Network administration capstone project Case Study

Network administration capstone project - Case Study Example There was also the need to analyze the components and features of the software in relation to the demands of the department. Result of the component and system analysis is what has been presented in this capstone project. Like all other forms of major institutional projects, the usage of the present project, which was the internalization of software, was taken through a number of development levels. There were three major development levels identified and these are the search level, implementation level and evaluation level. At the search level, developers were tasked and at the same time offered the opportunity to undertake comprehensive research and feasibility study about the intended project. This was done with the aims and objectives of the project in mind as data and information were searched on how to ensure that the usage of the present software would meet the standards on the estimating software market, and if possible become a new model that will also set a new and higher s tandard for the market. This was followed by the implementation level, which was an action driven point of the actual development whereby all the paper works were put into action. This involved all software and hardware managers operating from their different areas of expertise to ensure that the construction of the software was done according to the stipulated standards that were set ahead of the implementation stage. To ensure that the finished work matched up the planned purpose of the project, a comprehensive evaluation level was instituted. The evaluation of the task was made up of a comprehensive critic and appraisal of the finished work to ensure that there were no areas or aspects of it that produced sub-standardization. What is more, it was to ensure that the system specifications were working as planned. Project Description The present project involves the process of internalizing purchased software to solve the everyday estimation tasks that is undertaken by the company. By this, reference is being made to the fact that, because the system was not internally created by the department, it is important that is will be adjusted to fit the requirements and needs of the department. Therefore, two major roles are involved in describing the project. The first is in giving a vivid identity to how the creator of the software designed it to work and how it is currently being re-created to take up quotes for the customers who would presently be using it for their own estimations most importantly however, it is worth emphasizing that due to the fact that the purchased product was designed purposely for the task of estimation, it did not take much work to be done by the company in getting new features fixed to make the software ideal for the department. All in all, in describing the project, an overall identity that can be given to it a SQL based software that has come to compliment and replace the old DOS and Excel estimating system that is currently used by th e sales department of the company. The project, and for that matter the software has some specifications that distinguishes it from other estimation software and the old DOS and Excel estimating system. One of such is the fact that the present project guarantees more detailed, professional and accurate estimation tasks that were otherwise seen as weaknesses of the old estimation system. These detailed, profes

Nursing Indicators Essay Example for Free

Nursing Indicators Essay Nursing indicators are measurable tools used in nursing. The indicators focus on the structure, process of nursing, and the overall patient outcomes of the care received by nurses. The structure of nursing care is based on the education and certifications as well as the skill level the nursing staff has. Process indicators are a way to measure nursing care through assessment, intervention, and reassessment. The overall patient outcomes that are based on nursing indicators are nursing driven. Examples are preventing falls, preventing pressure ulcers with rotating patient in bed, and changing IV’s to prevent intravenous infiltration (Nursing World, 2014). It is imperative to have an understanding of nursing indicators and be used on a daily basis. The nursing indicators could have been helpful in the case of Mr. J. If the Nurse and the CNA had known the importance of repositioning, and preventing pressure ulcers, then Mr. J wouldn’t of had the initiation of the reddened area on his back. Even if the CNA had not had the proper education to recognize the beginning stages of a pressure ulcer. It should have been communicated to the RN and a proper skin inspection/assessment could have been performed. As well as the patient repositioned frequently. A patient should only be in restraints if they are a harm to themselves or others. Frequent toileting, nourishments, repositioning, as well as removal of the restraints are all nursing assessment and reassessment indicators. If the patient is at a fall risk, generally restraints aren’t used. A big nursing sensitive indicator that is apparent is the satisfaction of the patient as well as the patient’s family. The nurse dismissed the concerns and religious beliefs regarding the patient’s Jewish beliefs. Just because the patient is confused, doesn’t mean its ‘okay’ to dismiss the importance of the specific diet ordered. Nursing sensitive quality indicators are an important part of establishing evidence-based practice guidelines.

Analysis of the Paint Industry

Analysis of the Paint Industry Color has captivated everyone throughout the history, be it myriad cultures, age-groups, occasions, etc. Color has become a significant part of every family. Every age and every region has produced dyes and pigments based on the availability of the resources. The history proves the existence of colors from past thousands of years, discovered in the caves of Southern Europe. Paint is defined as the group of emulsions, consisting of pigments suspended in a liquid medium, for use as decorative or protective coatings. Today, contemporary paints and coating consist of countless of hundreds of thousands to fulfill the varied requirements of hundreds of thousands of applications.†Paint† ranges from the broad group of environmentally sound latex paints that many consumers use to decorate and protect their homes and the translucent coating that line the interior of food homes and the translucent coating that line the interior of food containers, to the chemically complex, multi-component finishes that automobile manufacturers apply on the assembly line. Paint made its earliest appearance about 30,000 years ago .Cave dwellers used crude paints to leave behind the graphic representations of their lives that even today decorate the walls of their ancient rock dwellings. The utility of paints has evolved from a decorative use to a surface protection use. Also, know as surface coatings, paints can be classified on the basis of end use, solvent system and solid content. Paint is comprised of three separate things working together. A pigment is used for the color. A binder is used to hold the pigment to the wall. And lastly, a carrier is used to apply the pigment and binder to whatever. There are many types of paint but they all have these components. For white latex paint, the carrier is de-ionized water, the pigment is very finely ground Titanium dioxide, and the binder is a synthetic polymer that resembles liquid rubber. The pigment and binder are put together with force (grinding) and then the two are slowly dispersed into the water. Titanium dioxide is the single largest input used in the manufacture of paints. It is a pigment (non-petro-based) that accounts for about 30% of material costs. Phthalic anhydride (PAN) and pentaerythritol (Penta) are the other two important petro-based inputs used in the manufacture of resins. Organic pigments, solvents, oils and a range of chemical additives are also used in the manufacture of paints. INDIAN PAINT INDUSTRY The Indian paint industry has come a long way from the days when paints were considered a luxury item. Today the awareness level on preventing corrosion through paints is relatively high, a development that should be a huge boost to the paint industry. The Indian paints industry offers lucrative scope for stable revenue streams to manufacturers of both decorative and industrial paints. The Indian Paints sector is valued at Rs 66 bn in value terms and is very fragmented. The current demand is estimated to be around 650,000 tonnes per annum and is seasonal in nature. The per capita consumption of paints in India stands at 0.5-kg p.a. as compared to 1.6 kg in China and 22 kg in the developed economies. Indias share in the world paint market is just 0.6%. The typical characteristics of the Indian paints industry include raw material intensiveness, working capital intensiveness, seasonality of demand, price elasticity of demand and low entry barriers with respect to technology and funds. Crucial parameters that make India a favorable proposition include the low per capita consumption of paints (1.0 kilogram), growth in construction sector (it is being offered industry status) and growth in the auto/white goods market respectively spurring demand for decorative and industrial paints. The industry has also witnessed increased activity in the industrial variety of paints with the entry of MNCs in auto, consumer durables etc, which has been gaining steadily over decorative paints in the last one decade. Indian paint industry is century old and the can be retraced by the history of Shalimar paints which was set up in the year1902 in Kolkata. Till the 2nd World war, industry consisted of small paint producers and 2 foreign companies. Post World War 2, imports were restricted which led to the birth of many domestic manufacturing facilities producing paint. Nevertheless, foreign companied ruled the market. Initially, British paints such as Goodlass Walls (currently famous as Kansai Nerolac), ICI, British Paints (now known as Berger Paints), Jenson Nicholson and Blundell Eomite dominated the market. The Indian paint industry has evolved a lot in recent times, both in terms of industry structure and product portfolio. Not long ago, paints were largely considered to be a luxury item. Such a mind†set has changed significantly of late due to the growing awareness on preventing corrosion through paints, by providing a massive fillip to the paint industry. Indian paints industry is Rs.15, 000 crore market Growth drivers for Indian paint industry Per capita consumption at 1.5kg is currently very low as compared to the developed countries (20kg/annum). Usage of lime extracts (chuna) in rural and semi†urban markets as well as lesser awareness of the protective attributes of paints can be one of the reasons for lower consumption levels. With growing income levels, both in urban as well as rural India on the back of various government initiatives like NREGS, Farm loan waivers, pay commission led salary hikes etc, the per capita consumption will improve in the medium as well as long term. Rising income levels: According to McKinsey, proportion of low income groups was expected to decline from 24% in FY05 to 10% in FY10e, and it has. This has acted as a significant catalyst for demand growth in decorative paints. Increasing media exposure: With better awareness levels, a gradual shift from unbranded to branded segment as well as improvement in product mix for various players like Kansai Nerolac, Asian Paints as demand for emulsions continues to outpace enamels and distempers. Rising urbanisation: This has led to creation of new homes, in†turn, fuelling incremental demand. Currently, only 28% of Indian population is urban. Urban Share of total population Increase in nuclear families: This is a consequence of younger demographics (60% of Indias population is below 30 years of age), with proportion of working population expected to increase from 40% in FY05 to 48% in FY15e. % of population in 15†64 age group Healthy growth in consumption levels expected for both, urban and rural India Growth in Auto Sector With production of passenger cars expected to grow, demand for automotive paints will continue to remain healthy as sales are expected to grow in double†digits. And with realty majors launching new projects, construction activity is expected to gain momentum and generate demand for decorative paints. Globally, the industrial paints segment accounts for a major share, indicating that this segment offers many opportunities for paint manufacturers. Growth in Auto Segments (FY06†10) The emerging trends in the decorative industry are: Consumers are increasingly involved in making purchase decisions. Consumers expect better and more relevant functional benefits from paints. Emulsion paints are outgrowing the industry growth rate. Trend of dark shades complementing light shades continues. Tinting systems at store level are the order of the day. Companies are getting more consumer†centric and a lot of value†added services are being offered, like application support, colour consultancy etc. Strong growth in the Indian powder coatings segment, as new applications and their advantages are discovered Greater interest in water-based coatings technology while awareness of VOCs and legislation increases. 3. INDUSTRY SEGMENTATION The paint industry can be segmented as follows: End Usage classification: Paints are grouped in either decorative or industrial paints Decorative paints are used for household and construction purposes while latter can be used for industrial products. Decorative Paints consists of myriad types like enamels, acrylic emulsions, distempers and exterior paints. Industrial ones include the marine, anti corrosive metal coatings, etc. Solvent Based classification: Paints which use petro products or water as main solvents. These days water based paints are becoming popular on environment friendliness. Solid Content: Classified based on type i.e. liquid or solid. Powder coatings find application mainly in white goods industry. The Indian paint industry has surprisingly only private manufacturing units. This can be reasoned by the fact that in the past, government perceived paints as luxury product and hence taxed heavily, thus regulating the industry to a non-core business. Sector wise Division Classification of paint industry can be done either product-wise or sector-wise. Sector-wise implies organised and unorganized sectors. The pie chart indicates the same. Organized Sector is dominated by 6 large players and the unorganized sectors owned by about 2500 units manufacturing various categories of paints. Though the organized sector controls 65% of paint market, unorganized sector with 35% of market share is still a force to reckon with. Organized sector can itself be divided into 2 distinct segments (Product wise): Industrial segment which is growing at 15% approximately and decorative segment which is growing at 8% approximately. As shown in the graph, most of sales are accounted for primarily by decorative segment. Decorative segment enjoys almost 77% and industrial segment owns 23% of the market. Organised Market Segment Division Decorative Segment It caters to the housing sector. The following falls under decorative segment. Acrylic Emulsions: Premium decorative paints are acrylic emulsions used mostly in the metros. Enamels: The medium range consists of enamels, popular in smaller cities and towns. Used on substrates like steel, wood, concrete, etc. Cement paints: Used for exterior purposes Distempers are economy products demanded in the suburban and rural markets. Nearly 20 per cent of all decorative paints sold in India are distempers. Industrial Segment Industrial Paints include powder coatings, high performance coatings and automotive and marine paints Two-thirds of the industrial paints produced in the country are automotive paints. Structure of Paint Industry 4. MARKET PROFILE The leaders in the organized paint industry are Asian Paints (India) Ltd. (APIL), Goodlass Nerolac Paints Ltd. (GNPL), Berger Paints, Jenson Nicholson Ltd. (JN) and ICI (India) Ltd. â€Å"Asian paints† is the industry leader with an overall market share of 33 per cent in the organized paint market. It has the largest distribution network among the players and its aggressive marketing has earned it strong brand equity. The Berger Group and ICI share the second slot in the industry with market shares of 17 per cent each. GNPL has a market share of 15 percent in the organized sector. APIL dominates the decorative segment with a 38 per cent market share. The company has more than 15,000 retail outlets and its brandsTractor,Apcolite,Utsav,ApexandAceare entrenched in the market. GNPL, the number-two in the decorative segment, with a 14 per cent market share too, has now increased its distribution network to 11,000 outlets to compete with APIL effectively. Berger and ICI have 9 per cent and 8 per cent shares respectively in this segment followed by JN and Shalimar with 1 and 6 per cent shares. GNPL dominates the industrial paints segment with 41 per cent market share. It has a lions share of 70 per cent in the OEM passenger car segment, 40 per cent share of two wheeler OEM market and 20 per cent of commercial vehicle OEM market. The company is also venturing into new areas like painting of plastic, coil coatings and cans. APIL, the leader in decorative paints, ranks a poor second after Goodlass Nerolac in the industrial segment with a 15 per cent market share. Berger and ICI are the other players in the sector with 10 per cent and 9 per cent shares respectively. Shalimar too, has an 8 per cent share. Asian Paints enjoys leadership position in the Indian Paints industry, with nearly 55% share of the organized segment. Major Market Player 5. COMPANY PROFILE Incorporated in 1920, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL) is the second-largest coating company in India. It is a subsidiary of Kansai Paints, a Japanese company, which holds approximately 69.3% stake. KNPL operates in the decorative as well as the industrial paints segments, and is the market leader in automotive and powder coating segments. It manufactures decorative paints, automotive coatings, general industrial coatings, high performance coatings, powder coatings and speciality coatings. Its manufacturing plants are located at Ratnagiri (Maharashtra), Kanpur Dehat (Uttar Pradesh), Perungudi and Hosur (Tamil Nadu) and Bawal (Haryana). Its employee strength is approximately 2,000. The company has a strong distribution network of ~12,000 distributors, 5,000 colour tinting machines and 69 sales locations, as of FY10. The installed capacity for various products as of FY10 is: Paints, varnishes, enamels and powder coatings 2.08 million tonnes (MT), Synthetic resins 79,380 tonnes and pre-treatment chemicals 2,400 tonnes. Exports contributed less than 1% of FY10 revenues. The proximity of the companys plants to the customers plant locations offers KNPL a strong logistical advantage. Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.is a cognized leader in chosen fields. The company has won many prestigious awards such as National Energy Conservation Award from the Ministry of Power, Government of India for its Jainpur plant, the Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Governance in 2005, the Business Innovator of the year award in 2006 from the CTO Forum Magazine and Best Managed Company award from Business Today in 2004. History It is the second largest coating company in India and market leader in Industrial Coatings. Its Industrial Coatings has a wide range of products in the Automotive, Powder, General Industrial and High performance Coatings space. Nerolac paints, as it is popularly known, are an established brand in decorative paints. Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd is a subsidiary of Japan based Kansai Paint Company Limited, which is one of the top ten coating companies in the world. The technological edge of Kansai helps us constantly innovate and come up with products that meet consumer need gaps. Kansai Nerolac has always believed that the key to its business is: Technology Research Development Innovations Quality Year 1920, a paint company was born as Gahagan Paints and Varnish Co. Ltd. in Mumbai. The journey is marked by moving from strength to strength in every sphere of business be it product introductions through innovation, value engineering and superior technology. 1920: A company named as Gahagan Paints and Varnish Co. Ltd at Lower Parel in Mumbai, was born. 1957: Goodlass Wall Pvt. Ltd grew popular as Goodlass Nerolac Paints (Pvt) Ltd. Also, it went public in the same year and established itself as Goodlass Nerolac Paints Ltd. 1976: Goodlass Nerolac Paints Ltd. became a part of the Tata Forbes Group on acquisition of a part of the foreign shareholdings by Forbes Gokak. 1983: Goodlass Nerolac Paints Ltd. Strengthened itself by entering in technical collaboration agreements with Kansai Paint Co. Ltd, Japan and Nihon Tokushu Tokyo Co. Ltd, Japan. 1999: Kansai Paint Co. Ltd, Japan took over the entire stake of Tata Forbes group and thus GNP became wholly owned subsidiary of Kansai Paint Company Ltd. 2006: On the 11th of July, Goodlass Paints Ltd. name was changed to Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Capacity expansion n plans KNPLs most recent capacity addition was a new plant at Hosur, which commenced operations in the last quarter of FY10 with a capacity of ~15,000 tonnes. The company plans to spend another ~Rs 2.5 billion (bn) to expand manufacturing capacity at Hosur to 0.28 million (mn) tonnes per annum. A further Rs 1.5 bn will be spent on increasing production capacity in other plants, taking total cost to Rs 4 bn Strategic Alliances Nerolac has developed strong relationships with automakers, such as Maruti, which facilitates it in maintaining its market leadership position in the industrial paint segment. Nerolacs parent company Kansai is a global supplier of paints to Suzuki Marutis parent company which further strengthens the relationship. Nerolac has also taken initiatives to strengthen its existing relationship with automakers, which include placing technical teams at automakers paint shops to provide them with services. Such initiatives have proved to be fruitful, and Nerolac has 9 out of 11 automakers as its customers. The other major a well-established client base from the automotive industry includes Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra Mahindra, etc Targeting Rural Market Nerolac has stepped up its efforts to increase its presence in the rural market. The company has introduced some products, such as Beauty Emulsions in the range of 80-100 rupees per litre, which cater to the price-sensitive market. It has also formed an alliance with ITC on its E-Chaupal initiative to improve its presence in the rural market. The company is also making efforts to strengthen its dealer network to improve sales. 6. KANSAI NEROLAC MARKETING PROFILE Marketing Strategies Marketing defines the fact that â€Å"Customer is King† and always every management strives to identify, anticipate and satisfy their Kings Kansai Nerolac is the organization which works on this aspect and its been one of the pillars behind building a successful organization. Nerolac believes that the key strength lies in understanding the consumers and communicating with them in a language they understand and relate to the best. Over the years, Nerolac has undertaken many initiatives, which have met with unprecedented success and really made people sit up and take notice of the same. 6.1. Brand -Nerolac Nerolac commercials have been well -loved over the years and its jingle Jab ghar ki raunaq badhaani ho is now a familiar tune in every Indian household. Many set the same jingle as their caller-tunes. Beginning with the introduction of the new Brush stroke logo, this stands for the ‘process of painting, depicts motion, dynamism and progress through change. The signal red color, which is the color of Nerolac, is a symbol of eternal joy and hope. It has now become an integral part of Nerolacs brand identity and now appears as a sign-off on any kind of communication. The Slogan of Brand Nerolac: â€Å"Kuch Change Kare Chalo Paint Kare† Brand Ambassadors: Presently, Shah Rukh Khan, internationally famed Bollywood hero endorses Kansai Nerolac and has proved to give the brand a touch of glamour and the hope that a famous face will provide added appeal and name recognition in a crowded market. The famous Bollywood celebrity being the co-owner of IPL -Kolkata Knight Riders team is indeed a popular ambassador to the recall value of the brand. Previously Mr. Amitabh Bachhan and Mr. Mohanlal were the brand Ambassadors. Amitabh had embodied Nerolac and had showed â€Å"how it touches the lives and dreams of peopleno matter whom they are and where they come from†. The essence of this thought was captured in the new baseline ‘Yeh Rang hain jo har kisi ko chhoota hain. 6.2. Product Range (Decorative segment) Paints Interior Range Exterior Range Enamels Primer (Impressions) Marble Finish Ever last Impressions High Performance Metallic Finish Excel Total Disney Excel AntiPeel 24 Carat Impressions Eco-clean : Ultra luxury Emulsion(odorless) Low VOC Popular Beauty Emulsion Flexi Suraksha Advanced, and Plus Satin Enamel Premium Silver Synthetic Enamel Smooth finish Beauty Distemper Acrylic Superior Protection Pearl Luster Finish Oil Bound Premium Acrylic Wood coatings include: Wonder wood 2k PU, Wonder wood melamine crystal Clear, Wonder wood melamine and Wonder wood 1 KPU. 6.3.Segmentation Market segmentation represents an effort to increase a companys targeting precision. All businesses operate in â€Å"markets† .A market is the set of all actual and potential buyers of a product or service. This definition suggests that a market is the total value and/or volume of products that satisfy the same customer need. In defining a market, it is important not to focus only on products/services that currently meet the customer need. Thinking about customer needs first and then identifying the products that meet those needs is the best way to define a market. However, it is also important not to define a market too broadly. For example, it is not particularly helpful for a marketing manager to define his or her market as the â€Å"food market† or the â€Å"transport market†. The purpose of market definition is to provide a meaningful framework for analysis and decision-making. Bases of segmentation It is widely thought in marketing that than segmentation is an art, not a science. The key task is to find the variable, or variables that split the market into actionable segments. There are two types of segmentation variables: Needs Profilers The basic criteria for segmenting a market are customer needs. To find the needs of customers in a market, it is necessary to undertake market research. Profilers are the descriptive, measurable customer characteristics (such as location, age, nationality, gender, income) that can be used to inform a segmentation exercise. The most common profilers used in customer segmentation include the following: Geographic Region of the country Urban or rural Demographic Age, sex, family size Income, occupation, education Religion, race, nationality Psychographic Social class: Premium,Middle Upper Class and also Lower Class Lifestyle type Personality type Behavioural Product usage e.g. light, medium ,heavy users Brand loyalty: none, medium, high Type of user (e.g. with meals, special occasions) Demographic segmentation Demographic segmentation consists of dividing the market into groups based on variables such as age, gender family size, income, occupation, education, religion, race and nationality. Customer wants are closely linked to variables such as income and age. Company Kansai Nerolac Paints has manufactured paints as per customers requirements and the products are described above. The main demographic segmentation variables used in this are summarized below: Income Kansai Nerolac has targeted affluent customers with luxury products like the impressions. Various convenience services as previously mentioned are introduced for the ease of customers. Economy range products are being developed by the company and would be introduced soon in the market. Premium class impression products for children based of their interests on sports, cartoons are produced and company extends in paintings services with its well equipped painters. Social class Many Marketers believe that a consumers perceived social class influences their preferences for cars, clothes, home furnishings, leisure activities and other products services. There is a clear link here with income-based segmentation. Age Lifestyle The cultural dominance in India is targeted and paints based on Vastu are carried on to pull in prosperities with paints.Kansai Nerolac provides this with established vastu veterans and help the customers. It also works on splendid work as per the ambience with various methods like 30-60-90. Marketers are increasingly interested in the effect of consumer lifestyles on demand. There are many different lifestyle categorisation systems, many of them designed by advertising and marketing agencies as a way of winning new marketing clients and campaigns! Behavioral segmentation Behavioural segmentation divides customers into groups based on the way they respond to, use or know of a product. Behavioural segments can group consumers in terms of: Occasions When a product is consumed or purchased. Neroalc Paints launches new products near the festive seasons and promotions during those times relate to the festivals giving a slice of life touch.Plus offer varied schemes based on different occasions namely Valentine day offers,F1 fever,IPL dhamaka,etc. Usage Some markets can be segmented into light, medium and heavy user groups. Loyalty Loyal consumers those who buy one brand all or most of the time are valuable customers. Many companies try to segment their markets into those where loyal customers can be found and retained compared with segments where customers rarely display any product loyalty. Importance of Segmentation: There are several important reasons why businesses should attempt to segment their markets carefully. These are summarised below Better matching of customer needs Customer needs differ. Creating separate offers for each segment makes sense and provides customers with a better solution Enhanced profits for business Customers have different disposable income. They are, therefore, different in how sensitive they are to price. By segmenting markets, businesses can raise average prices and subsequently enhance profits. Product segmentation of Nerolac Paints has enabled each segment of the society to relate to a product within the income range. Better opportunities for growth Market segmentation can build sales. For example, customers can be encouraged to trade-up after being introduced to a particular product with an introductory, lower-priced product. Retain more customers Customer circumstances change, for example they grow older, form families, change jobs or get promoted, change their buying patterns. By marketing products that appeal to customers at different stages of their life (life-cycle), a business can retain customers who might otherwise switch to competing products and brands. Target marketing communications Businesses need to deliver their marketing message to a relevant customer audience. If the target market is too broad, there is a strong risk that (1) the key customers are missed and (2) the cost of communicating to customers becomes too high / unprofitable. By segmenting markets, the target customer can be reached more often and at lower cost. Advertisements relating to different paints of Nerolac Paints are on air each signifying a different target market, a different aspect of life. Gain share of the market segment Nerolac Paints is the market leader in the industrial market and gains due to economies of scale. Through careful segmentation and targeting, businesses can often achieve competitive production and marketing costs and become the preferred choice of customers and distributors. 6.4 Promotional Activities. a) Advertising: Kansai Nerolac made a beeline to cricket fever by advertising and booking ad spots on Set Max, the sub continental broadcaster for the IPL matches this summer, for IPL 4. The company has launched ‘Healthy Home Range of Paints that are safer lead free, odour free, low VOC (VolatileOrganic Compound) and eco-friendly. The brand ambassador endorses a wide range of advancedeco-friendlyproducts in the TV, print and outdoor commercials. The same ads have been telecasted in Chennai (Sun Network) in the regional language Tamil in order to remind and recall the brand value of Kansai Nerolac. Television campaign with Irfan Khan and Konkana Sen for Nerolac Impressions was done on popular channels of West Bengal. The campaign was redone to help build the brand saliency during this period. There were various other campaigns endorsed by Amitabh Bachhan which proved to be runaway success to name one -â€Å"Har Din Diwali â€Å"a promotional campaign aimed at the customer. b) Public Relations Kansai Nerolac has always been in the fore front for Public Relations, be it marketing or corporate relations. Kansai Nerolac was the first to initiate the dealers meet and painters meet. It comes up with new product launch activity also. Corporate relations include the famous Mumbai Marathon (17th Jan 2010) which carried an anti smoking message, with a logo on their T-shirts. As part of corporate social responsibility, Nerolac has been conducting health camps for needy people every year. c) Sales Promotions This includes the dealers meet and painters meet which help regularly to build up a good rapport with the dealers and painters. Promotional offers and schemes with gifts acts as the major sales promotional methods followed by Kansai Nerolac. Incentives to painters include the token exchanges. Foreign trips are also provided for the dealers who qualify in the promotional scheme parameters. Distribution of T-shirts and caps to the paints are also done. d) Other Services â€Å"Nerolac Assured Paint Service†: Designed to bring the Nerolac experience right to the consumers doorstep, is the service launched by Nerolac. Currently available in Mumbai, consumers can now relax while the Nerolac team takes over the entire paint job right from sourcing to execution. On consumer friendliness platter, the shade cards have been redesigned. The new look shade cards are not only eye catching and consistent in appearance but also try to make the process of shade selection for the consumer lot more interesting and convenient. Nerolac Home Stylers provides profession

Inflammation :: science

Inflammation Inflammation is the bodies normal response to injured tissues, although it can sometimes lead to further tissue damage. It was first described around 30 BC by Celsius, as tumour (swelling), rubor (redness), calor (heat) and dolour (pain); although excess secretion and loss of function are now commonly added. Inflammation is a response which has evolved to try and put things right in a damaged tissue, for example the pain and loss of function allow the tissue to heal easier whilst the heat and redness are caused by an increased blood flow to the tissue. (1) Inflammation occurs to control infection or injury, to eliminate pathogens, and to initiate healing and tissue repair. (2) An inflammatory pathology is usually indicated by the suffix '-itis', such as in bronchitis, dermatitis, orchitis and enteritis, and can be either acute or chronic. (1) It is a non-specific defence and so the response of the body to a cut, burn, radiation, bacteria or virus are all very similar. There are three basic stages to inflammation: 1) Vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, 2) Phagocyte emigration, and 3) Tissue repair (3) Unfortunately, sometimes inflammation can be the cause of, or increase the symptom severity of a disease, such as in: Tuberculosis, leprosy and syphilis, which are persistent infections with low virulence micro-organisms Silicosis, atherosclerosis and radiation, prolonged exposure to potentially toxic agents. Rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune diseases (4) Body Acute inflammation occurs rapidly, within a few hours after the injury or infection occurs to which the inflammation is acting. Initially venules and arterioles dilate, causing hyperaemia. This then decreases and the vessels increase their permeability, allowing blood plasma and platelets into the tissue as serous exudate. this causes an oedema (excess fluid in the tissue). Fibrinogen in the exudate is converted to fibrin, which deposits itself to help to localise tissue damage and control bleeding. (2) Within an hour of the inflammation starting neutrophils, and then hours later monocytes, arrive on the scene. They leave the bloodstream by emigration (also known as diapedesis), dependent on chemotaxis; they are attracted by microbes, kinins, complement and other neutrophils. These neutrophils attempt to destroy the foreign bodies by phagocytosis. Any remaining dead phagocytes or damaged tissue after a few days becomes purulent exudate, or pus. This may be broken down in the body or may reach the surface of the body, but if it cannot be an abscess may be formed.

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children Essay

Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that impacts every segment of the population. While system responses are primarily targeted toward adult victims of abuse, increased attention is now being focused on the children who witness domestic violence. Studies estimate that 10 to 20 percent of children are at risk for exposure to domestic violence (Carlson, 2000). These findings translate into approximately 3.3 to 10 million children who witness the abuse of a parent or adult caregiver each year (Carlson, 1984; Straus and Gelles, 1990). Research also indicates children exposed to domestic violence are at an increased risk of being abused or neglected. A majority of studies reveal there are adult and child victims in 30 to 60 percent of families experiencing domestic violence (Appel and Holden, 1998; Edleson, 1999; Jaffe and Wolfe, 1990). The main focus of the study is to look at the impacts of domestic violence on the upbringing and well-fare of children who find themselves in homes and families were domestic violence is predominant taking into consideration that children in homes where domestic violence occurs may â€Å"indirectly† receive injuries. They may be hurt when household items are thrown or weapons are used. Infants may be injured if being held by the mother when the batterer strikes out; also, many children in homes where domestic violence occurs have difficulties in school, including problems with concentration, poor academic performance, difficulty with peer interactions, and more absences from school. More so, children may become withdrawn, non-verbal, and exhibit regressed behaviors such as clinging and whining. Eating and sleeping difficulty, concentration problems, generalized anxiety, and physical complaints (such as headaches) are all common. Finally, through violence in the home, children may suffer emotional and psychological damage. The very young may show physical signs of distress such as bedwetting, stomach-aches and disturbed sleep. Older children can become withdrawn or exhibit extreme behaviour, such as misusing alcohol or drugs. Therefore, the type of research to be used for the above topic will be the â€Å"descriptive and analytical research† this is because one has to only describe what is has happened or is happening concerning a particular situation and with regards to analytical research, the methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and correlational methods. In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. The research seeks to know if there is a direct impact on children’s well-being as a result of domestic violence from their parents, guardians and other family relatives. Specific objectives †¢ To know the behavioral, social, and emotional problems faced by children who find themselves in homes were domestic violence is recurrent. †¢ to know the value parents attach to the psychological well-being of their children †¢ To examine platforms to sensitize and educate parents and guardians on the need to avoid acts of domestic violence in the presence of their children. Parents are the most important social agents on children’s upbringing, care and control. They are directly involved with their well-being as well as the sound state of mind at all times. Domestic violence therefore affects children. All children are affected emotionally by witnessing violence. Children who witness regular acts of domestic violence have greater emotional and behavioral problems than other children. Some of the immediate effects may include nightmares, anxiety, withdrawal and bedwetting. (Aron, L. Y. and Olson, K. K. 1997) Believe the historical inequality of women and gender socialization of females and males contribute to the root causes of domestic violence. Until the 1970’s, women who were raped or suffered violence in their homes had no formal place to go for help or support. Shelters and services for victims of domestic violence did not exist and there was little, if any, response from criminal or civil courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and social service agencies. Society and its formal institutions viewed domestic violence as a â€Å"private matter.† In Cameroon it is estimated that more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends and women experience two million injuries from intimate partner violence each year. Many of these women are mothers who often go to great and courageous lengths to protect their children from abusive partners. In fact, research has shown that the non-abusing parent is often the strongest protective factor in the lives of children who are exposed to domestic violence. However, growing up in a violent home may be a terrifying and traumatic experience that can affect every aspect of a child’s life, growth and development. In spite of this, we know that when properly identified and addressed, the effects of domestic violence on children can be mitigated. (Henriette Ekwe Ebongo 2011) Studies have shown that more than 700 children live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and 500 children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred. It is also estimated that; for every hour, as many as 115 children are abused, 90% of children from violent homes witness their fathers beating their mothers, 63% of all boys, age 11-20, who commit murder, kill the man who was abusing their mother, Daughters of abused women are six times more likely to be sexually abused as girls from non-abusive families, Child victims of severe violence have two to four times higher rates of trouble-making friends, temper tantrums, failing grades in school, having problems in school and at home and finally, Children in homes where violence occurs are physically abused or neglected at. a rate 1500% Children’s risk levels and reactions to domestic violence exist on a continuum where some children demonstrate enormous resiliency while others show signs of significant maladaptive adjustment (Carlson, 2000; Edleson, 1999; Hughes, Graham-Bermann & Gruber, 2001). Protective factors, such as social competence, intelligence, high self-esteem, outgoing temperament, strong sibling and peer relationships, and a supportive relationship with an adult, can help protect children from the adverse affects of exposure to domestic violence. Many theories have existed over time to attempt to grasp the reasons for domestic violence in human society. This analysis of violence ranges from the macro level (wars, government, repression, etc) to acts between the couple and the individual. Such efforts to define violence, particularly partner violence which integrates complex interrelations of gender and sexuality need to be investigated within the context of their respective societies. Here are two examples of theories that have been used to explain the effects of domestic violence. 1. Feminist Theory There are many different ideas within feminist theory of domestic violence, but in Feminist Perspectives on Wife Abuse they have identified four common strains. These are:- 1 that as the dominant class, men have differential access to material and symbolic resources and women are devalued as secondary and inferior 2 intimate partner abuse is a predictable and common dimension of normal family life 3 women’s experiences are often defined as inferior because male domination influences all aspects of life 4 the feminist perspective is dedicated to advocacy for women. 2. Traumatic Bonding Theory: This theory seeks to explain why women remain with men who beat them. Two features have been recognized: the existence of a power imbalance within the relationship, so that the batterer perceives him or herself as dominating the other, and the intermittent nature of the abuse. This theory postulates that as these power relationships polarize over time, the powerless individual in the relationship becomes increasingly dependent on the dominator. In addition, moments in between abuse are times when positive displays of love and affection cement the legitimacy of the relationship.

Indian Democracy at Crossroad

Avinash Shankar MAD12015 Politics Essay: 2 Topic Can post-colonial India's political experience be characterized as moving towards becoming more democratic Democracy, the form of government where supreme power is directly or indirectly vested in people, has become a global discourse that can be gauged from the fact that many post-colonial countries have adopted it with remarkable success.The dramatic global expansion of democracy in the last few decades in post-colonial countries speak volume of this most popular form of representative government. The ever fluctuating political dynamics coupled with changing socio-economic patterns since Independence has given new meanings to Indian democracy at each stage of its progression. India inherited a colonial state and kept much of its functioning architecture intact. Much of state practice, despite its massive quantitative expansion, is heavily governed by legislation passed somewhere between 1860 and 1947.During the 65-years of long journ ey, India as a nation has witnessed moments wherein democracy looked to find its true meaning, while moments like national emergency during Indira Gandhi’s regime qualify as the abysmal low that India touched as democratic nation. Adoption of socialist pattern, the middle path between capitalism and communism, at the early stage of our independence and a series of economic reforms that began in 1980s were primarily targeted at delivering the true essence of democracy in social, economic, and political spheres.This paper is an attempt to answer how Abraham Lincoln’s notion of democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people has been put to test in India on different social, political, and economic parameters at different stages of its progression since independence and whether ever changing political, social and economic dynamics have brought India closer to true democratic model. India retained a deep commitment to principles of parliamentary g overnment during the three decades after independence. Indian leaders described their approach planning nder a democratic pattern of socialism as a new model for Asian and African development. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who set the direction of India’s development during the first fifteen years of freedom, pointed to his country as an area of agreement between opposing ideologies of capitalism on the hand and the communism on the other. Under his leadership, the commitment to democratic social transformation was an integral part of India’s development strategy. Nehru also tried to incorporate Gandhian ideals of social reforms in his development programs.Nehru spoke of this mode of development as a third way which takes best from all existing systems—the Russian, the American, and sought to create something suited to one’s own history and philosophy. In the nascent stage of Independence, the Nehruvian socialist model of developmen t seemed to have worked well within the social and economic framework of India. But Nehru too had to face many challenges in the implementation of his development model. Nehru’s attempt to bring serious bourgeois land reforms was thwarted through a combination of feudal resistance, judicial conservatism, and connivance of state Congress leaderships.Although Congress was content to accept the continuance of semi-feudal rural power, it adopted massive plans for capitalist movement. Consistent with this general objective, the ruling elite adopted a plan for heavy industrialization and institutional control of capital goods industries through the state sector, a largely untried experiment at the time in the underdeveloped countries. Indira Gandhi who became Prime Minister after Nehru’s demise gave a new populist dimension to Indian politics.The shift of the Congress to populist politics quickly set up a new structure of political communication in which Indira could directl y appeal to electorates. While populist endeavors like Garibi Hatao (remove poverty) and nationalization of banks brought her good name, she has often been criticized for changing the Congress into a highly centralized and undemocratic party organization, from the earlier federal, democratic, and ideological formation that Nehru had led. Indira’s regime, in my opinion, was the beginning of the stage when India started to show its meaningful presence internationally.Creation of Bangladesh was the beginning of the India’s assertiveness at international level. Nuclear test conducted in 1974 was the extension of this assertiveness. Ironically Indira’s regime will also go down in history for bringing disrepute to democracy by imposing emergency in the most undemocratic manner. Perhaps it was the first blow to the essence of democratic model that India followed since independence. The manner in which rights and liberties, the two important tenets of democracy, were su spended during emergency reminds us how an authoritarian regime can play havoc in people’s minds.The emergency perhaps was the turning point in the Indian democratic history because it paved the way for major political and social shift. It was perhaps the trigger that led to the end of absolute majority era and ignited the undercurrent of regional politics played largely around caste and religious lines. Easwaran Sridharan and M. V. Rajeev Gowda however believe that the end of Congress’s dominance and fragmentation of the party system have stopped short of undermining the basic power-sharing characteristics of the system and have indeed contributed to democratic consolidation.While the seeds for the decline of one-power dominance were sown during Indira’s regime it became more apparent during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as the Prime Minister of India. Some scholars however believe that the decline of one-party dominance and the emergence of a large number of sm aller or regional parties which ensure that state-level elections are vigorously contested have had positive effects on competition. These developments represent political empowerment of historically marginalized groups and reflect favorably on the vibrancy of political entrepreneurship.I feel that mushrooming of small regional parties can also be attributed to effect of anti-defection law enacted during Rajiv’s regime. Emergence of regional parties has also led to political instability due to opportunist attitude shown by these parties time and again. Rajiv attempted to bring party reforms and rebuild Congress as an organized party. He also played a vital role in tackling Punjab problem that assumed alarming proportion during Indira’s regime. Rajiv can also be credited for bringing constitutional status to Panchayati Raj, one of most important tenets of Indian democracy.During Rajiv’s regime too the essence of democracy looked dismantled characterized by high-s cale violence against the Sikh community in the aftermath of Indira’s assassination. Coalition politics gained momentum after Rajiv’s assassination in 1991. Caste and religion became the driver and determinants of Indian politics thereafter. Anti-reservation protest in the aftermath of the implementation of Mandal Commission is the stark reminder of the despair that results when the advocates for meritocracy lose their battle against the saviors of petty caste politics.Hindu nationalist forces too jumped the bandwagon soon and tried to establish their presence in the Indian political arena through much talked about Ram Janmabhumi agenda. We are also witnessing a paradigm shift in the redistributive politics wherein leftist forces are happy with a kind of statism that protects the state sector even if it means stifling the rest of economy. On the other hand the proponents of Mandal fear that rolling back the state on economic reform issues at the moment when Backward Ca stes (BCs) are getting access to its resources would be exercise in bad faith.Of late, globalization and economic reforms have given a new dimension to Indian politics, and for that matter to Indian democracy. Development has become the main political agenda pushing caste and religion gimmicks on the backburner. Political results in two successive elections in Bihar mark the paradigm shift in people’s voting pattern. It shows how voters are trumping the populist agenda in favor of developmental agenda. It augurs well for Indian democracy. The ensuing paragraphs discuss at length achievements, challenges and issues that India faces as democratic nation.Despite the considerable success of the Indian state in holding free and fair elections, sustaining a free press, and dramatically expanding the franschise, the abuse of coercive state power remains one of the major problems. Frequently such power is used arbitrarily against the poor, minorities, and those who dare to challenge the state’s writ. Furthermore, police abuses are more pronounced in poorer states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where standards of accountability are sorely lacking. The evidence from such states of rampant deaths in police custody underscores the gravity of this ill.India as a democratic nation has underachieved when it comes to protecting human rights. Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1990 was aimed at containing ethno-religious insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. It allows armed forces to conduct counter-insurgency operations. Under the garb of this act, security forces often resort to extrajudicial killings. The 2002 Prevention of Terrorism Activities Act (POTA), that came into existence in the aftermath of a series of terror acts, was sometimes used against political opponents and also infringed upon the individual rights and civil liberties of Indian citizen.The secular structure of Indian democracy also looked threatened on many occasions. The project of secularism has inc reasingly been under threat as communal ideology and political forces have come to enjoy greater purchase in society and the polity. The demolition of Babri Masjid engineered by Hindu nationalist forces like Bajrang Dal, RSS, and VHP, doesn’t augur well for the secular structure of the country.The Hindu nationalists’ hostility to secularism became evident in a number of different arenas, ranging from a systematic attempt to alter history and socio-science science textbooks to party leaders’ willingness to countenance widespread state-sanctioned violence against Muslims, especially during bloody disturbances that rocked the western state of Gujrat. On the positive side, the growth of a plethora of nongovernmental organizations (NGO) focused on development, along with the growing participation of hitherto quiescent groups, are gradually resulting in a political system that is more accountable to the citizenry.The roles NGOs are playing have the potential to reshap e the much needed developmental path. In times to come, NGOs will play much meaningful role by representing face of common people largely ignored by political entities. However politicization and financial irregularities rampant at these rapidly multiplying NGOs could act as a deterrent to the primary objectives that these nonprofits stand for. At Independence, the imperative for welfare mechanism was obvious due to widespread poverty and lack of food security, specially in the rural areas.Even after sixty five years of Independence, a large percentage of Indian population officially are still subsisting below poverty line and incidents of acute food insecurity continue to occur. Since 1985 Kalahandi has been more or less uninterruptedly suffering from food crisis of alarming dimensions and proportions, officially and disarmingly described as drought, but unofficially, by critics, as famine. The politics of nomenclature apart, Kalahandi has become a metaphor for hunger in several ot her districts in the more backward hill areas of south-western Orissa.The most ugly part of the Kalahandi starvation issue was highlighted by the Baidyanath Mishra Commission Report that attributed starvation deaths in the region to a set of issues including corruption, fraud, misuse, wastefulness, and mismanagement of development. Enhancing food security at the household level is an issue of great importance for developing country like India where millions of poor suffer from lack of purchasing power and malnutrition. Right to food is a part of an overall goal of achieving the right to development.Attainment of self-sufficiency of foodgrains at the national level is one of the big achievements in post-independence period. After remaining a food deficit country for about two decades after independence, India has not only become self-sufficient in foodgrains but now has a surplus of foodgrains. Despite many poverty alleviation programs initiated since the time of Indira Gandhi, pover ty still remains one of the concerns and state and central governments need to look into it. Employment guarantee schemes like NREGA bring some hope even though effective implementation remains largely unaddressed.India has made significant progress in fostering high levels of economic and industrial development. But when it comes to ethnic conflict in India, four sets of causal conditions have usually combined in different ways in different areas to produce conflict and violence. First is the fear of assimilation or cultural dilution and unfulfilled national aspiration. Second is the process of modernization by inducing large-scale migrations and by raising standards of literacy and aspirations.This process of modernization has not only forced ethnic groups to live closely together and to compete for rewards and resources, but has also sharpened their sociopolitical awareness and increased their capacity to mobilize for collective action. The third reason is unequal development, po verty, exploitation, lack of opportunity, and threats to existing group privileges. Finally, political factors such as endemic bad governance, the growth of anti-secular forces, institutional decay, and vote-bank politics have also contributed to large scale ethnic conflicts.The role of mass media has become more important in today’s context. Mass media has played a positive role in highlighting issues of public concern such as corruption, electoral malpractices, and economic instability. Anti-corruption movement launched by social crusader Anna Hazare could become successful due to large scale involvement of mass media. On the flipside politicization and commercialization of mediums of mass media don’t paint rosy picture for the fourth pillar of Indian democracy. Another area where we need to work is the social security for unorganized workers.The social security problems for unorganized workers in India can be divided into two sets of problems. The first is the capab ility deprivation in terms of inadequate employment, low earnings, poor health, and educational status which are related to general deprivation of poorer sections of the population. The second is the adversity in the sense of absence of adequate fall back mechanisms to meet contingencies such as ill health, accident, death, and old age. Central and state governments also need to focus on social sector by ensuring larger allocation for such expenditure.On human development index India is not comfortably placed either. Infant mortality rate remains one of the major issues. The incidence of child labor is among the highest in the world. Women have significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates than men. Though we have made significant inroads in achieving greater literacy, the numbers don’t sound adequate. Human development conditions are particularly egregious in four northern states, Bihar, Rajasthan, UP, and Madhya Pradesh. It becomes apparent that our democratic aspirati ons are only partly realized.Large scale corruption, communalism, electoral malpractices, perverted forms of Muslim and Hindu radicalism, sponsored terrorism, regional separatist insurgencies, corporate-political nexus, apart from many other things, have been obstructing the India’s journey along the path of democracy. Through a series of economic reforms India has made its presence at international stage, but marginalized sections of Indian society are yet to reap substantial benefits from it. Strong political will is needed to put us in the forefront of successful democratic nations.We also need to get rid of the corrupt hierarchy of bureaucratic structure because it acts as a deterrent to the implementation of welfare programs. As the citizen of a democratic nation what hurts me most is the deep rooted corruption, not only because it has become an exercise of power and impunity for many, but also because it has made its locus in the minds of people where it has become stan dardized. We spent enough time passing the bucks as to which apparatus/ apparatuses of our social, economic and political systems has/have failed us as the democratic nation.It is not the time to retrospect what we achieved as a democratic nation in the long journey so far, rather it is introspection time for each actor of democracy including politicians, bureaucrats, and off course the most powerful people. This introspection will surely bring the urgency among actors to realize the accountability they owe to the democratic edifice of India that is standing tall after having weathered challenging times since independence. Spread of education and emergence of political, social, and economic consciousness among citizens give me hope that India will slowly inch closer to aligning herself ith the essence of true democratic values and ideals. I will choose to finish this manuscript on a positive note by going back to the famous quote of Harry Emerson Fosdick †¦ â€Å"Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people. † Bibliography 1. Mehta, P. B. , The Burden of Democracy . Penguin Books, New Delhi, 2003 2. Frankrel, F. R. , India's political economy, 1947-2004:  The Gradual Revolution. London: Oxford University Press, 2005 3. ibid 4. Karanjia, R. K. , Mind of Mr. Nehru,London: Allen & Unwin, 1961 5.Kaviraj, Sudipta, â€Å"A critique of the Passive Revolution,† Economics and Political Weekly 23 (Nov 1988): 2433 6. Chandra, Bipin, Mukherjee, Aditya, Mukherjee, Mridula. India after Independence, Penguin Books, New Delhi, 1999 7. Ganguly, Sumit, Diamond, Larry and Plattner, Marc F. , The State of India’s Democracy , Oxford University Press, 2009 8. Yadav, Yogendra, â€Å"Electoral Politics in the Time of Change: India’s Third Electoral System, 1998-99,† Economics and Political Weekly, August 21-28, 1999 9. Mehta, P. B. , The Burden of Democracy , Penguin Books, New Delhi, 20 03 10.Genteman, Amelia, Killings in Delhi Slum Expose: Unequal Justice for India’s Poor,† International Herald Tribune, January 6, 2007 11. See the National Human Rights Commission Report for 2004-2005, available at www. nhrc. nic. in 12. Jayal, NirajaGopal, ed. , Democracy in India Oxford University Press, New Delhi 13 Ganguly, Sumit â€Å"The Crisis of Indian Secularism,† Journal of Democracy 14, October 2003 14. see Ganguly, Diamond, Plattner 15. see Jayal 16. see Jayal 17. see Jayal 18. Dev, S. Mahendra, Inclusive Growth in India: Agriculture, Poverty, and Developoment Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2011 19. ee Ganguly, Diamond, Plattner 20. See Dev 21. Atul Kohli, ed. , â€Å"The Success of India’s Democracy,† Cambridge University Press, New Delhi, 2011 ——————————————– [ 1 ]. P. B. Mehta, The Burden of Democracy (Penguin Books, New Delh i, 2003), 106-107 [ 2 ]. F. R. Frankel, India's political economy, 1947-2004:  The Gradual Revolution (London: Oxford University Press, 2005), 4 [ 3 ]. F. R. Frankel, India's political economy, 1947-2004:  The Gradual Revolution (London: Oxford University Press, 2005), 25 [ 4 ]. R. K. Karanjia, Mind of Mr. Nehru (London: Allen & Unwin, 1961), 100-101 [ 5 ]. Sudipta kaviraj. A critique of the Passive Revolution,† Economics and Political Weekly 23 (Nov 1988): 2433 [ 6 ]. Bipan Chandra, Aditya Mukherjee, Mridula Mukherjee. India after Independence (Penguin Books, New Delhi, 1999), Chapters 11, 13 [ 7 ]. Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond, and Marc F. Plattner, The State of India’s Democracy (Oxford University Press, 2009), xviii-xix [ 8 ]. Yogendra yadav, â€Å"Electoral Politics in the Time of Change: India’s Third Electoral System, 1998-99,† Economics and Political Weekly (August 21-28, 1999): 2393-99 [ 9 ]. P. B. Mehta, The Burden of Democracy (Penguin Books , New Delhi, 2003), 168-169 [ 10 ].Amelia Genteman, Killings in Delhi Slum Expose: Unequal Justice for India’s Poor,† International Herald Tribune (January 6, 2007) [ 11 ]. See the National Human Rights Commission Report for 2004-2005, available at www. nhrc. nic. in [ 12 ]. NirajaGopal Jayal, ed. , Democracy in India (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 170 [ 13 ]. Sumit Ganguly, â€Å"The Crisis of Indian Secularism,† Journal of Democracy 14 (October 2003): 11-25 [ 14 ]. Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond, and Marc F. Plattner, The State of India’s Democracy (Oxford University Press, 2009), xxi-xxii [ 15 ]. Jayal, 198 [ 16 ]. Jayal, 199 [ 17 ].NirajaGopal Jayal, ed. , Democracy in India (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 200 [ 18 ]. S. Mahendra Dev, Inclusive Growth in India: Agriculture, Poverty, and Developoment (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 201), 101-103 [ 19 ]. Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond, and Marc F. Plattner, The State of India’s Democra cy (Oxford University Press, 2009), 49 [ 20 ]. S. Mahendra Dev, Inclusive Growth in India: Agriculture, Poverty, and Developoment (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2011), 201-202 [ 21 ]. Atul Kohli, ed. , â€Å"The Success of India’s Democracy (Cambridge University Press, New Delhi, 2011), 211 Indian Democracy at Crossroad Avinash Shankar MAD12015 Politics Essay: 2 Topic Can post-colonial India's political experience be characterized as moving towards becoming more democratic Democracy, the form of government where supreme power is directly or indirectly vested in people, has become a global discourse that can be gauged from the fact that many post-colonial countries have adopted it with remarkable success.The dramatic global expansion of democracy in the last few decades in post-colonial countries speak volume of this most popular form of representative government. The ever fluctuating political dynamics coupled with changing socio-economic patterns since Independence has given new meanings to Indian democracy at each stage of its progression. India inherited a colonial state and kept much of its functioning architecture intact. Much of state practice, despite its massive quantitative expansion, is heavily governed by legislation passed somewhere between 1860 and 1947.During the 65-years of long journ ey, India as a nation has witnessed moments wherein democracy looked to find its true meaning, while moments like national emergency during Indira Gandhi’s regime qualify as the abysmal low that India touched as democratic nation. Adoption of socialist pattern, the middle path between capitalism and communism, at the early stage of our independence and a series of economic reforms that began in 1980s were primarily targeted at delivering the true essence of democracy in social, economic, and political spheres.This paper is an attempt to answer how Abraham Lincoln’s notion of democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people has been put to test in India on different social, political, and economic parameters at different stages of its progression since independence and whether ever changing political, social and economic dynamics have brought India closer to true democratic model. India retained a deep commitment to principles of parliamentary g overnment during the three decades after independence. Indian leaders described their approach planning nder a democratic pattern of socialism as a new model for Asian and African development. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who set the direction of India’s development during the first fifteen years of freedom, pointed to his country as an area of agreement between opposing ideologies of capitalism on the hand and the communism on the other. Under his leadership, the commitment to democratic social transformation was an integral part of India’s development strategy. Nehru also tried to incorporate Gandhian ideals of social reforms in his development programs.Nehru spoke of this mode of development as a third way which takes best from all existing systems—the Russian, the American, and sought to create something suited to one’s own history and philosophy. In the nascent stage of Independence, the Nehruvian socialist model of developmen t seemed to have worked well within the social and economic framework of India. But Nehru too had to face many challenges in the implementation of his development model. Nehru’s attempt to bring serious bourgeois land reforms was thwarted through a combination of feudal resistance, judicial conservatism, and connivance of state Congress leaderships.Although Congress was content to accept the continuance of semi-feudal rural power, it adopted massive plans for capitalist movement. Consistent with this general objective, the ruling elite adopted a plan for heavy industrialization and institutional control of capital goods industries through the state sector, a largely untried experiment at the time in the underdeveloped countries. Indira Gandhi who became Prime Minister after Nehru’s demise gave a new populist dimension to Indian politics.The shift of the Congress to populist politics quickly set up a new structure of political communication in which Indira could directl y appeal to electorates. While populist endeavors like Garibi Hatao (remove poverty) and nationalization of banks brought her good name, she has often been criticized for changing the Congress into a highly centralized and undemocratic party organization, from the earlier federal, democratic, and ideological formation that Nehru had led. Indira’s regime, in my opinion, was the beginning of the stage when India started to show its meaningful presence internationally.Creation of Bangladesh was the beginning of the India’s assertiveness at international level. Nuclear test conducted in 1974 was the extension of this assertiveness. Ironically Indira’s regime will also go down in history for bringing disrepute to democracy by imposing emergency in the most undemocratic manner. Perhaps it was the first blow to the essence of democratic model that India followed since independence. The manner in which rights and liberties, the two important tenets of democracy, were su spended during emergency reminds us how an authoritarian regime can play havoc in people’s minds.The emergency perhaps was the turning point in the Indian democratic history because it paved the way for major political and social shift. It was perhaps the trigger that led to the end of absolute majority era and ignited the undercurrent of regional politics played largely around caste and religious lines. Easwaran Sridharan and M. V. Rajeev Gowda however believe that the end of Congress’s dominance and fragmentation of the party system have stopped short of undermining the basic power-sharing characteristics of the system and have indeed contributed to democratic consolidation.While the seeds for the decline of one-power dominance were sown during Indira’s regime it became more apparent during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as the Prime Minister of India. Some scholars however believe that the decline of one-party dominance and the emergence of a large number of sm aller or regional parties which ensure that state-level elections are vigorously contested have had positive effects on competition. These developments represent political empowerment of historically marginalized groups and reflect favorably on the vibrancy of political entrepreneurship.I feel that mushrooming of small regional parties can also be attributed to effect of anti-defection law enacted during Rajiv’s regime. Emergence of regional parties has also led to political instability due to opportunist attitude shown by these parties time and again. Rajiv attempted to bring party reforms and rebuild Congress as an organized party. He also played a vital role in tackling Punjab problem that assumed alarming proportion during Indira’s regime. Rajiv can also be credited for bringing constitutional status to Panchayati Raj, one of most important tenets of Indian democracy.During Rajiv’s regime too the essence of democracy looked dismantled characterized by high-s cale violence against the Sikh community in the aftermath of Indira’s assassination. Coalition politics gained momentum after Rajiv’s assassination in 1991. Caste and religion became the driver and determinants of Indian politics thereafter. Anti-reservation protest in the aftermath of the implementation of Mandal Commission is the stark reminder of the despair that results when the advocates for meritocracy lose their battle against the saviors of petty caste politics.Hindu nationalist forces too jumped the bandwagon soon and tried to establish their presence in the Indian political arena through much talked about Ram Janmabhumi agenda. We are also witnessing a paradigm shift in the redistributive politics wherein leftist forces are happy with a kind of statism that protects the state sector even if it means stifling the rest of economy. On the other hand the proponents of Mandal fear that rolling back the state on economic reform issues at the moment when Backward Ca stes (BCs) are getting access to its resources would be exercise in bad faith.Of late, globalization and economic reforms have given a new dimension to Indian politics, and for that matter to Indian democracy. Development has become the main political agenda pushing caste and religion gimmicks on the backburner. Political results in two successive elections in Bihar mark the paradigm shift in people’s voting pattern. It shows how voters are trumping the populist agenda in favor of developmental agenda. It augurs well for Indian democracy. The ensuing paragraphs discuss at length achievements, challenges and issues that India faces as democratic nation.Despite the considerable success of the Indian state in holding free and fair elections, sustaining a free press, and dramatically expanding the franschise, the abuse of coercive state power remains one of the major problems. Frequently such power is used arbitrarily against the poor, minorities, and those who dare to challenge the state’s writ. Furthermore, police abuses are more pronounced in poorer states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where standards of accountability are sorely lacking. The evidence from such states of rampant deaths in police custody underscores the gravity of this ill.India as a democratic nation has underachieved when it comes to protecting human rights. Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1990 was aimed at containing ethno-religious insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. It allows armed forces to conduct counter-insurgency operations. Under the garb of this act, security forces often resort to extrajudicial killings. The 2002 Prevention of Terrorism Activities Act (POTA), that came into existence in the aftermath of a series of terror acts, was sometimes used against political opponents and also infringed upon the individual rights and civil liberties of Indian citizen.The secular structure of Indian democracy also looked threatened on many occasions. The project of secularism has inc reasingly been under threat as communal ideology and political forces have come to enjoy greater purchase in society and the polity. The demolition of Babri Masjid engineered by Hindu nationalist forces like Bajrang Dal, RSS, and VHP, doesn’t augur well for the secular structure of the country.The Hindu nationalists’ hostility to secularism became evident in a number of different arenas, ranging from a systematic attempt to alter history and socio-science science textbooks to party leaders’ willingness to countenance widespread state-sanctioned violence against Muslims, especially during bloody disturbances that rocked the western state of Gujrat. On the positive side, the growth of a plethora of nongovernmental organizations (NGO) focused on development, along with the growing participation of hitherto quiescent groups, are gradually resulting in a political system that is more accountable to the citizenry.The roles NGOs are playing have the potential to reshap e the much needed developmental path. In times to come, NGOs will play much meaningful role by representing face of common people largely ignored by political entities. However politicization and financial irregularities rampant at these rapidly multiplying NGOs could act as a deterrent to the primary objectives that these nonprofits stand for. At Independence, the imperative for welfare mechanism was obvious due to widespread poverty and lack of food security, specially in the rural areas.Even after sixty five years of Independence, a large percentage of Indian population officially are still subsisting below poverty line and incidents of acute food insecurity continue to occur. Since 1985 Kalahandi has been more or less uninterruptedly suffering from food crisis of alarming dimensions and proportions, officially and disarmingly described as drought, but unofficially, by critics, as famine. The politics of nomenclature apart, Kalahandi has become a metaphor for hunger in several ot her districts in the more backward hill areas of south-western Orissa.The most ugly part of the Kalahandi starvation issue was highlighted by the Baidyanath Mishra Commission Report that attributed starvation deaths in the region to a set of issues including corruption, fraud, misuse, wastefulness, and mismanagement of development. Enhancing food security at the household level is an issue of great importance for developing country like India where millions of poor suffer from lack of purchasing power and malnutrition. Right to food is a part of an overall goal of achieving the right to development.Attainment of self-sufficiency of foodgrains at the national level is one of the big achievements in post-independence period. After remaining a food deficit country for about two decades after independence, India has not only become self-sufficient in foodgrains but now has a surplus of foodgrains. Despite many poverty alleviation programs initiated since the time of Indira Gandhi, pover ty still remains one of the concerns and state and central governments need to look into it. Employment guarantee schemes like NREGA bring some hope even though effective implementation remains largely unaddressed.India has made significant progress in fostering high levels of economic and industrial development. But when it comes to ethnic conflict in India, four sets of causal conditions have usually combined in different ways in different areas to produce conflict and violence. First is the fear of assimilation or cultural dilution and unfulfilled national aspiration. Second is the process of modernization by inducing large-scale migrations and by raising standards of literacy and aspirations.This process of modernization has not only forced ethnic groups to live closely together and to compete for rewards and resources, but has also sharpened their sociopolitical awareness and increased their capacity to mobilize for collective action. The third reason is unequal development, po verty, exploitation, lack of opportunity, and threats to existing group privileges. Finally, political factors such as endemic bad governance, the growth of anti-secular forces, institutional decay, and vote-bank politics have also contributed to large scale ethnic conflicts.The role of mass media has become more important in today’s context. Mass media has played a positive role in highlighting issues of public concern such as corruption, electoral malpractices, and economic instability. Anti-corruption movement launched by social crusader Anna Hazare could become successful due to large scale involvement of mass media. On the flipside politicization and commercialization of mediums of mass media don’t paint rosy picture for the fourth pillar of Indian democracy. Another area where we need to work is the social security for unorganized workers.The social security problems for unorganized workers in India can be divided into two sets of problems. The first is the capab ility deprivation in terms of inadequate employment, low earnings, poor health, and educational status which are related to general deprivation of poorer sections of the population. The second is the adversity in the sense of absence of adequate fall back mechanisms to meet contingencies such as ill health, accident, death, and old age. Central and state governments also need to focus on social sector by ensuring larger allocation for such expenditure.On human development index India is not comfortably placed either. Infant mortality rate remains one of the major issues. The incidence of child labor is among the highest in the world. Women have significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates than men. Though we have made significant inroads in achieving greater literacy, the numbers don’t sound adequate. Human development conditions are particularly egregious in four northern states, Bihar, Rajasthan, UP, and Madhya Pradesh. It becomes apparent that our democratic aspirati ons are only partly realized.Large scale corruption, communalism, electoral malpractices, perverted forms of Muslim and Hindu radicalism, sponsored terrorism, regional separatist insurgencies, corporate-political nexus, apart from many other things, have been obstructing the India’s journey along the path of democracy. Through a series of economic reforms India has made its presence at international stage, but marginalized sections of Indian society are yet to reap substantial benefits from it. Strong political will is needed to put us in the forefront of successful democratic nations.We also need to get rid of the corrupt hierarchy of bureaucratic structure because it acts as a deterrent to the implementation of welfare programs. As the citizen of a democratic nation what hurts me most is the deep rooted corruption, not only because it has become an exercise of power and impunity for many, but also because it has made its locus in the minds of people where it has become stan dardized. We spent enough time passing the bucks as to which apparatus/ apparatuses of our social, economic and political systems has/have failed us as the democratic nation.It is not the time to retrospect what we achieved as a democratic nation in the long journey so far, rather it is introspection time for each actor of democracy including politicians, bureaucrats, and off course the most powerful people. This introspection will surely bring the urgency among actors to realize the accountability they owe to the democratic edifice of India that is standing tall after having weathered challenging times since independence. Spread of education and emergence of political, social, and economic consciousness among citizens give me hope that India will slowly inch closer to aligning herself ith the essence of true democratic values and ideals. I will choose to finish this manuscript on a positive note by going back to the famous quote of Harry Emerson Fosdick †¦ â€Å"Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people. † Bibliography 1. Mehta, P. B. , The Burden of Democracy . Penguin Books, New Delhi, 2003 2. Frankrel, F. R. , India's political economy, 1947-2004:  The Gradual Revolution. London: Oxford University Press, 2005 3. ibid 4. Karanjia, R. K. , Mind of Mr. Nehru,London: Allen & Unwin, 1961 5.Kaviraj, Sudipta, â€Å"A critique of the Passive Revolution,† Economics and Political Weekly 23 (Nov 1988): 2433 6. Chandra, Bipin, Mukherjee, Aditya, Mukherjee, Mridula. India after Independence, Penguin Books, New Delhi, 1999 7. Ganguly, Sumit, Diamond, Larry and Plattner, Marc F. , The State of India’s Democracy , Oxford University Press, 2009 8. Yadav, Yogendra, â€Å"Electoral Politics in the Time of Change: India’s Third Electoral System, 1998-99,† Economics and Political Weekly, August 21-28, 1999 9. Mehta, P. B. , The Burden of Democracy , Penguin Books, New Delhi, 20 03 10.Genteman, Amelia, Killings in Delhi Slum Expose: Unequal Justice for India’s Poor,† International Herald Tribune, January 6, 2007 11. See the National Human Rights Commission Report for 2004-2005, available at www. nhrc. nic. in 12. Jayal, NirajaGopal, ed. , Democracy in India Oxford University Press, New Delhi 13 Ganguly, Sumit â€Å"The Crisis of Indian Secularism,† Journal of Democracy 14, October 2003 14. see Ganguly, Diamond, Plattner 15. see Jayal 16. see Jayal 17. see Jayal 18. Dev, S. Mahendra, Inclusive Growth in India: Agriculture, Poverty, and Developoment Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2011 19. ee Ganguly, Diamond, Plattner 20. See Dev 21. Atul Kohli, ed. , â€Å"The Success of India’s Democracy,† Cambridge University Press, New Delhi, 2011 ——————————————– [ 1 ]. P. B. Mehta, The Burden of Democracy (Penguin Books, New Delh i, 2003), 106-107 [ 2 ]. F. R. Frankel, India's political economy, 1947-2004:  The Gradual Revolution (London: Oxford University Press, 2005), 4 [ 3 ]. F. R. Frankel, India's political economy, 1947-2004:  The Gradual Revolution (London: Oxford University Press, 2005), 25 [ 4 ]. R. K. Karanjia, Mind of Mr. Nehru (London: Allen & Unwin, 1961), 100-101 [ 5 ]. Sudipta kaviraj. A critique of the Passive Revolution,† Economics and Political Weekly 23 (Nov 1988): 2433 [ 6 ]. Bipan Chandra, Aditya Mukherjee, Mridula Mukherjee. India after Independence (Penguin Books, New Delhi, 1999), Chapters 11, 13 [ 7 ]. Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond, and Marc F. Plattner, The State of India’s Democracy (Oxford University Press, 2009), xviii-xix [ 8 ]. Yogendra yadav, â€Å"Electoral Politics in the Time of Change: India’s Third Electoral System, 1998-99,† Economics and Political Weekly (August 21-28, 1999): 2393-99 [ 9 ]. P. B. Mehta, The Burden of Democracy (Penguin Books , New Delhi, 2003), 168-169 [ 10 ].Amelia Genteman, Killings in Delhi Slum Expose: Unequal Justice for India’s Poor,† International Herald Tribune (January 6, 2007) [ 11 ]. See the National Human Rights Commission Report for 2004-2005, available at www. nhrc. nic. in [ 12 ]. NirajaGopal Jayal, ed. , Democracy in India (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 170 [ 13 ]. Sumit Ganguly, â€Å"The Crisis of Indian Secularism,† Journal of Democracy 14 (October 2003): 11-25 [ 14 ]. Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond, and Marc F. Plattner, The State of India’s Democracy (Oxford University Press, 2009), xxi-xxii [ 15 ]. Jayal, 198 [ 16 ]. Jayal, 199 [ 17 ].NirajaGopal Jayal, ed. , Democracy in India (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 200 [ 18 ]. S. Mahendra Dev, Inclusive Growth in India: Agriculture, Poverty, and Developoment (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 201), 101-103 [ 19 ]. Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond, and Marc F. Plattner, The State of India’s Democra cy (Oxford University Press, 2009), 49 [ 20 ]. S. Mahendra Dev, Inclusive Growth in India: Agriculture, Poverty, and Developoment (Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2011), 201-202 [ 21 ]. Atul Kohli, ed. , â€Å"The Success of India’s Democracy (Cambridge University Press, New Delhi, 2011), 211

“Baglady” Is a British Short Story Written by A. S. Byatt Essays

â€Å"Baglady† Is a British Short Story Written by A. S. Byatt Essays â€Å"Baglady† Is a British Short Story Written by A. S. Byatt Paper â€Å"Baglady† Is a British Short Story Written by A. S. Byatt Paper â€Å"Baglady† is a British short story written by A. S. Byatt, it was published in the collection â€Å"Elementals† in 1998. The main character in this story is Daphne Gulver- Robins. Daphne accompanies her husband on a business trip to the Far East. The main reason she is on the trip, is for her husband to be able to impress his boss, by showing his family side. Daphne would have preferred staying home taking care of the animals on the farm, because she knows that her and the other wives have nothing in common:† Most of the other wives are elegant, with silk suits and silky legs and exquisitely cut hair† (9:16) this quote indicates that the other women are sophisticated to superficial. In their social group the exterior means everything. Daphne is aware of the shallow and superficial environment she is stepping in to. Even though Daphne is not exited about the trip she still makes an effort to try and impress the other wives by loosing weight for this specific trip:† She has tried to make herself attractive for this jaunt and has lost ten pounds and had her hands manicured† (9:22) Daphne is very insecure and feels inferior compared to the other women, her weight loss is a desperate attempt to fit in, but she ends up being an outsider. They women entertain themselves by going to The Good Fortune mall:† The Good Fortune shopping mall resembles an army of barracks or a prison block,†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"(10: 26) The mall represents the rich part of the society and all the chaos around. This mall is secured well so that the poor, thieves and unwelcome guest can’t get in. While in the mall the other women leaves Daphne behind and she ends up wandering around the mall by herself. Daphne explores the mall but quickly gets confused because everything seems to be chaotic and out of place. Daphne’s frustration begins when she realizes that her camera is missing, which I would interpret as point off of no return. She goes to the bathroom to restore her make up, and discovers that her face looks like a mess, which is another signs of her dissolving and breaking down, all of this leads to her being late for the meeting with the driver and the other women. In her panic and desperation to find an EXIT and get out of the mall her heel breaks off one of her shoes and she takes her shoes off, and but them in her bag. She notices that her credit cards and her purse have disappeared as well. She no longer has any identification and all of her belongings are missing in other words her identity is absent. She cries for help, and a policeman walks over to her: â€Å"Help me said Daphne I’m an English lady, I have been robbed, I must go home† in this quote it becomes clear that Daphne expects the police man to help her just because she is rich and British, because she lacks identification, the police man refuses to help her, which tells us that in the oriental society you have to be part of the rich upper class in order for help or assistance. The main theme in Baglady is identity. Throughout the entire story Daphne is in the state of flux. She loses her identity in a foreign country which leads to her being disoriented, and even before they arrive she feels out of her comfort zone, because of her dissimilar character. The loss of her materialistic possessions leads to her identity loss which shows that Daphne comes from a capitalistic society where materialistic things define the individual. And by losing her belonging she goes from being and middle/upper class British lady, to a worthless Baglady. Another theme could be the clash between the western and oriental world. The characteristics of this story being postmodern are very obvious. The themes which are writing above clarifies that the text it postmodern and the fact that the story has an open ending is also an element in postmodern writing.

Essay on Design Vehicle

Essay on Design Vehicle Essay on Design Vehicle Every day we travel on a road, have you ever wondered how the roadway is designed to accommodate various kinds of vehicles? The answer is using the right design vehicle. Today I’m going to introduce the concept of design vehicle. Design vehicle is a conceptual vehicle that is used in the geometry design of roadway. Why we say the design vehicle is conceptual? Because it is not real vehicle, it is actually a group of parameters that describe the general characteristics of vehicles within the same category. Now, let me show you the parameters of a design vehicle that influence roadway design. The first parameter is the height, it influences the vertical clearance. For example, if we design a new bridge cross the road, the height of the bridge should be higher than the design vehicle’s height. The second one is the width: it determines the width of the lane and shoulder. The third one is the length: it’s used to calculate the length of the vehicle storage area, for example, the exclusive left turn lane. And then the configuration: whether the vehicle is single-unit or multiple-units influence its braking distance and turning radius. Is everybody following me so far? OK. Now think about how many different kinds of vehicles are available in the market. You know we have so many vehicle manufacturers and countless choices of cars. Fortunately, almost all the vehicles can be represented by the four types of design vehicles on the picture: the passenger car, the bus, the truck,

Marketing - Analyzing Buyer Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing - Analyzing Buyer Behavior - Essay Example Floor care products are majorly bought by women who range between 36 to 50 years who are married and take care of their dwellings. Women are majorly concerned about the cleanliness at home and aim at buying products that maintain hygiene at nominal price. As women in today's world are equal bread earners, they are independent to make purchase decisions. The consumer product proposal is good. As mentioned, there must be a new product line improved as a new market strategy to attract new customers and also to retain the existing customer by providing them different options. The new product line must concentrate more on the price and efficacy than the eco friendly and safety aspects of it. As the price factor is the priority of the customers, there has to be a relatively decrease in price for the product to compete with the existing products in the market. By decreasing the manufacturing cost and also reducing the cost of the product, there can be an increase in the volume of goods sold in the market and it will reach the customers effectively. Higher the volume of sales, greater is the profit. These new products can be marketed to mass merchandises like Walmart and K mart in their premier shelves as the inflow of people on a daily basis is very high and people believe in their prices and products. Expanding in to other retail sectors are also a good strategic move, as they can attract a different set of new customers and is a good market development. Expanding in to new sector will familiarize the product and brand in the market. The marketing strategies like online sales will be an added advantage as people now adays prefer online buying which is very comfortable. Online buying has become one o the most common ways of purchasing a products since the last decade. Online sales have doubled during the past two years, with 53 percent of US Web users saying they have made interactive purchases so far in 1999. ("Pastore", 1999) There can be few more consumer recommendations like anti bacterial product which prevents floor from infections, easy usage of the products by providing free liquid sprays, refreshing fragrant liquid, easy stain removal sprays etc. The proposal for commercial product is good; it has aimed at diversifying its supply areas to hospital and nursing homes as the hospitality industry is untapped. The commercial proposal will definitely work because of the increase in span of supply to other commercial sectors and concentrating on the pricing strategy. Whether it is an individual or an organization, they look at optimization of the product and a better value for money. When a product is sold at a nominal cost in the market and is also efficient, it has a better market penetration. A private label floor cleaner will be a good growth strategy as it will have good market development. The health care sector has a high concern for cleanliness and hygiene. It can be observed from any health care organization that there is a high level of abidance for cleanliness. There will be a house keeper who will keep cleaning the floor for at least five to ten times in a day. Their usage is also high where there is a high volume sales opportunity. Adding