization. The Assets under Management of UTI was Rs. 67bn. by the end of 1987. Let me concentrate about the performance of mutual funds in India through figures. From Rs. 67bn. the Assets Under Management rose to Rs. 470 bn. in March 1993 and the figure had a three times higher performance by April 2004. It rose as high as Rs. 1,540bn. The net asset value (NAV) of mutual funds in India declined when stock prices started falling in the year 1992. Those days, the market regulations did not allow portfolio shifts into alternative investments. There were rather no choices apart from holding the cash or to further continue investing in shares. One more thing to be noted, since only closed-end funds were floated in the market, the investors disinvested by selling at a loss in the secondary market. The performance of mutual funds in India suffered qualitatively. The 1992 stock market scandal, the losses by disinvestments and of course the lack of transparent rules in the whereabouts rocked confidence among the investors. Partly owing to a relatively weak stock market performance, mutual funds have not yet recovered, with funds trading at an average discount of 10 ­20 percent of their net asset value. The supervisory authority adopted a set of measures to create a transparent and competitive environment in mutual funds. Some of them were like relaxing investment restrictions into the market, introduction of open-ended funds, and paving the gateway for mutual funds to launch pension schemes. The measure was taken to make mutual funds the key instrument for long-term saving. The more the variety offered, the quantitative will be investors. At last to mention, as long as mutual fund companies are performing with lower risks and higher profitability within a short span of time, more and more people will be inclined to invest until and unless they are fully educated with the dos and donts of mutual funds. Drawbacks of Mutual Funds Mutual funds have their drawbacks and may not be for everyone: No Guarantees: No investment is risk free. If the entire stock market declines in value, the value of mutual fund shares will go down as well, no matter how balanced the portfolio. Investors encounter fewer risks when they invest in mutual funds than when they buy and sell stocks on their own. However, anyone who invests through a mutual fund runs the risk of losing money. Fees and commissions: All funds charge administrative fees to cover their day-to-day expenses. Some funds also charge sales commissions or loads to compensate brokers, financial consultants, or financial planners. Even if you dont use a broker or other financial adviser, you will pay a sales commission if you buy shares in a Load Fund. Taxes: During a typical year, most actively managed mutual funds sell anywhere from 20 to 70 percent of the securities in their portfolios. If your fund makes a profit on its sales, you will pay taxes on the income you receive, even if you reinvest the money you made. Management risk: When you invest in a mutual fund, you depend on the funds manager to make the right decisions regarding the fun

A Comparison of Hard Times and Dulce Et Decorum Est :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of Hard Times and Dulce Et Decorum Est      Ã‚   It is amazing what we can learn about the different societies by studying the literature prevalent of their times. According to Michel Foucault, "Through language and thought, each period in history develops its own perceptions of the nature of reality (or what it defines as truth) and sets up its own acceptable and unacceptable standards of behavior" which he calls "episteme" (Bressler 242).   Within the text of "Hard Times" Charles Dickens brings the reader an understanding of what was happening to the English society during the Victorian age. As we read this text we can have the opportunity to view the thoughts of the Victorian culture as well as view what happened at that time though our own.    The title of his story brings the reader to an understanding of what is behind the story even before reading the text. It is written in simple language for all to understand, those of the times, and those who read the story in the future. Dickens does not complain of kings who lack morals or knights who seek justice. He does not write of men seeking honor in battle or the absurdity of war. He writes in plain language for the common man to comprehend of a different battle than one might suspect. He speaks of the battle his society faces while going through the growing pains of advancing technology and it's effect on the people of his country. The author speaks of a city called "Coketown" that is being transformed into an industrial conglomeration from what once was a pleasant city of humans living and together to make a better life. When Dickens writes, "It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it" he is complainin g of a vanishing beauty that once held this city and it's people in safety (Longman1828).    Dickens goes on to describe the city as having, "a black canal in it, and a river that ran purple with ill-smelling dye" which would bring the reader to consider the possible pollution of the waterway (Longman 1829). It is apparent by reading the comments of Dickens that at the time of writing "Hard Times" was directed at the cities governing body in an attempt at righting the wrongs of technologies effects on the city.

Importance of Clothing in Prologue of the Canterbury Tales :: Canterbury Tales Essays

Importance of Clothing in Prologue of the Canterbury Tales Countless people believe in the cliche "do not judge a book by its cover": but why not? Clothing often forms another's first impression of one. It speaks of where a person has been and where they intend to go. Their appearance also illustrates a person's true self and aspirations. A man wearing torn jeans, dingy shirt, and old shoes might be thought of as poor or coming home from a hard day's labor. However, a young woman in a Gucci dress with Versace pumps could be assumed to have access to a large amount of money. In "The Prologue from the Canterbury Tales," Chaucer uses clothing as an insight into people's ongoing adventure called life. In the Prologue, humbled by his life experiences, the Knight dresses plainly. Garbed in a stained coarse cotton tunic, the knight sits upon his horse. Seen in a different setting, the Knight's attire would say little about his life as an honorable man. By humbling oneself, a true hero lends credence to the fact that flash is not always needed. His armor left dark smudges on his tunic. Humbling experiences cause humans to step back and analyze the fortune they have; they learn that they do not have to wear their achievements. Sometimes people boast their success through fine clothing. Unlike the flamboyant Yeomen, the distinguished knight wears old garments. The Yeomen succumbs to society's inclination that when he dresses the part he will become successful. He wears a coat with a green hood. From a low social standing, he believes that the better he looks the more successful he will become. Emphasis should be placed on one's achievements and inner self rather than outward appearance. A saucy brace is worn on his arm to protect it from the bow. At first glance, one would assume that he was a superior archer of high standings rather then a lowly Yeomen. Looks can be deceiving, but the illusion fades as one's true self shines through. Extravagant best describes the Yeomen's style while plain and reserved best depicts the nun. Chaucer illustrates how small insignificant accessories can have a deeper meaning. The Nun wore a coral trinket on her arm.

Advocacy Plan for Social Change Essay

Protected class group are individuals protected from harassment and discrimination. Discrimination in occupation and employment takes different forms. Under state and federal legislation, unlawful discrimination may take place when an individual or group of people is ‘treated’ in a different way due to particular attributes such as sex, color and race, which leads to impairment of equality of treatment and opportunity. Discrimination in the place of work may occur when selecting and recruiting staff and considering dismissal, retrenchment, promotion, or transfer. The reason to advocate for this group is that human dignity and human development hinge on ‘freedom’ from discrimination at the place of work. Eliminating discrimination is important as society, individuals, and enterprises stand to gain. It is invaluable if a person is able to choose his/her professional paths, be rewarded based on his/her merit as well as develop his/her skills and talent. Discrimination leads to disadvantages and imbalances in the labor market. Justice and fairness at the place of work boosts motivation, self-esteem, and morale of employees. A more loyal and productive labor force combined with practical human resources management leads to more competitive and productive enterprises. Promoting equality and enacting laws outlawing discrimination is crucial for social change (Kundu, 2001). However, laws are not the only solution to eliminate discrimination. The first step to advocate for the protected class group is to encourage organizations to develop workplace programs that reduce discrimination and racism. In some cases, discrimination and racism result from lack of knowledge in different population groups. Creating a recruitment strategy that supports diversity in the place of work is an effective approach to improve attitudes about workers who have different cultures. In addition, diversity awareness training can reduce discrimination and racism. Diversity awareness training is different from training about laws of employment. Diversity awareness programs educate people about factors that lead to improved relationships in the workplace such as appreciation and mutual respect for similarities and differences  (Kundu, 2001). Diversity awareness boosts learning and contribution of the employees irrespective of their cultural or physical attributes and creates diverse workplaces. The stakeholders to take part in this campaign against workplace discrimination are employees and community groups. Employees represent different communities which have different backgrounds. There are a number of groups that are against discrimination and racism such as American Institute for Managing Diversity (AIMD), Center for Equal Opportunity (CEO), and CoAction. Community groups can help to promote community dialogues on discrimination and racism. People will learn to respect the dissimilarities in all populations leading to social change. While a person needs to be proud of his/her affiliation in a certain culture, this does not imply that he/she can feel superior or disrespect another group. When employees join groups that are working against racism, they will be able to maintain open dialogue regarding their race and others. When people learn about cultures, this will reduce discrimination since they will have to adapt to each other. Due to few stereotypes, individuals will respect each other. As time goes by, people will be able to tolerate each other and eventually accept one another. To create communities that are influential to accomplish significant change, there is need for different people to work together. When various communities join forces, it will be possible to reach common goals. Each community has unique perspectives and strengths that will benefit the larger society. Reference Kundu, S. (2001). Managing Cross-Cultural Diversity: A Challenge for Present and Future Organizations. Retrieved 11November, 2012, From http://www.delphibusinessreview.org/v_2n2/dbrv2n2e.pdf