Starbucks/Itunes Partnership

Final Project Karen Cotts South University Abstract When it comes to IT Information Planning, it is very import to lay out the details of each area of this business. The IT Information Planning stage is when to decide on the IT Infrastructure which encompasses the technology and equipment required from the front end to the backend of the system. In this case, that will involve beginning with the customer as they enter a Starbucks store, browse the Apple iTunes music store, browse, and purchase and then download music back to the customers’ device. This will include the technology and equipment required from the customer, Starbucks and iTunes to make the transactions all complete. Along with the planning for the successful completion it is necessary to plan for when failures will occur. This includes planning for the points in the process where the failure(s) can occur and what resolution for each failure will be, along with who will be responsible for the resolution. It is important to understand what the long term effects of the failure could mean to the business. One very good way to document this information is with an Information Flow Diagram. This will depict the resources involved in the flow of information throughout the process. Mobile Technology is expanding daily. It seems to be one of the fastest growing kinds of technologies in the news today. With the advancements in Personal Area Networks (PAN) and Wireless Access Protocols (WPA) mobile devices of today can be developed that are more secure than ever. They can be more accessible than ever before and provide faster and more accurate data transfer. The uses for the mobile devices have begun to expand into more and more areas of daily life. The iPhone mobile phone developed by Apple, Inc. s one of the most popular and bestselling mobile phones on the market today. In order for the iPhone to be at the head of the industry several of the most important technological features are required. The protocol for connecting wirelessly to access points must be of the highest quality. The security of the connection between access points must be the best it possibly can be. And finally, the security from the device itself must be effective to safeguard any monetary transactions and data. Information Flow (Part I) ITunes has made it very easy to log on and create an account with them. Creating an account is free. All you need to do is log on to http://www. itunes. com . There is a button you can click on to log-in and another you can click on to register. Click on the button to register. You will need to enter your email address, First and Last Name, Billing Address and Credit Card Information. Your email address will be used if ITunes needs to contact you about your account for any reason. Your Name and Address, along with your Credit Card information will be used to bill for any items you purchase from the ITunes store. Using banking services for micropayments is very expensive. ITunes is able to avoid the high cost because of the volume of business they conduct. They are able to negotiate a transaction fee with the credit card issuers and banks that cost them very little. Figure 1. 1 is the Information Flow Diagram which will show the process for registering with iTunes and then ordering music for downloading. Customer accesses iTunes store online to purchase music. Customer clicks on Registration Button, and then enters Registration Information. iTunes verifies Credit Card information from Bank. Sends Customer confirmation. Bank verifies Credit Card information for iTunes. Customer searches for item(s) to purchase. Click buy, confirm. iTunes sends payment information to customers’ bank. Once confirmation is received the download process is initiated. Bank deducts payment amount from customer account and sends it to iTunes account. Music is downloaded to Customer. iTunes retrieves the correct music from the database. Database of music stored in . mp3 format ISP ISP ISP ISP ISP ISP ISP I = Internet Service Provider Figure 1. 1 Information Flow Diagram Customer accesses iTunes store online to purchase music. Customer clicks on Registration Button, and then enters Registration Information. Tunes verifies Credit Card information from Bank. Sends Customer confirmation. Bank verifies Credit Card information for iTunes. Customer searches for item(s) to purchase. Click buy, confirm. iTunes sends payment information to customers’ bank. Once confirmation is received the download process is initiated. Bank deducts payment amount from customer account and sends it to iTunes account. Music is downloaded to Customer. iTunes retrieves the correct music from the database. Database of music stored in . mp3 format ISP ISP ISP ISP ISP ISP ISP I = Internet Service Provider Figure 1. 1 Information Flow Diagram After purchasing music for download from ITunes, sometimes the download can be interrupted or will fail for various reasons. These download instructions are directly from the http://support. apple. com/kb/ht1725 website: Restart the download with the following steps. Resuming downloads from a computer 1. Open iTunes. 2. Choose Store > Check for Available Downloads. 3. Enter your account name and password. 4. Click the â€Å"Check Downloads† button. 5. Click the Resume or Resume All button, or the resume arrow to resume the download. You can manually resume the download on your device with the following steps. Resuming downloads from an iOS device 1. From the Home screen, tap the iTunes icon. 2. For iPhone/iPod touch, tap More > Downloads. For iPad, tap Downloads. 3. Enter your account name and password. 4. Click the â€Å"OK† button. 5. Click the Resume, Resume All, or button to start the download. Business Use Case (Part II) Beginning on October 2nd, 2007, Apple and Starbucks began their music partnership. This partnership involved Starbucks supplying the T-Mobile Hotspot Wi-Fi network to its customers as it already had been doing. This network allows customers at participating Starbucks to automatically connect to the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store where they can browse, search and preview millions of songs available on iTunes. Customers wishing to participate would need to bring their iPod ® touch, iPhoneâ„ ¢, PC or Mac ® with them to Starbucks. The customers have the ability to just sit and listen freely to music. If they find a song or an album they are interested in purchasing they can easily buy and download the items directly to their device. Both the Apple Corporation and Starbucks benefit from this opportunity in more than one way. Because both corporations have excellent reputations, forming a partnership makes good business sense. Starbucks Coffee Company was founded in 1971 and is committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality Arabica coffee in the world. (Starbucks) The idea of offering the extra perks that iTunes offers in a social setting where people gather with friends is a wonderful concept. Starbucks customers that may not formerly have used iTunes might become customers because of the free access to the trial of iTunes previews and features. This would increase iTunes customer base and sales revenue. This would also increase the number of customers returning to Starbucks for the purpose of iTunes usage. ITunes users that had not previously frequented a Starbucks might start to, for the benefit of iTunes access. And they might bring their friends along. This in turn would increase Starbucks profits. In October, 2007, Starbucks and iTunes offered ‘Song of the Day’, allowing customers to download a handpicked song every day for a month. Six million songs were downloaded. Realizing the huge potential with an audience hungry to discover new music and entertainment content, Starbucks and iTunes worked together to create an ongoing version of the program. In April, 2008 Starbucks announced a new program with iTunes called ‘Pick of the Week’. The program offered coffeehouse customers a complimentary new music and music videos each week. Each Tuesday Starbucks 7,000 US based stores would stock a download card redeemable on the iTunes Store (www. itunes. com). The available music or video of the week was hand-picked by the Starbucks Entertainment team and iTunes. Starbucks) As of August, 2011 new offering from the partnership between Apple and Starbucks allows customers to now get paid apps free at the coffee chain. Physical cards are available with redeemable codes printed on them. This offering is a way for Apple to offer customers who normally only download free apps, a chance to try out some of the paid apps for free. If Apple can impress c ustomers enough with the quality of the paid apps, they have the opportunity of turning some of them into customers who buy apps in the future. (Etherington). The Business Use Case diagram in Figure 2. shows the interaction at Starbucks from the customers’ point of view. The Starbucks and customer interaction is a physical one. Then there is the customer interaction with iTunes. Starbucks Cafe Starbucks Cafe ITunes Music Store ITunes Music Store Search items Search items Enjoys Starbucks refreshments while browsing iTunes Enjoys Starbucks refreshments while browsing iTunes Browse items Browse items Starbucks/iTunes Customers Starbucks/iTunes Customers View recommended items View recommended items Customer authentication Customer authentication Add to shopping cart Add to shopping cart Download to customer Download to customer Payment Processing Payment Processing Add to wish list Add to wish list Figure 2. 1 Business Use Case Diagram- Apple and Starbucks IT Information Planning (Part III) The IT Information Planning stage is a very important one for a business in terms of how successful they will be. The planning that goes into the infrastructure of a company can have a long term effect on the bottom line. If the backbone of the IT structure isn’t built soundly, with adequate flexibility for growth and adaptability, it can affect the way the system can be built upon for years to come. Apple/iTunes Technology Infrastructure The Apple/iTunes music store is a widely popular music and video distribution service. In general, owners of iPods, iPads and computers can download music after purchasing the item from the iTunes store. The music is in an MP3 format. ITunes itself is a browser, but only for the Apple iTunes Music Store. Web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox are excluded from access. The only authorized way to transfer media files to the iPod is by use of the iTunes program. ITunes also serves as a media player for audio, video (MP3/MP4 variants) and Internet radio stations. Starbucks Infrastructure Starbucks coffee house is where the customer will come to enjoy refreshments and listen to music either with or without friends. With an iPod, iPhone or a PC, the customer will be able to connect wirelessly to the Apple iTunes store. Starbucks has been using the Wi-Fi network from T-Mobile to service all of its hotspots. This was prior to entering into the partnership with Apple/iTunes. That was not changed when the partnership began. This is an important piece of information which must be included in the Information Flow Diagram. Information Flow Diagram As can be seen from the Information Flow Diagram in Figure 3. 1 different pieces of information are required at various steps in the flow to make a transaction possible. In this simplified example, a customer enters a Starbucks store. Upon entering they connect to the T-Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that Starbucks currently has a contract with to provide their wireless internet connection. Next the customers device will be populated with a list of the 10 most recently played songs in the cafe. This information is kept updated on a continuous loop by iTunes. Every time a new song is played the recently played playlist is updated. The customer can then request to preview a song from the list. This long is retrieved from the iTunes MP3. db and returned for preview. If the customer chooses to they can then select the song for download. At that point the song is downloaded to the customers’ device and their account is charged a fee for the transaction. There are several points in the process where a failure in the transaction could occur. It is important to plan ahead for the possible fail points to plan for prevention if possible, correction if necessary and damage control. The first point of failure is if there is a problem with the connection between the users device to the T-Mobile hotspot. Unless it is a problem within the users’ device, Starbucks would be the first line of customer assistance to try to troubleshoot the problem. If it is a broader issue and a problem has occurred with the access point it would be up to T-Mobile to correct the cause of the problem. Another possible failure point that would be of key importance is the download to the customers’ device. If the download is interrupted it can be restarted in several ways. If the problem is with one of the physical storage units iTunes would be responsible to have a backup plan to repair/replace the database or other piece of equipment. T-Mobile Wi-Fi Access point T-Mobile Wi-Fi Access point Starbucks Cafe Starbucks Cafe iTunes Music Distribution iTunes Music Distribution Connect to T-Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot Connect to T-Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot Automatically plays songs at Starbucks and updates the playlist of the last 10 songs played. Automatically plays songs at Starbucks and updates the playlist of the last 10 songs played. Retrieves and plays songs in Cafe from MP3. b Retrieves and plays songs in Cafe from MP3. db Request music to preview Request music to preview Retrieves list of last 10 songs played Retrieves list of last 10 songs played Song retrieved from MP3. db and downloaded to customer device Song retrieved from MP3. db and downloaded to customer device Selects song for purchase Selects song for purchase MP3. db MP3. db Figure 3. 1 Information Fl ow Diagram- iTunes and Starbucks Revenue Model (Part IV) Apple/iTunes Revenue ModelThe customer requirements for iTunes are to be able to listen to the last 10 songs played at the Starbucks they are visiting. If the customer finds a song they would like to buy, they want to be able to select purchase by clicking on a button and have the song downloaded to their mobile device. The customer’s account will be billed by the method stored on their account profile for the amount of the purchase. The cost to the customer is $. 99 for a single song. Apple receives $. 29 as profit from this. The competitive advantage for iTunes is that they offer the only music being played at Starbucks. ITunes is also the only music compatible for direct download for iPhone and iPod. The clientele are the customers at each particular Starbucks location. This means the music must be chosen by locality to maximize profits. Starbucks Revenue ModelFor Starbucks in this partnership, the customer requires the usage of the T-Mobile Wi-Fi access. This allows them to have access from the Starbucks location to the iTunes store. This is the wireless protocol access plan used to securely connect the customer’s mobile device to the iTunes store making the possibility of purchasing and downloading music or other content both easy and secure. In a deal with Apple, Starbucks receives eleven percent of the net profits each quarter on the songs downloaded. The competitive advantage for Starbucks is that they have the name and reputation of the Apple/iTunes store behind the music system they are partnered with. This can be a draw for more customers to their coffee shop for the music experience alone. This adds to the current client base increasing the clientele. Benefits All AroundThere are many benefits to be had by both companies in the partnership. Both companies can benefit indirectly. Starbucks has increased coffee and other refreshment sales due to the increase in customers. ITunes has been able to bring in new customers by offering free ‘songs of the week’. This has let customers who may never have started out buying get a taste and decide to buy music. The suppliers to the Starbucks stores also benefit indirectly, as Starbucks does more business they need to order more supplies and that continues on down the supply chain. Location Changes EverythingFor a Starbucks located in the Brewery district in Columbus, OH the choice of music played would be very different than what is played in New York City in Manhattan. Should Apple choose to just play the same song list at all of the Starbucks locations it partners with, there would be a large loss of potential revenue. Song choice by location makes a huge difference for the clientele as to whether they will be interested in purchasing a song or not. Other Potential PartnershipsThe type of partnership that has worked so well with Apple and Starbucks could work equally well with some other types of businesses. I think that any type of business that caters to a rather quiet environment where a soothing music background would add to the enjoyment could benefit from this kind of arrangement. In particular two of the businesses I had in mind are Laundromats and certain types of Restaurants. For the Laundromat business I see no reason that adding music to the mix wouldn’t make for a much more enjoyable experience. I think an extra benefit to iTunes would be that someone doing Laundry might want a little pick me up by way of purchasing a new favorite tune during the rather boring process of doing such a chore. For the Laundromat, one that offered free Wi-Fi and iTunes availability would seem far more attractive than just a mundane, boring Laundromat. It would be a much more pleasant way to spend a few hours. On the restaurant front, it would be nice for a small diner to offer the same type of service. I often see people who are eating alone. When they don’t have someone to converse with, it would make for a nice way to enjoy the meal. They could browse their favorite genre of music and then choose a song to download. This may take a little different song choice selection than the Starbucks selection does. I do think this possibility is something to consider. Revenue Model (Part V) Apple/iTunes Revenue ModelThe customer requirements for iTunes are to be able to listen to the last 10 songs played at the Starbucks they are visiting. If the customer finds a song they would like to buy, they want to be able to select purchase by clicking on a button and have the song downloaded to their mobile device. The customer’s account will be billed by the method stored on their account profile for the amount of the purchase. The cost to the customer is $. 99 for a single song. Apple receives $. 29 as profit from this. The competitive advantage for iTunes is that they offer the only music being played at Starbucks. ITunes is also the only music compatible for direct download for iPhone and iPod. The clientele are the customers at each particular Starbucks location. This means the music must be chosen by locality to maximize profits. Starbucks Revenue ModelFor Starbucks in this partnership, the customer requires the usage of the T-Mobile Wi-Fi access. This allows them to have access from the Starbucks location to the iTunes store. This is the wireless protocol access plan used to securely connect the customer’s mobile device to the iTunes store making the possibility of purchasing and downloading music or other content both easy and secure. In a deal with Apple, Starbucks receives eleven percent of the net profits each quarter on the songs downloaded. The competitive advantage for Starbucks is that they have the name and reputation of the Apple/iTunes store behind the music system they are partnered with. This can be a draw for more customers to their coffee shop for the music experience alone. This adds to the current client base increasing the clientele. Benefits All AroundThere are many benefits to be had by both companies in the partnership. Both companies can benefit indirectly. Starbucks has increased coffee and other refreshment sales due to the increase in customers. ITunes has been able to bring in new customers by offering free ‘songs of the week’. This has let customers who may never have started out buying get a taste and decide to buy music. The suppliers to the Starbucks stores also benefit indirectly, as Starbucks does more business they need to order more supplies and that continues on down the supply chain. Location Changes EverythingFor a Starbucks located in the Brewery district in Columbus, OH the choice of music played would be very different than what is played in New York City in Manhattan. Should Apple choose to just play the same song list at all of the Starbucks locations it partners with, there would be a large loss of potential revenue. Song choice by location makes a huge difference for the clientele as to whether they will be interested in purchasing a song or not. Other Potential PartnershipsThe type of partnership that has worked so well with Apple and Starbucks could work equally well with some other types of businesses. I think that any type of business that caters to a rather quiet environment where a soothing music background would add to the enjoyment could benefit from this kind of arrangement. In particular two of the businesses I had in mind are Laundromats and certain types of Restaurants. For the Laundromat business I see no reason that adding music to the mix wouldn’t make for a much more enjoyable experience. I think an extra benefit to iTunes would be that someone doing Laundry might want a little pick me up by way of purchasing a new favorite tune during the rather boring process of doing such a chore. For the Laundromat, one that offered free Wi-Fi and iTunes availability would seem far more attractive than just a mundane, boring Laundromat. It would be a much more pleasant way to spend a few hours. On the restaurant front, it would be nice for a small diner to offer the same type of service. I often see people who are eating alone. When they don’t have someone to converse with, it would make for a nice way to enjoy the meal. They could browse their favorite genre of music and then choose a song to download. This may take a little different song choice selection than the Starbucks selection does. I do think this possibility is something to consider. | Starbucks Customers Starbucks Customers Starbucks Cafe Starbucks Cafe Starbucks CafeT-Mobile Wi-Fi AccessiTunesArtists supply music to iTunes databases Artists supply music to iTunes databases | Figure 5. 1 Supply Chain Diagram- iTunes and Starbucks Executive Summary Starbucks is the ideal location for the partnership with Apple/iTunes for the music partnership. One of the reasons for this is that Starbucks locations already offered free Wi-Fi access which allowed iPhone users to be able to connect to apple. com and the iTunes Store. The wireless service provided at Starbucks is from T-Mobile. The Hotspots offered are 802. 1x authentication standards and WiFi Protected Access (WPA). This is better than the required basic WEP encryption (Landesman, 2011). The WPA protocol is used to make the connections from customer to access points to the iTunes store and back in reverse for a secure, fast transaction. The security is an important requirement for all parties concerned. This protects the customers monetarily and also their identification information. The security also protects iTunes corporate concerns allowing them to authenticate their customers and accurately process the payments for the transactions. The iPhone is one of the ideal mobile devices to download music at Starbucks locations for several reasons. Beyond the obvious reason that the iPhone was created by Apple and the iTunes Music store also belongs to Apple. As purchased, the iPhone can securely connect to guest Wi-Fi networks. The ease of connection is a great customer benefit. The WPA2 Enterprise with 128-bit AES encryption provides users the highest level of data protection. The iOS installed on the iPhone enables it to securely access corporate services and protect important data. IOS provides strong encryption for data in transmission, proven authentication methods for access to corporate services, and hardware encryption for all data at rest. IOS also provides secure protection through the use of passcode policies that can be delivered and enforced over the air (Apple, 2011). References Apple. (2007, September 5). Apple and Starbucks Announce Music Partnership. Retrieved from http://www. pple. com/pr/library/2007/09/05Apple-and-Starbucks-Announce-Music-Partnership. html Apple. (2011). Deploying iphone and ipad Security Overview. Apple, Inc. Retrieved from http://images. apple. com/iphone/business/docs/iOS_Security. pdf Apple. (2011). Deploying iphone and ipad Wi-Fi. Apple, Inc. Retrieved from http://www. apple. com/iphone/business/integration/http://im ages. apple. com/iphone/business/docs/iOS_WiFi. pdf Bishop, T. (2011, February 15). Starbucks: Mobile payments catching on — 1 million so far. Retrieved from http://www. techflash. com/seattle/2011/02/starbucks-a-million-mobile-payments. html Dominus, S. 2006). The Starbucks Aesthetic. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www. mktgsensei. com/AMAE/Retailing/Starbucks%20and%20Culture. doc (2004, February 2). Enabling the Future of Wi-Fi ® Public Access. Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved from http://www. wi-fi. org/files/wp_2_Future%20of%20Wi-Fi%20Public%20Access_1-2-04. pdf Ee, L. (2001). Essential components of e-commerce education: Supply chain and logistics management. In A. Herrmann and M. M. Kulski (Eds), Expanding Horizons in Teaching and Learning. Proceedings of the 10th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 7-9 February 2001. Perth: Curtin University of Technology. ttp://lsn. curtin. edu. au/tlf/tlf2001/ee. html Etherington, D. (2011). Now you can get an app with your grande chai  latte. Retrieved from http://gigaom. com/apple/now-you-can-get-an-app-with-your-grande-chai-latte/ Hirano, K. , Nakantani, Y. , McCarty, S. (2007). Applications of Mobile Research in Japan. WAOE. ORG. Retrieved from http://waoe. org/president/ubiquity. pdf (2010, April 13). How Much Do Music Artists Earn Online? Information is Beautiful. Retrieved from http://www. informationisbeautiful. net/2010/how-much-do-music-artists-earn-online/ Ian. (2011, July 27). Difference between mp4 and m4v. Retrieved from http://www. differencebetween. net/technology/difference-between-mp4-and-m4v/ iTunes: How to resume interrupted iTunes Store downloads. Retrieved from http://support. apple. com/kb/ht1725 Jordan, J. M. (2007, February). Beyond Servicization: The Rise of Digital Hybrids, Retrieved from http://www. smeal. psu. edu/cdt/pubs/white-papers/beyond-servicization-9. 07. pdf Landesman, M. (2011). Using your laptop at starbucks: Is it safe?. Retrieved from http://antivirus. about. com/od/wirelessthreat1/a/starbucks. htm Levere, J. L. (2004, July 27). Wi-Fi Service Expands Its Reach. The New York Times.

Effects of Reducing Class Size Essay

Education plays an important role in the society particularly on the development of the technical necessities, character build-up and the growth of the skills of each individual for the civilization’s improvement. Under this principle that the society itself and the concerned groups devote much attention and efforts in expanding and developing the educational system in the present to realize better benefits and potential for the people in general. This includes the constant study and improvement in the educational strategies and approaches being implemented in the common facilities and institution operating in this aspect. In this concept, the approach of reducing the size of the classes gathers much positive criticisms and reactions establishing this system to be an advantage for the general educational aspect. Class size is mainly the sectionalized grouping of the student community depending on the factors of institutions, grade level, and others including potentials, skills and even grades. In this aspect, the reduction of the class size is viewed to be a relevant factor on the development of the general cause as this is expected to result to more focused and close attention for each student in his or her respective classes. Indeed, the number of students is an important factor in the effectiveness and efficiency of the education given as this will determine the distribution of efforts, attention, and the participation of each student under the class grouping. Having a smaller class will give more time for the educational facilitator to focus more on the progress, problems, and performance of each student and the entire class as it now has smaller quantity. In addition, smaller classes are also more manageable making it an ideal learning environment for the students. In the aspect of class size reduction, consider the experience of the author of this paper regarding the actual observation of the learning environment in small size classes. In an actual experience, being in a small size class is indeed effective and more efficient for both the students and the facilitator. As observed, the teacher in small size classes can easily attend and observe the progress and performance of each of his or her student, as they are only quantifiably small. The teacher can also devote a significant portion of his time and effort for each student towards attending to their needs, monitoring their progress, and having an interpersonal communication for encouragement and evaluation. On the other hand, students in small size classes can easily approach their teacher as he or she has sufficient time for each. In addition, the environment is not that crowded and is manageable thus, radiating an inviting and progressive environment for the students. In general, the approach of reducing the class size in the educational institutions is indeed advantageous and effective for the progressive learning development of the student population for the development of the next generation.

Cadbury Market Research

According to the American Market Research Association, the market research is data that systematically collects, records and analyzes problems related to marketing of goods and services. Many keywords are identified in the above definition. They are as follows. * Systematic - this means to collect using an organized clear system. Record what you found * Analysis - This means organizing the information and understanding your information to determine relevant trends and results Cadbury was founded 200 years ago. Cadbury is a food company that produces chocolate products. They are market leaders in the industry, accounting for 70% of the total market share. Some of Cadbury's famous products are daily milk, park, 5 stars, Eclair, celebration, Temptations, Burbita, jewelry. John Cadbury, the founder of Cadbury's business, was born on August 12, 1801. In 1984, he opened his first grocery store in Birmingham. He sells cocoa and chocolate products prepared using a mortar and mortar and other products drinking and selling. In 1831, John decided to start mass production. He bought a warehouse for it. Cadbury is one of the world's largest companies. In 1840, they released chocolate for very decorative packaging. Dairy Milk, the most famous and best-selling product, was launched in 1905 to compete with the top brands of Swiss milk chocolate. By 1913, dairy milk became the company's best seller Cadbury's central goal is to make it delicious today. In India, Cadbury operates in four categories: dairy and beverage, chocolate confectionery, sweets, chewing gum. Cadbury is the market leader in the chocolate business. The pure taste of Dairy Milk represents the Indian consumer's chocolate taste. Bournvita is a major product of Milk Food Beverage and Candy Hall and is the flagship product of candy in this country. The Indian chocolate market is getting bigger and bigger. On the one hand there are imported varieties and on the other hand companies like Cadbury have released their own international standard products. In India in the early 1990's, Cadbury's market share was 80%, but after Nestle entered the Indian chocolate industry, Cadbury's share was 70%, Nestle was 15%, Amul and other companies 15% It occupied. Since Nestle is trying to fight violently against Cadbury, the competition between Cadbury and Nestle is becoming even more intense. (India Miller, 2011)

Reflection 10 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflection 10 - Assignment Example is Wynne who argues that advanced language aptitude is something which is possessed by humans alone and the decisive factor which differentiates humans from apes. The kind of linguistic abilities exhibited by Kanzi are only the result of his imitations, so the very idea of ape language synonyms with parroting. Savage-Rumbaugh, on the other hand, defends her argument in favor of Kanzi and ape language by claiming that the linguistic achievements of her subject, Kanzi, are a living proof that apes can also learn a human language. This idea that language and many other unique cognitive abilities are uniquely possessed by humans is groundless and prejudiced. One important reason why Savage-Rumbaugh’s research on Kanzi cannot be equated to parroting is that Kanzi did not develop his linguistic capacities through rote learning or behaviorist methods. Rather, his learning began from a very young age when he was younger. This young age is a very critical period for learning language f or both ape and human babies. Like human babies, Kanzi’s responses also reflect same

The Exdous from Egypt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Exdous from Egypt - Essay Example Its final edition was written about 700 years after its actual occurrence, which is a major flaw in historiography 2. According to Egyptian history written by Manetho during the Hellenistic era, Jerusalem was built by Hyksos, who were expelled in Egypt and accordingly, Moses was a leader of lepers who rebelled against Egyptian who got help from Hyksos. In another historical account by Hecateus of Abdera, Jerusalem was built by people who were driven out of Egypt, whose leader is Moses. 3.Some biblical accounts can be corroborated by external evidence. The plagues narrated in chapters 7-12 could be paralleled to the epidemic in mid 4th century, commonly referred to as the Asiatic illness. 4.Some archaeologist believed that Exodus did took place but in a much smaller scale. The accounts of 600,000 who marched on to Read Sea is probably hyperbolic. 5.The story of Exodus reflects ancient metaphors, folklores myth and philosophy. The crossing of the sea is a metaphor to the defeat of the Pharaoh and his army and was probably composed in celebration of the Israelites liberation from the Egyptian slavery, rather than the actual drowning of the pharaoh and his armies. In Hebrew poetry, the imagery of sinking into water is used several times as a metaphor for distress, such as when Jonah is seemingly inside the belly of a whale and in the song of David when he called for divine intervention in Psalm 69. Therefore the sinking of the Pharaoh and his army is a metaphor to the defeat of the pharaoh and their army! Moroever, some Biblical scholars believed that the theophanies in Mt.Sinai, are not originally part of Exodus and that God’s? revelation through the phrase â€Å"I am who I am† is believed to have an undercurrent of the Greek philosophy’s? Absolute being. 6.YHWH is a warrior God that side with the weak which continue to inspire liberation movement of current history. 7.The sources of Exodus is a combination of several traditions namely Yahwist (J),Elohist(E),Deutoronomy (D) and Priestly (P). Exodus 4 which Collins believed to be taken largely from Priestly tradition describes vividly Moses stretching of his hand over the sea and causes the division of water. This should not be taken as a historical account but an attempt to provide concrete expression of YHWH powerful hand in rescuing the Israelites. On the other hand, the presentation of YHWH as a warrior God in Exodus 15 is a clear influence of E tradition in Exodus. My Personal Position in Relation to Arguments Presented Firstly,I fully agree with Mr. Collin’s main contention that it is difficult to establish the historical basis of the whole Exodus. The fact that the Book of Exodus was written about 700 years after its actual occurrence already presents a major flaw in historiography. Moreover, the very limited available non biblical evidence of Jewish history prior to the reign of King David which started around 1,000 BCE is a major challenge .Moreover, the B iblical accounts took place 2 to 3 thousand years before the science of archaeology came into our midst (Miller). But I also agree with him, that Exodus is a literature that speaks of bits and pieces of historical accounts. Previous and recent archaeological findings would attest to it. A.Chariots Found in Gulf of Aqaba in 1978 and 1988 In 1978,Ron Wyatt found numerous chariot wheels with some with axles still on, covered by corals in the Gulf of Aqaba. He also

Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Abortion - Essay Example But on the other hand, reasons for abortions have not always included health risks. The key questions continually in debate are about the constitutional rights to an abortion, whether the fetus is a person and the morality of an abortion. The legal and moral decisions are based somewhat on the whether one believes that the fetus is a person. Dr Schwarz contends that the fetus is a person, as he describes, â€Å"a fully real person, the same person he will later be. He is only smaller, less developed, in a different environment, and more dependent, in comparison to a born baby†. He believes that the term fetus means â€Å"young one† and so it indicates a young human person. We have to consider what is the difference between the fetus in the womb and the child that is born few minutes after. He argues that once the fetus exhibits the traits which determine personhood, i.e. consciousness, (especially the capacity to feel pain), reasoning, self-motivated activity and the capacity to communicate, then in fact it must be considered a person. This is in keeping with the views of the pro-life supporters who believe that the fetus is a human being from the moment of conception- once the egg and sperm unite. According to this view the fetus has legal rights from this moment of conception. On the other hand there are pro-choice defenders (who believe that the mother has the right to decide on an abortion) who believe the fetus is only a potential human being when it becomes viable, that is, able to survive outside its mother’s womb. Until then the mother carrying the fetus has legal rights over the fetus and can decide whether or not to have an abortion. However according to Encarta, there is no definite consensus on whether the fetus is a person on not. . As they explain, â€Å" Embryology, the study of fetal development, offers little insight about the fetus’s status at the time of

Libertarian vs Determinism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Libertarian vs Determinism - Research Paper Example It is moral and normal for people to claim responsibility for their actions. This includes blame and credit for good and terrible actions. According to Wgner (277), this comes from a connection between one’s will and actions where one believes that his will determines the action taken. As a result, it describes determinism. Furthermore, some famous philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and David Hume call this compatibilist freedom or negative freedom as stated by Isaiah Berlin. However, some compatibilists argue that it goes hand in hand with human freedom where people define freedom with freedom of the will. However, this is only true if one is free from external mechanisms such as coercion. Conversely, freedom of action is not similar to freedom of the will. When someone is in confinement, like in jail, some actions are not allowed whereas the will is free. Nevertheless, they are still related since it is the action that is used to relay the will. This, thus, leads to the term â €Å"free will† where an agent has the freedom of action. Logical determinism and causal determinism are also part of soft determinism. The former describes the future and how it has already been determined despite free will. Unlike this, Causal determinism states that every effect has a cause or mechanism. This does not mean that humans are free, nor do they always have free will. They can either have free will and use it how they want, or can have just an appearance of it where they never make choices despite there being preceding mechanisms that favor the result of the decision. In addition to this, physical or social constraints do not define the result of the latter circumstance (Wegner 279). An example is how humans have learnt to fly without using their own bodies. Hence, using the word free in this scenario would be inappropriate. On the other hand, Ayer argues that if human behavior is fully governed by causative mechanisms, then it is not clear how any action done co uld have been avoided (Ayer 272). This can only be different if the cause had been different. As a result, it has lead to controversial opinions on the freedom of will regarding assumptions that an individual is morally responsible for his or her actions. As a result, since the freedom of will is biased, then no one knows what he or she is. In other words, an individual can never act freely if causative factors determine his action. Ayer, thus, disapproves causal determinism. It may also be suitable to classify compatibilism according to those mechanisms that they think are attuned with human freedom. This is because compatibility with God’s foreknowledge or physics, among many other mechanisms, are different. Furthermore, whether in the biological world, the mind, or in the physical world, uncaused random events are true. These events, termed quantum, bring about the probability of novelty, human creativity, and accidents. Generally, it is termed as comprehensive compatibili sm where free will is attuned with both indeterminism and adequate determinism. The latter is restricted to the true determinism in the world while the former describes how certain mechanisms directly influence human behavior and actions. Furthermore, they provide alternative possibilities for the latter determinism to choose the most suitable. According

Discuss critically the main successes and failures of Tony Blair's New Essay

Discuss critically the main successes and failures of Tony Blair's New Labour government 1997-2007 - Essay Example This implies that the government was not stable and had no strong probability to solve governmental issues or give firm stands concerning the United Kingdom hence Blair had to work hard under his personal capacity to ensure that the UK was better placed as compared to earlier governments. Tony Blair’s regime as a Prime Minister achieved a landslide of successes though on the other side, the government failed to address some national and international challenges as discussed below (Shaw, 2012: 56). Achievements of tony Blair’s government 1. Development Tony Blair being a Member of Parliament before winning the 1997 general elections had a clue on the sidelines to follow in order to enhance development and growth of the United Kingdom. Though this seem to be unrealistic due to the less informed his cabinet was, he made a lot of positive strides across the entire world. The Prime Minister reasoned out with the all the political parties, British public as well as the media against joining the Eurozone to adopt the Euro. This act brought internal cooperation and peace as the nation spoke in one voice (Gunter & Forrester, 2008: 151). Being a learned person, Blair new well that motivation was key to success and quality work. He therefore introduced the National minimum wage and went as far as raising it. The move positively enhanced the living standards and created a great correlation to the general provision of services which include government and non-governmental based. In the early years, Tony Blair held several meetings with key African leaders showing how personally he was concerned on developing Africa and making it a free sate of success, a message that went down into giving the Africans more attention beyond the issues of aid. The Great 8 (G8) summits majorly centered on issues to do with: development through improving governance, investing in people, embracing peace and stability as well as mutual accountability (David, 2012). The long standing relationship between the South African President; Thabo Mbeki and the British government led to establishment of new approaches to develop Africa as a whole to enable the African countries to rely on their efforts unlike depending so much on donors. Today South Africa stands out to be a great republic through these unstoppable efforts (Andrew, 2013: 90). The New Labour Government invested more in realizing the goals of learning institutions through fully supporting learning processes as from lower levels to high institutions, employment of more civil servants, improving their terms of work and enhancing job creation. 2. Climatic change policy. Unpredictable weather patterns has remained a major issue to be address up to date and policy makers find it difficult due to the ever changing living patterns surrounded with scientific innovations and industrialization. The New Labour Party developed the climate change agenda in 1997 as Europe become reluctant to minimize the levels of sulp hure emissions into the air. It was later taken to be the government’s environmental policy that aimed at regulating the amount of harmful gases and other wastes eliminated into the air. Successful cooperation of Tony Blair’s government and the business firms saw more approaches developed towards tackling climatic change. Through Blair’

Psychology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Psychology - Assignment Example For her, it was Mr. Cotton who raped her and she believed that with all of her conviction. Our schema is such that once we think something, that memory has a tendency to remain unchanged. Jennifer made her choice, and in the subsequent trial, was so sure Mr. Cotton was the rapist that she exhibited physiological symptoms that further accentuated her belief that he was the one. I believe that Mr. Cotton was wrongly accused as well because his face was one from which Jennifer got to choose. As our schema influences what we look for in any given situation, Mr. Cotton just having a mug shot for her to look at must mean he was a criminal and therefore the one who attacked her. This only furthered her belief that he was the right choice. I think this story shows that no matter how hard we try to get it right, our brain may have different ideas. We have a preconceived idea of how things should work and how things interact with each other in our world, and once we make a decision, we tend to believe in it, no matter who tries to change our mind. Unfortunately for Mr. Cotton, the jury having been told that Jennifer had positively identified him as her attacker was a further nail in his coffin. They believed that she hadn’t made any mistakes, and so their memory when they got back to the jury room was that he must be the one, he was identified as such.

Training & Development Essay Example for Free

Training Development Essay At McDonalds they have training that will benefit the managers for example they offer courses to the applicants. For the first 18 weeks, they will build foundations for their entire career. Amongst other things, they will discover how to prepare food, master the equipment, develop their serving ability and learn how to motivate a team. When you done well enough they will graduate to 2nd assistant manager and receive more training and experience from other managers, helping them gain more information on how to run a store of their own. As well as attending training courses, they will be asked to do some self-study and complete computer-based training programs, these will help them build knowledge about people development, cash control etc. once they have succeeded the program they will then move up to 1st assistant manager where they are able to run a store of their own. There is a session where all the managers have to attend to its called the Nuts and Balls Integrations Teams NABIT. This is where they get informed about new products, new rules and new promotions; it is their responsibility to pass that information on to their staff back at their stores. Shift Manager Roles Responsibilities The responsibility of the shift manager is to operate the Quality Service Cleanliness Value principles to the rest of the staff. The principles help the store to meet the requirements of the customers and therefore it is the shift managers job to explain them to the staff. He is also in charge of the shifts and giving the shifts to the employees, making sure that they have expertise in charge of each equipment. He also needs to rotate his crewmembers in order for them to experience each department; therefore they wouldnt have to rely on an individual. Hes responsible for training the employees as well, McDonalds use the buddy system, this system helps the employee understand how to use certain things by following orders from an experienced employee, hence the word buddy. Its his responsibility to put untrained workers on a buddy system. The shift manager is expected to handle the floor properly and spread the work within teams, giving the team leaders the orders on how/what to operate in the store. You could say that the shift manager is the right-hand man of the store manager because he is passing on a lot of delegation. Motivation The shift manager on our visit explained that he is mainly motivated by the fact that he is able to progress to become a 2nd assistant manager. You could say promotion is his essential motivating factor and McDonalds therefore have training programmes in order to meet those needs. However, he has stated that money also plays a huge part in his motivation factors. He claims that bonuses, payroll increase etc motivates him as an individual. The shift manager at the McDonalds has a lot of different motivating factors and one of them was money, which related back to the motivation theory of Taylor who suggested that money drives people working in a firm. However, he also claimed that he always looks forward to move up a position and enhance new skills and knowledge, which also could be related to theory of Maslow, who suggested the Hierarchy, meeting the needs of the employees by stages. Qualities As a shift manager, you would be expected to have certain amount of qualities including, flexibility, cooperative, experience, sympathetic, motivated, enthusiastic, optimistic, consistent and a sense of hospitality. These are very important qualities to have to gain the position at the store. The important one is to be able to give commands to teams and being able to meet daily objectives and communicating with each team. Spreading out the stronger characters with the weaker ones and balancing the strengths of the teams. According to crewmembers I have caught up with, stated that they usually spread their workers and each team would have an experienced worker and some new workers. Training and Development The shift manager has training and its both on and off the job training. He follows a course provided by McDonalds in order to enhance new skills and knowledge on how to run a business by their own. This will help them move up and open up a store of their own if success shows. They receive computer-based programs of training to take home and do some self-study; at the same time they receive training on the job where they get to experience some of the managerial work with other experienced managers.

E-business business on the Internet

E-business business on the Internet E-business models: benefits, opportunities and threats E-business (electronic business) Derived from such terms as e-mail and e-commerce, is the conduct of business on the Internet, not only buying and selling but also servicing customers and collaborating with business partners. One of the first to use the term was IBM, when, in October, 1997, it launched a thematic campaign built around the term. Today, major corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the Internet and its new culture and capabilities. Companies are using the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. Exploiting the convenience, availability, and world-wide reach of the Internet, many companies; such as Amazon.com, the book sellers; have already discovered how to use the Internet successfully. Whether customers are on or off line, in todays marketplace they want quality products and information in a quick and easy manner. What are the main benefits of the Internet? Even a kid knows its advantages for speed and convenience of use. Therefore e-business, which uses the internet as the core for business dealings, can help make a company more customer-friendly in addition to many other things, such as creating a more efficient exchange of information and/or products and services. IBM, in 1997, was one of the first to use the term when it launched a campaign built around the term. Today, many corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the Internet and its capabilities. Companies are using the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. Exploiting the convenience, availability, and global reach of the Internet, many companies, both large and small have already discovered how to use the Internet successfully. 1. Removes Location and Availability Restrictions Users need not be in the same physical location as an e-business and the exchange of information and transactions may take place at any given time, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and from any location in the world with Internet access. A physical location is restricted by size and limited to only those customers that can get there, while an online store has a global marketplace with customers and information seekers already waiting in line. 2. Reduces Time and Money Spent In e-business, there is often a reduction in costs required to complete traditional business procedures. Many of those same traditional business approaches can be eliminated and replaced with electronic means, which are often easier to carry out as well as easier on the pocketbook. For example, compare the cost of sending out 100 direct mailings (paper, postage, staff and all), to sending out a bulk e-mail. Also think about the cost of paying rent at a physical location opposed to the cost of maintaining an online site. 3. Heightens Customer Service With e-business customers receive highly customizable service, and communication is often more effective. There is far more flexibility, availability and faster response times with online support. For example, think about the speed of e-mail inquiries and live chat as opposed to getting on the phone, especially when that business is closed for the day. There is also a faster delivery cycle with online sales, helping strengthen the customer/business relationship. The internet is a powerful channel for reaching new markets and communicating information to customers and partners. Having a better understanding of your customers will help to improve customer satisfaction. 4. Gives Competitive Advantage The internet opens up a brand new marketplace to businesses moving online. Competition via the internet is growing as the internet itself grows and waiting too long to move online may cause you to lose your place in line entirely. Easy access to real time information is a primary benefit of the internet, enabling a company to give more efficient and valid information and helping to gain the competitive advantage over those that are not online. Although there are risks associating with e-business, as with most business decisions, there is also the risk associated with the inability to adapt to the changing times. Change is inevitable in todays marketplace and should be embraced with open arms and open sites! Reference list: Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacie_Leonard E-Business will allow organisations to: Reduce costs Reach a larger market Eliminate the use of middlemen and intermediaries Reduce search costs by facilitating comparison of price, products and services Reduce lead times Improve production and supply capability Improve personalisation and customisation of product offerings While also offering: Giving your business the leading edge. A web presence gives your company maximum marketing exposure and an advantage over competitors Maximum exposure, Permanent advertising on a global scale at an extremely tiny cost Customer service and feedback. Customer or employee access to company information and databases during both business and non-business hours increases customer satisfaction. Approaches An e-business model is simply the approach a company takes to become a profitable business on the Internet. There are many different approaches that could seemingly be adopted when contemplating an e-business, all depend on the situation of the business and current market that the company operates in. Although some people, such as Kenneth P. Morse, believe that electronic models are no different from traditional business models, electronic business markets have produced differing models. The basic idea of e-commerce, or doing business on the Internet, is that at least two parties a seller and a buyer- exchange valuable products or services. The exchange transactions can occur between individuals, businesses and organizations (sic). This leads to an approach based on whether the organisation is: B2C (Business to Consumer) B2B (Business to Business) A2M (Association to Member) Conclusion Selling goods and services online is the natural progression for many companies that are looking to expand their market. There is no other way of reaching more customers that is more cost-effective than an ecommerce site. As you know, this model has been so successful that some businesses (e.g. Amazon.com and eBay) have even forgone a physical location. While their situations stand out from the rest, even existing bricks-and-mortar businesses can benefit from selling online. One of the keys to ensuring success with your ecommerce site is to make it robust enough to meet the needs of your customers while simple enough so that they dont need a manual to figure out how to buy something. Typically this means having a searchable catalog and a minimal number of clicks to get from the product page to the order page.

Setting in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Essay -- essays research pap

Ken Kesey’s â€Å"One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest† is a unique fiction novel about oppression and rebellion in an American 1950’s Mental Hospital. In this highly distinctive novel, setting definitely refers to the interior, the interiors of the Institution. It also refers to the period this novel this was set in, the 50’s, 60’s where McCarthyism was dominant. Furthermore, it has great symbolic value, representing issues such as the American struggle of freedom and conformity. This essay shall discuss the ‘setting’ & its significance towards Ken Kesey’s â€Å"One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest†. In the novel, setting is important towards the interiors, as the vast majority of the novel is set within the closed, confined space, the interior, of the mental institution. The Institution is there for â€Å"fixing up mistakes made in the neighbourhoods.† It is important as it is only in a confined space such as a mental institution, where Ken Kesey can achieve the dark, foggy atmosphere of conformity and oppression that the Big Nurse and the Combine exercises over all the patients of the Institution. The institution is a place under the strict control of Nurse Ratched, and it is only in the hospital where she can exercise her calculated control. The ‘interiors’ act as a microcosm of American society, as Dr Spivey says, the hospital is a â€Å"made-to-scale prototype of the big world. Through the Chief’s memories, we realise that the outside world is not much better, as we learn that Indian village...

William Goldings Lord of the Flies Essay -- Essays Papers

Lord of the Flies I chose to do one of my book reports on William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The reason I chose this book is because it deals with many issues that are important to leading a solid Christian based life. It also deals with some issues that were talked about in class, for example discrimination, prayer and civilized behavior. The book starts out with Ralph and Piggy walking through the woods on what appears to be a deserted island. We are told that a plane transporting many young boys between the ages of 5 and 12 crashed on this island and these are the first two characters that we meet. Ralph and Piggy find their way out of the woods and onto a beach where they discover a conch shell that can be played as a horn. Ralph sounds this horn and shortly after a number of young boys emerged from the woods. It is now revealed that no adults are on the island and it is just the boys. They then decide to form a make shift government and piggy appoints Ralph to be the leader since he initiated the meeting. One boy named Jack, a member of a boy’s choir, protests the fact that Ralph was named the leader. So to please Jack, Ralph tells him that he will be in charge of hunting and gathering food, this along with teasing Piggy about his weight pleases Jack. The boys them split up and start to scope out the island and Jack organizes the first hunt, which is unsuccessful. As time goes on Ralph notices that many of the boys aren’t really doing any work and would rather be playing or sleeping instead, this worries him a little. He then goes out to explore the island with a choirboy named Simon, when they came back they called a meeting by signaling the conch. At this meeting Ralph sets up some basic rules. The main ones being that you can only talk at a meeting if you are holding the conch and that a fire must be keep going all the time on top of the mountain in case a ship passed by so that they could be rescued. The other boys like the ideas and rush up the mountain to start a fire. After they gather a bunch of firewood they realize that nobody can start a fire without matches. Piggy then suggests that they use the lenses of his glasses to spark a flame. The fire starts and gets a bit out of hand and Piggy thinks that one of the younger boys has been burned to death. All of the other boys laugh at Piggy and deny the incident. This is the first ... ...ll right. So we see how important parents are and how much they can influence their children. These boys were too young to be stranded alone and they couldn’t distinguish between right and wrong. I’m sure that as adults they would look back and see how hostile and evil they had become. Someone who has a similar view of this book is Kristian Moe who is a teacher in New York. I found this statement at www.malvik.no/engelsk/lordoftheflies.htm, he writes, â€Å"I feel that the book is very sad. In some ways it is even a little grotesque. It portrays human nature in its worst and darkest. It is very scary, and it makes me think about the world wars, and about Hitler’s racism and hatred. I can not believe that we have so many dark sides within us, but maybe we do.† In conclusion, I have to say that I enjoy this book because it is exciting and scary at the same time. I’m sure that everyone at one point in their life has dreamed of being on a deserted island, but I’m also sure that nobody would want their experience to be like the one we see in this book. Unless of course that have no sense of Christian values and are willing to subject themselves to that type of devilish behaviour.

Marketing :: essays research papers

Rockford Register Star Sunday, March 27, 2005 Business Section, Page 4C Hyundai, Kia shift gears to pass competition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this article, the Rockford Register Star discusses the most recent marketing changes in the Korean owned auto companies of Kia and Hyundai. The Korean cars are the second fastest growing car brand in America, trailing behind BMW. Kia and Hyundai had only two car models in 1999; and as of 2005 there are nine. They have announced their â€Å"24/7† plan that they say they will introduce seven new cars in the next twenty-four months. They plan to introduce and promote a new line of cars in the United States that appeal to the budget of everyone. They have lower end cheaper sedan cars and higher end luxury style sedans that may be a little more expensive that compare with that of the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The new line also included a sporty vehicle that will appeal to that of a gear-head teen who desires more power which ensuring a focus on safety with six air bags and the normal equipment that is standard on modern cars. (ABS, Electronic Stability Co ntrol, CD/Stereo, etc). Kia and Hyundai promises that their cars are reliable and worth the dollar. As said in â€Å"Consumer Reports Magazine†, The Hyundia Sonata was named most reliable car in the 2004 model year. The article states that with the introduction of these new cars and new quality standards, Kia and Hyundai will new competition for Japan’s Big 3 auto companies. The article stated that names Kia and Hyundai are now auto names respected and associated with quality and a standard of safety.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This article deals with our business class in a sense that Kia and Hyundai are creating cars and marketing them to appeal to all types of people in all ranges of income. These cars will have a reasonable price and yet have the quality of the industry standards. They are marketing these cars with a status of quality and reliability that is now associated with the Korean based auto companies to compete with other auto companies; both domestic and imported vehicles while at the same time offering a variety of styles to appease the desires of a vast group of ages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I’ve learned that companies, if they want to be successful, need to market a product to the right people at the rice price. Also, companies need to market a product with a variety of styles to catch the eye of different shoppers.

Popularity of Short Message Service (Sms) Usage & Its Effect on Written Language Deterioration

Communication technology is changing our way of life. Language is no exception. Some language researchers argue that written language is deteriorating due to the increase usage of electronic communication. The present study investigated 50 mobile phone users selected randomly using Short Messaging Service (SMS) as one of their daily communication tools with the purpose to find out whether SMS language will cause written language deterioration in Malaysia. SMS language is defined as using abbreviations, newly created words, code-switching, code-mixing and emoticons in the messages. The findings indicated that the majority of the respondents agree that SMS language causes written language deterioration. This could be because messages are full of spoken-like spelling, unconventional use of punctuation and abbreviations, and ungrammatical sentence in order to conform to the conditions of electronic communication to reduce space, time and effort. Although the language change due to the advancements in electronic communication technology is inevitable, we have to bear in mind that the negative impact on the written language has to do with the technology users not the technology itself. Introduction What is communication? Communication is a process of transferring information whereby information is enclosed in a package and is channeled and imparted by a sender to a receiver using a channel (Wikipedia). In recent years, mobile phone has been viewed as an important communication tool and has become an integral part of the Malaysian society. Nowadays, it is very common to see Malaysians chatting or texting on their mobile phones in the streets, in the shopping malls, while waiting for public transportations to the point that the mobile phone has become an essential item to some people especially the younger generation. The mobile phone first appeared in Malaysia in 1998 and was mainly used by professionals. It was bulky, expensive, and built with basic features such as voice call. Today, mobile phones are equipped with other hi-tech features that allow faster communication and entertainment such as Short Message Service (SMS), MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) player, games, internet and videos. These additional features attracted people from all walks of life including the younger generation, and consequently led to the increase in the number of mobile phone users in Malaysia. According to the survey conducted by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), there were 24,253,000 mobile phone subscribers in Malaysia at end March 2008. It was also reported that as many as 50. 7% mobile phone users send out an average of five (5) SMSes a day. Compared to 2004 which recorded a percentage of 31. 7%, the number of mobile phone users sending out an average of five (5) SMSes per day has increased by 19% (Hand Phone Users Survey, 2008). The factors which have contributed to the popularity of SMS usage could be due to its widespread usage, mobility, low cost and convenience. For example, sending a message via text to a family or friend across the country or even living abroad, would be cheaper than the cost of roaming and long distance phone charges. SMS is extensively used not only for communication purposes, but also as a major marketing tool due to its low cost. Besides that, it is also very convenient for mobile phone users. A message can be easily and quickly transmitted just by pressing a few buttons instead of the conventional method of waiting for the telephone call to be put through or waiting to leave a voice message after a lengthy and annoying answering machine message. Due to character limitations and restrictions in a SMS message, it is a common practice for SMS users to maximize the contents of the messages sent by using abbreviations, newly created words, code-switching, code-mixing and emoticons in their SMS messages. How has this increasingly popular practice affect our written language then? As most Malaysians are multi-lingual, will the widespread use of SMS cause language deterioration? This research aims to investigate and analyze the relationship between SMS usage and whether it causes language deterioration in Malaysia by using abbreviations, newly created words, code-switching, code-mixing and emoticons in the messages.

Critically evaluate piaget’s theory of cognitive development Essay

Piaget has been described as the father of cognitive psychology (Shaffer, 1988) and his stage theory as the foundation of developmental cognitive psychology (Lutz & Sternberg, 2002). It is not possible to describe Piaget’s empirical findings and theory in only 1,500 words. Instead, I will briefly review the theory’s scope, comprehensiveness, parsimony, applicability, heuristic value and methodological underpinning. I will then evaluate in more detail the theory’s utility in describing and explaining cognitive development. Historically, Piaget’s ontological approach was ground-breaking with its focus on the qualitative nature of cognition and its constructivist perspective. The theory itself is wide-scoped (universal), comprehensive (covering a broad spectrum of cognitive achievement) and elegantly coherent (from neonate to adult). It remains profoundly influential on cognitive psychology and continues to be widely applied in childcare and educational settings. Piaget’s theory is parsimonious in its commonality of approach to a broad range of complex phenomena with key interlinking concepts. Inevitably, such an ambitious theory has generated a wealth of research, some supporting, some supplementing, some extending and some disputing aspects of Piaget’s theory. Some of the weaker aspects of Piaget’s theory appear to arise from his ‘clinical method’ of using observational behavioural data to infer conclusions about children’s underlying cognitive competences. Longitudinal data, ideally suited to monitoring progression, was only recorded for his own three children. Certain of his techniques were insufficiently sensitive to identify the underlying causes of performance variations, especially with very young infants, where more recent habituation techniques have shown that Piaget considerably underestimated their understanding and ability (Bower, 1982, Baillargeon & DeVos, 1991). This may have led him to overlook other relevant explanations for varying levels of performance, eg limitations on memory capacity (Bryant & Trabasso, 1971, Kail, 1984, Diamond, 1985), motor-co-ordination (Mandler, 1990), availability of memory strategies (Siegler, 1991) and verbal understanding (Sternberg, 1985). However, Piaget’s clinical method, his flexible and ecologically valid approach did reveal original insights into children’s thinking, which a more standardised, ‘scientific’ approach may have overlooked entirely. Piaget’s theoretical framework describes the structure of cognitive development as a fixed sequence of four discontinuous and qualitatively different ‘periods’ (for ease of understanding, referred to as stages) of all children’s intelligence across domains, tasks and contexts. Invariance is a core feature of Piaget’s conceptual structure, in contrast with contemporary perspectives, which question rigid conceptual structures, eg post-modernism and chaos theory. Piaget emphasised the invariance of progression through stages, so that a child never regresses to thinking methods from an earlier stage of cognitive development. This is empirically unconvincing, eg, as an adult, I have easily switched from formal-operational to concrete-operational thinking when presented with flat-pack furniture and an incomprehensible set of instructions. Research (Beilin, 1971, Case, 1992) has also contradicted the assumption that within a given stage of development, children demonstrate only stage-appropriate levels of performance, eg 4-year-olds make the same mistakes as 1-year-olds on some hidden-object problems by looking at locations where they have found the object previously (Siegler, 1998). Structural, qualitative discontinuity between stages – a key feature in the theory’s description of cognitive development – is also questionable. Although much research has shown that children can do things at ages earlier than Piaget considered possible (Baillargeon, 1987, Mandler, 1998, Diamond, 1991), Piaget focussed on the sequence of progression from one stage to another rather than the respective ages of cognitive achievement. However, because cognitive achievements have often been shown to emerge earlier (and occasionally later if at all, eg certain formal operations) than Piaget’s stages indicate, exactly when these stages begin and end cannot be clearly established. This blurring of boundaries between stages, suggests a spiralling structure of gradual, continuous cognitive development rather  than a stepped structure of discontinuous stages. Piaget’s focus on competence as opposed to performance contributes to the difficulty of determining when one stage becomes qualitatively different from another. What we may be capable of doing optimally (competence) may often differ from what we do actually much of the time (performance) (Davidson & Sternberg, 1985). Even if we accept Piaget’s stages as distinguishing when competences are fully developed and functional not necessarily when they first appear (Lutz & Sternberg, 2002), there is still insufficient evidence that qualitative leaps in cognitive competence can be distinguished between one stage and another. Indeed, Piaget (1970) adjusted his position on the discontinuity of stages, acknowledging that transition from concrete-operational to formal-operational reasoning occurs gradually over a span of several years. Siegler (1998) suggests that catastrophe theory (a mathematical theory which examines sudden changes) explains both the continuous and discontinuous appearance of cognitive development. The forces that lead to the collapse of a bridge may build up over a period of years, however the bridge’s visible collapse appears as a sudden event. Analogously, a child may suddenly solve a problem that she could not solve the day before, but her progress may be due to experience and improved understanding acquired over preceding months. Thus cognitive development may be viewed both as a continuous process of small, imperceptible amendments or as a discontinuous shift from one state to another – depending on when and how closely viewpoints are taken. Bloom (2002) provides a similar argument in refutation of ‘spurts’ in word learning. Piaget initially argued that his stages are universal, ie that they apply to everyone irrespective of their individual experience. Recent research suggests that cultural practices are related to children’s proficiency on tasks (Rogoff, 1990). Piaget (1972) always acknowledged the impact of social and cultural contextual factors on cognitive development but came to revise his claim that his stages are universal, eg by recognising that achieving formal operations is dependent on exposure to the specific type of thinking  found in science classes and on individual motivation to undertake certain types of task. Piaget’s revised stance on universality and the discontinuity of stages also calls into question the theory’s implicit structural premise of cognitive development being domain-general. Piaget refers to stages as holistic structures, with coherent modes of thinking that apply across a broad range of tasks, ie are domain-general. However children do not appear to develop consistently and evenly across all cognitive tasks or even within specific types of cognitive functioning, eg conservation. Piaget explains unevenness of progression, eg, within the domain of conservation, mass is conserved much sooner than volume, by ‘horizontal decalage’, which occurs when problems that appear quite similar in the requirements of underlying knowledge actually differ in the complexity of schemata required. An alternative explanation for perceived unevenness in cognitive development is domain-specificity, ie that specific types of cognitive processing develop separately and a t differing rates from others. One example of domain-specificity for language vs number acquisition occurs in deaf infant’s symbolic-representational ability allowing them to learn American Sign Language as early as 6-7 months, while children’s symbolic-representational ability for number appears months later (Mandler, 1990, Meier & Newport, 1990). Subsequent research (Chomsky, 1986, Fodor, 1983, Chi, 1992 cited in Pine, 1999) has suggested domain-specificity for language, mathematics and logico-spatial reasoning involved in chess! Horizontal decalage is described, at best, as a peripheral element and, at worst, as undermining the theory’s holistic stage structure and domain-generality. To summarise the descriptive utility of Piaget’s theory, it certainly describes the general sequencing of children’s broad intellectual development, although stage-like discontinuity may be a reflection of perspective only. However, the theory appears less accurate in its description of cognitive development as universal, functionally invariant and domain-general. More recent research (Fischer, 1980, Flavell, 1985) suggests that cognitive development occurs gradually and sequentially within particular intellectual domains. Turning to the theory’s explanation of cognitive development, Piaget’s theory explains cognitive development as the result of physical maturation and two basic biological, invariant functions: organisation and adaptation (Lutz & Sternberg, 2002). Organisation is seen as the tendency to organise physical and psychological processes into purposeful, efficient systems. Adaptation occurs via equilibration, namely the seesaw-like balancing of (1) assimilation, ie how children transform incoming information to fit their existing modes of thinking (‘schemata’) and (2) accommodation, ie how children adapt their schemata in response to new experiences. Equilibration integrates physical maturation, experience with the environment and social influences (Miller, 2002). Whilst Piaget’s focus on the active constructivist mechanism of individual/environmental interaction has been highly influential, it does not provide a sufficient explanation of cognitive development. There is little explanation of the physical maturational aspects that are key to cognitive development, such as that provided by subsequent researchers on age-related neural processing improvements (Diamond,1991). More importantly, the processes of adaptation and organisation do not explain how a child’s logical ability is derived from interaction with the environment, eg there is no explanation of how sensorimotor activity is transformed into mental images which are in turn transformed into words. Crucially, Piaget’s theory does not provide any explanation of the mechanism of cognitive transition from one qualitative stage to another. Piaget’s explanation of cognitive development thus appears impoverished. It has been supplemented by social theory, which explicates the role of social interaction in the child’s development (Vygotsky, 1934/1978) and is supported by research into the innate social characteristics of young infants (Meltzoff & Moore, 1994 amongst others cited in Smith, Cowie & Blades, 1998). Information-processing theorists (Case, 1985,) have also explained the contribution of specific areas of cognitive development, such as memory and attention. Other theorists (Karmiloff-Smith, 1992) have  incorporated a combination of approaches into a more holistic explanation of cognitive development. In conclusion, Piaget’s theory appears only broadly accurate in its description of cognitive development. Its explanation of cognitive development is inadequate; only acknowledging but not fully examining the role of social, emotional and contextual factors, underestimating the existence of innate cognitive abilities (Flavell, Miller & Miller, 1993), and ignoring the complex role of language in cognitive development. Nonetheless, Siegler (1998) describes Piaget’s work as ‘a testimony to how much one person can do’. The theory’s heuristic power is undeniable: recent studies of cognitive development have focussed on previously unsuspected cognitive strengths in children and on a broader range of children’s thinking than that investigated by Piaget (Kohlberg, 1984). The theory’s longevity is certainly warranted for its originality and inspiration to others. According to Piaget â€Å"the principal goal of education is to create adults who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done – who are creative, inventive, discoverers† (Piaget, 1977 cited in Shaffer, 1998). By this standard, Piaget and his theory of cognitive development must be judged a success for current cognitive psychology. References Baillargeon, R. (1987). Object permanence in 31/2- and 41/2-month old infants. Developmental Psychology, 23, 655-664 Baillargeon, R. & DeVos, J. (1991). Object permanence in young infants: Further evidence. Child Development, 62, 1227-1246 Beilin, H. (1971). Developmental stages and developmental processes. In D.R. Green, M.P. Ford & G.B. Flamer (Eds.) Measurement and Piaget. (pp 172-196) New York:McGraw-Hill Bloom, P. (2002). How children learn the meaning of words. New York: Oxford University Press Bower, T.G.R. (1982 ). Development in Infancy 2nd Ed. San Francisco: WH Freeman Bryant, P.E. & Trabasso, T. (1971). Transitive inferences and memory in young children. Nature, 232, 456-458 Case, R. (1985). Intellectual Development: Birth to adulthood. Orlando, Fl: Academic Press. Case, R. (1992). The mind’s staircase: Exploring the conceptual underpinnings of children’s thought and knowledge. Hillsdale, NJ:Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Chi, M.T.H. (1992). Conceptual change within and across ontological categories: Examples from learning and discovery in science. In R.Giere (Ed.) Cognitive Models of Science: Minnesota studies in the philosophy of science. Minneapolis:University of Minnesota Press Chomsky, N. (1986). Knowledge of language: Its nature, origins and use. New York: Praeger Cole, M. & Cole, S.R. (2001). The Development of Children (4th Ed.). New York : Worth Publishers Davidson, J.E. & Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Competence and performance in intellectual development. In E. Neimark, R deLisi & J.H. Newman (Eds.), Moderators of competence (pp 43-76) Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Diamond, A. (1985). Development of the ability to use recall to guide action, as indicated by infants; performance on AB. Child Development, 56, 868-883 Diamond, A. (1991). Frontal lobe involvement in cognitive changes during the first year of life. In K.R. Gibson & A.C. Petersen (Eds.) Brain maturation and cognitive development: comparative and cross-cultural perspectives. New York:Aldine de Gruyter Fischer, K.W. (1980). A theory of cognitive development: the control and construction of hierarchies of skills. Psychological Review, 87, 477-531 Flavell, J.H. (1985). Cognitive Development (2nd Ed.) Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall Flavell, J.H., Miller, P.H. & Miller, S.A. (1993). Cognitive Development (3rd Ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall Kail, R. (1984). The development of memory in children (2nd Ed.). New York:Freeman Karmiloff-Smith, A. (1992). Beyond Modulatiry: A developmental perspective on cognitive science. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Precis accessed at http://bbsonline.org/Preprints/OldArchive/bbs.karmsmith.html Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: The nature and validity of moral stages (Vol 2). New York: Harper & Row Lutz, D.J & Sternberg, R.J. (2002). Cognitive Development. In M.H. Bornstein & M.E. Lamb (Eds.) Developmental Psychology: An advanced textbook (4th Ed.). Mahuah, NJ:Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Mandler, J.M. (1990). Recall of events by preverbal children. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 608, 485-516 Mandler, J.M. (1998). Representation . In D. Kuhn & R.S. Siegler (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology (5th Ed.): Vol 2: Cognition, perception and language. New York: Wiley Meier, R.P. & Newport, E.L. (1990). Out of the hands of babes: on a possible sign advantage in language acquisition. Language, 66, 1-23 Meltzoff, A.N. & Moore, M.K. (1994). Imitation, memory and the representation of persons. Infant Behaviour and development, 17, 83-99 Miller, P.H. (2002). Theories of Developmental Psychology (4th Ed.). New York:Worth Publishers Piaget, J. (1972). Intellectual evolution from adolescence to adulthood. Human Development, 15, 1-12 Piaget, J. (1970). Piaget’s theory. In P.H. Mussen (Ed.) Carmichaels’ manual of child psychology (Vol 1). New York:Wiley Piaget, J. (1977). The role of action in the development of thinking. In W.F. Overton & J.M. Gallagher (Eds.) Knowledge and development (Vol 1). New York:Plenum Pine, K. (1999). Theories of Cognitive Development. In D. Meuer & S.W. Millar (Eds.) Exploring Developmental Psychology: From infancy to adolescence. London:Arnold Rogoff, B. (1990). Apprenticeship in thinking. New York:Oxford University Press Shaffer, D.R. (1988). Developmental Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Siegler, R.S. (1991). Childrens’ thinking (2nd Ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall Siegler, R.S, (1998). Children’s thinking (3rd Ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall Smith, P.K., Cowie, H. & Blades, M. (1998). Understanding children’s development. Blackwell: Oxford Sternberg, R.J. (1985). Beyond IQ: A triarchic theory of intelligence. New York: Cambridge University Press Vygotsky, L.S. (1934/1978). Thinking and speech. In T.N. Minick (Ed.) The collected works of L.S. Vygotsky (Vol 1). Problems of general psychology. New York:Plenum Press

Final Project of Fin619

[pic] Pass Dear Student you are declared PASS in your written work. Start preparing for presentation & viva voce and improve your work according to the given instructions and guidelines available at VULMS of your course under the icon DOWNLOADS after clicking COURSE WEBSITE at VULMS. Also read lesson # 7 of this course in this for effective preparation of your presentation slides. For any course related query and information, you can contact us via MDB, Email ([email  protected] edu. pk) and telephone (92 (42) 111 880 880 (Extension: 8851 or 3941). RATIO ANALYSIS OFASKARI BANK, UNITED BANK AND BANK ALFALAH FOR THE YEARS 2009, 2010, 2011 A PROPOSAL FOR REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES, VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY OF PAKISTAN IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA-Exec) Submitted By: AAMIR SHAHZAD MC100403644 MBA-Exec (Finance) SUBMISSION DATE: 02-02-2013 Virtual University of Pakistan Letter of Undert aking Job confirmation letter [pic] Dedication I would like to dedicate this project to My parents My Wife & My Kids Ashar Ali & Mubashar Ali AcknowledgementAll my efforts for my MBA and this Project would have been nothing with out the help and grace of Almighty Allah and I am always Gratified to Blessings of Allah. More than anybody else, I would like to acknowledge my uncle Mr. Ashfaq Ali Tabassam for his never ending support. He always guided me whenever I felt stuck off and his encouragement always worked as moral booster for me. I would like to extend my special thanks to my friend Mr. Aamir who advised me time to time and provided me technical assistance. I am highly indebted to my boss in my organization Mr.Muzaffar Ali who spared me and gave me ample time, out of my professional commitments, to go all out for my MBA from Virtual University of Pakistan. Executive Summary The purpose of this report titled â€Å"RATIO ANALYSIS OF ASKARI BANK, UNITED BANK AND BANK ALFALAH FOR THE YEARS 2009, 2010, 2011†is to investigate the financial performance of these banks during the mentioned period. The first chapter of this report deals with introduction of project and banks under study, financial period under consideration, objectives and significance of the project. The second part is about data processing and analysis.The fourth chapter is about calculation of different ratios its comparison and interpretation. In last chapter conclusions and recommendations have been given. The data for the study is collected from financial repots of the banks which are available on theirs respective websites. The financial reports included the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statements. As regards to finding of study, the Net Profit Margin ratio of Askari and bank Alfalah is low as compare to UBL. UBL is also on top in gross spread ratio, return on equity, debt ratio and Advance/Deposit ratio.While Askari Bank has better cash flow ratio and Price/Earning r atio. It is recommended for Bank Alfalah and Askari bank to cut down their non markup expenses to improve their Net Profit Margin Ratio while, on the other hand their turnover is satisfactory. UBL and Alfalah should decrease their current liabilities and ensure the availability of more liquidity to meet short term debts. Askari bank and bank Alfalah both banks need to adopt measures to cut down their interest expenses in order to increase their gross spread ratio.In order to increase non interest income Askari and Alfalah needs to increase their earnings through fees, commissions and other advisory charges etc. In Advance/Deposit ratio Askari bank and Alfalah should have to utilize their deposits in more projects either through corporate financing or general public financing. Table of Contents Section I Chapter 1†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 â⠂¬ ¢ 1. 1 Introduction of the project †¢ 1. 2 Banks Introduction †¢ 1. 4 Period Under Consideration †¢ 1. 5 Objectives †¢ 1. 6 Significance Chapter 2†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 †¢ 2. 1 Data Collection 2. 2 Data Processing and Analysis Chapter 3†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12 †¢ 3. 1 Net Profit Margin †¢ 3. 2 Operating cash flow ratio †¢ 3. 3 Gross Spread ratio †¢ 3. 4 Non-interest income to total income ratio †¢ 3. 5 Spread ratio †¢ 3. 6 Advances/deposit ratio †¢ 3. 7 Return on total equity (ROE) †¢ 3. 8 Debt ratio †¢ 3. 9 Debt/Equity ratio †¢ 3. 10 Price/Earning ratio Chapter 4†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 26 †¢ 4. 1 Conclusions †¢ 4. 2 Recommendations Section I †¢ a) Student Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦29 †¢ b) Bibliography †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦30 Section IChapter 1 1. Project Introduction The financial ratio analysis techniques referred to in this aid could be useful to analyze any company financial performance. This study is also going to investigate the financial performance of three mentioned banks e. g. Askari bank, united bank and Bank Alfalah. These banks are surveying in the Pakistani Market and are competitors each other. Hence this study is going to find out which bank has strong financial position over other two banks. With the h elp of financial ratio analysis we can analyze the financial position of any company.Many stakeholders, investors, creditors may analyze any company, firms financial position with the help of ratio analysis before taking any important decision regarding to investments or any other. Therefore financial ratio is a mathematical correlation among several numbers often stated in the form of percentage, times, or days. 1. 2 Banks Introduction Askari Bank was incorporated in Pakistan on October 9, 1991, as a public limited company. It commenced operation on April 1, 1992, and is principally engaged in the business of banking, as defined in the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962.The Bank is listed on Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad Stock Exchanges. Since inception, the bank has concentrated on growth through improving service quality, investment in technology and people, utilizing its extensive branch network which includes Islamic and Agricultural banking. United Bank Limited (UBL) was incorp orated in Pakistan on November 7th 1959. In 1963 the bank opened its first overseas branch in London, United Kingdom. In 1971 the UBL was nationalized by the Government. In 2002, the Government of Pakistan sold it in an open auction to a consortium of Abu Dhabi Group and Bestway.Currently UBL is one of the largest commercial banks in Pakistan having more than 1,220 online branches inside the country. Its 15 branches outside the country are in the United States of America, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, and Republic of Yemen. It also has representative offices in Tehran (Iran), and Almaty (Kazakhstan). It owns subsidiaries in the UK (United National Bank Limited), and in Zurich (Switzerland). Bank Alfalah Limited was incorporated on June 21st, 1992 as a public limited company under the Companies Ordinance 1984. Its banking operations commenced from 1st Nov, 1997.The Bank is currently operating through various branches in Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh & Afghanistan, with the registered office a t B. A. Building, I. I. Chundrigar, Karachi. Strengthened with the banking of the Abu Dhabi Group and driven by the strategic goals set out by its board of management, the Bank has invested in revolutionary technology to have an extensive range of products and services. During the past five years, Bank Alfalah has emerged as one of the foremost financial institution in the region endeavoring to meet the needs of tomorrow today. 3. Financial Period Under-Consideration for Analysis:Financial period under consideration for analysis (2009, 2010, 2011) 4. Objectives 1. To analyze the selected banks efficiency in managing their resource for generating profit 2. To composition of capital structure of the selected banks, how much of the bank’s assets are financed through external and internal debt. 3. To find out that how effectively selected banks are maximizing their profit by controlling their interest expenses. 4. To compare the selected banks interest income with their interest expenses. 5. Are banks able to pay the current liabilities from their cash equivalents? . Significance The significance of these projects may include the following 1. The finding of this research will be more beneficial for investors, creditors, to take good decision after seeing the result of ratio. They can easily analyze the bank position through this study result. Bank Management may also study the finding of this study to determine the success or failure of particular sales, marketing as well as financing strategies. 2. At the end of this research, we will be able to get which bank is more able to pay its current liabilities from their cash equivalents. 3.The major outcomes of this research, this study will clear the concept regarding to financial ratio analysis in banking sector by applying different ratios. 4. This research may help the stakeholders to analyze financial ratios result before taking any serious decisions. 5. Financial mangers of selected banks also take advanta ges from this study to identify their bank strengths and weakness and will improve their poor areas. Chapter 2) Data Processing & Analysis 1. Data Collection Sources Study has used three banks annual reports/balance sheet, income statements, cash flow statements for data analysis and data processing.In research only secondary would be used to access the objectives which are mentioned as above. The study has used secondary sources to access the objectives of this research. The sources of this research were three banks websites. Annual reports were collected from the websites 2. Data Processing and Analysis Tools: Data was processed, analyzed and all the entry has done on excel sheet. Hence Study has used Excel sheet for data analysis and for calculation purpose. Result has been displayed on MS world in tabulation form with interpretation. Chapter 3) Data Analysis Ratio Analysis 1 Net Profit Margin SignificanceNet profit margin ratio explicit the profitability of the institution again st the revenue. It will also define the performance of the company in its operations in the market. So, shareholders assess it carefully in order to take their economic decisions. FORMULA: Net profit margin= (Net profit/ Revenue) *100 |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |9,192,687/61,107,025*100 |11,159,930/59,331,761*100 |15,499,663/70,450,475*100 | | |15. 4% |18. 81% |22. 00% | |Askari Bank |1,097,507/22,586,736*100 |943,177/27,952,162*100 |1,627,698/32,766,351*100 | | |4. 86% |3. 37% |4. 97% | |Bank Alfalah |897035/35561312 *100= |968452/37530256*100= |3503130/44298178*100= | | |2. 2% |2. 58% |7. 91% | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |15. 04 |18. 81 |22. 00 | |Askari Bank |4. 86 |3. 37 |4. 97 | |Bank Alfalah |2. 2 |2. 58 |7. 91 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of above table and graph depicts that the Net Profit Margin of all the Three banks is increasing. UBL is on the top with 15. 04% earning in the period of 2009 and increasing in the respective years with 18. 81 % in the year 2010 and 22% in 2011 which shows a positive trend which is due to the stringent control on operating expenses . While on the side, Askari bank Profit margin shows minor fluctuation with 4. 6% in the period 2009 then decreases in 2010 to 3. 37% owing to increase in non markup expenses and increases to 4. 49% in the year 2011. Profit margin of Bank Alfalah is also showing positive ness which is 2. 52% in 2009 and 2. 58% in the year 2010 and sore up to 7. 91% in 2011. 2 Operating Cash Flow Ratio Significance The ratio explains the cash flows of the bank or company which it earns by its operations and analyze it against it current liabilities to determine how well a company is in paying its debts which fall due in the financial year.FORMULA: Operation Cash Flow Ratio= Net cash generated from operating activities/ Current Liabilities |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |23,099,432/262214540= |100,070,348/369628811= |108,571,682/407621100= | | |0. 09 times |0. 27 times |0. 7 tim es | |Askari Bank |36,245,071/49327164= |35,810,016/114583064= |36,491,839/14943963= | | |0. 73 Times |0. 31 times |2. 44 times | |Bank Alfalah |19945927/350833577= |18112043/184831395= |54274913/194917015= | | |0. 06 times |0. 0 time |0. 28 time | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |0. 09 |0. 27 |0. 27 | |Askari Bank |0. 73 |0. 31 |2. 44 | |Bank Alfalah |0. 06 |0. 0 |0. 28 | [pic] Working Current Liabilities of UBL 2009 2010 2011 †¢ Bills payable (Short term) 5,147,259 5,045,815 5,879,043 †¢ Borrowings (Short term) 35,018,765 44,187,313 45,534,286 †¢ Deposits and other accounts (Short term) 209,685,205 319,797,360 340,999,875 †¢ Liabilities against assets subject to finance Lease (Short term). – – – †¢ Other liabilities (Short term) 12,363,311 369,628,811 407,621,100 †¢ Total 262,214,540 369628811 407,621,100 Working Current Liabilities of Askari Bank 009 2010 2011 †¢ Bills payable (Short term) 2,945,6703,089,9842,756,032 †¢ Borrowings (Short term) 19,300,16325,554,7772,758,043 †¢ Deposits and other accounts (Short term) 22,247,84228,646,7715,516,086 †¢ Liabilities against assets subject to finance ease (Short term). – – – †¢ Other liabilities (Short term) 4,833,48957,291,5323,913,802 †¢ Total 49,327,16411458306414,943,963 Working Current Liabilities of Bank Alfalah 2009 2010 2011 Bills payable (Short term) 3,766,144 4,521,533 5,403,453 †¢ Borrowings (Short term) 20,107,541 13,050,006 17,060,524 †¢ Deposits and other accounts (Short term) 320,249,261 161,368,880 165,257,870 †¢ Liabilities against assets subject to finance lease (Short term). 4,429 3,031 – †¢ Other liabilities (Short term) 6,706,202 5,887,945 7,195,168 †¢ Total 350,833,577184,831,395194,917,015Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph show that Operating Cash Flow of UBL is 0. 09 times in the period 2009 and 0. 27 times in the perio ds 2010 and 2011 shows consistency in respective years. While the cash flow of Askari bank is 0. 73 times in 2009 and decreases to 0. 31 times due to decline in cash generated from operating activities and increases to 2. 44 times in the year 2011 due to the decline in short term liabilities and increase in cash generation. Cash flow of Bank Alfalah is 0. 6times in the year 2009 and 0. 10 times in 2010 and 0. 28 times in the period 2011 shows increasing trend. 3 Gross Spread Ratio Significance It is being calculated by dividing the difference of interest earned and expensed by interest expensed on the deposits of the public. It will help to measure the markup income of the bank in the reporting period. FORMULA: Gross Spread Ratio = (Mark-up / return / interest earned – Mark-up / return / interest expensed) / Mark-up / return / interest earned*100 Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |61,107,025- 28,163,787= |59,331,761- 24,997,188= |70,450,475 -31,025,869= | | |32,943,238/61,107,02 5= |34,334,573/59,331,761= |39,424,606/70,450,475= | | |53. 1% |57. 87% |55. 96% | |Askari Bank |22,586,736 – 13,554,078 = |27,952,162 – 17,936,616= |32,766,351- 22,699,583= | | |9,032,658/22,586,736 = |10,015,546/27,952,162= |10,066,768/32,766,351 = 30. 72 % | | |39. 99% |35. 3 % | | |Bank Alfalah |35561312 – 24654180 =10907132/35561312 =|37530256 – 23855448= |44298178 –25687485= | | |30. 67% |13674808/37530256 = |18610693/44298178 = | | | |36. 44% |42. 01% |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |53. 91 |57. 87 |55. 96 | |Askari Bank |39. 99 |35. 83 |30. 72 | |Bank Alfalah |30. 67 |36. 44 |42. 1 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graphical representation shows the Gross Spread Ratio of UBL 53. 91% in the period 2009 and increases to 57. 87% in the period 2010 and then decreases to 55. 96% in 2011 respectively, UBL is on the top in interest earning in the market. Askari bank ratio is 39. 99% in the period 2009, 35. 8 3% and 30. 72% in the periods 2010 and 2011. While Bank Alfalah ratio is increasing from 2009 to 2011 with 30. 67%, 36. 44% and 42. 01% which is better marginally then other banks.But UBL is earning more as compare to other two banks due to better policy making and service. 4 Non-Interest Income to Total Income Ratio Significance It is other income which a bank earn from its services related to non markup sources such as advisory services and consultation provided in risk management etc. It describes the percentage of non interest income to total income of the bank or company. FORMULA: Non Mark-up / interest income to total income ratio= non mark-up / interest income / (non mark-up / interest income +Mark-up / return / interest earned)*100 Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |11,419,571/72526596= |10,090,162/69421923= |12,718,253/83168728= | | |15. 75% |14. 53% |15. 29% | |Askari Bank |2,544,415/25131151= |2,800,297/30752459= |2,902,921/35669272= | | |10. 2% |9. 11% |8. 14% | |Bank Alfal ah |5182253/40743565 = |4708161/42238417= |5367713/49665891 = | | |12. 72 % |11. 15% |10. 81% | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |15. 5 |14. 53 |15. 29 | |Askari Bank |10. 12 |9. 11 |8. 14 | |Bank Alfalah |12. 72 |11. 15 |10. 81 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph shows the Non Interest income of all the three banks with the highest ratio of UBL which is 15. 75% in the period 2009 and 14. 3% in the period 2010 and in 2011 is 15. 29% in comparison with Askari bank and Bank Alfalah. Askari Bank earn 10. 12% in the period 2009 and 9. 11% and 8. 14% in 2010 and 2011 which is declining. While Bank Alfalah ratios are 12. 72%, 11. 15% and 10. 81% in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 is declining respectively. So, UBL shows better ratio as compare to the other banks in all the three years. The Results shows that UBL shows fluctuation while the other banks ratios show declining trend. Working of Total income of UBL Total Income= (Non mark-up / interest income +Mark-up / return / interest earned)    |Total Income |   |   | |Non Mark-up/interest income |11,419,571 |10,090,162 |12,718,253 | |Mark-up/return/interest earned |61,107,025 |59,331,761 |70,450,475 | |Total Income = |72526596 |69421923 |83168728 | Working of Total income of Askari Bank    |Total Income |   |   | |Non Mark-up/interest income |2,544,415 |2,800,297 |2,902,921 | |Mark-up/return/interest earned |22,586,736 |27,952,162 |32,766,351 | |Total Income |25131151 |30752459 |35669272 |Working of Total Income of Bank Alfalah Total Income= (Non mark-up / interest income +Mark-up / return / interest earned) |   |Total Income |   |   | |Non Mark-up/interest income |5182253 |4708161 |5367713 |Mark-up/return/interest earned |35561312 |37530256 |44298178 | |Total Income |40743565 |42238417 |49665891 | Interpretation and comparison Interpretation is missing. 5 Spread Ratio Significance It is the ratio that describes the markup spread between income and expens e. It helps to measure how much income bank earns by incurring markup cost.Higher ratio shows more profitability through loans and investments. Formula:- Spread Ratio = Interest Earned / Interest Expensed |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |61,107,025/28,163,787= |59,331,761/24,997,188= |70,450,475/31,025,869= | | |2. 17 times |2. 37 times |2. 7 times | |Askari Bank |22,586,736/13,554,078= |27,952,162/17,936,616= |32,766,351/22,699,583= | | |1. 68 times |1. 56 times |1. 44 times | |Bank Alfalah |35561312/24654180 = |37530256/23855448= |44298178/25687485= | | |1. 44 times |1. 7 times |1. 72 times | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |2. 17 |2. 37 |2. 27 | |Askari Bank |1. 67 |1. 56 |1. 44 | |Bank Alfalah |1. 44 |1. 7 |1. 72 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph shows the Spread Ratio of the UBL which is highest as compare to the other two banks, is at 2. 17 times in the year 2009 and increases to 2. 37 times in the year 2010 and 2. 27 times in the year 2011, decreases the zig zag trend is due to the fluctuation in both aspects interest earn and expensed. While the ratio of Askari bank 1. 67% in the year 2009, 1. 56% in the year 2010 and 1. 4% in the year 2011 respectively. Bank Alfalah ratio shows increasing trend throughout the three years 2009 to 2011 which are as 1. 44%, 1. 57%, 1. 72% which shows better recovery of interest income from its investments 6 Advances / Deposits Ratio Significance It defines the advances banks make from the available deposits. It measures the ability of the bank in fruitful usage of money of the depositors which will increase the markup income. FORMULA: Advances / Deposits Ratio= Total Advances/ Total Deposits Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |354,091,713/492,036,103= |333,732,172/550,645,767= |325,347,208/612,980,139= | | |0. 72 times |0. 61 times |0. 53 times | |Askari Bank |135,034,499/205,970,227= |152,784,137/255,936,503= |150,710,709/291,502,993= | | |0. 6 times |0. 60 times |0. 52 times | |Bank Alfalah |188042438/324759752= |207152546/354015311= |198468512/401247886= | | |0. 58 times |0. 59 times |0. 49 times | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |0. 2 |0. 61 |0. 53 | |Askari Bank |0. 66 |0. 60 |0. 52 | |Bank Alfalah |0. 58 |0. 59 |0. 49 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph shows Advance/Deposit ratio of UBL which is very high as compare to other banks 0. 2 times in the year 2009 and 0. 61 times in the year 2010 and 0. 53 in the year 2011. Askari bank ratio is 0. 66 times, 0. 60 times and 0. 52 times in the consecutive years 2009, 2010 and 2011. While the ratio of bank Alfalah is 0. 58 times in 2009 and increases to 0. 59 times 2010 and decline drastically to 0. 49 times in 2011with 0. 10 times which shows that Bank Alfalah is not utilizing its deposits effectively as compare to other banks. 7 Return on Total Equity (ROE) Significance It measures income bank earns from the equity.It determines the ability of the institution how productively it uses the money of shareholders in its business. High ratio will allure more investors. FORMULA: Return on total Equity=Net Income/ Total equity*100 |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |9,192,687/52276246*100= |11,159,930/60180924*100= |15,499,663/70,622,933*100= | | |17. 58 % |18. 4 % |21. 94% | |Askari Bank |1097507/ 13142688 |943177/ 14820578*100= |1627698/ 16508782*100= | | |*100= 8. 35 % |6. 36 % |9. 86 % | |Bank Alfalah |897035/ 19770260 *100= |968452/ 19726556*100= |3503130/ 22839886*100= | | |4. 4 % |4. 91 % |15. 34 % | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |17. 58 |18. 54 |25. 76 | |Askari Bank |8. 35 |6. 36 |9. 86 | |Bank Alfalah |4. 4 |4. 91 |15. 34 | [pic] Working of Total Equity UBL (UBL) |   |Working Total equity |   |   | |   |Total Equity |   |   | |   |2009 |2010 |2011 |Share capital |11,128,907 |12,241,798 |12,241,798 | |Reserves |18,959,537 |21,688,637 | | |Un appropriated profit |22,187,802 |26,250,489 | | |Total Equity |52276246 |60180924 | | |   |   |   |   | Working of Total Equity (Askari bank)    |2009 |2010 |2011 | |Share capital |5,073,467 |6,427,440 |7,070,184 | |Reserves |7,235,710 |7,691,319 |8,136,440 | |Un appropriated profit |833,511 |701,819 |1,302,158 | |Total Equity |13,142,688 |14,820,578 |16,508,782 | Working of Total Equity (Bank Alfalah)    |2009 |2010 |2011 | |Share capital |13491563 |13491563 |13491563 | |Reserves |3587969 |3819133 |4100264 | |Un appropriated profit |2690728 |2415860 |5248059 | |Total Equity |19770260 |19726556 |22839886 | Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph show the Return On equity of all the three banks. UBL ratio is 17. 58% in the year 2009, 18. 54% in the year 2010 and 25. 76% in the year 2011. While Askari bank ratio is 8. 35% in 2009, 6. 36% in the period 2010 and 9. 86% in 2011 respectively. Bank Alfalah ratios are 4. 54%, 4. 91% and 15. 34% in the periods 2009, 2010 and 2011.So on marginal basis Alfalah improves utilizat ion of equity then other two banks. But on the whole, UBL is on the top in optimum utilization of stakeholders equity. 8 Debt Ratio Significance It measures the liabilities of the bank or company against the total assets. It should be low as investors like low ratio because the need their residual interest to be secured. FORMULA: Debt ratio= (Total debt/ Total assets)*100 |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |558,779,710/619,718,433*100= |631,402,822/699,817,887*100= |698,906,833/778,059,741*100= | | |90. 7% |90. 22 % |89. 83 % | |Askari Bank |239,378,374/254,327,446*100= |298,740,410/314,744,552*100= |325,980,040/343,756,306*100= | | |94. 12 % |94. 92% |94. 83% | |Bank Alfalah |366936635/389070055*100= |389178295/411483839*100= |442396764/468173802*100= | | |94. 31% |94. 58 % |94. 49 % | Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |90. 17 |90. 22 |89. 83 | |Askari Bank |94. 12 |94. 92 |94. 83 | |Bank Alfalah |94. 31 |94. 58 |94. 49 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above ta ble and graph show the Debt Ratio, UBL ratio is 90. 17 in the year 2009, 81. 15% in the year 2010 and 99. 7% in the year 2011. Askari bank ratio is 94. 12% in 2009, 94. 12% in 2010 and 94. 83% in 2011 which show consistency in the three years. Bank Alfalah shows also consistent trend in 2009, 2010 and 2011 are 94. 31%, 94. 58% and 94. 49%. So results show that UBL ratio is increasing which is not good indication as compare to other banks, while other banks are controlling effectively their Debt ratio. 9 Debt / Equity Ratio Significance It is the percentage of liabilities to shareholders’ money. It will define either the bank is equity or liability based. It also helps to assess the how risky the company is. FORMULA: Debt / Equity Ratio = (total debt/ total equity) Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |558,779,710/52276246= |631,402,822/60180924= |698,906,833/70,622,933= | | |10. 69 times |10. 49 times |9. 90 times | |Askari Bank |239,378,374/13142688= |298,740,410/14820578= |325, 980,040/16508782= | | |18. 21 times |20. 16 times |19. 75 times | |Bank Alfalah |366936635/19770260 = 18. 56 times |389178295/19726556= 19. 73 times |442396764/22839886= 19. 37 times | Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |10. 69 |10. 49 |11. 61 | |Askari Bank |18. 21 |20. 16 |19. 75 | |Bank Alfalah |18. 56 |19. 73 |19. 37 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph shows the Debt/Equity ratio where UBL ratio is 10. 69% in 2009,10. 49% in the year 2010 and 11. 1% in the year 2011 respectively which remains consistent in first two years then increases in 2011. Askari bank ratio is 18. 21% in 2009 which too high as compare to UBL, 20. 16% in 2010 and 19. 75% in the year 2011. While Bank Alfalah is on the same level 18. 56% in 2009, 19. 73% and 19. 37% in the years 2010 and 2011. As as consequence of analysis, UBL ratio is much better then other banks as its ratio is approximately 8% below the other banks ratio. 10 Price/Earnings Ratio Significance It will define the price of share against the per share earning. It should be high as it shows business prosperity and growth chances are bright in future. FORMULA: P/E = Current Market Share Price/ EPS Working of EPS EPS WORKING UBL 2009 |2010 |2011 | |Net Income= 9,192,687 |Net Income= 11,159,930 |Net Income= 15,499,663 | |Number of shares= 1,112,890 |Number of shares= 1,224,179 |Number of shares= 1,224,179 | |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares | | |=9,192,687 / 1,112,890 |= 11,159,930/1,224,179 |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares | |= 8. 26 per share |= 9. 12 per share |= 15,499,663/1,224,179 | | | |= 12. 66 per share |No of outstanding share figure has been taken from the notes i. e Share capital EPS WORKING ASKARI BANK |2009 |2010 |2011 | |Net Income= 1,097,507 |Net Income=943,177 |Net Income= 1,627,698 | | |Number of shares= 642,743 |Number of shares= 707,018 | |Number of shares= 507,346 |= Net income/ outstanding numbe r of shares | | |= 943,177/642,743 |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares | |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares |= 1. 47 per share |= 1,627,698/707,018 | |= 1,097,507/507,346 | | | | | |= 2. 30 per share | |= 2. 16 per share | | | BANK Alfalah 2009 |2010 |2011 | |Net Income= 897,035 |Net Income= 968,452 |Net Income= 3,503,130 | |Number of shares= 134,9156 |Number of shares= 134,9156 |Number of shares= 134,9156 | |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares |= Net income/ outstanding number of shares | |= 897,035/ 134,9156 |= 968,452/ 134,9156 |= 3,503,130/ 134,9156 | |= 0. 66 per share |= 0. 71 per share |= 2. 59 per share | |0. 66 |0. 71 |2. 59 | Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |64. 25/8. 26= 7. 77 times |84. 23/9. 12= 9. 23 times | 84. 17/12. 66= 6. 64 times | |Askari Bank |45. 25/2. 16 = 20. 92 times |64. 75/1. 47 = 44. 12 times |73. 49/2. 30 = 31. 92 times | |Bank Alfalah |77. 45/0. 66 = 116. 48 times |114. 23/0. 72= 159. 13 times |16. 87/2. 60= 6. 69 times | |Banks |2009 |2010 |2011 | |UBL |7. 77 |9. 3 |6. 64 | |Askari Bank |20. 92 |44. 12 |31. 92 | |Bank Alfalah |116. 48 |159. 13 |6. 69 | [pic] Interpretation and comparison The analysis of the above table and graph shows the Price Earning ratios, UBL ratio is 7. 77 times in the year 2009, 9. 23 times in 2010 and 6. 64 times in the year 2011is respectively declining. While Askari bank ratio 20. 92 times in 2009, 44. 12 times in 2010 and increases to 31. 2, on the other hand you can see the P/E of bank Alfalah in year 2009,2010, 2011 is 116. 48 in year 2009, 159. 13 year 2010 and 6. 69 in year 2011. After the result it has proved that Bank Alfalah P/E is higher and better in year 2009 and year 2010 than other two banks. Askari bank and UBL shows declining trend which is unfavorable for the investors. Chapter 4) Conclusion and Recommendations 4. 1) Conclusion Following findings has been inferred on the basis of above ratio analyses which are as 1 . Net profit margin ratio of UBL is high as compare to Askari and Alfalah. In addition to that, Bank Alfalah captures the second level in the comparison.So, UBL has taken over the major share of profit margin 2. Analysis of Operating Cash Flow ratio shows Askari bank ratio is high as compare to UBL and Alfalah. 3. On the basis of ratio analysis UBL gross spread ratio is good and high as compare to Askari and bank Alfalah in the current year. While Bank Alfalah is ranked second in the comparison. 4. In accordance with the analysis of non-interest income to total income ratio UBL ratio is high as compare to the other two banks. While analysis show Askari bank ratio is lowest than UBL and bank Alfalah. 5. The analysis has shown UBL spread ratio is high and much better than other banks in comparison. 6.On the basis of advance/Deposit ratio analysis UBL ratio is high as compare to Askari and Alfalah in the current year. 7. The analysis of Return on equity ratio shows that UBL return is h igh and better than the other two banks. 8. Debt ratio Analysis shows that UBL ratio is high than other two banks. While Askari and Alfalah are at the same level. 9. According to the analysis of Debt/Equity ratio Askari bank ratio is high and bank Alfalah is on the second position. 10. The Price/Earning ratio of Askari bank is high in the analysis of the three banks. While UBL is on the second and bank Alfalah is on the third rank. 4. 2) Recommendations 1. The Net profit Margin ratio of Askari and bank Alfalah is low.In order to improve their net profit both the banks should have to cut down their non markup expenses while, on the other hand their turnover is satisfactory. 2. The Operating cash flow of UBL and Alfalah should have to be improved. These banks should decrease their current liabilities and ensure the availability of more liquidity to meet short term debts. 3. Askari bank and bank Alfalah both banks need to adopt measures to cut down their interest expenses in order to i ncrease their gross spread ratio. 4. In order to increase non interest income Askari and Alfalah needs to increase their earnings through fees, commissions and other advisory charges etc. 5.In Advance/Deposit ratio Askari bank and Alfalah should have to utilize their deposits in more projects either through corporate financing or general public financing. 6. 6. Return on total equity of Askari bank is low, it should increase its net income by cut down its expenses with significant margin. 7. Debt ratio of UBL is high so it should have to avoid more borrowings and use available funds in more proper ways. 8. Spread ratio of Askari bank is low as compare to other banks it should have to increase its lending and use deposits in effective ways. SECTION II a) Introduction of the student Last Degree Obtained: – Bachelor of Commerce Current Organization Dubai City Flowers LLC, Dubai, UAECurrent Designation: – Administration Manger Experience 10+ years b) BIBLOGRAPHY Askari ban k limited Pakistan. (2009). annual-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from Askari bank Limited Official website:http://www. askaribank. com. pk/Reports/Askari%20Financials%202009. pdf Askari bank limited Pakistan. (2010). annual-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from Askari bank Limited Official website:http://www. askaribank. com. pk/Reports/Askari%20AR2010%20(Final%20Version). pdf Askari bank limited Pakistan. (2011). annual-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from Askari bank Limited Official website: http://www. askaribank. com. k/Reports/Askari%20AR%202011%20ALL. pdf United bank limited . (2009). Financial-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from United bank Limited Official website: https://www. ubldirect. com/corporate/resources/ubl/aboutus/financial_report/report_2009/annual_dec09/UBLAnnualReport2009. pdf. United bank limited . (2010). Financial-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from United bank Limited Official website: https://www. ubldirect. com/corporate/resour ces/ubl/aboutus/financial_report/report_2010/annual_dec10/UBLAnnualReport2010. pdf United bank limited . (2011). Financial-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from United bank Limited Official website: https://www. ubldirect. om/corporate/resources/ubl/aboutus/financial_report/report_2011/Annual_Reports/UBL%20Annual%20Report%202011. pdf Bank Alfalah Limited. (2009). Financial-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from Bank Alfalah Limited Official website: http://www. bankalfalah. com/about/download/AnnualReport2009. pdf Bank Alfalah Limited. (2010). Financial-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from Bank Alfalah Limited Official website: http://www. bankalfalah. com/about/download/BALAnnualReport2010. pdf Bank Alfalah Limited. (2011). Financial-reports. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from Bank Alfalah Limited Official website: http://www. bankalfalah. com/about/download/BALAnnualReport2011. pdf