Declaration of Independence from Ap Homework

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one student to dissolve the burden of excessive and unnecessary work, and to assume, among the powers of the earth to which the laws of nature entitle them, the right to freedom of arbitrary busy work requires that they should state the reasons which impel them to the dissolution. We hold these truths to be apparent: that students are expected by the law and society to attend school in order to prepare them for the world and their future careers. That school they are expected to complete the work assigned to them. That the work assigned in school is intended to better the students in their study of that particular subject. But when this work that is intended to be beneficial is so excessive that it is actually detrimental, it is the right and the duty of the students to speak out and declare this flaw in the school system. Such has been the patient sufferance of students afflicted by the homework assigned in AP classes. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. It has caused me to lose countless hours of sleep, therefore causing me to be less attentive, preventing me from reaching my full potential in school, which it exactly what it is meant not to do. It has disregarded the fact that I have many other stresses weighing on me and deliberately adds to it tremendously. It has deprived me of the majority of my free time outside of school. It has prevented me from completing the entirety of my homework almost every single day, affecting my grades and my overall GPA. It has forced me to care more about the minimum amount of work I need to complete than the actual subject itself. It has kept me from completing the tasks I am responsible for at home. A system that is the cause of all these consequences listed is not a pragmatic system, and therefore the students have a right to demand change for the well-being of their future. We call attention to the teachers who assign such homework. We have countless times pleaded for teachers to decrease the amount of homework they assign, with valid reasons for doing so. Yet they disregard us and assign excessive and unnecessary homework. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of rationality. Therefore, until there is change, we the students declare complete separation from AP homework, and the teachers that assign it as well. We, therefore, the representatives of the future of our world, the students, by the authority of the right to our own future, declare the complete and total dissolution of excessive and unnecessary AP homework. We the students have the right to the freedom of such work by the fact that we determine the future and we have a duty to protect it.

Pinkerton’s Detective Agenc Essay

Pinkerton (A) Late one afternoon in November 1987, Tom Wathen, sole owner and CEO of California Plant Protection (CPP), sat in his office staring at two financing plans. Wathen was trying to decide whether or not he should increase his $85 million bid to purchase Pinkerton’s—the legendary security guard firm—from its current owner, American Brands. On the previous day, Wathen had been told by Morgan Stanley, American Brands’ investment banker, that his bid of $85 million had been rejected and that nothing less than $100 million would be accepted. While Wathen was elated at still being in the deal, he had a problem. CPP’s board of directors had reluctantly approved the earlier $85 million bid and were sure to balk at a $100 million bid. Wathen desperately wanted to buy Pinkerton’s, but was not sure how much it was worth or how to finance it. Wathen knew he had to act now or miss this unprecedented growth opportunity and probably his last chance to be one of the industry’s biggest players. The Security Guard Industry The security guard industry had two segments: (1) proprietary guards and (2) contract guards. While both types of guards performed similar services, a proprietary guard was an employee on the payroll of a nonsecurity firm. Contract guards were â€Å"rented† from specialist suppliers like Pinkerton’s, CPP, Wackenhut, and Baker Industries. The historical growth of the contract guard segment of the industry was due in part to companies concluding that they gained operating flexibility by contracting out their security needs as opposed to managing their own security operations. By late 1987, security guard services was a $10 billion industry growing at 6% a year. But the industry was also mature, fragmented, and price-competitive. As a result there was an ongoing trend toward consolidation at the expense of smaller, local guard companies whose employees were often imperfectly screened and  poorly trained. Pinkerton’s The security guard industry began in 1850 when Allan Pinkerton founded the Pinkerton’s Detective Agency. The firm gained fame in the nineteenth century with its pursuit of such outlaws as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In the film portrait of that pair, Paul Newman repeatedly asks Robert Redford, â€Å"Who are those guys?† Those â€Å"guys† were Pinkerton’s men and women. Pinkerton ran his firm until he died in 1884. The company was then headed by four generations of Pinkertons until the family’s reign ended in 1967 with the death of Robert Pinkerton. Adam S. Berger (MBA ’91), prepared this case under the supervision of Professor Scott P. Mason as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. American Brands, the $5 billion consumer goods company—with brand names such as Lucky Strike cigarettes, Jim Beam bourbon, Master locks, and Titleist golf balls—purchased Pinkerton’s for $162 million in 1982. American Brands made the acquisition in order to expand the service side of its business and because it saw the Pinkerton’s brand name as a great addition to â€Å"a company  of great brand names.† The Pinkerton family sold the company to American Brands because they felt the industry was becoming extremely price-competitive and therefore the company needed a strong parent to compete and grow. In 1987 Pinkerton’s was among the largest security guard firms in the United States, with sales over $400 million, 150 offices in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and a particular strength in the eastern United States. Exhibit 1 gives selected financial data for Pinkerton’s. California Plant Protection When Wathen bought CPP in 1963, the firm had 18 employees and revenues of $163,000. By 1987, Wathen had built CPP into a $250 million security guard company with 20,000 employees and 125 offices in 38 states and Canada. Exhibit 2 gives selected financial data for CPP. Wathen built CPP with his consummate marketing skills and the strategy of differentiating the firm with employee screening and continual training. CPP’s expansion was aided by the explosive growth of California’s economy and because the bigger, more established East Coast security guard firms had ignored the West Coast. While Wathen was the sole owner of CPP, he had a board of directors that he used as advisors. The board had three members: Albert Berger, James Hall, and Gerald Murphy. Berger was an entrepreneur, COO of an electrical connector firm and a CPP director since 1975. Hall was an attorney, a former vice president of MCA, the former California Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, and a CPP director since 1976. Murphy was president of ERLY Industries, a director of several companies, and a CPP director since 1975. CPP’s Acquisition of Pinkerton’s Wathen wanted to buy Pinkerton’s for several reasons. First, he had always had the goal of creating the largest firm in the security guard industry, and the acquisition of Pinkerton’s would put him in a virtual tie with Baker Industries—a subsidiary of Borg Warner and the largest provider of contract guard services. Secondly, Wathen had been convinced for some time that American Brands was mismanaging Pinkerton’s and destroying a great brand name with its pricing strategy. In October 1987, American Brands announced  it had decided to sell Pinkerton’s because the security guard firm no longer fit into Brands’s long-range business strategy. Upon this  announcement, Jerry Brown, CPP’s secretary and general counsel, recalls, â€Å"Tom [Wathen] called me in and from that moment I knew he was going to do whatever it took to buy Pinkerton’s. Tom was always hung up on being the largest, and on Pinkerton’s name.† Morgan Stanley, an investment bank, was to represent American Brands in the sale and the bidding promised to be hotly contested. A task force of senior managers was quickly formed to prepare CPP’s bid which they knew, given the time pressures of the sale, would not have the benefit of adequate preparation. The task force believed there were three ways CPP could create value by acquiring Pinkerton’s. The most obvious source of value would come from consolidating the operations of CPP and Pinkerton’s by eliminating common overhead expenses such as corporate headquarters, support staff, and redundant offices. Second, the task force believed that significant improvements could be made in the management of Pinkerton’s net working capital. The third source of value, and possibly a unique insight by Wathen and the CPP task force, was the Pinkerton’s name. They believed that, while the industry was highly price-competitive, the services of both Pinkerton’s and CPP could be successfully marketed under the Pinkerton’s name at a premium price. Specifically, the task force felt that even though higher prices could lead to reduced revenue, the resulting improvement in gross profit margins, due to the marketability of the Pinkerton’s name, would be su fficient to result in greater gross profits. For example, the  task force believed that a premium price strategy would definitely reduce Pinkerton’s revenues since that firm had acquired a significant amount of business since 1985 using a low-price/high market-share strategy. The new pricing strategy would result in Pinkerton’s revenues shrinking, in a smooth fashion, to 70% of their 1987 level by the end of 1990 and then growing at 5% a year thereafter. But the task force was uncertain in its estimate of the impact of the new strategy on profitability. They expected that the new pricing strategy would improve Pinkerton’s gross profit margins from 8.5% in 1988 to 9.0% in 1989, 9.5% in 1990, and 10.25% thereafter. The task force further expected the new strategy to produce higher margins for CPP, increasing the projected operating profit from CPP’s own business by $1.2 million in 1989, $1.5 million in 1990, $2.0 million in 1991, and $3 million in 1992. This increase in CPP’s projected operating profit would be over and above that level that would otherwise have been anticipated in those years, and was expected to grow at 5% a year, in line with sales, beyond 1992. (Exhibit 3 gives a five-year forecast of CPP’s net income and cash flow assuming Pinkerton’s is not acquired). However, the task force realized there was a distinct possibility that the new pricing strategy would have no impact on CPP’s projected operating profits, and Pinkerton’s gross margins would improve to only 8.5% in 1988, 8.75% in 1989, 9.0% in 1990, and 9.5% thereafter. The task force was confident that, as a result of eliminating common overhead, Pinkerton’s operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, could be reduced to 6% in 1988, 5.9% in 1989, and 5.8% in 1990 and beyond. The task force was also confident that Pinkerton’s net plant and equipment could be reduced to 4% of sales and maintained at that percentag e relationship for the foreseeable future. The task force was somewhat less confident in its estimate of improvements to the management of Pinkerton’s net working capital. This was due to concerns over the ability of CPP’s accounting department to handle a much larger and more geographically diverse operation. The task force expected that Pinkerton’s net working capital, as a percentage of sales, could be reduced to 8.6% in 1988, 7.4% in 1989, and 6.2% thereafter. However, if CPP’s accounting department experienced difficulties in integrating the two firms’ operations, then Pinkerton’s net working capital would remain at 9.5% of sales. The idea of CPP acquiring Pinkerton’s was not universally popular. Most of the investment banks and lenders contacted by CPP expressed negative feelings about the potential acquisition, citing inadequate cash flow and weak market conditions following the dramatic dislocation of the stock market in the previous month. However, a representative of Sutro & Co., a prominent West Coast investment bank, indicated he was â€Å"highly confident† he could get financing for the acquisition from either Manufacturers Hanover Trust Corporation or General Electric Credit Corporation. In addition, Wathen had some problems with CPP’s board of directors. For example, Berger thought there would be obvious synergies in merging the two businesses, but that there was not enough management depth at CPP capable of running the combined firms. According to Berger, there was no COO, no CFO, no marketing manager, and nobody to handle the day-to-day details of operating a $650 million firm. The last thing CPP needed was growth, Berger argued. He felt the field people could handle a larger firm, but the corporate management could not. Nonetheless, the task force pressed on with their analysis of Pinkerton’s. In addition to current financial market conditions, the analysis took special notice of Wackenhut, the only publicly traded security guard firm. (See Exhibits 4 and 5.) Only 12 days after receiving the details of the sale  from Morgan Stanley, and with the reluctant approval of his board, Wathen bid $85 million for Pinkerton’s. Wathen did not receive a response to his bid for two weeks. Through his own network, Wathen knew another firm had bid more than CPP and that Morgan  Stanley was negotiating with that firm. Wathen was disappointed that he might miss his last opportunity to be one of the biggest in the business. When Morgan Stanley finally called and told Wathen his $85 million bid was too low, and that nothing less than $100 million would be accepted, Wathen was elated that he had another chance to buy Pinkerton’s. But he suspected the reason Morgan Stanley had finally called him was that the other buyer had been unable to finance their higher bid. Financing a $100 Million Bid In a last ditch effort to improve his bid for Pinkerton’s, Wathen asked his investment banker to determine the options for financing a $100 million bid. The banker responded with only two alternatives. The first alternative came from an investment firm who would provide both debt and equity financing. The debt, in the amount of $75 million, would have a seven-year maturity and an 11.5% interest rate. The loan principal would not be amortized prior to maturity, at which time the entire $75 million would come due. Finally, this debt would be a senior obligation and be backed by all the assets of the new combined firm. The equity, in the amount of $25 million, would be provided in exchange for 45% of the equity in the new combined firm. The second alternative was a 100% debt financing offered by a bank. The bank would lend $100 million at the rate of 13.5% a year. The loan principal would be amortized at the rate of $5 million a year for six years, with a final payment of $70 million at the end of the seventh year. Again, this loan was collateralized by all of the assets of the new combined firm. Under either financing alternative, Wathen was very concerned about the required debt service. The new combined firm’s nonpublic, as well as high-leverage, status could make any cash flow problems over the next five years highly problematic. The task force also reminded Wathen that a $100 million purchase price would result in the creation of good will on his balance sheet which would have to be amortized at the rate of $5 million per year for the next 10 years.1 Wathen sat in his office and prepared to make the biggest decision of his career. As an entrepreneur and an experienced security guard executive, Wathen was sure Pinkerton’s was a good buy. However, he had routinely relied on his board and other advisers for  financial advice. His board had reluctantly approved his earlier bid of $85 million and was sure to balk at a $100 million bid. How could he justify a $100 million bid for Pinkerton, particularly in light of his earlier bid of $85 million? And if he was successful in convincing the board, how was he going to finance the acquisition?

A War On Women And Drugs Criminology Essay

A War On Women And Drugs Criminology Essay In 1986 Congress passed mandatory minimum sentencing. Federal mandatory drug sentences take the decision away from the judge and gives sentences based on: 1. The type of drug; 2. The weight or alleged weight of the drug mixture and 3. The number of prior convictions. The rise of women in prison seems to be correlated with US drug laws and policies. Many researchers argue that the war on drugs has directly become a war on women. In 1999, the Bureau of Justice Statistics documented that 1 in 3 women were likely serving time for a drug offense in comparison to 1 in 8 women in 1986. Three reasons often determine the involvement of women in the criminal justice system, the first would be a history of abuse, the second issue is disrupted family and personal relationships and finally the third is drug abuse. Women that end up in prison have usually been abused and/or battered, are economically disadvantaged, have abused drugs, and/or are minorities. Due to the circumstances just mentioned and stricter policies and laws regarding drugs the outcome is a drastic rise in the incarceration of women. If women are seen as victims of circumstance then they are basically adapting to the conditions of their lives and struggling to survive. The status of women in prison reflects their status in society; they are marginalized by racism and sexism. Women in prison have been damaged by the oppression of patriarchy, economic marginalization and the far-reaching effects of such short sighted and detrimental policies as the war on drugs and the over reliance on incarceration, (Owen, 2000). Female Offenders Women have become the new offender in the criminal justice system. Through the years the amount of women incarcerated has greatly risen. In 2000, there were more than 1 million women in the United States in prison, probation or parole, whereas in 1990 there were 600,000 in the same situation. The rise in the incarceration of women can be greatly attributed to US policies and laws o n drugs and drug related crimes. Women are usually minimally involved in drug crimes but are severely punished due to the mandatory minimum laws in place. The war on drugs does not have laws laid out specifically for men and women, the laws are universal and apply equally to both men and women. Drug laws were originally designed for the male criminal and did not take into account the special circumstances in women’s lives. These women that are being punished under the mandatory minimum drug laws are the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughters and girlfriends of many law abiding citizens in society. These women become involved in drug crimes because of their dependence to their significant other, whether it is financially, because of fear or other extenuating circumstance. Women who become victims of mandatory minimum laws are incarcerated and subject to patriarchal sentences because the men in their lives coerced, obliged or scammed them into carrying drugs . Women in jails and prisons are often oppressed and even victimized. There are many race and gender inequalities in the criminal justice system when it comes to addressing women and their needs. Women offenders are more likely to be incarcerated now than they were at any other time in the history of the United States. The legal system has become more willing to prosecute and incarcerate women than at any other time in the history of the United States.

Thin-Layer Chromatographic Analysis Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Thin-Layer Chromatographic Analysis - Lab Report Example 2) Aspirin has the ability to lower the possibility of cancer. According to a recent research, patients who use aspirin are 38% less affected by this disease. Also, using aspirin, it was possible to lower mortality from cancer by 15% and make metastasis less common (Clayden et al. 300). Undoubtedly, aspirin is highly versatile and can be used in multiple situations. But also it has side effects which must be considered before treatment with aspirin is undertaken. For example, aspirin lowers the possibility of formation of clotted blood in the body, which leads to lowering the risk of a stroke. Because of this aspirin cannot be used by people with tendencies to bleed. Also, aspirin cannot be used by pregnant women, because this drug increases the percentage of mortality of infants, stillbirths, prolongs pregnancy and promotes maternal bleeding. It is also important to note that children who recover from chicken pox or flu must never be treated with aspirin. As it is known, this drug significantly promotes Reye’s syndrome if given to children in the described conditions. In these cases, acetaminophren must be prescribed. On the diagram above a solvent that will be used in separation is placed inside a TLC vessel. Usually, no more than 1 cm thick is necessary. In order to prevent solvent evaporation, the vessel is closed with a lid. A TLC plate with two spots is placed inside the vessel. The first spot (Black) is a known compound; the second is unknown (White). Initially, both compounds start at the same level (a) and the solvent pushes both compounds up. Gradually, the plate becomes wet with the solvent. The plate should be removed once the solvent reaches the level (b), dried and placed under UV. If both spots travelled the same distance, then the compounds were identical; and they are different if the travel distances are different. Capillary force is a well-known force that moves the solvent up the TLC plate. During this movement the

Societal Changes in Women Status 30s-70s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Societal Changes in Women Status 30s-70s - Essay Example These changes as represented by the pendulum have political and economic influences being the major cause affecting these changes. However, individual women have impressively changed the concept of the woman as gender perception as seen by Maya Angelou who during the world second war aspired to be a street car conductor and ended up being the first African American street car conductor thanks to her relentless applications (Collins, 2003). In his intriguing and captivating book, Collins gives examples of heroines like Hannah Dustan who in 1697 escaped from her captors by slitting them and returned to her home to a jubilated welcome. The book gives a wide range of inspiring examples of women thus the other meaning of the pendulum swinging wide. There are quite a number of historical facts that paved way to the behavior of women in the 20th century particularly between the 1930s to the 1970s. For example, in 1637 the law had to be changed after Ann fowler was sentenced to 20 lashes when she verbally abused a county justice by the name of Adam Thorowgood in Virginia (Walsh, 2010). It was then stated that husbands were no longer liable for damages caused by their wives. In Pennsylvania, single impoverished women were forced to wear bras with the letter P which stood for pauper whenever they appeared in public. In world war two, there were over 1000 women pilots, but they could only fly planes that were grounded. This meant that they could not leave the ground, so they only towed the planes for either takeoff or landing for inexperienced male pilots. Despite this, over 80% of the reading public was female at the time. This had a positive impact on American scholarship history, for women were inevitably placed on the same class as the men. The book celebrates women like the Grimke sisters, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Jane Addams, and Dolores Huerta who have arguably influenced the behavior of women in the 1920s and beyond. It is reported that the American Government and cultural leaders sent mixed messages to women regarding their social status, work, education and family through domestic policies gender roles and design of their positions in society. The American government having been influenced by philosophical advocates under nongovernmental organizations on gender equality weakened the family by legitimizing divorce. It also had no policy that supports in any way, infertile women giving rise to promiscuity and rise of immorality. More so infertile women had a high probability of dying during pregnancy and feared to give birth leading to a lower birthrate during the 1920s, and the government still did not address this issue (Smith, 2005). The cultural leaders particularly the Catholics in the na me of ‘modernity’ reduced the number of grants for memorial masses for the dead. This in turn no longer inspired the young generation to give birth to a new generation. So population did not grow as intended, and marriage, which is the sole unit for conception was not as recognized as should have been. In his book ‘utopia against the family’ Bryce J. Christensen mentions organizations like the American home economics declaring that families have nothing to do with blood marriage legal ties or adoption, instead states that it is of two or more persons who share similar resources, responsibilities goals and virtues over a period of time. Politicians and the media have picked this mentality and spread it

Compare and contrast christianity and hinduism Essay

Compare and contrast christianity and hinduism - Essay Example Christians believe in the holy book Bible that is completely different from the holy book of Hindus i.e. Gita. Christians and Hindus have different holy days. Hindus celebrate Holi and Diwali while Christians celebrate Christmas. Concept of life is completely different between Hinduism and Christianity. Hindus believe that every individual is blessed with seven life chances. That essentially means that an individual does not end up on death as per the Hindu belief. Instead, one gains birth seven times before diminishing from this world. Also, one may not necessarily gain life as a human in the next life. What one is blessed or cursed with in a particular life depends upon the deeds one did in the preceding life period. On the other hand, Christians believe in only one life period, like followers of most other religions do. One happens to be in the eternal world after death as per the Christian belief. Christians eat beef whereas Hindus worship cows. This is one of the biggest differences between Hinduism and Christianity. Hindus burn the dead ones and flow the remains of the burnt in the Ganga Jamna, which are their sacred waters. Christians burry their dead ones like Muslims. While comparing Christianity and Hinduism, one finds more differences than similarities. In fact, there is hardly anything similar between Christianity and Hinduism. However, some of the similarities that exist are these: Christians and Hinduism fundamentally believe in one God. No Hindu or Christian is atheist. Both have a belief in the eternal world that follows life in this world. Both Hindus and Christians have their own ideals that are bestowed upon them in order to teach them what is right and what is wrong. Hindus follow Karma and Christians follow Jesus. The extent to which a Hindu and Christian practices his/her religion is decided by the level of compliance with the teachings of Karma and Jesus respectively

The scholarships solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The scholarships solution - Essay Example rights advocates have made unsuccessful efforts to ensure that victims of historical injustices are provided with compensation as a means to show justice and fairness. Their failure has been attributed to the fact that some of these injustices were committed by past governments and the current society finds it quite challenging to carry these burdens. On the other hand, lack of compensation has been attributed to inadequate financial resources as well as biasness in relation to allocation of resources among the affected persons (Torpey, 2003). This document presents a proposed plan that will specifically focus on reparation of the descendants of the Tulsa 1921 Race Riot that occurred in Greenwood. Evidently, the survivors of this riot have not received any form of compensation or justice despite their efforts over the last six decades (america.aljazeera.com). In this regard, the proposal shall offer a framework by, which the descendants of this social menace can be provided with scholarships as a means to compensate their fallen and surviving relatives. It is important to acknowledge that this proposal is not a government or non-government initiative, but rather an institutional initiative that will support 10 students, who have been identified as the descendants of the Tulsa 1921 Race Riots and are in need of financial support to complete their degrees at the University level. The major objective of this reparation plan is to provide support to the descendants of the Tulsa 1921 race riot n terms of scholarship for their university degrees. The scholarship program is expected to cover ten students, who have been identified and confirmed as direct descendants of the riots. There are some survivors of the riot that are still alive and they have been contacted regarding this issue; they have appreciated this efforts and are willing to provide any form of advice in case it will be needed. This will be an appropriate way to address the injustices that were faced by

Financial Statement Analysis-Final Project-LULULEMON ATHLETICA INC Research Paper

Financial Statement Analysis-Final Project-LULULEMON ATHLETICA INC. and the RetailApparel Industry - Research Paper Example historical data of stock price of the company and stock price data of market; future predictions about the stock price movement of the Lululemon has been estimated. The report also analyzes the forecasted financial statement and earning per share of the company. Also the report recommends investors whether they should invest in the company and industry or not. Valuation of the company has been done in order to identify the value of Lululemon. Also it has been revealed that the performance of the company would improve in the years to come as the forecasted financial statements state the company would be able to increase its assets as well as improve its profitability in the years to come. Also the expected returns of the company’s stock are estimated to be higher than the average market return. Apparel industry is one of the most attractive industries for investors to invest because the demand of such industry has always been high. The industry also suffered because of financial crisis in the year 2007 and right now the industry is improving its position with the passage of time. The industry is very competitive with lots of brand names operating in the market like PVH, V.F. Corporation, Lululemon, Polo Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne and many others. This report analyses the current scenario of the industry and its future outlook. The second part of the report covers analysis of one of the key players in the apparel industry, Lululemon. Lululemon financial strength and position have been analyzed and its stock price movement has been observed to estimate the future stock price of the company. In addition to this, in the report contains valuation of the Lululemon and recommends investors whether the company is profitable or not. The performance of apparel industry has been ordinary in the second quarter of 2011. The performance of firms in the industry during first quarter showed mixed results as there were some firms like PVH and V.F. Corporation which were

Business Law - land law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Law - land law - Case Study Example By its very nature, a claim of adverse possession is hostile to the claims of other persons. It cannot be hidden but must be open and notorious in order to put other persons on notice as to one's claim for possession of the real estate. A claim to title by adverse possession often must be made under color of title. Color of title means a claim to title by way of a fact which, although on its face appears to support a person's claim to title, is in some way defective and falls short of actually establishing title to the real estate. An example of a claim made under color of title would be a deed whose execution was defective or is in question. Another example is a claim arising from another person's Last Will and Testament. Yet another common example is where two or more persons have received separate deeds to the same parcel of real estate." Black's Law (2006). "Unknown to the owner, a third person - a "squatter" - may be in illegal and unauthorized occupation of a far corner of the land parcel. If nothing is done to remove him, after a certain period of time the squatter may eventually acquire legal rights over the land parcel, or part of it. Further, questions may arise as to the relationship between the formal owner of the land parcel, often a male, and other family members. What interests, if any, do women and other members of the owner's family hold in the land" Hodgson (2004). Second, does he have a reason to believe that he has a right to be there and keep the land Hill Bob may have been given a portion of the land through title in a last will and testament. Third, how many years has he actually lived on the land Hill Bob would be able to claim adverse possession of a portion of the land if it were obvious that he could support that claim. In Colorado, the duration of such possession is seven (7) years if the claimant claims under color of title. If the claimant does not make his/her claim under color of title, the duration of possession is eighteen (18) years. Colorado Code 38-41-101, 108, 109. Fourth, has he ever been told by a previous owner that in exchange for work completed to the land, a portion of the land belonged to him in exchange For example in a different state, the person claiming must past three tests. "Under the Limitations Act in Ontario, an owner's title to land can be extinguished by the adverse possession of another person for a period of 10 years. In order for an adverse possession claim to succeed, the person claiming the disputed land must meet three tests. Throughout the entire 10-year period, he or she must have:had actual exclusive, open, and visible possession,had the intention to exclude the true owner from possession, and effectively excluded the true owner from possession." Aaron (2002) In summary, if Tim sued Hill Bill and Hill Bill has been in possession of the

Weekly response paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Weekly response paper - Assignment Example Reflecting on both John May articles Sensing: Preliminary Notes on the Emergence of Statistical-Mechanical Geographic Vision and logic of managerial surface, it is clear that the significance of technology cannot be underestimated. Both in their military application, scientific emergence, and modern managerial posture has played a significant role. In Mays logic of managerial surface helps to think about how technology has played an important role in making us realize the sudden need for successful management (May, "Logic" 6). It also helps in decision about conceptual change, particularly in environmental management distancing ourselves from previous practices that failed to foresee consequences of design. Likewise, Sensing: Preliminary Notes on the Emergence of Statistical-Mechanical Geographic vision gives important insight on how we see things. The article also discusses statistical probability and how its relationship with logic of reduction and abstraction and their roles in ge ological science such as thermal imaging and mapping to what we see (May, "Preliminary" 43). Looking back at our earlier readings, on how technology has helped in the advancement of weapons and infrastructures, and others. Technology is largely responsible for the sense of stability of life in the world. Technology confers with the ability to increase a reflexive character of modernity and constitute a fundamental feature of the managerial surface. The environment produced by the technology is more aware catastrophic tendencies since they are prescribed to compensate for failures. Technology can regulate temperatures, light, water, and so on. However, the duration of contentions rests on geographical concepts that are rooted in modern technologies and analytical and inferential approaches in the geography practice. Using a technical framework, it is clear that the

Hispanic American Diversity Essay Example for Free

Hispanic American Diversity Essay The Hispanic Americans have a lot in common but still each maintained their ethnicity which differs. The different groups immigrated to America in search of the American dream and some for political reasons. Below we examine the different groups and how similar or different they are from each other. The Mexican in the United States seems to enjoy a higher recognition among the other Hispanic groups living within the US. The Mexican Americans started to arrive within the US after the US-Mexican war. Thereafter, they migrated due to the better economic promise that the American dream held, a reason that still holds to date. They come with the culture from Mexico and integrate it into the mainstream American culture (Mexican Americans, 2007). The major religion among the Mexican American is Catholic Christianity, followed by others like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Evangelicals. Their culture and norms revolve around their religion. They have a tight-knit family unit. They have a high affinity for family and very often associate closely with extended members of family. They work very hard to find houses to live next to each other so that they can experience a family kind of atmosphere. The family is taken very seriously by this group and therefore a lot of effort is made to preserve it. Men see themselves as protectors and providers, thus take it on themselves to provide for the family. If they have a high traditional background, they will most probably take on the macho man image (Nauert, 2008). The main language spoken within the Mexican-American group is Spanish. The language is carried from their ancestry land, Mexico. Along with Spanish, they also have influenced the American musical landscape with their much popularized Salsa dancing. Mariachis and Corridos are also singing styles from these sectors that have gained popularity within the US (Kwintessentials; Mexican Americans, 2007). Their political and social influence is also evident. Within the entertainment industry, this group has produced musicians, actors and various other entertainers with the likes of Ricardo Montalban, Tish Hinjosa and Louis Valdez claiming ancestry from this category. In politics, the group has formed political lobbies which have helped push its cause. The racism that they have experienced can be partly held possible for the political organization that has been witnessed within their ranks. Chicano organizations have been important in the political and social organization of Mexican American community. Key government personalities like Bill Richardson also have their roots within this category (Mexican Americans, 2007). The Puerto Rican enjoys a different kind of status. This country is a semi-autonomous commonwealth of the US, thus every citizen of Puerto Rico is a citizen of America. They are therefore considered as legal immigrants of the US. Theoretically, they should therefore enjoy more political power than the other groups. However, on the political front, this group is less active. The early involvement in politics declined in the 1970s and 80s after the Young Lords political inspiration failed to be permanent (Sanchez, 211, 2007). Their inability to make themselves an economically powerful unit despite their large numbers in the early years has been a reflection of their inability to get a grasp of main stream politics. The Puerto Rican American culture is a blend of Spanish and West African slave culture set in the American social setting. The predominant religion is Catholic, attributed to their Spanish roots. They also have the spirit beliefs, attributed to the West African roots. Their culture is filled with superstition and social life is considered very important. They have a wide range of tropical sea cousin and consider food to be an important social tool. With celebrations such as Candlemas and Day of children, their culture is one of flamboyant outdoor celebrations, and makes use of costumes and parades (Green, 2008). Their social life follows that of other Latin American groups of tight family cohesion. There is also the patriarchal system of family administration where the men are responsible for provision and administration of the family affairs. These factors contribute to the high relations between extended family members, though this has been strained by economic factors (Green, 2008). This society also has accomplishments in music and entertainment. The popular raggaetone music traces its roots to this Island. Other prominent musicians and performers include Enrique Martin, known as Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez (Green, 2008). The other group is the Brazilian Americans. This group, as the name suggests, has its roots in the Portuguese influenced culture. Their local language of communication is Portuguese, though it also has African and Native American influences. The perception of this culture is one that praises leisure and recreation. This is because they have very flamboyant street parades, with the largest street parade being held in their home country. A replica of it happens at the same time in New Yorks Little Brazil since 1985 (Jefferson, 2008). The Brazilian culture is set in Catholic Christianity, although there are Spiritists found within the culture. The mother country is cited as being the worlds largest Catholic country. They have solemn celebrations tied to their religious obligations. One of them includes the Festa do Iemenja, a tribute to the Queen of the Sea. Their family life is somewhat more patriarchal, with those who immigrate finding it hard to keep their wives off employment, as is the tradition. However, like other Latin American cultures, the family unit is extended to the extended family. This culture makes the society more integrated. Their social parameters have not gone to the extent of political involvement. There are few facts that support the notion that American Brazilians are directly involved in mainstream politics (Jefferson, 2008). The contribution of this group toward entertainment is mainly in its parades and music. The popularity of Samba music and the lambada has further promoted the recreational value of the Brazilian culture. However, on the mainstream, their full impact is yet to be felt (Jefferson, 2008). Columbian Americans are another group. Brought to America mainly due to political influence, this group has been associated with New Havana in Miami. They speak Spanish traditionally due to their colonial roots with the Spaniards. It is used in the local social life within the households. The family life tends to be cohesive due to the immigrant nature of the group. The community is tight knit due to the exclusivity and pride of this group, wanting to maintain a separate status from the rest of the Latin American groups (Sturner, 2008). The family unit, as stated above, is closely tied like the other groups. The value of social networking is important to these people as it helps them find work among each other. The racial discrimination from the white and even black population has helped establish this network. The traditional patriarchal society has undergone change in the American society (Sturner, 2008). The social and festival life of this group is also vibrant. The group is tribute to having a high interest is soccer. It is also tributed with the dance style cumbia. Their celebrations are mainly religious oriented. The political influences of this group are not much. This is because they are more concerned with home politics back in their emigrant country at the expense of participation in American politics (Sturner, 2008). In summary, the traditions of the Latin America are highly related. They all have a common interest in music and dance, and the family structure is the same in general. However, differences exist in the political influences that these groups exert and their reasons for immigration into the US. Although they share the Spanish language, each has its own dialect and are in different levels in terms of social, political, and economic advancements. References Alphine J. , W. (2008) Brazilian Americans Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. everyculture. com/multi/A-Br/Brazilian-Americans. html Boricua S. , J R. , (2007) power: a political history of Puerto Ricans in the United States NYU Press, 2007 Derek G. , (2008) Puerto Rican Americans Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. everyculture. com/multi/Pa-Sp/Puerto-Rican-Americans. html Kwintessential Mexican American Culture Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/articles/article/Mexico/Mexican-American-Culture/1140 Mexican Americans (2007) The Mexican Americans Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. mexicanamericans. com/TheMexicanAmericans. htm Rick N. , (5 June, 2008) Culture Influences Mexican-American Attitudes Sourced on 20 April 2009http://psychcentral. com/news/2008/06/05/culture-influences-mexican-american-attitudes/2411. html Sturner P. , S. , (2008) Columbian Americans, Sourced on 20 April 2009http://www. everyculture. com/multi/Bu-Dr/Colombian-Americans. html

Roll of Thunder Heat My Cry Study Answers Essay Example for Free

Roll of Thunder Heat My Cry Study Answers Essay A. I think Mr. Morrison gets attached to the Logan family because of his role as a body guard for the family. He appreciates the kindness that he is offered and went through memorable moments with the family, such as the story he told about the night men murdering his sisters and parents. Story telling amongst African-Americans is a tradition, but this is still regarded as a personal moment, even though he is brought in by Cassies father to protect the family because of racial conflict. He is a big strong man, who works as a protector instead of an instigator; therefore the family feels safer with his presence. His attachment is probably due to the connection he has with family and the past of his actual familys death. Perhaps he looks at himself as not the actual member but an important part of the Logan Familys life, which creates a mutual respect and friendship between the two. He was also honest from their first encounter, which is a good sign coming from a stranger. He already explains to the mother he was fired for fighting, but further details explain he was fired because the man he was fighting with was white. The mother doesn’t hold it against him. B. Violence is a key theme in the story, and the situation that T.J is in is somewhat similar to the story of Mr. Morrison with the night men, showing the brutality of the white folks through accusation. T.J is merely accused of the crime, but because he is black not only will violence be portrayed against him but his entire family as well. For example his younger brother Claude, who had nothing to do with T.J’s crime, gets beaten up by the mob, even though he fears T.J rather than respect or admire him as a role model. T.J nearly got lynched, but so was his father, just for actually being his father. He is small and quite sickly and cannot control his son’s foolishness. Then there is the mother, who is merely just trying to protect her foolish son from death is thrown back against her house. This clearly shows the strong brutality of racism in the area because of the catalyst of racial tension of one foolish black boy can easily portray all black people as law breakers. C. If papa had not set fire to the cotton, his son Stacie could have been either tortured or lynched and by staring the fire he managed to save his life. It couldn’t have been a difficult decision because it was either start the fire, and lose crops and later deal with the financially situation or save the lives of others. Of course someone as noble and honorable as papa would have made a decision like starting the fire. Due to papa’s action on setting the fire, T.J was not lynched and the white folks backed away from doing terrible things to the Avery family and Stacie. At the end they were saved and T.J was just sent to prison. Starting the fire not only saved lives but also had the white folks actually collaborate with the black folks to put out the fire, which was somewhat of a miracle. D. I never liked T.J since his introduction because he is a cheat, a liar and not a very respectable character either. However, in most stories the ‘bad character’ usually has some kind of rough background, such as no love from the family and not actually sharing real friendship with others. As the book progresses, the more I detest TJ, but at the end my feelings has changed from hate to a bit of sadness for this character. Perhaps because he did not deserve this much hate and brutality from the others. In his defense, he is not a character representing the side of evil, but rather a character or actually a victim of unfortunate circumstances. He has reasons for his actions, such as jealousy. For example the Logan family owning their own farm, having more money makes T.J want to show he is just as good as them, as he is a nobody in his position. His father is also just a share cropper. E. The images on white people are not all bad as it is expected in a Dixie state America. Some are respectable and actually have the courage to show respect to their black neighbors. Harlan Granger is a bad man. He is wealthy but yet still wants to show off the things he has, such as his Packard. He is also a racist, like the Wallaces. However the respectable white characters are Mr. Jamison, who is from the north and still carries his northern mannerisms. There is also character like Jeremy who constantly receives verbal abuse because of his friendliness towards the Logans. His siblings Lillian-jean, R.W and Melvin however are racist as they are brought up that way by their father Charlie. His siblings do not show kindness to the blacks and are quite ignorant on how they suffered for years in America.

The operational issues affected by organisations

The operational issues affected by organisations The following essay looks at discussing the operational issues affecting the organization and identifying the strategic implications Terror Tubes. After read this case study, Terror Tubes is the Australian motor racing industry, they designs and manufactures custom-made high performance automotive exhaust system for Australia motor industry. The business was established by two time motor racing driver Sam Peters in 1974. The first place of business operated in Homebush; in 2000 they relocated to Blocktown. The company manufactures both custom performance and standard system, each being specifically tailored to engine in question. After the company become more famous and sales increased, therefore, company start focus on customer. Terror Tubes start making more popular items private to normal motorists wants to improve their performance. Terror Tubes quickly become Australian car industry distributor. Many problems still occur in Terror Tubes. The finance situation not as good as we s ee, furthermore, Terror tubes made contract with super car have initial stocking and companys reputation grew and sales increased, Terror Tubes got both side supplier and racing industry respected. Thus, few months later the sales of supper car continue increased. The customer systems were always very sensitive on problems on higher sales. However, Sam and Phil look over all the process of terror tubes, customer still would like to buy sales products, in other hand, customer designed system steadily increased, thus, the relative cost keep increase, and costs associated is continue increasing, from accounting found out the company cannot make any good profit as they expected. expensive public warehouse space has been rented, however, Sam is very concerned with increased lead time for custom and standard orders, it going to take long time to delivery, capacity is being pushed, and between both side they have contract. In other side, Phil is also very worried the company is going to ve ry hard to achieve the demand created. Thus , the effect of the new contract with super car , all overall impact this new demand for new systems for the customer. Therefore, the following essay will analyse the production process used by Terror Tubes, and the advantages and disadvantages of new contract for super car and Terror Tube, after will discuss the daily operational decisions required to current operating conditions for the company. Final, the essay will cover the producing financial structure will be discussed. Discussion According to (Gardiner D, 2006) the production process can be defined as the process of converting inputs into outputs. The inputs could be materials, customers, labour, energy, components, ideas, machines or requirements. In other hand, the outputs could be finished products, satisfied customers, or unsatisfied customers, components, subassemblies, developed ideas. The foundation of production process is to find something necessary to add into process that take inputs and transforms them into outputs, if this transformation is performed well so customer will satisfy. The production process is happened various industries ,the inputs include any starting position for a product or service, as an example, a bakery manufacture would have flour,sugar,flavourings,packaging,energy,and people skills, the production process is people mixing ingredients, baking, after cooked packing the bakery, finish all the process distributing to the manufactures, output after all the production process all the flour become buns, bread, muffins, delivered to warehouse or retail stored. This is very simple examples of inputs into outputs process same as service industries. As seen in this case, Terror tubes relocated twice and now the Blocktwon which is currently address is double bigger than old factory in homebush, for the company originally was conceived to supply to motor racing industry specialty exhaust system, after the company focused on custom-built system. Therefore the factory layout group member tube cuters working together, tube bonder in another, a separate sledding section, also the craftspeople will use high tech engineer equipment to provide the flexibility needed for producing custom system. The quality of the finished product reflects the craftsmanship of the individual workers. Both of standard system and custom processing in the same time on same equipment by the sam craftspeople. (Morrroni M, 1992)Furthermore, in Terror Tubes, the quality and demand is very important for this company. Thus, the production process needs to have better support from outside to make this process more successful. Between the Terror Tube with Super Car created new contract, the effective contract involved advantages and disadvantages on Terror Tubes operations, firstly, Terror Tube was originally supply specialty exhaust systems to the motor racing industry, and Super Car is a big distributor and they supplied very high exhaust systems. Therefore, Terror Tubes operation after have the effects of the new contract with Super Car they may need to produce more exhaust systems provided to the Super Car, both of company can have long term trade relationship. The advantage of Terror Tube signed the new contract with Super Car, Terror Tube can make more profit, and make sales increase, and also the productivity will improve as well. Thus, Terror Tubes reputation will grew, more and more demand maybe come from other company. The disadvantage of Terror Tube signed the new contract with Super Car happened in this case is Terror Tube did not achieving the day line, they overtime production ¼Ã…’in addition, Super Car cannot have product to give to the customers, so both side will be not happy with each other including the customer will not satisfied with the supplier. In other hand, Terror Tubes rented very expensive warehouse space, therefore, in this side, the company have to pay lots of money for the rent, they cannot finish the production of the product so they loss profit, cannot make any money, the companys profit margin is very low. Compare both side advantage and disadvantage effects the new contract between Super Car and Terror Tubes ¼Ã…’it is very important for the people working in the company to over read the disadvantages and try to help the company can reach the goals make more advantages. The daily operational decisions required under current operating conditions for the companys operational to run effectively, also Terror Tube leaders need to make lots of decisions to adjust this company. Before make decision the leaders have to very clear what company goals after to achieve goals effectively. First of all, Terror Tubes involved many things to concern such as make daily product decisions. According to (Gardiner D.2006) operations managements are the activities for creating, implementing, and improving process that production process resources, such as raw materials, technologies and labour. And it is to set of decisions across the value chain the support the implementation of higher level business strategies. Therefore, employees should make lots of improvement and try to not waste anything. It is very important for all the employees should know the company roles, and company will be increase the production standard or custom serves (Kim B Oh H, 2005). In addition, before the manufacture start making products. They have to very clearly about all the product, equipment, customer demand, or quantity of the production, be preparing everything to avoid over the due day. (Puig F et al,2009) in this case, Terror Tubes need to operation run effectively, the factory have to prepare all the material, all the equipment is safe also have enough employees come to work for the company. For Terror Tubes this case, they still have engine problems. Rather than with new standard systems no as good we can see, how many product you produce is depends on the markets, somehow, some emergency situations maybe happened the companies have to take seriously concern about. (Fransoo J, 1993) Thus, market price change every day, and more competitors, this is also very important operational decisions for the company in the future. In other hand, we should very careful about market price no matter material or any relate price has increase the price, then Terror Tubes has t o increase the price to maintain make more profit. According to (Seppa R,2007)there more operational decision for the companys operations, for instance, make more advertisements or promotion decision, we can spent little bit money on the advertisements like TV show, magazine, news paper and so on, to promote our product. Furthermore, there is one more operational decision is focusing on different type of group people and trying to sale in different age, gender, different levels, for the company, we have to find very good marker, which is the people sale lots of products. (Seppa R, 2007)One more I think is the most useful one is, find more investor like shareholders or some customer whom interest in this type of investment. Make agreement with them,they may not very good operational decision, but more people more money help the company more successful, the company can reduce and more control the expenses , from another point of view it might lost control, loss profit, or more problem coming up. For instance, in this case, Terror Tubes had really serious problem, they overtime production, most money cannot use, and lots of cost continually increase, so if the Terror Tube found more people join in company, it may reduce the risk of compensation of over time, the company might hire more employees, bring in more equipment to help the factory produce more products. So overtime will not happen in the fureture. And Terror Tube can make more profit, and more demand will keep increase.(Mughal H Osborne R,1995). Last one is effect the move to producing standard systems has had on the companys financial structure. Firstly, the company has not been operating good as we can see, their financial position was very low, they spend lots of money buy a material, and associated expense has increased. Also Terror Tubes rented very expansive warehouse have big space. Therefore, this company financial position not good at all. In this case, as Terror Tubes was supply specialty exhaust systems to the motor racing industry, after they change the line to produce the products to normal cars and had agreement with Super Car, this is advantage for the Terror Tubes, because Super Car is national car industry, might effects on the Terror Tubess financial structure.(Spina G Verganti R,2002).Terror Tubes at beginning keep increase the products on sales, that is attract a lot of customer to buy the products made very good profits. According to (Walters D,2004) in this case, Terror Tubes had start producing differ ent products, so they have to pay the taxes every year. This is not good as they are in bad situations. Therefore, Terror Tube might join other enterprise; it may help the company and increase the financial problems. Conclusion Finally, this essay has been talk about Terror Tubes current production processes, is a manufacture in Australian produce the car exhaust systems to motor racing industry, after the companys reputation grew, more and more demand from customers. Also this essay discussed the advantages and disadvantages on Terror Tubes and Super Car made new contract. It is good when they signed new contract, Super Car have big demand for the products, and help the Terror Tubes make more profit, more promotion. In other hand, many disadvantage happed after this contract, because many demand form customer, manufactory can not finish producing all the products to the customer, which is not good, for instance, Terror Tubes has to produce those products as fast as possible, to keep good relationship between the demand and supplier. Furthermore, the daily operational decisions required under current operations conditions for the companys operations, the decision making by the managers ,production decision should be more quickly, more prepare and price depends on raw material, thus, I gave some of my personal suggestion to this company, find investor whom interest in this kind of business, and make good profit, join in the company help the company to reduce the problem, for example, put more advertisement etc. finally , this article talk about the producing start systems on positive way and negative way, also the companys financial structure. As I mentioned many problems happened in financial position, if Terror Tube might join other enterprise, it may help the company saving the problems, and start makes profit.

Sylvia Plaths The Bell Jar Essay -- Sylvia Plath Bell Jar Essays Depr

Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar Depression and suicide are commonly discussed in today’s society; however, in the 1950s, incidents such as suicidal feelings were not mentioned due to being deemed too risquà ©. Sylvia Plath is well-known for her poetry, yet her prose is equally as noteworthy. According to Frances McCullough, The Bell Jar is a â€Å"pre-drugs, pre-Pill, pre-Women’s Studies† (Plath xiii) novel, which focuses on weighty issues which were not typically discussed during the time period. The semiautobiographical novel deals with depression and suicide, as well as a search for one’s identity, feminism, and rebirth. Therefore, The Bell Jar tackles various issues which were not discussed during the time of its publication. The novel follows the plight of a young woman, Esther Greenwood, as she begins a downward spiral in her mental health, slipping farther and farther away from reality. She delves deep into a depression, which is directly related to her search for her own identity. When one does not know one’s self, it becomes a struggle to develop relationships with others and succeed in life. Esther does not know who she is and this causes her to sink into a depression, leading to multiple suicide attempts. Esther is in a position in which she should be content, as a guest editor of a women’s magazine; however, she is not satisfied with her position: I was supposed to be having the time of my life. I was supposed to be the envy of thousands of other college girls just like me†¦I guess I should have been excited the way most of the other girls were, but I couldn’t get myself to react. (I felt very still and very empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surroundi... ...ed closely by societal members, causing the impending state of depression. The Bell Jar was the first novel of the time period to address such weighty issues as depression, suicide, sexual conduct, and feminism. Plath’s work impacted me greatly because, like many college students, I have gone through a period of searching for my true identity and could closely relate to the novel. Depression and suicide are often misunderstood by society; however, Plath’s semiautobiographical novel gave people an insider’s perspective â€Å"of what madness is actually like† (Plath xiii). Works Cited Kendall, Tim. Sylvia Plath: A Critical Study. New York: faber and faber, 2001. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. New York: Perennial Classics, 1996. Plath, Sylvia. Tulips. Ed. Jahan Ramazani, Richard Ellmann, & Robert O’Clair. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2003.

Far East :: essays research papers

A Critique Abstract The Far East, written by Paul H. Clyde and Burton F. Beers is a book containing a collection of facts and is presented in chronological and topical order starting with history in general and this history in particular. The authors begin their book with â€Å"What is history?† The answer is â€Å"In its simplest form, history is the record of things thought, said, and done. Such a definition is a useful starting point but it leaves a host of questions unanswered†. (p.1) It is here that I find myself in complete agreement with the authors not just for this book but history in general as a subject. The authors’ foundation for their book is centered on the subject of history itself. However, it is at this point that I begin to have problems with analysis presented. The authors make the examination, â€Å"For those who are practically inclined, it is a principal means through which man may anticipate the future†. (p.2) I think this statement is more wishful than realistic. The geographic depiction offered in the book gives the reader unfamiliar with this region of the world a 1) starting point on a world map and a 2) sense of not only where but the density covered by the book. With this sense the reader can better understand why there is demographic, cultural, and language differences within and among the many countries as well as the root similarities. The reader finds enhanced discerning to the impact of east meeting west; how from their views the cultural shock was enormous in the past and continues today. The book research is both extensive and systematic, cumulating some 50 odd years. I, as a reader, cannot say the good or bad of this other than to say the focus of the book seems distinctive in content, with the sources listed point to this detail. Book Organization Overall Composition The book includes thirty-six chapters of surprising stories some superb and some grisly of regional history and is arranged in chronological order. Selective chapters are organized with regional chronicles of Old China to New Governments of Asia since 1953. The chapters relate many details and events and processes with noteworthy consequences that have made a foremost impact to the past and present world. It is pragmatically written and contains distortions and omitted parts. It is apparent that it is written from a Western point of view.

Listening Without Judgment and Thinking Positively :: The Sketch Plays Life Essays

Listening Without Judgment and Thinking Positively The sketch that was just been performed on stage by my friends shows you one of the consequences that can arise due to listening without judgment. There are many more consequences that you can imagine but I can tell you that they are all disastrous. Misunderstanding is a major factor which is the origin of fights in families. A person young or old must always be taken seriously when relating his problems. It is not always necessary that a younger person is always at fault. An older person may also be at fault. In many families, if a person is older than all the family members it means that he is always right. Why is this so? Is he not human? Every human make mistakes. In many films you can see that when actors have lots of problems they go and refuge themselves in cigarettes, alcohols, drugs and some even suicide themselves. In the sketch you can see that when his father takes him for the culprit, he started to drink alcohol and this has resulted into a lot of problems for not only him but also his parents. This does not happen only in films but also in the actual life. I myself have a relative who has started smoking just because of his own problems. One day I asked him why he has started smoking. He told me that when his business was not working well he had no one to entrust himself and then started to smoke and as you all know "once pop up can't stop" now he is unable to quit smoking by himself. So just imagine that you go and tell your parents about your problems and they do not listen to you or make you the culprit without knowing the whole problem. What would be your reaction? Won't you react in the same way as these persons? Naturally this will discourage you even more. Thinking positively Thinking plays a very important role in our everyday life. Every action is accompanied by a thought. There are two main ways of thinking; Thinking positively and thinking negatively. Frankly speaking thinking positively is much better for yourself and your surroundings. Any negative thought can have terrible consequences and this is one of the factors that prevents national unity. Jealousy is an imperfection that man has a role to play in the creation of negative thinking. For example a person can see his wife talking with a stranger. If the man thinks negatively about it, then consequences like fighting may lead to divorce; now if the couple has children just imagine through which Listening Without Judgment and Thinking Positively :: The Sketch Plays Life Essays Listening Without Judgment and Thinking Positively The sketch that was just been performed on stage by my friends shows you one of the consequences that can arise due to listening without judgment. There are many more consequences that you can imagine but I can tell you that they are all disastrous. Misunderstanding is a major factor which is the origin of fights in families. A person young or old must always be taken seriously when relating his problems. It is not always necessary that a younger person is always at fault. An older person may also be at fault. In many families, if a person is older than all the family members it means that he is always right. Why is this so? Is he not human? Every human make mistakes. In many films you can see that when actors have lots of problems they go and refuge themselves in cigarettes, alcohols, drugs and some even suicide themselves. In the sketch you can see that when his father takes him for the culprit, he started to drink alcohol and this has resulted into a lot of problems for not only him but also his parents. This does not happen only in films but also in the actual life. I myself have a relative who has started smoking just because of his own problems. One day I asked him why he has started smoking. He told me that when his business was not working well he had no one to entrust himself and then started to smoke and as you all know "once pop up can't stop" now he is unable to quit smoking by himself. So just imagine that you go and tell your parents about your problems and they do not listen to you or make you the culprit without knowing the whole problem. What would be your reaction? Won't you react in the same way as these persons? Naturally this will discourage you even more. Thinking positively Thinking plays a very important role in our everyday life. Every action is accompanied by a thought. There are two main ways of thinking; Thinking positively and thinking negatively. Frankly speaking thinking positively is much better for yourself and your surroundings. Any negative thought can have terrible consequences and this is one of the factors that prevents national unity. Jealousy is an imperfection that man has a role to play in the creation of negative thinking. For example a person can see his wife talking with a stranger. If the man thinks negatively about it, then consequences like fighting may lead to divorce; now if the couple has children just imagine through which

Business value

There is increasing pressure on business to be more flexible and to deliver products and services to customers quickly. IT practices often inhibit these business goals. IT is expected to deliver both cheap, reliable operations AND create new business value. These goals can get confused by both business and IT leaders and leadership can mix these up when evaluating IT or when doing IT planning and budgeting. IT is a key player in delivering most business strategies these days. Too often, IT leaders see â€Å"getting to know the business† as secondary to almost every other IT Issue, such as planning and architecture.Spending time In the business Is seen as a â€Å"boondoggle. † â€Å"Technocrats† Is confusing and frustrating for business. This can work against IT plans and strategies because business leaders don't understand how these plans/strategies relate to their own needs, Issues, and strategies. Business expects IT communication to be In business language. 1. How effective is the partnership between IT and the business at Hefty Hardware? Identify the shortcomings of both IT and the business. DB 2. Create a plan for how IT and the business can work collaboratively to deliver theSway Store program successfully. DB Synopsis This case highlights a retail firm struggling to make sense of the increasing criticality of Information technology (IT) to the business and the value IT is currently delivering. Torn between â€Å"keeping the lights on† and â€Å"delivering new products and services to customers†, successive Close have failed to connect effectively with their business partners despite seemingly effective relationships at the mid-management level. How to collaborate effectively with the business at all levels remains the key IT challenge.

Equal Gender Education

Different people have different ideas and opinions as to whether it is more important to educate boys or girls. Some believe that the education of boys is more important than that of the girls, and meanwhile others disagree. In reality, the choice depends on what country, culture, or society we are talking about. In many nations including many Asian countries, tradition demands that men provide the family with income, food, clothing, etc. and women perform the usual household business such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and taking care of children. In such ocieties it seems logical that there is more stress on the priority of men's education rather than women, since it is the male that requires the needed education to succeed, survive, and thrive. It is perceived in these countries that education is not of vital importance to women since they â€Å"are not† supposed to work outside the house, and that their primary duty is to take However in modern societies and nations, the situation differs. Now days more countries are inclined towards modernization. The general moral philosophy of these nations is equality amongst men nd women; therefore, this means equal business, industrial, and occupational opportunities for both the men and women. Based on these facts, it is vital to put of equal stress on the education of men and women for this will insure that females and males perform their tasks professionally and adequately. In my opinion, the edification of men and women has to be equally emphasized because today's technological and economical advanced world require fully educated, experienced, and versatile citizens regardless of their gender. And this can be only achieved through sufficient education of both men and women.

Bell Jar Analysis

Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel â€Å"The Bell Jar† employs many of the same confessional techniques and themes of her poetic work. While the novel is confessional, it is also provides sociological commentary (and insight) into the processes of medical treatment and the social ostracization and victimization of the mentally ill.A basic technique used in the novel, by Plath, is to present a seemingly â€Å"normal† world and then, by way of internal monologue and character development, allow the reader to glimpse a highly studied and carefully described portrayal of the way that mental illness impacts both society and the individual.By expressing a personal encounter with metal illness, Plath, through the character of Esther, presents a ‘case study† in clinical depression and bipolar disorder without resorting to clinical diagnoses or psychological language or theories. Instead, her literary interpretation of mental illness functions to expan d the clinical understanding of mental disorders by providing cognitive insight into the experienced phenomena of mental illness.The opening line of the novel: â€Å"It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer the electrocuted the Rosenbergs† (Plath, 1) reveals the novel’s essential theme and conflict: that of the individual who stands â€Å"outside looking in† with regard to their society: it is a theme of psychological rather than physical exile, though Esther identifies, via the powerful verb â€Å"electrocuted,† with the physical suffering of the Rosenbergs who were tried and executed for espionage and treason.Because the central conflict in â€Å"the Bell Jar† is internal, Plath constructs a dynamic and multi-faceted character whose preoccupations range from fashion, to dating, to the themes of great literature and to the essential meanings of life and death. Throughout the novel more is shown than told; that is, Plath refrains from divulging in formation about Esther directly; instead, she constructs scenes which transmit the internal character conflicts through symbolism and metaphor. A clinical diagnosis of Esther's mental illness can be made by deeply exploring the literary techniques of the novel.The novel's plot is relatively simple: a young, ambitious, and very talented woman wins a summer internship as a big-time New York magazine. While in New York, the young woman, Esther, suffers a series of unpleasant and often dangerous situations, begins to feel sense of hypocrisy and unhappiness in herself and in the world of glamour-publishing and seems to rebel against this hypocrisy (and sexism) by quitting her internship and throwing her expensive wardrobe out of her hotel window.Then, after returning to the suburbs to live with her mother, and failing to begin both her hoped-for novel and her college thesis, Esther begins to act increasingly erratically and self-destructively, severing her relationships and losing touch with her own creativity and ambition, until she is referred to a psychiatrist. Esther, however, is not psychologically unstable due to weakness or deformation: this is clear from the novel’s portrayal of her as a bright and shining and talented â€Å"golden girl† who wins poetry prizes and scholarships and is dating a medical student and writing term papers on Joyce.After being treated with electroshock therapy, Esther's condition and crisis become more and more severe until she attempts suicide, is â€Å"saved,† and sent to a mental hospital where she again receives electroshock therapy. The novel fails to provide any concrete resolution to Esther's crisis, and in doing so, avoids making any determination about the benefits of Esther's clinical diagnoses and treatment.However, the emotional arc of the narrative can certainly be said to move toward the positivistic and there are potentialities and capacities that are reinstated into Esther's character after her treatment. To fully understand the process of Esther's breakdown (and apply a clinical diagnosis), the reader must read deeply into the novel and consider deeply the relationships of the characters and the cross-ties adn relationships which fluctuate, not to the rhythms of a traditional novel's story-arc, but to the weird rhythms of Esther's own mental illness.In fact, the narrative is structured very similarly to a poem in that metaphorical and symbolic expression convey the essential dynamics of the story's themes at a far more attenuated level than the conventional storytelling elements of plot, conflict, and resolution. Of the latter, Plath conspicuously avoids classical execution; for example, â€Å"The Bell Jar† posits no clear antagonist, no externalized central conflict, and refrains from set-closure at its climax. This is a way by which the clinical diagnosis of Esther's diagnosis can be made.Her initial relationships portrayed in the novel include a â€Å"mentorâ⠂¬  in New York, the editor Jaycee, an â€Å"older sister† friend named Doreen, a fiancee named Buddy, and a literary mentor and benefactress named Philomena Guinea who was is a wealthy, famous novelist. Each of the relationships reflects an aspect of the healthy personality: ambitious, creative, socially engaged, and creative. Also, Esther's erotic drive, while never posited in the novel as â€Å"resolvable† decreases until she is able to view sex as only an oppressive act against women.As Esther's plight worsens, each of the relationships is severed. The clinical diagnosis which seems most applicable to Esther Greenwood would be that of clinical depression and a bipolar personality. Interestingly enough, bipolar disorder is often associated with creative minds and artists. read at one level, â€Å"The Bell Jar† describes the plight of the artistic mind in modern society as well as the plight of the artistic mind gripped by clinical mental illness.The key to s eparating where the individualist, the artist and rebel lies in Esther Greenwood and where the â€Å"madwoman,† the victim of a clinical mental illness lies is to apply rigorous methodology to the explication of the novel as a piece of literature. One such scene, which is representative of this technique used throughout â€Å"The Bell Jar,† is the scene when Esther, having traveled to new York upon winning an internship at a famous fashion magazine, throws her expensive wardrobe out of her hotel window.â€Å"The wind made an effort, but failed, and a batlike shadow sank toward the roof garden of the opposite penthouse† (Plath, 90). Such compressed and highly symbolic language forwards both character development (Esther is mentally unstable) as well as foreshadowing with the bat representing death and Esther’s ultimate plunge into attempted suicide. There is no gaiety in the scene, which if in evidence would suggest a triumphant rejection of the superficia lities described in the novel about the fashion-district of New York and Esther’s experiences there.Instead, a sens of doom pervades, along with a sense of self-destruction and psychological instability: â€Å"Piece by piece, I fed my wardrobe to the night wind, and flutteringly, like a loved one’s ashes, the gray scraps were ferried off, to settle here, there, exactly where I would never know, in the dark hart of New York. † (Plath 91). This single scene stands as emblematic of Esther’s (and Plath’s) essential plight: that of the bipolar personality and the track toward attempted suicide.The scene also represents the symptomatic progression of full-blown bipolar personality disorder which is characterized by depressive episodes and suicidal obsessions. The combination of high-achievement, goal-setting, ambition, creativity, task-setting, and personal expression with an equally profound sense of purposelessness, meaninglessness, lack of energy, lac k of sex drive, and plummeting self identity and a plummeting sense of self-esteem are compressed brilliantly into the above-described scene. By explicating the symbolism deeply, the bipolar disorder is easily uncovered.The feelings Esther has of not being able to connect with her life, of not comprehending her society or valuing her interpersonal relationships are aspects of the acute depressive crisis which marks the depressive â€Å"extreme† of the bipolar disorder. The novel describes how an acute depressive episode can lead to suicide even when treatment is being administered. The treatment which would seem most applicable for Esther Greenwood by modern diagnostic processes is not that which is provided for her in the novel: electroshock therapy.Rather, what is indicated is that Esther should be treated with psycho therapy, primarily, with perhaps the inclusion of certain, limited medication. The inclusion of family-centered therapy, social rhythm therapy, and cognitive therapy along with medication would provide the best hope for Esther's clinical recovery. However, the process of metal disorder described in the novel is mush wider, much more comprehensive than even modern therapies would seem to be an adequate redress for — although even a slight improvement in prognosis would probably have saved Esther from suicide.In order to restore and strengthen hern creative gifts and reinstate her standing in society, the clinical treatments might at least give Esther an impetus toward a healthy rather than self-destructive life. So carefully designed is Esther’s portrayal in â€Å"The Bell Jar,† that the reader stands an ever-increasing chance of identifying as deeply with Esther’s plight as Esther herself seems to identify with the plight of the Rosenbergs.In other words, the last thing which is intimated in the novel is that Esther bears any personal responsibility for her mental illness or the social stigmas that are attache d to it. In fact, I personally do not belive that there was anything Esther could have done or should have done to â€Å"prevent† her collapse. From rape to institutionalized chauvinism and the â€Å"saint-whore† syndrome, Esther experiences a multitude of the sociological injuries borne against women in America.She also, as a poet, stands for the sociological persecution of artists and the cultural misunderstanding of their sensitivities. Throughout the novel, Esther’s internal dialogue and descriptions of situations stands in bold contrast to the mundane and often mean or ignorant dialogue and observations of the novel’s minor characters. In addition to these deeper, more socially and politically inspired themes, â€Å" The Bell Jar† captures intimate details of middle-class adolescence: the struggle to succeed, the position often social outcast, and the cruelties and injustices of love and eroticism.This is why The Bell Jar is such an important novel: because it places an intimately personal, yet universal, protagonist in the grip of what modern psychology and modern psychiatry understand as a clinical mental illness. Rather than approach the topic clinically, Plath approaches the theme poetically and confessionally and draws the reader into a closes identification with Esther Greenwood. The result is that the alert reader, even one who is familiar with the clinical processes of bipolar disorder, will recognize a personal plight beneath the level which is clinically descriptive.The reader's identification with Esther then takes the form of first hope, then skepticism, about the clinical treatments (and practitioners) which are engaged ostensibly in working for Esther's recovery. Whether one reads the central theme of The Bell Jar as one of individuality and the alienation from modern society or as a literary portrayal of a clinically defined mental disorder, the conclusion that individuals who suffer from mental illness ar e both victimized and stigmatized in modern society is clear.My personal feeling is that Esther Greenwood is far more of a universal character than many would like to belive and that her portrayal in The Bell Jar indicates both the destructive influence of mental illness and the destructive influence of modern society which is revealed to be both widespread and institutionalized. References Plath, Sylvia The Bell Jar Bantam Books New York NY 1971.

Indian Auto Industry

The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry Nitin Gupta* and Vaibhav Shekhar** The Indian automobile industry is one of the fastest growing automobile industries in the world. The low penetration level of cars in India coupled with rise in the disposable income of its working population has made it an attractive destination for global automobile manufacturers. This case deals with the mid-size car segment of the passenger car industry in India. In 2009-10, this segment accounted for approximately 12. % of the total passenger cars manufactured in India and its Year-on-year (YoY) growth rate was approximately 15%. The major players in this segment include Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors India, Ford India, General Motors India, Honda Siel India, Mahindra-Renault and Hindustan Motors. In addition to the existing players, various new players like Volkswagen, Nissan, Fiat, etc. , have either already entered in this segment or are about to enter. The case highlights various iss ues being faced by current as well as new entrants in this segment. The case provides exhaustive contemporary data on the mid-size car segment of the passenger car industry in India. Analysis of the case can be done using Porter’s five forces model. Many people buy compact cars today because they do not have the money to buy a sedan. So there is a high aspirational value attached to mid-size cars and newer cars at lower prices will only make more people think of buying them. – Pradeep Saxena, Head of the Auto Research Division at Consultancy Firm TNS1 Introduction Automobile Industry is considered to be one of the key sectors of any economy; it is capable of being the driver of economic growth because of both its backward as well as forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. According to the Automotive Mission Plan (2006-16), India is one of the fastest growing automobile industries in the world. The sector’s share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose from 2. 8% in fiscal year 1992-93 (April 1992-March 1993) to 5% in fiscal year 2005-06 2 and it has been rising every year since then. In the year 2009-10, Indian automobile industry produced more than 2 million passenger cars and more than 0. 5 million commercial vehicles. 3 According to the Eleventh Five Year Plan4 (2007-12), after liberalization in 1991, Indian * ** 1 2 3 4 Assistant Professor, IBS, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. E-mail: prof. [email  protected] com Research Scholar, IBS, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. E-mail: vaibhav. [email  protected] com http://timesofindia. indiatimes. com/articleshow/2888603. cms http://www. oppapers. om/essays/India-Automobile-Industry/155618 Society for Indian Automobile manufacturers, available at http://www. siamindia. com/upload/AMP . pdf Report by the Working Group on Automotive Industry, Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12), Department of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, India (August 2006). The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010  © 2010 IUP All Rights Reserved. . 60 Automotive Industry had registere d a spectacular growth of 17% during five fiscal years ranging between 2000-01 and 2005-06. Till 2002-03, it had achieved an investment of INR6 50,000 cr (US$10. 99 bn7) which went up to INR 80,000 cr in 2007 (US$17. 58 bn8) with a turnover of INR 165,000 cr (US$36. 26 bn). Moreover, an investment worth INR 35,000 cr (US$7. 69 bn) was in the pipeline. 9 According to the Annual Report (2007-08) of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India, India is the second largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, fifth largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world, largest manufacturer of tractors in the world and fourth largest passenger car market in Asia. This achievement of the Indian automotive industry could be attributed to the Indian government’s decision to de-license the sector followed by up to 100% foreign direct investment through automatic route which enabled the industry to embark on a new journey since 1991. The above initiatives resulted in setting up of manufacturing facilities by major global players. It resulted in the massive enhancement of the production level of automobiles (which included passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two wheelers and three heelers) from 2 million in 1991 to 11. 17 million vehicles in 2008-09. 10 The above measures taken by the Indian Government made India the new launch pad for global car manufacturers like Honda, Ford, Hyundai, General Motors, etc. Rising level of income of the Indians, availability of easy credit facility, relaxations in regulations by the Indian government in terms of import tariffs and equity regulations could be attributed as major reasons for this upsurge. The case concentrates on the mid-size car segment in India. It analyzes the reasons for the growth of this segment and the contemporary growth trends that it shows. The important issues that the case raises are: How is the impact of various external factors shaping this segment and what would be the future of this segment? Mid-Size Car Segment in India A mid-sized car11 is referred to as an automobile whose size lay between a small-sized car (Mini and Compact) and a full-sized car (Premium and Luxury). 12 It is generally priced between INR 3 lakh13 (US$6,953. 41) and INR 8 lakh (US$17,582. 2) with a carrying capacity of 4 passengers (2 adults and 2 children). The major players in this segment include Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors India, Ford India, General Motors India, Honda Siel India, Mahindra-Renault and Hindustan Motors (HM). Between the financial years, 2004-05 and 2009-10, the production of passenger vehicles in India rose from 1,027,858 units to 2,078,392 units, a phenomenal rise of more than 100% in production in just fi ve years. But during the same time period (2004-05 to 2009-10), the 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 Indian Automotive Industry includes Automobile Industry and Auto Component Industry. INR = Indian Rupee. Exchange Rate: 1 US$ = INR 45. 50 (applicable as on March 20, 2010). Figures of 2007 has been taken from Annual Report 2007-08, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India. Figures as on 2006-07. Source: Annual Report 2007-08, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India. http://www. ibef. org/industry/automobiles. spx Refer to Appendix for details on classification of passenger cars. http://auto. indiamart. com/cars/mid-size-cars. html 1 lakh = A Hundred Thousand. 61 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry production of the mid-size cars could not keep pace with the massive increase in the passenger vehicles in India and it increased by just 40. 5% (see to Table 1). As a result, the share of mid-size cars with respect to the total passenger vehicles produced dropped from more than 18% in 2004-05 to less than 13% in 2009-10 (see Table 2). Table 1: Total Production of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator Total Production Total Mini Cars Production Total Compact Cars Production Total Mid-Size Cars Production Total Executive Cars Production Total Premium Cars Production Total Luxury Cars Production MUVs Production Figures in Units 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 1,027,858 1,112,794 1,322,739 127,175 614,137 187,345 26,673 5,017 140 67,371 98,047 714,985 200,019 27,660 5,333 89 66,661 99,400 881,665 212,763 39,478 4,477 249 84,707 ,531,545 1,619,095 2,078,392 81,179 245,972 44,166 5,745 525 105,333 62,323 229,239 33,526 7,527 543 102,128 69,195 263,352 42,293 9,092 375 151,908 1,048,625 1,183,809 1,542,177 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database Table 2: Segment-Wise Share in Production of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator Total Mini Cars Production Total Compact Cars Production Total Mid-Size Cars Production Total Executive Cars Production Total Premium Ca rs Production Total Luxury Cars Production MUVs Production Figures in Percentages 2004-05 12. 7 59. 75 18. 23 2. 60 0. 49 0. 01 6. 55 2005-06 8. 81 64. 25 17. 97 2. 49 0. 48 0. 01 5. 99 2006-07 7. 51 66. 65 16. 09 2. 98 0. 34 0. 02 6. 40 2007-08 5. 30 68. 47 16. 06 2. 88 0. 38 0. 03 6. 88 2008-09 3. 85 73. 12 14. 16 2. 07 0. 46 0. 03 6. 31 2009-10 3. 33 74. 20 12. 67 2. 03 0. 44 0. 02 7. 31 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database A sign of growing economy in India is that since 2004-05 the sale of passenger vehicles always exceeded the production of passenger vehicles (except in the year 2007-08) (refer to Tables 1 and 3). Between 2004-05 and 2009-10, the sale of passenger vehicles also showed phenomenal growth of more than 100% (refer to Table 3). Of the total vehicles sold between 2004-05 and 2009-10, the share of mid-size cars dropped from just less than 20% to just over 14% (refer to Table 4). These trends have begun to cause substantial worry among the producers of the mid-size cars and they have started to explore the factors that are influencing such a trend. 62 The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 Table 3: Total Sales of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator Total Car Sales Total Mini Car Sales Total Compact Cars Sales Total Mid-Size Cars Sales Total Executive Cars Sales Total Premium Cars Sales Total Luxury Cars Sales MUV Figures in Units 2004-05 1,047,109 124,447 617,837 206,888 25,646 5,876 155 66,260 2005-06 1,119,657 1,00,422 7,00,046 217,849 27,529 6,261 91 67,459 2006-07 1,353,574 96,103 890,504 235,355 40,964 5,978 249 84,421 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 1,516,716 1,659,777 2,120,366 87,003 249,152 42,195 6,209 862 101,871 63,992 271,662 33,641 9,042 1,093 107,767 69,004 299,175 46,686 11,455 1,265 151,869 1,029,424 1,172,580 1,540,912 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database Table 4: Segment-Wise Share in Sales of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator 2004-05 Total Mini Car Sales Total Compact Cars Sales Total Mid-Size Cars Sales Total Executive Cars Sales Total Premium Cars Sales Total Luxury Cars Sales MUV 11. 88 59. 00 19. 76 2. 45 0. 56 0. 01 6. 33 2005-06 8. 97 62. 52 19. 46 2. 46 0. 56 0. 01 6. 02 Figures in Percentages 2006-07 7. 10 65. 79 17. 39 3. 03 0. 44 0. 02 6. 24 2007-08 5. 74 67. 87 16. 43 2. 78 0. 41 0. 6 6. 72 2008-09 3. 86 70. 65 16. 37 2. 03 0. 54 0. 07 6. 49 2009-10 3. 25 72. 67 14. 11 2. 20 0. 54 0. 06 7. 16 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database The major players in the mid-size segment of the passenger car industry in India has seen lot of upheaval between 2004-05 and 2009-10. As far as production figures, in 2004-05 are concerned, Tata Motors emerged as the market leader with the production of 41,103 u nits. It was closely followed by Honda Siel, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motors. But, by 2009-10, Tata Motors not only lost its leadership position, it was nowhere near the top three players as far as the production of mid-size segment passenger cars in India were concerned. With the production of 99, 877 units or nearly 38% of the total mid-size cars produced in India, Maruti Suzuki had taken over the market leader’s position in this segment. It was followed by Hyundai Motors and Honda Siel (refer to Tables 5 and 6). Sales figures of mid-size segment passenger cars showed a completely different scenario from what was seen at the production front. In 2004-05, Ford India was the market leader with sales of 47,431 units, which translated into a market share of nearly 23%. It was The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry 63 Table 5: Company-Wise Production of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Production Mid-Size Cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Units 2004-05 25596 11036 14371 33036 30712 31491 41103 NA 2005-06 25294 4202 14909 37924 42288 31062 44247 NA 2006-07 39431 10337 12456 40147 41071 30465 37625 580 2007-08 33139 5574 10797 41901 47040 50596 30272 26653 2008-09 22439 2858 6940 36840 58873 73928 12957 14404 2009-10 28062 3832 9063 45980 46741 99877 23572 6225 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database Table 6: Company-Wise Share in Production of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Production Mid-size cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Percentages 2004-05 13. 66 5. 89 7. 67 17. 63 16. 39 16. 81 21. 94 NA 2005-06 12. 65 2. 10 7. 45 18. 96 21. 14 15. 53 22. 12 NA 2006-07 18. 54 4. 86 5. 86 18. 88 19. 31 14. 33 17. 69 0. 27 2007-08 13. 47 2. 27 4. 39 17. 03 19. 12 20. 57 12. 31 10. 84 2008-09 9. 79 1. 25 3. 03 16. 07 25. 8 32. 25 5. 65 6. 28 2009-10 10. 66 1. 46 3. 44 17. 46 17. 75 37. 93 8. 95 2. 36 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database 64 The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 followed by Tata Motors, which had a market share of 19. 5%. Honda Siel was at the third position with market share of around 16%. Just five yea rs down the line, in 2009-10, Maruti Suzuki took the coveted position of the market leader with market share of more than 33%. Tata Motors continued to enjoy the second position (market share = 19. 23%), followed by Hyundai Motors (Market Share = 16. 2%) (refer to Tables 7 and 8). Ford India tumbled from the first spot in 2004-05 to the fifth spot in just five years. This shows the increasingly dynamic nature of the mid-size segment of the passenger car industry in India. Table 7: Company-Wise Sales of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Sales Mid-Size Cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Units 2004-05 47,431 10,650 14,609 32,767 29,828 29,702 40,454 na 2005-06 43,154 4,710 14,893 37,586 41,683 32,006 43,363 na 2006-07 62,808 10,726 12,334 40,489 39,003 29,781 39,462 0 2007-08 31,569 5624 11,005 40,550 48,171 49,402 36,859 25,891 2008-09 23,927 3,010 7,098 38,284 56,538 76,039 51,732 15,034 2009-10 28,004 3,874 9,039 45,082 49,412 99,854 57,532 6,332 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database What is interesting to note is that just eight players are active in this segment, though the intense rivalry is limited to the top four or five players only. More and more international players like Volkswagen, Renault (without Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M)), Skoda and Fiat are introducing their products in this segment. This indicates a further increase in the intensity of the competition among the existing and the new players in the near future. To survive in such a highly competitive scenario, the existing players in the mid-size passenger cars segment will be forced to invest a considerable portion of their sales in research and development in order to produce new and better variants. This will be greatly beneficial for the Indian consumers. Indian Passenger Car Industry – An Attractive Destination According to the Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, India is an attractive destination for global automobile manufacturers despite not having any specific trade The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry 65 Table 8: Company-Wise Share in Sales of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Sales Mid-Size Cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Units 2004-05 22. 93 5. 15 7. 06 15. 84 14. 42 14. 36 19. 55 NA 2005-06 19. 81 2. 16 6. 84 17. 25 19. 13 14. 69 19. 91 NA 2006-07 26. 70 4. 56 5. 24 17. 21 16. 58 12. 66 16. 78 0 2007-08 12. 67 2. 26 4. 42 16. 28 19. 33 19. 83 14. 79 10. 39 2008-09 8. 81 1. 11 2. 61 14. 09 20. 81 27. 9 19. 04 5. 53 2009-10 9. 36 1. 29 3. 02 15. 07 16. 52 33. 38 19. 23 2. 12 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database agreements in this regard. 14 This is because there is an extremely low penetration level of cars in India (7 cars per thousand). 15 In addition, majority of the Indian population consists of youth having a median age of approximately 25 years16 and the population that fell in the working age g roup is 58% (approximately) which is estimated to increase to around 60% in the future. 7 This indicates an increase in the disposable income, which is likely to raise the penetration level of cars in India (as is evident from the current trend in the passenger car production and sales in India). These developments have made India an attractive destination for the global automobile companies. Auto majors18 like Ford, Honda, Hyundai, etc. , have not only entered into the mid-size segment of the Indian Passenger car industry but has also set up their manufacturing base in India. India’s liberal policy in terms of regulation has lowered the entry barriers for new entrants in the mid-segment of the passenger car industry. This has induced severe competition marked by high aspirations and new launches by existing players like M&M, which in tie up with French car manufacturer Renault has launched Logan. Since this offering is not doing very well in the Indian market, Renault has decided to introduce new model of cars in India on its own, without any partner. Ford India is 14 15 16 17 18 http://www. surfindia. com/automobile/industry-investment. html Auto Motive Mission Plan (ibid). https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in. html#People http://populationcommission. nic. in/facts1. tm (Here the working age is considered between 15 years to 60 years), Figures as in 2001. Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database. The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 66 targeting to improve its position through aggressive marketing and by increasing its investment in manufacturing. 19 Moreover the existing players like Tata Motors, Maruti and Fiat are also planning to launch new models in this segment. 20 Intensifying the competition, Fiat India has launched Linea and Grand Punto in the Indian mid-size car segment. The Indian Customers A study on Indian consumers, conducted by Mckinsey Global Institute, 21 discusses the income level of the Indian consumers with the growth in the Indian economy. The report predicts that if India’s growth continues unabated, then the rise of over 291 million people over desperate poverty line by 2025, will make it the fifth largest consumer market in the world. 22 Moreover, the reports forecast a massive rise in the number of Indian middle-class to 583 mn by 2025. The report also discusses a rise in the average household disposable income from INR 113,744 (US$2,499. 7) in 2005 to INR 318,896 (US$7008. 70) by 2025. These results indicates a rise in the consumption level of the Indian consumers and shift in the consumption pattern from necessities towards discretionary consumption which include expenditure on transportation in the form of passenger cars. The findings of the report also reveal a change in spending habits of the rich urban households which con verges with that of their counterparts in developed countries and their priority expenditure includes purchase of branded apparels, foreign vacations and purchase of passenger cars. Other reasons (apart from economic growth) cited by the report include availability of easy consumer financing, tendency of the people to rely more on their personal vehicles and reduction in the prices of the passenger cars. Population commission report indicates that majority of the Indian population consists of youth with increasing disposable income. 23 According to the findings of CSMM-BW Customer Survey 2006-07, Indian consumers are discerning and are of highly demanding nature, which make them a tough nut to crack for the marketers. 4 The survey measures the attitude of the Indian customers towards various companies using two key dimensions viz. Customer Experience (how the customers rate the firm’s performance) and Customer Loyalty (extent of customer’s goodwill a firm enjoys) covering 16 products and services. The results of the survey reveal the rising expectations of the Indian consumers which the marketers are finding difficult to meet on a consistent basis. The above result is attributed to the churn that has taken place post liberalization in the Indian economy. 19 20 21 22 23 24 http://www. hinduonnet. om/businessline/2000/06/24/stories/192402fr. htm http://auto. indiamart. com/cars/mid-size-cars. html www. scribd. com/doc/47945/McKinsey-MGI-india-consumer-full-report Desperate poverty has been defined in the study as people with an annual income of less than INR 90,000 (US$1850. 33). Source: http://populationcommission. nic. in/facts1. htm (Here the working age is considered between 15 years to 60 years), Figures as in 2001. Customer Satisfaction Management and Measurement (CSMM) A Specialized Unit of Market Research Firm IMRB International (BW – Business World): Marketing White Book 2001-08). 7 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry The report also discusses about the availability of new and better choices for Indian consumers due to opening up of the Indian economy post liberalization. This development, according to the report, coupled with increase in their income level is the major reason for the rise in consumer expectations about various products and services that they purchased. The inability of the marketers to meet their customers’ expectations and the availability of newer and better alternatives could be seen as one of the ajor reasons for the decline in consumer loyalty towards various players operating in the market. Rising disposable income of the working population and increase in the number of car models introduced by different companies operating in India, has increased the array of choice for the Indian consumers. With new players entering into the lucrative Indian domestic market and with the current players introducing new models in different segments, the bargaining power of the Indian customers is increasing. This has resulted in a decline in consumer loyalty towards a particular player. In order to compete in the Indian market, car-makers need to manufacture and sell products that carry the highest customer value. To achieve this goal, they need to provide European-quality cars at Asian prices. Price is cosidered as the crucial selling point in the market. 25 However, rise in the purchasing power of the Indians, increasing competition in the Indian market, stress on driving comfort and life-cycle costs (especially costs related to fuel) are also becoming important factors for potential car buyers in India. The Indian Auto Component Industry The Indian auto component industry, apart from IT industry, is believed to have the potential to be globally competitive. Robust growth in the Indian automobile industry seems to have triggered an upsurge in the Indian auto component industry. The Indian automotive component industry supports the automobile manufacturers by supplying them with automobile parts like engine parts, electrical parts, brakes, steel equipments, etc. It is characterized by the presence of around 500 organized manufacturers and 1,000 unorganized manufacturers. 6 Similar to the passenger car industry, the Indian auto component industry too has witnessed a robust growth between 1995 and 2005, which has made it one of the fastest growing industries in India having achieved a growth rate of 28% during the period ranging between 1995-98, 24% in 2003, 16% in 2004 and 15% in 2005. 27 This trend is expected to continue in the future as well. The Automotive Mission Plan (2006-16) reports that the turnover achieved by Indian auto-component industry would be over US$14 bn in 2005-06 and US$16 bn in the financial year 2006-07. 8 The supreme capability of Indian auto manufacturers is evident, from the launch of indigenized passenger vehicles like Tata Indica, Tata Nano, Mahindra Scorpio, etc. , by various Indian automobile players. Moreover, global auto majors like Ford 25 26 27 28 Source: http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0KJI/is_3_118/ai_n16118939 Report by the working group on Automotive Industry, Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), Department of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, India (August 2006). According to ACMA – Mckinsey Vision 2015, the industry has reported a growth rate of 20% between 2000-05. According to ACMA – Mckinsey Vision 2015. The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 68 Motors, Honda Siel, Hyundai Motors, etc. , are also setting up their manufacturing base in India. They are leveraging the support of high quality auto component supplier’s base in India in order to reduce their cost of production. 9 The presence of high quality component suppliers is one of the major reasons for global majors for setting up manufacturing facilities and make India their export hub. The potential for the Indian auto component industry, according to The ACMAMcKinsey Vision 2015 document is estimated to be US$40-45 bn by 2015. 30 India’s auto component industry had the capability to manufacture the entire range of autocomponents, such as engine parts, drive, transmission parts, suspension and braking parts, electrical parts, body and ch assis parts, with engine parts making nearly a third of all exports. Therefore, the contribution made by exports is likely to play a significant role in achieving the aforesaid potential, which is evident from the fact that the industry achieved growth rate (in exports) of 25% during 2000-05 and is expected to grow at 34% during the following decade. 31 Availability of a Wide Array of Choices for the Indian Customers Compact cars have emerged as a dominant player (refer to Table 4) in the Indian passenger car industry controlling more than 60% of the units sold in the last five years. 32 The sales of the small car (particularly compact size cars) in India has exceeded the sales of cars in any other segment. So the biggest threat in terms of substitutes for the mid-sized cars is the small cars especially the compact size cars. With the coming of Tata Nano, which is priced at about US$2500-US$2800 per unit, the threat from the small cars was expected to be further magnified. The booming market of passenger cars in India was facing threat from a multitude of factors, one of them being the Multi-Utility Vehicles (MUVs) (refer to Table 9). The MUVs, as the name suggests, are the vehicles with multi-usage capabilities. Popular especially with the large families, the concept of a MUV no doubt has many takers Table 9: Increase in Sales of MUVs Between 2004-05 and 2009-10 Years Total Units of MUVs Sold Percentage Increase 2004-05 180,865 – 2005-06 198,991 10. 02 2006-07 224,705 12. 92 2007-08 251,567 11. 95 2008-09 228,655 –9. 11 2009-10 275,556 20. 51 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database 29 30 31 32 Ford India awarded Q1supplier status to 10 suppliers to help them export their products to Ford worldwide. Reported by a report on Indian automotive industry by Indian Brand Equity Foundation- http://www. ibef. org/ download/Automotive_sectoral. pdf) http://www. ibef. org/industry/autocomponents. aspx According to ACMA-McKinsey vision 2015, exports by auto components manufacturers are expected to contribute 50% of their growth (http://www. ibef. org/industry/autocomponents. aspx) Compact cars and mini cars have been taken together and are consi dered to be part of small cars. 69 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry in India. All the leading automobile players in India, including the indigenous ones such as the Tata Motors, HM, M&M as well as the foreign ones are expanding their presence in the MUV segment of the Indian automobile market. MUVs with their multi-usage potentiality has been able to gain immense popularity in India. In the recent years many of the automobile companies have engrossed themselves in the manufacturing of MUVs, eying the huge potential market in India and abroad. Automobile firms such as the likes of Maruti Udyog, Tata Motors, M&M and HM have come up with some of the finest models of MUV. HM, one of the oldest auto makers in India, has launched MUVs like Pajero, Pushpak, and Trekker, in the Indian market, with technical collaboration with foreign automakers. 33 The first two could not make substantial headway in the markets while the Trekker is getting some semblance of popularity in the rural pockets of the country. M&M too has come up with a range of MUVs like Mahindra Voyager, Mahindra Hard Top Range, Mahindra CL Range and variants of Mahindra MM Range comprised the MUVs from the M&M stable. Mahindra Scorpio, an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) that had been conceptualized and designed by automotive division of M&M, has been quite successful not only in India but also in other countries like Russia, France, Spain, and Portugal. 34 This success could be attributed to its contemporary design and technology. An upgraded version of Scorpio known as ‘New Scorpio’ was launched with additional features. Tata Motors has also modified its versions of Tata Safari and Tata Sumo and has come up with its own range of MUVs. Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford and Toyota, the foreign auto majors too have their own share of MUVs in the Indian MUV segment. Another threat to the passenger car market is that international car rental firms are making a beeline for the Indian shore with almost a dozen car rental brands expected to enter the market soon. 35 Several International players like Hertz, Europcar, Leaseplan and Avis among others have already established their presence in the country, while others like, Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise and Vanguard’s brands like Almo and National among others are also said to be firming up their Indian plans. This sudden rush to India has been attributed to a slump in the US and European market. However, in spite of being US$2. 4 bn, car rental industry in India is highly unorganized. The market share of organized players in car rental industry is just 3%. 36 However, the industry, on the whole, has been seeing a buoyant growth of about 35-50% in the last two years (ibid). Public transport like buses and railways also form an important means of transportation in the Indian cities especially in t he urban areas. 37 Despite the growth in the number of private vehicle owners in middle income segments in the metro cities, a substantial number of commuters are still dependent on the public transport. Hundred 33 34 35 36 7 Source: http://auto. indiamart. com/hindustan-motors/ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mahindra_Scorpio Source: http://www. ibef. org/artdisplay. aspx? cat_id=60&art_id=16173 http://economictimes. indiatimes. com/News/News_By_Industry/Dozen_car_rental_brands_to_drive_into_India _soon/ articleshow/2225650. cms http://www. urban-age. net/10_cities/07_mumbai/_reflections/india_Tiwari. html The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 70 million out of 235 million people living in the Indian cities belong to lower income segment who cannot afford to own a private vehicle. Currently, many state governments have taken up various initiatives regarding improving the intra-city transportation by allowing private operators to run buses within the city, introducing new and better means of transportation like metro rail in Delhi, new buses, investment in road infrastructure like making new roads and widening of existing roads, etc. These initiatives, coupled with increase in the fuel prices, present a potential threat to the sales of the passenger cars. 38 The sales of luxury cars, though not significant in the current scenario, might pose a threat in the future. The average Indian is no longer satisfied with the normal automobile offerings, car enthusiasts wanted to feel precious and pampered and feel the need to enjoy a superior lifestyle. Perhaps these expectations are molding the new class of affluent Indians to possess top brand vehicles, regardless of their prices. In addition, the World Wealth Report 2005-06, published by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini, states that India recorded the world’s second fastest growth at 19. 3% in the number of high net-worth individuals in 2005. 39 Moreover, easy availability of credit financing40 has led to increased demand for bigger and better cars. Foreseeing the Indian market potential, major luxury automakers were setting up their offices in India to cater to the rich people’s fancy for trendy and luxurious cars. Mercedes and BMW have offered products at a starting price of INR 25-30 lakh (US$54,945-65,934), whereas the Maybach has lured the consumers to pay as much as INR 5 cr (US$1,098,901) to drive in the lap of luxury. Other motor giants like Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley, and Porsche have already joined the luxury car revolution in India. Conclusion The mid-size passenger car segment is currently passing through a dynamic stage. Growth in the Indian middle-class and easy availability of credit coupled with new launches and attractive pricing by the players will ensure its availability and hence will facilitate the growth of this segment. However, what the future holds for it, only time can tell. ? 38 39 40 Figures as on November 2007. www. capgemini. com/industries/financial/solutions/wealth/wwr05_archive www. scribd. com/doc/47945/McKinsey-MGI-india-consumer-full-report 71 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry Appendix Classification of Passenger Cars41 Small Cars or Compact Cars Small cars are classified according to the price range which varies from 1 to 3 lakh. It has the capacity to carry 4 passengers—2 adults, 2 children. These are basically entry level cars which are preferred by service group and middle income group. These cars are manufactured by—Maruti Udyog, Tata Motors and Reva. While companies like Volkswagen, etc. , are yet to launch their models in the market. Mid-Size Cars A mid size car is an automobile with a size between that of compact and full size cars. The price range of mid-size cars is between Rs. to 8 lakh. The mid-size cars have the capacity to carry 4 passengers—2 adults and 2 children. The credit of manufacturing these cars goes to companies like—Fiat India, Ford, General Motors, Hindustan Motors, Hyundai Motors, Maruti Udyog, Tata Motors, etc. Executive Cars An Executive Car segment includes cars that lie between the mid-sized cars and premiu m cars in terms of price (range lies between Rs. 5 lakh to 10 lakh) and seating capacity. It includes cars from major manufacturers like Daimler Chrysler, Hindustan Motors, General Motors, Toyota Kirloskar, Skoda India, Hyundai Motors and BMW. Premium Cars Premium cars fall within the price range of Rs. 7 to 15 lakh. They have the capacity to carry 5 passengers. These cars mainly target higher income group. Premium cars were launched by Audi India, Ford Motors, General Motors, Honda Motors, Hyundai Motors, Skoda Auto, Mitsubishi and Toyota Motors. Luxury Cars Luxury cars are very expensive and their price range is above Rs. 20 lakh. These cars are preferred by the high income group. Luxury cars have the capacity to carry at the most 6 passengers. So far companies like BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Porsche, Rolls Royce, etc. , have introduced these cars in India. Reference # 33J-2010-09-04-01 41 www. auto. indiamart. com/cars (accessed on January 10, 2008). The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 72 Copyright of IUP Journal of Business Strategy is the property of IUP Publications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.