Communication Changes Essay

How did we arrive here? I ask that question after pondering the thought of how communication has changed just in my lifetime. I was born in 1970 in a small Idaho town. Party lines were still being used by most of my neighbors along our rural gravel road, and touch tone dialing wasn’t even thought of – at least not in my county. Two black and white televisions were in our household†¦one 14† in my parents’ room and a larger 19† in our family room. Cable tv? Not a chance. Four channels was all that was available, one of which was PBS – so unless Sesame Street was on, that didn’t count. That was just forty three years ago. Ouch. Writing that number makes it seem like a much longer time than it is, I still feel young. However looking back at all of the changes in the last four decades can be mind boggling. I watched new technology arrive and often thought â€Å"wow†¦.this is it, they  will never invent anything  that can outdo this!†. The touch tone phone, it allowed us to call someone so much faster than before. Soon after the VCR was the next best thing to come into our household and although not a communication device it would eventually evolve into an interactive communication tool. Communicating with someone in another town, state, or country was limited to either telephone or postal mail, which my grandparents at the time still commented on how amazing it was to be able to speak with someone on the other side of the planet. But it was expensive, very expensive. While brainstorming for this paper only a few methods of communication came to mind, oral, written, and electronic. During my research I found that communication technologies can be classified into eight different stages according to Walter Ong (Source: Theo 2011): 1. Orality (talking only)  2. Early Writing (pictorial writing then eventually phonetic alphabets, â€Å"craft literacy†, parchment). 3. Later Writing (scrolls then early bound books i.e. codices) 4. Early Print (Gutenberg and friends)  5. Later Print (the mass market begins) 6. Electric (Telegraph, Telephone) 7. Electronic (TV and radio) 8. Digital (Internet, cell phones) After initially reviewing this list I was astounded at how communication progress was extremely slow in the first five stages – consisting of tens of thousands of years between one stage to the next; however in my lifetime alone I have witnessed the last three stages evolve. I wonder, will this happen again? Will my son witness communication evolve three, four, five times in his lifetime? Or was this technology evolution an anomaly. Fast forward to current day, we have so many choices available to communicate with others it is often difficult to choose which method we want to use. Should I eMail my friend in San Francisco, call him using my house or cell phone, send him a text with an attachment of my wife and I’s wedding, or would he prefer a hand written card sent via the US Postal Service? Not only am I faced with which method works best for me in these situations but I also need to consider my recipient. It is generally very easy for adults to choose the appropriate method of communication however teenagers struggle more than ever. Often they will choose the simplest form of communication for their generation – texting. They even have their own new language while texting, SMS language or otherwise known as ‘textese’. This type of language is very similar to those used when the telegraph was in use over a hundred years earlier. The SMS language utilizes the fewest number of letters to produce words and sentiments in their correspondence, mostly driven by space, time and cost restraints.

Cis170 Essay

using System. Collections. Generic; using System. Linq; using System. Text; namespace Lab5A { class Program { static void Main(string[] args) { string[] playerName = new string[100]; int[] playerScore = new int[100]; int c = 0; c=InputData(ref playerName, ref playerScore); double avg= CalculateAverageScore(ref playerScore,c); Console. WriteLine(â€Å"Name Score†); DisplayPlayerData(ref playerName, ref playerScore, c); Console. WriteLine(); Console. WriteLine(â€Å"Average Score: † + avg + † â€Å"); Console. WriteLine(â€Å"Player’s Who Scored Below Average†); Console. WriteLine(â€Å"Name Score†); DisplayBelowAverage(avg, ref playerName, ref playerScore,c); } static int InputData(ref string[] player, ref int[] score) { int addName = 0,counter=0; do { Console. Write(â€Å"Enter Player’s Name (Q to quit): â€Å"); player[counter] = Console. ReadLine(); if (player[counter] == â€Å"q† || player[counter] == â€Å"Q†) { addName = 1; } else { Console. Write(â€Å"Enter score for {0}: â€Å", player[counter]); score[counter] = Convert. ToInt32(Console. ReadLine()); counter++; } } while (addName ! = 1); eturn counter; } static void DisplayPlayerData(ref string[] playerName, ref int[] playerScore,int counter) { for (int i = 0; i < counter; i++) { Console. WriteLine(â€Å"{0} {1}†, playerName[i], playerScore[i]); } } static double CalculateAverageScore(ref int[] playerScore,int counter) { int total = 0, avg = 0; for (int i = 0; i < counter; ++i) { total += Convert. ToInt32(playerScore[i]); } if (playerScore. Len gth > 0) avg = total / counter; return avg; } static void DisplayBelowAverage(double avg, ref string[] playerName, ref int[] playerScore,int counter) { or (int i = 0; i < counter; i++) { if (playerScore[i] < avg) { Console. WriteLine(â€Å"{0} {1}†, playerName[i], playerScore[i]); } } Console. ReadLine(); } } } Part B: using System; using System. Collections. Generic; using System. Linq; using System. Text; using System. Collections; namespace Week_5_iLab_Part_B { class Program { static void Main(string[] args) { string response = â€Å"y†; ArrayList LastNameAL = new ArrayList(); //Console. Write(â€Å"Enter a last name: â€Å"); //LastNameAL. Add(Console. ReadLine()); //Console. Write(â€Å"Keep Going? (Y/N) â€Å"); //response = Console. ReadLine(); while (response == â€Å"y†) { Console. Write(â€Å"Enter a last name: â€Å"); LastNameAL. Add(Console. ReadLine()); Console. Write(â€Å"Keep Going? (y/n) â€Å"); response = Console. ReadLine(); } Console. WriteLine(LastNameAL. Count + † last names entered. â€Å"); Console. WriteLine(â€Å"Last names in ascending order. â€Å"); LastNameAL. Sort(); foreach (string s in LastNameAL) { Console. WriteLine(s); } Console. WriteLine(â€Å"Last names in descending order. â€Å"); LastNameAL. Reverse(); foreach (string s in LastNameAL) { Console. WriteLine(s); } Console. ReadLine(); } } }

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Module – HUG 2121 This essay will explore various factors within breastfeeding, it will focus on the long and short term health benefits of breastfeeding, for both the mother and baby it will also discuss the reasons why women chose not to breastfeed, especially within the western society. Contributory factors such as social, psychological, cultural and political all contribute to the reasons women chose to breastfeed or not. WHO (2011), suggests that breast milk provides the necessary nutrients for up to the second half of the infants first year , and it also promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protection from infections and chronic illness. Breastfeeding has been also promoted by various studies and organisations and is said to be the healthiest and most effective way of feeding your baby, it not only increases bonding with the baby, but it also helps the mother to keep track of their babies health. Dykes (2002:98) The world health organisation(WHO) recommends that â€Å"mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months in order to achieve optimal growth, development and health†. There are many advantages associated with breastfeeding your baby, such as low risk of child obesity, which in turn usually leads to type 2 diabetes  in later life and a low risk of acquiring other health problems such as eczema. Miller (1991:76). Breast milk also contains valuable antibodies from the mother that may help the baby resist infections, so this means the baby is not at a high risk of acquiring disease. There are various factors that influence the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding, Earle (2002) recognises some of these factors, as the way the mother identifies herself, the fathers understanding on infant feeding, the personal factors involved and the sexualisation of breasts. The politics of breastfeeding is explained in detail by, Counihan (2008:467) stating that political obstacles include the â€Å"marketing practices of instant formula manufacturers†, and how such factors appear to have a positive impact on the choice women make in order to breastfeed or not. The article goes on to reflect breastfeeding rates in the UK; and the health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother as well as the infant. Despite attempts to reiterate to general public that ‘breast is best’, breastfeeding is still very much low in the western society (UNICEF, 2005). Protheroe et al (2003) discuss the issues behind this and explain the evidence that shows the health benefits of breastfeeding. Protheroe et al, (2003) also suggest that breastfeeding allows babies to have a better start in life than those who are formula fed. Due to both the short and long term health benefits associated with breastfeeding, Protheroe et al (2003) continues to argue that the main development of the infant is dependent on the nutrients breast milk provide. Breastmilk does not contain any extra ingredients that may cause the baby to have problems digesting it, so it is less strenuous for the baby. According to Allen and Hector (2005:42), they suggest that breastmilk is â€Å"uniquely engineered† for babies and that, it is biologically and naturally the correct way to feed babies. They also, argue that unlike formula milk breastfeeding has a vast number of health benefits for both mother and baby. Alexander et al. (2009:158) supports this claim and explains that breastfeeding provides a vast number of health benefits, â€Å"including protection against many acute and chronic diseases as well as advantages for general health, growth and development. UNICEF suggest that babies who are fed using breast milk substitutes have an increased risk of acquiring infections and diseases such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, respiratory or chest infections, ear infections, and even childhood leukaemia and possibly sudden infant death syndrome, or cot death. Allen and Hector (2005:44) support this, and explain that breastfeeding â€Å"has been shown to be protective aga inst a large number of immediate and longer term health outcomes that are a significant burden on individuals, the health system and society. It is also suggested that babies who are breastfed are bound to have better neurological development. However, a study carried out by Holme et al (2010), aiming to establish the effect of breastfeeding on neurological development, does not support this study. They came to the conclusion that breastfeeding is not associated with intelligence quotient (IQ) and that â€Å"maternal and socio-economic characteristics† are particularly influential. Babies who are breastfed are also protected against diabetes mellitus. Whitney et al, ( 2010 ), breastfeeding is also associated with defending babies from long term ealth problems and disorders of the cardiovascular system as well as obesity, a very huge problem that most Western societies are finding difficult to control. Due to this factor alone, it is very important that breastfeeding is more w idely promoted and advised, with sufficient support systems for mothers who are breastfeeding or considering it. This will not only reduce the health issues associated with breastfeeding, but it will promote the health benefits involved. UNICEF (2011) suggests that there may be a link between breastfeeding and protection against multiple sclerosis, acute appendicitis and tonsillectomy. However, research within this area is still very limited, and nothing has been done to prove this may be true. Breastfeeding does not only benefit the health of the baby, but mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of multiple diseases and illnesses; such as, breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. Breastfeeding also increases involution, whereby the mothers figure is most likely to return to normal, after pregnancy. Insel et al. (2009:538) support this, stating that breastfeeding stimulates uterine contractions, which aid in the uterus returning back to size. This is a very important factor to recognise especially for many mothers, due to the pressures associated with body image. If mothers are made aware of such benefits of breastfeeding, they may be more likely to breastfeed in order to promote the health and wellbeing of their baby and themselves, and maintain their figure. In addition breastfeeding means that mother and child are able to bond effectively; Insel et al. (2009:538) also state that if the baby is placed onto the breast instantly after delivery, these uterine contractions are able to control the level of blood lost in birth. Additionally by consuming a healthy diet, the mother is also able to understand and monitor any possible causes of any allergic reactions, infections or illnesses the baby develops. Lauwers and Swisher (2010:428) explain that exclusively breastfeeding, the breastmilk coats the baby’s intestinal tract with components in the breastmilk that ultimately prevent foreign proteins from entering the baby’s system and causing any allergic reactions. Pryor (2010:4) also suggests that the role of breastfeeding is very important especially if a mother and baby are bonding. This study showed that babies that interacted more with their mothers, stayed warmer, and cried less. It was also found that, although there were some difficulties to measure, if there was early skin-to-skin contact, there is still a very high possibility that breastfed babies were more likely to have a good early relationship with their mothers. A study conducted by Riodarn et al, (1998 ), shows that, breastfeeding rates within the United Kingdom (UK) are the lowest in both the developed world and Europe. Additionally the Infant Feeding Survey, from 2000 to 2005, found that the number of babies who were breastfed within the UK increased by 7 per cent and in both Scotland and Northern Ireland the initiation rates were raised by 8 per cent and only 7% in England and Wales. Although the statistics show a small rise in the number of breastfeeding mothers in the UK the number is still very low. Studies have found that most women, who do breastfeed, are usually from upper-class families whereas most economically disadvantaged women and teenagers continue to bottle feed their infants. Bryant et, al (1999:79). Efforts to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration among low income women have been tried however no success has been met. Therefore, it is important that an effort must be made to address the reasons for this problem and to identify breastfeeding promotion strategies that will overcome the barriers that are negatively influencing breastfeeding decisions in these particular populations. A lot of the women from low socio economic backgrounds, who chose not to breastfeed, is not because they just don’t care, but mostly because they live in an unsupportive or work in a non supportive environment. Other reasons why they do not breastfeed are that in low income women, their reasons not to breastfeed are closely related to social and cultural beliefs. Various studies have revealed that main issues that women from low income societies face, are that they are modest and embarrassed and the restrictions on their lifestyles, also play a huge role. Hartley,et al (1996:87). Other women however complained of physical discomfort and inconvenience. Some studies also found that some economically disadvantaged women feel a lack of confidence in their ability to produce an adequate quality or quantity of breast milk Marcus (2007). Living in a particular society usually influences many of your life choices, so if not breastfeeding is the cultural norm, for people living in these environments then chances of them breastfeeding is low. NICE, also suggests that in the UK alone most factors that also contribute to women overall not breastfeeding apart from the influence of society and culture, is the lack of continuity of care in the health services, clinical problems and the lack of preparation of health professionals and public in general to support breastfeeding effectively. Health care professionals also have a huge impact on women’s choices to breastfeed. The WHO and UNICEF launched the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in 1991, in order to provide information, support and assessment for health care workers in order to promote and encourage breastfeeding. This programme is very useful especially to new mothers because another reason why the rate of breastfeeding is low in the country is because; some women just don’t have enough information about it. This programme not only allows health professionals to encourage mothers on their own, but to also have the government to back up what they are saying. Arnez, et al (2004:67). Fletcher,et al(2000:98) however also suggests that whilst some women do have the information and are educated on all the reasons as to why breastfeeding is better, most women however usually just do what their, peers, parents or friends do. This suggestion is also supported By NICE, who also note that â€Å"a pregnant woman considering how to feed her baby may be influenced, positively or negatively, by the experiences of her friends and family, messages in the media, and the advice of her midwife and GP. Adequate advice is especially important for mothers because, although the choice is ultimately theirs, it is important for health professionals to know that they have given the mother as much information as possible and support in whatever decision they make. Riodarn, (2005:83) For the mothers who do chose to breastfeed, some of them end up discontinuing in many cases the reason being is that the mother’s report of ‘insufficient milk’ Ham lyn et al. (2002:54). This reason of not having enough milk may be influenced by the baby’s behaviour, the input of health professionals, the views of family and friends, and the mother’s own self-esteem, as well as clinical problems with feeding. If the mother feels as if she is not producing enough milk to feed her baby, then she can easily change to formula milk because, the stress of her thinking that the baby is starving would pressurise her to doing so Fletcher, et al (2000:43). It is especially important in situations such as these, that health professionals play a huge role in supporting the mother, because they are various reasons that can lead to such problems, so advice and a health knowledge would be needed. In most cases women tend to think this way because breast milk digests faster than formula milk, so the baby becomes hungry more often. So the support and advice from health professionals would help the mother to understand and not worry about this problem, Hartley et al (1996:31). It is very rare for anyone to suffer from not producing enough milk however, this is one of the main reasons why most women stop breastfeeding. Miller (1996:50) Suggests that it is especially women from low income backgrounds that usually use this as a reason to stop breastfeeding. However this can be argued that this excuse can be used by all women. A number of investigators suggest that this, is a condition that â€Å"spans a bio psychosocial continuum from a rare physiological situation to a condition embedded in psychological and social circumstances† Kumar, (2008:72). This method of encouragement was shown to have the greatest impact on women’s choice to breastfeed. The baby friendly initiative hospitals also support this and statistics show that these hospitals had increased their breastfeeding rates by more than 10% by comparing the year receiving Baby Friendly accreditation with four previous years, before they had the accreditation. In teenage mothers the need of support to initiate breastfeeding is prevalent, in most cases this is due to the vast influence young mothers get from the media, and the pressure from society. Appearance also plays a huge role in most women who decide to either breastfeed or not Scott, et al (1999:12). Most young mothers think that breastfeeding will make them socially unacceptable and make their breasts saggy. Most teenagers follow the media very closely and celebrity culture, so when they see or hear about certain things that their favourite celebrities have done they tend to follow in those footsteps. Teenagers are not the only population that the media influences in this particular area. In 2001 breastfeeding obtained a large amount of negative and controversial media coverage, when a woman was removed from a Delta Airlines flight because she refused to cover her child whilst she was breastfeeding (Marcus, 2007). Last  year,  famous  media  icon, Barbara Walters commented to millions of viewers, that â€Å"a breastfeeding woman made her feel uncomfortable while on a flight, Curran  (2006). Attitude such as this can influence women to not breastfeed, because they may start to feel embarrassed doing it. Although these are the most reasons why women do not breastfeed, other reasons may include sore nipples, or the pressure on going back to work. In some cases women chose not to breastfeed because they feel, the father of the baby would benefit from bottle feeding so that he too can get some sort of bonding with the baby during feeding, Curran (2006:12). Women often complain that their partners do not get to experience the same bond they do whilst feeding, Hollander (1995). Other health benefits said to be associated with breastfeeding are that minerals such as iron are present and lower in breast milk than in formula, so the minerals in breast milk are more likely to be completely absorbed by the baby Kumar, ( 2008:70 ). However In formula fed babies, the unabsorbed portions of minerals can change the balance of bacteria in the gut, which gives harmful bacteria a chance to grow, Foster (1995:45) this can often can cause constipation and lead to harder odorous stools than breastfed babies. In cases where women find that breastfeeding makes their nipples sore, it’s very important for health professionals to give them the relevant support and education on how to treat this problem. Most sore nipples can be helped by changing how the baby is attached to the mother’s breast, so talking to someone who has had specialist training in giving women support and information on baby feeding, would help. Midwives, health visitor or other specialist are also able  to help the mother, however it’s important for the mother to know that this information is readily available to them. The stigma attached to breastfeeding especially in the UK, has caused a lot of women to be cautious about it compared to other countries. The WHO statistics show that women in Asia and Africa are more comfortable breastfeeding compared to the Western Society. This information shows that although the women in England live in a country where healthcare and information is easily available to them compared to developing countries, their surroundings influence their decisions greatly. However women from other parts of the world such as Asia and Africa, do not particularly have media influences. Other reasons why Western countries have less women breastfeeding may be because, they have the formula milk easily available to them and it’s more convenient to their lifestyles. Formula feeding your baby especially in Western countries seems to be more ideal because of most work schedules and time off work given after the baby is born. In western culture a women’s breast is very closely associated with sex, so in most cases when a women is seen to be breastfeeding especially in public this is deemed as inappropriate Marcus, (2007). Most men also do not want to see their partner’s breastfeeding in public, because of the confusion over sexual role of the breast. If we compare this attitude to other countries, most women and men have strict rules on sex exposure and attitude. For example in Africa the majority of women that do have children are married and the number of teenage pregnancies is very low, so already the type of women that do get pregnant are usually young and married. Their culture on pregnancy, marriage and breastfeeding is also in most cases taught to them from a young age and it becomes a part of their culture. If the women’s grandmother and mother, both breastfed their babies they teach the daughter to do so, and because this is something that is taught growing up, it becomes the right choice for them. Having strong cultural beliefs has shown to have a huge impact on people particularly from this population, because they do not want to seem rebellious if they chose to do anything different from what they have been taught. Hollander, (1995) So in other words in most non Western countries the option to choose between formula milk and breastfeeding your baby is rarely given. In western culture however, because individuals tend to do their own thing and the choice for them to breastfeed or not is there this gives, the mother opportunity to weigh out her options on what suits her and baby. If her everyday life requires her to be busy perhaps finding the time to sit down, and relax and feed may seem impossible. Breastfed babies eat more often than bottle-fed babies because the fats and proteins in breast milk are more easily broken down than the fats and proteins in formula, so they are absorbed and used more quickly Kumar, (2002:90). This then means that the mother would have to breastfeed a lot more than she would with formula, so in a fast moving environment again this may not be ideal. In past years the facilities to actually breastfeed within the UK were very few, if women wanted to breastfeed their babies they were forced to either go and do it somewhere private or stay within their homes. It was only in 2010 that an equality act was carried out and passed to allow women to breastfeed anywhere, and to get public places and work places to facilitate this. In other cultures image concern is not as high as it is in the western culture so there are less cautious about it. Overall breastfeeding is a very important and extremely beneficial point to consider for all women and healthcare providers. BIBLIOGRAPHY Anderson, A. K. , Damio,  G. , Young, S. , Chapman,  D. , Perez-Escamilla,  R. (2005). A   Randomized  Trial  Assessing the  Efficacy  of Peer Counselling  on Exclusive  Breastfeeding   in  a  Predominantly  Latina  Low-Income  Community. Arch  Pediatrics  Adolescence   Medical,  15, 836-881. Arenz S, Ruckerl R, Koletzko B et al. 2004) Breastfeeding and childhood obesity: a systematic review. International Journal of Obesity. Bryant C, Coreil J, D’Angelo S, Bailey D, Lazarov M. (1992) A strategy for promoting breastfeeding among economically disadvantaged women and adolescents. NAACOGS Womens Health Nurs. 1992;3:723-730 Breastfeeding Among U. S. Children Born (1999),(2005), CDC National I mmunization Survey: 1999–2005. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta: 2005 Curran,  J. (2006). Online  Update:   â€Å"Nurse-ins†Ã‚  planned  over ejection  of breast-feeding  N. M   mother. Las  Cruces  Sun-News. http://lcsun- news. om/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_articlejsp? articleID=469 Counihan, C. (2008) Food and Culture: A Reader 2nd ed. New York: Routledge Dykes F. Western medicine and marketing: Construction of an inadequate milk syndrome in lactating women. Health Care Women Int. 2002;23:492–502. EU (2004) Promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding: an action plan for Europe. Luxembourg: European Commission, Directorate for Public Health and Risk Assessment Earle, S. (2002) ‘Factors affecting the initiation of breastfeeding: implications for breastfeeding promotion’ Health Promotion International 17 (3) 205-214 Foster K, Lader D, Cheesbrough S. , Infant feeding (1995), The Stationery Office, London 1997 Fletcher, D, Harris, H, The implementation of the HOT program at the Royal Women's Hospital Breastfeeding Review 2000, 8 (1): 19-23 Hamlyn B, Brooker S, Oleinikova K et al. Infant Feeding (2000). Department of Health, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland. London: The Stationary Office, 2002 Houston MJ (1984) Home support for the breast feeding mother. In: MJ Houston, editors Maternal and infant health care. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Hartley B, O’Connor M. (1996)Evaluation of the â€Å"Best Start† breastfeedingeducation program. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 150:868-871 Insel, P. , Turner, R. E. & Ross, D. (2009) Discovering Nutrition 3rd ed. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers Inc. Lauwers, J. & Swisher, A. (2010) Counseling the Nursing Mother Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers Inc. Marcus, J. A. (2007,). Lactation  and the  law. Mothering (143), 48-57 Miller NH, Miller DJ, Chism M. Breastfeeding practices among resident physicians. Pediatrics 1996;98:434–437. Pryor, G. 2010) Nursing Mother, Working Mother: The essential guide to breastfeeding your baby before and after you return to work Sydney: Read How You Want Large Print Books Protheroe, L. , Dyson, L. , Renfew, M. J. , Bull, J. & Mulvihill, C. (2003) ‘The Effectiveness of Public Health Interventions to Promote the Initiation of Breastfeeding: Evidence Briefing’ National Health Service : Health Development Agency Kumar A, Kumar Rai A, Basu S, Dash D and Saran Singh J. Cord Blood and breast milk iron status in maternal anemia. Pediatrics. 2008: 121(3); e673-677. Accessed 5/29/2010. Kramer MS, Kakuma, R 2002. Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 1. [Art. No. : CD003517. DOI: 10. 1002/14651858. CD003517] Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 3rd. Jones and Bartlett Publishers; Sudbury, MA: 2005. Scott JA, Binns CW. (1999) Factors associated with the initiation and duration of breastfeeding: a review of the literature. Breastfeed Rev 1999; 7: 5–16. Scott JA, Shaker I, Reid M. Parental attitudes toward breastfeeding: their association with feeding outcome at hospital discharge. Birth 2004; 31: 125–31 UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. Baby Friendly hospitals show strong increase in breastfeeding rates. Baby Friendly News No. 6, July 2000. World Health Organization (2003) Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. In: Organization WH, ed. Geneva: World Health Organization. Whitney, E. , DeBruyne, L. K. , Pinna, K. & Rolfes, S. R. (2010) Nutrition for Health and Health Care Belmont, USA: Wadsworth World Health Organisation (2011) Breastfeeding http://www. who. int/child_adolescent_health/topics/prevention_care/child/nutrition/breastfeeding/en/index. html [accessed 7 May 2011] *

Construction Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Construction Industry - Essay Example Love et al. (2010) pointed out that dispute occurrence can be instigated by a diversified array of factors such as the dispute regarding the wage of the employee, a dispute regarding working hours, disputes regarding quality standard, misunderstandings and unpredictability between employee-employer etc. Yiu and Cheung (2007) pointed out that dispute between employer and supplier might occur due to faulty supply, frequent client change, increased project cost etc. There are examples of an industrial dispute between a construction worker and employer regarding unhealthy working condition or construction site hazards. In short, the above examples are denoting the diversity of dispute issues among employee and employer. Major industrial dispute issues in the construction sector will be identified in the following section.Love et al. (2010) stated that dispute might arise due to the nature of the task being performed by the workers in the workplace and there are instances when suppliers o r workers fail to comply with the compliances and mandatory quality norms. Love et al. (2010) gave examples of construction projects when labors of the supplier disagreed with the frequent change in work location which was causing them trouble. However, there are cases, when construction employees were dissented with workers due to wrongful discharge from the duty or lay-off. From the legal viewpoint, wrongful discharge from duty can be viewed as the breach of implied contract between construction workers and employers.... Well, the reader will get different answers as they move from one country to another. Industrial dispute issues faced by Australian construction industry might not be similar with the British construction industry due to factors like different political orientation, economic volatility, culture and expectation of workers etc. However, in the next section, the researcher will try to find some definitive industrial dispute issues facing by construction industry in general. Dispute Occurrence Love et al. (2010) pointed out that dispute occurrence can be instigated by diversified array of factors such as dispute regarding the wage of employee, dispute regarding working hours, disputes regarding quality standard, misunderstandings and unpredictability between employee-employer etc. Yiu and Cheung (2007) pointed out that dispute between employer and supplier might occur due to faulty supply, frequent client change, increased project cost etc. There are examples of industrial dispute betwee n construction worker and employer regarding unhealthy working condition or construction site hazards. In short, the above examples are denoting the diversity of dispute issues among employee and employer. Major industrial dispute issues in construction sector will be identified in the following section. Pathogens Love et al. (2010) stated that dispute might arise due to the nature of task being performed by the workers in the workplace and there are instances, when suppliers or workers fail to comply with the compliances and mandatory quality norms. Love et al. (2010) gave examples of construction projects, when labors of the supplier disagreed with the frequent change in work location which was causing them trouble. However, there

The Problem with the Reward Systems of Ramapo Manor Term Paper - 1

The Problem with the Reward Systems of Ramapo Manor - Term Paper Example I believe the problem with their reward systems, affecting performance has been a long-standing problem prior to the current economic crises. Clients have constantly complained about the quality of service in which they receive from Ramapo Manor and report a decline not only in the services offered, to help them sustain during these economic crises, but also the attitudes, performance, timeliness, and quality of service they receive from the employees. This assessment will research the lack of reward systems in place and the cutting of reward systems, which kept employees providing better service and increasing productivity. The nature of the problem is Ramapo Manors current reward system, which is causing employees to leave their current positions for either a different department/division within Ramapo Manor, which has not been affected greatly by the economic crises. They are returning to pursue their education in different fields, which yield a more promising livable status, they are leaving Ramapo Manor and pursing positions in a different organization, there are gaps in positions, which are crucial to running Ramapo Manor effectively. This causes budget cuts, not allowing for reward systems and incentives to keep their current employees or encourage potential employees. Lay-offs, mandatory unpaid furlough days, holiday pay, bonuses and hourly pay cuts are the core to the nature of this problem. This problem cannot be pointed to one single figure. It could be pointed to Kathleen Falk, an executive for Ramapo Manor statewide, as the ultimate decisions fall on her, her decision-making process and communication to her subordinates.  

Operations Managment.Intangible specialisation and product-mix Essay

Operations Managment.Intangible specialisation and product-mix optimisation - Essay Example Based on the specific perspective oriented approach that the operations management makes regarding productivity agenda of an organization, strategic management can be used to formulate policies to enable balancing of availed options in operations (Schiavone, 2004, p7). In this study, Fiat’s case study has been used to demonstrate the importance of understanding operations management from a systems approach in withstanding market conditions. Perhaps defining the term intangible within the context of organization operations will assist in making a conclusive perspective eon the topic. The term intangible denotes assets, capital or factors that an organization works with but they are not immediately visible. On the other hand, tangible assets are the physically visible factors which the company uses in production. Both tangible and intangible factors contribute to the overall operation of the company. Economic evolution of organizations and other production entities is characterized by the accumulation of assets both. Intangible assets also represent relevant knowledge and technologies that the organization needs to remain in a specified production line. Intangible specialization is the concentration of accumulation of assets that are intangible in nature such as technology, with little emphasis being made to accumulation of tangible assets. Since there is some need to balance the control of accumulation of these two sets of assets, it becomes detrimental in the long run when the organization is unable to achieve the balance. Intangible specialization entails the concept of management decision making that tends to lean to and favor the dominance of a service intensive approach in production operations. The most dominant characteristic of intangible specialization is heavy reliance on routines as well as dependence in rigid production paths. Inappropriate

The Concepts of Moral Development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Concepts of Moral Development - Assignment Example The concept of Kohlberg’s moral development is explained in 3 levels and each level is classified into two stages. STAGE 1: â€Å"Wrong or immoral actions are determined by punishments†.   Example: Punctuality is considered an important aspect of the performance evaluation of an employee. The employee that comes late to the office is considered as wrong action and employee gets punishment on such actions. Generally, salary deduction is the punishment for late timings. Here the salary deduction is indicating that coming late is considered as an immoral action in the company.      STAGE 2: â€Å"Right actions are determined by rewards†. Example: According to Kohlberg’s view, rewards are the justification of the employee’s good performance in the company. Sales employee in the company is rewarded with extra benefits when he or she makes more than a sales target. In this case, extra benefits are rewards for efficient performance.      STAGE 3: â€Å"Good behavior is the reflection of good intentions† Example: Employee realizes that drinking alcohol in the office during the lunch timings is an immoral action because it decreases the efficiency and productivity at the workplace. Employee’s positive concerned behavior towards work efficiency is the justification of his/her good intentions for the company.      STAGE 4: Compliance to authority, Significance of â€Å"doing one’s duty†. Example: Human resource employee is against the firing of production labor but he/she decided not to protest in the company without the permission of management. The sense of obedience to the authority of HR employee is justifying that he/she is maintaining social order. STAGE 5: â€Å"Recognizing that rules can be changed in order to adapt differences in moral and legal rights†. Example: Sometimes it can be seen that organizations perform activities like tax evasion, so the employee realizes that this should be change and organization should pay taxes to the government to encourage the application of equal distribution of wealth in the country.      STAGE 6: â€Å"Considering every Individual’s view based on conscience regarding any moral decision†. Example: A person refuses to obey the law of the society which treats a major portion of the population as second-class citizens.

Elements of Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Elements of Literature - Essay Example the basic need which drives people to read, be it prose, poetry, essays, plays, or any of the genres which constitute this infinite creative process. According to him, stories provide us with pleasure while at the same time informing and enlightening us with their multifarious characters and themes or to put it simply, â€Å"they enlarge our understanding of ourselves and deepen our appreciation of life.†(p. 27) The fictional world created by the masters of this craft are peopled by some of the most interesting people we know and who have become the byword for many of the attributes found in people all over the world. Characters whether in a story, play or poem help to move the story forward as much as the action, since what happens to whom, when, where and the characters corresponding response to this situation creates the story. The characters in a story can be dynamic or static depending upon their utility to the action and the insights they provide into the action. A dynamic character is sketched out in great detail and the reader is made privy to their inner thoughts and consciousness through narration in the first person or even through the use of the device of third person focalization. These characters undergo changes in their personality and outlook due to the experiences which they undergo. A very good example of such a character would be that of Louise whose circumstances make her portray herself differently at different times. Before the news of her husband’s death, she is the traditional dull housewife whose dreams are buried deep in her heart. But as soon as the unfortunate news reaches her, she becomes a totally different character who is ready to enjoy her new found freedom and is in fact happy at the turn of circumstances. A static character on the other hand may not show any great degree of transformation but they are necessary to move the action forward. E.M. Forster in his Aspects of the Novel makes another form of distinction between

Writing Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing Experience - Essay Example The essay "Writing Experience" presents the story about the writing experience. The author tells that he started developing the art and zeal of creative writing at the tender age in elementary school. He could learn and practice writing using anything that could draw or make simple lines.I could sit at my desk in school and trace out simple letters on gray papers that afterward smudged when I engaged eraser harshly on the paper. My conscious was vivid; I wanted to emerge the best creative writer in Kindergarten class. I believed in creative writing. It had taken control of my thinking, and I remained at its mercy.My desire to excel in creative writing grew in me throughout the years in school. I developed the zeal to write better-compared to authors in the vast number of books, which I read. I had become jealous of other creative writers. Each day, I could write many times and compare my work with other notable authors. I was so passionate about writing better than the existing liter ary scholars that my mother had to intervene. Mother informed me that if I could engage my soul in writing, I would be the most famous literary writer than authors of the books that I read. Henceforth, I believed in the company of my soul in writing an appealing and understandable literature. I trusted in my mother’s words and later came to the realization that human mind has the power of letting words flow naturally during writing. I also learned that I would have the most interesting and convincing voice in my literary works.

To What Extent Does Shift Work Contribute to the Stress of Working as Essay - 1

To What Extent Does Shift Work Contribute to the Stress of Working as a Paramedic in Adelaide - Essay Example I can also access them when working in order to observe them in their natural working environment and get the feeling of what stress they are encountering as they work in their different shifts (both night and day shifts and the difference between these two shifts).   The sampling technique will be simple random. This is convenient because I will not be biased when conducting the field research and the results will ensure diversity in conditions, the gender of the paramedics and other important factors that other sampling techniques may overlook. I will randomly choose the workstations of the paramedics and then also randomly chose the paramedics I will be observing and those I will be interviewing and minimize biases and sampling error. I will carry out 3 observations (of each shift since the shifts are of 8hours), 7 different interviews (one of the interviews will be for the supervisor and who is also the one in charge of the shifts and organizes the duty calendar), while the other six will be for the different paramedics (randomly chosen). Lastly, I will carry out a focus group discussion that will include all the available paramedics and this will be aimed at getting the general feeling about the shifts not captured in the interviews. Some of the structured interview questions will include: what shift they currently are in? How long does it take before there is a rotation of the shift? Which of the three shifts is the toughest on both the physical and mental strength? Is there a difference health wise of the shifts (this includes having headaches, fatigue, anger, over or under eating, depression or drugs and substance abuse). The rest of the questions will be unstructured in order to get more explanations. One of the ethical problems I foresee is that the interviewees may refuse to be honest due to fear of lack of confidentiality and even anonymity even though this will be assured to them. The other is on the issue of getting voluntary participants to participate in the focus group and especially if the supervisor will be around watching them.  Ã‚  

Food sec Essay Example for Free

Food sec Essay Our aim is that all people (regardless of race, religion, gender or age) have access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (World Bank, 1986) There are four main components to ensuring food security: 1. Food availability good agricultural productions and marketing to provide enough food in all climates and seasons. 2. Food access – having the money to pay for or the ability to acquire the food; being able to get good†¦ 3. Food use- proper preparation and storage of the food; maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food; fair distribution of the food (gender, food, ethnicity, religion, etc. ) 4. Asset creation –designing ways to maintain the food supply, in case of natural disaster, wars and/or conflicts etc. ; stockpiling, donations, etc. Solutions to Fighting Hunger 1. Improving nutritional status-e. g. Adding palm oil (contains Vitamin A) to food, fortifying milk with Vitamin D encouraging breast-feeding. 2. Policy changes (worldwide) –e. g. universal declaration of human rights, universal rights of the child. 3. Food Security – focusing on the four main courses of hunger and working with communities to improve availability of quality of food. Issues associated with food security: 1. Natural disaster 2. Cash cropping 3. Lack of education 4. Unequal Distribution of Resources 5. Disease 6. Government 7. War/Conflict Food Security Our aim is that all people (regardless of race, religion, gender or age) have access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (World Bank, 1986) There are four main components to ensuring food security: 5. Food availability good agricultural productions and marketing to provide enough food in all climates and seasons. 6. Food access – having the money to pay for or the ability to acquire the food; being able to get good†¦ 7. Food use- proper preparation and storage of the food; maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food; fair distribution of the food (gender, food, ethnicity, religion, etc. ) 8. Asset creation –designing ways to maintain the food supply, in case of natural disaster, wars and/or conflicts etc. ; stockpiling, donations, etc. Solutions to Fighting Hunger 4. Improving nutritional status-e. g. Adding palm oil (contains Vitamin A) to food, fortifying milk with Vitamin D encouraging breast-feeding. 5. Policy changes (worldwide) –e. g. universal declaration of human rights, universal rights of the child. 6. Food Security – focusing on the four main courses of hunger and working with communities to improve availability of quality of food. Issues associated with food security: 8. Natural disaster 9. Cash cropping 10. Lack of education 11. Unequal Distribution of Resources 12. Disease 13. Government 14. War/Conflict Food Security Our aim is that all people (regardless of race, religion, gender or age) have access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (World Bank, 1986) There are four main components to ensuring food security: 9. Food availability good agricultural productions and marketing to provide enough food in all climates and seasons. 10. Food access – having the money to pay for or the ability to acquire the food; being able to get good†¦ 11. Food use- proper preparation and storage of the food; maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food; fair distribution of the food (gender, food, ethnicity, religion, etc. ) 12. Asset creation –designing ways to maintain the food supply, in case of natural disaster, wars and/or conflicts etc. ; stockpiling, donations, etc. Solutions to Fighting Hunger 7. Improving nutritional status-e. g. Adding palm oil (contains Vitamin A) to food, fortifying milk with Vitamin D encouraging breast-feeding. 8. Policy changes (worldwide) –e. g. universal declaration of human rights, universal rights of the child. 9. Food Security – focusing on the four main courses of hunger and working with communities to improve availability of quality of food. Issues associated with food security: 15. Natural disaster 16. Cash cropping 17. Lack of education 18. Unequal Distribution of Resources 19. Disease 20. Government 21. War/Conflict Food Security Our aim is that all people (regardless of race, religion, gender or age) have access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (World Bank, 1986) There are four main components to ensuring food security: 13. Food availability good agricultural productions and marketing to provide enough food in all climates and seasons. 14. Food access – having the money to pay for or the ability to acquire the food; being able to get good†¦ 15. Food use- proper preparation and storage of the food; maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food; fair distribution of the food (gender, food, ethnicity, religion, etc. ) 16. Asset creation –designing ways to maintain the food supply, in case of natural disaster, wars and/or conflicts etc. ; stockpiling, donations, etc. Solutions to Fighting Hunger. 10. Improving nutritional status-e. g. Adding palm oil (contains Vitamin A) to food, fortifying milk with Vitamin D encouraging breast-feeding. 11. Policy changes (worldwide) –e. g. universal declaration of human rights, universal rights of the child. 12. Food Security – focusing on the four main courses of hunger and working with communities to improve availability of quality of food. Issues associated with food security: 22. Natural disaster 23. Cash cropping 24. Lack of education 25. Unequal Distribution of Resources 26. Disease 27. Government 28. War/Conflict.

San Juan City Fast Facts Essay Example for Free

San Juan City Fast Facts Essay * On February 17, 1590, during the Spanish era, San Juan was established as an encomienda for Franciscan missionaries. * It was formerly known as San Juan del Monte, its name was derived from its patron saint, San Juan de Bautista, and del Monte after its hilly landscape. * San Juan was formerly part of Manilas Sta. Ana de Sapa. * The town was burned by rebels during the Chinese uprising of 1639. * In 1793, it was separated from Sta. Ana de Sapa and made into a separate municipality. * From 1847 to 1894, the town was governed by gobernadorcillos * From 1895 to 1897, the Capitan Municipal headed the government. * On August 30, 1896, during the revolution, 800 Katipuneros attacked the 100-man garrison at the Spanish polvorin (known then as Almacen de Polvora). The Spanish commander was killed and the rest of the garrison withdrew to El Deposito (the old Manila water reservoir). The arrival of Gen. Bernardo Echaluces Regiment 73 turned the tide against the rebels. 153 patriots were killed and 200 others, including Sancho Valenzuela, were captured. * The town joined General Emilio Aguinaldos revolutionary government on August 6, 1898. * The Philippine-American War began on February 4, 1899 when a Filipino soldier was killed by an American private at San Juan Bridge. In retaliation, Filipino troops opened fire on the American line. On daybreak of the next day, the American fleet bombarded Filipino trenches north of the town, causing much havoc on the Filipino troops. The Nebraska Volunteers charged up heights of the heights of the town and captured El Deposito. * On June 11, 1901, San Juan was made part of the newly created province of Rizal through Act No. 94. * In 1903 it became part of San Felipe de Neri (now Mandaluyong) * San Juan became an independent municipality on March 27, 1907 through Act No. 1625. * On January 2, 1942, during World War II, it was occupied by the Japanese * On August 6, 1942, San Juan was incorporated into the Japanese-sponsored Greater Manila Area by virtue of Exec. Order No. 76. District Chiefs were appointed to handle municipal affairs. * On November 8, 1975, San Juan was incorporated into the newly formed Metro Manila which was created by Presidential Decree No. 824. * It was converted into a highly-urbanized city on by virtue of Republic Act No. 9388 and ratified by a plebiscite held on June 16, 2007.

Bank of Maldives SWOT, Pestle and Porters Five Analysis

Bank of Maldives SWOT, Pestle and Porters Five Analysis Jump to: Mission and Vision of the Bank of Maldives SWOT Analysis PESTLE Analysis Porter’s Five Analysis GAP Analysis Segment Analysis BCG Matrix Porter’s Generic Strategy Ansoff Matrix Human Resources Introduction Bank of Maldives Overview On 23rd May 1982, Bank of Maldives was registered (Company Registry No. C-22/1982) with Ministry of Home Affairs as a company. On 10 November 1982 BML was registered at Maldives Monetary Authority and was given license to provide banking business in the Maldives. http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=mvv=71 Joint venture with IFCI On November 11, 1982 Bank of Maldives Plc was inaugurated and started commercial operation as a joint venture bank with 60% shares held by the Government of the Maldives (including its Agencies and Maldivian Companies) and 40% shares owned by International Finance Investment Company Limited (later IFIC Bank Limited), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Until 31st December 1992, the Bank was managed by the professionals of IFIC Bank Limited and they were paid 10% of the Banks profit. During the tenth year of the Bank, the Government of Maldives decided to re-structure the Bank of Maldives as such requested the IFIC Bank Ltd to reduce the share holding and also the number of representation in the Board. Consequently IFIC Bank Ltd decided to dispose off its entire shares in the Bank of Maldives and terminate its relations with the Bank with the expiry of the Management Contract on December 31, 1992. Bank of Maldives Become Public Limited Company Government of Maldives purchased 40 per cent shares On 14 November 1992, held by IFIC Bank Ltd. As a result, 80 per cent of the share capital of the Bank of Maldives was owned by the Government while the remaining 20 per cent of the share capital was sold equally to the State Trading Organization and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company respectively. Company Shares Government decided and started, to sell Banks shares to the general public In December 1992, by way of a assessment to expand the Banks capital. From January 1, 1993, Bank of Maldives Plc has become, and since then remained, a bank fully owned by the people and the Government of the Maldives. The Bank of Maldives Plc issued shares during 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2007. In 2007, Memorandum and Articles of Association of the bank was revised, shares were split and bonus shares were given to the existing shareholders. As a result the authorised caiptal of the bank was increased from Rf 300 million to Rf 800 million. The face value of BML shares stand at Rf 50/-. Bank of Maldives Branches Bank of Maldives has 25 branches in the country Maldives. Out of 25 three branches are in Male, the capital, and 1 branch in Male International Airport (Hulhule Island) and 01 each in both Villingili ward and Hulhumale. The other branches of Bank of Maldives are distributed amongst the atolls of the country, each with a chosen command area. Therefore, the Bank of Maldives Plc is able to serve the whole nation. Strategies for businesses The main business of Bank of Maldives is retail banking in addition Bank of Maldives handle most of the development banking activities in all the atolls of the Nation, Bank of Maldives PLC covers a variety of modern banking services online in a fully computerized environment and is proud to be serving the nation as the leading bank in the Maldives. http://ebanking.bankofmaldives.com.mv/page/view/n/company/o/introduction Businesses are often so preoccupied with immediate issues that they lose sight of their ultimate objectives. Thats why a business review or preparation of a strategic plan is a virtual necessity. This may not be a recipe for success, but without it a business is much more likely to fail. A business strategy is a pattern of decision and actions that are taken by the business to achieve its objectives. Business planning involves deciding what is to be done, setting objectives and developing polices to achieve them. Strategic process is steps taken to achieve those objectives. Frame Work of Business Strategy In practice, strategic management process has three main components, shown in the figure below. http://courseware.finntrack.eu/institutions/lectur_4.htm There is a number of stages involve in the planning process. These include Identifying the objectives Analalysing the positions of the business Deciding on suitable strategy Implementing a suitable strategy Evaluating its effectiveness Strategic Planning Process C:UsersAroonDesktopthe-strategic-planning-process-thumb.jpg Mission Mission statement includes descriptions of the overall aims of the business and they tend to be aimed at stake holders in the business. Stakeholders are those individuals or groups that affect or have interest in how the business is running and also what it achieves. Mission statement of business will include information for all key stake holders of the business including employees, shareholders, and also customers. Bank of Maldives Mission statement We will lead the way through quality of service and dedication of our staff. We will serve all our communities to the best of our ability, strive always to listen to your needs and so build total customer confidence and satisfaction From BML Mission statement I found that the mission that the company established is based on blending the various interest of range of stakeholder grouping. Example one of the objective mentioned in mission statement is to lead the way through quality of service and dedication of our staffs it will benefits many stakeholders because customers will receive high quality product and services, shareholders will receive high dividends, employee will receive good wages, and so on. Vision A vision statement is sometimes called a picture of your company in the future but its so much more than that. Vision statement is our inspiration, the framework for all our strategic planning. A vision statement may apply to an entire company or to a single division of that company. Whether for all or part of an organization, the vision statement answers the question, Where do we want to go. Vision statement of Bank of Maldives To be the leader in the financial industry in Maldives, spreading its presence in all key economic geographies in Maldives To be the leader in the financial industry in Maldives, inculcating a long term saving culture in the nation and promoting a cashless society To be one of the most Efficient, Profitable and Respected financial institutions in Maldives. Values http://www.bankofmaldives.com.mv/SiteCollectionImages/mission-statement.jpg http://www.bankofmaldives.com.mv/InvestorRelations/Pages/OurCommitments.aspx The bank values lot of things like innovation, giving respect to others and receiving respect from others, also communication, innovation and integrity. Stakeholders of the business Customers Customers are one of the key stakeholders of the business as they are vital to the survival of the business. Bank of Maldives provides excellent services to its customers and has excellent relationship through respects, friendly services and also greeting and so on. Shareholders Bank of Maldives try to give maximum benefits to its shareholders and also have good relationship with them. The Annual General Meeting of the company is used to have an effective discussion with the shareholders on matters and issues which are of relevance and of concern to the general membership. The Banks website also provides information for the shareholders of the business. Employees Employees are other key stake holders of the company. Bank of Maldives has various ways. Bank provides training programs to employees to familiarize them companys policy and working practice. Bank also provides many packages and development opportunity to its employees. Suppliers In todays environment it is very important for good relationship to exist between business and suppliers. Government Government can influence and affect business in number of ways. Bank of Maldives has to follow the rule and regulation that is made by the government. And also government is 51% shareholder of the bank. Therefore provide full support to the company. Hierarchy of Objectives There are two types of objectives, corporate and functional level objectives. At the top level of an organization will often create a vision setting what and where they want to be in long run or in future and also the top level of organization will often create mission setting out the purpose of the organization and also mission statement is a path way to achieve its vision and then Organizations will create a hierarchy of objectives. The hierarchy of objective is a breakdown of Mission Corporate Objective Functional/Departmental Objective Team objective Individual Objective the objectives and presenting in a more understanding and also able to manual to the operational/functional level of employees of the organization. This process is because organizations believe that each and every individual should be clear of what is expected from them in order to accomplish the corporate objective. Strategic analysis Strategic analyses is all about analyzing the strength of businesses position and also analyzing the weakness and understanding the important external factors that may influence and effect the business position. The business strategy of a company provides the big picture that shows how all the individual activities are coordinated in the organization in order to achieve a desired end result. It is through the strategy process that the overall direction of the company is established. This is based on the external opportunities and threats, outside the organization or external environment creates, also the internal strengths and weaknesses of the business. There are many tools for process of Strategic Analysis which we can use to analyze the business such as: SWOT Analysis PEST Analysis Scenario Planning Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation Directional Policy Matrix Competitor Analysis Critical Success Factor Analysis SWOT Analysis We can use SWOT analysis as a tool to conduct a general or detailed picture of a companys health. SWOT analysis is quick examination of a business current position so that it can identify internal strength and weakness and also external opportunities and threats. (S)trengths Financial stability and bank is well capitalized and this has enabled it to perform relatively well with largest financial network of 25 branches and 37 ATMs in Maldives. Highest market shares/over 260,000 loyal deposit account holders/ Over 53,000 lending relationships Government helps since it has 51% their share power Most effective recruitment and selection process and over 748 dedicated employees Awarded for 3 years about their customer satisfaction methods. Easy transections for its customers Updated technology as leader in electronic banking in card issuance with a wide network of POS terminal Nations most trusted company with the highest transections and strong customer relationship 27 years banking service in the market and well branded in the country Annual report 2009 (W)eaknesses Less number of employees to deal with their daily transections and customers problems. Limited dollar providing Difficult to get loans compare to their competitors Maldives is facing shortage of US dollars these days and most of the Expatriate working in Maldives is paid in Rufiyaa. Even to buy dollars from Bank of Maldives is something impossible these days. Due to the shortage of dollars most of the businesses are facing problems since Maldives import almost everything and businesses need to transfer their money to their suppliers. Also the foreigners those who are working in Maldives are paid in Rufiyaa and they also face problem due to shortage of dollars. I think that the shortages of US dollars are due to the world economy experienced tremendous instability in the year 2009, due consequences were felt in the Maldivian economy as well. The depression in tourism industry and fisheries industry played huge role as it posed numerous effect while the US Dollar liquidity crisis contributed added to the challenges being faced by the Bank. (O)pportunities Since they have got a good financial stability they can expand their business to other islands Sell more shares to the public market. It will increase their customers and also will be able to have a better capital to provide a good service To deal with their daily transections and to get experience from developed banks like Swiss bank they can ask from the government talk about it with them. (T)hreats Recently have stopped providing any types of card to the customers Economic crises Competitors I think the strengths of the company can be assessed as companys resources and also the company capabilities which can be used as a root to achieve its objectives and goals and also for developing a competitive advantage. There are many external threats and opportunities which organization has to face. So that Business can try to maintain the strengths and try to overcome from the weaknesses as internal factors those can be controlled by the business, but external factors cannot be controlled by the business because they are independent. Therefore business can try to take advantages of opportunities so it can be key to be success in future and have to try to manage the threats as well. Or have to try to reduce its negative influences to the organization. PESTLE It is very important that an organization considers its environment before beginning the marketing process. In fact, environmental analysis should be continuous and feed all aspects of planning. http://imagetrail.net/image/5042061/PEST-Analysis.aspx (P)olitical In Maldives government doesnt influence most of the business. But Bank of Maldives is a government company so they take decisions according to their political decisions. Most of the businesses in this country are private business. Government helps to their business to carry it with the highest level they can and to expend it. However they have recently announced that they will make new rules to the tertiary sector business. So its important for them to update the changes and obey the rules and regulation of ministry of trade and industry. The political changes need to be monitored very often especially during these days. As there is changes in political system or due to the implementation of party system in the country and the new laws passed by the government plays a vital role in todays business climate. So, I feel that the management and investors needs to be cooperative with the new system and government in order to keep running in the market. Moreover, Bank of Maldives is one of the biggest service industry in the country and also it is central bank of Maldives so political factors may effect the business for some extent. (E)conomical After the tsunami the country was developing rapidly their business and starting new business. Inflation of country is controlled in recent years. Mixed economy is one of the key features of the country that take account of tourism, fishing and other industry. http://www.indexmundi.com/maldives/inflation_rate_%28consumer_prices%29.html Mixed economy plays huge role in businesses growth and is can be an important aspect of the Maldives economy hence for most of the company government helps and government have shares in most of the leading company such as State trade Organization plc., Bank of Maldives and so on, In 1989, the economic reform program implemented by the government lifted the import quota and encouraged exports to the private sector. Later on, the liberalized conventions allowed more foreign investments. Therefore I feel one of the targeted markets for Bank of Maldives that is foreigners became the customers of the business. http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/maldives/ On the other hand, GDP reduced in 2007-08, then contracted in 2009 and the reason may be due to the worldwide recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis in 2009. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, and increasing employment opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Maldives GDP- Real growth rate (%) http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=mvv=66 Therefor Bank of Maldives may face economic problems in upcoming years. So it is very important for BML to keep an eye on economic changes that comes every now and then. Taking in this aspect, interest rate and inflation plays a keys role. A very slight change in the interest rate brings a change in the price of product. So I would advise the management to observe the economic changes that comes very often. On the other hand most of the stakeholder of the company believes that in upcoming year economy will be favorable to the business. Moreover, in the market Bank of Maldives have got so many new competitors like HSBC and Bank of Ceylon. Most of the people still trust Bank of Maldives because of being the oldest Bank in the country and also its under the control of government. Most of the transaction are done in the capital city. So economically they will face much trouble from other business, Because HSBC can be a competitor who will be able to get market share. They have the best dollar providing service. When looking in to the people perspective, most of the people have bank accounts. And all most all the people are aware about the modern world (S)ocial Maldives economy is based on about the social could be their spending is higher and less saving. This way happens mostly with the youngsters. Everything for them is fun and enjoying. And each every of them has their own bank account. Thats why it increases the bank transection. Also government employees should have bank account in BML and most of the money transections of government are done through BML. Bank of Maldives caters to customers in unbanking islands through its Dhon services, Also facilitator of infrastructure development to enhance the living standard of local community. BML extends its support to various initiatives in view of the socioeconomic benefits. Among these initiatives BML cosponsored GCE High Achievers Award ceremony and worked alongside the Maldives Police Service to create awareness regarding counterfeit currency. Furthermore BML also extended its support through providing sponsorship for the Democracy Fair held during 2009 and the fishermans day activities. Further efforts to extend our corporate responsibility stance involved daily collection facilitation for state insurance scheme Madhana by all branches of the Bank. BML fully funded the acquiring of an ECG Treadmill for IGM Hospital for the benefit of patients utilizing the services of the hospital. BML is the pioneer and leader of microfinance facilities for rural development and to SME sector projects throughout Maldives. These loans significantly contribute to improving the livelihood of rural communities, alleviating poverty and creating employment opportunities. BML report 2009 (T)echnological Technology is vital to gain competitive advantage, and is a major driver of globalization. Changes in technology have also become mainly weighty in the world. This is for the most part true in terms of modern communication technologies todays environment. The creation of databases and electronic communications help to have easy communications and have enabled huge quantities of information to be shared and quickly distributed all around the world with cost reductions, and often improvements in service and product. Organizations need to be aware of the latest relevant technologies for their business and due to high competition in the market. Bank of Maldives use latest technology to implement business processes, manage risks and provide excellent customer service. Such as Online electronics banking, mobile banking and internet banking, ATM service etc. Also bank is fully computerized and provides almost all the banking services needed for the citizens and business establishments in Maldives. There for I suggest bank of Maldives it is very important to be in touch with new technology as the technology has brought the people together with the best, comfortable and convenient life. Also technology is one of the biggest issues in modern world and also to provide best services to its customer and to create competitive advantage against rivals in the market. Porters Fives Forces Five Force analyses assume that there are five important forces that determine competitive power in a situation. These are:http://www.tutor2u.net/business/images/five_forces.gif Threat of New Entrants The number of business in a market may not be always be a useful guide to completion in that market. New entrants to an industry can raise the level of competition, by this means reducing its attractiveness an also if it is easy for business to enter markets then the competition likely to be greater. The threat of new entrants largely depends on the barriers to entry. High entry barriers exist in some industries. Key barriers to entry include: Economies of scale The need of Capital or investment requirement Customer switching costs Access to industry distribution channels The likelihood of retaliation from existing industry players. Bank of Maldives is the only local bank in Republic of Maldives. There are other banks like State bank of India, Habib Bank, HSBC bank, etc in Maldives, but they do not have more than one branch. I am not sure if there is any restriction to open more than one branch for foreign banks in Maldives. Bank of Maldives has many branches in Male the capital of Maldives as well as in remote islands. In my point of views It is difficult for new entrants to enter in banking industry due to threat of new entrants largely depends on the barriers to entry. To enter in the banking industry in Maldives for local business it will be difficult due to capital requirement they need to invest on the business, and also it is difficult to gain economies of scale. Also Bank of Maldives is one of the highest distributors with 25 branches all over the country. Threat of Substitutes This depends upon the extent to which business can differentiate their products from those of competitors .The substitute products can lower industry attractiveness and profitability because they limit price levels. The threat of substitute products depends on: Buyers willingness to substitute The relative price and performance of substitutes The costs of switching to substitutes Bargaining Power of Suppliers Suppliers are the businesses that supply materials other products into the industry. Powerful suppliers can increase the cost of a business. If suppliers have high bargaining power over a company, then in principle the companys industry is less attractive. The bargaining power of suppliers will be high when there are number of suppliers and also when there are many buyers and also the importance of the product which is supplied or undifferentiated, highly valued products bargaining power of supplier will be high. For BML bargaining power of suppliers will be less due to more dominant supplier like Rainbow, all brothers business and so on. Bargaining Power of Buyers Buyers are the people / organisations who create demand in an industry. The bargaining power of buyers is greater when There are few dominant buyers and many sellers in the industry Products are standardized Buyers threaten to integrate backward into the industry Suppliers do not threaten to integrate forward into the buyers industry The industry is not a key supplying group for buyers For BML I feel bargaining power of buyer is less because BML is only a company that caters the customers all over the country and they have branches in many part of the country and also the other competitors such as HNB is have only one branch in the country which is also is located in capital Male. Intensity of Rivalry The intensity of rivalry between competitors in an industry will depend on: The structure of competition for example, rivalry is more intense where there are many small or equally sized competitors; rivalry is less when an industry has a clear market leader. BML is a market leader of Banks in Maldives. The structure of industry costs for example, industries with high fixed costs encourage competitors to fill unused capacity by price cutting Degree of differentiation industries where products are commodities (e.g. steel, coal) have greater rivalry; industries where competitors can differentiate their products have less rivalry . For BML the degree of differentiation is higher than the other competitors. Switching costs rivalry is reduced where buyers have high switching costs i.e. there is a significant cost associated with the decision to buy a product from an alternative supplier Strategic objectives when competitors are pursuing aggressive growth strategies, rivalry is more intense. Where competitors are milking profits in a mature industry, the degree of rivalry is less Exit barriers when barriers to leaving an industry are high (e.g. the cost of closing down factories) then competitors tend to exhibit greater rivalry. Having a good pricing strategy and a good customer care will enhance Bank of Maldives to catch up the marker easily and maximize the profit. GAP analysis Bench Marking Benchmarking is the process of measuring an organizations internal processes then identifying, understanding, and adapting outstanding practices from other organizations considered to be best-in-class. By Benchmarking the business can discover performances of the business compare to competitors or with the organization which the business is bench marking and also can identify the most compatible for the business to bench mark.. Source: http://www.benchnet.com/wib.html View date: 20 November 2009 Core Competency Core competencies are those strengths or abilities that are critical to a business achieving competitive advantage. Senior management cannot focus on all activities of a business and the competencies required undertaking them. So the goal is for management to focus attention on competencies that really affect competitive advantage. The Core competencies are the most significant value creating skills within Bank of Maldives and key areas of expertise which are distinctive to the business and critical to the Bank of Maldives long term growth. I believe core competencies are the thing that Bank of Maldives can do better than the competitors in the field. So there are competitive advantages in Bank of Maldives that is difficult to imitate by the competitors in the market to gain the core competencies. The loyalty customers had towards the Bank of Maldives is a core competency that business had, compared to the competitors, and is also high. Customer care had a great impact on the business as well since the employees services to the customer of human resource cannot be copied by competitors. Segmentation and Products and services of Bank of Maldives Segment Analysis By Geographical segment- Bank operate only in Maldives By business segment Retail banking Corporate banking Electronic banking Development banking Bank of Maldives Corporate Banking Loans and leasing Working capital facilities Working capital facilities Investment financing Credit card lines, electronic banking and foreign trade services and so on International Banking Electronic Banking Mobile Banking Online Banking ATM Services Development Banking For Bank of Maldives using technology such as ,Automated Teller Machine, online banking and Mobile banking will reduce the amount of transections of bank and customers can acquire services at their offices every day. Also the bank can gain from such services, is reducing their operational costs via decrease in tellers and cashiers, when less number of customers attend the bank to get the services. Right now the bank is charging Rf 2 per any transaction on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and Rf 1800 for internet banking services with account to account transfer services. For the Bank implementing such services incur a huge cost. BCG Matrix The BCG matrix technique is based on the product life cycle concept that can be used to determine how much importance should be given in the product portfolio of a business element. To make sure long-term value creation, a company should have a portfolio of products that contains both high growth products in need of cash inputs and low growth products that generate a lot of cash. It has two dimensions. The first one is market share and second dimension is market growth. The basic idea behind it is that the larger the market share a product has or the faster the products market grows the better it is for the company. http://cnx.org/content/m35356/latest/ Last edited by Jared Adler on Oct 6, 2010 1:05 pm GMT-5. The four categories are: Dogs Dogs have low market growth and low market share and do not generate any money or consume a large amount of cash. So they need to be killed Question marks Question marks are also called as problem child and might have future potential as they are in growth market, but the sales are not particularly good. Also with rapid market growth and also consume large amount of cash due to low market share they do not generate much money. Such as Online banking and Mobile banking are question mark products of Bank of Maldives. Stars star products are those who with a large share of high growth Cash cows As leaders in a mature market, cash cows exhibit a return on assets that is greater than the market

Mirror for Man: Product of Two Cultures :: Mirror for Man Essays

"What constitutes culture?" is a controversial question to which many anthropologist must respond. Culture, as defined by Clyde Kluckhohn, is human nature, the way of life of a people. Each culture differs from the rest because it deals with a different people in a different social environment. Each is defined by generations of ancestors who have set the boundaries of social custom. I agree with Kluckhohn's view that culture is the result of an individual's upbringing, for I have had the experience of being exposed to two vastly different cultures. When I immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1975, I was caught in the midst of two vastly different worlds - the strict, rigid social ideals of my Oriental background, and the carefree, relaxed American lifestyle. Somehow, I must try to achieve a balance of these two worlds. The American culture was at first an enigma to me. I was just an observer on the edge, looking in. I was intimidated by these Americans who were so forward and outspoken, who were so uninhibited in their speech and action. Contrasted to this is my strict upbringing, which greatly emphasized the "virtues" of meekness and quiescence. I was aghast at the relationship between American children and adults, who converse and interact with each others as friends and equals; I was always expected to respect my elders, to only listen and obey. These differences in American and Vietnamese cultures were not predestined by God, nor do they arise from biological or environmental differences. They result from different ideas and values, different social legacies each group has inherited from its people. The past twelve years in the United States have radically changed my life, for time has redefined the way I think, feel, and behave. I am no longer hovering on the edge, for I am now an American who has adapted American customs and the American way of life. Yet I still retain Oriental customs and values that have been instilled in me in early childhood. These two cultures have permanently become a part of my self. I am a product of the American and Vietnamese cultures, for I have been brought up by these two peoples. COMMENTs: This essay falters at the start. In explaining Kluckhohn's ideas about what causes the similarities and differences among the world's peoples, this essay misreports Kluckhohn by saying that he defines culture as "human nature" -- precisely the opposite of what Kluckhohn says.

The African Athena Controversy Essay example -- Ancient Civilizations

The â€Å"African Athena Controversy† is a topic that has been under attack by numerous authorities as to who is the best authority and has the best interpretation on the origin of ancient Greece. The author’s in this reading set have some form of experience or expertise and offer their different perspectives on Greece’s origins. All three authors admit that the Greek language is an Indo-European language and words that do not directly correlate were probably loaned, borrowed, but not stolen (Bernal, p. 6), (Berlinerblau, p. 16), and (Lefkowitz, p. 4). After analyzing the three reading sets, this writer agrees with Bernal’s argument that the Egyptians and Phoenicians did have a strong influence on Greece as his Revised Ancient Model asserts and that his syllogism is plausible. He infers that his Revised Ancient Model had been in competition with the Aryan Model regarding its plausibility and not over certainty† (Bernal, p. 9). He elaborates, the issue of â€Å"competitive plausibility† was in regards to the model being â€Å"plausible† despite the facts of â€Å"contemporary documents of the Late Bronze Age, archaeology, language, toponyms, divine and mythological names, religious ritual, and historical analogy or typology† (Bernal, p. 9). Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model has both strong support and the movement towards favoring the model, by documents, archaeology, language, and cult. He goes on to say that plausibility is better than predictability. That plausibility hypothesis can and should be tested, as new evidence is unearthed and that the parallels of Eastern Mediterranean civilization should and need to be crossed check as well. His opinion on â€Å"prediction is not favorable, because in light of competition, evidence can fit into eith... ...of the Greece, as Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model asserts. Works Cited Berlinerblau, J. (1999). The Aryan Models. Heresy in the University: The Black Athena controversy and the reponsibilities of American intellectuals [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Bernal, M. (2001). Introduction Black Athena writes back [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Lefkowitz, M. R. (1996). Ancient history, Modern Myths. Black Athena Revisited [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu The African Athena Controversy [Portfolio reading set]. (2012, June). Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston, CEHD, CLA, CPCS, CSM, and CNHS Writing proficiency evaluation (WPE): http://www.UMB.edu The African Athena Controversy Essay example -- Ancient Civilizations The â€Å"African Athena Controversy† is a topic that has been under attack by numerous authorities as to who is the best authority and has the best interpretation on the origin of ancient Greece. The author’s in this reading set have some form of experience or expertise and offer their different perspectives on Greece’s origins. All three authors admit that the Greek language is an Indo-European language and words that do not directly correlate were probably loaned, borrowed, but not stolen (Bernal, p. 6), (Berlinerblau, p. 16), and (Lefkowitz, p. 4). After analyzing the three reading sets, this writer agrees with Bernal’s argument that the Egyptians and Phoenicians did have a strong influence on Greece as his Revised Ancient Model asserts and that his syllogism is plausible. He infers that his Revised Ancient Model had been in competition with the Aryan Model regarding its plausibility and not over certainty† (Bernal, p. 9). He elaborates, the issue of â€Å"competitive plausibility† was in regards to the model being â€Å"plausible† despite the facts of â€Å"contemporary documents of the Late Bronze Age, archaeology, language, toponyms, divine and mythological names, religious ritual, and historical analogy or typology† (Bernal, p. 9). Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model has both strong support and the movement towards favoring the model, by documents, archaeology, language, and cult. He goes on to say that plausibility is better than predictability. That plausibility hypothesis can and should be tested, as new evidence is unearthed and that the parallels of Eastern Mediterranean civilization should and need to be crossed check as well. His opinion on â€Å"prediction is not favorable, because in light of competition, evidence can fit into eith... ...of the Greece, as Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model asserts. Works Cited Berlinerblau, J. (1999). The Aryan Models. Heresy in the University: The Black Athena controversy and the reponsibilities of American intellectuals [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Bernal, M. (2001). Introduction Black Athena writes back [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Lefkowitz, M. R. (1996). Ancient history, Modern Myths. Black Athena Revisited [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu The African Athena Controversy [Portfolio reading set]. (2012, June). Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston, CEHD, CLA, CPCS, CSM, and CNHS Writing proficiency evaluation (WPE): http://www.UMB.edu

Ethics of Civil Disobedience Essay -- Ethics Morals Philosophy Rationa

Ethics of Civil Disobedience Ban animal cruelty! Give aid to the poor! Save the rainforests! Obey the law! As a human race we must strive to fulfill these commands, for they are our moral duties and obligations. Our obligation to morality sometimes leads to a dilemma. What happens when a law contradicts the morally right thing to do? Would it be moral to act illegally by breaking the law? No matter how drastic the measure, we are still required to act morally--even if one must break the law to do so. But why is it so important to be moral that one could justify something as serious as breaking the law? If morality is so significant that one could justify breaking the law we must consider the importance of being moral in the first place. The question â€Å"Why be moral?† is difficult for many philosophers to answer. Just by our attempt to answer this question we would already be displaying the need to act morally. This is more clearly seen with the difficulty is asking a similar type of question, â€Å"Why act rationally?† According to Singer many philosophers reject the question â€Å"Why act morally?† because it is parallel to this question of acting rationally. It would take rationality to explain why one should act rationally. Thus defeating the need to explain the importance of rationality in the first place. â€Å"†¦it needs no justification, because it cannot be intelligibly questioned unless it is already presupposed† (Singer 316). Similarly â€Å"why be moral?† asks for a moral reason to act morally. Modern Kantianism considers acting rationally to be the same as acting ethically. If this is true, one could rationalize a need that is in their own self interest, yet at the same time against the interest of another individual. Since this c... ... is the only means of preventing greater violence would be responsible for the greater violence they fail to prevent† (Singer 307). Pacifism can be seen in the same way as the omission approach to euthanasia. Although you are not directly killing, by refusing to step in you are allowing to die. Since the ends can justify the means, even something as radical as violently breaking the law can be the moral thing to do. Above all we desire a meaning to life. We can find meaning by acting morally. Therefore, one is not obligated to obey a law that contradicts morality. After all, it would be morally wrong of the government to deny anyone meaning in life. Works Cited * Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics, 2nd edition. 1993. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press * Rachels, James. â€Å"The Elements of Moral Philosophy,† Fourth Edition. McGraw Hill, New York, 2003.

Education Policy In Bangladesh Essay

Introduction â€Å"Insurance is a way of protecting against these financial losses†. â€Å"General insurance or non-life insurance policies, including automobile and homeowners Policies provide payments depending on the loss from a particular financial event†. Anyone who owns an asset can buy insurance to protect it against losses due to fire or theft And so on. Each one of us can insure our and our dependents’ health and well being through hospitalization and personal accident policies. In this report we tried to show that how general insurance business operates in Bangladesh & how important it is for economy & what types of problem it faces in our country. Objective of the Study Primary objective The main objective of the study is to know how the insurance business works in our country. Secondary objective: The case study has the following objectives: To know about the insurance company (Based on three insurance companies.) To know about general insurance & its classification. Company Overview Green Delta Insurance Company Limited (GDIC) is one of the leading private non life insurance companies in Bangladesh. GDIC was incorporated in December 14, 1985 as a public limited company, under the Companies Act 1913.  Actual operations started on 1st January 1986, with a paid up capital of BDT 30.00 million. Now, Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd. is amassed about BDT 637.875 million with a credit rating of AA1 and ST1. GDIC holds the proud distinction of being the first ever company to raise its paid up capital to such a level. This is also the 1st Insurance Company in Bangladesh to have equity partnership with IFC. With a presence in the strategically important parts of the country, which includes 38 branches, Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd. has established its prominent presence with equity participation in Delta Brace Housing Ltd., Progressive Life Insurance Co Ltd, United Hospital Ltd. Fin Excel Ltd. and BD Venture Ltd. Green Delta Capital Ltd. and Green Delta Securitie s Ltd. are two of the direct subsidiaries. GDIC provides stock brokerage services through Green Delta Securities Ltd. (GDSL) and investment supports through Green Delta Capital Ltd. (GDCL). As a part of the recognition for the contribution in the development of the insurance industry and for maintaining the standard of service, the company has been considered as one of the top 500 companies according to the renowned Rating Agency, Dun Bradstreet Rate Agency of Bangladesh. The company has also been awarded with many national and international awards like –‘’ICAB National Awards’’ for Best Published Accounts, ICMAB Best Corporate Award in Insurance category, ‘‘Certificate of Merit’’ for the Best Presented Accounts Award in the category ‘Insurance Sector’ by the South Asian Federation of Accounts (SAFA), ‘‘International Quality Crown Award’’ by BID International in London, The BIZZ Award by World Business confederation of Business, USA for leadership, Excellence in a management, Quality and Marketing, ‘‘The Diamond Eye Award For Quality & Excellence’’ by BID OTHERWAYS, The Platinum Technology Award for Quality & Best trade name by Association Other Ways in Berlin, International Star Award for Leadership in quality in the Gold, Platinum and Diamond categories and many more. With the slogan â€Å"Marches with time† – during the last 28 years – GDIC has been helping people in their time of need; pulling out all the steps when needed, and has been proud to be a partner in progress. Our Vision Our vision is to mature into a sustainable, coherent organization, raise competitiveness to the highest level in the insurance industry, maintain  high profitability & balanced quantitative growth and exceed customer’s expectations by offering legendary services, embrace a new corporate identity and creative corporate culture. Our Mission Our mission is to create shareholders value through customer’s satisfaction and employee’s commitment to excellence. Our Strength Constant pursuit of suitable strategies has made the company the leading insurer of Bangladesh for over two decades. Our Belief We believe that client must stand at the center of our all activities. We have the ability to optimally fulfill the client’s needs based on risk management with minimum cost and personalized services Finding: Products & Services Corporate Risk Management Industrial All Risk Insurance including Machinery Insurance and Business Interruption Property All Risk Insurance including Business Interruption Electronic Equipments and Computer Insurance Professional Indemnity Insurance Comprehensive Machinery Insurance Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) Product & Public Liability Insurance Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) Fire and Allied Perils Insurance Marine Cargo and Hull Insurance Financial Cash-in-safe, Cash-in-transit & Cash-on-counter Insurance Portfolio Cover Credit Card Indemnity Insurance Bankers Blanket Insurance Bank Lockers Insurance A.T.M. Booth Insurance Banc assurance Retail & SME Fire and Allied Peril Insurance Marine Cargo and Hull Insurance Personal Accident Health Insurance Overseas Mediclaim Insurance Micro Insurance Micro Health Insurance Nibedita-Comprehensive Insurance Policy for Women Household Insurance Motor Insurance Peoples Personal Accident Policy Comprehensive Travel Insurance Conventional Aviation Insurance Automobile Insurance Workmen Compensation Insurance Miscellaneous Insurance Engineering Insurance (Erection all Risk, Contractors all Risk, Deterioration of Stock & Boiler & Pressure Vessel Insurance, business intemiption Crop Insurance Nlbedlta-Comprehensive Insurance Policy for Women Weather Index Based Insurance Investment & Portfolio Management Underwriting Pre-IPO placement Syndication Trusteeship Green Delta Insurance is known for its innovation and services. Today ´s competitive insurance market is driving the market to think and Winovate now products and services and GDIC have been doing with its authentic. Beside the Traditional insurance portfolio GDIC introduced following personal line of products in last year and some them are in pipeline: Health Insurance Household Insurance Nibedita-Comprehensive Insurance Policy for Women Cellular Phone Contingency Insurance Weather Index Based Insurance Personal Accident Insurance Policy for Migrant workers It is matter of great pride that GDIC has introduced an insurance product first time ever in Bangladesh which is designed only for the females named as Nibedita-Comprehensive Insurance Policy for Women. GDIC has also designed first ever Weather Index Based Insurance for the farmers of Bangladesh which will be launched shortly. In Briefly Fire Insurance Basic cover: Fire Lightning Explosion(domestic) Damage during or immediately following Fire caused by – smoke, scorching, Falling walls, water used for extinguishing Fire, blowing up building for preventing Spread of fire. This coverage can be extended to include other perils by the additional premium; Riot, Strike Terrorism Storm, Flood Subsidence Landslide Aircraft damage Bursting or overflowing of tanks. Health Insurance The health policy provides for reimbursement of hospitalization/domiciliary hospitalization expenses for illness/disease suffered or accidental injury sustained during the policy period. Under this scheme the expenses for treatment in a hospital for an illness or injury are insured. It does not cover for any expenses in respect of domiciliary or outdoor treatment. Covers: Hospitalization due to accident or illness. Ancillary services like ICU/CCU room, post-operative room, blood transfusion, special investigations, etc. Labor room services. Intensive care facility. Oxygen therapy. Skilled nursing services. Blood transfusions. Ambulance services. Dressing while in confinement and test other than the routine investigations. Marine Insurance The oldest branch of insurance. Comprises: a. Cargo Insurance. b. Hull Insurance. Lloyd ´s is the famous world ´s Marine insurance market. Marine Insurance Act 1906. HULL INSURANCE Concerns the insurance of ships. Hull, machinery etc. CARGO INSURANCE Plays an important role in domestic trade as well as international trade. Provides insurance cover in respect of loss of or damage to goods during transit by –rail, -road -sea -air Burglary Insurance Scope of Cover Lost by burglary Housebreaking following upon an actual forcible and violent entry into or exit from the premises by the person or persons. Then the company will pay to the extent of such loss to the extent of the intrinsic value of the descriptive value of the insured. Exclusions: Theft by persons lawfully on the premises. Any legal liability, Loss or damage during the progress of or following upon fire or explosion. Earthquake, war, Riot, Civil war, Invasion etc. Uncover able property: Deeds, bonds, stamp collections, bank or currency. Theft by persons lawfully on the premises. Any legal liability, Loss or damage during the progress of or following upon fire or explosion. Earthquake, war, Riot, Civil war, Invasion etc Company overview Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd. established mainly through the initiative of a group of Bangladeshi professionals then working abroad along with a few enthusiastic local entrepreneurs, started its operation in December, 1986 after the Government of Bangladesh allowed the private sector to operate in the insurance sector in 1984 to carry on the business of insurance in the Private Sector. A brief explanation as to the growth of life insurance business in Bangladesh is in order here. Bangladesh declared independence from the Pakistani rules on March 26, 1971 following which she had to witness a bloody liberation struggle with the occupation forces lasting for 9 months before they were defeated. Insurance business which was exclusively carried on in private sector before independence was nationalized after liberation in 1972 primarily to address the emerging situation of eroding public confidence in the industry that was left staggeringly short of resources in the face of huge losses caus ed by the war of liberation. After a series of experimentation, a state-owned body, namely Jiban Bima Corporation (JBC), established in May, 1973 for transacting the life insurance business, took over the assets and liabilities under life portfolios of all erstwhile private insurance companies and started business in its own name. Since inception, Delta Life set before itself a high  standard of all round performance coextensive with professional soundness and proficiency. It soon made a mark in the life insurance arena by not only being the leader among the private sector indigenous companies, but by undertaking and successfully implementing innovative and welfare oriented life insurance schemes. It introduced an array of conventional life and group insurance products – many of which were the first in Bangladesh. For the first time, health insurance products were also introduced by Delta Life. But more importantly, in fulfillment of the avowed commitment towards social development, Delta Life for the first time not only in Bangladesh but probably in the World, devised and introduced micro-life insurance-cum-savings products specially suited to the needs and pockets of poor people of the country who constitute more than 80% of the people of Bangladesh. Two projects of the company namely Grameen Bima for the rural people and Gono Bima for the poor and marginal savers of the urban areas were initiated to devote them slave exclusively to marketing and management of these innovative products. We are happy to report that we have achieved a good measure of success although there is a long way to go. These schemes that we have introduced have created great stir and enthusiasm among the general mass who, before these projects started functioning, could not even dream of owning a policy that provides the much needed life insurance coverage along with facility of regular savings on a long-term basis. At a later stage i.e. in the year 2002, the projects were merged into a division of Delta Life, namely, Gono Grameen Bima Division. The GNGRB Division has been growing at a first rate of more than 25% p.a. for the last couple of the years and is poised to maintain this growth rate at least in the next five years or so. Delta Life can take pride in moulding the saving habits of the lower and middle class people and transforming them into prospective policyholders. The potential is now so strongly perceived that all life insurance companies – old and new alike – operating in the country have started their own micro insurance products. Finding Ordinary Life Insurance Delta Life offers a wide variety of ordinary life product/plans ranging from the most common endowment type to more modern and sophisticated plans like endowment with open term, pension plan with built in provision for  increasing pension, increasing protection with provision for premium refund etc. The plans have been designed keeping in view the diverse and multifaceted needs of the insuring public belonging to different strata of the society. Some of the popular plans are briefly described below. Group Life Insurance Group Insurance is an instrument for providing life insurance coverage (protection) to a number of individuals under a single contract (policy) who are associated together for a common interest other than insurance. It is the most cost effective means to provide immediate financial support to an insured member and/or his family in case of devastating events like-death, disability, disease as well as retirement. Group Insurance has already established its importance as a component of â€Å"Employee Benefit Package† in Bangladesh. Exclusive features of Group Insurance are: Insurance coverage to a number of individuals under a single contract. Simple insurable conditions Easy administrative procedure Prompt claim settlement Affordable premium Tax exemption on premium Delta Life offers a host of Group-Life Insurance schemes from which an organization/ employer may choose for benefits of its members/employees, as may best serve their interest according to organizational setup. To be treated as a group, the following criteria need to be fulfilled. A â€Å"Group† Should comprise of at least 15 members It should be a legitimately organized body Group clients of Delta Life Insurance Company Limited include: Semi-Government organization, autonomous bodies Private, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) Educational & Financial Institutions Public Limited Companies Associations, Business organizations etc. Group Life Insurance Schemes offered by Delta Life are of two types: Traditional Schemes: For insurance coverage of members/employees of a Group Exclusive Schemes: For insurance coverage of clients of Financial Institutions Traditional Scheme: These are the commonly offered â€Å"Group-Life Insurance† schemes and are also known as Basic Schemes: These are: Short Term Contract Group Term Life Insurance Scheme (GT) Group Term Life with Premium Refund Scheme (GTR) Long Term Contract Group Endowment Life Insurance Scheme (GEN) Group Pension Scheme (GP) There are several variants of Basic Schemes. Examples of two variants of GTR are GTR-100/10: Group Term Life with 100% Premium Refund after 10 years GTR-50/10 : Group Term Life with 50% Premium Refund after 10 year Health Insurance Health Insurance is now considered indispensable in developed countries. In the present financial-social perspective of Bangladesh as well, Health Insurance has now become an essential, dependable, acceptable and the most cost effective means to make the modern treatment facilities affordable to all socio-economic classes of people, especially the fixed income group. As a pioneer of Health Insurance in Bangladesh, Delta Life Insurance Company offers several Health Insurance Schemes, which are as follows: Hospitalization (In-patient) treatment coverage plans Hospitalization Insurance Plan (Group)- offered to Members of a group and their dependants (if desired) Hospitalization Insurance Plan (Individual) – offered to an Individual as well as his or her dependant family members also known as â€Å"Delta Care Hospitalization Plan†. Out-patient treatment coverage plans Out-patient Insurance Plan – Offered as an adjunct to Group Hospitalization Out-patient Management Plan – Offered as an adjunct to Group Hospitalization Overseas treatment coverage plan for travelers Overseas Medicliam Policy (OMP) – A pre-requisite for visa application offered only to Individuals traveling abroad. Hospitalization Insurance Plans Covers in-patient (Hospitalization) treatment expenses of an insured member Expenses Covered under Hospitalization Insurance Plans Hospital Accommodation Consultation Fee Medicine & Accessories Medical Investigations Surgical Operation Ancillary Services like Blood Transfusion, Ambulance Service, Dressing etc. General Features of the Scheme No need for preliminary Medical Examination during enrolment. Treatment coverage round the clock inclusive of Accidents and Emergencies. Coverage offered to Bangladeshi National as well as resident foreigner. Treatment at any renowned hospital or clinic by consultant of own choice. Preferential service at Designated Hospital. Direct payment of treatment expenses by the company at Designated Hospital. Reimbursement of expenses for treatment at non-designated hospital. Membership ID card for each insured to facilitate preferential services. Option for Maternity Benefit and Overseas Treatment coverage. Provision for inclusion of Spouse & Children under the plan. Provision for inclusion of new member under the plan. Coverage up to 65 years under Group HI & 60 years under Individual HI plan. Two types of plans with several benefit grades to choose from. Option to choose more than one grade according to status of the members of a group. Option to alter benefit grade during renewal. Gono Grameen Bima Delta Life first launched Micro-insurance product in 1988 through its Grameen Bima Project (GRB) to cater to the necessity of economic protection against premature death and of disability as well as providing a way for regular savings for the poor and low income group of people living in villages. Later it started another project in 1994, namely, Gono Bima (GNB) for the urban poor and the low income class. These projects are now merged under the  name of Gono-Grameen Bima Project (GN-GRB). The initial problems apart, the project started to yield impressive results right from the beginning by creating great interest among the target population who could not even perceive an institutional arrangement through which the ever present problems of insecurity of life could be addressed. To suit the needs and pockets of the target people, and for efficient management of these portfolios, some of the age-old traditional concepts of carrying on life insurance business had to be diluted and in some cases replaced by simple and straightforward practices. Yet, the results are so encouraging that Delta Life is now regarded far and wide as the undisputed leader espousing the cause of welfare of teeming millions and its experiences are now used to advantage not only by indigenous companies but also other micro-savings organizations abroad. Target Group and the Product In GN-GRB the formalities are minimum. Insurance Cover is given under Group Insurance concept. A person interested in a policy submits a simple two-page proposal form; it is signed or thumb imprinted by him or her. There is no need for medical check-up. The person needs to be between 18 and 45 years of age, have a monthly income of Tk. 5,000.00 (US $100.00) or less, be of good health and supply a Declaration of Good Health (DGH) at the time of submitting the Proposal form. Death through pregnancy complications within the first year of the policy and death through suicide in the first year of the policy are not covered under an â€Å"exclusion clause†. Simple endowment with profit policies are offered for 10 and 15 years term both with premium payment mode being weekly or monthly. Premium rate is the same irrespective of age at entry. Besides this plan, new plans like three-payment plan with 12 and 15 years term and double protection endowment plan have recently been introduced . Policy Documents Upon acceptance of the proposal, a pass book is issued to the policyholder detailing all terms and conditions of the policy. The pass book serves as the purpose of recording of all payments made by him towards the policy. There is one group policy document for the policyholders of each Thana or Block. For individual policyholders the passbook serves as policy document. Micro Investment (Loan) GN-GRB gives small project loans to its policyholders on a group liability basis. No collateral is required. There is 20% service charge on the loans, which is calculated at a flat rate and added to the principal amount. The loan, together with the service charge, is repayable in 12 equal monthly installments. The repayments are collected from door to door by the organizers. Recently a decision has been taken to establish small collection booths in the villages. A person must be a policyholder and pay premiums for at least one year before being eligible for a loan. The maximum loan given is Tk. 5,000.00 (US $100.00) per policyholder. The loans are for income generating activities (IGA) only. Policyholders form a committee of 5 to 7 members. 3 policyholders selected by the committee are given the first loan. After recovery of 3 installments from each of the first three borrowers, the next 3 are given their loans and so on. As a general rule, 60% of the premium income of an area and 40 % of the repaid loan of an area are available for loan in that area. Also 100% of premium collection of a committee is available for loan to that committee. Company overview Crystal Insurance Company Limited is one of the leading general insurance (Non Life) company in private sector in Bangladesh. The company transacts a wide range of General Insurance business in Bangladesh and expertise in the field with sound and stable financial position. Our Mission To provide prompt, efficient and professionalized services for maximum risk coverage of the insured. To provide insurance coverage at the most competitive premium rate ensuring maximum security. To promote Human Resource development and professionalism in insurance business. To settle insurance claim promptly. CICL believes in the quality of the deals struck rather than the quantity of it. With our knowledge and expertise it is our commitment to the insuring community to deliver them the highest standard of security and professionalism. 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