The Wallingford Bowling Center Case free essay sample

Five alternative solutions are; more advertising, offering incentives to customers during slow hours to increase sales, use the extra space and rooms to generate income by renting that space, closing the business during slow times, put the business on the market to gauge potential profit from sale. In evaluating the alternatives we determine the adequacy of the alternatives that have been generated. More advertising would provide a larger customer base especially for the slow periods in turn increasing profits, but it may not be an adequate solution because of the company’s position of operating expenses; however it could increase profits by luring in more customers especially during times when capacity is low. Offering incentives to customers is an option that could provide more customers that otherwise would not have visited the business. Using the extra space of the bowling alley as a rental for special events especially during slow hours could provide a potential profit in space that would otherwise go unused. We will write a custom essay sample on The Wallingford Bowling Center Case or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Closing the business during slow hours would be a very viable option because it would save on operating costs and in turn increase the profits. Testing the market with this business could also be an option, although the profit pool has not been desirable, the business seems to be established which could be very attractive to potential buyers. It would at least be worth a look to see what kind of profit margin could be reached with a sell. Making the choice involves the concepts of maximizing, satisficing, and optimizing. I think that by shutting down the business during slow times we will be maximizing because we achieve the best possible outcome in that we increase occupancy and sales at the same time while decreasing expenses. After the choosing the alternative it must be implemented with careful planning that highlights a clear plan of what will happen and also take time to identify potential problems and potential benefits that could result from implementation. Evaluating the decision will involve evaluating the implementation of our chosen alternative by collecting and analyzing information on how well the decision is working. Question 2 As a general manager I would utilize the group decision making process by having controlled brain storming sessions that involve all employees in the company. All of the employees could potentially bring an idea or ideas to the table because creative ideas usually arise when there is total freedom of ideas minus criticism. I would first do it by email and then by a group. Question 3 I think this case provides a good background for involving group decision making because there happens to more than a few possible fixes, ultimately the owners make the decisions but they have a pool of resource and creativity within their workforce that could provide insight. Sometimes in a group format people can become anxious and uninhibited, conform to the ideas of others, set low standards, and engage in non creative behaviors such as telling stories totally unrelated to the matter, complimenting each other, and repeating ideas. Wallingford could combat these disadvantages by instructing the participants to write down ideas silently, using a facilitator, setting high performance goals, and using an electronic format so that people aren’t competing for air time.

Parents Influence on the Life of the Main Characters

Parents Influence on the Life of the Main Characters The relationship between parents and children is one of the themes that are often explored in various literary works. This paper is aimed at discussing two novels, namely This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff and Into the Forest by Jean Hegland. In particular, it is necessary to discuss the way in which parents influence the attitudes and values of Tobias, Nell and Eva who pass into young adulthood.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Parents’ Influence on the Life of the Main Characters specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is possible to say that lack of parental attention makes Toby him extremely self-centered and ambitious since in this ways he tries to overcome his feeling of worthlessness. In contrast, the parents of Nell and Eva help daughters retain devotion to one another at the time when many people are driven only by the need to survive. This is the main difference that can be identified. At first, one s hould focus on Tobias’ experiences. It should be noted that this boy wants to be called Jack in honor of the famous writer Jack London. This is how he explains his reasons for this decision, â€Å"I wanted to call myself Jack, after Jack London. I believed that having his name would charge me with some of the strength and competence† (Wolff 8). This detail immediately attracts readers’ attention. Overall, this choice indicates that Tobias struggles with lack of self-esteem because he lacks the attention of his parents. Moreover, this behavior can be described as escapism which means that he attempts to create a desired image of himself without really trying to change his real qualities. Additionally, this boy prefers to tell others that he is â€Å"a straight A student†, even though his academic performance is far from perfect (Wolff 213). To a great extent, this behavior could be explained by the lack of parental concern for his needs. In contrast, Nell and Eva do not struggle with the sense of alienation, even despite the fact they parents passed away. They remember that their parents always cared about their needs and they taught them to be loyal to each other. These girls feel fully self-sufficient when they are together. This is one of the main aspects that should be identified because it illustrates in the difference in the worldviews of Toby, Nell, and Eva. Additionally, Nell and Eva understand that their unity is vital for their survival in the world. Moreover, one cannot say that Nell and Eva are driven by the need to attain success at the expense of another. In her diary, Nell writes that the separation with Eva will be intolerable to her. She says, â€Å"I was already weeping and screaming and begging her not to leave me† (Hegland 77). These girls rely on the memories of their parents who showed them why a person should value his/her relatives or beloved. In contrast, Tobias does not have close relations with other children or teenagers. Moreover, he is afraid of developing an attachment to another person because he does not want to cope with negative emotions or â€Å"hard feelings† provided that â€Å"closeness ends† (Wolff 217). This difference suggests that parenting care is critical for the development of an adolescent and his/her transition into adulthood. This is one of the main points that can be made.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, the readers can see different roles that parents can play. In particular, the parents of Nell and Eva are not physically present; yet, their influence is still palpable. In this case, childhood memories serve as a shield that safeguards these girls against the cruelty of the society. Such a phenomenon is typical of people who had harmonious relationship with their parents. In turn, Tobias’ parents do not pr oduce any positive impact on him. His psychological development is the response to the lack of parental attention. This is one of the main issues that should be taken into consideration since it is critical for explaining the behavior of this character and his perception of the world. It is critical to examine some of the main difficulties that the characters produce encounter when they grow into young adulthood. For example, Tobias is strongly attached to his mother, but in his view that she is more interested in her intimate relations. Her marriage with Dwight adversely affects Tobias, since this boy becomes alienated from his family. He says, â€Å"I was subject to fits of feeling myself unworthy† (Wolff 11). This is the main factor that drives his behavior. In her book, Jean Hegland describes a very different relationship between parents and children. One should take into account that they have long become orphans. Nevertheless, the memories of parents help them to avoid the madness that engulfed the society. One can say that their mother and father always devoted the time to the needs of Nell and Eva. This is why they are so different from Tobias. It should be taken into account that these girls live in a post-apocalyptic world in which the major social institutions collapsed. There is no external authority that can regulate the relations in the community. Furthermore, a great number of people begin to display their worst qualities when they are confronted with difficulties. Nevertheless, one cannot say the same thing about Nell and Eva who are able to retain the memories of their parents. This is why Nell writes that she is â€Å"still too much my fathers daughter to burn these pages† (Hegland 7). It should be noted that Nell frequently mentions her deceased parents, and this legacy helps Nell and Eva retain their close bonds even at the time, many people are reduced to the status of animals. They understand that their family can be their s tronghold which can protect them from the cruelty of others. This is one of the aspects that can be identified since it is vital for describing the actions of these girls and their survival in the chaotic society.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Parents’ Influence on the Life of the Main Characters specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In contrast, Tobias has to cope with very different problems. One of his major desires is to be perceived as a courageous and powerful person who is able always to attain his goals. Moreover, he places much emphasis on strength as a way of escaping from reality in which nobody is attached to him. Again, this form of behavior can be mostly attributed to his relationship with his parents, especially his stepfather Dwight, who teaches Jack to fight. In fact, the display of aggression is quite acceptable to Toby’s stepfather. Overall, Toby is opposed to Dwight, but he is influenc ed by the behavior of this man. For example, Toby despises every sign of weaknesses in other people. This is something that he does not want to display. For example, he almost ends his friendship with the boy called Arthur Gale only because Dwight calls this boy a â€Å"sissy† (Wolf 168). Apart from that, it is difficult for Toby to admit that he can sometimes be wrong. Moreover, he cannot apologize to Mr. Welch who has nothing to do with Toby’s misfortunes. The problem is that his parents have never taught him to act in this way. Such actions are completely unacceptable for people like Dwight. This is why one can argue that parents largely influence the values and attitudes of children. They shape the way in which children perceive the world. This is one of the main arguments that can be put forward. Apart from that, it is extremely difficult for Toby to integrate himself into the community. This is one of the reasons why he eventually chooses to go to the Vietnam War since in this way; he tries to prove that he is both courageous and strong. Thus, lack of his parents’ attention profoundly shapes his transition into adulthood. In contrast, Nell and Eva are able to withstand the dramatic transformation of the society and preserve the unity of their family. They are not driven only by their self-interest because such an approach can only lead to their destruction. It should be taken into account that Nell and Eva do not always follow the recommendations of their parents. For example, their father wants them to be homeschooled; yet, Nell wants to be educated at Harvard since in this way she can obtain more opportunities for self-development. Similarly, Eva retains her interest in dancing, even though her mother objected to this activity. Nevertheless, the memories of parents and childhood are of great value to Nell and Eva because they give them hope and show that these girls can retain their dignity. One cannot say the same thing about Tobi as who wants to forget his childhood since it did not bring him happiness.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He wants to become an adult as soon as possible, because he associates adulthood with independence and self-sufficiency. This is one of the issues that should be considered when discussing the differences between these characters whose experiences are so distinct from each other. So, one can argue that the impact of parents is the main theme explored in these novels. Overall, this discussion indicates that the interactions with parents shape the worldview of a person. Yet, one should take into account that the influence of parents is not always beneficial. For example, the main character of Tobias Wolf’s memoir is exposed to the aggression and hostilities and these experiences make him self-centered and oriented only toward success, rather than relations with other people. This boy wants to forget his childhood which did not bring him joy. In contrast, the memories of parents and childhood protect Nell and Eva from the dangers that a collapsing society. Moreover, in this way, these girls strengthen their family ties. To some degree, their cohesion can be attributed to the upbringing that they received. This is one of the main issues that should be mentioned. These examples show that a person’s passage into young adulthood can take various forms, and it is the duty of parents to safeguard him/her against possible pitfalls. Hegland, Jean. Into the Forest: A Novel, Boston: Dial Press Trade Paperback, 1998. Print. Wolff, Tobias. This Boys Life: A Memoir, New York: Grove Press, 2000. Print.

Submitting to symbolism essays

Submitting to symbolism essays Every great author posses the ability to create a novel deeply woven in symbolism and subliminal messages. Underneath the literal journey encountered in Joseph Conrad fs Heart of Darkness lies a tale saturated with subtle, yet, significant imagery that brings forth the true meaning of the novella. Throughout Heart of Darkness Conrad uses a plethora of simple colors, objects, and places to convey multifaceted images and ideas. His fine execution of the tools of the English language allows him to quickly lure the reader aboard the Nellie and not release him until the horror is over. Although the interpretation of symbols in the Heart of Darkness is elaborate, due to their simplicity they are often overlooked. An overriding series of symbols in Heart of Darkness is the ongoing contrast of white and black, dark and light, and respectively holding representations of good and evil. Amongst most literature white/light relates to a civilized community and black/dark denotes savagery. However, Conrad often depicts many things usually associated with light to be dark in coincidence with the glittering light shed on dark images. Conrad illustrates the wrath of Europe,  gAnd this also has been one of the darkest places of the earth. h (Conrad 18) Furthermore, Conrad's frequent symbolic combination of life and death is a parallel to light and dark, echoing the fact that the two must exist simultaneously - there cannot be without the other. Blatant, but often passed over is the symbolism of the number three in Heart of Darkness. First, notice that the book is divided into three chapters. From there Conrad only lets Marlow break from the story three times to let the unnamed narrator speak. As the journey through the Congo progresses it halts its journey at three stations-Outer, Central, and Inner. The triads do not end here, but persist through the characters in the novella. Though they play an integral role in He ...

Using the Spanish Conjunction Y

Using the Spanish Conjunction Y Although the Spanish conjunction y usually is the equivalent of the English and, it also can be used in a few ways that arent exactly the way and is in English. Keep in mind that y  changes to  e when it comes before certain words. Basically, it become e when it precedes a word that begins with the i sound, such as iglesia. Using Y To Link Similar Grammatical Units Most of the time, y is used to connect two sentences or words or phrases that are the same part of speech or fulfill the same grammatical function. Thus, for example, it can join two or more nouns as well as two or more direct objects. Grammatically, y in this usage is known as a copulative. Un perro y una vaca son los protagonistas del libro. (A dog and a cow are the books main characters. Y joins two nouns.)Tà º y yo sabemos lo que es vivir tan lejos. (You and I know what it is to live so far away. Y joins two subject pronouns, although it could can join a noun and a pronoun if they are both subjects.)Cantbamos y tocbamos mejor que nadie. (We sang and we played instruments better than anybody. Y joins two verbs.)Es el mejor regalo para à ©l y ella. (Its the best gift for him and her.) ¿Por quà © ese idiota es rico y yo no? (Why is that idiot rich and Im not?)El presidente y el vicepresidente tienen un mandato de cuatro aà ±os. (The president and vice president have a four-year term.)Vi la pelà ­cula y la encontrà © buena. (I saw the film and I found it to be good.)Me duele mucho y estoy preocupada. (Im in much pain and I am worried.) If y is used to join a series of three or more entities, a comma is not used before the final entity unless needed for clarity. This is in contrast with English, where the comma is optional or a matter of; when it is used in English, it is known as the Oxford comma. Tà º, ella y yo vamos a la playa. (You, she, and I are going to the beach.)El leà ³n, la bruja y el armario fue escrito por C.S. Lewis. (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was written by C.S. Lewis.)Venimos, comimos, y nos fuimos. (We came, we ate, and we left.)Esa idea es estereotà ­pica, incorrecta e inautà ©ntica. (That idea is stereotypical, incorrect and inauthentic.) Y in Questions To Mean ‘What About?’ In beginning questions, y can carry the idea of what about? or how about? Although the and of English can be used the same way, the Spanish usage is much more common. No puedo nadar.  ¿Y tà º? (I cant swim. How about you?)No sabà ­a que David estaba enfermo.  ¿Y Casandra? (I didnt know David was sick. What about Casandra?) ¿Y quà ©? (So what?) ¿Y si mi hijo no se toma la medicacià ³n? (What if my son doesnt take the medication?) Y as an Indication of Contrast In some contexts, y can be used to indicate a contrast in a way that the English and standing alone doesnt. In these cases it usually can be translated by and yet or and still. Estudiaba mucho y no sabà ­a nada. She studied a lot and still didnt know anything.Juan es asesino y lo amamos. Juan is a murderer, yet we still love him.Antonio y Casandra son hermanos, pero à ©l es alto y ella es baja. (Antonio and Casandra are brother and sister, but he is tall even while she is short.) Using Y To Suggest a Large Amount As with the English and, when y connects a word or phrase that is repeated, it suggests a large, indefinite amount: Corrieron y corrieron hasta llegar a casa. (The ran and they ran until they arrived at home.)Es una ciudad muerta desde hace aà ±os y aà ±os. (It has been a dead city since years and years ago.)Mi madre estudiaba y estudiaba a todas horas. (My mother studied and studied all the time.) Key Takeaways Y is most often the direct equivalent of and, being used to join two or more works, phrases, or sentences that have the same grammatical status.Y can also be used at the beginning of a question to mean what about.In some contexts, y emphasizes the contrast between two or more grammatical entities.

The Case Colomo vs Bonds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Case Colomo vs Bonds - Essay Example Colomo’s mother then called the two students and in the process lectured Fuller for his actions as well as told Victoria to avoid Fuller and made sure she did not walk alone on the campus. Fuller had also threatened Victoria twice which had led to his suspension from the school, and Victoria was assigned an escort. Other methods on campus were used to keep the two separated. Colomo’s mother also brought this point forward claiming that the school had been indifferent when dealing with the first case. Under this, the courts ruled that if the ‘harasser’ acted in a way that makes the ‘harasser’ be denied of the rights to proper education, school management, and the board would have acted indifferently if they had full awareness of the happenings of the case. However, the student had maintained stable grades since the case was based on the victim’s mother believes that the school acted indifferently in solving the matter. The case was thrown out for lack of evidence. The issues in the case were that Victoria’s mother thought that her daughter was being deprived of the educational opportunities she was supposed to have. The case involved sexual harassment on a school campus and the court had to define what defined what sexual harassment was. Rather than there being a decision in the case, it was dismissed. It was added to the rules of the school that this was not â€Å"severe, pervasive and objectively offensive† to an extent that it can constitute a violation of the Title IX of the school rules. The reason that the case was dismissed was that the members of the court there was an act of intentional indifference. It might have been probable that the victim mother acted on her own terms to protect her daughter. According to the law, there is no course of action against the school.

Reality Show Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reality Show - Personal Statement Example From acting to production, from camera-handling to costumes, the television industry is on the swell, attracting numerous individuals with employment opportunities. And who would not love to be a part of the whole glitz and glamour! Of course, I am no exception to this. If given the opportunity to become part of the television industry and conceptualize my own television reality show, I would ensure that my show contains all the ingredients required for a super hit show. Reality shows are television shows that usually involve hosts, judges and participants. The show evolves by the participation and judgment of the participants' abilities that are tested during the event of the show, by the judges. The participants could be the general public or even celebrities. The host is usually a well-spoken, attentive and interactive person, who knows how to make the participants feel at home, while also talking about their talents and capabilities. He acts as the link between the participants and judges, as also between the viewers and the people on the show! The

Professional development & critical reflection Essay

Professional development & critical reflection - Essay Example †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Demonstrate a critically reflective understanding of a range of social and individual factors which can affect children’s and young people’s well-being and development inside and outside of the school/setting; †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Show understanding of how to identify these factors in relation to particular children/pupils; 2. Ensure that you demonstrate detailed knowledge & understanding of key concepts and theories, through clarity or writing and that you are aware of and demonstrate the provisional nature of knowledge 3. You need to show evidence of a general critical approach building on your use of appropriate literature, by your individual judgement and reflection. Look at the title and the criteria more carefully Agreed Provisional Mark – may be subject to change until confirmed by the appropriate assessment board First Marker’s Name Second Marker’s/Moderator’s name, where appropriate A copy o f this sheet must be retained with the coursework item. Professional Development & Critical Reflection Introduction This paper, by reference to a case study of Child A and the relevant literature provides a critical reflection of the social and individual factors that can influence a child or a young person’s welfare and development both at school and outside of school. Likewise, this paper will demonstrate an understanding of how these factors are identified by reference to specific child or student. In doing so, this paper will illustrate knowledge and understanding of the primary concepts and theories. Child A Background Information Previous school assessments and my own assessment reveal that Child A is a 7 year old male student who is repeating the first year because of learning difficulties. Two years... This paper, by reference to a case study of Child A and the relevant literature provides a critical reflection of the social and individual factors that can influence a child or a young person’s welfare and development both at school and outside of school. Likewise, this paper will demonstrate an understanding of how these factors are identified by reference to specific child or student. In doing so, this paper will illustrate knowledge and understanding of the primary concepts and theories. Previous school assessments and my own assessment reveal that Child A is a 7 year old male student who is repeating the first year because of learning difficulties. Two years of review reveals that Child A’s primary language is English. He has language-based difficulties, numbers-based difficulties and poor motor skills. Child A’s language-based difficulties are manifested by the fact that he has a tendency to write letters of the alphabet and numbers in reverse. He also freq uently confuses capital letters with lower case letters. Observations/assessments also reveal that Child A is introverted and does not socialize with other children. In fact, Child A has been described as a loner. In addition, Child A has difficulties with cognitive functioning in that his attention span is quite short and he has difficulty going from one task to another. He requires simple and differentiated instruction and adult supervision in order to get him to focus and complete tasks. Visual aids are also required to engage Child A in classroom learning and instruction.

A Critical Analysis of the Implementation and Development of Clinical Term Paper

A Critical Analysis of the Implementation and Development of Clinical Supervision in the Workplace, a Professional and Personal Account - Term Paper Example The current environment for the clinics contains many forces such as increased customer expectations, steeper competition and public sector agency pressures that demanded unprecedented levels of change. Clinics are taking serious measures to improve their performance in relation to their competitors. One of the efforts that they adopt is to improve is the quality of their services. This effort had significant results in the cost-cutting of the clinics' expenses and higher customer satisfaction. The five service quality dimension -- tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy -- is important for a clinic today. If without one of the service dimension, it could be the effect on the whole clinic's organization management, and indirectly it will give the bad corporate image from the public view. In a technology age today, the clinic must keep up-to-date on improving new bio equipment or bio-instrumental facilities in a clinic. By having the new high tech equipment and facilities in a clinic, it can give confidence and trustfulness to patients. Besides that, clinics also responsive to the patient's needs, if fail to respond in a second of time, it may losing a human life. By the way, the clinic staffs, doctors and nurse must always give the concentration or empathy on the patient and customers needs, because it can affect building trustfulness within customers/patients and organization. Clinical supervision sits at the heart of the UK Government's agenda for improving the quality of service delivery (Department of Health, 1997, 1998, 1999). The practice in the workplace was introduced as a way of using reflective practice and shared experiences as a part of continuing professional development.  

Economics Incentivizing Thrift Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economics Incentivizing Thrift - Article Example Employed individuals in small business should also be encouraged to save by implementing low cost savings retirement plans. The article highlights that the government has a role to play in the economy, according to the article the government taxation and policy measures should be changed in order to encourage savings, Wilcox states that the government should replace income tax with a consumption tax, this means that individuals will consume less and save more for future. The only problem with this proposition is that individuals may be taxed twice whereby they are taxed currently as they earn and after the taxation system is changed they will be taxed as they consume. The article also states that another solution to the problem of saving in the economy is education. One of the reasons why people save less is lack of knowledge regarding economic concepts. This should be undertaken by introduction of finance literacy into the school curriculum. From the above discussion of the article it is evident that the government has a role to play in encouraging saving in the economy, the government can replace income taxes with consumption taxes, introduction of financial literacy

Library Science Essay Example for Free

Library Science Essay An integrated library system (ILS), also known as a library management system (LMS),[1][2] is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed. An ILS usually comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff). Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Examples of modules might include: acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials) cataloging (classifying and indexing materials) circulation (lending materials to patrons and receiving them back) serials (tracking magazine and newspaper holdings) the OPAC (public interface for users) Each patron and item has a unique ID in the database that allows the ILS to track its activity. Larger libraries use an ILS to order and acquire, receive and invoice, catalog, circulate, track and shelve materials. Smaller libraries, such as those in private homes or non-profit organizations (like churches or synagogues, for instance), often forgo the expense and maintenance required to run an ILS, and instead use a library computer system. [citation needed] Contents [hide] 1 History 1. 1 Pre-computerization 1. 2 1960s: the influence of computer technologies 1. 3 1970s-1980s: the early integrated library system 1. 4 1990s-2000s: the growth of the Internet 1. 5 Mid 2000s-Present: increasing costs and customer dissatisfaction 2 Examples 3 See also 4 References 5 Further reading 6 External links [edit]History [edit]Pre-computerization Prior to computerization, library tasks were performed manually and independently from one another. Selectors ordered materials with ordering slips, cataloguers manually catalogued items and indexed them with the card catalog system (in which all bibliographic data was kept on a single index card), and users signed books out manually, indicating their name on cue cards which were then kept at the circulation desk. Early mechanization came in 1936, when the University of Texas began using a punch card system to manage library circulation. [3] While the punch card system allowed for more efficient tracking of loans, library services were far from being integrated, and no other library task was affected by this change. [edit]1960s: the influence of computer technologies Following this, the next big innovation came with the advent of MARC standards in the 1960s which coincided with the growth of computer technologies – library automation was born. [3] From this point onwards, libraries began experimenting with computers, and, starting in the late 1960s and continuing into the 1970s, bibliographic services utilizing new online technology and the shared MARC vocabulary entered the market; these included OCLC (1967), Research Libraries Group (which has since merged with OCLC), and Washington Library Network (which became Western Library Network and is also now part of OCLC). [4] [edit]1970s-1980s: the early integrated library system Screenshot of a Dynix menu. The 1970s can be characterized by improvements in computer storage as well as in telecommunications. [4] As a result of these advances, ‘turnkey systems on microcomputers,’[4] known more commonly as integrated library systems (ILS) finally appeared. These systems included necessary hardware and software which allowed the connection of major circulation tasks, including circulation control and overdue notices. [5] As the technology developed, other library tasks could be accomplished through ILS as well, including acquisition, cataloguing, reservation of titles, and monitoring of serials. [6] [edit]1990s-2000s: the growth of the Internet With the evolution of the Internet throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, ILSs began allowing users to more actively engage with their libraries through OPACs and online web-based portals. Users could log into their library accounts to reserve or renew books, as well as authenticate themselves for access to library-subscribed online databases. Inevitably, during this time, the ILS market grew exponentially. By 2002, the ILS industry averaged sales of approximately US$500 million annually, compared to just US$50 million in 1982. [5] [edit]Mid 2000s-Present: increasing costs and customer dissatisfaction By the mid to late 2000s, ILS vendors had increased not only the number of services offered but also their prices, leading to some dissatisfaction among many smaller libraries. At the same time, open source ILS was in its early stages of testing. Some libraries began turning to such open source ILSs as Koha and Evergreen. Common reasons noted were to avoid vendor lock in, avoid license fees, and participate in software development. Freedom from vendors also allowed libraries to prioritize needs according to urgency, as opposed to what their vendor can offer. [7] Libraries which have moved to open source ILS have found that vendors are now more likely to provide quality service in order to continue a partnership since they no longer have the power of owning the ILS software and tying down libraries to strict contracts. [7] This has been the case with the SCLENDS consortium. Following the success of Evergreen for the Georgia PINES library consortium, the South Carolina State Library along with some local public libraries formed the SCLENDS consortium in order to share resources and to take advantage of the open source nature of the Evergreen ILS to meet their specific needs. [7] By October 2011, just 2 years after SCLENDS began operations, 13 public library systems across 15 counties had already joined the consortium, in addition to the South Carolina State Library. Librarytechnology. org does an annual survey of over 2,400 libraries and noted in 2008 2%[8] of those surveyed used open source ILS, in 2009 the number increased to 8%,[9] in 2010 12%,[10] and in 2011 11% [11] of the libraries polled had adopted open source ILSs. [edit]Examples Open-source Evergreen Greenstone Invenio Koha Kuali OLE NewGenLib PhpMyBibli OpenBiblioÃ'Ž VuFind Proprietary Aleph from Ex Libris Innovative Interfaces Library†¢Solution, Library†¢Solution for Schools, and CARL†¢X from The Library Corporation LibraryWorld NOSA Qulto System SirsiDynix, Symphony—current version and Unicorn—a legacy system. SydneyPLUS International Capita Alto formerly Talis Alto (UK and Ireland) Virtua, former VTLS, from VTLS Inc. Voyager from former company Endeavor Information Systems, later acquired by Ex Libris (Polish) MOL, Patron and MOLIK interface created for children (Polish) SOWA, SOWA2, SOWA2/MARC21, SOWA2/MARC21/SQLÃ'Ž Legacy NOTIS Dynix [edit]See also Library and information science portal Library computer system OPAC List of next-generation catalogs History of Library Automation [edit]References ^ Adamson, Veronica, et al. (2008). JISC SCONUL Library Management Systems Study PDF (1 MB). Sheffield, UK: Sero Consulting. p. 51. Retrieved on 21 January 2009. a Library Management System (LMS or ILS Integrated Library System in US parlance). Some useful library automation software are: KOHA ,Grennstone . LIBsis, and granthlaya. Tennant, Roy (16 April 2008). Picking When to Jump, Part 2. Library Journal. Reed Business Information. Retrieved 20 January 2009. Across the pond they use the term library management systems (LMS) for what we call the integrated library system (ILS). ^ a b Wallace, Patricia M. (1991). Gary M. Pitkin. ed. Library Systems Migration: An Introduction. Westport, CT: Meckler. p. 3. ISBN 0-88736-738-0. ^ a b c Wallace, Patricia M. (1991). Gary M. Pitkin. ed. Library Systems Migration: An Introduction. Westport, CT: Meckler. p. 4. ISBN 0-88736-738-0. ^ a b Kochtanek, Thomas R. (2002). 1 The Evolution of LIS and Enabling Technologies. Library Information Systems: From Library Automation to Distributed Information Access Solutions. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. p. 4. ISBN 1-59158-018-8. ^ Kochtanek, Thomas R. (2002). 1 The Evolution of LIS and Enabling Technologies. Library Information Systems: From Library Automation to Distributed Information Access Solutions. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. p. 5. ISBN 1-59158-018-8. ^ a b c Hamby, R. ; McBride, R. , Lundberg, M. (2011, Oct. ). South Carolina’s SCLENDS optimizing libraries, transforming lending. Computers in Libraries. 8 31: 6–10. ^ http://www. librarytechnology. org/perceptions2008. pl ^ http://www. librarytechnology. org/perceptions2009. pl ^ http://www. librarytechnology. org/perceptions2010. pl ^ http://www. librarytechnology. org/perceptions2011. pl [edit]Further reading Olson, N. (2010). Taken for Granted The Construction of Order in the Process of Library Management System Decision Making (Vol. 45). Goteborg / Boras: Valfrid publishing. [1] Rubin, Richard E. Foundations of Library and Information Science. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. , 2004. [edit]External links MARC Records, Systems and Tools : Network Development and MARC Standards Office, Library of Congress Higher Education Library Technology,(HELibTech) a wiki supported by SCONUL (Society of College National and University Libraries) that covers many aspects of library technology and lists technologies in use in UK Higher Education Key resources in the field of Library Automation Categories: Library automationÃ'Ž

FDI Trends in India and China: An Analysis

FDI Trends in India and China: An Analysis Chapter 1: Aim and Objectives All nations need a vision for future which stirs the thoughts and motivates different segments of society to a greater effort and thus inclines them to work toward the common cause that is economy growth of the individual nation. The market oriented policies normally have exclusionary impact which needs to be prevented through articulate response of the policy makers. India is the third-largest economy in the world in PPP (purchasing power parity) terms foreign direct investments (FDI), But China is currently a favourite nation and is more successful in attracting FDI over India Ballabh (2008). Hence, this thesis strives to analyse the past trend of FDI in India and China, its types, its critical analysis with regards to host country and investing firm, important factors of globalisation and foreign direct investments (FDI) strategies to be adopted, Finally, Its comparison with Chinas FDI and empirical evidences would help us cover aim of our thesis which is among India and China, Wh y is China more successful in attracting FDI than India and is favoured over India? Therefore this paper has been divided in seven sections. It starts with brief introduction to FDI and its types in section 1. Section 2 covers background information and literature review that gives us a picture of the FDI policies in the past, Its trends and impact on MNCs in context to India and China, FDIs role on host economy and MNCs, , Its critical analysis based on Morans model, and finally investment strategies adopted by MNCs where to invest and what to invest. This would give us greater insight into the chosen topic by discussion of various forms of FDI, its impact on MNCs, on host economy and presenting an argument on discussion. Section three; presents the discussion on methodology to be used for the data collection and analysis. Section four is our data analysis and discussion section that is further divided into two sections, first half covers Chinas FDI spread-its Sectoral regional trends, the figures from the data sorted to analyse the growth in FDI over years and in different sectors, FDI distributions and opportunity sector that is playing increasingly important role by embracing FDI growth. The other half covers Indias FDI Spread-Sectoral and Country wise distribution. Again we use graphs and charts to analyse the trend. Comparative analysis of China with India would act as an indispensable step in structuring a consensus on a broad national development strategy to attract foreign investors that encompasses the roles and responsibilities of different agents in the economy, like Central, the private corporate sector, State and local government. Therefore finally presenting a logical explanation why China is a favourable nation over India and is highly successful in attracting FDI, hence the same is to be discussed in section five. Section Six is about building a feasible policy framework toward attracting FDI for the interest of the MNCs and host economy with reference to Chinas successful strategy in attracting FDI and summary of the literature followed by the concluding remarks are presented in the last section. The Concept of FDI is now an integral part of every nations economic prospect but the term remains vague to many, despite the thoughtful effects on the host economy and MNCs, despite the extensive studies on FDI, there has been little illumination forthcoming and it remains a contentious topic. The research findings will throw up a range of interesting possibilities in two countries, critical issues and crucial decision-points for government and private bodies to decide upon investment for future action in the favoured country. Therefore, the paper would explores the uneven beginnings of FDI in two countries, examine and present many important theoretical and empirical evidences on FDI and its impact on economy and MNCs, and would find reasons why China is more successful in FDI over India develop a feasible policy framework towards FDI in particular sector in India or China and making most out of it. Chapter 2: Introduction Foreign direct investment has multiple effects on the investing firm and on the economy of a host country. FDI influences the production, employment, income, prices, exports, imports, balance of payments, economic growth, and general welfare of the receiving economy Maniam (1998). Hence this section covers definition and types of Foreign Direct Investment, FDIs role been so far based on background information, discussion of resources and finally the theoretical aspect of why and where firms decide to invest abroad for benefits with special reference to India and China alongside host countrys motive to attract FDI. Definition of FDI Bergman (2006) defined FDI as a direct or portfolio investment. A direct investment is an acquisition or construction of physical capital by a firm from one source country into another (host) country. The FDI is an investment that involves a long-term relationship and control by a resident entity of one country, in a firm located in a country other than that of the investing firm. There is more involved in the direct investment than only money capital, for instance, managerial or technical guidance. FDI is generally defined as resident firms with at least 10% of foreign participation (UNCTAD, 2002). Types of FDI MNCs have various options to enter into a foreign market. FDIs Different types have different levels of control and risks. For example, Green field investment is when a firm establishes a subsidiary in a new country and starts its own production. In this type of investment a new plant is constructed rather than the purchase of an existing plant or firm. For this reason, there is large risk and has high set up costs because the foreign firm most likely does not have enough legislation knowledge, nor it has an existing distribution network and neither a local management skills. But still, the foreign firm has more control. On the contrary, Brown field investment is FDI that involves the purchase of an existing plant or firm, rather than building of a new plant. Joint venture is an equity and management partnership between the foreign firm and a local firm in the host market. Most host countries prefer the formation of joint ventures, as a way to build international co-operation, and to secure technology transfer (Samli Hill, 1998). In This type of investment the foreign partners contribute toward technology or products, the financial resources, and at the same time the local partner provides the manpower, skills and knowledge required for managing a firm in the host country (Bergman 2006). On UNCTADs website we can have a comprehensive understanding of it and its types. It defines FDI as an investment that involves a long-term relationship and reflects a permanent interest of a resident entity in one economy (direct investor) in an entity resident in an economy other than of the investor. The direct i nvestors idea is to put forth a significant degree of influence on the management of the enterprise resident in the other economy. FDI covers both the opening and subsequent transaction between the two entities and among affiliated enterprises, both incorporated and unincorporated. FDI may be undertaken by individuals, as well as business entities. It further is classified as follows: FDI Stock: it is the value of the share (For associate and subsidiary enterprises,) of their capital and reserves (including the retained profits) attributable to the parent enterprise (this is equal to the total assets minus total liabilities), plus the net indebtedness of associate or subsidiary to the parent firm. For branches, it is value of fixed assets and the value of current assets and investments, excluding amounts due from parent, less liabilities to third parties. Reinvested Earnings: The part of an affiliates earnings accruing to the foreign investor that is reinvested in that enterprise. FDI Flows: FDI flows (For associate and subsidiary enterprises) consists of the net sales of shares and loans (including non-cash acquisitions made against equipment, manufacturing rights, etc.) to the parent company plus the parent firms share of the affiliates reinvested earnings plus total net intra-company loans (short- and long-term) provided by the parent company. And, for branches, FDI flows consist of the increase in reinvested earnings plus the net increase in funds received from the foreign direct investor. Equity Capital: The foreign direct investors net purchase of the shares and loans of an enterprise in a country other than its own. Other Capital: Short- or long-term loans from parent firms to affiliate enterprises or vice versa. Also included are trade credits, bonds and money market instruments, financial leases and financial derivatives. Chapter 3: Background Information and Literature Review History of FDI in India Indias foreign trade and investment regime has been identified in two different phases- Pre-1991 reforms phase and the post-1991 phase. Pre-1991 reforms phase that stretched over to four decades is worth reviewing in some detail as although the regime was marked by extensive regulation of trade and investment, it did not shun foreign enterprise participation in the economy and the nature of the regulatory framework was mostly complex and cumbersome. This has been extensively analysed by Kidron (1965) Kumar (1994). The specification of sectors in which both foreign financial and technical participation were allowed, those in which only technical collaboration was permitted, and those in which neither technical and nor financial participation was allowed, reflects the desire to restrict foreign ownership and control to sectors of the economy in which its contribution was deemed to be essential. A preference to technical collaboration agreements instead of foreign equity ownership refl ects the desire to promote the twin objectives of preserving freedom from foreign control over operations and simultaneously gaining access to foreign technology and know-how. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was considered a hostile act. The FERA required foreign firms to dilute their equity holdings to less than 40% or export a substantial share of their total output. This resulted to closure of renowned MNCs like IBM and Coca Cola to shut their operations in India.1967-79, the number of collaborations agreements per year reached an all-time low of 242. The Mid- 1980s saw a considerable though not a radical relaxation of the dirigiste trade and investment regime, with a relatively benign attitude towards foreign enterprise participation. The major crucial change during this period was a significant change in the pattern of foreign investment in India away from plantations, minerals and petroleum toward the manufacturing sector. By the end of decade of eighties manufacturing accounted for nearly 85% out of total stock of FDI of about Rupees 28 billion. Inflows of private capital remained meagre in the 1980s: they averaged less than $0.2 billion per year from 1985 to 1990 (Kapur Athreye 1999). In the year 1991, India too liberalised its highly regulated FDI regime, in place for more than three decades. Arguably Balasubramanyam (2004) in his book stated that, it took an economic crisis for India to liberalise its trade and FDI regime rather than a fundamental change in attitude towards the role of FDI in development process. Nonetheless, the 1991 reforms marked a major break from the earlier dirigiste regime with its regulation of the spheres of foreign enterprise participation on its mode of operation. And the policy framework was opaque with the implementation of policy based on bureaucratic consideration of each case on its merits. Hence the 1991 reforms were to change all this: The abolition of the industrial licensing system, controls over foreign trade and foreign investment were considerable relaxed, including the removal of ceilings on equity ownership by foreign firms. The reforms did result in increased inflows of FDI during the decades of the nineties as it consi derable relaxed the dirigiste regime that prevailed for more than four decades (Balasubramanyam Mahambare 2004). Hence with the liberalisation of the economy, fresh foreign investment was invited in a range of industries. Inflows to India rose steadily through the 1990s, exceeding $6 billion in 1996-97. The fresh inflows were primarily as portfolio capital in the early years (that is, diversified equity holdings not associated with managerial control), but increasingly, they have come as foreign direct investment (equity investment associated with managerial control). This was further supported by historically low interest rates in the US that encouraged global investment funds to diversify their portfolios by investing in emerging markets. International flows of direct investment, which had averaged $142 bn per year over 1985-90, more than doubled to $350 billion in 1996, with the developing countries receiving $130 billion (Kapur Athreye 1999). 1996-1998, the period of the coalition government has been an imperative period in our study; Singh (2005) classified this as a period when government has shown willingness to understand FDI by placing policies that would result in an increase in FDI and further liberalization for the common cause. There was an increased understanding on the role of FDI in all sectors. Industries still lead the reforms whereby automatic approval of FDI was increased up to 74% by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in nine categories of industries, including electricity generation and transmission, non-conventional energy generation and distribution, construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, ports, harbours, runways, waterways, tunnels, pipelines, industrial and power plants, pipeline transport , water transport, cold storage and warehousing for agricultural products, mining services including silver and precious stones, manufacture of iron ore pellets, pig iron, semi-finished iron and steel and man ufacture of navigational, meteorological, geophysical, oceanographic, hydrological and ultrasonic sounding instruments and items based on solar energy (indiabudget.nic.in). January 1997, Government announced the first ever guidelines for FDI speedy approval in areas that are not covered under automatic approval. Above trends illustrates the earlier point of the government recognizing and carrying forth of the previous work done by the Rao government. While the advantage of FDI did not reach the mindset of the common man but government seemed to show possibilities of overall development through FDI. For example when Indian industry registered a modest growth rate of 7.1% in 1996-97, which was much lower than the 12.1% in 1995-96, there was research carried out which revealed this was partially attributable to the mining and electricity generation sectors which recorded very low growth rates of 0.7 % and 3.9 % respectively. Hence, the policy was immediately rectified and re-enforced by expanding the list of industries eligible for foreign direct equity investment under the automatic approval route by RBI in 1997-1998 (indiabudget.nic.in). 2004-05, embraced FDI for being an integral part of national development strategies. Its global popularity along with positive output in augmenting of domestic capital, productivity and employment; has made it an essential tool for initiating economic growth for nations. During this phase, India evolved as one of the most favoured destination for FDI in Asia. It has displaced US as the second-most favoured destination for FDI in the world after China. According to an AT Kearneys FDI Confidence Index, India attracted more than three times foreign investment at US$ 7.96 bn during the first half of 2005-06 fiscal, as against US$ 2.38 bn during the corresponding period of 2004-05. FDI in India has contributed effectively to the overall growth of the economy in the recent times. FDI inflow has an impact on Indias transfer of new technology and innovative ideas, improving infrastructure, a competitive business environment (Indianground.com). Ballabh (2008) in his article mentioned about the Balance of payments (BOP) since independence, Indias BOP on its current account has been negative. Since liberalisation in the 1990s (precipitated by a BOP crisis), Indias exports have been consistently rising, covering 80.3% of its imports in 2002-03, up from 66.2% in 1990-91. Although India is still a net importer, since 1996-97, its overall BOP (including the capital account balance), has been positive, largely on account of increased FDI and deposits from NRIs; until this time, the overall balance was only occasionally positive on account of external assistance and commercial borrowings. As a result, Indias foreign currency reserves stood at $141bn in 2005-06. Indias recently liberalised FDI policy (2005) allows up to a 100% FDI stake inventures. Industrial policy reforms have significantly reduced industrial licensing requirements, removed restrictions on expansion and facilitated easy access to foreign technology and foreign dir ect investment FDI. History of FDI in China FDIs main source in China from 1950s had been Soviet Union. However, it was after 1978 that China began to open up itself to the rest of the world for FDI inflows. From the start of 1978 China witnessed its exit from its self-dependent strategies since Maos era with the country announcing a remarkable program to reform its economic system by opening itself up to the outside world. From the beginning of 1978, FDI in China became desirable and began to add in the development of the Chinese economy. In general, the development of FDI in China can be divided into following five stages. Experiment Stage (1979 1983) China started from an experimental approach, which they called crossing the river by feeling the stones under the water. FDI was permitted into China in a step-by-step manner. One key action of the first step was the establishment of four Special Economic Zones (SEZs), namely Shen Zhen, Shan Tou, Zhu Hai and Xia Men, in July 1981. These SEZs were chosen for the absorption and utilization of foreign Investment. These provided foreign investors with preferential treatment for their Businesses. As Chinas window to the world, these zones succeeded in attracting FDI. Meanwhile, China was putting up effort to complete its legislative system. First to come was, the Equity Joint Venture Law (the Law of Peoples Republic of China on Joint Ventures Using Chinese and Foreign Investment) that was enacted in July 1979. The legislation validated the existence of FDI in China and guaranteed the right and benefits of foreign investors. Second important policy taken at this stage included Regulation f or the Implementation of the Law of the Peoples Republic of china on Chinese -foreign Equity Joint Ventures (1983). Growth Stage (1984 1991) Until 1984 there were flaws in Chinas handling FDI. Chinas restraints on FDI outside the SEZs remained rigid. Laws and regulations limited foreign ownership. FDI projects often encountered a long approval process even though they provided sufficient materials and explanation. This was simplified gradually between 1983 and 1985. Following is the list of new laws and regulations at this stage year on year basis. Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOS) Law (1986) Provision for the FDI Encouragement (1986) Constitutional Status of Foreign invested Enterprises in Chinese Civil Law (1986) Adoption of Interim provision on guiding FDI (1987) Delegation on approval of selected FDI projects to more local governments (1988) Laws of cooperative joint ventures (1988) Revision of equity joint venture law (1990) Rules for implementation of WOS law (1990) Income tax law and its rules for implementation (1991) 1984 witnessed two historic activities. First was when Deng Xiaoping remarked that China needed to open wider instead of checking upon the opening process (Zheng, 1984). Second was when Chinese government announced the decision on reform of the economic structure, and called for the building of a socialist commodity economy by assigning a larger role to the market in the domestic economic. Besides SEZs, Chinese government took a further step to give FDI access to other parts of the country. Fourteen coastal cities were announced to be opened to the outside world. They are Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Tianjin, Yantai, Qingdao, Lianyungang, Nantong, Shanghai, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Zhanjiang and Beihai. The local government from these cities could approve FDI projects with capital investment up to certain level. For example, Shanghai could approve all FDI projects under 30 million USD (Yuan, 2006). They were also given the right to spend foreign exchange yielded by local FDI for t heir own growth. The approval procedures for FDI projects were eased. The Law of Peoples Republic of China on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises (WFOEs) of 1986, was laid to protect the profits and interest of foreign investors. In addition to this series of other laws and regulations further relaxed Chinas restriction in promoting FDI with measures for enterprise autonomy, profit remittances, labour recruitment and land use. In December 1990, the central government promulgated Detailed Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of the Peoples Republic of China Concerning Joint Ventures with Chinese and Foreign Investment. The regulation aimed to encourage joint ventures that adopted sophisticated technology or equipments, saved energy and raw materials and upgraded products. Peak Stage (1992 1993) This stage has witnessed the rise of Shanghai as Chinas economic hub. The Chinese government wanted to develop Shanghai into an international hub for finance, economy and trade. Their intention was to carry out the experiment of new policies and apply successful practices within the rest of Shanghai and across the country. Shanghais location in Southeast China drew attention of Chinese governments in shifting emphasis to the area to avoid overly concentration of FDI. Hi-tech enterprises, established manufacturers and financial companies were encouraged to set up their China operation at Pudong with various preferential treatments from central and local government. With the implementation of a new framework for further opening up the economy, the Chinese government showed great effort to encourage FDI. A number of new Sectors were also opened up to foreign investors, including banking and insurance, accounting and information consultancy, wholesaling and retailing at the same time, go vernmental procedures were simplified in terms of FDI administration. The year of 1992 witnessed the remarkable growth of FDI in China. In the same year, the Chinese government announced its intention to adopt the strategy of socialist market economy and improve the economic framework for standard market Operations. Following are the series of laws and regulations related to market operations were passed during 1992 and 1993, which included: Adoption of Trade Union Law (1992) Company Law (1993) Provision regulations of value-added tax, consumption tax, business tax and Enterprise income tax (1993) Adjustment Stage (1994 2000) After 1994, the growth rate of FDI in China went down to a steady level from the relatively high rate in past two years, which indicated that a new stage had arrived. 1995s Provisional Guidelines for Foreign Investment Projects provided preferential treatment to various enterprises in various industries. The directory of the Guidelines categorized all the FDI projects into four types: encouraged, restricted, prohibited and permitted (Yuan, 2006). The projects in infrastructure or underdeveloped agriculture and with advanced technology or manufacturing under-supplied new equipment to satisfy market demand fell into the encouraged category. Those whose production exceeded domestic demand and those who engaged in the exploration of rare and valuable resources were put into restricted. The prohibited category included projects that would risk national security or public interest, or those endangering military facilities.. The last one is classified as permitted. Annual utilization of FDI reached to its peak in 1997 and 1998 but then moved downward in the following two years. Post-WTO Stage (2001 present) November 11, 2001, saw Chinas admission as an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), after a 15-year negotiation. It was after accession to WTO, China started to fulfil its obligation such as basic principles of non-discrimination, pro-trade and pro-competition. This historic event had significant Impact on FDI inflows to China. This gave incentives to more export-oriented FDI. Chinas export market becomes larger and more predictable. Also, Chinas domestic market attracts FDI in industries where there is large market potential. Usually, these industries used to be dominated by relatively inefficient state-owned enterprises, such as telecommunication, banking and insurance. Foreign investors, especially large multinational companies (MNCs), have now growing interest in these industries. Becoming a WTO member, China had to restructure its legal framework. This, in consequence, improves Chinas business environment and helps attract more foreign investment. Yuan (2006), in his literature has revealed, throughout the years, China has steadily reduced its industrial tariffs in a wide range of sectors. Foreign firms are granted direct trading rights for the first time, which means they can import and export themselves without going through a Chinese state-owned trading firm. Clearly, Chinas acquiring WTO membership boosts investors confidence the Chinese economy and its market and thus attracts more FDI inflows. FDIs: Critical Analysis FDIs in other countries are now been continuously studied. There are numerous factors and studies motivating this type of investment for the benefit of source and host countries. There has been a substantial change in policies and attitudes towards FDI on the part of most developing countries in recent years. Disbelief and suspicion of FDIs in the past now appears to have given place to a new found faith in its ability to encourage growth and development for the investing firm and host countries. This perception is due to number of factors: steep fall in alternative sources of finance such as bank credit in the wake of the debt crisis, the self-evident success of Asian countries like India and China, and growth in Knowledge and understanding of the nature and operations of multinational enterprises (Balasubramanyam Mahambare, 2004). In regards to stability aspect of FDI toward the growth of investing firm and host countries, empirical studies have found FDI to be more stable than ot her forms of capital (UNCTAD, 1998, World Investment Report, Geneva). Examination of a variety of capital flows in developing countries during East Asian financial crisis revealed FDI was more stable than other capital flows past studies analysis that FDI is the result of certain competitive advantage. Paul et al. (2002), revealed in their book; many developing countries like India favour FDI over other capital inflows and there is a substantial benefit that such investment benefit the host country and thereby attracting more foreign firms for investment as the benefits in this form of investment is both ways. Knowing the benefits of FDI in host countries would make the legislation system clear and simple and would enable foreign firm for investment based on long-term profits. Swamy (2000) in his book has done calculation the rate of return of FDI in India. His results revealed the rate of return on FDI in India higher than the rate of return obtained on global outward FDI. To quote from his studies, FDI Enterprises were able to earn relatively higher profit rates in India, despite higher level of taxation and tariffs etc. Thus the low level of FDI Inflows until the end of 1980s seems to have been caused restrictive policy environment rather than profitability considerations. Pradhan (2000) has scrutinised the various aspects of FDI from source as well as Host countries point of view, with a focus on the risk from the firms perspective and on the strategies to attract FDI to be adopted by host countries. His study thereby revealed that the higher rate of return for an MNC comes with FDI is, in fact, the result of existing market opportunities combined with the host countries policies towards FDI. Thereby, Indicating strong signals of overall growth of Host countries (developing) in conjunction with FDI and higher rate of return for MNCs. Lensink Morrissey (2001), literature suggests that FDI by MNCs is one of the major channels in providing LDCs (least developed countries) with access to advanced technologies and generating high revenue for MNCs involved in investment for them. The underlying theory differs illustrates the benefits of FDI for MNCs and host countries. The imitation channel is based on the view that domestic firms may become more Productive by imitating the more advanced technologies or managerial practices of Foreign firms for foreign firms and at the same time adding to GDP for their own country. Also, the competition channel emphasises that the entrance of more foreign firms from abroad intensifies competition in the domestic market, thereby encouraging domestic firms to become more efficient and productive by upgrading their technology base. The linkages channel stresses that foreign firms may relocate new technology to Domestic firms through transactions, and would develop buyer-seller relationship. This would necessities Training from the foreign firm to the domestic firm. Hence the training channel needs to be enforced on new technologies. This can only be adopted when the labour force feels comfortable to work with their foreign partner and when embraced works for the benefits of foreign firms as well. Beside these studies, in some of the literature the contribution of FDI to foreign firm and host countries economic growth has been debated quite extensively. Findings reveals that FDI has both benevolent and a dangerous impact. Empirical evidence that FDI generates positive spillovers for firms is mixed. Few studies have found positive spillover effects, few finds no effects and few even conclude that there are negative effects (see Aitken and Harrison, 1999). The conventional argument is that an inflow of FDI positively contributes as; it brings technology, know-how and management techniques. It integrate the operation of local firms into the networks of foreign investors, it helps to place local production on international markets and integrates the national economies into worldwide production and distribution systems. Hence, concluding that FDI can contribute positively and increase the export activity of the host economy (Adam 2002). On the other hand, some of the recent literat ure points to the role of FDI as a channel of international technology transfer. It can deliver rather controversial effects. Foreign firms can out-compete local producers, reduce local production capacities close down research and development units, break up traditional subcontractor relationships and substitute them with imported goods, and repatriate profits thus deteriorating the balance of payments position of the host economy. Sometimes, could lead to absolute shut-down of foreign firms when opposed by local people of host countries. For example Coca-Cola Company had shut down bottling plant in India during a community-led campaign that demanded the closure of the Coca-Cola bottling plant because of indiscriminate pollution as well as illegal occupatio

A Civil Rebuttal :: essays research papers

A Civil Rebuttal Philosophy -- a:pursuit of wisdom. b:a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through this most specific definition given to us respectively by Sir Webster's dictionary, I choose in my best interest to refrain to you just what the meaning of philosophy is. I implore you to try and comprehend this matter in what exactly this word brought abrupt to us is about. The word philosophy has two definitive definitions. The first simply means to pursue, or strive for, wisdom. I beg to differ in the understanding of the fault I make in trying to gain this unprecedented ‘knowledge.' The knowledge that we as a unity try to strive for have made us, again as a unity, divides. I asked myself exactly how we have achieved ‘civilized chaos' in the search for our solutions and resolutions of the very ‘virus' it seems we have caused. I would not of course go so far as to say a civil war between the generations within this house, but moreover to express that simply by me using philosophy, it becomes not only my benefit, but a mutualism between us.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Please feel more than obliged to correct me if I am incorrect (morally or politically) but are we not all philosophers ourselves? As a baker's vocation is to bake, a philosopher's vocation is to think. Is it not that we all think? I was deeply saddened at your comments in the oppression and restriction to what I may or may not strive to think. As a pacifist and non- sadist, I call what you believe in as ‘ingraining or indoctrination', whereas our own society may call it ‘brainwashing'. Our human nature gives us freedom, as does the Constitution. It guarantees us the right to â€Å"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness†. Within the refines of this home, I find it a task to see those liberties granted. Here is a few of the world's greatest oppressors: Jim Jones, Adolph Hitler, Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar, David Koresh, and Anton Szandor LaVey. I know, as well as you, that these notorious six are among the world's most hated. However here are a few oppressors from another standpoint: Sigmund Freud, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesus Christ, Mahatma Ghandi, and Siddharta Guatama the Buddha. These are the exact opposite of the previously mentioned, who put an oppression into a good morality. It's not about who uses the gift, it's the entirety of the user's ethics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second definition of the word philosophy aptly states that it is the

Mr. Blake’s views on Upon Westminster Bridge :: Westminster Bridge Poetry Essays

Mr. Blake’s views on Upon Westminster Bridge I read Mr Wordsworth’s poem. I was dismayed by his views on London. I was horrified when I read the first line. â€Å"Earth has not anything to show more fair,† I believed he would have experienced beautiful views since he was brought up in the Lake District. He obviously has not seen London in 1794. I have lived in London for many years of my life. I have seen people in poverty from the poorest parts of London to people in mansions the richest places. One day I was walking through the streets of London and it sprung upon me to write a poem. This is my view on the real London. I opened the poem with the line â€Å"I wonder through each chartered street† I used this word wandered to make it seem as if I was freely roaming the streets not knowing where I was or where I was going. As if I was lost down the back streets of London. Chartered street carry’s the mark of changed and revolutionised London. All the streets seemed dull and grim and had something mysterious about them. My second line was on the same theme as the first line first from it id talking about the Thames! â€Å"Near where the chartered Thames does flow,† in the first draft of this poem I wrote dirty Thames instead of â€Å"chartered Thames.† I changed because I felt that it would have more effect. Everywhere is dirty in London, but I am trying to say that everywhere is dull and grim; also as you are walking through the streets it is like deja vu. One of the most distinct things about London is how the people look and feel. My next two lines are, â€Å"And mark in every face I meet marks of weakness marks of woe† As l walked though the streets I could see no one was smiling. I actually felt sorry for some people. Nearly every person I met looked ill or suffered from malnutrition due to over working, low income, no food and poor living space. I used this stanza to emphasize my views and to make it sound more obvious, to paint a picture in the readers mind â€Å"In every cry of everyman â€Å" this next stanza is very strong and meaningful. A crying man is not often heard. Unless he is under real distress. Suffering is a very big theme in the street of London everywhere you walk you can see it in the stanza, I started the first three lines with â€Å"in every† to emphasize my point.

Changing Strategy of General Motors Essay

General Motors Company, commonly known as GM (listed General Motors Corporation before 2009), is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and the world’s largest automaker, by vehicle unit sales, in 2011.Earlier GM used to dump their old and unsold models into developing countries and they used to neglect markets in developing nations thinking that they are not profitable, and also they don’t have any R&D centres outside Detroit, US. So there is no way of new innovative models entering into developing markets. But now they slowly started penetrating developing nation markets by introducing their new models in those markets as there are huge untapped potential customers. Automotive Industry Analysis using porter’s five forces model: 1) Threat of New Entrants: The threat of new entrants is very low in the automobile industry. The industry is very mature and it has successfully reached economies of scale. In order to compete in this industry a manufacturer must be able to achieve economies of scale. 2) Threat of Substitute Products: There are no direct substitutes for automobiles. 3) Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is very low in the automobile industry. There are so many parts that are used to produce an automobile, that it takes many suppliers to accomplish this. When there are many suppliers in an industry, they do not have much power. 4) Bargaining Power of Buyers: The bargaining power of the buyers is moderately high. The buyers being consumers purchase almost all of the industries output. The manufacturers depend on them to stay in business. The buyers also are a significant portion of the industries revenue. If they cannot keep their buyers happy then they risk losing them to their competitors . 5) Competition among rivalries: Rivalry among the competitors is very strong in this industry. The major competitors are so closely balanced that it increases the rivalry. In order to gain market share in the automobile must gain market share by taking it from their competitors. One of the other reasons there is such high rivalry is that there is a lack of differentiation opportunities. Strengths of GM: They include the high brand image and its worldwide presence of being one of the biggest automotive industries. Weakness of GM: * Diminishing Dealer Network. * Working capital is going down because of low sales volume and it led to negative effect on R&D. And also suppliers are losing their trust. * Inadequate performance among some business segments and low debt ratings are other weaknesses. Strategies of GM in Future: 1) As I mentioned above they will be concentrating on developing nations where there is huge untapped potential customers, which will help their situation which includes them in further growth and improved financial situation. 2) They will leave behind their Detroit centric view and try to change according to the changes in the Automobile Industry. 3) Try more to invest in R&D so that they will have a competitive advantage in future. References: www.gm.com/ www.wikipedia.com/ International Business Competing in the Global Marketplace Charles WL Hill Arun K Jain

Inquiring Minds Want to Know-Now Essay

Penton Media is a publisher of several business trade magazines, and their research department is studying the long-term viability of the reader service card within its publications (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). This card is an advertisement card used for readers to request product or service information, and potentially could be generating fewer leads than in the past (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). The research division of Penton Media conducted a meticulous research with many diverse readers through various diverse forms of communication. Penton Media is now faced with the challenge on determining if this reader service card will sustain ad be beneficial in the future. The survey is not clear and is perplexing. Questions should be directive and closed ended. In this survey the questions asked are not directive questions, but moderately open ended questions that would discourage a user from completing the survey. When the questions are not specific it would give feedback that is not what key decision makers are seeking. The wording of the questions is equally adequate for the responses needed; but, they could be more designed to yield desired results. This method could motivates users to not only complete the survey, but also provide honest and reliable feedback. There is not enough purpose or direction present to encourage the participant to give revealing answers (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). Having a more direct, concise, and structured questionnaire would not only get the feedback that is warranted, increase participation, but more time could be used to reevaluate the response that are received. This survey was not designed properly to accomplish the specified objectives. Coding involves assigning numbers or other symbols to the questionnaire for the purpose of grouping the data (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). For each question the researcher must assign numbers to each response available in order to code the data correctly. A code sheet will allow an SPSS system to quickly find the frequency, percent, valid percent, and cumulative percent of each response. The detail of the code sheet will produce detailed SPSS results which will allow the researcher to clearly interpret the data.

Barriers of Critical Thinking Essay

There are many barriers to critical thinking. Barriers can distort your thinking a great deal. The way we are raised by our parents when are children can determine our religion, our political views, the way we view the world, and ultimately shapes our thinking and who we are as individuals. Our upbringing shapes our fears, our self-concept, and also shapes our emotions. Barriers can range from family, friends, peer pressure, the media, and so many more. To become a successful critical thinker, you have to face yourself and be completely honest with yourself. You have to do this so you can figure out exactly which barriers personally shapes your thinking. There are many barriers to critical thinking. Barriers can distort your thinking a great deal. The way we are raised by our parents when we are children can determine our religion, our political views, the way we view the world, and ultimately shapes our thinking and who we are as individuals. Our upbringing shapes our fears, our self-concept, and also shapes our emotions. Barriers can range from family, friends, peer pressure, the media, and so many more. To become a successful critical thinker, you have to face yourself and be completely honest with yourself. You have to do this so you can figure out exactly which barriers personally shapes your thinking. some more specific barriers are enculturation, self-concepts, ego defenses, self-serving bias, emotional influences, and the list goes on! I am going to describe the three barriers that influence my personal thinking. Self- concept is one of my biggest personal barriers. Self- concept is the way we view ourselves. I view myself in a negative way. I do not think I’m smart or pretty, and I realize that the way that I view myself is really unhealthy. I also view myself as an Ohio State fan, the average student, a middle-class family, a Christian, an American, and someone who values honesty and respect. Traits, physi cal things, values, and affiliations define everyone, including me and form our self- concept. I know I defend these components as I would defend myself because these elements define who I am. Since these  things define who I am I do not think critically about them, my emotions get involved, and I begin to use ego-defence mechanisms, self-serving biases, and that begins to distort reality to make sure that I am comfortable and to make sure I am â€Å"right.† Emotional influences are another one of my personal barriers. I am a very emotional and passionate person. I also suffer from depression and anger issues. Emotions can cause a lot of problems for a lot of individuals in the world including myself. When trying to think critically emotions tend to cloud your head and begin to distort reality and influence your thoughts without you even realizing it. If I feel strong about an issue, I will defend it till I can not talk anymore. I am very stubborn and bullheaded. I am passionate towards many things, and I know that being passionate towards some people can end up hurting me in the long run. But passion and selfishness can blind your intelligence. Depression is a pe rsonal barrier that runs in my family. With depression I have a hard time looking at the bright side of any situation, some days are better than others. The negative always outweighs the positive in my eyes. Stress is the last of my personal barriers I am going to share with you. Too much stress can cause a lot of psychological or physical strain on your mind and body. Stress comes in many shapes and sizes. My main stress triggers are work, school, family issues, boyfriend, and there are many more. I know it sounds silly, but stress contributes between 60 to 80 percent of diseases. Stress can obstruct our ability to make decisions. When I am under stress I have a tendency to snap at people when I do not mean to, I tend to cry a lot, and those things stress me out more. I work with people with developmental disabilities, and it is stressful, but it has also taught me patience. I work full-time and go to school full time. My boyfriend is in the Marine Corps and is currently stationed in California. Having a long distance relationship is extremely stressful and hard. I can overcome this barrier by thinking critically is the issue worth debating about? Does this directly affect me or my well being? Is it worth getting upset about? Many of these elements do not directly affect me, so these elements are not worth debating. I deal with my depression by spending time with my family and the few friends I have. I like to listen to music and spend time with my boyfriend when I am feeling depressed. I can overcome these emotional  barriers by stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. When I feel like my emotions are getting out of hand, step back, breathe, think about the situation rationally before things get out of control. I am beginning to overcome stress by working out. I work out about five to six times a week. When I work out it feels as if the stress completely disappears, and I feel so much better inside and out. The gym has become my escape from all the stressors in my life.

The Good and Bad Side of Telecommuting Essay Example

The Good and Bad Side of Telecommuting Essay Example The Good and Bad Side of Telecommuting Paper The Good and Bad Side of Telecommuting Paper Organizations are increasingly using telecommuting as a way to increase productivity and decrease costs. Employees also see positive results from telecommuting. Research shows however that there are negative sides as well. Governmental intervention beginning in the early 1990s almost put an end to telecommuting, but after debate, telecommuting has proven stronger than expected. Telecommuting: The Good, The Bad, and The Government Parents today face increased burdens as the cost of living continues to rise. Many single parent homes are troubled with the problem of caring for their children and working at the same time. Many rely on babysitters and family members to help, but others look to the government for assistance. In any case, meeting the bills is hard enough without the cost of a babysitter. However, today there is another choice: Telecommuting has become a new way for business organizations to employ people to work out of their homes that will keep up with the more fast paced society than the earlier modes communications. There are issues to issues to be overcome with telecommuting as well, but those issues are not as costly to those involved, usually. ITAC (International Telework Association Council) defines telecommuting as a work arrangement in which employees work at any time or place that allows them to accomplish their work in an effective and efficient manner (On-Line). Most reports on telecommuting suggest that this alternative has been positively received by both employees and managers (McNerney, 1995). However, by definition, telecommuting holds positive and negative factors for both the employer and employee. The organization and the employee must review these factors to determine if this organizational workforce design is right for them. According to McQuarrie, for the employee, positive factors include: reduced commuting time, reduced personal costs (travel, clothing, food), flexible working hours, greater autonomy, easiness to care for dependents (p. 82). The reduction of commuting time allows for positions in companies at such a distance that a position would not be possible without relocation. A lack of commuting is also favorable when the area surrounding the organization is susceptible to a high number of traffic problems such as congestion and multiple accidents. In areas like Los Angeles that have problems with exhaust, telecommuting offers cleaner air. According to the United States Department of Transportation and the United States General Service Administration (2000) Investments in telecommunications infrastructure that facilitate telecommuting should not only lead to transportation benefits, but may also have a synergistic effect on other transportation strategies required to cope with growing traffic congestion, urban air pollution, and national petroleum dependence (On-Line). The reduction of personal costs is favorable to the employees who see the reduction as money for other necessities. Flexible working hours offers a way to work around complicated schedules that otherwise would not be possible to work with. The freedom of telecommuting opens the employee up to new options that can be more beneficial such as mid-day exercise programs, choice of what task to perform first, community projects, volunteerism, and other civic activities. There is also an ease of caring for dependents that is not available through the conventional workplace. These dependents can range from children to elderly parents, but also, the employee may be disabled or terminally ill. In this case, telecommuting opens doors that otherwise would remain shut. The negative factors for employees include workaholism and isolation (McQuarrie p. 82). People have a need to interact frequently with others in a stable environment. Failure to maintain interactions will lead to a number of negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments (Gainey, Kelley Hill p. 4). The organization experiences positive factors in the forms of higher productivity, reduced physical plant costs, selling point for new employees, and the ability to accommodate disabled or chronically ill employees (McQuarrie p. 82). The company saves the cost of office space and equipment by having an employee work at home rather than at a central office site. According to Fiona McQuarrie (1994) there is rarely any mention in the telecommuting literature of the possibility of the employer compensating the employee for home-based work by paying a portion of rent, mortgage, or utility costs (p 82). Lowered company costs enable a larger workforce that enjoys the benefits of autonomy. This in turn increases productivity both for the employer, through a larger workforce, and for the employee, due to increased â€Å"want to†. Another attracting factor for the increased work force comes from the selling point for new employees. The level of autonomy and other positive employee fac! tors entice new employees. The company can also reduce costs by letting the employee supply for their own special needs such as wheel chair ramps, handicapped toilets and so forth. The employee will already possess these necessities, but the company may or may not have them installed. Negative employer factors include loss of direct control and lack of a coordinated workweek. The lack of direct control is experienced through the lack of face-to-face training communication, low social contact, and lack of trust between management and employees. Only two of the various mediums of communication can be transferred electronically. It is currently technologically impossible to remotely express one’s self through body language, eye contact, and subtle meanings. Many telecommuters have expressed desire to return to their old arrangement of closer interactions with other employees. The trust level between management and telecommuters is low due to the two factions not necessarily knowing the other’s thoughts, views, and opinions. The lack of a coordinated workweek affects multiple employees because one employee’s work may depend on the completion of work by another employee. Steps have been taken by many organizations to combat the negatives for both the employer and the employee. The problems of isolation and loss of direction control have been solved by requiring the employee to commute to a central office or an organizational hub usually two days a week. This gives managers and employees direct contact and keeps the employee more in touch with the company. The problems of workaholism and lack of coordination have been met by job assignments that outline the nature of the work, the time frame of the work, and the need for completion which can be delivered during one of the weekly commutes. These assignments serve a dual purpose of giving limits and guidelines to the employees, but also in showing the employer’s dependency on the employee. The reformation of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) that began in 1995 brought about new questions and problems for the possibilities of telecommuting. â€Å"In a letter to a Texas based company concerning the liability for a telecommuter’s home office, it was deemed that the organization be liable for the safety of it’s telecommuters home work sites† (Kerrigan p. 63). The letter, posted on OSHA’s website, caused an eruption of contention leading to the removal of the letter from the website. â€Å"An analysis by Mark Wilson, a Heritage Foundation research fellow, shows the recent policy blunder left employers in the worst of all possible worlds legal uncertainty† (Kerrigan p. 63). After debates between opposing sides of the issue, another issue concerning the liability arose questioning the safety telecommuters’ children in terms of hazards from the workplace. Another issue arising from the OSHA’s letter is the liability of company resources. Most firms are! covered when they add the computers, fax machines and other equipment to their general policy (Hoke p. 35), but this policy does not cover home offices. After much dissention, the U. S. Department of Labor, ruled, †Employers arent responsible for the health and safety of white-collar telecommuters after all† (Rosencrance p. 1). After the statement by the Department of Labor, OSHA rewrote its archaic definition of ergonomics and released a new ruling for telecommuters liability. â€Å"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will not inspect home offices and doesnt expect employers to inspect them either†(Hoover p. 17). The new directive also gave relief to all employers for liability of the employees’ home offices. It continued to state, however, that OSHA would inspect home manufacturing operations when it receives complaints about serious health or safety violations or when a work-related fatality occurs (Rosencrance p. 93). The governmental â€Å"flip-flop† has left many employers leery of telecommuting, but the growth rate of telecommuters does not reflect a problem. Many new companies are taking advantage of its employees’ homes to relieve costs of physical assets. Some companies have reversed the role of the managers to a field position, allowing manager to have more face-to-face communication with employees as they travel from office to â€Å"office†. Some companies even legally accept liability of telecommuters through internal contracts and insurance. Today, the increasing rate of telecommuters is calling for the advancement of technology. This technology will lead to better and faster communication, however, it will bring its own set of problems. What tomorrow holds for telecommuters is unclear, all we can do today is examine and adjust the good, the bad, and the government. **Bibliography** Bibliography Gainey, T. , Kelley, D. , Hill, J. (1999). Telecommutings

Answers to Questions About Personal Pronouns

Answers to Questions About Personal Pronouns Answers to Questions About Personal Pronouns Answers to Questions About Personal Pronouns By Mark Nichol Here are three queries from readers about proper use of personal pronouns, followed by my responses. 1. Why does the following sentence use my instead of me?: â€Å"My mother hates to spend money, that’s one thing; so if she can make a joke out of my not wanting to, then I’m in the clear because she can save money.† The phrase â€Å"not wanting to† describes a lack of a desire so wanting describes a thing, making the word a gerund a verb form that functions as a noun not a verb. Because the sentence assigns â€Å"not wanting to† to a person, it requires a possessive personal pronoun (my). Wanting, of course, can also be a verb, but the point of this sentence is the attitude, not the person: â€Å"My not wanting to† emphasizes the attitude, while â€Å"me not wanting to† focuses on the person. A similar example is the difference between â€Å"Can you imagine my wanting to wear that?† versus â€Å"Can you imagine me wanting to wear that?† where it is the person’s proposed inclination, not the person herself, that is the point of the sentence. 2. Is there a quick-and-dirty method for deciding which pronoun applies in a sentence like â€Å"We need to discuss you/your going to the prom†? Good question. I haven’t read of any test to determine which form of the pronoun is proper, but here’s one I just thought of (though I assume I’m not the first to do so): You must be able to provide, in a syntactically and grammatically correct form, more detail about what is being discussed replace wanting, in this case, with a phrase. For example: We need to discuss you request to go to the prom. (incorrect) We need to discuss your request to go to the prom. (correct) Therefore, your is the appropriate pronoun. (And that is true for the same reason that my, not me, is correct in the previous example.) 3. Which of the following versions of this awkward statement is correct?: â€Å"Glance at mine and Michael’s calendar to see if we have time for lunch.† â€Å"Glance at Michael’s and my calendar to see if we have time for lunch.† â€Å"Glance at our calendars to see if we have time for lunch.† â€Å"Michael and I have calendars. Glance at our calendars to see if we have time for lunch.† â€Å"Michael and I have calendars; glance at them to see if we have time for lunch.† The first choice is erroneous because removing â€Å"and Michael’s† results in â€Å"Glance at mine calendar to see if we have time for lunch.† Also, it’s considered good form to name another person before using a personal pronoun. Therefore, the best choice is the revision â€Å"Glance at Michael’s and my calendar to see if we have time for lunch† if you and Michael share a calendar. If you each have your own calendar, write or say, â€Å"Glance at Michael’s and my calendars to see if we have time for lunch† but only if â€Å"Glance at our calendar(s) to see if we have time for lunch† is unsatisfactory because your identities must be specified. The last two versions suggest overcorrection of Pythonesque proportions. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:16 Substitutes for â€Å"Because† or â€Å"Because Of†"Have" vs "Having" in Certain ExpressionsWhile vs. Whilst