Google Operations in China

Background According to Yin and Fang (2010), Google China was introduced in China in 2006 and after three years, its revenue in China had doubled. This was attributed to Google’s advanced product innovation and its outstanding technological framework. In 2009, online advertising was mainly through two of its products: ADsense and Adwords (Davis, 2006, p. 152).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Google Operations in China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These products increased the company’s profit margin immensely. In addition, this outstanding revenue triggered Google to launch some popular applications such as Google Calendar, Google Talk, and Google Docs among others. To operate these products, Google had to pump colossus revenue into developing internet-based infrastructure. This resulted to millions of servers and billions of search requests being processed daily. The internet search industr y in China has been characterized by rapid growth and stiff rivalry. Other players in the market have been Baidu, Yahoo, Sohu, and Sina. Baidu and Google dominated the largest percentage of the market especially in 2008. While in China, Google put in place mechanisms for its growth. These entail investment in its Research and Development, development and expansion of its sales team, devising a primary search product and developing partnerships with other firms. This enabled the company to enlarge its market share in China. In addition, the company also launched some other services to support the search function. While in china, Google faced several hurdles such as delayed licensing from the China government, accusations for use of pornography in its search words, copyright violation tussles with Chinese writers and censorship resulting to suspension of its internet services. As MacKinnon (2006) explains, Google had some problems with the China government in 2002 that had seen the la tter block the company’s search engine. This went on until later in 2009 when Google officially announced several security concerns especially on some of its Chinese Gmail accounts. Earlier this year (2010), there was much discussion and evaluation of the reported incident and its implications especially towards the future of Google in China. Introduction Google is one of the largest internet based companies globally. A few years back, it introduced its operations in China, one of the world’s fastest growing economies. While there, there were opportunities for growth just like there were challenges.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The greatest of such challenges is the Chinese government’s censorship of internet search results. This work assesses the environment surrounding Google in china, looks at the strategy taken by the company in response to s ecurity assaults to its operations and its feasibility and sustainability. Cultural Web According to Jeffs (2008), â€Å"the cultural web was designed by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes in the year 1992,† and it enables one to have not only an understanding of their organization’s culture, but also an opportunity to change it. It encompasses seven key areas: stories, symbols, power structures, organizational structure, control systems, routine and rituals, and the paradigm (Jeffs, 2008. P. 70). Below is a table showing Google China’s cultural web. Key areas Stories: Focus on some historical important events. The founders of Google (Larry Page and Sergey Brin) came up with a new approach to online searching while at Stanford University twelve years ago. The Initial Public Offer was through an auction whose main objective was to avail investors with an opportunity to acquire stock. Symbols: Refer to the organization’s symbols of accomplishment. With an exponential growth through both verbal communication and evasion of shared investment, Google has become one of the commonly used search engines. Compared to others, its search engine is faster and has non-complex layout. Power Structures: Highlight those who are the decision-makers and the degree of influence. Google’s hierarchy is flat and most of the important decisions affecting the running of the company are made by distinct shareholders and its pioneers. It has an open plan office structure with executives who can be reached and talked to about the company’s developments and any other relevant information with ease. Organizational Structures: The employees in Google work as a team rather than individually. There is also flexibility that allows workers to switch roles; for instance, a web designer can take a break from his work and embark on translating a website into Spanish, or still, a software engineer can change and start developing a website when the need for the same arises. Control systems: Describe the type of control, as in whether it is performance-driven or ceremonial. The Company has some foundational philosophies, including being client-focused, doing that which is good, and working at a faster pace. The company also has finite rules and reduced supervision. Routines and Rituals: Entail any specific moments that are eventful. The headquarters has a Google cafà © and fulltime shop where donuts are traded. It has pother leisure activities such as piano, exercise balls, and hockey within its parking zone. Work should be completed without delay though it is in the employee’s discretion to ascertain how it is supposed to be completed. The Paradigm: This focuses on what is of cultural value to the Company. The Google Company focuses on doing good rather than evil, not settling for just being the best, but always striving to improve, supporting online democracy and basically letting internet be amusing (Jeffs, 20 08. P. 70). Stakeholder Power Matrix Stakeholders are people who play a significant role in an organization with respect to decision-making. Although Google has a flat hierarchy, its founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin make most of the company’s key decisions (Wahla, 2006, p.19). The Company’s decision to physically get into the Chinese territory was managed by Tom MacLean who was then the director of the Company’s international business (Martin, 2008, P. 2). Although, part of the Google’s mission is to allow its users to access global information (Miller, 2007, p. 10), the Chinese government’s censorship on search results posed a challenge to the execution of the power that emanates from the Google’s top authority. The decision to stop censorship of its search results in China and the possibility of reviewing its business operations in China was purely a decision of Google’s United States executives (Ying and Fang, 2010, p.6).Adv ertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Google Operations in China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ansoff Matrix This is a method of categorizing the four basic approaches of product marketing, which entails market penetration, market enlargement, product development, and diversification (Statt, 2004, p.5). The Ansoff matrix for Google is summarized in the table below. Ansoff matrix component How Google meets it Market penetration Google gets into China market in 2006. In 2009, its operations spread to other parts like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Market enlargement Market share grows by 15% after launch of the Chinese website. About 90% of the searches were dominated by Google and Baidu in 2008. Partnership with China mobile expanded Google’s market too. Advertising market is said to have been dominated by Google. Product development After the launch of the China search product, other products like Picasa web album, Google Docs, Google Talk, Google calendar, and Google checkout were developed in 2006. In support of its search functions, other products were introduced. These are Google Earth, Google Hot list, QA and a free music download. Product diversity Google AdWords and AdSense for advertising. Google docs, Google talk, Google calendar and Google checkout for support of search product. Smart phone as a mobile-based product and a music download service. BCG Matrix As Griffin (2006) explains, the BCG matrix enables managers to analyze strategies related to the business and its products which is determined by two major aspects, which are the rate at which the market grows and the portion of the market occupied by the company. As Schermerhorn (2010) highlights, matrix places the industry or products into four strategic categories: Dogs, stars, question marks and cash cows. Google’s BCG matrix is summarized in the table below. Strategic Type Explanation Ca sh Cows These businesses have a large market share and generate lucrative profits that can be used to support other strategies. Google AdWords and AdSense contributed towards the company’s 97% revenue in 2009 that saw it launch other products. Stars Have a high share of a fast growing market. The launch of the Google China and other products like Google docs, Google talk, Picasa web album, Google calendar, Google check out, and Android saw the company enlarge its market share in China greatly in 2009. Question Marks Business units with a small market share found in a high growth industry. Are generally new commodities with a good commercial perspective. For example, the China Google search product, Google Earth, Google Hot list, and QA fall here. Dogs Businesses with low market share in low growth markets. They neither produce cash nor call for large investment of funds. Given the rapid growth of the Chinese market, dogs were not conspicuous in Google China. Product Portfolio Analysis In 2006, Google devised the currently famous products: Picasa web album, Google Docs, Google Talk, Google calendar and Google checkout. A mobile operation system, Android was launched in 2008. It was found to compete closely to Apple’s iphone platform. Both Google translate and Google chrome was released during the same time. In 2009, 97% of Google’s total income came from its advertising products: Google AdWords and AdSense. This two also dominated a larger portion of the United States market. Additionally, in an attempt to compete Baidu, Google launched some services that could support its search function. These include Google Earth, Google Hot list, QA and a free music download. On the other hand, the Google’s Gmail product was attacked by hackers. As Arthur (2010), puts it, internet explorer (6) is susceptible to attacks and is the one that Google has been using. The company announced a change in its infrastructure after the attacks. Curre nt State of the Industry and strategic direction There have been reported series of attacks on the company’s infrastructure leading to theft of intellectual property. Primarily, the Chinese Human Rights advocates have been the mostly affected. However, Google China has been more aggressive to counter this challenge by enhancing security measures for its accountholders.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The information deserved a broad audience due to its implications on security, human rights, and freedom of speech. The attacks and the limit of free speech on the net led to a conclusion that requires a review of Google’s feasibility in China. This includes not subjecting the company’s search engine results to censorship and deliberations with the Chinese government on the possibility of operating unfiltered search engine within the law. Although the company’s search engine was closed for a few days in China, it was active again, but still bringing censorship results. As Physorg (2010) reports, Google had to exit China by April 10 2010. Conclusion Google’s current strategy to seek dialogue with the China government to be allowed to continue operating without being censored may be futile. This is because the Chinese government may regard it as a direct infringement on its democracy by the United States, which will further stifle the possibility of doing b usiness in China. Therefore, the strategy is not sustainable as long as it seeks to be non-compliant with the Chinese government rules. Recommendation Although as Scott (2008), explains, Google’s mission is to enable its users to access global information, it may be prudent for the company to adjust this within the China setting if it has to continue operating there due to censorship policies. Since as Jeffs (2008) reports, the company’s structure allows it to be client centered. The customers in China are so many and it is necessary for Google to accept censorship and continue serving them. Secondly, the company should explore the possibility of collaborating with Baidu to help it retain its China market. This is because among all its rivals in China, Baidu is the best performing economically. The company still has a strong social backing from China due to numerous internet users. Thirdly, Google should adjust its political astuteness with the Chinese government by ta king a low political profile and yet being business active. This may help it continue operating in China like other western-based organizations. Fourthly, as suggested by Fatokimi (2010), given that China is one of the greatest global growing economies, Google should consider succumbing to China’s regulations and retain this market while being an enormous investment for its shareholders. By doing so, the company will generate more income, keep business and retain workers. Fifthly, Google needs to change the supplier of its browsing version to use the one that is more secure. Lastly, more investment in Research and Development is recommended to ensure that the company’s product quality exceeds that of its rivals to counter competition especially from Baidu. Moreover, as suggested in Law 360 (2010), like any other American company, Google can only retain its operation and market in China by being patient with the Chinese government. That means being active economically b ut taking a low profile in active politics. Appendix.  Summary of Environmental Audit SWOT analysis This refers to the Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a given Company. As Glossbrenner (2001) argues, emergence of Google as one of the best global search engines must be due to its strength. This is summarized in the table below. Strengths Quality and competent human resource that have seen it produce high speed and superior search results in addition to its quality products. High revenue generation to enable it carry RD, train and remunerate staff. Weaknesses Insecurity of some of its products. For example, users’ Gmail accounts were hacked in China. Involvement in Chinese politics that became the Company’s economic undoing. Opportunities There is a possibility of collaborating with its China rivals: Baidu or yahoo. Huge China population enhances marketability of the company’s products to its rivals. Threats Stiff compet ition from the China based Baidu and other internet providers. Vulnerability of some of its products to hackers. Possibility of losing the Chinese market PEST Analysis This analysis aims at evaluating how the political, economic, social, and technological analyses have affected Google in China. Politically, the company’s operation has been curtailed by censorship of its services from the China government. An attack of Chinese human rights activists’ Gmail accounts may also indicate political instability. Google recorded good economic growth between 2006 and 2009. This can be attributed to the company’s extensive use of advertising, and other social aspects like high Chinese population hence increased demand and increased internet usage of China citizens as part of their recreational activity. Technologically, Google’s innovation and development of internet infrastructure led to the growth not only in its products, but also in its revenue. As Yin and Fang (2010) explain, Google’s market share in China also grew due to its extensive engagement in Research and development. Pest Analysis Summary Component Effect on Google china political Political uncertainty in China revealed through -Government censorship of the Company’s search results curtails implementation of its mission. -Hacking of Chinese human rights activists’ Gmail accounts. Economic High economic growth by the company due to -High Chinese population -High economic growth between 2006 and 2009 from advertising -Increased demand and usage among Chinese people. Social -Internet use is a hobby for majority of citizens hence good market for Google. – High population growth rate increases demand Technological – Development of internet infrastructure led to creation of diverse products and high revenue. -Increased revenue attributed to advanced Research and Development Porter’s Five Model In looking at the nature of exte rnal environment surrounding Google, the Porters five forces model becomes handy. According to Learn Marketing.Net (2010), the porters five forces model has five components: Competitive rivalry, power of suppliers, power of buyers, threat of substitute, and threat of new entrants. Google’s competitive rivalry is high because first, it is costly for it to pull out the Chinese market since doing this will mean losing about $300 million of its annual revenue. This is apart from plunging thousands of its Chinese employees into unemployment (Robles, 2010 cited in Ying and Fang, 2010). Secondly, competitive rivalry is high because given the uncertainties surrounding Google’s operation in China, a close rival; Baidu.com has already occupied more than half of the market share. It has also designed a unique product that suits the needs of the Chinese and the unmatched pay-for-performance marketing service (Ying and Fang, 2010). Information Gatekeepers Inc. (2007) reveals that, various companies have expressed their willingness to supply Google Company in China with materials that it may require to boost its performance by purchasing both system equipment and mobile handsets. Such companies include Alcatel, Ericson, Nortel and Siemens. It is also reported that the Google Company in China is willing to be supplied with equipment from international recording companies. This is to help it offer copyrighted music online. This move is plausible since it will enable Google in China share its profits with these companies. The threat of substitute for the Google Company in China is high. This is because its closest rival – Baidu offers very competitive products to the Chinese citizens. This includes not only its affordable pay-for-performance marketing service, but also its unique search engine product that has been tailor made to suit the clients needs. This is already a threat to Google’s market in China since Baidu is also China-based and as such preferred by most customers. Lastly, the threat of a new company entering into the Chinese market is low. This is because the Chinese government does not warrant uncensored internet based businesses. Most search engine providers would want to operate in a business environment that is free from barriers so that they can penetrate a wider market. In a study by Inc Icon group International (2008), both Germany and France gave up their plans to penetrate the China market. Components of Porters five Model and how they affect Google Component Effect on Google China Competitive rivalry High competitive rivalry because Its rival, Baidu.com has occupied a bigger market share. Both Google and Baidu are employing similar strategies that is suiting their search results to the Chinese language Pulling out of China market is costly and will mean losing $300 million of its annual revenue. power of suppliers Alcatel, Ericson, Nortel and Siemens willing to supply Google China with system equipment and mobile handsets The company is ready to receive supplies from international recording companies to offer copyrighted music power of buyers High internet use among Chinese people. High population enhances ready market of the company’s products. Customers are sensitive to prices. That is why they prefer Baidu’s performance based online marketing product (P4P). threat of substitute High threat of substitute because Baidu offers competitive products like P4P. Baidu is Google based and thus preferred by most users. Baidu’s products are tailor made to suit the local use. threat of new entrants The threat of a new company getting into China is low due to the government’s regulation regarding censorship of internet results   For instance, Germany and France gave up plans to get to China. The Suitability, Acceptability, and Feasibility of the Google’s strategy The current state of Google in China is still the way it wa s announced by some of its officials earlier this year. There have been reported series of attacks on the company’s infrastructure leading to theft of intellectual property. Primarily, the Chinese Human Rights advocates have been the mostly affected; however, Google China has been more aggressive to counter this challenge by enhancing security measures for its Gmail account holders. The information deserved a broad audience due to its implications on security, human rights, and freedom of speech. The attacks and the limit of free speech on the net led to a conclusion that requires a review of Google’s feasibility in China. As stated by Allen (2010), hacking and a security related rift between Google and the Chinese government poses the uncertainty of closure of the Google Company that may lead to losses to the company and unemployment. As Physorg (2010) reports, Google had to exit China by April 10 2010. Thus, the acceptability of the Company’s operation in Chin a is only possible if the Google’s executives accept censorship of its search results. Assessment of current strategy (Sustainability) Google’s current strategy to seek dialogue with the China government to be allowed to continue operating without being censored may be futile. This is because the Chinese government may regard it as a direct infringement on its democracy by the United States, which will further stifle the possibility of doing business in China. Therefore, the strategy is not sustainable as long as it seeks to be non-compliant with the Chinese government’s rules. References Allen, E., 2010. The Houston Chronicle: Doomed marriage: Google’s China problem shows repression and free speech do not mix. Web. Available from: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/6816479.html . Arthur, C., 2010. UK ignores fears over Internet Explorer despite French and German warnings. Guardian News and media. Web. Available from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/ technology/2010/jan/18/uk-internet-explorer-china-google Davis, H., 2006. Google advertising tools. Sebastopol: O’Reilly media.Inc. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=WOyqTeJruiECpg=PT164dq=Google%27s+advertising+productshl=enei=y1bNTLLYDI7usgaH7PGWCAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CDEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=Google%27s%20advertising%20productsf=false Fatokimi, T. et al. 2010. Google in China case study. Slide share Inc. Available online, from http://www.slideshare.net/ryanleemoore/google-in-china-case-study . Glossbrenner, A., 2001. Search Engines for the World Wide Web. Berkeley: Peachpit press. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=7dV-7uIzp2QCprintsec=frontcoverdq=List+of+top+search+engineshl=enei=RVrNTKKeCY2WswamwoWXCAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CCcQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=List%20of%20top%20search%20enginesf=false . Griffin, R. W., 2006. Management. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company Web. Available from https://books.google.com/ books?id=R-OvGf0pvK8Cpg=PA219dq=BCG+matrixhl=enei=UTn3TIr8HIzmsQPxv5HWAQsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CCoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=BCG%20matrixf=false . Information Gatekeepers Inc. 2007. China Telecom Newsletter. Beijing: Information Gate Keepers Inc. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=sp47qR1ocxECpg=PA2dq=suppliers+of+Google+in+Chinahl=enei=-j3MTKHRG4-hOrau7NIBsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CDMQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=suppliers%20of%20Google%20in%20Chinaf=false . Jeffs, C., 2008. Strategic Management. London: Sage Publications. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=JFAfq_OLm58Cpg=PA70dq=Google%27s+structure+and+control+systemhl=enei=GEzNTLrrB5D2sgas9Ln7DAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=6ved=0CEIQ6AEwBQ#v=onepageqf=true . Law 360. 2010. 3 lessons from Google’s China fiasco. New York: Portfolio media. Inc. Web. Available from: http://www.meimark.com/images/IP_Law360_Google_Article_04162010.pdf Learn Marketing. 2010. Porter’s Five Forces Model: Industry Analysis Model. Web. Available from: http://www.learnmarketing.net/porters.htm . MacKinnon, R., 2006. CHINA – â€Å"Race to the Bottom† Corporate Complicity in Chinese Internet Censorship. Beijing: Human Rights Watch. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=gX0Q7Xd-2LkCpg=PA53dq=development+of+google+in+chinahl=enei=dubLTMr1K8OfOqj5ucIBsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=development%20of%20google%20in%20chinaf=false Martin, K.E., (2008). Business Roundtable Institute for Corporate Ethics: Google. Inc. in China. Web. Available from: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/corporate-ethics/pdf/BRI-1004TN_Google_Inc._in_China.pdf . Miller, M., 2007. Googlepedia: The Ultimate Google Resource. United States: Pearson Technology Group. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=sZPXICDPcKwCpg=PA10dq=mission+of+Google+the+companyhl=enei=16zzTL-UHIiQ4Aas6fXdDAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CCYQ6AEwA A#v=onepageq=mission%20of%20Google%20the%20companyf=false . Physorg. 2010. Google to leave China April 10: State Media. Web. Available from: http://www.physorg.com/news188198211.html . Schermerhorn, J.R., 2010. Management. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=rk4xL2XNrocCpg=PA218dq=BCG+matrix:+Google%27s+dogshl=enei=7WD3TMOCHob94Ab119jqBgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CCoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageqf=false . Scott, V., 2008. Google: Google Controversies. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=UVz06fnwJvUCpg=PA115dq=Google%27s+competitors+in+Chinahl=enei=cF7NTMDRDpGLswbL8r2XCAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepageq=Google%27s%20competitors%20in%20Chinaf=false Statt, D.A., 2004. The Routledge dictionary of business management. London: Routledge. Web. Available from: https://books.google.com/books?id=Mm-hGa6DU58Cpg=PA5dq=meaning+of+ansoff+matrixhl=enei=T7HzTKnNKsGx4 Qat-_nHAQsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=10ved=0CFkQ6AEwCQ#v=onepageq=meaning%20of%20ansoff%20matrixf=false Wahla, S., 2006. Litigation@Google. Lulu.com. Web. Available from: http://books.google.com/books?id=HxNdQWT3FKUCpg=PA21dq=strengths+of+Google+the+companyhl=enei=BgLMTPnxOMKCOrO86JoBsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CCwQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=strengths%20of%20Google%20the%20companyf=false . Yin, M. and Fang, Y., 2010. Google in China. Beijing: Richard Ivey Foundation of Business Foundation. (Attached material). This assessment on Google Operations in China was written and submitted by user Cap'nOz to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Selena nguyen Essays (741 words) - Transport, Road Safety

Selena nguyen Essays (741 words) - Transport, Road Safety Selena nguyen Teenage driving When you were younger, did you ever ask your parents to drive you to your destinations, however they would say no? Growing up, children wait and wait until the day comes when they are finally sixteen and driving. They can now take themselves wherever they choose without relying on someone else. The law is deciding to increase the minimum driving age to eighteen. If the age does change, teenagers will have to wait longer until they are able to drive on their own. It can also affect many things that have already been established. Teen life, parent life, and teenagers' independence will be greatly affected. Teenagers benefit from driving at sixteen. Getting a driver's license early allows teens to work, enjoy extracurricular activities, and gain experience to prepare them for life after school. Teenagers who are employed learn how to function in a workplace. Employers prefer potential workers who have experience. Working gives teens a small fluid income. Teenagers who earn money learn valuable skills of saving money and personal finance. Along with having the ability to drive to work, teens with licenses can drive to extracurricular activities. Clubs and sports allow kids to discover and develop talents and interests. Adolescents find future careers in extracurricular activities. In addition, teens gain independence and life experience from driving. If the minimum driving age were to be raised to eighteen, many high school students would not be able to drive before they go to college. Driving is necessary for college. In order for college students to travel to classes, jobs, and housing , driving is a needed skill. The minimum driving age should not be changed. While this issue affects teens, it also has an effect on the parents. Parents welcome their children's independence. However, they appreciate it for different reasons. First, it allows parents to spend more time at work without making plans for their kids. This is especially useful when students live outside the bus area. Parents should not need to use their entire lunch break to drive their children home. Another reason teenagers should be able to drive at sixteen is so they can arrive at their extracurricular activities whenever needed. It saves parents from taking time off work to drive their children back and forth from school activities. If teenagers are able to drive, they can pick up younger siblings as well as drive themselves home. Finally, driving allows teenagers to transport themselves to and from jobs. Depending on the economic situation of the family, it could be helpful to have a small amount of easy income into the family for support. Teenagers who drive benefit their entire families. Parents, lawmakers, and even teenagers believe it is safer to wait until the age of eighteen. The opposition considers waiting until eighteen will teach teens responsibility and lower the chance of risk while driving. In driver's education, students are taught that during the first month of owning their license, new drivers are three times more likely to get into an accident. By waiting, new drivers will have more practice and experience driving. Sixteen year olds are more reckless and ill-prepared. At the age of eighteen, teenagers are more responsible and ready for maturity as they have finished their high school years and are going into college. Although the opposition believes young drivers are hazardous, the scenario would be similar to if teens had to wait until the age of eighteen. Due to waiting two more years for a license, teens will be restricted from traveling, causing a heavy reliance upon parents. Parents or guardians will have to leave their own occupation in order to help the child reach their destination. Parental jobs would become strained or even lost. Opportunities to make more money would disappear, hurting families' incomes and their financial status. In conclusion, the minimum driving age should not be raised from the age of sixteen. The effect on teens and their families would be too harsh. The independence that teens gain from driving at an early age allows them to obtain experience in the workplace and on the road. Furthermore, shortening their time on the road may result in more crashes. Parents of teens should not be obligated to drive

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Suprime letting Literature review - Essay Example While there is no official credit profile that describes a sub prime borrower, it is generally accepted that people in the United States having a credit score below 620 points will fall into this category. In an attempt to tap this burgeoning market, lenders often speculate and take risks associated with lending to people with poor financial records. Sub prime offers an opportunity for borrowers with a less than ideal credit record to gain access to credit. It has been found that over the past six years, home ownership nationwide increased from 66 percent of the working population, to almost 70 percent. The pros and cons of sub prime markets will now be discussed in the literature review .The obvious advantage of Sub-Prime letting is of course the fact that people with poor credit history, low income and no assets are able to borrow money from many banks and lending company's .This is advantageous also as small or no deposit is accepted and this may prove attractive to many people wh o are not aware of the consequences of such borrowing or lending.However this market has its cons in the sense that it is unpredictable due to variable interest rate and the debtors may not be able to able to keep up with the payments thus causing credit victimization as the lenders may be able repossess the property/ business and are able to profit from re-sale through draconian lending contracts. Aims The main research question therefore is "To what extent has the sub- prime phenomenon of the US financial markets affected the UK economy" The reason for selecting this topic is the recent financial crisis in the US sub-prime markets which has caused a world wide concern as to its concerns for its e effects and fall-outs on the EU Bloc which includes the UK. The research will be undertaken through a variety of secondary and primary research methodologies to have a better understanding of the research question within the given time scale.Secondary Research Questions What is Sub-Prime letting What is the relationship between the UK and American Housing market What are the current conditions in the American Housing market with reference to Sub prime letting The aim is to identify the correlations between American Mortgage lenders and the UK lenders. Economic conditions, interest rates, inflations and other factors. With reference to economic conditions we may be able to identify as to why people are subjected to the sub prime market. What are the pros and cons of sub prime mortgage lending Research Strategy Research is a fact finding activity (Dominowski, 1980). The aim of primary research is to make known something previously unknown to human beings and to advance human knowledge by making it more certain or better fitting; the aim is discovery (Elias, 1986). Kerlinger (1970) uses more technical language to define it as the systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about presumed relations among natural phenomena. The research philosophy depends on the way we think about the development of knowledge and this thinking affects the way we do search (Saunders 2000). Whilst undertaking the research, a clear understanding of

GDP Comparisons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

GDP Comparisons - Essay Example The GDP of all 22 countries of the Arab League including West Bank and Gaza Strip is around $2.309 trillion for the year 2011(CIA fact book, 2013). The country with the highest GDP is Saudi Arabia with $587 billion. As compared to the countries of Arab League the GDP of Italy is $2.164 trillion, the GDP of France is $2.734 trillion, GDP of Germany is $3.55 trillion, GDP of United States $14.83 trillion, and GDP of Japan is $5.773 trillion for the year 2011 (CIA Fact book, 2013). Except Italy, all the countries mentioned above have a GDP that is greater than the combined GDP of all Arab League countries. The difference between Italy’s GDP and Arab League’s GDP is also very small. The GDP of West Bank and Gaza Strip is $6.64 billion, while the GDP of Israel in $239.8 billion (CIA Fact book, 2013). This comparative analysis tells us about the dominance of Western developed world over the Third World Countries of Arab. The industrial setup of Arab countries is very weak and therefore they have to rely on natural resources. Lack of local industries and inefficient governments are the main reason for such great difference between GDPs of Arab League countries and that of the developed world.

Functional Roles of Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Functional Roles of Managers - Essay Example Autocratic approach. This is the type of style in which, a leader instructs employees of what is to be done without leaving a room for deliberations. It is criticized for being non-participatory but if well utilized it is a source of effectiveness in work Democratic approach. This is a consultative approach in which the leader involves the employees in making decisions. Although the leader has the final authority for decision making, it is usually a participatory style. It is a kind of leadership very popular amongst employees. Delegative approach. It is a style whereby employees are decision makers. It is appropriate when there are job situations needing analysis and therefore requiring employees to make contributions. It works well in cases when the leader has trust in the employees. In practice, there is no ‘fit all’ style and good leaders, therefore, are required to employ all the above three styles depending on what particular situations demand. For instance, it is widely recommended that for new employees getting into the system, the authoritarian style works. The participative style is seen to be very efficient for teams whereby the leadership wishes to tap employees’ expertise in solving some problems. Finally, the democratic style is applicable in situations requiring professional expertise and the assumption here is that everyone knows what is expected of them and are responsible enough to function without coercion. In deciding the right leadership style, (Shonk, James, 1992) suggested that a manager should always bear in mind the following; availability of time, organizational conflicts and the level of expertise amongst employees. Managers drive business and therefore are tasked with ensuring that set standards are adhered to by all employees. This involves guiding the entire organizations operations within the set operational limits. It is also the mandate of managers to make the right decisions which are in line with organizations objectives. Finally, managers are responsible for organizational behavior change and are required to guide the employees’ in al interactions within the organization.

Physical Activity and Academic Achievement

Physical Activity and Academic Achievement Physical Activity and Academic Achievement in College Students Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether those that schedule regular exercise into their lifestyles achieve greater academic success overall. To do so, scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test were compared before the participants worked out to the scores after the students worked out regularly for three weeks. Participants were 50 Psychology students randomly selected at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The hypothesis was that participants will answer fewer questions on the GRE if they do not work out. Students will answer more questions correctly after they work. The predicted results were that students will answer correctly 20 out of 30 questions on the verbal section and 18 out of 28 questions on the math section before they work out regularly. After the three week work out, the students answered 24 out of 30 questions on the verbal section and 26 out of 28 questions on the math section. There was no main effect on type of questions. There was a main effect on the exercise that after the students worked out they scored higher. There was an interaction that after the students worked out they answered more questions correctly on both sections, verbal and math. The predicted results caused a possible correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement. However, the results should be interrupted carefully, as more studies still need to be done in order to completely support that physical fitness causes academic achievement to improve. It is possible that physical and mental process correspond with each other and influence each other. Introduction The positive health benefits of regular exercise are widely known. Even though due to much research where it is evident that there are positive benefits of physical activity, physical education in schools is being viewed as only an extracurricular activity rather than a necessity (Grissom, 2005). When school budgets are being cut short, physical education is being cut first; this in the long run negatively affects the students. Previous researchers and advocates argue that daily physical education in schools improves students concentration and cognitive functioning (Sibley, 2003). Physical education is an essential factor in students academic achievements. To date, in the United States, Canada and Australia, there were five controlled experimental studies done that evaluated the effects on academic performance of providing students with additional time for physical education. All the studies have shown that even if there is no drastic improvement, it definitely does not need to be sacrificed (Shephard, Volle, Lavallee, LaBarre, Jequier, 1999). In 2007, 287 fourth and fifth graders from British Columbia were studied to determine if providing daily physical activity affected their academic performance (Ahamed, 2007). They participated in daily ten minute classroom activity in addition to their regular 80 minute PE class. Even though the physical activity time been increased by about fifty minutes per week, the students who received extra physical activity had similar stantarized test scores for mathematics, reading and language arts as students in the control group. The researchers concluded a positive correlation between physical activi ty and academic performance (Ahamed, 2007). Overall, it is extremely difficult to calculate a statistically significant difference between experiment and control groups because it is difficult to raise academic achievement (Shephard 1996). Also whatever research that has been done in order to find the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement primarily focused on middle school to high school students. The purpose of this study is to determine whether college students that work out regularly perform better than those that do not work out at all. College students have a lot going on during their academic career. This study is being done in order to determine whether those that schedule regular exercise into their busy lifestyles achieve greater academic success overall. The practical implication of the proposed study is that those who work out regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle perform better on tests rather than those students who do not work out. The experiment is trying to demonstrate that it is needed for students to not forget to lead a healthy lifestyle and to take time out of the busy schedules to exercise and that will lead to higher test scores. The hypothesis was that participants will answer fewer questions on the GRE if they do not work out. Students will answer more questions correctly after they work. Also, there will an interaction between working out and number of questions answered. Refer to Table 1 and Graph 1 for predicted results. The predicted results were that students will answer correctly 20 out of 30 questions on the verbal section and 18 out of 28 questions on the math section before they work out regularly. After the three week work out, the students answered 24 out of 30 questions on the verbal section and 26 out of 28 questions on the math section. There was no main effect on type of questions. There was a main effect on the exercise that after the students worked out they scored higher. Method Participants 50 undergraduate college students at University of Illinois at Chicago were between the ages of 18-25 were tested. Both male and females sexes were approximately equally represented. The participants were assigned to participate as part of the Psychology class, which counted towards the class credit. The participants were all healthy which allowed them to participate in the physical portion of the experiment. Design The experiment was a within subjects design. The participants were asked to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before they exercised for three weeks regularly and after they exercised regularly for three weeks. The exercise consisted of cardio work out. The first independent variable was running on the treadmill for 30 minutes and using the elliptical machine for another 30 minutes and no cardio exercise at all. The second IV was the type of question. The participants were asked to complete the verbal and math sections. The dependent variable was the level of performance on the GRE. The amount of questions answered correctly will determine the level of performance. Materials The materials used were the UIC Wellness Center and the two versions of GRE sample questions from the verbal and math section. Both GRE tests were of the same difficulty. One version was used before the work out, and another version after the 3 week workout. There were 30 questions on the verbal section and 28 questions on the math section. Procedure First the participants were given the GRE both sections, verbal and math. They had 30 minutes to complete the 30 questions on the verbal section. They had 45 minutes to complete the 28 questions on the math section. After the exam, the participants were all signed up at the UIC Wellness Center for regular exercise. They worked out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 1-2 hours. They walked/ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes, rested for 5 and then used the elliptical machine for another 30 minutes. This repeated for three weeks. After the regular work out, the participants were given a different version of the same difficulty GRE tests. Again they had 30 minutes to complete the 30 questions on the verbal section. They had 45 minutes to complete the 28 questions on the math section. In the end, both exams were scored and compared to each other. References Ahamed Y, MacDonald H, Reed K, Naylor PJ, Liu-Ambrose T, McKay H. (2007). School-based physical activity does not compromise childrens academic performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Volume #39, 371-376. Grissom, JB. (2005). Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement. Journal of Exercise Physiology, Volume #8, 11-25. Shephard RJ, Volle M, Lavallee H, LaBarre R, Jequier JC, Rajic M. (1999). Required physical activity and academic grades: A controlled longitudinal study. Children and Sport. Sibley BA, Etnier JL. (2003). The relationship between physical activity and cognition in children. Pediatric Exercise Science. Tables, Figures IV A: Physical activity A1: No Exercise A2: Exercise 20 24 18 26 B1: Verbal IV B: Type of Questions B2: Math Table 1

The Red Convertible Essay examples -- Analysis, Louise Erdrich

Symbolism is a quintessential element in all writing, whether it is prose or a poem. â€Å"The Red Convertible,† a short story written by Louise Erdrich, tells the story of the destructive nature of war, via the strain caused on the families from improper deconditioning. The main characters in the story, Lyman and Henry Lamartine, are brothers that develop a seemingly inseparable bond through a car; a red convertible. Lyman, the younger of the two was very hard-working and could always â€Å"make money† (Erdrich 394). He manages to ascend up the employment ladder at Joliet Cafà © from â€Å"washing dishes† (Erdrich 394) to eventually owning the establishment. Henry was soon drafted into the war and became a Marine. Upon returning from the Vietnam War â€Å"Henry was very different† (Erdrich 396) and â€Å"the change was no good† (Erdrich 396). Additionally, with the name in the title, it is only befitting that the convertible play a very impo rtant factor in the short story. The red convertible, Henry’s refusal to remove his war garments, and the picture of the two brothers are symbols that make the story complete by providing a view of their lives and personality. Although there are many symbols throughout the story, the most established is the red convertible. Louise Erdrich uses the red convertible as a symbolic representation of not only Lyman and Henry’s relationship but all war separated families. The convertible served as a common enjoyment of both brothers and is representative of their independence. When Henry returned from the war scarred, â€Å"quiet, and never comfortable sitting still anywhere† (Erdrich 396). Lyman was upset that his brother was acting differently, so, in order to spark emotion and â€Å"interest† (Erdrich 396) Lyman damaged th... ...d Lyman’s relationship. A noteworthy example is when Lyman â€Å"plows† (Erdrich 400) the automobile into the river. Eventually, the car engine dies; just like Henry and the relationship of the two brothers. Clothes, an occupational indicator in this instance, show Henry’s inability to remove himself from war. His garments act as a binding force and a memory that will oppress him until death. Comparatively, the picture serves as a reminder of the past that continues to haunt Lyman, so much in fact, that he â€Å"put the picture in a brown bag and folded the bag over and over tightly† (Erdrich 398). The author uses the most disparaging facet of living, death, to portray that life is not everlasting and that although we will not live forever, our memories will. Symbols deepen the story by opening a gateway into the emotional and physical states of the brothers. The Red Convertible Essay examples -- Analysis, Louise Erdrich Symbolism is a quintessential element in all writing, whether it is prose or a poem. â€Å"The Red Convertible,† a short story written by Louise Erdrich, tells the story of the destructive nature of war, via the strain caused on the families from improper deconditioning. The main characters in the story, Lyman and Henry Lamartine, are brothers that develop a seemingly inseparable bond through a car; a red convertible. Lyman, the younger of the two was very hard-working and could always â€Å"make money† (Erdrich 394). He manages to ascend up the employment ladder at Joliet Cafà © from â€Å"washing dishes† (Erdrich 394) to eventually owning the establishment. Henry was soon drafted into the war and became a Marine. Upon returning from the Vietnam War â€Å"Henry was very different† (Erdrich 396) and â€Å"the change was no good† (Erdrich 396). Additionally, with the name in the title, it is only befitting that the convertible play a very impo rtant factor in the short story. The red convertible, Henry’s refusal to remove his war garments, and the picture of the two brothers are symbols that make the story complete by providing a view of their lives and personality. Although there are many symbols throughout the story, the most established is the red convertible. Louise Erdrich uses the red convertible as a symbolic representation of not only Lyman and Henry’s relationship but all war separated families. The convertible served as a common enjoyment of both brothers and is representative of their independence. When Henry returned from the war scarred, â€Å"quiet, and never comfortable sitting still anywhere† (Erdrich 396). Lyman was upset that his brother was acting differently, so, in order to spark emotion and â€Å"interest† (Erdrich 396) Lyman damaged th... ...d Lyman’s relationship. A noteworthy example is when Lyman â€Å"plows† (Erdrich 400) the automobile into the river. Eventually, the car engine dies; just like Henry and the relationship of the two brothers. Clothes, an occupational indicator in this instance, show Henry’s inability to remove himself from war. His garments act as a binding force and a memory that will oppress him until death. Comparatively, the picture serves as a reminder of the past that continues to haunt Lyman, so much in fact, that he â€Å"put the picture in a brown bag and folded the bag over and over tightly† (Erdrich 398). The author uses the most disparaging facet of living, death, to portray that life is not everlasting and that although we will not live forever, our memories will. Symbols deepen the story by opening a gateway into the emotional and physical states of the brothers.