The Effects of Classical Music on Individual

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research paper is made possible through the help and support from everyone, including: parents, teachers, family, friends, and in essence, all sentient beings. Especially, please allow me to dedicate my acknowledgment of gratitude toward the following significant advisors and contributors: First and foremost, I would like to thank Kamal Vai who is the lead guitarist of the band Aurthohin and one of the most renowned musician of our country for his support and encouragement. He gave me numerous  valuable information and admiration to my research.And my course instructor for giving me guidelines and supports through the research. Secondly, I would like to thank my friends Zahid Neloy, Nahid Islam and Nahian Mahmud Alvi to read my thesis and to provide valuable advice, a brother Jefry to reproof the paper, as well as all the other people who have taught me a lot about classical music. Finally, I sincerely thank to my parents, family, and friends, who provide the advice and financial support. The product of this research paper would not be possible without all of them. ABSTRACT Music has immense influence on people.  Control Key and Word – Text and Graphics.Almost in every culture they have their own traditional music and anthem. It is actually another way of expressing ideas and emotions. Classical music is the root of all music and still practiced by a number of musicians. For my primary research I surveyed general people where I tried to cover all groups of age for their opinions about classical music. How different feelings generate through this music and what do they think of this music. What I found is that so many other genres took the position of classical music and its popularity is on decrease.But still there are groups of people who are well aware of its contribution to music and influence on people and tradition. It is still a great source of entertainment and used widely in background music on TV programs and movies. It is used in restaurants, family parties and clubs. It has effect on peoples mind and many research and studies have done if it can be used in betterment of humanity. It is indeed different from other genres and people have respect and feeling about this music. Comfort is what come to most of the peoples mind when listening to it.TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Background 3. Research Questions 4. Hypothesis 5. Methodology 6. Data Presentation and Analysis 7. Summery and Findings 8. Conclusion INTRODUCTION â€Å"If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. † ?  Albert Einstein Can you find any people who doesn't listen to music at least in some extent? At present days it is really hard. People's feelings and emotions are connected to music.And when talking about classical music it goes back centuries. There are lot to know about music and its development. And when it come s to development of music, classical music cannot be avoided. Because it is the root of all music. It is as much interesting as it seems at first glance. There is lot to know about music and how it evolved to modern day music. I found many astonishing information about classical music which people would yearn to know. Before starting I want to mention the name of Mozart . He is one of the most prominent musician all time.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(27 January 1756  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 5 December 1791)  born in Germany, was a prolific and influential composer of the  Classical era. He composed over 600  works, many acknowledged as pinnacles of  symphonic,  concertante,  chamber,  operatic, and  choral  music. He is among the most enduringly popular of  classical  composers. Classical music is one of the most influential musical genres in the music industry. Many writings, speeches, poets have been written to it. Many people find it useful to listen to this music. Comfort is what comes to their minds while listening to it.Different music is for different situation. People choose it to be heard in calm environment. They recommend classical music in restaurants, clubs and family parties. The effects of classical music can vary from person to person. There is a term called â€Å"The Mozart Effect† which refers to effects on the pregnant woman and the newborn baby. Classical music improves cognitive ability which has positive impact on both young and old. However, it is commonly agreed that music has a profound effect on mood, spatial intelligence, memory and language.This is why in the west it is used as background music in some schools. BACKGROUND Studies suggest that listening to classical music decreases tension and improves mood (Rea et al. , 2010). Research also indicates that playing music enhances specific aspects of intelligence such as verbal ability and spatial-temporal reasoning, though it does not increase general intelligence. Classical Music and Linguistic Abilities A number of research studies have supported the fact that classical music can have a positive effect on linguistic abilities.One study found that those who listened to Vivaldi while exercising increased their scores on verbal fluency tests after their workouts compared to those who exercised without music (Ohio State University, 2004). Another study of 90 boys in Hong Kong between the ages of 6 and 15 found that those who learned to play music with their school’s string orchestra program scored higher on tests of verbal memory than a control group that did not receive musical training. The boys in the music group were also able to learn more new words than those in the control group (Yim-Chi Ho et al. 2003). The Mozart Effect The Mozart effect has been the subject of much research in recent years, after it was found that listening to Mozart’s music may increase specific types of intelligence, particularly spatial-temporal abilities (Raus cher et al. 1993). However, a recent meta-analysis conducted by Pietschnig et al. (2009) suggests that simply listening to classical music is unlikely to produce these gains, but various studies indicate that playing music does enhance certain brain-based skills. Rauscher et al. 1997) found that children who were given keyboarding lessons, taught musical notation and other music-related skills, and learned to play simple melodies by Mozart and Beethoven achieved scores that were approximately 30% higher on tests of spatial-temporal reasoning than children of the same age who did not receive musical training, and these effects did not diminish over time. Thus, it appears that greater gains can be achieved by not only listening to music but also learning about it and creating it. Experiments have also been conducted to determine whether rats and mice are subject to the Mozart effect. Rauscher et al. 1998) found that in-uteri and early childhood exposure to Mozart improved the ability of rats to solve mazes quickly later on, though Steele (2003) argues that the evidence is weak, given that some other researchers have not been able to replicate the results. David Merrill conducted an experiment in which one group of mice were subject to round-the-clock classical music and another to heavy metal music while a third acted as a control group in a no-music condition. The Mozart mice made good progress in reducing their maze-solving times, but the first experiment was cut short when the heavy metal mice attacked and killed one another.A second experiment with lower music volumes and mice separated to prevent violence yielded results in favor of Mozart: The classical music mice solved the mazes more rapidly than those in the other two groups, and the heavy metal mice became worse at maze-solving than when they had first been introduced to the mazes (Wertz, 7 February 1998). Mozart’s Music and Epilepsy Mozart’s music has a beneficial effect on those sufferi ng from epilepsy. A study of epileptics found that listening to Mozart’s music, even when unconscious, decreased epilepsy brain activity in the majority of subjects.A case study of one girl found that her seizures decreased significantly after listening to Mozart for just 10 minutes of each waking hour (Jenkins, 2001). Concentration and Classical Music Despite the above results, there have been several studies that indicate that although classical music is helpful for memorizing, it is not as helpful for mental concentration and or test-taking. A research study conducted by Robert Hjortsberg of Loyola University found that their test subjects performed mental tasks more effectively without any music as compared to classical music.A research study conducted by Mike Manthei at the University of Nebraska confirmed the above results and found that classical music had a negative impact on students taking math exams. How Classical Music Can Be Used On Classroom Background Finding o ut about which type of music is best to play in the classroom can help students enjoy your classes and improve their concentration. Many studies have been conducted on the effects of music on cognitive ability, and the potential benefits music can have on concentration, enjoyment, comprehension and spatial-temporal reasoning have attracted the attention of many researchers.According to research, any music is better than no music, and baroque, classical and rock music can have positive effects. Classical Music Improves Surgery Music soothes savage beasts of all ages. The power of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and other classical composers lay in their ability to create a variety of moods. For centuries, listeners have relaxed with classical music, energized themselves, honed their concentration, or captured elusive sleep. With classical music, a romantic interlude still appears in the middle of a turbulent day or a solemn occasion turns inspiring.Read on to learn how to relax with classica l music. Additional Classical Music Experiments Capers (2009) details the use of classical music to reduce crime in various contexts, the most impressive of which was the London Underground experiment, whereby classical music was piped throughout London's crime-infested subway system. The result was a 37% decrease in vandalism, a 33% reduction in robbery and 25% fewer staff assaults. North et al. (2003) found, in keeping with prior research in other contexts, that people spend more money when listening to classical music.Those eating at a particular restaurant purchased more food and drinks when the restaurant played classical music than they did listening to pop music or in the no-music condition. RESEARCH QUESTIONS As you have seen in my topic my research is about influence of classical music on individual. For conducting my research I came up with some major questions. I will be focusing on these questions which will help me go through my research. My research will address the fo llowing research questions: * What do people feel about classical music? * What is the special thing about this music comparing to other genres? What do musicians say about classical music? * How popular is it? * In which areas classical music can be used? * In what state of mind classical music can be useful? * What image in the mind comes out while listening to classical music? HYPOTHESIS With these research questions I am expecting to have all my answers which will help me go through my research. I expect classical to be averagely popular among the other genres of music. Though this music feels soothing I expect it to be difficult to cover and only expert musicians are seen to cover.I expect people's feelings should be different because different people has different taste of music. I expect this music is for calm peoples and those who are middle aged. There is a group of young generation among whom classical music is very popular. There was a huge popularity of classical music i n the early 19th century among renowned musicians and I expect it remains the same today. METHODOLOGY For my primary research, I conducted a survey of a representative sampling of the general public in Dhaka City on their views and feelings about classical music.To that end I designed a questionnaire with different types of questions so as to get a range of useful data which will help me to answer my research questions. I took my survey on 51 people from whom 35 of them were male and 16 were female. My target ager groups were 18-24 and 25-36. But most of the representatives of my survey were in 18-24 group. For my secondary research I planned to see the resources of the library and also consulted few books and autobiographies of people who are attached to music. I also browsed the internet and use standard search engines like Google for further information. DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSISLet me go through and explain the data I found through my primary research. Do you listen to musi c? This is my first question in my questionnaire. The reason of this question was I wanted to ask a general question about music that how people likes music. It resulted that around 84% of the people listens to music. 12% of them somewhat listens. And only 4% of the people doesn't listen to music. So, we can say that almost all people listens to music. How would you grade classical music among other genres? Here, the peak was for â€Å"very good†. 46% people graded very good comparing to other genres. Slightly below was â€Å"fair â€Å". 2% of the people said classical music is fair. The other two was significantly low, 10% for poor, and 12% for excellent. What kind of feeling do you get while listening to it? This is another question about how people feel while listening to classical music. Lagging far behind others options comfort got 46%. Joy and neutral was somewhat near, 20% and 14%. Others choices were significantly low. When are you to listen to this kind of music? Another important question was in what situations and circumstances people tend to listen to classical music. 34% people chose anytime. A slightly below 30% said in a free time.There are people who would like to listen to it while working(14%) and when taking a rest(16%). Another was on a journey which took only 6%. How classical music is popular among people? Here I just wanted to know what people think of its popularity. Only 6% said it is very popular. 40% was the highest somewhat popular. A little less got the neutral part around 34%. 6% of the people said that it is very unpopular. How likely are you to listen to this music? Most people are somewhat likely to listen to this music as the graph above shows. Here around 41% are somewhat likely to listen to classical music.Very likely and neutral both got 17% of the vote. Others are insignificant. Classical music is for all generations. Lastly I asked a question where people would stop and think for a while at this question. 64% pe ople agree that classical music is for all generation. Way below only 20% people disagreed with it and even lower 16% people strongly agreed. No one marked for strongly disagree. SUMMARY AND RESEARCH FINDINGS After all the research I have done, what I found is some important notations on classical music. Classical music is an average popular genre of music. Its popularity is on decrease.Many of the modern genre has taken place of it. People mostly young ones are rarely to listen to such music. People who are middle aged are mostly the customers of classical music. One thing people agreed is that classical music is the root of all music. It has created a foundation by which other genres made its' appearance. It has influence on number of different cultures including ours. Thus no one can refuse it's importance. CONCLUSION Nothing comes without a reason. If classical music had no influence there were no practices, compositions, covers, performance, notation, theory of this genre.It ha s indeed did great to individual and society. Different people find different essence with it. Different people recommend this music in different situations. There had been famous musicians of classical music who have taken places in history. Researchers have been done and studies had been conducted to find suitable ways for this music. Though it is not that popular as it were in early classical era it is indeed practiced by many musicians still now and people still has great respect for it. REFERENCES Adams, St. (2012). Classical music improves surgery. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www. elegraph. co. uk/health/healthnews/9169589/Classical-music-improves-surgery. html Beentjes, J. W. J. , Koolstra, C. M. , ; van der Voort, T. H. A. (1996). Combining background media with doing homework: Incidence of background use and perceived effects. Communication Education, 45, 59-72. Campbell, Don (1997). The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Min d, and Unlock the Creative Spirit. ISBN  0-380-97418-5. Cox, M. 0. (1981). Effects of hypnotherapy and relaxation training on mathematics achievement. (Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A;M University, 1981).Dissertation Abstracts IntemationaL 42/10, 4186. Etaugh, C. , ; Michaels, D. (1975). Effects on reading comprehension of preferred music and frequency of studying to music. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 41, 553-554. Fagen, J. , Prigot, J. , Carroll, M. , Pioli, L. , Stein, A. , ; Franco, A. (1997). Auditory context and memory retrieval in young infants. Child Development, 68, 1057-1066. Friedman, B. (1959). An evaluation of the achievement in reading and arithmetic of pupils in elementary school instrumental music classes. (Doctoral Dissertation, New York University, 1959).Dissertation AbstractsInternational, 60, 3662-A-3663A. Jourdain, Robert. Music, the Brain and Ecstasy. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc. ,1997. Lundin, Robert W. An Objective Psychology of Music. Malabar: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company, 1985. Pool, M. M. , Koolstra, C. M. , ; van der Voort, T. H. A. (2003). The impact of background radio and television on high school students' homework performance. Journal of Communication, 53(1), 74-87. Rauscher, F. H. , Shaw, G. L. , Levine, L. J. , Wright, E. L. , Dennis, W. R. , & Newcomb, R. L. (1997).Music  training causes long-term enhancement of preschool children's spatial-temporal reasoning. Neurological Research, 19, 2-8. Steele, K. M. , Bass, K. E. , ; Crook, M. D. (1999). The mystery of the Mozart effect: Failure to replicate. Psychological Science, 10 (4), 366-369. Thompson, W. F. , Schellenberg, E. G. ; Husain, G. (2001). Mood, arousal, and the Mozart effect. Psychological Science, 12(3), 248-251. Wertz, M. , the Schiller Institute. (17 February 1998). â€Å"Why Classical Music Is the Key to Education† in â€Å"Towards A New Renaissance in Classical Education. † SchillerInstitute. org.

Compulsive Gambling Essay

More than 5 million Americans are pathological, compulsive and problem gamblers, and another 15 million are at risk of becoming just like them. A common definition of problem gambling is: a progressive disorder characterized by a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling and irrational thinking and behavior despite the consequences. When gambling interferes with any one’s life, it can be categorize as an addiction or disease, just like alcohol and drug addiction is categorize as a disease. A study conducted for the National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that 20 million American have or could develop gambling problems. Also they have estimated those 1. 8 million American adults as well as up to 1. 1 million American adolescents age 12 through 17 engage in severe â€Å"pathological† gambling each year. As legalize gambling has become more common in the United States; problems have sprung up as well. That negative influence is becoming more apparent as gambling is more widely available. It is becoming increasingly easy to gamble in the United States particularly in the last 10 years, and problems with gambling are much more common now than they ever were. Studies show that for every dollar gambling produces for a regional economy, three dollars are lost because of the economic and social cost of gambling. The study has also said that if the government legalizes more gambling, taxpayers will lose money, whether they gamble or not. The gambling industry believes it is just selling an innocent form of family entertainment, but they don’t mention how much the players lose or how gambling encourages addictive behavior or the enormous costs it creates for the rest of society. It has been said that, gamblers with higher counts of gambling symptoms will have higher rates of problem. There many consequences associated with compulsive, pathological and problem gamblers. Examples of such consequences include job and financial problems, divorce, poor health, and criminal involvement. These addictions are the lifeblood of the gambling industry, said an economist from the University of Illinois by name Earl Grinols. He researches and found out, that casinos earn more than half their revenues from compulsive, pathological, and problem gamblers. â€Å"The casino industry is heavily dependent on the revenues of psychologically sick people†, says Grinols. Millions of families are paying a heavy price, not just financially, but also strains in family and marital relationship. Family members of compulsive and pathological gamblers are hurt by their disease, mainly because an emotional withdrawal occurs, which leads to separation.

Canada Great Britain Comparison

Comparative Analysis of Canada’s Relationship Between Great Britain and the United States Introduction For centuries, the British Empire was comprised of multiple dominions, colonies, and territories ruled by the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British Empire was present in areas all over the globe. Around the early 1900’s the Empire was said to govern a total population of almost 500 million people, and covered about one quarter of the total land mass on Earth, which was spread all around the world.This empire was known to be the largest formal empire that the world had ever seen. The empire reached its greatest extent at the end of World War I, and at that point the empire included some of the following land territories: British Isles, British West Indies, British Guiana, British West Africa, British East Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. Around the end of the 19th century, the economic lead that Britain had successfully kept for man y years was beginning to become eroded. Read Essay In Westminster Abbey AnalysisWith this erosion of leadership came a great decolonization movement by most of the territories that were under control of the British Empire. Both World War I, and World War II put extreme financial and population strains on Britain, and even with the large amount of territorial extent the Empire no longer had the industrial or military power it once had. The empire relied heavily on the territories till the end of the Second World War. By the end of World War II, the Empire had no choice but to grant independence to most of its territories, which most joined the British Commonwealth of Nations.The Commonwealth of Nations is known as an intergovernmental organization of 54 independent states that were once part of the British Empire. Within in the Commonwealth the states cooperate with a framework of common values and goals, which include the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, individual liberty, egalitaria nism, free trade, multilateralism and world peace. There is no political union in the Commonwealth, but the groups of states are regarded as equal in status.The â€Å"Head of the Commonwealth† is considered to be Queen Elizabeth II, who also is considered as reigning constitutional monarch of 16 different Commonwealth members, including Canada. In this paper I want to focus on the important historic relationship between Canada and Great Britain, and also touch on the growing relationship of Canada and the United States. Also, I want to examine what Canada might be doing in the future within the international community. Canada was a very unique member within the Commonwealth.Canada was considered to be a senior player in the Commonwealth of Nations, because until the early 1900’s it carried the title of ‘dominion’ alone. It wasn’t until the British Colonial Conference that the title of dominion was given to any other independent state. Canada was con sidered to be the most advanced member of the Commonwealth in terms of population and economic development, and also its relations with Britain were the most complex due to it’s geographical location with the United States. The relationship between Britain and the Canadian Dominion moved along a ‘decentralist’ path very quickly.Canada is known to be the largest member of the Commonwealth in total landmass, and its border with the United States is known to be the longest border in the world. Canada also has the fourth largest gross domestic product in the Commonwealth with a total of 1. 5 trillion dollars, and ranks ninth highest in the world. Canada ranks very well in the international rankings for education, quality of life, governmental organization, and economic freedom. Canada was first of Commonwealth Nations to participate in large economic groups such as the G7 and G8. Association With Great BritainIn 1867, after Canadian delegates discussed the details of the British North America Act (BNAA) in London, the term Dominion was adopted to describe the status of Canada in the British Empire. The dominion delegates of Canada had made it obvious that they were starting to feel more independent from Britain, but even with the beginning of separation Canada still followed the parliamentary structure of Britain. After the British North America Act was adopted by Canadian officials, and was accepted in 1867 as the constitution of the Dominion, the Parliament of Canada came into existence.The Parliament of Canada was modeled exactly from the British Parliament. The Canadian Parliament was granted limited power in regards to the amending of the constitution. When Canadian parliament sought after any amendment change of the BNAA it was required that there be a ruling by British law. As stated earlier, Canada held this status solely until the Colonial Conference in 1907, which was the time when the remaining self-governing colonies also took on th e status of Dominion. After the BNAA was solidified the relationship between Canada and Britain quickly began to decentralize.The Prime Minister of Britain, Arthur Balfour, stated to the British House of Commons â€Å"that these children of empire were now grown up, referring generously to ‘those self-governing Colonies of the Empire over which no office in this country has any control at all’,† (Wigley pg. 7). During the first decade of the 1900’s, Canadian government leaders formulated three questions in regards to their position in the Empire; rendering solicited assistance to the mother country of Britain, the extent of association with British defense and foreign policies, and the ways in which they and Britain would discuss imperial problems in confidence.Officials then participated in conferences in order to figure out the British-dominion affairs. The Imperial Conference of 1923 was a very important conference for the British-dominion affairs. It c reated debates that focused on the unified partnership between Britain and the dominions, and whether they should proceed together or independent from each other in the areas of foreign policy, defense, economic affairs, and the making of international treaties. After the 1923 Imperial Conference, another conference was held in regards to the economic standings between Canada, other dominions and Britain.For both political and ideological reasons, the conference obtained a theme of independence, and there seemed to be no hidden implications for Canadian autonomy. Britain and Canada stood side by side with each other, and accepted their equality as commonwealth partners. All dominions, including Canada, felt as though their own particular conditions were required to be dealt with in the best interests of the Empire, but could be promoted by allowing for each to do with the conditions what they wished.During the 1930’s and 1940’s, Prime Minister William Mackenzie King ha d been working hard and successfully to obtain national unity in Canada. He felt that that Canada needed to be cautious with its foreign policy and should avoid commitments. This is why many believe that Canadian policy during this time was summed up in two words ‘no commitments’. Many thought it was best to avoid controversy and division in Canada since unity was so fresh in the minds of the Canadian people. The Canadians had become very comfortable with their autonomy, which was made very apparent at the start of World War II.For the first time, Canada had made a decision to declare war separate from Britain. The Canadian government felt that cooperating too closely with Britain at that point might negatively affect constitutional developments for Canada in later years. Throughout the 1940’s the Canadian parliament kept putting up a wall in between Canada and all other dominions and Britain. Prime Minister King would not meet with any of the dominion prime mini sters or British parliament other then for personal consultations, and rejected to offer new support for the Commonwealth.One might conclude that highlight of Canadian independence had come from the interactions during World War II. Canadian Participation in The World Wars In the early years of the 1900’s, when the problems that started World War I were beginning to brew, the relations between Britain and the dominions remained in a highly unresolved state. The British Empire, even though had granted dominion independence to Canada, still relied heavily on their military support. During this time the British parliament created the Imperial War Cabinet.The purpose of the cabinet was to register the dominions’ claims as regards to their constitutional and functional place in the empire, to brief their representatives on current problems. The cabinet brought all overseas dominion and colonial government officials together during the Imperial War Conference in 1917. In 191 4, Britain had declared war on Germany, and by doing so the British forces called for the Empire’s support. While many British leaders thought that there would be little participation from Canada, they were surprised to see the willingness Canada had to participate right from the start of the war.After two months from the start of the war Canada had armed around 30,000 men and sent them to Britain. In 1910, Britain had given control of Canadian Naval defense completely to the Canadian Parliament, which allowed for Canada to have completely control over navy bases located in Halifax and Esquimalt. By 1918, there were a total of 619,636 men and women who had served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Out of all the dominions and colonies, Canada’s contribution, for a population of less than 8 million people, was considered to be an outstanding contribution. Canada’s participation in the ar was to support its mother country of Britain, but by the time the war ende d Canada had become a unified nation, proud of their achievements and sacrifices. They were ready to play a larger role in the international community. During the years after World War I, Canada and other dominions had continued to meet with the British Parliament in regards to the autonomy of their countries. In 1939, British Parliament passed the ‘Statute of Westminster, which gave Canada and the other dominions the constitutional right to make their own decisions in all of their affairs.So when it came time to commence the Germans again in 1939, Canada was not so quick to jump up to show support. The Canadian Parliament had decided that if Canada was going to show support in the war they wanted to do so as an independent declaration. The purpose behind this later declaration of war was to formally underline Canada’s independent status. When Canada declared war the idea was to contribute mostly in the form of war materials, there was no immediate decision to secure a large army for the use overseas.The Canadian Parliament created a set of goals to do the following: Maintain defense and security of Canada including the development of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy, provide vital food supplies to Britain, create an industrial program for weapons and ammunition, provide training courses for Allied pilots. Also, proposals for a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was implemented in December of 1939, which allowed for the building of 65 training schools in Canada for Commonwealth countries.As in the First World War, Canada quickly sent around 23,000 untrained ground troops to Britain while Canada’s Air Force and Navy was built. In the Early 1940’s, the Royal Canadian Air Force grew substantially to around 206,000, which ended up playing a major role in the war against Germany. The Royal Canadian Navy also played a major role all around the world. The Canadian ships were helpful in operations not only in Europe b ut also in the Mediterranean and Pacific Ocean. Canada was applauded for keeping the lifeline to Britain open in the Atlantic. If Canada had not generously contributed men, aircraft, and ships to the battle, and if the ports of Canada and Newfoundland had not been available, the war would certainly have dragged on much longer,† (Munro pg. 60). The wars benefited Canada on an economic level, as well as a military level. Although Canada was showing signs of industrial economic growth before the wars, the growth was very slow. At the state of the First World War, industrial and agricultural products were in great demand by the Allies, Canada gladly offered up their products. Also the wars forced the government to create wartime regulations for the economy.By the end of the Second World War the standard of living for most Canadians became higher then ever before, vastly exceeding those of other dominions in the Commonwealth. Growing Relationship With The United States During the f irst two decades of the 1900’s, the United States had drastically grown to become a world power. With the global emergence of the US, and the steady decline in power of Great Britain, Canada was affected more then any country in the world. The growth of a relationship between Canada and the United States seemed to be inevitable, because of the geographical location of the two.Especially since the two countries shared borders, fisheries, and natural resources, which made the relations between the US and Canada become much more solidified, and the fact that the US economy had quickly boomed was an attraction for the Canadians since the Canadian economy had a much slower start at the beginning compared to the US. A big problem that Canada faced was the fact that some of Canada’s â€Å"best and brightest† had left Canada to go to schools, and find jobs in the United States, and never returned.In 1908, the International Boundary Commission was created as a permanent organization, which was responsible for maintaining the border between the United States and Canada. This was the first important initiative noted for the beginning relationship between Canada and the US. With the solidified border came some issues that presented themselves. The fishery disputes had remained to be the biggest problem for the relations between the US and Canada, which had ended up lasting for a long period of time.Since many of the rivers flowed from Canada directly across the American border the two countries had to create regulations to try and resolve the fishing issues. So the United States, Britain, and Canada worked together to create the International Fisheries Commission, which worked to settle disputes. One very large problem had come between the two countries, and almost ruined relations between them, this was the Alaskan Boundary dispute. The two countries worked with Britain’s cooperation to come to an agreement by signing 8 treaties, which would h elp to â€Å"clean the slate† of long-standing quarrels.At the start of the World Wars, Canada and the US had joined forces in the defense of North America. The Canadian parliament and the US government worked together to create a joint board of defense, which would continue to grow and become useful even after the World Wars. When the wars were over, the economic boom allowed for Canada to pull itself out of a depression and allowed for closer ties to be created with the United States between the two economies. Canadians welcomed investment into Canada from the United States, which had grown immensely over the beginning of the 1900’s.It seemed that less and less British trade unions were located in Canada, but more and more US unions where popping up all around Canada. It was starting to look as though American firms were beginning to take control of the Canadian industry, but it seemed for the time being that Canadians were unconcerned with this economic control. Whi le many Canadians began to worry about the Americanization of Canada, they still had a strong ‘craving’ for reciprocal trade between the two. During the time when Canada was awarded an independent seat in the League of Nations they urged the Americans to also join.When the US rejected Canadian leaders were disappointed. The Canadians felt as though the overall positive relationship that was had with the US was a prime example to Europe of how they should get along with each other. Canadian delegates reshaped the League by using the relationship that they had with the United States, expressing that â€Å"the world could learn from, ‘three thousand miles of undefended frontier’ between the US and Canada,† (Thompsan/Randall pg 101). After the end of World War II, the United States had complications arise with the Soviet Union, which began the Cold War.Canada became an important player in the Cold War not necessarily by choice. Canada was located directl y between the two rivals of the Cold War, which made it very hard for Canada to stay neutral. Also, in 1945, Canadian public opinion was swayed against the Soviet Union when documents were defected proving a Soviet spy ring was in Canada. Shortly after this the two neighboring countries sign a plan for joint air defense known as the North American Air Defense Agreement (NORAD), which was later changed to North American Aerospace Defense Command.This combined the air defenses of the United States and Canada. The agreement brought the U. S. and Canada closer during the Cold War, because they relied on each other for detection of nuclear missiles. Even though the two countries quickly grew closer during World War II and the beginning of the Cold War their relations began to deteriorate around the time of the Vietnam War. The newly elected leaders of Canada did not feel that they could supply the support needed to the United States during the Vietnam War, and they openly expressed disag reement with American policies in Southeast Asia.Many Canadians demanded that American influence be significantly reduced. For about twenty years after the Vietnam War the relations between the two countries stay strained. It was obvious that the governments had different perceptions on international events. Finally, in the late 1980’s, Canada and the United States reached a tentative trade agreement that would change the economic relations between the two. After the agreement came into effect trade between the two grew dramatically. The United States was taking around 80% of Canada’s exports, and Canada was receiving 70% of imports from the United States.The agreement grew with the addition of Mexico in the 1990’s, which became known as the North American Free Trade Agreement, and trade between the U. S. and Canada remained high even to the present day. Now the economic relationship is known to be the largest in the world. The imports and exports between the co untries still remain extremely high. Canada still remains the largest market for U. S. exports. The economies have become so intertwined that many businesses have developed internal production chains that operate back and forth across the border.It has continuously been made obvious that the relationship between the United States and Canada has continued to grow. In 2011, the two countries released the ‘Beyond the Border’ agreement. This agreement basically deals with the security perimeter on both sides of the border. After 2001, the United States tightened its border, which made the bilateral trade relationship more difficult to maintain. The agreement allows for more participation with security forces between the U. S. and Canada, and creates trusted travel of manufacturers across the border.This agreement has opened up the possibilities in the future for the United States and Canada to work closer with each other in order to harmonize rules in agricultures, food, en ergy, and the environment. What The Future Holds In present years, Canada has expressed great excitement in maintaining a relationship between both the United States and Britain. Current Prime Minister Stephen Harper has stated that he looks forward to working with the United States, while keeping communication with Great Britain.One has to wonder how the relations between Canada, Great Britain and the United States will progress. Currently, Canada shows no signs of letting its relationship with Great Britain deteriorate. The Canadian people understand that their relationship with Britain is deeply rooted, and that they share common history and values. In late 2012, the two leading government officials of Canada and Great Britain came together and signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding for Enhancing Mutual Support at Missions Abroad.The signatures promote the co-locations of embassies, joint provision of services, and common crisis response. It is explained that their partnersh ip on multiple global issues has caused the relationship between them to show an increase of strength. Canada still shows feelings of loyalty to the commonwealth, and is excited to maintain membership in it while making plans to work with Britain for future reform of the commonwealth. Canada could be considered the daughter of Great Britain who ended up marrying the United States.The relationship between the United States and Canada is also deeply rooted, and the two countries understand each other very well, because they share similar cultures, norms and values, and share an economic relationship like no other two countries in the world. Also, growing numbers of people move back and forth for education and work. Another obvious reason why the relationship seems to have no future of deterioration is the fact that the two share the worlds longest, unprotected border, and share security of the border.In years to come it seems that Canada will continue to work closely with the United S tates to build up its security alliance, and also reinforce the role as most trusted ally to the U. S. By doing this we would see a large focus on cooperation on trade issues, international policy and promotion of democratic norms. If this was to happen then we might see Canada address problems that they have with NAFTA, and strengthen their military relationship with the United States. Also, they might base their global relationship more on their relationship with the United States.Since the world is changing, Canada needs to protect itself and reduce the likelihood of failure. While the political powers and economy of the U. S shows signs of becoming weaker and less vigorous, Canada should create options as a backup plan. Growing countries such as China could benefit from creating an economic relationship with Canada. Realigning some of its assets and interests with new rising powers makes good economic sense. Prime Minister Harper has recently met with the Chinese president to cr eate an agreement that would better protect Canadian businesses that might want to capitalize on their growing economy.In the coming years, it is possible that we could see Canada take some of its economic focus away from the United States, and shift it to other parts of the world to become more involved in the international community. Many are unsure of what course Canada will take into the future. The international community is always growing, and Canada has made sure to keep itself involved within the community. The future seems to hold much success for Canada as a strong economic player, whether it is to continue a close relationship with the United States or branch out and create new relationships with other strengthening countries.Bibliography: -Canada’s World, Rising Powers: Future Directions, http://www. canadasworld. ca/learnmor/ninenewr/risingpo/futuredi. 2012 -Huffington Post, Beyond The Border: Deal to Bolster Security and Reduce Trade Barriers. http://www. huffin gtonpost. ca/2011/12/07/beyond-the-border-perimeter-security-canada_n_1134463. html. 2012 -Government of Canada, Canada and the United States: No Two Nations Closer, http://www. canadainternational. gc. ca/can-am/Closer-etroites. aspx? view=d. 2012 -Lain Munro, Canada And The World Wars, Wiley Publishers Toronto, 1979.Pgs 28-70. -Thompson, Randall. Canada and The United States, Georgia Press, 2008. Pgs 101-145. -Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Canada and the World: 1921-1939, http://www. international. gc. ca/history-histoire/world-monde/1921-1939. aspx? lang=eng&view=d 2011 -Peter Lyon, Britain and Canada: Survey of a Changing Relationship, London, England 1976. Pg. 141-150 – Philip Wigley, Canada and the transition to Commonwealth, Cambridge University Press, 1977. Pgs 1-20 -Andrew Porter, Britain’s Empire in 1815,

Sustainable approaches to animal behaviour and welfare research Essay

Sustainable approaches to animal behaviour and welfare research - Essay Example iotic relationship since time immemorial, the other side of the coin that animal too have feelings and superior intelligence have just started dawning on humankind. The nineteenth and the twentieth century saw animals being treated as commodities and exploited without remorse as beasts of burden, as a source of food and entertainment for man, and for biological research in order to search for the secrets of life and cures for debilitating diseases. Voices started being raised for animal welfare during the latter half of the twentieth century when people from some sections of society observed the cruelty being meted out to the poor creatures. Soon, volunteer and social organizations for animal welfare cropped up in all parts of the world and research activities were directed towards the investigation and formulation of better animal welfare policies and initiation of endeavours to stop cruelty on animals started being conceived. Animal welfare science has developed over the last few years as a specialist entity and has come to be recognised as an interdisciplinary effort (Lund et al, 2006). However, the authors feel that it has till now bean the mainstay of representatives of natural sciences only and needs to adopt a broader interdisciplinary perspective to increase its horizon of activity (Lund et al, 2006). The concerns for animal welfare are being addressed internationally by organizations such as the OIE (Office Internatio nal des Epizooties) which provides the international trade agreements for animal welfare and the control of diseases in domesticated farm animals (Lund et al, 2006). The authors feel that the time has arrived when the discipline of animal welfare should encompass a broader horizon by making it a trans-disciplinary subject, as so far it has stayed within the confines of natural sciences only. Animal psychology, ethics, politics and economics too need to be brought into the perspective of animal welfare science according to the authors (Lund et

Customer relationship marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Customer relationship marketing - Essay Example More and more business organizations are capitalizing and putting their major efforts on building and maintaining strong customer relationship mainly to gain highly useful and valuable information on how can they best serve their customers and keep them loyal. Relationship: A strategic Initiative ‘Strategy’ is a very common buzzword in the business filed. Large number of businesses find success with their strategy where as many turn out of the business due to in-efficient strategies. Strategies have been playing extremely significant roles in marketing in recent years. It can be argued that relationship marketing seems to be the central point of all other management strategies because no other strategies can bring success unless there is ‘better relationship’ with customers. More specifically, Total Quality Management, Supply Chain Management and Knowledge Management are some of the widely applied management strategies and these can turn to be in-effective i f the firm failed to build better relation with its customers. The older profit maximization, product orientation and transaction-based marketing concepts have been questioned and thence faded away and newer concepts of Customer Relationship Marketing has gained considerable place in marketing landscape. It eventually resulted a shift from the profit orientation to the concept of consumerism. Consumer has been placed to be ‘king’ or ‘boss’ in the market and this is often termed as a change from in-out approach to the ‘out-in’ approach. Most industries, service sectors like hospitality in particular, in very recent days give extreme importance to building and maintaining ‘consumer loyalty’. Relationship marketing is basically a stronger strategy to create customer loyalty. ‘Value creation’, ‘customer loyalty’ and ‘relationship marketing’ are more inter-related terms in marketing, because relati onship marketing and its tools have been found to help achieve customer loyalty by creating and adding values to the customers. Customers are better satisfied only when they find expected values from the products or services they consume and this in turn lead them become loyal customers. When it comes to the strategy perception, the marketing management focuses on retaining customers and make them their loyal customers. A vision to generate profits or increase production or compete with others through any possible measures is not exactly what a business is expected to have. Instead, production, competition and what ever a business does must be intended and able to satisfy its potential customers, give them the expected quality, values and reasonable standards, keep good relation with them in a way that they are treated as most valued ‘stakes’. Relationship marketing undertakes to know how to provide values to the customers. Empirical evidences show that 20 percent of th e customers bring in 80 or more percent of the profits for a business and therefore companies find relationship marketing as a key element to attaining reasonable profits that can help them survive in the business. Finding new consumers is often more expensive than retaining the existing consumers and converting them to ‘

International Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

International Human Resource Management - Essay Example As the paper declares an international organisation can only perform effectively through interactions with the broader external environment of which it is part. The structure and function ¬ing of the international organisation must reflect, therefore, the nature of the environment in which it is operating. Factors such as uncertain economic conditions, fierce world competition, the level of government intervention, scarcity of natural resources and rapid developments in new technology create an increasingly volatile environment. As the essay stresses contemporary developments show that IHRM is that part of the process of management that is concerned with the maintenance of human relationships and ensuring the physical well being of employees so that they give the maximum contribution to efficient working. Another contemporary development is called strategic IHRM. It â€Å"encompasses a strategic perspective and use their framework as a contemporary description of HRM†. Effective leadership should ensure human resources policy is adhered to and department activities are successfully carried out. It is essential that every manager and supervisor is aware of the principles of IHRM. International human resources management is vulnerable to a greater extent if its work can be devolved back to other national managers. In the light of these developments it is not surprising to find many theories which attempt to outline and explain cultural similarities and differences among societies. 2. The current state of the IHRM is described (Barham, Conway 1998) as homogeneity, which have obscured the real challenge of managing across cultures in the world. It is unlikely there will ever be a truly single homogeneous HR in the European HRM in the sense of there being a single, homogeneous culture. While this has led to some to argue that the proposed benefits of the IHRM greater opportunities for achieving economy of scale, improve efficiency and stimulate innovation can never truly be realised, they are perhaps missing the point. The cultural diversity need not be considered as a barrier to achieving wide objectives, but a facilitator of achieving

Internal and External Threats Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Internal and External Threats - Essay Example The health information technology has been implemented in major health organizations in the country. Cedar Sinai which is one of the major health providers in the country did not have a very successful outcome from the implementation of this program. Health information technology has its benefits but it is a subject of concern for the health care executives. The healthcare executive should be concerned with the potential threats that may exist within the health organization. The proper implementation of the health care program is a task that needs to be undertaken with utmost care. It requires proper supervision and implementation of the program in a health organization effectively so that it is brought into use and improves the working of the hospital rather than delaying the normal work of the physicians. This is because it is believed by some physicians that clinical records on the computer can serve to take longer hours than otherwise. Errors in handling the information technolog ical systems can result in blunders with regard to patient health care and hence the health executive needs to be aware of such threats as well. Hence, extensive training and investment is very important with regards to the implementation of such programs. External threats also need to be considered with regard to this implementation. Electronic Health Record is an essential component of the maintenance of the records of the patient electronically. There are differing ways which can be used to keep these records which include buying the software for the organization’s computers or another option is ASP which uses a different server which holds the electronic health record of the patient and the software is present on that server. ASP is a more widely used option and it needs to be understood by the healthcare executive that information via this method is shared on a remote server which may be viewed by

Leaking waste containers ( ethics ) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leaking waste containers ( ethics ) - Essay Example As a result the methods adopted by Tom Treehorn, could very well result in problems for the ABC Company. Environmental agencies are very much particular about the methods, which are adopted by the companies in disposal of the chemical wastes and they take tough action against erring companies. Hence Scott should warn Tom that if he does not follow the company ethics and rules of waste disposal, the matter could be brought to the notice of his superiors, since it could adversely affect the interests of ABC Company. 2. Should Scott inform Tom that he will not interfere with Tom’s plan? But he will not help him with it either. Answer: Scott very well knows that Tom is really not serious about preventing environmental problems that will be caused by ABC, if chemical wastes are not disposed properly and is only looking at ways by his workload is lessened and also finding ways to profit him. Scott being the Engineer of ABC and being given the responsibility of inspecting the warehou se, should never agree to Tom’s plan because it will affect his company. Being an employee to the ABC Company he would be taking the wrong decision by allowing Tom to dispose the chemical waste, by adopting his own time tested ways, which are very much against the rules, set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Thus Scot should never tell Tom that, he will not interfere with his way of disposing the chemical waste nor should he be given the assurance that Scott will not interfere in such matters. 3. Should Scot advise Tom not to go ahead with his plan? But not interfere if Tom insists on going ahead anyway? Answer: Scott being the Engineer of the ABC Company has got the authority to tell Tom regarding the best methods, which are to be adopted by companies in dealing with the disposal of the chemical wastes. Since it is a very serious matter that can undermine the ABC Company’s interest, future and also at the same time result in severe forms of penalties from the En vironmental Protection Agency and closure of the company operations, he should really advise Tom not to go ahead with his plan for the chemical waste disposal. Even after all this advise being given by Scott to Tom to follow the company norms, Tom still insists in going ahead with his plans of the chemical waste disposal, then Scott has to interfere and inform Tom’s superior and also the top management of the ABC company, since this could in the future become a serious issue for ABC. 4. Should Scott say nothing and help Tom with his plan? And why? Answer: If Scot says nothing to Tom’s stated plans for the chemical waste disposal of the ABC Company and allows him to go forward as per his own plan, then it will show that Scott is not a good employee of ABC. Scott being the Engineer is being entrusted with the duty of the warehouse inspection and to find out defects that are existing within it and take corrective actions to rectify the faults. If he decides to agree to To m’s plans, then he will be endangering not only his employment as Engineer within ABC but also the whole company’s future, since if the Environmental Protection Agency comes to know the illegal methods of chemical waste disposal adopted by Tom, then they could take severe action against the ABC Company. Hence Scott should not help Tom in going ahead with his plans but has to strictly warn Tom regarding the future adverse impacts, which his

Case Study - woman Raped while in coma Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

- woman Raped while in coma - Case Study Example Using the RESOLVEDD method, the first item that must be expounded on is the review of the facts. There is a need to know the details of the rape. When was the rape consummated, who were the people or staff in the facility at the time of the rape and was there any staff in particular who was assigned to the woman at that time. Information as to whether there were other visitors of the other patients present at that time need to be determined. The policies of the facility regarding who can enter a patient’s room must be scrutinized too. The second step that must be done is to estimate or specify the problem presented in the case. The major problem in this case is what to do with the baby. Should the baby be aborted or should it be allowed to live? Will the current state of health of the woman permit her to rear a child? If the baby is not aborted, whose responsibility is it to take care of the baby? Another issue to be resolved is whether the facility has a responsibility to tak e care of the baby? There are several solutions that may be considered in this case.

Violence and Crime Essay Example for Free

Violence and Crime Essay In the last sentence, the immense power of the darkness is revealed when MacCaig points out that no stockades can keep the midnight out. The darkness seems so immensely powerful and lethal because stockades are barriers make to stop anything that comes against it. So if we cant keep the darkness away from NY, nothing can. I think that the message MacCaig is trying to get across to us is that Crime and violence can affect lots of people, even a whole city, and that its impossible stop it or fight it. He cleverly personified the darkness to get this message across to us. Edwin Morgans poem Glasgow 5th March 1971 is also about crime and violence in the society but Edwin Morgan has some different views of it but they also share some same views about it which you can see from the poems. Glasgow 5th March 1971 also sounds like a realistic title, just like MacCaigs title. Is sounds as if there was and incident there in real life. First of all, poet describes the broken glass as a ragged diamond. This creates a contrasted image as broken glass looks completely different to what it looked like when it was in one piece. The word ragged is good word choice because the word itself sounds bumpy and jagged and also like what it means. So its much easier to imagine the shape of the broken glass. Morgan comments on the Mans face as bristling with fragments of glass. The poet doesnt acknowledge us of any bloodiness or pain that the man is in, unlike MacCaig because when MacCaig writes about the injured people, he mentions broken bones and Harsh screaming which clearly indicates the pain the suffering people must be in. There is specific violence when Morgan notifies us that the girl spurts arterial when Morgan notifies us that the girl who is with the man, spurts arterial blood when she is pushed through a shop window. On the other hand, MacCaig only hints at violence and talks about the pain the victims are in like when he is talking about broken bones and screaming. By using the word arterial, he lets us know how deep the cut really is and it also makes the wound seem lethal. Morgan also uses alliteration in his poem in the same way as MacCaig uses it. They both use it when they are talking about the after affects of the crime and violence on people. There is alliteration when the letter w is repeated in wet look white coat. This reflects the soft sound of the blood is splattering on her coat as the w sound is also has that soft sound. The image created is very violent because red blood clearly stands out on a white coat. The red blood will clearly contrast with the white coat, clearly standing out. MacCaig also uses one violent image like this when he talks about the blood glazed sidewalks, which will also stand out. The two victims of the crime, man and girl, both have their arms starfished out and braced for impact. This clearly reveals to us that both people were taken by surprise from looking at the word starfished. Their shear fear is shown by the phrase braced for impact as they dont know what is happening to them presently and what could happen to them next. This is an example of extreme emotion. MacCaig uses extreme emotion as well but he used it to describe the pain the victims were in. Morgan describes either one or two people at a time whereas MacCaig describes what is happing to lots of people as they are affected by violence. Morgan has another phrase with alliteration when the faces of the victims show surprise, shock, as the s and sh sounds are repeated. This mirrors the sound of the broken glass as the two victims move about. At the end, Morgan reveals that the two youths, where the criminals who pushed the couple through the window. He also reveals two more witnesses in the background driving there car, but they purposely drive away and choose not to get involved. I think that the message Morgan is trying to get across is that crime and violence can happen to anyone, anywhere and that it is not being helped by people to stop it as more and more people are becoming apathetic and not getting involved. So they both share similar views. In conclusion, I think the both want their readers to know that crime and violence cant be stopped and that it can happen to anyone, wherever you go. They both write in different ways to get similar points across; Edwin Morgan writes specific violence whereas Norman MacCaig writes violence in general or non specific violence. After looking at both poems, I have learnt that crime and violence is everywhere and that everyone should put in effort, together, if we want it to be completely stopped. Edwin Morgans and Norman MacCaigs poems are based on two completely different cities. They are almost at the opposite side of the world to each other, yet, they still share similar ideas about crime and violence.

The Pressing Problem In The Prison System Criminology Essay

The Pressing Problem In The Prison System Criminology Essay There are three custodial establishments for young people, they are Young offender institutions, Secure training centres and Secure childrens homes. The Standing Committee for Youth Justice (2010) reported that during the period of 1989 to 2009, the child custody population in England and Wales increased by 795%. There is no obvious evidence showing that the youth crime become more serious recently, but more young people was sent to prisons. These large amounts of young prisoners have already brought a big pressure to the prison system, and it has become an alarming issue in England and Wales. The prison lives are much more badly than we imagined. They are neglected from the society, some of you may say they are put in the prison because they commit crime, it is fair enough. Incarceration of offenders may have deterrence effect as they will not further commit crime in the future, but the truth is the reoffending rate still stays high. For this, I always doubt Do we need to incarcerate all under-age offenders? and Do prisons work for all offenders?. Prison may cause more personal and social problems that we never expect. Also, children who sentenced to prisons have their own problems or difficulties before they getting sent to prison, it may include poor family backgrounds or drugs abuse, etc. These make the prison system more difficult to handle these children, and thus causing the problem of resources and management. Many concerning parties are doing different reforms as they want to reduce the number. Prison Reform Trust is one of the charities who promote alternatives to custody. It has launched a new campaign Out of Trouble especially helps those children and young people who are imprisoned in the UK. Also, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 36(d) stated that custody be used as a last resort. However, Prison Reform Trust criticized the juvenile court doesnt follow it strictly. Everyone understands that the statuses of children and adult are different, it is assumed that child should have more chance than adult. Children are important capital to our future society, so the prison system has greater responsibilities to help those youth offenders a better future. Under this perspective, people always argue about the purpose of imprisoning a child should be different from the adult one too. Society always place greater hope on these groups of vulnerable children. No matter the society, professionals or the government, they will put greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but the problem is how to make a balance between punishment and rehabilitation? The first thing to concern about is resources, thats the money-cost. Many news reports complained that youth custody spent too much but with an unpleasant outcome in return. Every year many millions of pounds are wasted for locking up children for committing both violent and non-violent offences, it is extremely costly but fails to reduce the amount of crime. According to the report Punishing costs: How locking up children is making Britain less safe(2010), Aleksi Knuutila stated that holding a child in prison costs about  £100,000 a year in England and Wales. Prison Trust Reform always argues that some very minor offences will result in custodial sentences, and they state that non-violent crime offenders should not be sentenced to prison as it is a waste of resources. However, the Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Antisocial Behavior (2010) showed a disappointing result of reconviction rate, three quarters of all young people leaving custody re-offend within a year which means almost three out of four young offenders reoffend within a year after they release. We have already paid many millions for these youths, but we just did very little to change their behavior and protect the society. Except the money cost, we can see that the present system has limit ability to help these vulnerable child back to the right tracks. At first, people believe harsher punishment can help to deter them from doing further criminal behavior. But the truth is that the lives in prison make youngsters get closer to crime, or even breeding them into professional criminals. This is one of the struggle points for the prison system to manage and allocate those youngsters in the right places. The prison system also needs to try their best to ensure that children in prison still have their proper lives, which include giving them educational support and mentally support. As children are valuable capitals to our future society, although they did something wrong, they still have the chance to learn. Education is important to youngsters at any places, this can help youngsters to build up different kinds of skills and abilities, thus integrate back to normal life easier when they release. Most of the public support that youth institutions should give education and training to the children in prisons, this places great pressure on the prison system yet they have already put a lot of resources in providing children different education and training inside the prisons. Moreover, there is still statistics showed that the prison system is not doing enough for the children. According to the report Training planning for children and young people (2010), it stated that prisons are failing to adequately prepare young people for release. One of the problems is that there is lack of accredited offending behavior programmes for the young prisoners. Even those young prisoners set up some targets for their training plans, they may not find suitable programme to achieve them through the imprisonment period. Also, it is reported that many children release from prisons till have difficulties in their learning. This showed that the prison system doesnt spend well, and they cannot learn what they should learn in the prisons. Special attention should also be put on childs psychological needs. Inside the prison, juvenile will be allocated into different cells. It is not easy to adapt the prison lives, and it may cause them different psychological problems, such as depression. The Standing committee for youth justice report (2010) stated that Boys in custody are 18 times more likely to suicide than children in the community. We can see that it is a serious problem inside the prisons. However, it is not possible for all prison officers to have specific training to handle these problems. If the problem is ignored for a certain period of time, it may cause them suffer from some more serious mental problems. Handling the psychological needs of offenders has become one of the responsibilities of the prison system, but resources are limited for them. Again, it places greater pressure on prisons work. Evidences of reconviction rate have also showed that the present prison system is failing to restore and rehabilitate children in their prison lives. The prison system should ensure the children learn from their mistakes and the moral values through their sentences. It is important for youngsters to understand what is right and wrong, and why they are punished, it can reduce the possibilities of reoffending. However, it may bring some negative effects to the child and society, and even cannot facilitate them in reintegration and rehabilitation. Organizations of protecting children always advocate the use of community sentences, for this, children can learn from community and learn in community. Community support is important to youth offenders, if they build up good relationship with the community, they can be integrate back into the community more easily. However, the prison system does not do much in this area and still has rooms for improvement. As mentioned above, youth prison is required to do differently. Not only punishing them for their wrongdoings, but to fix their brain. It is important to do more about rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration. Children are vulnerable and relatively inexperienced with the world, they are easily affected by the external factors. If child only arrange to do some routine works in prison, it is impossible for us to change their behavior. The system need to develop a different approach for them as it has greater responsibilities to restore and reform them. However, it is not a simple task. Setting up and working with a system which is different from the adult system, it has already made child in custody under 18 the most pressing issue in the prison system. Prison officers have many challenging works like providing children proper educational support in prison, taking care of child psychological needs, working with communities, doing work of rehabilitation, etc. All these work has given the prison system many challenges and making the child in custody under 18 becomes the most pressing issue in the prison system. Words : 1541 References Standing Committee for Youth Justice (2010), Raising the custody threshold. Available from:, The Howard League for Penal Reform Web site: http://www.scyj.org.uk/files/Raising_the_custody_threshold_SummaryAug10_FINAL.pdf [Accessed: November 2, 2010] Youth Justice Board (2010), Youth justice system : Custody figures . Available from:, Youth Justice Board Web site: http://www.yjb.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/643A66F6-0DFC-4621-90C0-8EA27AD9FA99/0/SecureMonthlyReportAugust2010.xls [Accessed: November 2, 2010]. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1990), United Nations Convention on the Rights. Available from:, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Web site: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm [Accessed: November 2, 2010]. Aleksi Knuutila (2010), Punishing costs: How locking up children is making Britain less safe. Available from:, The New Economics Foundation Web site: http://www.outoftrouble.org.uk/sites/default/files/nef_Punishing_Costs_0.pdf [Accessed: November 5, 2010] The Independent Commission On Youth Crime and Antisocial Behavior (2010), Time for a fresh start. Available from:, the Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Antisocial Behavior Web site: http://www.youthcrimecommission.org.uk/attachments/076_FreshStart.pdf [Accessed: November 5, 2010]. Inspectorate of Prisons (2010), Training planning for children and young people. Available from:, Youth Justice Board Web site: http://www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-prisons/docs/Training_Planning_Thematic_rps.pdf [Accessed: November 5, 2010].

Automobile Sector Analysis: Five Forces and SWOT

Automobile Sector Analysis: Five Forces and SWOT 1. Overview of the automobile sector Five forces analysis Competitive Rivalry between Existing Players: High Competition between existing automobile companies is high. Although the automobile market was dominated by the three big auto manufacturers in US, Toyota and Honda in Japan, the situation is changed. With the growing demand in emerging market, the emerging competitors in China and India may drive an intensified price competition. However, the competition could also focus on the safety, warranty and financial services etc. Threat of New Entrants: Medium Although the entrant barrier is high for the automobile industry because the requirement of capital and technology, an increasing number of automobile manufacturers are emerging in China and Asia due to the economic expansion and growing demand. However, these automakers are in the development status and may not catch up the leading technology in Japan and US, so the threat from new entrants is medium. Threats of Substitutes: Low Customers could choose to switch to transportation means other than automobile such as bicycles, buses and subways. However, the automobile is still the favourite despite the relevant high cost than other mentioned transportation means because its flexibility, comfort and convenience. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Low In automobile industry, the component supplier has little bargaining power because the manufacturer could switch to other suppliers easily. On the other hand, the components are generally low value and the suppliers find it difficult to bargain with automakers. Bargaining Power of Customers: High The competition in the automobile industry is intense as mentioned above. So the customers have many choices on the brands and models. Customers care about the quality, price, safety, comfort, appearance of the car. Recently, customers are also more and more concerned about the environmental effect of the automobile and the energy efficiency. So the customers get more and more bargaining power in automobile industry. 2. Toyota Motor Company 2.1 Overview of the company Company profile Toyota Motor Corp. is one of the largest and leading automobiles manufacturers in the globe. It operates in three main business segments; the two biggest are automobile and financial services whereas the third one is comprised by many smaller other divisions. It is spread worldwide as it has 50 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries and regions Toyota designs, manufactures and sales passenger cars of several types and utilities, trucks, tractors and material handling equipment, minivans and other car accessories. Its products can be divided into 2 main categories, conventional and hybrid vehicles. The company sells its products under Toyota, Lexus, Hino and Daihatsu brands The company is also engaged in the financial industry as it provides financing to its customers and dealers. It is also involved in housing, marine, e-commercial, ITS and biotechnological activities. Toyota sells its vehicles in more than 170 countries and regions worldwide. Toyotas primary markets are Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. It is headquartered in Toyota City, Japan and employed around 316,121 people as on March 31, 2008 Strategy Analysis Toyotas strategy can be summarised under three key principles; growth, efficiency and stability. These are the three priorities the companys management will pursue to achieve future sustainable growth and increase the economic value. Growth will be achieved through continuous investment mainly in hybrid vehicle segment to meat the increasing demand. Efficiency is mainly focused on cost management and further reduction in order for the company to be able to provide high quality products in affordable prices and maintain its competitive advantages. Stability will be ensured by maintaining a solid financial base. Within the economic downturn it is important for Toyota to maintain sufficient liquidity in order to continue to finance its investments in research and development of new technologies, which is an integral and essential part of the companys advantages. Peer Group As Toyota operates in the global market its competitors come from all around the world. Its major competitors are BMW AG, DaimlerChrysler AG, Fiat S.p.A., Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., PSA Peugeot, Renault S.A., Volkswagen AG and many others SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Strong overall financial performance Strong reputation and quality Strong position is Asian market Research and development Production pipeline system and cost management Diversified product portfolio Financial services are still undeveloped Huge expenses on pensions and post-retirement benefits Opportunities Threats Increasing demand for hybrid and environmental-friendly cars Expansion in emerging Asian markets Financial and other non-auto division development New car models Global economic crisis Strong competition in automotive industry Yen and US dollar exchange rates Tight environmental regulations on carbon emissions Problems with specific components of sold cars. (Recent brake problem) 2.1. Key Financials Analysis 31/3/2009 31/3/2008 31/3/2007 31/3/2006 31/3/2005 Sales 207,852.40 264,120.58 202,821.01 178,294.05 173,443.60 Operating Income -4,667.52 22,809.82 18,959.84 15,919.51 15,192.39 Net Income Available to Common -4,423.79 17,259.05 13,923.62 11,629.63 10,950.45 Total Assets 292,725.95 324,979.61 275,051.76 242,604.35 227,515.08 Total Liabilities 185,398.39 199,132.47 169,488.89 148,104.55 138,230.49 Common Equity 101,865.07 119,249.79 100,242.15 89,502.94 84,563.86 Net Cash Flow Operating Activities 14,724.7 26,357.6 27,783.5 22,136.2 22,144.6 * IMPORTANT First year to report losses * Stable increase in sales Decline in 2009 greatly affects income * Severe decrease in cash flow from operating activities, nearly 50% * Very big difference between sales and operating income points out severe cost expenses for the company. As this differences is constantly increasing it is not far from the truth to say that Toyota is gradually loosing its competitive advantages in cost efficiency against its competitors. * General trend in key financial s shows a steady and permanent increase until 2008 and a sharp decline in 2009, due to severe problems of economic recession and its great impact on automobiles industry. This trend applies for almost all financial s, pointing out that the companys performance as a whole followed a movement like this. 2.3. Multiples analysis 31/3/2009 31/3/2008 31/3/2007 31/3/2006 31/3/2005 Price To Earnings -22.43 9.19 14.74 15.25 11.23 Price To Book 0.97 1.32 2.04 1.97 1.44 Price To Cash Flow 7.41 4.83 7.83 7.80 5.87 Price To Sales 0.5 0.7 0.8 1.0 0.7 * Multiples follow companys general trend, namely increase until 2007 and then decreasing sharply * Consistent with overall picture of company, multiple analysis show the economic downturn of the entity from 2007 onwards * Point to mention: negative P/E ratio. Markets expectation about company looks really slim. The economic crisis, alongside with its severe problems generating income and its recently damaged reputation, create really unfortunate future prospects for Toyota. The negative P/E ratio and specifically its magnitude (-22) implies that nobody is neither willing to pay to buy the companys share nor expecting any profit generation. * Very sharp decline as well; 31.62 units is something extremely noticeable. If we focus on decline itself, it shows an extremely quick unfavorable turn of the market towards the company. 2.4. Companys performance 31/3/2009 31/3/2008 31/3/2007 31/3/2006 31/3/2005 Profitability Return on Equity -3.98 14.49 14.68 14.00 13.60 Operating Profit Margin -2.25 8.64 9.35 8.93 8.76 Asset Utilization Total Assets Turnover 0.71 0.81 0.74 0.73 0.76 Net Sales % Working Capital 28.93 180.70 1412.62 29.78 15.30 Gearing EBITDA / Interest Expense 20.94 86.19 77.33 153.70 146.20 Long Term Debt/ Common Equit 62.63 50.40 52.92 53.41 55.44 Valuation Investment Earnings Per Share -1.41 5.43 4.34 3.57 3.32 Dividend Yield Close 3.21 2.82 1.59 1.40 1.63 Liquidity Quick Ratio 0.81 0.77 0.76 0.81 0.87 Current Ratio 1.07 1.01 1.00 1.07 1.15 * Negative profitability in 2009 * Fluctuating sales/working capital as a result of fluctuation if investments (working capital) * Gearing increase in 2009 at the same time with high decrease of interest cover * Stable and quite low liquidity 2.5. Cash Flow analysis 31/3/2009 31/3/2008 31/3/2007 31/3/2006 31/3/2005 Cash Flow Operating Activities 14,724.7 26,357.6 27,783.5 22,136.2 22,144.6 Cash Flow Investing Activities (12,265.3) (34,254.0) (32,727.4) (29,704.4) (28,591.6) Cash Flow Financing Activities 6,967.4 6,242.7 7,565.6 7,716.8 3,917.0 Effect of exchange rates -1,294.04 -749.27 218.18 604.94 232.09 Net Cash Flow 8,132.86 -2,402.99 2,839.91 753.58 -2,297.85 * Severe decrease in cash flow from operating activities, nearly 50% which vividly affects its operating income * Extreme decrease in investing activities around 70%, probably caused by cash shortage and policy change. The company issued a new project with main goal to improve profits and cover operating expenses and as a result we see a large negative impact in new investments. * Financing activities exhibit a stationary trend over the past few years indicating the stable financial policy of the entity. * Adverse effects of exchange rates during the last two years indicating the risk the company runs because of the Yens depreciation to the U.S dollar and the Euro. 2.6. Stock Performance The companys share performance seems to move according to the index, with the trend to over perform it constantly. We can see the decline of the shares price, which started right before the end of 2008, following the global economic recession. At the turning point, which is in the beginning of 2009, we observe a relatively high trading volume, probably indicating the forthcoming upward movement. It is also really significant to point out the extreme high trading volume observed during the first months of 2010, followed by a new decline of the shares price. This reflects the problems that Toyota is facing nowadays. There is a considerable lack of trust from the market towards the company which is mainly caused by its severely damaged reputation and loss of quality. 3. Ford Motor Company 3.1 Overview of the company A . Company profile The group operates in two segments: Automotive and Financial Services. For the automotive segment which consists of Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo has a main operating activity in manufacturing, sale and service of component for cars and trucks. The Financial services segment is included of financing, insurance and leasing regarding to cars, trucks, industrial equipment, construction equipment and other activities. The company has operation in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia- Pacific. B. Strategy Analysis  · One Ford The Company has initiated the new strategy called â€Å"One Ford† which has detail as follow: o ONE TEAM focuses the significant of team work in order to reach the automotive leadership. The measurement is satisfactory of business partners, employees, investors, and related companies. o ONE PLAN: The four-step plan has been established which composed of: balance between cost structure and revenue; develop new product follow customer preference; develop balance sheet status and finance the plan; and cooperation around the world to leverage companys resources. o ONE GOAL: That is â€Å"to create an exciting and viable company with profitable growth for all†. Ford has started the restructuring business process before the economic crisis which the Company has reduced the excess capacity, closed some unprofitable plants and lower excess workforce. In addition, Ford has improved the product line in term of higher quality, more safety, use less energy and more economic. * Affordable Fuel Economy: Focusing on deliver fuel efficiency engine to the market. For example, the 2010 Ford Fusion is now Americas most fuel efficient midsize sedan for both the hybrid and conventional gasoline models. * Electrification strategy: plan to bring pure batteryelectric vehicles, next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid to market quickly and more affordably over the next four years. * Safety leadership: Ford got totaling 16 models picked from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which more than other brands. * EcoBoostâ„ ¢ Engine: delivers significant gains in fuel economy along with a great performance drive feel. C. Peer Group Fords peer group is Daimler AG, Fiat Spa ¸ Honda Motor Company Limited, Motors Liquidation Company, Nissan Motor Company Limited, Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen AG. D. Fords SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses l Wide geographic Operate throughout the world and has a strong market in North America, Europe and Asia. Sales of each region of 2008 are 49%, 39% and 12% respectively. The well diversified market of ford reduces the risk of economic problem in specific area. l Brand royalty Ford has renowned reputation about quality and also owns other renowned brands such as Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. l Quality car Ford owns totaling 16 models of car that rated as safety car by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety l Product Recall Experienced many recalled products due to the quality of defective cruise control switch which may cause fire. Even though there is no fire cases reported but the Companys reputation is negative affected. l Negative operating result l Low gross margin GSKs long-term debt increased by 115.5% in 2008, which may lead to problems such as heavy interest payment, risk of having too little working capital and even increasing possibilities of bankruptcy. l Too much long-term debt This may lead to problems such as heavy interest payment, risk of having too little working capital and even increasing possibilities of bankruptcy. Opportunities Threats l Expanding market in emerging market Ford has a plan to expand its sale in the emerging market which has great buying power in the future. l Eco-friendly engine Ford has high reputation in the eco-friendly engine such as hybrid engine which has very promising market. l Fuel efficiency Ford found another opportunity in the market for fuel-efficient in small and middle car. l High competition Due to new competitor, lower demand and excess capacity. l Economic crisis Economic crisis and regression in USA where is the main market of Ford caused severe effect to the Company. 3.2. Key Financial Analysis Source: ThomsonFinancial Scaling Factor : 1,000,000 USD Currency: USD 12/31/08 12/31/07 12/31/06 12/31/05 12/31/04 Net Sales or Revenues 146,277.00 172,455.00 160,123.00 177,089.00 171,652.00 Operating Income 3,518.00 8,031.00 -8,167.00 7,010.00 10,681.00 Earnings Before Interest And Taxes (EBIT) -4,885.00 6,792.00 -6,689.00 9,354.00 11,669.00 Interest Expense On Debt 9,682.00 10,927.00 8,783.00 7,643.00 7,071.00 Net Income Available to Common -14,681.00 -2,764.00 -12,615.00 2,441.00 3,634.00 Total Assets 215,773.00 276,459.00 275,337.00 264,891.00 294,447.00 ST Debt Current Portion of LT Debt 63,972.00 61,052.00 62,456.00 59,904.00 66,433.00 Long Term Debt 90,716.00 107,478.00 109,593.00 94,428.00 106,540.00 Total Liabilities 231,889.00 269,410.00 277,643.00 250,812.00 277,525.00 Common Equity -17,311.00 5,628.00 -3,465.00 12,957.00 16,045.00  · Net sales decreased from 2007 about 15% as the economic crisis in the State which is the main market of Ford. The Company has had substantial losses from operation since 2006.  · Ford has high outstanding of long-term loan which may causes liquidity deficiency or bankruptcy if the Company still has continuously loss in the future.  · As a result of net losses from operation since 2006, Ford has had negative shareholders equity since then. 3.3. Multiples Analysis MONTHLY HISTORICAL MARKET PRICES Y2008 Y2007 Y2006 Y2005 Y2004 January 6.64 8.13 8.58 13.17 14.54 February 6.53 7.91 7.97 12.65 13.75 March 5.72 7.89 7.96 11.33 13.57 April 8.26 8.04 6.95 9.11 15.36 May 6.80 8.34 7.16 9.98 14.85 June 4.81 9.42 6.93 10.24 15.65 July 4.80 8.51 6.67 10.74 14.72 August 4.46 7.81 8.37 9.97 14.11 September 5.20 8.49 8.09 9.86 14.05 October 2.19 8.87 8.28 8.32 13.03 November 2.69 7.51 8.13 8.13 14.18 December 2.29 6.73 7.51 7.72 14.64 . 5 Year 5 Year VALUATION Y2008 Y2007 Y2006 Y2005 Y2004 Y2003 Growth Rate Average P/E Ratio (High) -1.36 -6.93 -1.41 12.94 9.63 34.66 -1.04 2.57 P/E Ratio (Low) -0.16 -4.75 -0.90 6.64 7.01 13.16 -1.01 P/E Ratio (Close) -0.35 -4.81 -1.12 6.77 8.13 32.00 -1.01 1.73 Price/Sales 0.04 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.18 0.18 -0.80 0.10 Price/Book Value -0.32 2.62 -4.14 1.14 1.74 2.62 -3.94 0.21 Price/Cash Flow 0.44 1.24 1.76 0.70 1.11 1.35 -0.67 1.05 Price/Working Capital 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.16 7.78 TARenderChart.png * P/E ratio turned to be negative since net losses from operation since 2006 and also the market price has continuously decreased from 8.58 in the beginning of 2006 to 2.29 at the end of 2008. * P/B ratio had negative value in 2008 from the negative book value of Ford. 3.4. Companys performance Worldscope Currency: USD PROFITABILITY RATIOS 12/31/08 12/31/07 12/31/06 12/31/05 12/31/04 Return On Invested Capital 0.25 1.92 1.95 2.95 3.32 Operating Profit Margin 2.43 2.94 3.12 5.02 6.54 ASSETS UTILIZATION RATIOS Asset Turnover 0.63 0.60 0.59 0.59 0.58 Net Sales Pct Working Capital 10.62 6.21 5.68 11.06 41.64 LEVERAGE RATIOS EBITDA / Interest Expense -0.50 0.62 -0.76 1.22 1.65 LT Debt Pct Common Equity -76.88 233.49 316.38 1,268.12 1,229.66 LIQUIDITY RATIOS Quick Ratio 1.05 1.08 1.12 1.08 1.03 Current Ratio 1.21 1.25 1.30 1.25 1.19  · Profitability ratios do not show the good performance as Ford has had net loss from operation since 2006.  · Leverage ratios also go in the same trends as a result of negative equity and high outstanding balance of long-term loan.  · Liquidity ratios present that Ford still can generate cash to supply its working capital but if consider to the long-term debts Ford may cannot provide enough cash to support its debt payment since these ratios are still in the low range compared with its debt outstanding amount. 3.5. Cash flow analysis Source: ThomsonFinancial Scaling Factor : 1,000,000 USD Currency: USD 12/31/08 12/31/07 12/31/06 12/31/05 12/31/04 Net Cash Flow From Operating Activities -179.00 17,074.00 9,609.00 21,674.00 22,591.00 Net Cash Flow From Investing Activities 3,143.00 6,457.00 24,862.00 -7,462.00 8,567.00 Long Term Borrowings 42,163.00 33,113.00 58,258.00 24,559.00 22,223.00 Inc(Dec) In ST Borrowings -5,120.00 919.00 -5,825.00 -8,591.00 4,937.00 Reduction In Long Term Debt 46,299.00 39,431.00 36,601.00 36,080.00 36,021.00 Net Cash Flow From Financing Activities -9,104.00 -5,242.00 15,273.00 -20,651.00 -14,226.00  · The Company cannot generated sufficient cash from operation and had negative net cash flow from operation. Moreover the Company had to pay interest expenses for loans and had high net cash paid for financing activity. 3.6. Stock market performance  · Ford shares have been traded lower than SP500 since 2001 until 2010. Especially since 2006 that the operating results had continuous substantial losses. 4. Honda Motor Company Limited 4.1. Introduction Honda Motor is one of leading automobile manufacturers in the world. The company develops, manufactures and markets automobiles, motorcycles and power products. The company also provides financing services to the dealer and customer for the sale of products. Honda has global operations in areas including North, South and Central America, Asia, Middle East, and Europe with its headquarter at Tokyo in Japan. Strategy analysis Honda Motor has three strategies. They are â€Å"Staying Close to Customers†, â€Å"glocalization† and â€Å"five region strategy†. Staying close to customers mean the maintenance of the qualities of a small company, Provide value product with flexibility and efficiency as a small company does and maintain global reach and technology advantage as a large company does is the drive to the future growth of Honda. Glocalization means the effort to launch subsidiaries in regions that could best meet the demand of local customers and expand the subsidiaries as the local demand increases. Five region strategy requires the operations focus on five areas the world. They are North America, South America, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Asia/Oceania and Japan. The management decisions are served to suit the situation in different areas. The advanced RD capacity equips the Honda to provide flexible products to adjust the need of these regions. Business activities The company operates through four business segments: the automobile business, motorcycle business, financial services, and power products. The automobiles business division manufactures passenger cars, multi-wagons, minivans, port utility vehicle, sports coupe and mini vehicles. Hondas automobiles use gasoline engines of three, four or six-cylinder, diesel engines and gasoline-electric hybrid systems. Honda also offers alternative fuel-powered vehicles such as natural gas, ethanol, and fuel cell vehicles. In 2008, the company sold 3,925,000 units of automobiles. The motorcycle business produces a range of motorcycles, including scooters, electric-motor-assisted bicycles, sports bikes and large touring cycles. Hondas motorcycles use gasoline engines developed by Honda that are air or water cooled, two or four cycled, and single, two, four or six cylinder. In 2008, the company sold a total of 9,320,000 units of motorcycles. Honda offers a variety of financial services to its customers and dealers through its widespread finance subsidiaries. Hondas power products manufactures a variety of power products including power tillers, portable generators, general purpose engines, grass cutters, outboard engines, water pumps, snow throwers, power carriers, power sprayers, lawn mowers and lawn tractors (riding lawn mowers). Honda also manufactures the major components and parts used in its products, including engines, frames and transmissions. Peer Group The globalization of the Honda motor makes it face the global intense competition. The competitors include Ford Motor, Nissan Motor, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen etc.(in the automobile sector) and Yamaha Motor, Harley-Davidson etc.(in the motor vehicle industry). SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses l Global diversification The company operates a total of 397 subsidiaries, and 104 affiliates all over the world. l Leading market position and good brand image Honda is one of the largest vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers over the world with strong brand strength. l Strong Research and Development capacity The large investment in RD could equip Honda the capability to differentiate itself in the intense competitive market. l Declining Market Share in Sector Evident of decline in unit sales and lost of market shares in the automobile industry. l Low employee productivity Honda has a weak proportion on the number of employees and the revenues. Opportunities Threats l Growing demand in Asian market Honda has taken measures to occupy the huge potential Asian market. l Growing demand in hybrid electric vehicles The companys emphasis on hybrid technology innovation will capture market trends as an opportunity to enhance its market share. l Global competition The competition would result in price pressure and thus reduce the profitability. l Tightening emission regulations The emission standards will cause Honda to occur more costs in product development, testing and manufacturing process design. 4.2. Key Financials Analysis Source: ThomsonFinancial Currency: JPY Scaling Factor : 1000000 JPY 31/3/2009 31/3/2008 31/3/2007 31/3/2006 31/3/2005 Sales 10,011,241.00 12,002,834.00 11,087,140.00 9,907,996.00 8,650,105.00 Operating Income 189,643.00 953,109.00 851,879.00 730,889.00 630,920.00 Net Income Available to Common 137,005.00 600,039.00 592,322.00 597,033.00 486,197.00 Total Assets 11,579,494.00 12,439,610.00 11,964,917.00 10,533,995.00 9,187,808.00 Total Liabilities 7,449,150.00 7,753,539.00 7,359,399.00 6,320,785.00 5,828,513.00 Common Equity 4,007,288.00 4,544,265.00 4,482,611.00 4,125,750.00 3,289,294.00 Net Cash Flow Operating Activities 383641 1126918 904525 576557 746624 l The operating income reduces dramatically, approximately 80% from the previous years result. This result is caused by the severe decline in the sales and the consequently increase in inventory cost. l Before 2009, all the s are in a healthy and steady upward trend. But in the fiscal year ended at 31st march 2009, the volumes all experienced a dramatic decline. They are caused by the sales plunge. l The declines trends are due to the economic recession caused by the financial crisis because the demand in Japan, US and Europe shrank. The automobile industry faces a severe challenge and most companies in the sector reported unsatisfactory results. 4.3. Multiple analysis 31/3/2009 31/3/2008 31/3/2007 31/3/2006 31/3/2005 Price To Earnings 30.7 8.6 10.3 Price To Book 1.0 1.1 1.6 1.5 Price To Cash Flow 4.6 4.2 6.8 Price To Sales 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.6 l Although the P/E ratio increases significantly, its not a good sign. The increase in P/E ratio is not due to the high expectation of the investors and the fundamentals such as growth opportunities. Instead, the soaring P/E is the result of the plummeting earnings to common shareholders. l The price to book ratio and price to sales declined in 2008 and 2009, indicating the declining