Computers And Computing Essays - Vacuum Tube Computers, ENIAC

Computers And Computing Background on Computers and Computing. Only once in a lifetime will a new invention come about to touch every aspect of our lives. Such a device that changes the way we work, live, and play is a special one, indeed. A machine that has done all this and more now exists in nearly every business in the US and one out of every two households (Hall, 156). This incredible invention is the computer. The electronic computer has been around for over a half-century, but its ancestors have been around for 2000 years. however, only in the last 40 years has it changed the American society. From the first wooden abacus to the latest high-speed microprocessor, the computer has changed nearly every aspect of peoples lives for the better. The very earliest existence of the modern day computers ancestor is the abacus. These date back to almost 2000 years ago. It is simply a wooden rack holding parallel wires on which beads are strung. When these beads are moved along the wire according to programming rules that the user must memorize, all ordinary arithmetic operations can be performed (Soma, 14). The next innovation in computers took place in 1694 when Blaise Pascal invented the first digital calculating machine. It could only add numbers and they had to be entered by turning dials. It was designed to help Pascals father who was a tax collector (Soma, 32). In the early 1800s, a mathematics professor named Charles Babbage designed an automatic calculation machine. It was steam powered and could store up to 1000 50-digit numbers. Built in to his machine were operations that included everything a modern general-purpose computer would need. It was programmed by--and stored data on--cards with holes punched in them, appropriately called punchcards. His inventions were failures for the most part because of the lack of precision machining techniques used at the time and the lack of demand for such a device (Soma, 46). After Babbage, people began to lose interest in computers. However, between 1850 and 1900 there were great advances in mathematics and physics that began to rekindle the interest (Osborne, 45). Many of these new advances involved complex calculations and formulas that were very time consuming for human calculation. The first major use for a computer in the US was during the 1890 census. Two men, Herman Hollerith and James Powers, developed a new punched-card system that could automatically read information on cards without human intervention (Gulliver, 82). Since the population of the US was increasing so fast, the computer was an essential tool in tabulating the totals. These advantages were noted by commercial industries and soon led to the development of improved punch-card business-machine systems by International Business Machines (IBM), Remington-Rand, Burroughs, and other corporations. By modern standards the punched-card machines were slow, typically processing from 50 to 250 cards per minute, with each card holding up to 80 digits. At the time, however, punched cards were an enormous step forward; they provided a means of input, output, and memory storage on a massive scale. For more than 50 years following their first use, punched-card machines did the bulk of the world's business computing and a good portion of the computing work in science (Chposky, 73). By the late 1930s punched-card machine techniques had become so well established and reliable that Howard Hathaway Aiken, in collaboration with engineers at IBM, undertook construction of a large automatic digital computer based on standard IBM electromechanical parts. Aiken's machine, called the Harvard Mark I, handled 23-digit numbers and could perform all four arithmetic operations. Also, it had special built-in programs to handle logarithms and trigonometric functions. The Mark I was controlled from prepunched paper tape. Output was by card punch and electric typewriter. It was slow, requiring 3 to 5 seconds for a multiplication, but it was fully automatic and could complete long computations without human intervention (Chposky, 103). The outbreak of World War II produced a desperate need for computing capability, especially for the military. New weapons systems were produced which needed trajectory tables and other essential data. In 1942, John P. Eckert, John W. Mauchley, and their associates at the University of Pennsylvania decided to build a high-speed electronic computer to do the

Laci Ethridge Essays - Christianity, Philosophy Of Religion

Laci Ethridge Essays - Christianity, Philosophy Of Religion Laci Ethridge Professor Moore Religion of The World 3/9/2017 Explanation to the meaning of Shunryu Suzuki statement 'When you try to attain enlightenment, then you have a big burden on your mind. Your mind will not be clear enough to see things as they are. If you truly see things as they are, then you will see things as they should be.' Says Shunryu Suzuki. I had to reread this statement repeatedly before I could respond. First I couldn't figure out how to respond to this statement until I applied it to my own life. I am college student out on my own trying to figure life out. It was never my intentions of coming to Paine college but not having enough financial support has landed me here. I grew up in a single parent home with my mom picking up the slack my father decided to leave behind. She raised me and my three sisters the best she could, and although I didn't appreciate it then, I appreciate all her hard work now. My freshmen year at Paine was the moment I got a taste of reality of being on my own. I never focused on the big picture, all I remember was letting my hair down and enjoying all the freedom of being on my own had to offer. But as I get older its more to life than what I am seeing. When your acting out on free will its hard to understand the purpose God has put out for you. Believe it or not you come across people for a reason but you'll miss out on golden opportunities because you don't understand the purpose for you guise reasoning to crossing paths. It is very imperative to build a relationship with God and enlighten yourself. God is a loving being and he didn't create us to go through pain and hurt. Even though we are born into sin, a sinful lifestyle is not God intentions for our future. I believe God forgives our sins because he wants to build a relationship with us. If you don't feel conviction after committing a sin, then you should question who's leading your life. When the devil begins to work so hard to confuse your life he puts you through obstacles. And sometimes those obstacles may not be the easiest road to travel, but if you read the word of God and trust the word of God there isn't a road that will be hard to travel. The devil can turn off all the lights in your home and if you hold on to Gods promise you will make it. Also, you should never condemn yourself for your sins as I find myself doing. After overcoming hardship and hurdles I thought I would never overcome I decided to get baptized this year, January 17,2017. I thought it was time to turn over everything to the loving father. I'm not saying I became a saint after this day, but it was a new path I set out for myself. I know for a fact that God wants to use me to reach out to others. God has made my skin thick and my hurt pure. I realized that I'm not going through my experiences just because God doesn't love me, I am experiencing this because he needed me to start developing a clear mind and to accept things how they are and find the hidden picture through everything that I am going through. He wants me to deifier his hidden agenda for my purpose. And it is up to me to accept his challenge. That is what I got out of his statement.

Peter Berger's heretical imperative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Peter Berger's heretical imperative - Essay Example According to Berger, pluralism is â€Å"a situation in which there is competition in the institutional ordering of comprehensive meanings of everyday life† (Oldmeadow, 2010, p.33). Because of uncertainty, there are unsteady, inconsistent and erratic plausibility structures, particularly those of religion. Berger argues that religion becomes a matter of choice, which he best refers to as a â€Å"heretical imperative† (heresy). According to Peter Berger, there are three contemporary responses to the crisis that modernity thrusts religion into, which include deduction, reduction as well as induction. Berger denounces deduction, which entails the reaffirmation of influence of a sacred ritual against secular authority (Esposito, Fasching & Lewis, 2011). He also rejects reductionism, which reinterprets a sacred ritual on the basis of secular authority. In rejecting the two responses, Berger supports the third approach, which is induction. His belief is that the crisis facing religion is a product of the sterile antithesis of neo-orthodoxy and secularism (Woodhead Heelas & Martin, 2001). He believes that by shunning both deductive and reductive approaches and adopting inductive approach, the crisis can be triumphed. In The Sacred Canopy: elements of a sociological theory of religion, Berger explore the relationship between human religion and world-building. The society is presented as dialectic because it is considered as a human invention. Society is produced by man. Also, man is also portrayed as a product of the society. Society precedes human life and also succeeds it. That is, society existed before human birth and will persist after his death. Man cannot exist without society and without man, society cannot exist. This exhibits the dialectic nature of the society. Berger argues that pluralism undermines stable belief (Berger, 1979). Pluralism is the cause of secularisation. According to Berger, the basic dialectic process

API 14C Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

API 14C - Research Paper Example Since the process in the petroleum industry involves various tasks, the need for safety systems becomes all the more important. Hence a proper practice is required to provide the basic safety systems. Offshore production is a herculean task and the components used in this process must be guaranteed as safe. This is done to make sure that the offshore production is carried on without any problems. This report aims at providing various methods that determines the safety requirements that are essential to protect the offshore production components. These process components must be protected in order to form a complete system. The safety system is developed individually for each component and this ensures that each and every component in the production environment is safe. Once the modules are developed for all the components of the system, they are integrated to form a complete safety system. This system contains modules that operate on individual components in a hassle free manner. (Wallace, 1995).The development of safety system does not end with the process of creating components. Instead the process consists of creating documents, verification of components and maintenance of the developed modules. To accomplish this task, a similar method is executed in all the offshore production platforms. A sample system is defined to test the proposed system. This ensures that the developed system is free from errors. This paper concentrates on developing a recommendation that provides a safe environment in the offshore production. The paper provides guidelines as to how a safety system must be developed, tested, analyzed and maintained. Safety systems are used in most of the industries to ensure that the developed systems and products are in a safe environment. (Lyons, 2005).These safety systems are often developed by a third party vendor who prepares and implements it in the industries. This does

Inland freight exam qns Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Inland freight exam qns - Assignment Example If any two shops require the stocks and if they are located nearby to each other in the adjacent sectors (east and south), then one vehicle will be sufficient to replenish the stocks to the two shops. The same can be extended to two, three, etc., number of shops considering the distance and the load. Another most important factor to be considered is the traffic in the city which will delay the delivery resulting in the dissatisfaction of the customers with the factory. The distance of the shop outlet to be recorded in the sheet must be the shortest distance with free of heavy traffic. A delivery to a shop outlet can have various traveling path but while locating the path for the delivery, it should be taken care that a traffic free path is chosen which will be better than getting into traffic path. In case, there are many shop outlets located in a single sector (any one region), then the number of vehicles to complete the delivery will be reduced. From the above points, it is very cl ear that the delivery plan depends on four factors namely location of the shop outlets, number of shop outlets in a location, various travel paths and distance of the shop outlet from the factory. 2. Explain the techniques used to retain firm control of transport costs The transport costs can be controlled by efficiently planning the deliveries with respect to the shop location, number of outlets in a location, travel distance, travel path, availability of vehicle and availability of vehicle drivers. Each time when a delivery is initiated, it can be made a regular task of recording the start time, distance in kilometers traveled acknowledged by the shop outlet to the factory so as to be aware among few drivers who will simply record more distance for higher pay. A cost benefit analysis can be made with these details on periodical basis which will be useful to track the cost controlling. The recording of kilometers will help to minimize the diesel fuel cost and also avoid being cheated by the drivers. The pay to the drivers for delivering the stocks should be reasonable. At the same time, it should not be the case of committing a unreliable driver who is ready to accept low pay. The pay should be made in such a way that driver is reliable all the t ime. The vehicles should undergo periodical maintenance to reduce the cost on repairs. Even if the vehicle is operating for a long time (beyond one year) without any problem, the maintenance on the particular stipulated date should be done and reported since it might result in accumulated repairs which will result in increase of the maintenance cost per year. The training cost for the drivers should be the least one and for that drivers who are well trained and aware of the routes in the city can be selected. This may include some cost of testing the driver. The temporary use of staff will be affecting the costs more since the drivers demand more pay when they are asked to make an immediate delivery. At that time of demand, it becomes essential to use them so as to satisfy the customers and to retain their

Vodafone Strategy Analysis

Vodafone Strategy Analysis Jump to: Vodafone Business Strategy | Internal and External Analysis | Strategy Evaluation | Strategy Implementation | Conclusion 1.0 INTRODUCTION This report presents an in-depth business; strategic analysis of Vodafone Group Plc. The report provides a comprehensive insight into the company, including strategy formulation, strategy planning, strategy evaluation and selection as well as strategy implementation. This will involve in investigating the organizations external environment, to identify Opportunities and threats it might face, and its strategic capacity, capabilities to isolate key strengths and weakness as well as indentify the significant of significant of the stakeholder analysis and environment and organizational audit OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY A Multi-National Company named Vodafone is one the leading companies in Telecommunication Industry. Vodafone PLC Vodafone is a leading global player in mobile telecommunications. It operates in over 26 countries worldwide. Vodafone has grown rapidly since it was originally formed in 1984. It has responsibilities to its 60,000 staff and 151 million customers and shareholders. Vodafone offers a wide range Products/Services, such as Voice Services Social Products Messaging Services Vodafone live Vodafone live! With 3G USB modems Vodafone Mobile Connect Data Cards Roaming Services Other Business Services Vodafone was formed in 1984 as a subsidiary of Racal Electronics Plc. Then known as Racal Telecom Limited, approximately 20% of the companys capital was offered to the public in October 1988. Task 01: Strategy Formulation 1.1 Business Strategy Johnson and Scholars defined business Strategy as follows Strategy is the direction and scope of an organization over the long-term: which achieves advantage for the organization through its configuration of resources within a challenging environment, to meet the needs of markets and to fulfill stakeholder expectations. Business strategy is the foundation and core competition of successful business. But there are different types of business strategy. The best business strategies must steer a course between the inevitable internal pressure for business continuity and the demands of a rapidly changing world 1.1.1 Vodafones Business Strategy Vodafones current business strategy is to grow through geographic expansion, acquisition of new customers, retention of existing customers and increasing usage through innovations in technology.This is proving a very successful strategy, as is evident from Vodafones UK success. Vodafone opened the UKs first cellular network on 1 January 1985. It has been the market leader since 1986; its UK networks carry over 100 million calls each week. Vodafone currently has the largest share of the UK cellular market. Vodafone business strategy and their sustainability strategy are inseparable. Meeting societys needs creates enormous opportunities to grow business. Vodafone aim to identify and focus on the areas where their interventions can address sustainability challenges most effectively at the same time as offering an attractive commercial return for their shareholders. Expanding Vodafone business strategy in emerging markets such as Africa and India is extending access to communications and the social and economic benefits this brings. Vodafone can also make an import ant contribution to development and to environmental sustainability by enabling a low-carbon society through bespoke products and services that meet specific needs in local markets. 1.2 Stake Holder Analysis Stakeholder Analysis is the technique used to identify the key people who have to be won over. On other words it analyse key stakeholders, an assessment of their interests and the ways in which these interests affect the project and its viability. 1.2.1 Videophone s Stake Holders are as follows 1.2.2 Significant of Stakeholder Holder Analysis The extent to which stakeholders affect the activities of an organisation depends on the relationship between the stakeholder and the organisation. Mendelows matrix provides a way of mapping stakeholders based on the power to affect the organization and their interest in doing so. It identifies the responses which management needs to make to the stakeholders in the different quadrants. Stakeholder Holder Analysis is very important to any organization. Significant of Stakeholder Holder Analysis of Vodafone PLC. Vodafone PLC can use the opinions of the most powerful stakeholders to shape companies projects at an early stage. Not only does this make it more likely that they will support to organization, their input can also improve the quality of Vodafone future. Gaining support from powerful stakeholders can help Vodafone PLC to win more resources. This makes it more likely that your projects will be successful. By communicating with stakeholders early and often, company can ensure that they know what company is doing and fully understand the benefits of companys project .this means they can support companies actively when necessary. Vodafone PLC can anticipate what peoples reaction to companies future project may be, and build into companies plan the actions that will win peoples support Draws out the interests of stakeholders in relation to the problems which the Vodafones future plans which seeking to address. Vodafone cans identifies conflicts of interest and potential conflict Helps provide an overall picture Helps identify relationships between different stakeholders helps possible coalition. 1.3 Environment and Organizational Audit 1.3.1 Environmental Audits Environmental audits are intended to quantify environmental performance and environmental position. In this way they perform an analogous (similar) function to financial audits. An environmental audit report ideally contains a statement of environmental performance and environmental position, and may also aim to define what needs to be done to sustain or improve on indicators of such performance and position. 1.3.1.1 Environment Audit of Vodafone Vodafone s an environmental audit report ideally contains a statement of environmental performance and environmental position, and may also aim to define what needs to be done to sustain or improve on indicators of such performance and position. It includes Environment Policy Vodafone. Such as Improving energy efficiency Reducing waste Increasing reuse and recycling Environmental audit report includes how Vodafone plc committed to reducing the energy and natural resources they use, and the amount of waste they create. As well as a clear moral obligation, there is a sound business case for good environmental management. It can help them to reduce costs and meet the expectations of our customers and employees. Many of their larger customers now include environmental performance as criteria in their procurement process Energy and waste reduction targets are included in the personal development plans for relevant employees. Vodafones standards encourage suppliers to improve their environmental performance. 1.3.2 An Organizational Audit An Organizational Audit is a procedure for examining the practices, procedures, programs, and policies of an Organization. The growing challenge of Organization Design is learning how to adjust strategies and internal operations to the rapidly changing business environment.Through The Organizational Audi program it help Vodafone PLC to change the very nature of how it operates by aligning internal structures, processes, and systems to strategy, while adjusting to the demands of the external environment The length of The Organizational Audit is based on the size and complexity of the organization. It can be completed in a single intervention or spaced over a period of several weeks or months. The Organizational Audi format will be tailored to fit the needs of the organization. 1.4 Strategic Positioning Techniques Strategic positioning is the positioning of an organization (unit) in the future, while taking into account the changing environment, plus the systematic realization of that positioning. The strategic positioning of Vodafone PLC includes the devising of the desired future position of the organization on the basis of present and foreseeable developments, and the making of plans to realize that positioning. The strategic positioning method is derived from the business world. The method is aimed at ensuring the continuity of the organization. The strategy determines the contents and the character of the organizations activities. Terms, such as survival, legitimacy, market positioning, relationship with environment and choice for a certain work area, come up in this context. When developing strategic positioning for Vodafone PLC we have to raise Various questions As follows: How does the Vodafone PLC future look like? How could the Vodafone PLC be roughly positioned in the future? How are things in the Vodafone PLC at present? How can opportunities be seized and how can threats be met? How can this be put into practice in a systematic way? Task 02: Strategic Planning 2.1 Strategic Planning Strategic planning is an organizations process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people. Various business analysis techniques can be used in strategic planning, including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats ), PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological), STEER analysis (Socio-cultural, Technological, Economic, Ecological, and Regulatory factors), and EPISTEL (Environment, Political, Informatics, Social, Technological, Economic and Legal) .Therefore before preparing strategic plan we have to understand external and internal factors affecting the Vodafone PLC as follows. 2.1.1 PEST Analysis for Vodafone (P)OLITICAL: Political factors involved the tax policy, labor law, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariff, and political stability. Due to the customer relationships that the company value most, Vodafone is willing to shift their approach away from unit pricing and unit based tariffs to propositions that deliver much more value to customers in return for greater commitment, incremental penetration of the account or more balanced commercial costs. (E)CONOMIC: Economic factors include the economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. The pricing factors the company usually do is giving the consumers a right and justly cost so that, everybody can avail or purchase their product in a broad sense. (S)OCIAL: social factors include the cultural aspects and include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, career attitudes and emphasis on safety. The need for an equipment that can be a good device for every age range is available, since everybody are fully oriented in the use of the mobile technologies. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL: technological factors include ecological and environmental aspects, like RD (Research and Development) activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. The technology is the thing that Vodafone is very proud of. The technological advancement enables the company to make a customer relationships stronger because of their customers trust that  built over the years. 2.1.2 SWOT Analysis for Vodafone PLC (S)TRENGTHS: The Companys strengths can be the reputation of the business in the local market because of the product in long run. The companys strengths are the strong bond of the company towards the customer and valuing them most as they craft another product. Another strength that can be depicted is the technology that is their greatest asset above the competitors. (W)EAKNESSES: The result of the weaknesses can be shortage of materials needed or more expensive purchase of materials in the target country. Meeting the customers demand is sometimes hard to cope. Every company must admit that reaching the customers taste and preferences are really hard to achieve. But these weaknesses will serve as a challenge in the company and they must prepare actions in answering these needs. (O)PPORTUNITIES: The opportunities can be a well established position when the business successfully landed in the foreign market. On growth opportunities, the three target areas are Mobile data, Enterprise and Broadband (T)HREATS: The threats can be large competitors that are waiting for the business that were undiscovered before conducting the study. This possibility is not that new. The Vodafone is not the only company that serving a kind of delicacy. SWOT Analysis for Vodafone PLC Dominance in Cellular Market Declining Market Share in Japanese Market Wide Geographical Presence Limited Exposure to Emerging Markets Expanding Geographic Presence Emergence of Low-Cost Brands Growth through 3G Market Saturation in Europe 2.1.3 STRATEGIC OPTION DEVELOPMENT Porters Generic Competitive Strategy Vodafone PLC has also been able to use Porters generic strategies to position itself in the marketplace.   This is a direct result of SWOT analysis. This framework also helps in deciding whether the organization is a cost leader, differentiator or a focus player accordingly, a company positions itself by leveraging its strengths. Porters three generic strategies are discussed in more detail in the following section. Cost leadership The companies that attempt to become the lowest-cost producers in an industry can be referred to as those following a cost leadership strategy. The company with the lowest costs would earn the highest profits in the event when the competing products are essentially undifferentiated, and selling at a standard market price. Differentiation When a company differentiates its products, it is often able to charge a premium price for its products or services in the market. Some general examples of differentiation include better service levels to customers, better product performance etc. in comparison with the existing competitors. Porter (1980) has argued that for a company employing a differentiation strategy, there would be extra costs that the company would have to incur. Focus Organisations can make use of the focus strategy by focusing on a specific niche in the market and offering specialised products for that niche. This is why the focus strategy is also sometimes referred to as the niche strategy (Lynch, 2003). Stuck in the middle According to Porter (1980), a companys failure to make a choice between cost leadership and differentiation essentially implies that the company is stuck in the middle. There is no competitive advantage for a company that is stuck in the middle and the result is often poor financial performance (Porter, 1980). Vodafone Generic Competitive Strategy is Low cost Competency Uniqueness Competency Border Target Narrow Target 2.1.4 STRATEGIC OPTIONS Vodafone PLC also aspires to uphold a high level of growth .Vodafones strategy up to date has been the key factor in its huge success and can carry on applying all of these strategies for the foreseeable future. Vodafones few strategic options are as follows 1. Merge between Vodafone and 3 Mobile Vodafone PLC and 3 mobile has proposed merger of the two companies. Both companies confirmed that, in the event of the merger proceeding as planned, all new and existing contract customers of Vodafone and 3 will be able to enjoy the same great value offered on all existing Vodafone and 3 mobile voice and data plans for the next 2 years. 2. Vodafone is considering a buyout of T-Mobile Vodafone is considering a buyout of T-Mobile Currently, O2 has the largest share of the UK market, but Vodafones 25% combined with T-Mobiles 15% would give the company two out of every five UK mobile customers. 3. Focusing for Diversification -Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Diversification is the name given to the growth strategy where a business markets new products in new markets. This is an inherently more risk strategy because the business is moving into markets in which it has little or no experience. Vodafone PLC can enter into electronic equipment market by using diversification strategy. Vodafone can produce Vodafone Television, Vodafone Microwaves, Vodafone Washing machine etc. Vodafone diversification production Task 03: Strategy Evaluation and Selection 3.1 Evaluations of Options The evaluation of strategic options is an important part of the strategy process, whether largely incremental and implicit or an explicit stage within a formal planning system. The Evaluation of Business Strategy we can Use SAF module .In corporate strategy, Johnson, Scholars and Whittington present a model in which strategic options are evaluated against three key success criteria. Suitability (would it work?) Feasibility (can it be made to work?) Acceptability (will they work it?) For evaluating purpose, I have selected only few strategic options. Strategic Option 01 Focusing for Diversification -Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Strategic Option 02 Merge between Vodafone and 3 Mobile 3.2 Evaluations of selected Options Suitability Option 01 Option 02 Does the strategy address the circumstances In which the organisation is operating? Yes Yes Is the strategy viable? Yes Yes Does the strategy exploit core competences? Yes Yes Does the strategy address the external environment? Yes Yes Is the strategy viable and achievable given conditions within environment? Yes Yes Does the strategy build upon or exploit the strategic capabilities of the organisation? Yes Yes Does the strategy fit with the current Yes Yes corporate culture of the organisation? Does the strategy create/maintain Competitive advantage? Yes Yes Acceptability Share holders Does the strategy provide adequate financial Yes Yes retunes? Does the strategy lead to unacceptable risk? No Yes Will there be issues at social responsibility? No Yes Management Will the Management support the strategy Yes Yes Will they leave they leave the organization No Yes Staff Will there be strike or turnover due to No Yes Implementing new strategy? Will they support to the implementing Yes Yes the Strategy? Does the strategy have impact over there salary? Yes Yes Does the strategy have impact over job security? No Yes Customers Will They use our new services? Yes Yes Will it satisfy there needs? Yes Yes Will it answer their complaints? Yes Yes Supplies Will the suppliers support to the strategy? Yes Yes Will the change there product, Process and location Yes Yes To support our strategy? Do we can make guarantee on financial security ? Yes Yes after implementing new strategy? National Government Will be misfit with the law? No No Will theses violating policy of the government? No No Will government provide support for us? Yes Yes Pressure Group Will it be damaging Outcry? Yes Yes Does it go far enough to satisfy three complaints? No No Feasibility Does the organisation have the resources and capabilities to deliver the strategy? Yes Yes Does Vodafone has previous experience in Yes Yes Similar Strategy? 3.2 Strategic Decision and Recommendation Strategy When evaluating selected strategic options ,option 01 would be most favourable option over option 2. Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Vodafone PLC can enter into electronic equipment market by using diversification strategy. Vodafone can produce Vodafone Television ,Vodafone Microwaves ,Vodafone Washing machine etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Diversification is the name given to the growth strategy where a business markets new products in new markets. This is an inherently more risk strategy because the business is moving into markets in which it has little or no experience. Option 1 would fit to addresses the challenges of the external environment, is based upon or enhances the resources and capabilities of the organisation, builds or exploits synergies and is consistent with its corporate culture. This strategy complies with consideration of the anticipated rewards relative to the goals of the organisation. In addition, expectations of its key stakeholder groups. Anticipated rewards of option 1 will achieve possible returns relative to the risks incurred. Task 04: Strategy Implementation 4.1 Comparison of Role and Responsibility of Strategy Implementation Implementing Strategy gives a broad view of implementation and a thorough understanding of each piece of the implementation process. when implementing strategy will learn how to properly align corporate structure with corporate strategies and how to integrate strategy formulation and implementation by focusing on core areas. Strategy implementation skills are not easily mastered, unfortunately. In fact, virtually all managers find implementation the most difficult aspect of their jobs more difficult than strategic analysis or strategy formulation. When Implementing Strategy Someone needs to sign up as responsible for the action plan. Someone must say, yes, Ill do it. Youve got to identify that one person who will be carrying the ball. This is an absolute necessity for monitoring the plan. we must know whom to ask how is it going? And youve got to know whom to offer help to if, for whatever reason, the strategy isnt being accomplished. The manager responsible for the action plan is the same person responsible for the strategy the action plan is intended to implement. He signed up for that responsibility way back at strategy sessions. Selected Organization Marks Spencer (MS) M S is a major British retailer, with over 895 stores in more than 40 territories around the world, over 600 domestic and 295 international.. Virgin Trains: Virgin Trains is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Although it is branded as part of the Virgin Group, the groups share in the company is only 51%, with the remaining 49% held by Stagecoach Group 4.2 Comparison of role and responsibilities in Strategy Implementation process. Even in the same industry the organisations practices different types of strategies to get competitive advantage over the industry and to become a market leader. In the strategy implementation process managers liable to carry out strategy implementation process as required. It should be lined with pre set standards. When comparing strategies of Virgin Train and Mark Spence they have their own strategies. The Virgin Train operates in the transport industry and where top management must make sure that strategy is comply with pre set objectives and it is going on in the right way. They need to always check whether there is any deviation from action plan. Resource allocation should be done throughout the implementation process as appropriate. Where top management need to concern about their major competitors while the strategy implementation process. In the Mark Spencer they are operating in the retail industry. Asda, Tesco, Morison, Sainsbury are their major competitors in the market. So that in the strategy implementation process Mark Spencer need to aware of their competitors strategies as well. Even organisations practices different types of strategies to get competitive advantages main roles and responsibilities are very common for every organisation. Common steps need to be fallowed in the strategy implementation process. Comply with action plan, resources allocation, identify deviation from objectives, monitoring and take control action, etc. Are can be seen in the every strategy implementation. In this process responsibilities have been allocated to relevant personnel and their responsibility is to act according to the action plan. 4.2 Resource Requirement of Implementing Selected Strategy When implementing strategy, Vodafone has to allocate resources in a logical order. . Those resources include financial, facilities and equipment, people and information. Vodafone PLC need to quantify the specific resources required to complete each of those action steps. Resources and capabilities of any firms can be measured through identifying its tangible and intangible resources and capabilities within. It ranges from financial, physical, technological and organizational; while intangible can be human, innovation and reputation assets Human Resource Normally most managers focus primarily on the financial resource. The resource which turns up scarce more often than any other is the human resource. Most often companies just plain run out of time or talent or time of their most talented people. No of employment must be decided by Line managers and floor Managers of the Vodafone PLC Financial Resources: Budget for Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market 4.3 Proposal for Vodafone Entering into Electronic Equipment Market This proposal is prepare to evaluate whether this strategy is success or not. After indentify external and internal factors affecting, Vodafone PLC has to decide whether all the selected strategy is financially viable and ability of meeting the selected target as well as it within the budget and time frame. 4.3.1 Target for Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Introduce new product to existing customers and new customers by 10% within next six month [April 2011-September 2011] Improve frequency of purchase of Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment by 10% within each year. Re-position using the marketing mix. Increase Impulse segment by 25% within 12 month. 5.0 Conclusion Recommendation In a nut shell, the report examined Vodafone entering into Electronic Equipment Market. The report provided comprehensive insight into the company, including strategy formulation, strategy planning, strategy evaluation and selection as well as strategy implementation. This will involve in investigating the organizations external environment, to identify Opportunities and threats it might face, and its strategic capacity, capabilities to isolate key strengths and weakness as well as indentify the significant of significant of the stakeholder analysis and environment and organizational audit Business strategy plan is based on various business analysis techniques including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological), Marketing plan is based on SOSTAC framework. All activities integrated to achieve pre-established strategic objectives. External and internal forces have been evaluated by using SWOT analysis and PEST analysis model. Vodafone PLC could use its strong brand position. As financial aspect concerns NPV is positive, therefore based on financial points this strategy for into Electronic Equipment Market. The strategy is viable. But we need to take into account of non financial factors as well. Vodafone has to develop strong Marketing strategy when into Electronic Equipment Market .finally all These performances must be in line with bonus scheme to motivate employee 6.0 References Annual Report 2009. Vodafone. http://www.vodafone.com/static/annual_report09/downloads/VF_Annual_Report_2009.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-31.   Who we are. Vodafone Group Plc. http://www.vodafone.com/start/about_vodafone/who_we_are.html. Retrieved 23 August 2010.   Our global footprint. Vodafone Group Plc. http://www.vodafone.com/start/about_vodafone/where_we_are.html. Retrieved 23 August 2010.   FTSE All-Share Index Ranking. stockchallenge.co.uk. http://www.stockchallenge.co.uk/ftse.php. Retrieved 2010-08-12.   David, F Strategic Management, Columbus:Merrill Publishing Company, 1989 Lamb, Robert, Boyden Competitive strategic management, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984 Johnson, G, Scholes, K, Whittington, R Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th Edition, FT Prentice Hall, Essex, 2008, ISBN 978-0-273-71192-6 Chandler, Alfred Strategy and Structure: Chapters in the history of industrial enterprise, Doubleday, New York, 1962. Ansoff, Igor Corporate Strategy McGraw Hill, New York, 1965. Drucker, Peter The Practice of Management, Harper and Row, New York, 1954. Chaffee, E. Three models of strategy, Academy of Management Review, vol 10, no. 1, 1985. Buzzell, R. and Gale, B. The PIMS Principles: Linking Strategy to Performance, Free Press, New York, 1987. chumacher, E.F. Small is Beautiful: a Study of Economics as if People Mattered, ISBN 0-06-131778-0 (also ISBN 0-88179-169-5) Krause, Reinhardt (1999-06-08). Vodafones Quest Begins With AirTouch Alliance. Investors Business Daily. http://investors.com/IBDArchives/ArtShow.asp?atn=324329775205550sy=kw=ps=440ac=WBM. Mannesmann rejects Vodafone bid. BBC News Online (BBC). 1999-11-14. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/519813.stm. Retrieved 2007-04-06.   Vodafone seals Mannesmann merger. BBC News Online (BBC). 2000-02-03. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/630166.stm. Retrieved 2007-04-06.  

The Crucible’ provides a powerfully dramatic conclusion to the play. :: Essay on The Crucible

The Crucible’ provides a powerfully dramatic conclusion to the play. How does Miller achieve this and how does he make the audience respond to John Proctor? Act 4 of ‘The Crucible’ provides a powerfully dramatic conclusion to the play. How does Miller achieve this and how does he make the audience respond to John Proctor? Arthur Miller wrote the Crucible in 1953, although the play is set in Salem in 1962. Salem is a highly religious village and believed strongly of witches and the devil. As did the whole of America. At this time many people in Salem where being accused of being witches, at this time mass hysteria swept across the remote village of Salem like an evil plague. Matters where getting completely out of hand, resulting in the imprisonment of hundreds and the hanging of 19 people and 2 dogs. This is evidence of how stupid this is! Miller aimed the title at John Procter (‘the Crucible’), John Proctor is a very important character and he includes a lot of attention to make this play give the effect that its supposed to do, Miller, when he wrote the story was thinking what to call it. He thought of an appropriate title; The Crucible. This name gives great meaning, it is not what most people are lead to believe at early stages of the story, most people refer to The Crucible as a caldron. Instead it’s a metaphor to a heat proof container to purify metal. It is heated to high temperature and the impurities are separated leaving only the pure metal, this responds to John Procter ‘after all the faults he has done at the end of the story he is ‘pure’ at the end of the play this is why he is so appealing to the audience. the story’s main character, becomes so enthralled with the trial and all the pressure that he signs his own death warrant just to get it over with. In 1962 lying is one of the most sinful things you can possibly do. At the start of the story John was a sinful man, everyone in the village kept to the 10 commandments like a magnet to metal, but John disobeyed 1 of the 10 commandments ‘YOU SHAL NOT COMMIT ADULTRY’ you can see his emotions in the play and tell that he is deeply sorry for his faults, but Abigail Williams is not at all ashamed about breaking Gods code of commandments. Abigail is a very evil and vicious character, she is 17 and she is an orphan that lives with her uncle, I

Effects of Emotions on Driving Essay

There are reported cases of vehicular accidents every year in the United States. Even though drivers are aware that drinking and using cellular phones while driving are dangerous, they overlook other factors that might contribute to accidents such as physical condition and emotion. Emotions, along with personality types, video games and gender differences, determine driving behavior. Emotions can be a positive force in determining driving behavior. For instance, a person can be motivated to drive safely by his love for his family. Moreover, if he fears any legal consequences or accidents, it might restrict him from reckless driving. On the other hand, if a person has emotional problems, this can possibly lead to collision. Some may think that emotions may have little effect on one’s driving. But according to researches, any kind of emotion has negative impacts on driving, which can cause impairments that the driver is not fully aware of. A person who is frightened, depressed, upset or excited while driving may be in the same danger as someone who is engaged in a phone call or is drunk (DMV, 2008). There are also cases when a person has to drive after attending to an emergency or after learning of a loved one’s sickness or death. To avoid accidents, it is advisable that the driver pause a while to get his bearings straight before getting behind the wheel. Research about causes of vehicular accidents showed that those who are experiencing negative and even positive emotions were at a distraction level more serious than those who were engaged in a phone call. These emotions can affect even excellent drivers in many ways. First is that they might experience â€Å"dimmed or impaired observation and reaction times† (DMV, 2008). Second, drivers might not see debris in the road or might not recognize situations such as slowing of traffic, which can result to hitting other cars in the way. Third, drivers might not recognize what is happening around them (Connolly, 2007). For instance, they might not recognize that a car ahead is turning around or is about to cross. Fourth, emotions might cause drivers to make risky changes such as abrupt change of lanes. Fifth, they might feel as if they were detached from their surroundings (DMV, 2008). There might be some cases wherein a person is involved in a road rage. Road rage has become too common these days. It is responsible for many cases of bodily injuries and accidents on the road. These accidents can be attributed to the fact that some drivers overreact and personalize driving situations. Researches about road rage showed that more than half of all the drivers in America can express road rage themselves, or they can be a victim of another driver’s road rage. Moreover, the U. S. Highway Safety Office declares that the many cases of accidents on the road are connected to road rage or aggressive driving, as such, road rage is now the primary cause of death (DMV, 2008). The personality type of a person can also determine his driving behavior. Personality type is categorized into Type A and Type B. Type A is those that are impatient, aggressive and hostile while Type B is those calm individuals (Sedona. com, 2007). One of the traits common in the abusive personality or Type A individuals is recklessness in driving. Drivers categorized as Type A are always in need of power and control. This might be an explanation for engaging in road rage situations. Emotions’ effects on driving can be further explained by what is going on in the parts of the brain involved. Emotions have effects on the part of the brain responsible for reason, thought and judgment. These brain parts mature when a person reaches 25 years of age. Thus, drivers below 25 years old, especially teenagers, are at risk of accidents (Davis, 2005). The parts of the brain related to emotion and decision-making of the teens are still developing. As their brain develops, teens are susceptible to risky behavior such as driving too fast. Brain immaturity is responsible for the high number of teen crash rate today. Recent brain researches of the National Institute of Health (NIH) have come out and shown that young drivers are at risk of accidents because the â€Å"executive branch† of the teen’s brain that is largely responsible for weighing risks, making judgments and controlling impulsive behavior is not yet developed. Results have shown that a â€Å"16-year-old’s brain is far less developed† (Davis, 2005) than those teens who are a bit older. This explains why there are more 16-year-old drivers who are at a higher risk of crashing than those older teens. In fact, a recorded number of 937 drivers who are 16 years of age were involved in fatal crashes in 2003. Almost half of those drivers and 352 of their passengers were killed. Thus, young teenagers need supervision because they are too young to drive. Another factor that psychologists and doctors looked into to explain the many cases of teen crashes is the video games. Video games on racing feature realistic driving environments wherein players must race through city and traffic (Wood, 2007). Several studies were conducted to determine the relationship between video games and driving. One such study was conducted by Douglas Gentile and Craig Anderson, both psychologists. Video games are interactive and engaging. Plus, violent behavior in video games is rewarded. Thus, teens and even adults tend to repeat these behaviors as they play. Gentile and Anderson indicated that for these reasons, violent video games may have stronger effects on aggression. The results have also shown that video game is directly related to having aggressive thoughts and behavior (cited in American Psychological Association, 2004). Another study by German researchers has also shown that video games affect those who play them. The researchers stated that the video games exhibit â€Å"competitive and reckless driving, speeding and crashing into cars or pedestrians, or performing risky stunts† (cited in Wood, 2007). This means that the actions in video games can result to accidents or crashes in a realistic racing environment. The researchers chose 198 men and women to participate in the study. Results showed that those who play more often were likely to engage in risky and aggressive driving and getting into car accidents while those who played less often were more cautious in driving (Wood, 2007). Studies were done to determine the difference between male and female when it comes to driving. Men are more aggressive than women, as is explained by testosterone, the male sex hormone responsible for aggressiveness in men. Most people want to know if men tend to be aggressive compared to women when driving, as such, a study showed a situation wherein a male driver became upset when another driver cut in front of him. He followed the car until he found out that the driver was a female. He was shocked because the female driver drove violently, when in the society women are not depicted to drive aggressively. If the other driver was not female, would the driver’s behavior of following the car be justified? Just from observation alone, we see how men and women differ in emotional behavior when driving. Men will likely criticize another driver, making sure that the other driver can hear him. Women, on the other hand, will likely criticize other drivers to themselves because they fear retaliation. There are also instances when emotional behaviors get in the way of safe driving. For instance, a girl asked her boyfriend to drive her home, but the boyfriend got upset. At 60mph, he sped around corners where the speed limit was 25mph. The boyfriend’s want for being in control forced his girlfriend to comply with his emotions. Anger sometimes gets the best of drivers. It results to behavior that is destructive for both the driver and the passenger (Lucey, n. d. ). Emotions affect driving. When a person is elated, frightened, worried or depressed, he or she might not be able to perform well in driving. Aside from emotions, other factors that can affect driving are personality types, video game influences and gender differences. References American Psychological Association.(2004, June 8). Violent video games – Psychologists help protect children from harmful effects. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www. psychologymatters. org/videogames. html Connolly, A. (2007). How to control your emotions on the road. Associated Content. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www. associatedcontent. com/article/157425/how_to_control_your_emotions_on_the. html Davis, R. (2005). 16, Is it too young to drive a car? USA Today. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www. usatoday. com/educate/college/firstyear/articles/20050306. htm DMV. (2008). How emotions affect driving. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www. dmv. org/how-to-guides/driving-and-emotions. php Lucey, C. (n. d. ). Gender differences in driving norms. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www. soc. hawaii. edu/leonj/459ss97/clucey/report2. html#2 Sedona. com. (2007). Type A personality, Type B personality: How much are we really controlled by â€Å"personality types†? Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www. sedona. com/lp-typeA. aspx Wood, J. (2007). Video racing games may spur risky driving: study. Soft32. com. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://news. soft32. com/video-racing-games-may-spur-risky-driving-study_3722. html

Free Essays on Owain Glyndwr

Critically analyse the causes for the revolt of Owain Glyndwr in 1400 Prior to 1400 Owain had been having an ongoing dispute with the Lord Reginald Grey of Rhuthin, there had even been several representations to parliament in 1399 regarding the situation. However, they had been to no avail, as the lord Reginald was a close confidant of the king; Henry of Lancaster. The situation came to head at Evesham where the king had summoned a general muster before beginning his campaign against the Scot's. Owain's summons to attend the muster was entrusted to Lord Grey, which he withheld until it was too late for Owain to obey. When Owain heard that Henry had marched north for Scotland, so the fires of war had been prepared Mid-September 1400, the king marches for home from Scotland, Owain knowing he faced the possibility of death for treason; resolves to put and end to his dispute with Grey with an act of war. Having called for his family to meet at Sycarth, he sat in council prepared to hear their views. Among those gathered that fateful day of September 16th 1400 were his sons, his wife's brothers and the Dean of St Asaph cathedral. From early dawn that morning the pro's and con's of declaring war were debated, then as a cock crowed heralding the noon of the day so a cousin of Owain's drew forth his sword, swearing fealty he called out for the Lord of Glyn Dyfrdwy to become Prince of Wales. All that were there that day so proclaimed, so the die was cast and the fires of war were lit. Within hours the assembled host had armed themselves and then set out to right what Owain considered to be the wrong doings of Lord Grey. September 18th, Owain and his men attack Grey's castle of Ruthin, but find that the castle is well defended: he and his men are repelled. In frustration the little town lying in the lee of the castle's walls is fired. It was while marching north, down the vale of the Clwyd, away from the castle and town. As to the camp... Free Essays on Owain Glyndwr Free Essays on Owain Glyndwr Critically analyse the causes for the revolt of Owain Glyndwr in 1400 Prior to 1400 Owain had been having an ongoing dispute with the Lord Reginald Grey of Rhuthin, there had even been several representations to parliament in 1399 regarding the situation. However, they had been to no avail, as the lord Reginald was a close confidant of the king; Henry of Lancaster. The situation came to head at Evesham where the king had summoned a general muster before beginning his campaign against the Scot's. Owain's summons to attend the muster was entrusted to Lord Grey, which he withheld until it was too late for Owain to obey. When Owain heard that Henry had marched north for Scotland, so the fires of war had been prepared Mid-September 1400, the king marches for home from Scotland, Owain knowing he faced the possibility of death for treason; resolves to put and end to his dispute with Grey with an act of war. Having called for his family to meet at Sycarth, he sat in council prepared to hear their views. Among those gathered that fateful day of September 16th 1400 were his sons, his wife's brothers and the Dean of St Asaph cathedral. From early dawn that morning the pro's and con's of declaring war were debated, then as a cock crowed heralding the noon of the day so a cousin of Owain's drew forth his sword, swearing fealty he called out for the Lord of Glyn Dyfrdwy to become Prince of Wales. All that were there that day so proclaimed, so the die was cast and the fires of war were lit. Within hours the assembled host had armed themselves and then set out to right what Owain considered to be the wrong doings of Lord Grey. September 18th, Owain and his men attack Grey's castle of Ruthin, but find that the castle is well defended: he and his men are repelled. In frustration the little town lying in the lee of the castle's walls is fired. It was while marching north, down the vale of the Clwyd, away from the castle and town. As to the camp...

The History and Effects of essays

The History and Effects of essays The definition of physical education as in Webster dictionary is as follows: n: training in the development and care for the human body; stress athletics; includes hygiene. In 2001 nearly half of American youths age 12-21 years old was not vigorously active on a regular basis, if fact about 14% of young people reports no recent physical activities. Inactivity is more common among females (14%) than in males (7%), and it is a well documented fact that inactivity increase as the persons age or grade increases. In this paper I will review and discuss the effect of physical education on man kind throughout history as well as the effect of it today. The first records of any kind of instructed physical activities come from the Chinese near the year 2500 B.C, proving that man kind has always found importance in his health. The next example found in records would be across the span of two continents in ancient Athens where the Olympic Games were held, however here it was not only physical perfection that was the goal of the athletes but mental enlightenment as well thanks to their world renounced philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. The Athenians are also where we see the first gymnasiums. The first time that actual physical training was introduced to the military was in Feudal France when the legendary (Saint) Joan of Arc introduced a training program for her troops. This program was based off of strong aerobic exercises and was a mandatory activity for anyone who served under her. In this same time period in a part of the world unknown to most Europeans, Indians were using their own type of body building by using crude forms of dumbbells. By carving handles into large stones they were able to perform physical conditioning. They also carved large holes into boulders to place their heads through in an effort to develop their back and shoulders. Dating back to 1100 there are records of these people followin ...

Legal, security, or privacy issues within electronic commerce Assignment - 1

Legal, security, or privacy issues within electronic commerce - Assignment Example It could lead to an electronic traffic due to the high volume of emails generated. This could affect internet speeds in that they could reduce. The outcome is that business transactions could experience delays, affecting the global economy. The other effect is the increase in the cost of online business as the incorporation of Information technology experts to mitigate the virus risk could be expensive. An organization could identify the virus through the installation of an up-to-date antivirus software. In case of emails from unknown sources, individuals within an organization should never open it, unless they have prior knowledge of such an e-mail. The organization could respond to the virus e-mails in several ways. It needs to delete any suspicious emails, especially of the source of the mail is unknown. Another response is seeking advice from a company that deals with internet security. In case of infected machines, an organization could seek the help of professional technicians for a cleanup of the

Investigating Japanese Banking Sector Competition - A panel data Dissertation

Investigating Japanese Banking Sector Competition - A panel data approach - Dissertation Example Introduction Albeit the Japanese economy has been long hailed as the model of success in Asia, the transition towards a market oriented economy has not been smooth. Despite of the ravages left in the aftermath of the 2nd world war, the 1960’s and 1970’s saw Japan attain enormously high rates of economic growth (Johnson, 1982). The regulated financial sector working in tandem with the government and business corporations led to a stable and steady integrated economic system which allowed the economy to flourish. The Japanese banking system had a critical role to play in this phase. Not only did the banks act as corporate governing bodies, they also played roles or rescuers when enterprises where in financial difficulties. By providing loans to enterprises that were investing in sectors with strong growth potential these banks shared the risks in similar vein to venture capitalists (Wade, 1999). But in the decades of the 1970’s and 1980’s the fast growing ec onomy compelled by the global environment of market integration had to modify its structure and attempt to adjust to the new environment. Growing domestic businesses gradually had a lower requirement to borrow from the domestic banking system. Circumvention of financing from external sources coupled with developing asset markets through the accumulation over the earlier decades led to alterations in the capital flows and liberalization of the financial sector followed (Noguchi, 1998). In the latter half of the 1980’s decade such liberalization resulted in a lack of adequate tightness in monetary conditions which in turn led to an asset oriented initial upturn and economic boom but finally the asset bubble got burst and this opened the floodgates for Japan’s economic woes. Due to the depressed market conditions the 1990’s have been famously coined as the â€Å"lost decade† (Takahashi, 2011). Since the early 2000’s the Japanese economy has been in th e process of trying to recover through market oriented reforms but no remedy to the ailment which continued to make the economy weaker and the recent global financial crisis has only worsened the situation (see figures 1 to 3). Figure 1 Figure 1 above shows the path of real GDP over time. Evidently the climb is steeper and more steady until 1990 since when evidence of volatility is observed and the slope is flatter as well. A substantial dip is also visible in the mid 2000’s. Figure 2 Figure 2 reveals that the percentage of annual GDP growth has actually been quite volatile. However, more noticeably there is a downward trend in the series and the growth rate has decelerated to negative values over the last few years. Figure 3 Finally figure 3 shows the average growth rate for the four decades since 1970. Evidently the performance was substantially lower in the decade of the 1990’s and to add to the woes of the economy, the growth rate has been even lower in the 1st dec ade of the 2000’s. The economy is still in quest for attaining a system that has the advantage of institutional complementarities as it once had in its golden era of growth. Substantial amounts of research has established that the degree of competitiveness has important bearing on economic growth and