Monday, September 30, 2019

Traditional Family a National Crisis

The idiom, â€Å"Decline of Traditional Family a National Crisis,† is deeply rooted to an assumption that national boom results from a nation rich with traditional nuclear families. Consisting of a married man and woman living together and sharing responsibilities for offspring and for each other, is the view of David Popenoe, a sociologist who believes a nuclear family defines social and national prosperity, the norm. It is when deviation from such norm occurs, that nuclear family importance is speculated.With approximate statistical data, studies show 50% of marriages will end in divorce, a common transaction that portrays dismay of family. If the society is to survive, modifications to values and norms will be subject to cultural trends. According to David Popenoe, the traditional family is the key institution in society. Therefore, the society is eroded if the key institution is distorted. Popenoe argues families provide the identity, belonging, discipline, and values that are essential for development. Furthermore, he explains the concern that is shadowing children, victims of adverse social impact.Nonetheless, Popenoe admits to social progress, such as diminishment of segregation, racism and the financial emancipation of women. Popenoe’s research is admirable but not entirely correct, due to neglecting the modern society’s value for family and structural changes that have emerged from technology. In this modern day and time, families range from traditional to modern. The traditional family is a vulnerable mirage, holding on to values once strongly deemed necessary. The modern family is a deviant reflection of traditional family.The composition of traditional nuclear family members no longer exists only in traditional sense. Participants in modern families are, the traditional man, woman and child, partnered gay men and lesbian women with or without child, single man and child, and a woman and child. Many of the family styles are respo nses to cultural evolution in freedom of choice and some are from nature’s course, whether tragic or not. Regardless of family style, the chosen avenue is not free from our roles beyond the family that restrict our access to family life, a view of Stephanie Coontz.Stephanie Coontz opposes Popenoe’s theories of a nation in crises, as well as pointing out historical data was not accurately performed. She has provided more accurate data with much more sophisticated statistical approaches, including margin of error. Data collected, state families are behaving in no-crises manner and many families are strong, today. One of Coontz’s theories included the change in woman’s role. Women of today are not just barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, while breadwinner daddy is working to support his family.Coontz expresses, in America, there are tremendous variety of family types that have worked and not worked. She continue to explain, that families succeed because th ey were flexible in their living arrangement, oppose to then stereotypes of the past. Our choices have improved with every human movement and social trend. Scientific and technological advancements have enabled possibilities, once unattainable, for traditional partners, gay couples as well as single men and women, to have children.While traditional partners implement partnership availability, today’s single parent, has many choices from privileges bestowed. Single parents are capable of working long hours and still participate as loving and nurturing with the help of community, employer childcare accommodations, private and government programs. Communication and logistics, previously hindered from lack of technology, presently are vastly available and have narrowed deficiency in children’s need to see and communicate with parents.Being equipped with much assistance, parents work productively or extensively, trying to excel. Structure of family is not the vitality of a nation; it is the family that creates a nation. Changing laws pave further change. Yesterday’s view of family, sufficed as best, still prevails but different family structures are emerging. Meeting the needs of members and protecting them from poverty, violence or sexual exploitation, is parental, social and national responsibility. Responsibility to achieve these needs starts with parents, sifters thru society, and lives nationally anew.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Moving to Another Country Essay

Tradition is existing knowledge. A tradition is a group of related ideas that have lasted for a long time. In some cases people have spent that time trying to improve the ideas. We’ll call that a dynamic tradition because it changes over time. In other cases, the focus has been on keeping the tradition exactly the same over time. We’ll call that a static tradition because it does not change. Although these approaches are contradictory, some traditions are mixed. Dynamic traditions are important because they contain some of our best knowledge. Today, they contain only the best ideas any participants have thought of in the whole history of the tradition. I don’t mean they are perfect, but if they missed a good idea, it was despite people’s efforts, not intentional. They do a pretty good job of gathering the best ideas, and keeping those around, and discarding ideas that are discovered to be mistaken. The reason dynamic traditions are especially valuable is the sheer amount of thought, criticism and error correction that has gone into them from many people. Just because traditions contain valuable knowledge doesn’t mean they are always right. Sometimes they aren’t. I shouldn’t defer to traditions just because a lot of smart people didn’t see any way to improve them further. I should defer if I don’t see any way to improve them further. If I make up a new idea, and I don’t see any way to improve it further (in 20 minutes of thought), then it’s not particularly reliable. I could easily have missed something. With a tradition, perhaps thousands of people put in twenty minutes of thought, and some others put in years, so even if I don’t see any way to improve things, and even if I don’t know much about the subject, it has an advantage over just making something up myself. All the knowledge in traditions can be intimidating . And no one has time to carefully and critically go through all the details of all the traditional knowledge they use. That’s OK. But one should bear in mind two things. First, if something goes wrong — if there seems to be a problem — then relying on tradition isn’t good enough. It’s not working, and you’ll need to tweak something or find another tradition. And second, a thoughtful person should critically evaluate some traditions. It’s your choice which, but everyone ought to be good at something and have the experience of trying to improve some knowledge. Everyone should put some serious thought into some area. There isn’t much point to life if I don’t seriously think about some parts of it. In the case of a disagreement, an  appeal to tradition is invalid. The tradition might be wrong and someone thinks it is. To address that disagreement, I have to consider their criticism of the tradition, any alternative ideas they have, and any arguments in favor of the traditional idea, and then try to work out what is true. Traditions containing people’s best ideas of the past won’t always be the best ideas anyone thinks of in the future. The biggest value of traditions is they can often give useful ideas that are not controversial, or starting points which partially solve problems. In a disagreement, although we can’t say, â€Å"This is true because a lot of smart people didn’t see anything wrong with it, and who are you to say they missed something?† the fact that something is a tradition is not irrelevant either. Dynamic traditions have, over the years, faced a lot of criticism. They often already include explanations of why common criticisms of the tradition are mistaken. Major traditions have existing literature that provides arguments and ideas on the subject. This literature can answer many disagreements, which are often made in ignorance. When we find something wrong with a tradition, if at all possible we should improve the tradition, not abandon it. We should seek a way to modify the tradition but also retain existing knowledge. To keep the most existing knowledge, our change should be as small as possible to solve the problem. If we were to start over from scratch, we may avoid the flaw we found, but we’re not perfect and our new ideas will contain other flaws. And new ideas won’t have the benefit of decades or centuries of people trying to find and correct flaws. We should consequently be respectful of tradition even as we find errors in it, and try to improve it with new ideas of our own. Static traditions are different. Although they’ve been around a long time, no one has been trying to find mistakes in them, so they aren’t very useful. Nor are they innocuous. Consider: why does the static tradition still exist? Why didn’t it disappear after its original advocates died? With a dynamic tradition, it’s passed on to the next generation because people find it useful, and teach it. A static tradition, too, must have some mechanism for being passed on. But it canâ€⠄¢t be that people voluntarily learn it due to its usefulness. Because it never changes, and never corrects errors, it’s not very useful. Instead, people must in some way be tricked or fooled into it, or indoctrinated, or forced, or brainwashed. Often they are pressured, and made  to feel bad, sinful or guilty if they do not follow the tradition. But controlling people’s emotions is difficult. Because people are creative and will try to defend themselves, it takes a lot of knowledge to reliably control or manipulate them. Where does that knowledge come from? Static traditions are not actually entirely static. The main ideas, doctrine or dogma is kept constant. But the way of passing it on changes. The more people try to preserve the tradition unchanged, and make sure it will last forever, the more creativity they put into mechanisms for transmitting the tradition to the next generation. All traditions face a selection effect. For a tradition to last, it has to be passed on from older people to younger people. But only so many ideas can be taught to the next generation. Children are only in school, and in their parents’ home, for so many years. The amount of ideas is large, but it’s limited. Only a certain amount of tradition can fit. Only the ones that are better at being passed on will make the cutoff. D ynamic traditions compete by being as useful as possible. Thus the selection effect pushes them to be better and better. They try to be true, and people like the truest ones so much that they teach them to children. Static traditions compete differently. They can’t compete with good ideas directly, so they use other approaches such as manipulating or controlling people. In short, in some way they disable the person’s creativity so he doesn’t realize the tradition is low on useful truth content, and doesn’t think of alternative ideas against which a static tradition can’t compete. The selection effect for static traditions makes them worse, not better. Any static tradition that fails to create a permanent blind spot in the person runs a serious risk that one day he’ll realize it’s not a great tradition and doesn’t have a lot of useful knowledge. And if he realizes that, whether he ever changes his mind or improves himself, what he won’t want to do is teach it to his kids. There will never come a time when his children have some problem or qu estion, and he thinks if he teaches them this tradition it will help them, since he knows it is not useful. Traditions are important because they contain our best knowledge collected over the years. But they can also be dangerous. Static traditions that induce blind spots in people and are useless at everything except getting themselves taught to children. It is up to us to consider which traditions are which.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

An Introduction To Knowledge Workers Management Essay

An Introduction To Knowledge Workers Management Essay For the main part of the 20th century, the industry was depended on the performance of manual workers in manufacturing. During this time the most important contribution of management was to increase the productivity of these workers to make the organization profitable and to sustain their continuity. (Drucker, 1999) But a shift has taken place. Nowadays, in the 21st century, the economy starts increasingly to depend on the performance and productivity of knowledge workers. Most businesspeople believed in the importance of knowledge workers and saw that knowledge workers are vital to organizational success which includes organizational sustainability and growth. For this reason â€Å"knowledge workers† become essential in nowadays economy (Helton, R 1988, Drucker, 1999). But what does this relatively new term ‘knowledge workers’ means? In the literature there is no common or specific definition found. (Ramirez Frey, 1997). According to their need of autonomy it i s the role of the knowledge worker to learn, constantly updating – and developing new skills, and transfer this knowledge to others in the organization. By doing this, they will make them valuable to the organization ( James, 2002). At last a knowledge worker can be defined from the perspective of an individual activity. In reference to this perspective, the balance between ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’ activities regarding their job is examined (Kelloway & Barling, 2003). However the work of knowledge workers is defined as work with high levels of cognitive activities (Helton, 1988) and where they will work with information to make decisions and create idea’s (Fox, 1990). For this reason knowledge workers tend more to the side where activities are related to ‘thinking’

Friday, September 27, 2019

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Essay - 5

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Essay Example Impacts of Globalization and Technology on AECOM The inception of globalization and advancement in technologies has facilitated AECOM to expand its business operations across the globe. At the same time, the operational performance of the company has also witnessed certain severe impacts with the advent of globalization and the advancement in technologies. Correspondingly, with the rise of globalization the company was able to spread its operations all over the world to a large extent and has considerably attained the benefits arising thereon. Owing to lessen trade barriers, the company was able to provide its services to different regions of the world and ensure its active presence in the global arena. It has also been ascertained that the continuous expansion of the company is largely due to the operational opportunities presence in various nations of the world. Apart from this, the use of advanced technology is also another factor that has immensely contributed towards the reasona ble success of the company. The use of new technologies has enabled the company to exploit unreached business opportunities in the most efficient and convenient manner. Furthermore, the incorporation of the latest technologies has also facilitated in enhancing the quality of services of the company to a considerable extent. However, apart from these positive aspects, globalization has increased the level of competition for the company. Prior to globalization the operations of the company was almost monopoly without much threat of the competitors. However, with the advent of the globalization and technological advancement the AECOM has significantly resulted in the breaking of its monopoly from the marketplace. (Parker, 2005). The Application of Industrial Organization Model and Resource-based Model It has been noted that, the performance of the company is considerably good over the years. However, implementation of the industrial organization model and the resource-based model can b e effective in enhancing the performance of the company up to the next level. Since, the company operates on a larger scale and in a widespread market the industrial model is ascertained to be vitally effective. The industrial model advocates that it is the sole decision of the company to operate in a particular market and determines its performance. Additionally, the implementation of this model will facilitate the company to choose less competitive market for its operation which can ultimately raise its performance graph. On the other hand, the resource-based model can also be valuable in its several ways. This model reflects the ability of the company to collect valuable internal resources and build strategies in accordance to the available resources. The company can first choose resources for its production and utilized the same at the largest extent so that it can gain competitive advantage over its rivals. Subsequently, the company needs to choose an appropriate market for its services with less competition and formulate its strategies accordingly to reap the best benefit arising from the selected market. It can be argued that these models would eventually upgrade the performance of the company to a greater extent (Heracleous, 2003). Influence of Vision Statement and Mission Statement on AECOM The operation of the company has seen to be quite successful especially owing to its strict adherence to its mission and vision. It

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Information system management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Information system management - Assignment Example ferrous forgings (e.g. pressure vessels, satellite rings, aero plane undercarriages, chemical plant etc.) is performing their activities by connecting every area of it so that the whole system works together. Currently the issue is with the performance of IT system and its coordination with the business management. Any business that is established cannot proceed or grow unless there is proper integration of the divisions that are set in order to carry business. IT system and the business are two other ways, both work in their own manner and both have different ways of solving their problems and issues. Business focuses more on goals where as IT deals with the use of appropriate software’s and hardware’s. For organization’s it is difficult to bring the IT system and the management to one platform in order to bring sustainability to the business. This can only be done when there is proper communication of information between both divisions. Being a manager I know t hat the dissimilarity actually breakdowns the system and due to this the alignment of the business and the IT also get disturbs. Business success comes when there is understanding between both areas because the working ways and conditions are different of business and IT. Management can all the time be informed with the IT issues by communication and the involvement of IT specialists in the board meetings. Creating value in business is impossible unless the latest trends are not followed. Because of the changing trends and environment, businesses are creating shifts in order to bring sustainability and uniqueness in the services and operations. IT is one and the best way of providing customer service, establishing convenient distribution channels, and information regarding the products and rescheduling business boundaries. Business managers should see IT as the major component and a wheel of the business. To develop any business activity it is important to give required significance to the IT system of the firm whereas, IT plays a very important role in performing the business activities. This report will present the tools and techniques and the strategies that can be used for performing and fixing up the issues that are currently faced by this company regarding the performance of IT and the cost related issued with IT infrastructure. It furthers demonstrate the solutions to such problems to adhere the further adverse effects of IT on the organization. This report also illustrates that why this enterprise failed to follow the use of IT effectively whereas today the need of IT is rapidly increasing but due to the mismanagement and improper coordination of IT and business management it is bringing difficulties for them to manage their rapid growing costs of IT. Key Issues Following are the issues that are generally faced by the company related to IT as management failed to identify the issues and couldn’t create the solutions to it The issue that manageme nt faces consistently about IT is the change over time. As IT has moved into the strange era where the needs and demands of the market change over time and this causes IT to change their strategy whereas the strategies and working processes of the management also change. So it gets difficult for both the functions to work on one platform. Another issue is that whosoever is working in IT division need to keep themselves update and should be well

Korea and australia hofstede cultural differences Essay

Korea and australia hofstede cultural differences - Essay Example The Hofstede Report refers to the groundbreaking work of Geert Hofstede, whose studies into different nations has revealed a common consensus of five cultural dimensions according to which different countries can be compared. The truth is that over time, these dimensions have evolved according to the historical traditions, geographic boundaries, national perspectives and anything else that forms the cultural character of a people or country[1]. Differences in the Two Cultures, Recommendations and Analysis 1. Power Distance: Australians are used to a lower power distance between individuals than Koreans. Dassan Ltd. would therefore do well to cultivate an attitude of self respect and equality among people in its managers prior to sending them to Australia. This is a big mind shift from Korea, where the traditions demand respect from someone at a higher social or work position [2]. 2. Uncertainty Avoidance: Both Australians and South Koreans are used to a low level of uncertainty avoid ance. But whereas listening to a statement made by management would be enough for its validity among most Australians, the Koreans would prefer that this be committed to writing in the form of policy before it is accepted in their hearts and minds [3]. 3.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Discussion 2.1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion 2.1 - Essay Example For effective planning on such uncertainties both positive and negative, we must most importantly understand our environment and its extensions. These include the social circles, psychological domain, behavioral, just to mention but a few. In planning, a concrete and consistent model is only achieved when the personality of an individual is put into great consideration. This comes with basic constructs which must clearly be understood. For instance, an individual’s undertakings may often be dictated by taste, but if this is the trend then ultimately balance would miss. This is to say that one’s emotional desires shouldn’t solely dictate every future undertaking they chose to dwell in (Kimberly & Margie 2001). Time is a very significant parameter when planning for the life’s unexpected events. For instance, confronted by the expenses of a family to take care of, one would have to balance between their times for capacity building; in of case they that may be intending to jump the professional ladder. Without setting the priorities right, a balance may miss in settling family issues as well as attending to individual concerns that similarly amount to esteem (Kimberly & Margie

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Sociology and culture of Chicago Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sociology and culture of Chicago - Essay Example That's why Chicago has the biggest population and median home values throughout the state. In 2000 there were 2,896,016 people living in Chicago. The U.S Census Bureau provides us with the data that says that 42.0% of Chicago dwellers are white, 36.8 % percent of them are Black or African American, the percentage of American Indian and Alaska Native persons is only 0.4%, while there are 4.3% of Asian persons living in Chicago. 26% of Chicago dwellers are persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, and the percentage of the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders is 0.1%. 2.9% of people reported two or more races, and 13.6% of the citizens reported some other race. The research conducted by the U.S Census Bureau displayed that the population of Chicago has grown by about 4%, but the Local Information Data Server Website reports that in recent years Chicago's population has been declining at an annual rate of less than one percent. The quantity of children under five years old was about 7.5% in Chicago in 2000, while the quantity of young people under eighteen, equaled 26.2%. 10.3% of the Chicago dwellers were sixty five years old and over at the time when the research was conducted. There were 51.5% of females dwelling in Chicago in 2000, and 48.5% percent of male dwellers. 21.7% of those, who lived in Chicago in 2000 we... In 1999 Median household income equaled $38,625, and the per capita money income was $20,175. 19.6% of Chicago dwellers lived below the poverty threshold in 1999. Like most big cities, Chicago has to deal with the problem of poverty within it. Of course, there are some people in the city that can't or don't want to work, but most of Chicago dwellers work hard to earn their living. The thing is that working very hard is often not enough to ensure the proper level of life for yourself or your family. Like all of the American huge cities, Chicago has to face the problem of the working poor. A new class of poor people appeared in the USA, those who can not provide themselves with the things needed for the decent living in spite of the amount of time and effort they spend. Those are home health care aides, call-center operators, child care workers, security guards, receptionists, food processors, gardeners, data-entry clerks, waiters and cleaners. If all of those low-waged workers stopped working at once, the countries social, economical and industrial life would be paralyzed. Low wages aren't the only problem of the working poor. Most of them are not socially secure. Of course this state of things influences their physical and psychological condition badly. The poor often cannot afford to buy a proper food and clothing for themselves and their children, or they have to choose between having a supper and paying the water and electricity bills. Most of them don't have any medical insurance, and those who have it wish they didn't, because it takes the considerable share of their earnings. Low-wage workers often experience problems finding the accommodation and paying for it, as the rent is too high for them. They are often

Monday, September 23, 2019

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

FDI Strategy - Essay Example These trends come with different advantages as well as their fair share of challenges as pressure to belong grows on these corporations and firms regularly. To assist in these changing trends, foreign direct investment guarantees that the corporation is well-situated through mergers, joint ventures, or acquisition of shares. This guarantees their position in the growing market, and a place in their hosts’ market (Peng, 2012). MNE selected (who they are and what they do) Multinational enterprises are taking over the world by storm as they strive and struggle to capture the international market through some of the products and services they offer. One major MNE that is popular in this day and age is probably the McDonald’s fast food chain. This MNE has been around for a particularly long time and is keen on spreading its wings into different regions of the world, so as to capitalize on the changing trends. Changes in the technological and cultural field are making it easier for MNEs to break into emerging markets and take advantage of the growing number of consumers (Peng, 2012). McDonald’s Corporation probably has the largest chain of fast food restaurants around the world. It is situated in almost 119 countries, and has its headquarters in the United States. The corporation sells almost anything that is considered fast food, ranging from soft drinks to desserts for its ever-growing customer base. Sadly, one region that may not boast of having a branch of this corporation is North Korea. Challenges and advantages of FDI for the MNE One of the main advantages of FDI for the MNE is that the host country may be assisted in their quest for improving their infrastructure and projects that boost their economy (Dunning & Lundan, 2008). McDonald’s, in some of the areas that it is situated, can offer them the aid they need in order to be self-sufficient and increase their infrastructure developments. North Korea, as a region that does not boast of having a McDonald’s branch or franchise, may need the services and job opportunities that arise from the corporation’s presence in the region. Moreover, greater competition may arise from all the subsidiaries of the corporation, which may lead to an increase in productivity and gains from all groups participating in the business. Some of the challenges of foreign direct investment for the fast food corporation involve the exploitation of labor in the region. In order to make a mark in the region in which they are situated, corporations are pushed into focu sing on their profits, rather than the positive impact of their presence. Also, the host’s country’s investment policies may be a tremendous challenge to the main corporation (Dunning & Lundan, 2008). If the host region has stringent investment policy measures, it may be next to impossible for the mother corporation to invest in the host country, or even find the right strategies to satisfy their overall organizational performance. Best way for the MNE to minimize foreign exchange risks For MNEs, it is crucial to identify the risks that are posed to its operations. The corporation needs to monitor its financial, portfolio, and structural risks and engage in risk management strategies that may protect the corporation’s investments in the host country. When it comes down to foreign exchange and MNEs, structural risks are the most crucial risks to monitor. This is because mismatches between cash inflows and outflows can cause

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Ignou solved assignment 2014 Essay Example for Free

Ignou solved assignment 2014 Essay Describe the evolutionary process of organization design and different perspectives of organization design and their relevance. Q. Explain the meaning and purpose of Job design and briefly discuss the impact technology has on Job design. Q. Discuss the purpose of organizational analysis and briefly describe the tools which could be used for organizational analysis and their effectiveness. Q. Identify different kinds of change which take place in organization and strategies which are used for change and their effectiveness. Discuss how resistance to change can be handled before implementing it. Give examples. Q. Discuss the process of institution building and the role of chief executive in institution building with an example. 1. Organization design-A process for improving the probability that an organization will be successful. More specifically, Organization Design is a formal, guided process for integrating the people, information and technology of an organization. It is used to match the form of the organization as closely as possible to the purpose(s) the organization seeks to achieve. Through the design process, organizations act to improve the probability that the collective efforts of members will be successful. Typically, design is approached as an internal change under the guidance of an external facilitator. Managers and members work together to define the needs of the organization then create systems to meet those needs most effectively. The facilitator assures that a systematic process is followed and encourages creative thinking. Hierarchical Systems Western organizations have been heavily influenced by the command and control structure of ancient military organizations, and by the turn of the century introduction of Scientific Management. Most organizations today are designed as a bureaucracy in which authority and responsibility are arranged in a hierarchy. Within the hierarchy rules, policies, and procedures are uniformly and impersonally applied to exert control over member behaviors. Activity is organized within sub-units (bureaus, or departments) in which people perform specialized functions such as manufacturing, sales, or accounting. People who perform similar tasks are clustered together. The same basic organizational form is assumed to be appropriate for any organization, be it a government, school, business, church, or fraternity. It is familiar, predictable, and rational. It is what comes immediately to mind when we discover that we really have to get organized! As familiar and rational as the functional hierarchy may be, there are distinct disadvantages to blindly applying the same form of organization to all purposeful groups. To understand the problem, begin by observing that different groups wish to achieve different outcomes. Second, observe that different groups have different members, and that each group possesses a different culture. These differences in desired outcomes, and in people, should alert us to the danger of assuming there is any single best way of organizing. To be complete, however, also observe that different groups will likely choose different methods through which they will achieve their purpose. Service groups will choose different methods than manufacturing groups, and both will choose different methods than groups whose purpose is primarily social. One structure cannot possibly fit all. , the form of organization must be matched to the purpose it seeks to achieve. The Design Process Organization design begins with the creation of a strategy — a set of decision guidelines by which members will choose appropriate actions. The strategy is derived from clear, concise statements of purpose, and vision, and from the organization’s basic philosophy. Strategy unifies the intent of the organization and focuses members toward actions designed to accomplish desired outcomes. The strategy encourages actions that support the purpose and discourages those that do not. Creating a strategy is planning, not organizing. To organize we must connect people with each other in meaningful and purposeful ways. Further, we must connect people with the information and technology necessary for them to be successful. Organization structure defines the formal relationships among people and specifies both their roles and their responsibilities. Administrative systems govern the organization through guidelines, procedures and policies. Information and technology define the process(es) through which members achieve outcomes. Each element must support each of the others and together they must support the organization’s purpose. Exercising Choice Organizations are an invention of man. They are contrived social systems through which groups seek to exert influence or achieve a stated purpose. People choose to organize when they recognize that by acting alone they are limited in their ability to achieve. We sense that by acting in concert we may overcome our individual limitations. When we organize we seek to direct, or pattern, the activities of a group of people toward a common outcome. How this pattern is designed and implemented greatly influences effectiveness. Patterns of activity that are complementary and interdependent are more likely to result in the achievement of intended outcomes. In contrast, activity patterns that are unrelated and independent are more likely to produce unpredictable, and often unintended results. The process of organization design matches people, information, and technology to the purpose, vision, and strategy of the organization. Structure is designed to enhance communication and information flow among people. Systems are designed to encourage individual responsibility and decision making. Technology is used to enhance human capabilities to accomplish meaningful work. The end product is an integrated system of people and resources, tailored to the specific direction of the organization. 2. Job design refers to the way that a set of tasks, or an entire job, is organized. Job design helps to determine: †¢ What tasks are done? †¢ How the tasks are done, †¢ how many tasks are done, and †¢ in what order the tasks are done. It takes into account all factors which affect the work, and organizes the content and tasks so that the whole job is less likely to be a risk to the employee. Job design involves administrative areas such as: †¢ job rotation, †¢ job enlargement, †¢ task/machine pacing, †¢ work breaks, and †¢ Working hours. A well designed job will encourage a variety of good body positions, have reasonable strength requirements, require a reasonable amount of mental activity, and help foster feelings of achievement and self-esteem. 3. Organizational analysis may be done for different purposes. These include: 1) Enhancing the general understanding of the functioning of Organizations (i. e. educational or research purposes. ) (The direct beneficiary is the researcher or the analyst rather than the Organization). Such a study may aim at enhancing the understanding of human behaviour through a study of it in organisation, or to enhance the understanding of the society as reflected in organisational life. 2) Planning for growth and diversification An analysis or a diagostic study may be necessary for planning growth, diversification, expansion etc. Organisational analysis may reveal the strengths that could be used for growth and diversification, weak spots that need to be removed in the new plans, the precautions to be taken, structural dimensions to be kept in mind etc. Several insights may be provided on structure, people, systems, styles, technology etc. that have implications for growth. 3) Improving Organisational Effectiveness or Planning General Improvements Organisational Analysis may be used also for improving the general efficiency of an organisation. On the basis of a diagnosis made out of the analysis action steps could be initiated in terms of toning up administration, introducing new management systems and processes, reduction of wasteful expenditure, introduction of time savers, change of personnel policies to enhance employee motivation, restructuring of some parts, training, elimination of unwanted structures and teasers, improvements in general health of the organisation etc. 4) Organisational Problem Solving Whenever some subsystems departments, units etc.fall sick or start creating problems a diagnosis may be undertaken with a view to identify the source of the problem and take corrective action. A sick unit, a bottleneck, a communication block, a poor performing department, frequently occurring conflict between two departments, repeated failures of a management system or an organisational process, a frequent violation of an organisational norm, fall in discipline, reduction in output absenteeism, increase in conflicts e tc. can all lead to the need for an organisational diagnosis of a part of the organisatioin or the entire organisation. tools of organisational analysis Observation represents the careful and planned method of recording certain phenomena, objects, events in conjunction with a given situation. Constantinescu, etc. (2008) considers it necessary, within the organisation, to focus on observing the interaction between employees, in order to find answers to questions such as: What is the working pace of the employees slow, methodical, alert, spontaneous? What rituals do you notice in the enterprise? What are the values disseminated? Do the meetings generally provide revealing information? Who participates in these meetings? Who speaks? Whom do these people speak to? To what extent is sincerity situated in these meetings? How much time is devoted to different topics? The topics which often recur and which are discussed in depth frequently represent indications of the organisational culture values. Observations are used for gathering data on the symbols which are analyzed by the qualitative analysis methods. Observations include mostly behavioural material, but also semantic symbols. Observations of behavioural symbols include monitoring and recording the organizational rituals, such as, for example, the celebration of company day as a ritual of integration. There will also be careful attention focused on the state and architecture of the buildings, decor, billboards, staff dress code, behaviour and habits, working environment, the way in which everyone fulfils their role, employee behaviour in conflict situations. The analysis of these aspects allows knowing the reality, the working environment, both the organisation’s physical components and the emotional, psychological elements, harder to decipher at first glance. The opinion interview technique always involves oral information, having the advantage of flexibility, of the ability to get specific answers to each question. Along with the use of the questionnaire, it is one of the techniques most often used in qualitative research. The interview is, however, a complex technique that requires certain abilities and skills from the researcher, especially social, communication and self-reflection skills. The interview is used in the study of organisational culture to collect qualitative data about the cognitive elements of the culture, such as assumptions, values, norms and attitudes. Interviews may also serve to identify symbols, certain expressions, stories, anecdotes specific to the organisation. â€Å"To successfully use the interview in organisational culture research, it is important to determine the persons that will be interviewed, when, where and how the interview will be conducted, the set of questions that will be used and the method of recording it† (Janicijevic, 2011 , p 85). Interviews help us perceive the consistency between what the interviewees say and the facts recorded from other sources. † These perceptions are generally useful for:  · defining an updated vision of the history, the important events and its impact on the functioning of the organisation;

Friday, September 20, 2019

Nestle Analysis SWOT, Five Forces and Core Competencies

Nestle Analysis SWOT, Five Forces and Core Competencies Milkpak will position Nestlà © product as a high quality product consumer focused. Messages like They knows your taste better than us, Nestle Milkpak now at your door step; Add additional flavours to your life will help to portray Nestlà © picture clearly and distinctly. Milkpak will position Nestlà © product against the competitors and gain competitive advantage through the efficient promotional methods, using innovations, and by reaching closer to the target market through the arrangement of events like Basant, Valentine day and etc. In short consumers will view Nestlà © as a product providing highly quality, in terms of taste, customer focused and, at the same time reasonably priced as compared to others. 3.0 Core Competency of Nestlà © To pose Nestlà © product against the competitors, the company will be using differentiation strategy which will not only differentiate their own from others but also give an edge over others. Nestlà © core products will be very beneficial especially in terms of quality, health, and hygiene and most important consumer satisfaction. Nestlà © augmented products will include consumer satisfaction, warranty to retailers in terms of expire, delivery and after sales services. The companies all over the world get some competitive edge based on some features which other companies dont have. For example, as the Dell has the competitive edge over other computer manufacturer companies, because they use built-to-order Strategy while no other company in computer industry use this strategy. Similarly in Pakistan nestle has their competitive edge based on the strategies like product differentiation and customer oriented. Nestlà © is using the product differentiation strategy by providing the superior quality products. Their main focus is to keep the customers loyal. They bought shelve space in different departmental stores to attract the customers. They tried to reach each group of people in which they have succeeded. Besides, customer satisfaction is the focal point for the company. They provide hygienic products to their customers. Products are also verified by health and safety measures and international quality standards. Porter Five Forces 3.1.1 Threat of New Entrants: There is big number of food companies in the world; meanwhile the competitive between food companies are happened. Some companies have carved out role in which they support to dairy supply. These food companies are fearful of being squeezed out by the big players. Another threat for many food companies is other food services companies entering the market.15 Competing in a new industry requires resources to invest. Production of packed products requires huge investment of financial, human, technical, and marketing resources. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The suppliers of food might not pose a big threat, because of the number of suppliers. Raw milk is standard commodity and is available in the open market from a large number of milkmen. If anyone refuses to sell its product then company can buy it from others who are already willing to sell to company. On the other hand, the importance of volume to supplier also considered as a threat. Suppliers also have less leverage to bargain over price because the company is purchasing the large volume of their milk and suppliers dont have much option to sell milk to others. Bargaining Power of Buyers The buyers will not post much of a threat to the food industry. Large clients have their own bargaining power with food companies. Large corporate clients like airlines and retailers pay millions of dollars a year. There are large numbers of distributors, who are buying and distributing the product, so their bargaining power is low and company have leverage to dictate implement its terms and conditions to distributors. Availability of Substitute There are few of substitutes in the food industry. Most of the food companies have similar suites of services. Companies focusing on their role usually have a competitive advantage, but this advantage depends on whether there are any barriers that preventing other firms from entering.15 Competitive Rivalry The food industry is highly competitive in nowadays. As a result, food industry has become more like a commodity, an area in which the food company with the low cost structure, greater efficiency and better customer service will beat out competitors. In long run, larger companies prefer to take over or merge with other companies rather than spend the money to market and advertise to people.15 Source of Cost Efficiency 3.2.1 Economy of scale Economy of scale determines cost efficiency based on time, and processing of the operations and labour cost. Nestlà © used new high-technology system machines to process all the products, like high-speed bottling system, packaging machine for increasing the output of the products so, it could save time of the operation in process, and save labour cost. The company do not need to hire more labour to operate the process, which is one of the key to save cost. 3.2.2 Experience Nestlà © has been serving Pakistani consumers since 1988, when parent company, the Switzerland-based Nestlà © SA, first acquired a share in Milkpak Ltd. Today Nestlà © is fully integrated in Pakistani life, and is recognized as the producer of safe, nutritious and tasty food, and leaders in developing and uplifting the communities in which they operate. Nestlà © Pakistan ensures that their products are made available to consumers wherever in the country they might be. Convenience is at the heart of the Nestlà © philosophy, and there aim is to bring products to peoples doorsteps. Resources 3.3.1 Tangible resources Nestlà © Milkpak produces in over 81 countries and achieves 98% of its turnover outside Europe. Nestlà © Milkpak is the worlds largest milk company, which does 98% of its business. It has an annual turnover of 70 billion Swiss francs, 522 new factories in 81 countries, 200 operating companies, 1 basic research outer and 20 technological development groups, has more than 231,000 employees and more than 8000 products around the globe. There are three companies co-ordinate the activities of some 200 operating companies around the globe. Intangible resources There are three different functions, Nestlà © Milkpak, holds the financial shares in the allied companies. It also checks the profitability of these companies and to ensure the profitability of the group as whole. Second, Nestlà © Milkpak, has two areas of activities that are research and technological development, and technical assistance. Beside this, it provides know-how in engineering, marketing, production, organization, management and personnel training on a continuous basis. The third company is Nestlà © World Trade Corporation that oversees the import and export of merchandise worldwide. 3.4 BCG Matrix Relative Market Growth Low High STAR (Growth) QUESTION MARKS (Introduction) CASH COWS (Maturity) DOGS (Decline) 3.4.1 Stars The stars are the high relative market share and high market growth. Nestlà © beverages are the stars in their business, because with the high quality and new designs which comes every now and then makes them more popular among the customers, because customer with upper class wants the quality and nestle offers the best quality food items. Besides, Nestlà © major products such as Nestlà © milk pack and Nestlà © water will lies in the category of star products, due to the needs of human in their life. 3.4.2 Question Marks The product which have high anticipated growth rate but low market share would be considered as question marks. The product which the company launch first time in Pakistan is Nestlà © Ice-cream would come under the question marks due to the unknown result whether successful or failed in the growth of business in future. 3.4.3 Cash Cows The cash cows are Nestlà © cereal and other baby food products. There is less competitive brand on these specific of products and Nestle was considered as a branded and reliable brand, so most of the consumers prefer to buy from Nestle. 3.4.4 Dogs The pharmaceutical products are Nestlà © Dog; because it has low-share business with low growth market especially when talk about Pakistani market. The company has to think on what it can do by improving the low share and growth market. 3.5 Product Life Cycle The product life cycle has been used to analyse the products development refer by the BCG matrix. Product life cycle has 4 stages consist of introduction, growth, maturity and decline. Nestlà © Ice-cream has been stated on the introduction stage because it is launched the first time in Pakistan. Next, the growth stage would be the food items like milk pack, water and etc, due to human need as Nestlà © has provided. On the other hand, Nestlà © cereal and baby food were stated in the maturity stage, due to less competitors. Lastly, Nestlà © pharmaceutical product is on the decline stage, because of the low share in business and low demand. In the product life cycle, it shows that Nestlà © Milkpak industry is now on the maturity stage, the company has been recognized by consumers. 3.6 SWOT Analysis (TOW Matrix) Strengths Worldwide fame of Nestlà ©. Efficient milk collection system. Keeping high quality standards. Integrated distribution and warehousing facilities. Large market share of innovative. Having Good reputation in the market by strong brand name i.e. Nestlà ©. Strong RD. Weaknesses Unable to compete in price sensitive segment of UHT milk market. Under-utilization of the capacity. Unable to fulfil the demand of local powder milk market. Opportunities Improving Economy. Population growth rate. High urbanization rate. High literacy rate. Flexible government policies for food industry. Have significant growth opportunities. May merge with other global businesses to eliminate competitors. Having Capable of expanding into other markets of the world. SO Increase production of quality milk to cater the unsatisfied demand. They should go in the product line of powdered milk. They should increase their exports. They should cater the wide range of unsatisfied demand by improving their distribution networks. WO As per the increase demand of the milk they should fulfill the demand as Nestlà © have the ability to expand. They should make a strong distribution system to cater to avail the full benefit of the growing market. They should adopt affective marketing strategies for the promotion of their product. Threats High inflation rate. Low purchasing power. Decrease in GDP growth rate. Increasing interest rates. Recessionary period in business cycle. Competition with the new entrants. ST Invest more on the dairy product line as there is still a large chunk of the market which require modernization. Introduce new technology for quality assurance and better productivity. WT The co-ordination between different departments should be improved it will lessen the bureaucratic cost and increase the efficiency of the company.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Low Fat Diets, Aerobic Exercise, and Weight Loss: How Does It All Fit? :: Dieting Eating Papers

Low Fat Diets, Aerobic Exercise, and Weight Loss: How Does It All Fit? Introduction: These days it seems that almost everywhere in the media there are claims about the effectiveness of low fat diets and aerobic exercise on weight loss. From billboards, to magazines, to TV, everyone seems to know exactly how to lose weight by eating a low fat diet and /or by exercising on a regular basis. Sample menus and hypothetical exercise routines that are designed to help people lose weight consistently appear in the media, and most come with some type of guarantee that weight loss will follow the "correct and continued use" of the plan. These claims and examples vary from seemingly practical to downright outrageous, with a multitude in between. The problem is that all of these claims and examples are so different from one another the consumer has no way to know which, if any, is the most effective way to lose weight. Is eating less that 15 grams of fat, and exercising 30 minutes each day the most effective way to lose weight? Is eating anything you want, and exercising 90 minut es each day that is the most effective weight loss strategy? Or, is it something completely different? Medical research shows that exercising regularly and eating a well-balance diet that is low in fat can assist in weight loss, as well as provide for better overall health. Finding the best combination of the two is the difficult part. The weight loss business. The weight loss business is booming. The idea of a company developing their own strategy for weight loss, and selling it has been a successful one. Companies such as, Weight Watchers (http://www.weight-watchers.com), and Jenny Craig, have become very well known and very economically successful. Each of these companies has its own theories about losing weight, however, the majority of these companies use a combination of a low fat diet and a regular exercise program to promote weight loss. Many also use a support mechanism such as weekly, or monthly group, or individual meetings to help their clients maintain the program. (http://www.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Companies/Health/Weight_Loss/Diets_and_Programs/) For example, Jenny Craig offers a program that includes daily menus of selected foods, which they package and provide to the client, and weekly counseling sessions with an employee of Jenny Craig. The daily meals are designed to provide a specific number of calories, which is predetermined by the client’s weight and self-assessed activity level.

Imagery In Macbeth :: essays research papers

The Role of Imagery in Macbeth If a picture tells a thousand words, than imagine the importance of an image upon a play such as Macbeth. In any literary work, it is extremely important that the author can effectively manipulate a reader's feelings towards a character. In Macbeth, that feat is accomplished magnificently by Shakespeare. Through his skillful use of imagery, Shakespeare shows us a deeper look into the true character of Macbeth. Though imagery is widespread throughout Macbeth, it is most dominant in clothing imagery, light and darkness imagery, and blood imagery. Through these images, Shakespeare shows the development of Macbeth's character. Using clothing imagery, Shakespeare develops Macbeth's character. This is evident, as, imagery of clothing shows us Macbeth's ambition and the consequences thereof. We see this ambition, through Banquo, when he says, "New honours come upon him, / Like our strange garments, cleave not to their / mould but with the aid of use." (Shakespeare, Macbeth I, III, 144-146), meaning that new clothes do not fit our bodies, until we are accustomed to them. Throughout the entire play, Macbeth is constantly wearing new clothes (titles), that are not his, and do not fit. Hence, his ambition. This ambition, as we see, is what leads to his demise. When Macbeth first hears the prophecy that he will be King, he does not see how it can be so, "to be king / Stands not within the prospect of belief" (I, III, 73-74). However, Macbeth's ambitious nature becomes visible when he considers murdering King Duncan to claim the throne, "If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twere well / I t were done quickly" (I, VII, 1-2). His ambition is encouraged by Lady Macbeth, of whom attempts to convince him to commit this crime, and lay claim to the throne. He is reluctant however, as Macbeth states, "I have bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people, / Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, / Not cast aside so soon" (I, VII, 32-35). Macbeth compares being recently named the Thane of Cawdor to a new set of clothes. He believes that he his not ready to be king, and thus not ready for a new set of clothes. He states that the clothes that they have should be worn for a little while longer. However, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth otherwise, and he proceeds, and murders King Duncan.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Defying Societys Norms :: Sports Social Culture Essays

Defying Society's Norms When a person decides to enter a sport that is not traditionally competed in by his or her sex, there are many risks. One of these risks is the risk of getting rejected or ridiculed because participating in that sport is not common. However, if no one ever dared to defy the socially accepted boundaries, then women would not be playing sports. There are girls who defy these boundaries and wrestle or play football in high school as well as boys who enter field hockey. These boundaries need to be broken, even if there is ridicule and risks behind them, because of the benefits of this defiance. Society would not progress if people did not take these risks. Women were not accepted into the field of sport until much later than men. For example, the first women's baseball team was formed at Vassar College in 1865. Initially, a woman's version of competing in sport was Play Days. These days were times for women to gather and play sports. However, there was no competitive element. Women simply worked together in a sport. Once women were allowed to compete in sports like basketball, men were not allowed to watch. These standards seem to be a mockery of the ideas behind sport and the competition that goes along with it. However, if this phase of mockery and controversy had not been endured, women probably would not be competing in sports. Once women gained there places in the world of sports, there were still other obstacles to overcome. For example, during World War II, a women's baseball league was formed. However, the women were not there for the spirit of sport and competition. Their uniforms were cute and highly feminine. They wore skirts. This was a way to attract more spectators and to make sure that women playing baseball did not get to competitive or go against any standards for women of that time. Therefore, even when women were defying society, they were forced to conform in some aspects. This idea has been explored greatly in many films. One of these movies is Girl Fight. Girl Fight shows the story of Diana Guzman, a high school senior who always gets into fights at school. Once she realizes that she could put that energy towards fighting, she wants to learn to box. However, her father does not view boxing as suitable for women and instead continues paying for her younger brother's boxing lesson. Defying Society's Norms :: Sports Social Culture Essays Defying Society's Norms When a person decides to enter a sport that is not traditionally competed in by his or her sex, there are many risks. One of these risks is the risk of getting rejected or ridiculed because participating in that sport is not common. However, if no one ever dared to defy the socially accepted boundaries, then women would not be playing sports. There are girls who defy these boundaries and wrestle or play football in high school as well as boys who enter field hockey. These boundaries need to be broken, even if there is ridicule and risks behind them, because of the benefits of this defiance. Society would not progress if people did not take these risks. Women were not accepted into the field of sport until much later than men. For example, the first women's baseball team was formed at Vassar College in 1865. Initially, a woman's version of competing in sport was Play Days. These days were times for women to gather and play sports. However, there was no competitive element. Women simply worked together in a sport. Once women were allowed to compete in sports like basketball, men were not allowed to watch. These standards seem to be a mockery of the ideas behind sport and the competition that goes along with it. However, if this phase of mockery and controversy had not been endured, women probably would not be competing in sports. Once women gained there places in the world of sports, there were still other obstacles to overcome. For example, during World War II, a women's baseball league was formed. However, the women were not there for the spirit of sport and competition. Their uniforms were cute and highly feminine. They wore skirts. This was a way to attract more spectators and to make sure that women playing baseball did not get to competitive or go against any standards for women of that time. Therefore, even when women were defying society, they were forced to conform in some aspects. This idea has been explored greatly in many films. One of these movies is Girl Fight. Girl Fight shows the story of Diana Guzman, a high school senior who always gets into fights at school. Once she realizes that she could put that energy towards fighting, she wants to learn to box. However, her father does not view boxing as suitable for women and instead continues paying for her younger brother's boxing lesson.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Performance Evaluation of a Private Bank

[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] An Assignment On Performance Evaluation of a Private Bank IFIC Bank as a private bank in the private sector of Bangladesh. Prepared For: Narzia Florin Lecturer, Dept. of Business Administration Prepared By: Saleh Ahmed BBA – 02406160 24th GI Dept. of Business Administration Stamford University Bangladesh. Submission Date: 15th May 2006 Letter of Transmittal Dated: May 15, 2006 Narzia Florin Lecturer, Dept. of Business Administration Subject: Submission of report on performance evaluation of a private commercial bank. Dear Madam, It has been a great pleasure to submit the report on performance evaluation of a private commercial bank. You are aware that I collected information on a private commercial bank. I choose IFIC Bank for the report purpose. I am fortunate enough that I got all those information necessary for the assignment purpose. I believe that this assignment has given me a great experience to me and it has enriched both my knowledge and experience. I tried my best to prove my skills while preparing this report. I cordially seek your kind advice or suggestion regarding my mistake which will help me in my practical and theoretical works in the days to come. Sincerely yours, Saleh Ahmed BBA – 02406160 24th GI Table of Contents ? Executive Summary. ? Profile of IFIC Bank. ? BANK'S MISSION: Quest for Excellence. ? The bank in a sketch. ? Ownership Structure. ? Financial Position. ? Product & Services. ? Human Resources Development. ? Rates of Deposit Schemes. ? Conclusion. Executive Summary: In this report on the Performance Evaluation of a private bank as IFIC bank, I collect the necessary information from its web site, catalog, bossier and personally by information collection. I found that these private companies are very competitive and want to capture the vast market of Bangladesh at any cost. So they provide various types of product and services. I also found that the companies counterattack their competitors by their offers. Some gives high or low interest rate, new facilities etc†¦ Every company has their own strategy to capture the market. In my report I tried to include most of IFIC bank’s product, services and facilities. Though I have some limitations I tried my best to show the Performance Evaluation of IFIC bank as a private bank. BANK'S MISSION: Quest for Excellence Our Mission is to provide service to our clients with the help of a skilled and dedicated workforce whose creative talents, innovative actions and competitive edge make our position unique in giving quality service to all institutions and individuals that we care for. We are committed to the welfare and economic prosperity of the people and the community, for we drive from them our inspiration and drive for onward progress to prosperity. We want to be the leader among banks in Bangladesh and make our indelible mark as an active partner in regional banking operating beyond the national boundary. In an intensely competitive and complex financial and business environment, we particularly focus on growth and profitability of all concerned. THE BANK IN A SKETCH: International Finance Investment and Commerce (IFIC) Bank Limited started banking operations on June 24, 1983. Prior to that it was set up in 1976 as a joint venture finance company at the instance of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Government then held 49 percent shares while the sponsors and general public held the rest. The objectives of the finance company were to establish joint venture Banks Finance Companies and affiliates abroad and to carry out normal functions of a finance company at home. When the Government decided to open up banking in the private sector in 1983, the above finance company was converted into a full-fledged commercial Bank. Along with this, the Government also allowed four other commercial Banks in the private sector. Subsequently, the Government denationalized two Banks, which were then fully Government-owned. While in all these Banks Government held nominal 5 percent shares, an exception was made in the case of this Bank. It retained 40 percent shares of the Bank. The decision by the Government to retain 40 percent shares in IFIC Bank was in pursuance of the original objectives, namely, promotion of joint participation of Government and private sponsors to establish joint venture Banks, financial companies, branches and affiliates abroad. Ownership Structure BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Board of Directors of the Bank is a unique combination of both private and Government sector experience. Currently it consists of Ten Directors. Of them five represent the sponsors and general public and four senior officials in the rank and status of joint secretary/Additional Secretary represent the Government. Managing Director is the ex-officio Director of the Board. |Elected Directors | |Representing ‘A' Class Shareholders | |01 |Mr. Manzurul Islam |Chairman | |02 |Mr. Saiful Islam |Director | |03 |Mr. Abul Matin Khan |Director | |04 |Mr. Abdul Hamid Chowdhury |Director | |05 |Mr. A. R. Malik |Director | |   | |Nominated Directors | |Representing ‘B' Class Shareholders | |(Government of Bangladesh) | |06 |Mr. Mohammad Janibul Huq |Director | |07 |Mr. ATM Ataur Rahman |Director | |08 |Dr. Chowdhury Saleh Ahmed |Director | |09 |Mr. Md. Mokhles ur Rahman |Director | |   | |10 |Mr. Mashiur Rahman |Managing Director | Financial Position CAPITAL & RESERVES: The bank started with an authorized capital of Tk. 100. 00 million in 1983. Paid-up capital was then Tk. 71. 50 million only. Over the last Twenty One years, the authorized & paid-up capital has increased substantially. Authorized capital was Tk. 500. 00 million and the paid-up capital stood at Tk. 406. 39 million as on December 31, 2004. The Bank has built up a strong reserve base over the years. In last twenty one years its reserves and surplus have increased significantly. This consistent policy of building up reserves has enabled the bank to maintain a better capital adequacy ratio as compared to others. With the active support and guidance from the Government, the bank has been showing a steady and improved performance. In its twenty One years of operations, the bank has earned the status of a leading bank in terms of both business and goodwill. Starting with a modest deposit of only Tk. 863. 40 million in 1983 the bank has closed its business with Tk. 20, 774. 49 million of deposit as on December 31, 2004. The annual growth rate has mostly been higher compared to both banking sector growth and individual growth rates achieved by others. As against a profit of Tk. 21. 94 million in 1984, the bank earned a record profit of Tk. 700. 25 million for the year ended on December 31, 2004. PRODUCT & SERVICES Presently 5 (five) products/services have already been launched in the market: A. Pension Saving Scheme (PSS) B. Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) C. Tele Banking / Tele Link D. Death Risk Benefit Scheme (DRBS) E. Consumer Credit Scheme (CCS) A. Pension Saving Scheme (PSS): 1. Name of the Scheme: Pension Saving Scheme . Delivery Points: 62 Branches 3. Highlight of the product: Duration of the Account: 5 (five) Years & 10 (ten) Years Monthly Installments: Tk. 500 or Tk. 1000 or Tk. 2000 Payment after Maturity: | |PAYMENT AFTER MATURITY | | |5 YEARS |10 YEARS | |INSTALLMENT |WITHOUT BONUS |BONUS |WITH BONUS |WITHOUT BONUS |BONUS |WITH BONUS | |Tk. 00 |36265/- |1500/- |37765/- |93050/- |3000/- |96 050/- | |Tk. 1000 |72530/- |3000/- |75530/- |186100/- |6000/- |192100/- | |Tk. 2000 |145060/- |6000/- |151060/- |372200/- |12000/- |384200/- | Eligibility for PSS Account: A person of 18 years of age and above having a sound mind will be eligible to open an account in his/her own name. Bonus Payment: If the account holder, from commencement to maturity of term, pays all the monthly installments in time (i. e. within 10th day of each month) and never defaults in paying monthly installments, the account holder will receive extra bonus payment equivalent to 3 (three) times of monthly installment for 5 years term and 6 (Six) times of monthly installment for 10 years term. Income Tax Rebate: Under this Scheme, income tax rebate will be available on the total amount payable i. e. after maturity of deposited amount; such amount will also be income tax free. Monthly installments to PSS will also qualify for showing as investments (like provident fund) in yearly Income Tax Return. Payment of Pension: One can receive the entire deposited amount with interest at a time or receive a pension on monthly basis at a desirable amount of monthly installments. B . Monthly Income Scheme (MIS): 1. Name of the Scheme: Monthly Income Scheme. 2. Delivery Points: 62 Branches. 3. Highlight of the product: 4. Duration of the Account: 5 Years (Deposited principal amount will be returned on maturity). 6. Amount to be Deposited: Tk. 50000/- and it’s multiple. 7. Payment after Maturity:Tk. 450/- and it’s multiple. Procedures for paying monthly income: The payment of monthly income will start from the subsequent month after a clear minimum gap of 1 (one) month from the date of deposit. If an account is opened on 7th of any month, monthly income will be paid on 7th of the subsequent month. The account holder will receive monthly income in any SB/CD account of same name maintained with the branch. In case, the account holder does not have any SB/CD account with the Branch, he/she/they will have to open a SB/CD account for receiving the monthly income. The minimum balance requirement will be waived for these types of accounts for a new customer. However, a minimum initial deposit of Tk. 500/- will have to be deposited. This procedure will eliminate the hassle of coming to the Bank Branch for taking interest every month. Eligibility for Monthly Income Scheme: A person of 18 years of age and above having a sound mind will be eligible to open an account in his/her own name. A person can open more than one account in his/her/their name in the same Branch or any Branch of the Bank. C. Tele Link/Tele Banking: 1. Name of the Scheme: Tele Link or Tele Banking. . Delivery Points: Gulshan, Federation, Dhanmondi, Motijheel Branches. 3. Basic Features of the Product: Phone Banking is a fast convenient and easy to use service that will complement one's lifestyle and keep one in complete control of his banking. One can access all the Telelink services at any time, day or night, from anywhere. It is far more convenient than traditional banking. T elelink is really simple to use. One can just dial our phone number from anywhere and an automated computerized voice response will guide him step by steps through his transactions. Confidentiality: A customer is given a 6 digit Registration Number when he applies for Telelink that will ensure total confidentiality of his account information. When the customer chooses to obtain specific information about his account, he will have to use his Registration Number and the confidential Personal Identification Number (PIN) by pressing the number keys on his phone. Banking Services Supported by Telelink: A. Transactions Relating to Transfer of funds from one account to another B. Inquiries relating to †¢ account balances †¢ transaction details †¢ exchange rates †¢ interest rate information †¢ products and services †¢ remittances C. Requests for †¢ balance certificates †¢ account statement †¢ 7-days withdrawal notice on accounts †¢ cheque books/pay order/drafts †¢ renewing or opening of fixed deposits †¢ assistance for opening other accounts In addition, the service can also deal with lost cheque books and credit cards, change of address and stopping of payment. Fees: We are not charging any fees for this technical service but the facility has been offered to Saving Bank customers with a minimum balance of Tk. 50,000/-, to Current Deposit Account customers and STD customers with a minimum balance of Tk. 100, 000/-. D. Death Risk Benefit Scheme (DRBS) . Name of the Scheme: Death Risk Benefit Scheme. 2. Delivery Points: 62 Branches. 3. Basic Features of Scheme: IFIC Bank's Death Risk Benefit Scheme offers its Savings Bank Account holders' interest on savings, a lump sum amount and some peace of mind – three in one benefits at no extra cost! Benefits of Scheme: Death Risk ben efits in lump sum amount to nominee(s)/heir(s) on the death of an account holder. Eligibility Criteria: Account must be maintained for a period of minimum one-year before the death of the account holder. At the time of death, the customer must have been within the age group of 18 to 50 years. The account must have been opened with a minimum deposit of Tk. 5000 in case of new accounts. (Since 1-8-97). Average balance of Tk. 10,000/- minimum must be maintained within one-year period prior to the death of the Account Holder. Extent of Benefit 50% of the average balances of the account for one-year period prior to the death of the account holder or Tk. 100,000 whichever is lower. Account balance exceeding Tk. 10, 00,000/- will not be taken into consideration while calculating average balance for one year for the purpose of Death Risk Benefit. E. Consumer Credit Scheme (CCS): 1. Name of the Scheme: Consumer Credit Scheme. 2. Delivery Points: 62 Branches. 3. Highlight of the product: |Main Features |Particulars | |Selection Criteria / Who Can |A Self employed person of fixed income $ a confirmed or permanent service holder. | |apply | | |Products Eligible for Finance |Vehicles, Domestic Appliance, Office Equipment, Entertainment, Medical Expenses, Intangibles, etc. |Limit Range |Tk. 15,000 to Tk. 7,00,000 | |Repayment |By 12, 24, 36 or 48 equated monthly installments (EMI) depending on the loan amount. | |Interest Rate / Fees |Interest: | | |@ 16. 00% P. A. ithoutany tangible security and | | |@ 14. 50% P. A. where the loan is 100% secured with 20% margin against lien of FDR, MIS, PSS, Savings | | |Certificates issued from any Bank & Financial Institution. | | |Service Charge: | | |For 1 and 2 Years term – 2% of the Loan amount (minimum Tk. 00/-) | | |For 3 Years term – 3% of the Loan amount | | |For 4 Years term – 4% of the Loan amo unt. | |Down Payment / Equity |Minimum 20% of the invoice value of the Consumer Products. | |Contribution |For Vehicles: 30% to 40% in Cash / Financial instruments.. | Q-cash: Q-cash is a new service provided by the IFIC Bank. In this quick cash service system there consumer can withdraw money easily in any time in exchange of a little yearly fee. This kind of services is very helpful for their current consumers and for their new consumers of their services. This kind of services is raising the living standard of people. For implementing this kind of new service we are grateful to IFIC Bank. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT Human Resources Development (HRD) activities aim at fulfilling the bank's Mission. One of our four major missions is to: â€Å"Provide service to our clients with the help of a skilled and dedicated workforce whose creative talents, innovative actions and competitive edge make our position unique in iving quality service to all institutions and individuals that we care for. † Skilled and dedicated workforce with creative talents, innovative actions are not always readily available. Appreciating the scarcity of such manpower, the bank from the very beginning laid importance to HRD that conceptually includes activities like: pre-recruitment drill, recruitment, induction, training in the Academy, job rotatio n, placement & posting, reward and promotion. All these activities are planned by the bank in an integrated way aiming at manpower with required amount of technical, managerial, human and conceptual skills. Management of IFIC Bank not only appreciates the need of skills required for day to day banking but also realizes the need for skills to meet the global & national financial and economic environments that are changing fast. Meeting the needs of new skills arising out of Financial Sector Reforms Programme (FSRP) is also a major concern of the management. The bank, therefore, set up a Division namely HRD Division under a separate Group called Services Group-I. The Academy of the bank works under this group. The other Division, which works under the Services Group-I, is Planning, Research & Statistics Division. Current News IFIC BANK JOINED SHARED ATM NETWORK IFIC Bank Ltd. and ITC Ltd. have signed a shared ATM network participation accord. . The Signing ceremony was held in presence of Mr. Ataul Haq, Managing Director of IFIC Bank Limited and Mr. Kutubuddin Ahmed, Chairman of ITCL and President of BGMEA. Executives and senior officials of IFIC Bank were also present on the occasion. In the process, the bank has joined a group local bank for introduction of shared ATM network. Automated teller Machine (ATM) with electronic device located at the bank branches or other convenient public locations extends 24 hours access to cash and other banking facilities to the customers without requiring to enter the branch or to wait in queues for cash withdrawal. This will establish the banks commitment for valued customers to bring a new era in banking services. Under this new facility, IFIC Bank will install few ATMs at its branch premises in Dhaka city. Similarly, few more units of off site ATMs will also be installed in some prominent public places in the city by the syndicate partners. GROUP OPERATION-I: Operations-I, a group segment of Head Office operation of the Bank mainly handles General Advance/ Credit Portfolio, Project finance excluding Overseas Operations of the Bank and Lease Financing. The Group is headed by Senior Executives having commendable professional knowledge and experience supported by a talent pool of MBA's, Engineers, Economists, and Statisticians etc. with the blending of credit experience. GROUP STRUCTURE: A. Name of Group Executive/ In-Charge: Mr. Md. Ziaul Bari, Executive Vice President B. Functional Structure: The Group Comprises of 3 Divisions as under: i) General Credit Division ii) Project Finance Division iii) Lease Financing Division C. Area of Operation: i) General Credit Division a) Sanction Department: This department mainly handles Credit Portfolio of the Bank related to Working Capital and Trade Finance. Proposals of such nature are processed/appraised and disposed of by this department. The department is manned by a group of professionals from respective discipline with commendable banking experience as well as exposure in modern concept and technology. ) Credit Administration Department: The function of this department is to monitor credit portfolio of the Bank through physical inspection of various periodical returns, Audit/Inspection Report etc. with a view to maintaining a healthy asset base of the Bank. c) Credit Information & Returns Department: This department deals in preparation of different periodical returns related to credit portfolio of the Ban k for management information as well as for submission of information/data to Regulatory Body and various controlling agencies. The department also centrally handles all jobs relating to Loan Classification of the Bank. d) Ancillary Functions: The Group also handles various Loan Schemes for the employees of the Bank. ii) Project Finance Division: Project Finance Division is a shared resource center of the Bank which provides back office support to the branches – the marketing outlets of the Bank – in their endeavor to meet the credit needs of the corporate clients. The Division helps the corporate clients in their decision making for undertaking venture project or BMRE of the existing projects. It also assist them to structure their long term and short term finance and to raise fund from own source of the Bank or through syndication with other Banks. In case of difficult business situation and unexpected low turnover vis-a-vis poor performance of the clients, the Division offers customized solution through business and financial restructuring. The Division also provides counseling to the corporate clients for minimizing their business risks and optimizing growth in the context of rapid globalization. The Division so far financed 250 projects (New and BMRE) since 1996, major concentration being in textile sector – both export oriented and backward linkage units. Other mentionable sectors are Steel and Engineering, Cement, Real Estate, Consumer Products, Printing and Packaging, Hotels, Hospitals, Cold Storage etc. iii) Lease Finance Division: To assist bona-fide entrepreneurs acquire capital machinery and equipment increasing / up-grading productive capacity without trying up equity and to contribute to the industrial development of Bangladesh IFIC Bank Limited has introduced Lease Finance. For more please contact the Branches. RATES OF DEPOSIT SCHEMES |Deposit Schemes |Deposit Rates | |Savings (SB) |5. 0% | |Special Term Deposit (STD) |4. 00% | |Fixed Deposit |Rate of Interest | |Three Months |6. 75% – 7. 50% | |Six Months |7. 00% – 7. 5% | |One Year & above |7. 25% – 8. 00% | * Figure in LAC Taka Conclusion: To prepare this report on Performance Evaluation of a private bank I collect information of many banks and finally select The IFIC bank to prepare this Performance Evaluation Report. For collecting information regarding different bank, I found that these private companies are very competitive and want to capture the vast market of Bangladesh at any cost. So they provide various types of product and services. I also found that the companies counterattack their competitors by their offers. Some gives high or low interest rate, new facilities etc†¦ Every company has their own strategy to capture the market. In my report I tried to include most of IFIC bank’s product, services and facilities. I tried to focus all their branches. In my opinion the bank provide many attractive facility to their customer but it should provide more service and product to its customer and must easy on its customer on there services.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Meaning of life †Philosophy of life Essay

What is the meaning of life? The answer to this question has sought over since mankind became capable of exercising their brain capacity past a level of primal instinct. In general life is rather meaningless, we all simply exist together on this planet. But before one dwells on the pointlessness of human existence, they should think about the purpose of each individual person in our society. We create goals for ourselves; we all have a role to play in our society. In a sense, we choose our future and in doing so, give ourselves a purpose to live. The purpose of human existence in general may be absent, but in our society and through our goals and achievements, I believe each individual creates their own purpose. Through one question I realized this great truth: what do you want to be when you grow up? For the longest time, I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. What did it matter to me anyway? I was a kid (well, I suppose I still am) and didn’t like any of the generic jobs they told us about in elementary school. Police force, teachers, fireman, none of them interested me. Then, in middle school, my life changed, a lot. I got completely new friends, after the old ones left me behind. I slowly started to become more and more enclosed, I spent most of my time out of school alone. As I developed into this over-dramatic teenage state, life suddenly became meaningless. I would often find myself sitting bored in my room, mindlessly surfing the internet or playing videogames. I slowly started to hate it; it was like I could feel my brain melting inside my head. I needed to find a more constructive hobby, and so I found myself musical instruments and started creating more and more music every day. Music became my life and from then on, I knew that my goal, the meaning of my life, was to become a musician. I believe that life was meant to be enjoyed; nobody wants to spend their life in a dead end job. After all, just how much meaning is in an unhappy life? Just ask Monty Python’s John Cleese, who states, â€Å"If I had not gone into Monty Python, I probably would have stuck to my original plan to graduate and become a chartered accountant, or perhaps a barrister lawyer, and gotten a nice house in the suburbs with a nice wife and kids, and gotten a country club membership, and then I would have killed myself. † I find this quote strongly inspiring because instead of choosing a highly respectable, well paying job and living a comfortable life, he choose to work with some of most popular men to ever wear woman’s clothing. Comedy is what he finds gives meaning to his life, and although his second choices would have been nice, Cleese didn’t find as much value in them as he did in Monty Python. Perhaps life itself is meaningless, but I believe it doesn’t have to be. I believe that a happy life is a meaningful one. I believe that mankind may not collectively have a reason for existence or a common goal, but each individual certainly does. I believe that each and every person has to create their own reason to live, instead of waiting for that reason to come to them, or they must just find themselves waiting forever.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Ethical Issues in Business

2. Ethical Issues in Business. It seems that every day in the news we are hearing of new company that has acted at least unethically and possibly illegally in the operation and financial reporting of their company's business dealings. There are many ethical issues in business. One major issue that we see is over and under reporting net income. Companies like to show that every quarter the net income of the business has an increase or profit. In order to show this they adopt unethical or illegal means in the operation and financial reporting.One such method is the indiscriminate use of stock options for employees that enable companies to take employment costs off balance sheet and inflate earnings. With the recent ethical issues we have had companies over the years it is important that we pay close attention to financial reporting provided by companies. This method will reduce the equilibrium price and increase equilibrium quantity for this company's products and services. The reason for this is that the wage is bill is shown lower than what it actually is. This causes the supply curve to shift to the right.With an increase in supply, if the firm is a monopoly/oligopoly/monopolistic competition, there will be a decline in the price of the product of the firm. In case the firm is operating in perfect competition, there will only be an increase in the quantity the company sells in the market. The scenario described above indicates that there is a shift in the supply curve, in other words the costs are shown to be lower than what they actually are at the time. The supply curve shift to its right but its elasticity is not affected.As the method described above does not relate to demand, the elasticity of demand is not directly affected. Any market structure, perfect, monopoly, oligopoly or monopolistic competition, the same ethical issues arise, the salary cost is underreported because of the use of stock options. This means costs are shown at a lower rate and profi ts are inflated. The decision to show inflated profits is unethical. From the deontological ethical perspective it is the duty of the management to show the correct profits and not inflated profits. Chapter 3, Question 14Assuming that the demand and supply for premium coffees are in equilibrium, the price will be at a constant, without significant pressure from the market. If Starbucks introduced the world to premium blends, this would cause a positive shift in the demand curve. There a higher equilibrium price and higher quantity when demand increases and supply remain unchanged. As prices increase, and the market moves to a new equilibrium, we will see higher wages, more advances and investments in technology and infrastructure, and greater competition.As production become more efficient and competition becomes greater, supply will increase and cause prices to settle back down. There are several factors that will impact the long-term equilibrium, such as changes in supply. For exa mple, if a hard freeze eliminated Brazil’s premium coffee crop, this would cause a negative shift in the supply curve. Assuming demand remains constant a negative shift in the supply curve will cause quantity to decrease and equilibrium price to increase. Research shows that in 2011 a frost occurred in Brazil's southeastern coffee growing belt.Traders worried that next year's yields could be hurt. At the same time, heavy rains during harvest forced Columbia to reduce its crop estimate for 2011. Understanding the impact of problems along the supply chain and how the changes in supply will impact prices in the market allows real world investors to make predictions of price in the future. This is important for businesses along the supply chain as well, in order to â€Å"stay ahead of the curve† when making strategic business decisions. ? Chapter 5, Question 17Assuming there is a large rise in the demand for computer chips and potato chips. Potato chips manufacturers will be able to respond to a rise in demand quicker than a computer chip manufacturer. This is due to the fact that potatoes are more readily available, and the process for making potato chips is not as involved or difficult. The tools, materials and highly skilled labor force it takes to manufacture computer chips are more complex and will require more time to complete. Both manufacturers may attempt to ramp up production by adding another shift to the existing production line.Another option in the short run may be to contract another company to assist with the manufacturing as the demand increases or purchase/rent additional equipment to expand the production lines as needed to keep up with the demand and process request. In the overall big picture the positive shift in demand will put pressure on the market for increased competition. In order to maintain market share and maintain competitive advantage, both manufacturers will need to deliver value to the customer either in the form of a differentiated product or lower prices. In the long run, both of these priorities will be achieved through investment.A decision will have to be made that either investment in more efficient production and supply chain management, or more investment in a better product that stands out in the market. The long run success will also be dependent on the abilities of the entire supply chain to keep up with demand. If the demand is large but you are unable to meet the demand and supply the products it means nothing. The disadvantage of the potato chip company is that no matter how many potato chip factories you build, the manufacturer is still at the mercy of how many potato crops can be grown in a given season.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

The Shawshank Redemption

Adrian Sanchez Intro to Film 1 Sharri Hefner 4/20/13 Shawshank Redemption The Shawshank Redemption is a drama film released in 1994 written and directed by Frank Darabont. The overall theme of The Shawshank Redemption is the burden of isolation and imprisonment. Each of the inmates inside Shawshank Prison is locked up metaphorically as well as literally. Most prisoners in Shawshank redemption are there for life sentences. All that time behind the walls have changed the way the prisoners think and how they live.The young prisoners always say they are innocent when they are truly guilty. But Red, (played by Morgan Freeman) admits that he is guilty after spending 40 years in jail. The time he had to think about what he did is what led him to confess the truth. This is just one example of what all those years of isolation does to a person. The formal elements, camera, and the narrative is what I will use to prove the theme. The overall look and feel of the film is dark until the ending. The mise-en-scene of shawshank prison is unjust and shady.The design and characters help shape the mise-en-scene as an unjust and shady prison system. The design of shawshank looks like an old school dark sort of tower as you can see when andy first arrives to the prison. The costume is spot on in this movie. The officers uniforms look very intimidating as the prisoners uniforms look very dirty and plain. The warden is also dressed nice throughout the movie always in a suit. They use this to differentiate the high class and the lower class. The higher class is always controlling the lower class and accessing their dominance.They instill fear in their prisoners by abusing them and beating them which is very unfair. Years of being in that sort of environment can cause some prisoners to go crazy. Imagine going through that and witnessing that type of abuse every day of your life? Its going to have a huge effect on your brain mentally. This type of abuse makes a prisoner feel trapped an d even more isolated. Also the camera helps dictate the feeling of isolation and imprisonment. The camera is key to the theme. The camera shots and angles help make the viewer see how it feels to be isolated and trapped.One of my favorite shots of the movie is when andy is walking inside shawshank prison and they use a cut transition into a subjective shot where andy is looking up and seeing the tall building as hes walking inside the prison. That scene lets me know that he is already feeling trapped and he had just got there. They also use lighting to help inforce isolation and imprisonment. When Red is in his jail cell and as soon as the lights go out the lighting immediately changes and they do a close up shot to reds face and his emotion seems frightened and scared.Also when Andy gets cornered by three guys for the first time the lighting helps build shadow to make andy feel trapped. The narrative also helps shape the theme. The narrative as a whole helps dictate the theme. The characters throughout the movie feel trapped. There are different levels of isolation within the prison from the large, enclosed recreation yard to the smaller work crews down to the cellblock, cells, and, finally, solitary confinement.The prison then becomes a multilayered world that they have to live and deal with for the rest of their lifes. The sad thing is they cannot do nothing about it. When Bogs gets locked up in solitary confinement for a week the officers opened the door and said â€Å"Times up bogs† then he put on a fake grin and said â€Å"its your world boss†. This is the warden and the officers world and the prisoners are trapped in it with nothing they can do about it. They are in for so long that they get used to the prison system and this cruel world.But they forget about the life outside the bars. When brooks finds out he will be on parol he loses it. He almost kills his friend just to stay in jail. He wants to stay in jail because outside of the wall s he is nothing but inside the prison he is actually somebody. The montage of brooks when he gets out of jail is extremely sad. It depicts the negative effect on being imprisoned for a long time. When he gets out he is lost in the world. He feels even more alone then he ever was in shawshank.Being in prison for that long has negative effects on the brain. When you get used to one way of living you feel like that’s the only way to live but when you step out in the real world you are just confused and don’t know how to react to the environment. Sadly he committed suicide at the end of the montage. Also red told andy in the last scene that they were in prison together â€Å"ive been in here for most of my life. Im an institutionalized man now [†¦] In here im the guy that can get things for you. Outside all you need is the yellow pages. He is saying that he is so used to the prison that he would never survive in the real world. This futher proves my theme that isolat ion and imprisonment is a burden. You feel trapped both physically and mentally when you’re in jail for that long. Andy and red were the only ones to break through the physical and mental hurdle that many prisoners couldn’t. Others would have just given up. But andy and red had other intentions. They wanted freedom so bad they would do anything to get it. And so they did. Now that’s The Shawshank Redemption.