International Finance Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International Finance - Case Study Example In 1993, ICI demerged its bioscience businesses to a publicly listed company, Zeneca Group PLC. 1997 saw ICI transforming from a regional manufacturer of bulk chemicals to a global specialty chemical and paints leader with the acquisition of Unilever's Speciality Chemicals businesses. Over the last decade, ICI has transformed its portfolio through a number of acquisitions and divestments worth more than 12 billion. Proceeds from divestments have helped ICI reduce its net debt and improve its balance sheet strength (ICI Annual Report, 2006). This paper evaluates the international operations of ICI and discusses how important international trade is for the ICI Group. Various analyses are conducted such as strategic, financial, SWOT, and risk to provide a deeper insight into the company's international operations. ICI Board comprises of the Chairman, Chief Executive, 3 directors, and five non-executive directors. Collectively, the Board is responsible for the success of the company. Through the Chief Executive, the Board delegates to management the overall performance of the company through the setting of clear objectives, building long-term management capability and ensuring that the business is managed in conformity with the business principles. Core businesses Core businesses of ICI comprise ICI Paints and the adhesives, specialty starches, specialty polymers and electronic materials operations of National Starch. These businesses serve diverse consumer and industrial markets through 40 strategic business units. These businesses are supported by Group functions that provide expertise in the disciplines of information technology, finance, human resources, operations, procurement, safety, security, and applied technology (ICI Annual Report, 2006). ICI Paints has some of the world's leading paint and decorative product brands. ICI makes products to prepare and care for many building materials, and provides coatings for cans and packages. It is headquartered in the UK and has operations in 25 countries (ICI Annual Report, 2006). National Starch markets a broad array of products to various sectors such as food, healthcare and construction. It has four divisions that are grouped around adhesives, specialty starches, specialty polymers and electronic materials. National Starch is headquartered in the United States, and has manufacturing and customer service centres in 39 countries (ICI Annual Report, 2006). ICI has a number of regional and industrial businesses, principal operations for which are located in Pakistan and Argentina. They include the manufacture of pure terephthalic acid, polyester, sulphur-related chemicals, wine chemicals and soda ash (ICI Annual Report, 2006). ICI is headquartered in the UK, with geographically diversified operations worldwide. Asia and Latin America account for 36% of sales, North America 33%, Europe 29%, and the rest of the world 2%. ICI's businesses have adopted a staffing policy whereby local nationals are typically hired. Total employee strength at ICI is 29, 130, of which 87% are located outside the UK. ICI Group has operations in more than 50 countries around the world. More than 60% of the Group's revenue comes from sectors which are believed to be non-cyclical in nature, such

Politics versus need in politics of disaster payments Essay

Politics versus need in politics of disaster payments - Essay Example It also provides funding for rebuilding purposes to the States as well as to offer smaller relief loans at low interest rates to individuals in order to rehabilitate themselves. As a part of its preparedness effort, agency also provides training support to States and other territories in order to increase the overall responsiveness of the States to deal with such catastrophic events on their own. It also offers funds to impart training to the local State employees to better deal with the disasters. The arguments presented by Garrett & Sobel suggest that this funding to the States however have been political motivated. By questioning the public choice model, authors have actually attempted to outline the politics behind the public choices. The arguments indicate that the Congress and Presidential influences are key to the rate of declaration of disasters and subsequent provision of funding to the States. The arguments further suggest that States which are politically more important to the President tend to have higher disaster declaration. Further, the arguments also pointed out stronger correlation with election years and States having Congressional representation on FEMA committee. (Garrett & Sobel, 2003) The above arguments basically indicate the political motives of President and the States to get FEMA funding for the disasters. The overall distribution of FEMA funds therefore is not according to the way public choices should be made. The inability of the bureaus and departments to actually independently and submissiveness to the will of members of Congressional Committees therefore suggest that the overall distribution may not be just and equitable and that the political motives may be significant in making funding decisions. Over the period of time, various criticisms have been raised regarding how the grants and funds are distributed in US. During October 2004, grants were given to five of the most competitive States for

Major Depression Disorder Essay Example for Free

Major Depression Disorder Essay The scenario I have chosen to write about is the case of Sylvia. She is a patient of major depression disorder. Symptoms clearly show she is struggling with major depression disorder. The five dominant theories of psychology to further understand the case of Sylvia are the cognitive theory, behavioral theory, humanistic theory, personality theory and social dominance theory. Cognitive theory of psychology is focus on internal state such as problem solving, motivation, thinking, decision making and attention. It is a key component underlying the way people think and behave. Cognitive theory is basically concerned with the development of a person’s thoughts processes. It also counts for how these thought processes influence and how a person understand and interact with the world. The technique recommend by the cognitive theory to help Sylvia. In cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach which addresses dysfunctional and emotions maladaptive behaviors and cognitive processes. CBT is an effective treatment for various conditions like anxiety, mood, personality, eating, and substances abuse which Sylvia is and has struggled with all this. So this will be very helpful for her. Behavioral theory of learning which is based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. Behavioral techniques are widely used in therapeutic settings to help clients in learning new skills and behavior. It is bases on the belief that behavior can be measured, changed and trained. The technique recommended by behaviorism theory to help Sylvia. Applied behavior analysis technique is recommended by behaviorism therapy in the case of major depression. And in the case of Sylvia, this technique will be very helpful. Psychodynamic is also known as dynamic psychology. It is an approach of psychology, which emphasizes on the systematic study of psychological forces. The treatment of  psychological distress psychodynamic therapy to be less sensitive than psychoanalysis treatment. Psychodynamic therapies are basically depending upon theory of inner conflict. Psychodynamic therapy is designed to help patients explore the full range of their emotions, including feeling they may not be aware of. The technique recommended by psychodynamic theory to help Sylvia is Psychoanalytic and interpersonal technique, it is recommended by psychodynamic theory to help people like Sylvia who is struggled with major depression. This approach focuses on the interrelationship of the mind and mental, motivational or emotional forces within the mind that interact to shape a personality. Humanistic psychology is focused on understanding the unconscious motivations that drive behavior, and study the condition while processes that produce behavior. Humanistic psychology emerged during the 1950’s as a reaction to psycho analysis and behaviorism humanistic psychology was instead focused on each individual’s potential and stressed the importance of growth and self – actualization. The technique recommended by humanistic theory to help Sylvia is existential technique. If is recommended by humanistic theory to help a person who is in major depression disorder. Personality psychology looks at the patterns of thoughts and feelings that make a person unique. Some of the best known theories of psychology are devoted to the subject of personality. Almost every day we describe and access the personality of the people around us. Whether we realize it or not. These daily musings on how and why people behave as they do are similar to what personality psychologist do. Social dominance theory identifies several mechanisms by which hierarchies are developed and maintained. These theories focused on helping us understand and explain social behavior. Social theories are generally centered on specific social phenomenon including prosaically, Social behavior. These are all the theories of psychology that Sylvia could use for this scenario. All the different techniques that she can do. Each different technique helps to deal with her major depression disorder. They each help individually, but when applied together better results could be obtained. Reference Myers, D. (2014). Exploring psychology (9th Ed.). New York: NY: Worth Publishers.

Science and Technology Business Models: Nanotechnology

Science and Technology Business Models: Nanotechnology Reviewing the business model of nanophase, we can explain that, nanophase business model always uses circuitous merchandise to the customers, for most of its interest .to solve problems the companys make use of the owners knowledge and also thing or substance which is produced .To discover dissatisfying wants set of people work together, cooperate with an imminent customers .Which meet the needs of the favored markets ,internationally and few domestic sales were made through discerning practiced person acting for another in business and an agent who supplies goods .To enhance the size of their interest nanophase also got occupied in systematic investigation of material,machinery,grant license and promoting strategy of formal union or association .Staff members manufactured only those materials in the market which had high equipment and which economically gave tough competition. Nanocrystalline materials also assured to add the most value of giving moral benefit to play proper role to their performance. To the customers request nanocryatalline materials were established by the person who is skilled in the field of engineering. So that they get maximum profit most of the times in most of the cases .The key elements of this model are What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the branch of knowledge involving systematic observation of their knowledge which is combining form of one thousand millionth instrument that measures or records -the world smallest particle of chemical element that can take part in chemical reaction and group of atoms forming smallest fundamental unit of chemical compound. This equipment always assures to change the way of living, the way of striving against disease, the way of producing and the way of traveling through universe. History of nanophase technologies and corporation. In the mid of 1980 they founded the signs of nanophase technology by investigation. RICHARD SIEGEL an international scientists who did the systematic investigation of materials and who elaborated the physical vapor synthesis By making use of (pvs) process ,the task of nanophase was to manufacture the combining form of one thousand millionth structured materials. -Protecting the intellectual property. Nanophase was also booming in protecting its equipment, tools and processes with official document. -Reducing manufacturing costs. To reduce manufacturing cost, Nanophase placed an important research on its machinery for its development on systematic investigation of materials. They were also provided with money by the company to improve making of articles for their financial profit of its production. -Financing operations. Nanophase has financed say about $19,558,069 which private company offered for equity securities. In 1997 public offered 4,000,000 common shares at $8.00 a share to increase $28,837,936 for the development of the company. -Transition and changes in management. In elaborating high technology their executives tried to speed their condition to raise the financial profit. Developing so many projects nanophase had to undergo and did not have enough products and customers also brought into existence a dependable interest stream. -The science of nanotechnology at nanophase. Using metallic cerium, copper, iron etc. nanotechnology is used to manufacture nanocrystalline particles. Marketing strategy used by nanophase is to develop their business with their team work which they used on nanotechnology with new applications to tie up with new customers. This stage of growth in business included different activities such as estimating and accomplishing capable market opportunities. Growth of this long term plan which recognized the lead customers in each market and which successfully made their way into the market .nanophase also formed a technical team by appointing a proper engineer so that they can come out with proper solution. one-third of the staff were expertise in various fields such as material related, including science of elements and their combination, ceramic products, science of properties and interaction of matter and energy, applications of science to design and uses of various machines and building. To find out precisely what kinds of functions are needed to the customers nanophase had applied nanoparticles skill and appointed the best expertise t o understand the needs of the customers and also their problems. The team also formed partnership deed so that they can give proper services to the customers. Once they done with proper services, staff and team members moved to sales department. By selling the products they had also set a target in minds of the customers. To make their business success they tried to make the maximum profit. The companys main motive was firstly to fit its primary business strategy and then to make maximum significant customers .The role of collaborative relationship of marketing strategy with the customers started developing when the staff members started fulfilling all the needs of the customers .Maintaining relationship with the customers helped them in arranging systematic chemistry which helped the people to do things they cant have done in any other way .To cooperate and manage with the customers was too expensive and was also time consuming .Then to some staff members and management of the comp any expected that the expenses would decrease when there is production development of the company. For introducing nanoparticles to the prospective customers, agents started bringing their years of industrial experience and contacts. The experience of the sales agent which were selected by the company were very fast and they also had cost efficient way to increase the sales long term plan of the nanophase. The company always tries to form close relationship with selected agents so that that can speed with their production horizontally and can be applied on certain things. The problems faced while forming this strategy was majorly seen in the year 2001.This year prove very difficult for nanophase .The profit of the company temporarily declined in economic activities. The company also declined in manufacturing sector which resulted badly in companies primary customer base .Because of the capability of nanotechnology revenue continued to remain strong so that it was still very difficul t to animate the revenue of future expected customers who were also going through different profitable challenges and also degenerating their business activity .these were the problems in this strategy. There are many competitors to compete against nanophase. The technology of nanophase is not properly defined and it is also new, so there are many new competitors who can start their business .The competitors who plan their long-term policy in chemical companies and also from the other participants who form their own industry, nanophase can face competition from these competitors. There are five types of industry who can give competition to nanophase. First, there are many chemical companies which are situated in United States, Europe and Asia. This states form their company and they have started manufacturing silica, carbon black and iron oxide nanocrystalline on a very large scale so that they can sell this to maximum customers. They started their manufacturing worldwide so that they can become famous and tie-up their companies name with Bayer AG, Cabot Corporation etc.They also have an ample amount of financial, technical wealth, big investigation, more increasing staffs and huge advertising and mechanized capability. Secondly, there are OEMS who have started making nanocrystalline resources which are manufactured only by their owners and were used only for their products. They are trying to follow with view of overtaking some application that includes biotechnology, petroleum, computing and microelectronics etc. These companies are capable enough to sell nanocrystalline resources which are not useful in their own operations but which are needed for outside customers. Thirdly, these start-up companies are the most important companies which will compete the strategy of nanophase. The companies are Light-year technologies INC, Argonide Corporation, Tal materials INC, Nanomat, Oxonica ltd, Nanopowders industries, Nanopowder enterprises, Nano source technologies these all are private ltd company. They are trying to develop employees in research organization to develop nanotechnology because they were trying to trying to make them official because they were investigated by some scientists and engineers. Fourthly, they have the ability to manufacture nanocrystalline materials in small quantities using one out of two manufacturing process. Finally, Altair nanotechnologies are still upcoming competitor who are planning strategy to compete nanophase. Yes, there is management strength in this company. Nanophase has managed all ups and downs of the company. Nanophase has reviewed the business model. It has very well managed the marketing strategy of the company. This company has also faced the upcoming problems. Company had faced some major problem in 2001.but it was solved till the year 2002-2003.company has also fulfilled all the needs of customers. Many new technologies have also invented by the company .They also processed PVS. Due to which nanoparticles were produced. Due to nanotechnology there is certain development in product markets etc. It has also looked after health and personal products .It has managed in all fields. In technical, sale or manufacturing department. This shows management of nanophase, became strength of this company. REFRENCE/BIBLOGRAPHY- Nanophase case study 6-19, module handbookPG-49, 44, 45, 50,51,52,53. Nanophase Technologies Corporation, 2001 annual report. Nanophase technologies corporation, 2000 annual report; sec from 10-q, May 15, 2002 www.nanophase.com : Nanophase 2001 Annual Report: Sec from 10-k 405, 1997.

Are Most of The Errors Which EFL Learners Make Due to Interference from

Introduction It is commonly assumed that where there are differences between L1 and L2, the learner's L1 will probably interfere with the L2 (negative language transfer), whereas, when L1 and L2 are similar, the L2 will assist the L2 learning (positive language transfer) (Ellis, 1994). Therefore, we tend to believe that most of the errors are account of negative transfer. This is partly true according to many empirical studies of errors which have showed that many errors are common to different linguistic backgrounds. The L1 is, therefore, one of various sources of errors, and there might be other reasons which should be considered (Krashen, 1988). Approaches to Errors Errors are made when learners of L2 produce incorrect language because they do not know the correct form, while mistakes are made when learners produce incorrect language although they know the correct form (macmillandictionary.com). Learners can correct their own mistakes, but by definition, they can not correct errors. Errors are considered to be partial acquisition of the target language. In fact, errors should be viewed as "the tip of the iceberg" of a dynamic process of foreign language acquisition (brj.asu.edu). Instead of treating the developmental stages in learners' language as errors, it may be better to view these errors as partial acquisition. This point of view and many others concerning errors, however, neither overlook nor neglect the positive and negative influence of L1 on L2...

Methods of Business Research Essay -- Business and Management Studies

Methods of Business Research According to the American Marketing Association, marketing research is the systematic gathering, recording, and analyzing of data about problems relating to the marketing of goods and services. Marketing research is not a perfect science. It deals with people and their constantly changing feelings and behaviors, which are influenced by countless subjective factors. To conduct marketing research you must gather facts and opinions in an orderly, objective way to find out what people want to buy, not just what you want to sell them. It is impossible to sell products or services that customers do not want. Learning what customers want, and how to present it attractively, drives the need for marketing research. Small business has an edge over larger concerns in this regard. Large businesses must hire experts to study the mass market, while small-scale entrepreneurs are close to their customers and can learn much more quickly about their buying habits. Small business owners have a sense their customers' needs from years of experience, but this informal information may not be timely or relevant to the current market. Marketing research focuses and organizes marketing information. It ensures that such information is timely and permits entrepreneurs to reduce business risks, Spot current and upcoming problems in the current market, identify sales opportunities and develop plans of action. Business research is essential because it involves statistical information about the external and internal environment of the company. This information is required while planning strategically, setting objectives and determining the competitive advantage of the company or the product. Studies based on morale, employee opinions, absenteeism and the management of people provide valuable insights into the prevailing conditions of employee management relations and tend to strengthen and improve levels of productivity and growth by fostering efficiency and effectiveness as well as competitiveness. Research on financial matters can guide the company with respect to financial issues and problems as well as opportunities. This research can lead to financial prosperity. While research is used widely to study markets and their opportunities, research is also used to study the company’s production and marketing operations. ... ...text of marketing plans. Since the business has to carry out strategic planning with reference to a company and its functions a separate specialized R&D department should be made. The reason is that research provides information on the external and internal environments of the company, on the development of a competitive edge, goals and performance measuring controls. The information collected may not be interpreted in the same way, which may lead to chaos and confusion and accurate and appropriate decisions may not be made. An un-integrated department for R&D would mean the employment of research specialists who have the expertise to collect accurate information, provide information about different opportunities and interpret it accurately. Researchers need to be well equipped with data collection, measurement and analysis tools to make the best possible use of the information gathered. There fore, in larger businesses, it is almost essential for company to have a separate well equipped research department to deal with large amounts of data in an effective manner in order to maintain the focus of strategic development on the different functions of the organizaiton

How Has Music Marketing Changed over the Years and Where Does the Future of the Music Press Lie? Essay

In this day and age, technology is developing so rapidly that changes are occurring all across the board. Faster internet, digital photography, and interactive programs are all making advertising and marketing much easier in the ever expanding world of consumerism. With all these new advances, there are bound to be numerous changes. The music industry is a relatively modern concept. It originated from word of mouth and paper publications back before computers were even thought of. Many people nowadays act for the music press themselves by creating their own blogs/podcasts etc from their own music knowledge they have gained from websites and magazines. Although there are many technology based music industries there are still some simple publications that are still popular even though they have been around for the past 50 years such as NME magazine. As the music press progressed specific music genre specialisms such as Kerrang and TOTP have been introduced. Also, advertising elements such as billboards and posters still catch our attention as we are walking or driving past one. An eye catching mise en scene or new pictures of our favourite bands induce us to stop what we are doing and take notice in what they are doing or promoting. This shows how the music press operates according to the basic principles of advertising. For example A. I. D. A. The awareness is raised through apple symbols and artists which we trust to admire, acting as form of celebrity endorsement for the reader or viewer. The press follow the interest in an artist by using aesthetically pleasing photos of them making us aspire to look or be like our idols in the music industry. We cant help to desire to follow our favourite artist on twitter to get all the up to date gossip and information on them. We then take action by buying CD’s, gig tickets and merchandise in order to support our favourite bands but also as we aspire to fit in to the changing society. We do what is ‘the thing’ to do at the time. This relates to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as group and self identity relate to our choices in music and say a lot about us as individuals. There are still many advantages of buying a traditional magazine in today’s society. You can pick it up anytime and take it anywhere with you. You know all the information will be reliable and trustworthy. Free CDs/booklets and posters are one of the biggest advantages. People are most likely to by a magazine with a freebie other than any other one. Since technology became so popular, the most common music marketing for music was magazines. People would go out and spend their hard earned money on a magazine which would fill them in and keep them updated on everything to do with their favourite genre of music. It was for some people the only way to find out about new information on their favourite bands etc. However, over time as technology has developed, new marketing ways have been introduced which are pushing music magazines to the back of the line. These new ways are quicker, cheaper and easier for people which is why they are becoming more popular. In the mid 1990’s things started to change. The advent of the Internet allowed music fans to change the way they consumed music. And as technology advanced, the music business began to rethink (or in some cases were forced to rethink) the tools they used to market music to consumers. For reasons both good and bad, the Internet has given nearly all consumers more information than they would get from things like magazines or the radio for free, which means that people wont bother spending their money buying a magazine. Online music magazines/websites have the opportunity to make more money from advertising etc. If things continue developing in this way, the future of the music press will all be technology based. Eventually music magazines wont be making enough money and will be taken off the shelves and more and more industries will be online based. What is certain is that the future of the music press will be tied to the idea of sharing ideas online and through word of mouth. Blogs like network. youthmusic. org. uk, viral marketing through facebook where artists have a bigger fan base will develop and expand.