Effectiveness of Bollinger Band in Signaling Essay Example for Free

Effectiveness of Bollinger Band in Signaling Essay Financial markets are the most difficult markets to operate in when determining the price at which stocks (bonds and foreign exchange are trading). Since stocks trade for long duration of time, traders need to know the appropriate time to buy or sell their stocks. To do this, they must have perfect information on the trends in the market through the market indicators. These indicator are always not obvious and at times require technical devices to show exactly how the trend of a particular stock ha been moving for a period of time (Bollinger 56). A trader can calculate deviations of the prices of that particular that he/she intends to trade and observe it. Though this is one way of observing the indications of stocks in financial market, there have been other means of observing the trends which are easier to use. One of these is the Bollinger Band which was developed by John Bollinger in the early 1980s (www. investopedia. com ). Bollinger band is a technical indicator of a stock in the financial market which consists of a centerline/middle line and two bands that indicate the deviations of the stock’s performance in the market from their pre-determined true trading value (Bollinger 56). These two bands indicate whether the stock was over-trading or under-trading. The upper band indicates the extent at which the prices went above the true value while the lower band indicates the extent at which the prices went below the true value. Through such indications, traders know when to sell or when to buy and make profits. When the upper band is high above the middle band, it means that the prices are high above the true value and when it is below the prices are lowest below the true value. These bands only show indications and they are not actual buying or selling prices. When the band is high, it is said to be expanding such that traders would want to sell the stocks while the band is below the centerline it is said to be contracting and the traders would be willing to buy the stocks (Murphy 344). Bollinger bands technique is used along with other techniques (like the Profit Magic of Stock Transaction Timing and Dow Jones Industrial Average) to give the best results in stock trading. This technique is very effective in that accurate trends can be observed since the bands adapt dynamism as the prices go up or down. The stock price is said to oscillate between the two bands (Murphy 348). They can also be customized to meet each traders needs. Bollinger bands can be set in a way that they only show what each trader needs in the market and hence the kit focuses on a wide range of investor in the financial market ( http://biz. yahoo. com ). They also show whether the prices are high or low and hence indicating the range of how the price had moved in the market. This enables investors to know when to lay off some of their stocks and when to acquire more. Mostly they would acquire more when the prices are below the centerline and shed-off or sell more when the band is above the centerline. And when the price is very much close to the centerline meaning that the prices have not deviated from the true price of that particular stock, no action should be taken (Bollinger 92). Bollinger bands are also consistent since they use the moving average which is used in calculating standard deviation. Thus they give reliable information and at times investors need not require other technical analysis in making their sell and buy decisions (The Quarterly Journal). The Bollinger band also captures much data and hence at a glance one can tell the trend of the stock much faster. Below are examples of analysis of international stocks to show how effective the Bollinger bands are: Intel Corp analysis for 2006: Intel’s lower Bollinger band closed below the centerline on Dec. 22, 2006 and this was a signal for over selling of the companies stock. (www. investopedia. com ). New York Stock Exchange: On June 12, 2006 the stocks broke the lower Bollinger band indicating that there was over selling. Through these signal technical traders would place orders to buy. The Bollinger band showed the extreme end of its lower band the following day putting much pressure for investors to sell. Yahoo! : On Dec 20th, 2006, Yahoo Company’s stock lowered the band which called for more buying. (Lifted from StockCharts. com) The chart shows that there was selling pressure on the stock and it turned out that most people were selling their stocks whereas the strategy was that of buying. Though Bollinger band analysis in the stock market has advantages, there are situations when this method does not give the expected results and it turns out that the market is operating in the opposite direction. Even if this is the case, the bands still oscillate and the trends will continue to show but the prices do not change quickly and thus the effects are not that severe. Over time, since stocks trade for long periods of time the strategy will be correct and the trading goes back to normal (Rachev et al 126). IBM: For instance, on February 26th 2007 IBM was trading below the lower Bollinger band. This meant that the pressure was mounting and forcing the technical traders to sell more. Since the prices were that low, the strategy was to buy stocks the following day on which it turned out that the day was trading low (The Quarterly Journal). This was abnormal in financial markets and this led to down fall of the stocks even greater. (Lifted from StockCharts. com) The stocks were sold well and the business would close below the lower band till March 5th when the selling pressure ceased. This resulted to the band starting to expand and approaching the centerline although huge losses had already been incurred. Apple Inc: On 21st December 2006, Apple closed below the lower Bollinger band which required that stocks be bought the following day. The stocks traded on the lower band and thus the selling pressure continued to take the stocks down. This trend continued until 27th December when some relief was felt. (Lifted from StockCharts. com) In conclusion, Bollinger Bands are just like moving averages which contradict and expand as they move. As they move they form unique patterns that investors are able to observe. Bollinger bands are used as signals of when to sell or buy a stock in the financial markets. Though used as signals, they are not the final indicators as to whether the stocks are to be traded but other factors need to be considered (Schlossberg). These bands are easy to use and one need not go for classes to learn about how to use them in making decisions about stocks. Since prices in the short run are not predictable, investors cannot make decisions based on short-term period but since Bollinger bands are a reflection of a longer period of time, they can make their decisions on that (Schlossberg). List of References John Bollinger: The eSignal Bollinger Band Tool Kit, accessed on 25th September 2008 from http://www. esignal. com/solutions/studies/bollingerband_article. aspx , John Bollinger: Bollinger on Bollinger Bands: McGraw-Hill Companies. 2001 John Devcic: Tales From The Trenches: A Simple Bollinger Band Strategy: accessed on 25th September 2008 from. http://www1. investopedia. com/articles/trading/07/bollinger. asp Boris Schlossberg: Using Bollinger Band Bands To Gauge Trends: Accessed on 25th September 2008 from 38. 102. 154. 10/articles/trading/05/022205. asp Bollinger Charts lifted from StockCharts. com on 25th September 2008 John J. Murphy: Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Methods and Applications: New York Institute of Finance,Prentice Hall Press. 1999 324-430 The Quarterly Journal of Business and Economics, Spring 2007 Bollinger Bands: Accessed on 25th September 2008 from http://biz. yahoo. com/charts/guide13. html . Rachev; Svetlozar T. , Menn, Christian; Fabozzi, Frank J. , Fat Tailed and Skewed Asset Return Distributions, Implications for Risk Management, Portfolio Selection, and Option Pricing, John Wiley, New York (2005) 123-145 Technical analysis in the forex / Bollinger band : Accessed on 25th September 2008 from www. forexchannel. org/technical_analysis/bollinger_band/

Marketing Trends of Coca-Cola

Marketing Trends of Coca-Cola 1.0 Introduction When question of marketing communication is asked there will be numerous answers as there are many respondents. One of the most common answers is the advertising that is most visible of the marketing communication. In twentieth century the term advertising was used what might be called marketing contemporaneously. However the terms communication has eclipsed the advertising and promotion due to the services of the firm in form of its products, brands to its audiences during the last two decades. Marketing Business are the means by which services, supplier of goods and values represent themselves before the targeted audiences with the objectives of stimulating the talks for better commercial and other relationships. Marketing Communication is influenced by the environmental factors and media development, budgetary demands and most likely by the consumers attitudes. Coca Cola being the one of the largest brands in the world with brand portfolio and value has top four soft drink brands out of the five. Diet Coke, Coca Cola, Fanta and Sprite are owned by the Coca-Cola. Responsible marketing is the fundamental principle of Coca-Cola Company in UK. All marketing initiatives are reviewed to ensure all the complied principles as media buyers and other marketing agencies. 2.0 Marketing Trends of Coca-Cola in UK The marketing principles and policies are reviewed to keep up to date with the changing market trends. The Coca-Cola Company in Great Britain is tilted towards the voices of parents and their concerns about the advances in online marketing. Children under age of 12 cannot understand the purpose of the commercial ads and lack the necessary skills and judgments required for it. For the GB market the Coca-Cola Company has developed a charter for responsible marketing built on the European and Goal commitments. The Coca-Cola Company ensures that its marketing practices are according to social expectations and wants to remain responsible producers. It is also included in core principles of Coca-Cola Company that collaboratively work with public, stakeholders, customers is defined and ensures the compliance. The marketing values of Coca-Cola Company are mainly focused positively with optimism, for that the Coca-Cola Company has stood the time since the cold drinks were sold first time 120 years ago. There are more than 59 competitors of Coca-Cola in UK. Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Nestle and PepsiCo are the famous competitors of Coca-Cola in UK. The electronic technologies and internet have grown rapidly and resulting the increase in global communication. It has allowed the firms to work in partnership with other countries and international market. The global soft market is expected to increase to 3.6% from 2004 to 2010 (Datamonitor, 2005). For the consumers of Coca-Cola the growing trends societal concerns, lifestyle and attitudes are very important. It is causing the industrys business to change because the Coca-Cola is differentiating in its products to increase the sales in a stagnant market. Coca-Cola is in the rivalry of the Pepsi and they are in power struggle. The main focus of the Coca-Cola is to compete in the non-alcoholic drinks in the beverage industry. Other than Pepsi Coca-Cola is competing a multiple firms located in UK. The products included in list are the carbonated soft drinks, packed water, nectars and juices, energy and sport drinks, coffee and tea, fruit drinks and other beverage. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have saturated the European markets. International markets are different from the local UK market. Closer competitor of Coca-Cola is the Pepsi which also offers the similar products. Other closer competitors include the Tango. The brands of the Coca-Cola are much popular among the citizens of the UK. Brands are the more important role players for the promotion of sales of Coca-Colas products. It is difficult to manage the brands as they constitute many intangible components. These intangible assets account significantly a big part of Coca-Colas values the se days in UK. Tangible assets have moved the Coca-Cola from a situation when its tangible assets represented only 3% of its market value. During the process of evolution and development of Coca-Cola its managers have faces the risks as given below. Bottling Partners: The relationships of the Coca-Cola are at risk with the bottling partners due to sub-par return on capital. To alleviate this issue Coca-Cola needed to increase its shares and capital return. Economic Slowdown: The slowdown of global economic growth has also affected on the Coca-Colas sales and sale of many brands is slow down. Expansion Strategy: The expansion strategy of non-carbonated market has many growth trends but the market margins are lower and may take the profits away from the core business of Coca-Cola. In presence of these risks the Coca-Cola has stabilized it in UK and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. produces the 240 million cases of products every year in six different manufacturing sites, seven distribution sites with largest plant at Wakefield in the world. 3.0 Strategic Objectives of Coca-Cola Being the one of the global company in the world, it took responsibilities to affect the communities in UK in some ways. Company has mission which called the mission stated as The Coca-Cola Company exists to benefit and refresh everyone who is touched by our business. In community company has made efforts to build relationships among the different communities. Coca-Cola Company has focused to improve the quality life of citizens. It has addressed water, waste management and climate changes in UK communities. Company has focused on the higher education to build the strong communities and enhance individual opportunity. Business growth is entire objective of the Company and requires the following five forces model. This model helps to work out the dynamics in UK market and other areas of activity. It tells the company who other companies are competing in the market. It also provides a way to enter into market as a fresh company. The porters model helps to find out the other enterprises and also identifying the implications in existing market. There are five key forces as shown in the following figure. New Entrants Suppliers Buyers Existing Competitors Substitutes Figure 1: Porters Five Forces Porters model shows us the five forces which affect the Coca-Cola Companys development in UK. These forces include the New entrants Coca-Cola with other rivals is established in UK and is popular among the customers due to its brands. Buyers power Alternative products and services Potential of Suppliers Current Competitors The current competitors of Coca-Cola are discussed above in brief. PepsiCo is the main competitors of the Coca-Cola and is deriving more than 50% shares in industry. All forces in Porters model are connected in a dynamic relationship. 4.0 Marketing Communication of Coca-Cola 4.1 Corporate Objectives There are several objectives that company gives to its shareholders include as The increase in the soft drinks growth rate by the company Driving the profitable growth by broadening the family brands Generating the growth through all channels via creating the consistent services to its customers The direct investment with great extent in different areas of UK drinks market Driving efficiently and cost-effectively in all parts of the UK where they are planted 4.2 Marketing Objectives In Europe the sale of the Coca-Cola brands represents a great percentage in UK with billion dollars. To represent a larger part of European market the Company wants to increase its sale during the next year 2011. It is already told that products are home-consummated drinks. Company wants to increase its impulse during the next 12 months. Due to the satisfaction of the stockholders the market shares can be increased during the next 12 months. 4.3 Communication Objectives Communication objectives of the Coca-Cola are as given below Make awareness among the people facing the products during the next year and grouping the all targeted audiences. As Coca-Cola is a well famous due to its brands in UK, it is not possible to increase its awareness by an important percentage. Company emphasizes on the awareness of its new products which are compared to its competitors in market. The specific brands are with great tastes which differentiate it from other brands. Coca-Cola Company is known due its brands in history and can lose its position as a brand for the youth in UK. It requires repositioning it among the teenagers. Coca-Cola is the leader of the drinks for the consumers in UK, it is not necessary that it will remain at top position during the next years. It requires the brands must reinforce its saturation with leading audiences. 5.0 COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 5.1 Target Audiences The consumer data collected between 1995 and 2000 shows that women were the heavier users than the men. But this trend changed in 2002 and men became the main users of the Coca-Cola products. Social groups are the main consumers of its brands. Brands need to be increased their sale among the different groups in UK. These groups are future consumers of these brands in a long term of objectives. Women must be encouraged to become the main consumers as seen in previous years. 5.2 Targeting the youth A pull strategy can appeal to young in country and corporate image of company can be changed by an art sponsorship. This can be achieved by clarifying its name and a best singer can be sponsored for these objectives. Teenagers in UK can recognize the company due to its brands, which are supportive to produce the rock scenes better than previously. 5.3 Targeting the males: Sports events Coca-Cola is popular among the males due to its sport sponsorships. The idea behind the sponsorship is to approach the large audiences during the sports events in country. Games like football, cricket, rugby and tennis are main events in UK for the all 12 months and Coca-Cola can intensify its advertising campaign. Banners are useful placed on the doors or gates of the stadiums or playgrounds. 5.4 Young adults A push strategy is more useful to attract the young adults. Young people use the alcoholic drinks at clubs with their friends. A common venture of Whisky brand by developing an association with barmen can prove to be favorite drinks at most fashionable place in the cities of UK. In clubbing the Coca-Cola will put the Whisky-Coke as the fashion drink. 5.5 Targeting the large audience: TVs and Cinemas advertising By the widespread campaign on TV young audience can become more receptive towards the Coca-Colas brands. The TV campaign or advertising is a cost-effective way and provides an opportunity to targeted audience to establish an association with sponsors and programs. A new can be diffused by the cinema complexes. Cinema is a place where targeted audience are in a best approach with the kind of the film chosen there. 5.6 Press advertising Young and old audiences are targeted by the press advertising and female are more targeted than males. Older people read the magazines due to health articles are written there while teenagers read it for the fashions. 6.0 MIX RECOMMENDATION FOR COMMUNICATION 6.1 Banners The intensive use of banners during the March and April makes the start of the new campaign; banners are based on the same themes shown at TVs. Banners placed on the public transport are good means of advertising because buses are seen by the majority of the people, especially students who travel to their universities. Stadiums are the places where the banners are displayed during the sports events in major cities like London, Manchester and Liverpool etc. 6.2 Sale Promotions Two methods are crucial for the sale promotions; first one is used for the manufacturer to resellers and second one used for the manufacturers to consumers. In first place Coca-Cola will encourage the resellers to purchase the products with increased amount and develop a great usage of its products. Brand loyalty is the desired objective of the Coca-Cola. In the second place the Coca-Cola will encourage the users of its competitors to change the use of products. Regular customers are always at the priority list of the company to be benefited. 6.3 Online Promotions Website is the main source of the online advertising and updates about the brands, prices and new promotions can be accessed through the websites. Screen savers, games and other downloads about the Coca-Cola brands are available from the Coca-Cola websites. These promotions are not only based upon the product itself but also the images transmitted by these brands. 6.4 Joint Ventures Joint ventures with Whisky brands in clubs and pubs will be useful for the company. The relationship with be established with specific clubs and pubs. Aim is to develop a new fashion about Whisky-Coke. T-shirts and Caps in clubs and pubs can attract more young adults. 6.5 Budget and Media issues Several magazines will be the part of campaign to approach the targeted audiences. This campaign will be started from the May to August; Hello and OK magazines will be the sources for this campaign. These are weekly based magazines and young girls are more interested to read them. Top Santà © and Readers are the magazines and older audiences are the targets of these monthly magazines. 6.6 Cinema Budget A campaign will be started from June to July and new commercial will be diffused in major cities of the UK. The two films will be targeted in the evening sà ©ance only on Friday and Saturday. Total budget for the cinema can be calculated as: 1 sà ©ance * 2 days * 5 cities * 8 weeks * 40000 = 3,200,000 (GBP). 6.7 Poster Budget There are two possible sources where posters can be displayed: buses banners and roadside banners. Roadside banners will be done during the next 20 weeks and 2000 panels T side buses will be completed during the next 6 months. 6.8 Internet Budget The images of Coca-Cola brands and screen savers require the specific knowledge. A budget of 100000 (GBP) will be used to create the games and adaptation of websites. 6.9 Sale Promotion and Joint Venture Budgets Coupons offers demand the budget of the 300000 (GBP) and a budget of 200000 will be needed for the competition campaign. Promotions in clubs also need an amount of 400000 (GBP) and it will contain the contacts with JB, contracts with clubs and packaging designed for the use of T-shirts, glasses and caps. 6.10 Evaluation There are numerous methods to evaluate the achievements of objectives and media has their own evaluation methods. This evaluation is helpful to determine the effectiveness of the marketing communication plan. 7.0 Issues of Coca-Cola in Current business Scenario According to Dr. John S. Pemberton the mixture of coca-cola syrup and carbonated water yielding the fountain beverage was first time introduced by the Coca-Cola. This product is sold in every state of the state of U.S. (http://www.virtualvender.coca-cola.com/ft/index.jsp). In annual report of the Coca-Cola Company 24.4 billion products were sold in year 2009 (Annual Report of Coca-Cola, 2009). Sustainability of business is an important pillar of 2010 years business strategy which are carried out for the part of the corporate social responsibility and coalition of global investors have appraised the Coca-Cola with high-quality reports for the investors (www.coca.collahellenic.com). Coca-Cola is much focusing upon the Social Responsibility focus because it wanted to promote the lives of people living in the community. Coca-Cola is involved in many programs like Education on Wheels especially in Singapore (O.C. Ferrell, John Fraedrich Linda Ferrell, 2009). Coca-Cola is diversifying bas ed upon its products a planned to launch new products in UK. As Malven Water a product of Coca-Cola is owned by the UK (Hall, 2007). The competition of the Coca-Cola with PepsiCo Corporation has forced the Coca-Cola to get profit beyond the selling of its products. Company does not only sell the products but works with the bottling companies. Some which are owned by the Coca-Cola but others are not. Company is facing the issue of earning more. To combat this issue Coca-Cola has acquired the companies to make more growth. Mr., Daft the Chief Executive of Coca-Cola in 2001 made recommendations to acquire the Quaker Oats Company. Coca-Cola was interested in the brands of the Quaker Oats Company. But Quaker Oats Company was bought by the Pepsi in 2001 (Lynch, 2007). Coca-Cola throughout history has crises in market shares. The New Coke fiasco was noticed and it took step to replace this version with original brand of Coke and defeated its archival Pepsi. Executives of the Coca-Cola thou ght to revise the formula of this Coke product (Adam Lindgreen, Martin Hingley Joà «lle Vanhamme, 2009).

Challenges to Female Entrepreneurs | Research

Challenges to Female Entrepreneurs | Research INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Entrepreneurship as a research field attracts the interest of many researchers because it is a tool of development for many economies in the world (Creamer, 2006), Likewise views on feminism today are vast as they are varied and contentious, (Ikoku, 2002), which explains the increasing attention of Female Entrepreneurship in the recent years (Jamali,2009). Not only does female entrepreneurship contribute to economic growth and employment creation, but it is increasingly recognized to also enhance the diversity of entrepreneurship in any economic system (Verheul et al., 2006) and to provide avenues for female expression and potential fulfillment (Jamali,2009; Eddleston and Powell, 2008). The investigation of the factors that leads particular people to become entrepreneurs instead of others has been a question of many researches. So, many researchers have tried to understand the reasons leading those people to entrepreneurship. Toward that direction, theories and models (Leahey, 2006) were developed, and focused on the intentions that make people undertake entrepreneurship action, because the intentions are the best predictor factor for the future behavior of a person, such as the foundation of an enterprise (Krueger, 2005). So it is supported, that by formulating fundamental theories for the entrepreneurial intentions, we can explain a basic peace of the field of entrepreneurship as it affects genders. Institutional theory has been viewed as a fruitful theoretical lens in the context of female entrepreneurship research (Baugh et al., 2006). Drawing on institutional theory, Scott (1995) enumerates salient regulative, normative and cognitive pillars of institutions, which promote stability and predictability in social behavior, through compliance with codified laws. Of course there are some factors that contribute to the prediction of the entrepreneurial intentions such as the attitude and the degree of desirability toward that behavior and the level of the feasibility (Krueger, 2005). Davidson (2005) mentioned other factors defining the intentions of entrepreneurship such as propensity to action, personal convictions and other demographic variables such as gender, age, educational level and economic environment. 1.2 Women in Business The 20th century has been a period of rapid change for many women, but life for women in some parts of the world still remains harsh. However, women are getting a vital role in the global market as entrepreneurs, they play a large and growing role in the US, Canada and UK. Hisrick Ozturk,(1999) attributed their success to access to greater support from women mentors and role models and easier access to formal training in the principles of business planning and organization. Whereas, women in developing countries face obstacles such as lack of access to education and training, access to finance as well as discrimination and lack of respect or not being taken seriously (Woldie adersua,2004;Ezeaku Ozigbo, 2009). Globally, it is estimated that women account for 25-33 percent of all businesses (National Foundation of Women Business Owners, 1998). Whilst in the UK and the USA, they account for 26 and 33 percent of business start-ups respectively, surprisingly, in the Sub- Saharan Africa it is 80 percent (Kitching and Woldie, 2004).Despite the high contribution in Africa, their needs seem to be overlooked and largely hidden within the informal sector compared to their male counterparts (Mordi et al.,2009). The subject of womens career development has become increasingly important as the percentage of the Nigerian labour force that is female has increased from 11.2% two decades ago to 40.4% today (Federal office of statistics) and the proportion is expected to increase further (Nakhaie, 2007). Although there have been some women in managerial positions during the last decade, the number has been painfully few in the light of the fact that over forty percent of the work force are women. Nigerian Economy Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and accounts for half of West Africas population, and over 25 percent of Sub- Sahara Africa (SSA) (Nkamnebe, 2008). It is populated with over 150 million inhabitants, of which, over half of the population 15-64 years is young and active (C. I. A, 2010), still the country is characterized with poverty and is on the increase. For instance, poverty increased from 35 million people in 1985, to 39 million people in 1992; 67 people in 1996; and 74 million people in 1999. In addition, Human Development Programme indicates that 70.8 percent and 92.4 percent of Nigerian population live below US$1 (N117) and US$2 (N234) daily respectively (UNDP,2007). This claim supports the ranking of Nigeria among less developed nations of the world (UNDP, 2007). The Nigerian labour market has been characterized by high rate of unemployment, low wage and poor working conditions. This unwholesome situation evolved after the oil boom of the 1970s and remained so till date (Nnanna, Alade and Odoko, 2003). Prior to the oil boom, the Nigerian economy was largely agrarian and about 70% of the working population was engaged in agricultural activities in the rural areas. Wage rates were also comparable to international standards and the average Nigerian worker could afford decent living. In the 1960s, the emphasis of employment policies was that of shifting labour from the agricultural sector to the manufacturing sector. This appeared to be the natural path of economic growth and development, following the experienced of the developed countries (Ajakaiye, 2001). However, the Nigerian peculiarities of land tenure system, tenancy and the very rudimentary processes of farming made it extremely difficult to deploy substantially advance technology in the sector. Moreover, at that time economic policies concentrated more on the development of the manufacturing sector, under the much touted import-substitution strategy. Rather, labour moved from the agricultural sector to the services sector, with little productivity gains. Both agriculture and manufacturing lost out. The issue of sustainable development in the Third World like Nigeria has been a growing concern to both the government and the private sector. The government had invested so much money on this platform over the years but has not yielded any meaningful result. It has been realized in the recent years that there are limits to which the government alone can promote development especially with Nigerian peculiar developmental challenges due to maladministration, corruption, unstable macroeconomic regime and unpredictable fiscal policies by successive administrations (Fasua, 2006). Thus, both the public and the private sectors of the economy need to be involved in the industrial development process of the country. It is on this basis that government begins to engage in privatization policy with the view of allowing the private sector to participate in the economic development of the nation (Olu, 2009). The weak economy itself choked out several business enterprises and curtailed employment opportunities. Staff retrenchment became pervasive, starting first in the private sector and later the public sector. The unemployment was more problematic in the urban areas, as shown in the following chart (CBN, 2003). Nwoye (2007) further suggested that the best way to stimulate the economic system is by mobilizing energy, expertise and resource in Small and Medium Enterprises which will increase productivity, and ultimately improve the social life and economic welfare. The author was also concerned about the attainment of economic growth when half the population being female gender is marginalized in policy planning and economic resource management matters. Moreover, with women comprising of 52 percent of Africas estimated 805 million population, womens empowerment is of the essence for Africa sustainable growth. This claim is applicable to Nigeria which is the most populous country in Africa. 1.3 Research Gap Research on female business owners is extensive in the industrialised economies, especially the United States and Canada (Lerner, Brush and Hisrich, 1997), which has helped the development and needs of the female entrepreneurs. Most of the research reflects the characteristics, experiences and challenges of female entrepreneurs in the western world (Kitching and Woldie, 2004; Carter, 2000), However, a limited number of studies have been undertaken to investigate these issues in the developing countries (Mordi et al., 2010). Despite the extent of female entrepreneurs in involvement in new business formation, the economic impact of women led businesses has been down-played (Carter et al.,2002): Female entrepreneurship is an under-researched area with tremendous economic potential and one that requires special attention (Henry, 2002) Thus, there has been a growing call by scholars for studies in non- Western context to deepen our knowledge of the socially constructed nature of female entrepreneurs. In response to this research gap, the author chooses Nigeria as the scope of analysis. Aims and Objective of the Research The aim of the study is to take a deeper look at the problems faced by female entrepreneurs in Nigeria focusing on gender effects and other factors in the environment. The following objectives are formulated to guide the investigation: To identify factors in the business environment that affects the development and survival of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. To ascertain if the issue of female gender marginalization in Nigeria affects entrepreneurial ability of women. To determine whether family roles have any effect on female entrepreneur performance in Nigeria. To determine if there is any relationship between gender and entrepreneurial skill in Nigeria. To ascertain whether culture and beliefs affect the performance of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria The dissertation deals with the problem of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The unit of analysis is the gender. The focus is on individual and organizational shortcomings of nascent and young entrepreneurs and their ventures and employs a theoretical framework that allows for addressing these managerial problems by adopting an evolutionary perspective. Research Questions The following research questions are formulated to guide the investigation: Are there factors in the business environment that affects the development and survival of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria? Does the issue of female gender marginalization in Nigeria affects entrepreneurial ability of women? Do family roles have effect on female entrepreneur performance in Nigeria? Is there any relationship between gender inequality and entrepreneurial skill in Nigeria? Do culture and beliefs affect the performance of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria? Research Hypotheses For the purpose of this study, it is important to test the following hypotheses: Hypothesis I Ho: The issue of female gender marginalization in Nigeria has no effects on entrepreneurial ability of women. Hi: The issue of female gender marginalization in Nigeria has effects on entrepreneurial ability of women. Hypothesis II Ho: There is no relationship between the family roles and female entrepreneurs performance in Nigeria. Hi: There is relationship between the family roles and female entrepreneurs performance in Nigeria. Hypothesis III Ho: Gender inequality is not significant to female entrepreneurial ability in Nigeria Hi: Gender inequality is significant to female entrepreneurial ability in Nigeria Significance of the Study This is significant to many people in many areas. In this light, the study is relevant because it seeks to provide entrepreneurial guideline and gender development procedure that would lead to effective attainment of national objectives in terms of economic growth and reduction of unemployment in Nigeria. To the female gender the study would serve as eye opener in terms of discovering their entrepreneurial potentials despite the influence of culture and beliefs. The conclusions can be used both in the evaluation of the current system concerning entrepreneurship as well as in the formation of new strategies in the entrepreneurship in tertiary education. It would provide students in higher-institutions with sound knowledge and give them avenue to the understanding the need for venturing into entrepreneurial activities, how, why and when entrepreneurial skills acquired tertiary institutions should be implemented. Finally, the study would serve as a veritable source of information for individuals, youths irrespective of gender and the government, on how to harvest the rich benefit of entrepreneurship in the national building and economic development. 1.7 Scope of the Study In view of the fact that the study of problems faced by female entrepreneurs involves all and sundry and cannot be exhausted in this research. It therefore becomes necessary to define the scope of the study. The scope of this study is female entrepreneurs and graduates on National Youth Corps Service (NYSC) in Lagos area of Nigeria, 2010. Therefore, this research is an empirical examination of entrepreneurship problems in Nigeria and entrepreneurial skills among graduates on NYSC; analysis by gender; it will go beyond theoretical approach to evaluate entrepreneurs problems and gender effect on entrepreneurship to generate further insight. 1.8 Structure of the Dissertation This study is divided into five parts. Chapter one is the introductory which highlights the statement of the identified problems, objectives, research questions and significance of the study, etc. Chapter two contains a detailed review of literature on key concepts of entrepreneurship, gender influence on entrepreneur performance and problems faced by female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Chapter three discusses the research design, data collection methods, sample size determination, questionnaire design and administration, etc. In chapter four, the presentation and analysis of data and the testing of hypotheses are carried out. The results and interpretation are presented. Chapter five is the concluding part of the study, where reasons are given for the results obtained from the research. Conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions are made for improvement based on the research findings. 1.9 Definition of Terms Entrepreneur: Is the innovating individual, who initiates and nurtures to growth a new and an on going business organisation, where none existed before. Entrepreneurial Skill: The potential and ability of an individual to initiate and nurtures a new business to growth, expertly. Development: Is defined as gradual advancement through progressive stages of growth from within Capital Venture: Is a form of long term investment for start-up companies and growing businesses that have the potential to develop into significant economic contributors. Gender: Nature of human being that depict sex which is made of male and female. Graduates: Young Schools leavers especially those from higher institution of learner (i.e. universities, polytechnic and colleges, etc) National Youth Corps Service: A compulsory one year work experience program for graduates in Nigeria

Historical Analysis of the Military Draft Policy Essay -- Military Arm

Historical Analysis of the Military Draft Policy The Constitution adopted in 1789 gave Congress the "power to raise and support armies," but it neither mentioned nor prohibited conscription. The Framers left that issue to the future, although most of them believed that the United States like Britain would enlist its men rather than conscript them, and would pay for its armies through the power to tax. Not until World War I did the United States rely primarily upon conscription. The Selective Service Act of 1917 was adopted in large part because a civilian-led "preparedness" movement had persuaded many Americans that a selective national draft was the most equitable and efficient way for an industrial society to raise a wartime army. Woodrow Wilson overcame considerable opposition, particularly from agrarian isolationists in the South and West and ethnic and ideological opponents of the war in the North, to obtain the temporary wartime draft. (Berger 1981) For more than 50 years, Selective Service and the registration requirement for America's young men have served as a backup system to provide manpower to the U.S. Armed Forces. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 which created the country's first peacetime draft and formally established the Selective Service System as an independent Federal agency. From 1948 until 1973, during both peacetime and periods of conflict, men were drafted to fill vacancies in the armed forces which could not be filled through voluntary means. (Gerhardt 1971) A lottery drawing - the first since 1942 - was held on December 1, 1969, at Selective Service National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This event determined the order of call for induction during calendar year 1970, that is, for registrants born between January 1, 1944 and December 31, 1950. Reinstitution of the lottery was a change from the oldest first method, which had been the determining method for deciding order of call. 366 blue plastic capsules containing birth dates were placed in a large glass jar and drawn by hand to assign order-of-call numbers to all men within the 18-26 age range specified in Selective Service law. With radio, film and TV coverage, the capsules were drawn from the jar, opened, and the dates inside posted in order. The first capsule - drawn by Congressman Alexander Pirine (R-NY) of the Ho... ...ain that our military will not leave Iraq until a stable democracy is intact and if other actions are taken against countries such as North Korea and Iran as communication failure continues to break down, we will find U.S. military sources stationed in those countries as well until they too have reached a level of stablility that is consistent with how the United States government would approve. And although our commitment to these current day conflicts has not reached a status where a draft would be needed, talk has begun to stir and its reinstatement could come in the near future. Good or bad, each individual has its own opinion and its policy will be debated for years to come. Bibliography Anderson, Martin. The Military Draft: Selected Readings on Conscription. Stanford, California: Hoover Press. 1982. Berger, Jason. The Military Draft. New York: H.Wilson CO. 1981. Carter, Phillip and Paul Glastris. â€Å"The Case for the Draft.† Washington Monthly; March 2005, Vol. 37 Issue 3, p18. Flynn, George. Conscription and Democracy. Westport, Connecticut. Greenwood Press. 2002. Gerhardt, James. The Draft and Public Policy. Columbus: Ohio State University Press. 1971.

Electrical Vehicles and Benefits to the Environment Essay example -- E

Electrical Vehicles and Benefits to the Environment      There is a serious problem facing the world right now.   It is air pollution.   The number one contributor to this epidemic is automobile emissions.   We have all heard of the issues that are involved with air pollution including the depletion of the o-zone layer, the green house effect, and acid rain.   The problem has been scoped from every imaginable angle, and now it is time to solve the problem.   I propose that each of the ‘Big Three’ (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler) car manufacturers be required to have 10% of their product line as EV’s By the year 2010.   I propose this because it will be the start of cleaner air, EV advancement, and awareness of EV’s and how they work.   The first step in getting this proposal to become law is to talk with congress people from our own states.   We must first let the idea get bounced around before we start to attack to top of the totem pole.   In the proposal will be the reasons as to why we are making such a bold statement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first reason is to achieve cleaner air.   Ever since the invention of vehicles, they have been polluters.   It started with the horse draw carriages which led to the horses leaving their anal discharge on the roads.   Next came the steam engine which burned fuel to heat the boilers and started an era of air pollution.   Soon after came the internal combustion engine which worked harder and polluted even more.   Not until the early 1900’s was there a trend away from the internal combustion engine.   The electric vehicle was â€Å"first introduced in England in 1911, for the purpose of urban delivery of milk to households all over the country.   The new electric vehicle replaced the outdated horse and cart, h... ...kground to our EV Project†Ã‚   Alternate Power Products Asia Ltd. â€Å"Plugging In The Future†Ã‚   ASU RESEARCH, FALL/WINTER 1995 â€Å"Charging toward the Future†Ã‚   Copyright 1998 General Motors Corporation â€Å"‘Faster Charger’ Shortens Electric Vehicle Recharging Time From Hours To Minutes†Ã‚   Copyright 1998 General Motors Corporation â€Å"A Brief History†Ã‚  Ã‚   Johnson Controls Systems      

Nazeesh Yusef

The poem Theme For English B is a really Interesting poem. It's a bit difficult to understand, but after researching the biological, social, cultural, political, and historical context of this poem It was much easier to understand It. When looking at the cultural context the writer starts by writing his colored It gives a cultural context. The cultural context lets the readers know who the writer is and where it is coming from. The writer is officer colored is a male and is 22 years old.This poem Theme For English B is about a young student whose professor asks him to write a page about him and that page had to be true. The writer even lists the schools it had been to and how he realizes that he is the only colored student at the school. As looking at the historical context the time this poem was written was in the Jim Crow era where African Americans had difficulty entrance into an elite school than their white peers. Also, in this poem the writer is struggling with the color aspect .The writer is trundling so much that the writer doesn't even know If It should write Its poem on a white piece of paper or a colored piece of paper. Throughout this poem the writer Is trying to figure himself out with the poem. The cultural context helped me figure this poem out more Is because the whole poem was about the speaker, and what and who the speaker was. It's easier to understand the poem if you already have found clues about the writer. Almost the whole poem was about the writer and its race and its colored skin.

Islam – Hajj

Hajj Overview oPilgrimage is the supreme prayer for forgiveness of sins committed and the ultimate preparation for eternity oPilgrimage rituals which must be performed, eg circumambulation of the Ka’ba oThe rites of the Hajj symbolise the essential concepts of Islam and commemorate the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim and his family oHajj: The annual, week-long pilgrimage to Mecca (in modern-day Saudi Arabia), which is the fifth pillar of faith and is therefore an obligation as it is prescribed in the Qur’an.The complete Hajj occurs two months and ten days after Ramadan ends and culminates with ‘Id al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). oIhram: The white garments are symbolic of human equality and unity before God, since all pilgrims are dressed similarly. Money and status are no longer a factor for the pilgrims— the equality of each person before God becomes foremost. oBefore they leave they must pay their debts, provide for for Hajj nd provide for any family t hat may be left behind. oThe rituals occur in and around Mecca. Before commencing Hajj or entering the holy area of Makkah the pilgrams must prepare themselves for the physical and spiritual journey ahead. This includes †¢Formal washing of the complete body †¢Making intention †¢Putting on the clothing consisting of two seamless pieces of white cloth for males. Females can wear what they like, provided its modest and covers body. †¢Attaining a state of Ihram, a state of purity, peace and honesty > refraining from sex, flirting, lustful thoughts, wearing shoes or socks. Reciting a prayer that the Hajj is for Allah alone > â€Å"here I am responding to your call O Allah. I am responding to your call. † oThen begins the physical journey of the pilgrim in Makkah. One that will take several days to complete. Significance oMuslims believe that the rites of Hajj were designed by God and taught by the Prophet Muhammad. oThe Hajj is designed to develop God conscious ness and a sense of spiritual rebirth. oIt is also believed to be an opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins accumulated throughout life. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly ‘will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]’. oIt is also an opportunity for Muslims from all over the world to come together to worship the One God. How Hajj Expresses the Belief of Islam oIncorpoates and expresses all the main articles of faith of Islam (beliefs about Allah, his messengers, Muhammad, the Qur’an, angels, Adam and eve the devil, life, death and the Day of Judgment to come. oTradition has it that Adam and Eve were forgiven by Allah near Mount of Mercy.In gratitude Adam built the first Ka’ba but this was washed away in the great flood. oIn the Qur’an there are many references to the Hajj and pilgrimage is mentioned many times. In fact Sura 22 is titled Al-Hajj †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Proclaim the pilgrimage to the people. They will co me to you on foot and on every lean camel, they shall come from every deep ravine† Significance of Hajj for the individual and the community o‘The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise’ (Hadith) oMakes present the central beliefs of a muslims religion. It is an obligatory pilgrimage oThey get to see the very places where the Prophet Muhammad lived and to walk in his footsteps is inspirational and strengthening to faith oAn opportunity for spiritual rebirth and the removal of sins, to start again and ‘return like a newborn baby’ (Hadith) oThe rejection of Satan by stoning the three pillars is a physical act that reinforces a spiritual and psychological commitment to reject evil both now and into the future oThe pilgrims state of Ihram is one of purity and humility.Here they are at peace with Allah, with themselves, with other Muslims and with all of creation. This memory will stay with them and they will try to recreate this in thei r everyday lives. oWithin Hajj the unity and universality of Islam are highlighted and strengthened. oHajj is the largest annual peace gathering in the world with over 2 million people gathering each year to pray together and be at peace with each other and with creation. oHajj reminds all Muslims of the Day of Judgement when all will assemble and be judged on their intentions.Conclusion Islam, the world’s second most followed religion can be summed up in the two sentences: ‘There is no god but God’ and ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God’. Everyone and everything depends upon Allah and it is through the guidance of the Qur’an and the example set by the Prophet’s life that Muslims cultivate an understanding of God and surrender themselves to the will of God. The relationship between the individual and God and with the community is expressed in the living out of the five pillars and following Shari‘a.Throughout its history, there hav e been shifts in how Islam views signifi cant people and schools of thought, and the modern world has brought new challenges to Islamic jurisprudence in regard to ethical issues. Muslims living in Australia have not always found it easy to ‘live out’ their religion according to Shari‘a and have had to confront misconceptions about their beliefs and practices. Today, however, the practices of Islam are a normal part of Australia’s religious landscape.