Fiscal Policy SA- Budget Speech

Fiscal Policy SA- Budget Speech Table of Contentsi. Executive Summary31. Introduction62. Essence of Budget 200772.1 Total Spending (Medium Term Expenditure Framework Period)83. Economic Backdrop - Buoyant Domestic Growth95. Rationale of 2007 Budget Speech116. Macroeconomy137. Fiscal Policy147.1 Expansionary Fiscal Policy147.2 Tax168. Fiscal and Monetary challenges208.1 Monetary Challenges229. Shortcomings of 2007 Budget.2310. Suggestions on how to address the shortcomings2410.1 Fiscal measures2410.2 Monetary measures2411. List of References:2612.ANNEXURES28i. Executive SummaryWhile delivering the 2007 Budget Speech on 21 February 2007, the elated and charismatic Trevor Manuel's tone typified South Africa's economy that has been performing remarkably well over the past 4 years largely due to sound fiscal and monetary policies and global influences. The increased quantity and quality of spending in the Budget is fuelled by the rationale of summarily accelerating the investment rate and pace of growth; improving the l ives of marginalised South Africans; maintaining a progressive security net; combating crime and improving the capacity and effectiveness of state; show case the country through preparing for the 2010 soccer event; and encouraging the culture of saving.GDPThe Budget and its continued expansionary fiscal stance is however characterised by significant challenges that may impede on progress in achieving certain objectives. These include vis- -vis policy lags, lack of capacity with regard to spending, government red-tape and inefficiencies, adverse rent-seeking behaviour, income and wealth redistribution. Global influences that will pose challenges include the anticipated lower global growth due to suppressed US growth, risks e.g. oil prices; US current account deficit amidst large surpluses amongst oil-producing countries. The main monetary challenge is that the South African Reserve Bank seeks to suppress demand to match supply but this is the low growth option. The proposed long term solution and high growth option is to boost supply in order to meet demand with official and private sector initiatives.A number of items were missing...

The History of Sao Paulo

The History of Sao Paulo So Paulo, Brazil is the largest city in Latin America, edging out runner-up Mexico City by a couple of million inhabitants. It has a long and interesting history, including serving as home base for the infamous Bandeirantes. Foundation The first European settler in the area was Joo Ramalho, a Portuguese sailor who had been shipwrecked. He was the first to explore the area of present-day So Paulo. Like many cities in Brazil, So Paulo was founded by Jesuit Missionaries. So Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga was established in 1554 as a mission to convert Guains natives to Catholicism. In 1556-1557 the Jesuits built the first school in the region. The town was strategically located, being between the ocean and fertile lands to the west, and it is also on the Tietà ª River. It became an official city in 1711. Bandeirantes In the early years of So Paulo, it became the home base for the Bandeirantes, which were explorers, slavers, and prospectors who explored the interior of Brazil. In this remote corner of the Portuguese Empire, there was no law, so ruthless men would explore the uncharted swamps, mountains and rivers of Brazil taking whatever they wanted, be it native slaves, precious metals or stones. Some of the more ruthless Bandeirantes, such as Antonio Rapà ´so Tavares (1598-1658), would even sack and burn Jesuit missions and enslave the natives who lived there. The Bandeirantes explored a great deal of the Brazilian interior, but at a high cost: thousands, if not millions of natives, were killed and enslaved in their raids.​​ Gold and Sugar Gold was discovered in the state of Minas Gerais at the end of the seventeenth century, and subsequent explorations discovered precious stones there as well. The gold boom was felt in So Paulo, which was a gateway to Minas Gerais. Some of the profits were invested in sugarcane plantations, which were quite profitable for a time. Coffee and Immigration Coffee was introduced to Brazil in 1727 and has been a crucial part of the Brazilian economy ever since. So Paulo was one of the first cities to benefit from the coffee boom, becoming a center for coffee commerce in the nineteenth century. The coffee boom attracted So Paulo’s first major wave of foreign immigrants after 1860, mostly poor Europeans (particularly Italians, Germans, and Greeks) seeking work, although they were soon followed by a number of Japanese, Arabs, Chinese, and Koreans. When slavery was outlawed in 1888, the need for workers only grew. So Paulo’s considerable Jewish community also was established around this time. By the time the coffee boom fizzled in the early 1900s, the city had already branched out into other industries. Independence So Paulo was important in the Brazilian independence movement. The Portuguese Royal Family had moved to Brazil in 1807, fleeing Napoleon’s armies, establishing a royal court from which they ruled Portugal (at least theoretically: in reality, Portugal was ruled by Napoleon) as well as Brazil and other Portuguese holdings. The Royal family moved back to Portugal in 1821 after the defeat of Napoleon, leaving eldest son Pedro in charge of Brazil. The Brazilians were soon angered by their return to colony status, and Pedro agreed with them. On September 7, 1822, in So Paulo, he declared Brazil independent and himself Emperor. Turn of the Century Between the coffee boom and wealth coming from mines in the interior of the country, So Paulo soon became the richest city and province in the nation. Railroads were built, connecting it to the other important cities. By the turn of the century, important industries were making their base in So Paulo, and the immigrants kept pouring in. By then, So Paulo was attracting immigrants not only from Europe and Asia but from within Brazil as well: poor, uneducated workers from the Brazilian northeast flooded into So Paulo looking for work. The 1950s So Paulo benefited greatly from the industrialization initiatives developed during the administration of Juscelino Kubitschek (1956-1961). During his time, the automotive industry grew, and it was centered in So Paulo. One of the workers in the factories in the 1960s and 1970s was none other than Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, who would go on to become president. So Paulo continued to grow, both in terms of population and influence. So Paulo also became the most important city for business and commerce in Brazil. So Paulo Today So Paulo has matured into a culturally diverse city, powerful economically and politically. It continues to be the most important city in Brazil for business and industry and lately has been discovering itself culturally and artistically as well. It has always been on the cutting edge of art and literature and continues to be home to many artists and writers. It is an important city for music as well, as many popular musicians are from there. The people of So Paulo are proud of their multicultural roots: the immigrants who populated the city and worked in its factories are gone, but their descendants have kept their traditions and So Paulo is a very diverse city.

Why might the cost of capital fall if financial markets are no longer Essay

Why might the cost of capital fall if financial markets are no longer segmented What evidence is there of this effect - Essay Example Last two decades witnessed greater segmentation of financial markets. The major causes of increased financial market segmentation can be attributed to economic and regulatory barriers that raise difficulties in full market integration. In the opinion of Buch (179), although direct regulatory restrictions such as capital controls to financial market integration have been eradicated, some complex forms of indirect regulatory controls are still in force. When the financial markets are largely concentrated, it will certainly increase the costs associated with international financial transactions. This paper will discuss why the cost of capital falls if financial markets are no longer segmented. Factors affecting cost of capital From a company’s point of view, the return on investment which is required to satisfy the investor’s interests is called cost of capital. Cost of capital consists of several factors such as equity capital, debt holders, and hybrid securities (Cost of capital). In order to understand the fluctuations in cost of capital associated with financial market segmentation, it is necessary to evaluate the factors affecting cost of capital. There are controllable and uncontrollable factors that affect cost of capital. A. Controllable factors As the term indicates, the company has a control over these factors and it is grouped into three such as capital structure policy, dividend policy, and investment policy. 1. Capital structure policy As discussed above, equity capital is a component of cost of capital. When more equity is issued, normally, cost of equity increases and thereby cost of capital. A similar process repeats when more debt is issued. 2. Dividend policy The dividend policy affects the cost of capital and it can be controlled by adjusting firm’s payout ratio. Since the firm has control over its payout ratio, MCC schedule’s breakpoint can also be effectively changed (CFA level 1- Factors affecting the cost of capit al). 3. Investment policy When a company formulates investment decisions, it deals with some degree of risk and it causes to change the structure of cost of debt and cost of equity. Consequently, it produces a proportional change in cost of capital also. B. Uncontrollable factors It also affects the cost of capital and the company has no control over these factors. It mainly includes level of interest rates and tax rates. In the view of Kapil (280), economic and market conditions also contribute to the change in cost of capital and these elements also fall under the head uncontrollable factors. 1. Level of interest rates â€Å"The level of interest rates will affect the cost of debt and, potentiality, the cost of equity (CFA level 1†¦..)†. For instance, level of interest rates has a direct impact on cost of debt by which an increase in interest rates causes a proportional increase in cost of debt and which in turn increases cost of capital. 2. Tax rates Cost of debt afte r taxation is clearly affected by changing tax rates. When tax rates increase, it is obvious that cost of debt would decrease further causing a decline in cost of capital. Lack of financial market segmentation and cost of capital fall When national financial markets are largely segmented, it becomes small and inactive. According to Errunza and Miller, as a result of this increased capital market segmentation, most of the domestic investors holding large number of local shares were included in these concentrated segments. The authors argue that this situation led to the rise in cost of capital. According to this argument, cost of capital falls if financial markets are no longer segmented. In the opinion of Buchanan (as cited in The trade news), if the capital market traders have good knowledge

Human Resource Management & Information Management (MBA) pro 4 Essay

Human Resource Management & Information Management (MBA) pro 4 - Essay Example The company has to align its business to n effective IS response giving it significant ground in the market. The IS that Brady Corporation was currently operating on did not support its business model since it made use of antique systems that were unable to communicate. As such, the IS response taken for the greater good of the business was to undertake a complete overhaul of the entire business processes of the company on a global scale, as well as, enabling them digitally. The results were phenomenal, with an annual revenue growth of 15%, a 2% reduction in operating expense, and an increase in internet orders by 50%. The roll out was successful because both the managers and employees had prior knowledge over its importance. Furthermore, the best people got the privilege of spearheading the change process, whereby all the processes mapped with their experts and owners. As such, this spectacular achievement answered the authors question on whether Brady Corporation could redesign its systems for success. The change from old processes to new processes enabled the corporation to revamp its profitability, as well as, re-establish its position in the

Various Motivational Theories Essay Example for Free

Various Motivational Theories Essay In the early 1920s Walter Chrysler, a retired president of Buick and vice-president of General Motors arrived at the ill-fated Maxwell-Chalmers company. The company has been losing ground for years and they need somebody who has experience and innovation to keep it on the ground. He was hired to organize the company’s downhilled operations. Unfortunately, the partnership between Chalmers and Maxwell ended in the late 1923. Having to deal with the ailing Maxwell, Chrysler still tried to rescue the company through innovation and experimentation of his car designs. In January 1924 his long time project and prototype came into complete being, was introduced in the American market and was well-received. The Chrysler Six Automobile has a 6-cylinder engine, well-engineered and has an advance design but was most affordable to the standard American. In 1925 when Maxwell needed an overhaul with its management and its system, Chrysler re-organized it to form a solid and well organized company. On June 6, 1925, Walter P. Chrysler introduced Chrysler Corporation to the world and became the president. Chrysler’s era was full of challenges as he introduced classic cars that were in balance with the style of yesterday. Ford Motor Company and the General Motors Corporation was the clear competitor in that period and with the popularity of car sporting, Chrysler introduces the Plymouth to be the best car any sport racer could ask for. As the years entered the 1950s, there was an established dominance with the three major American automobile companies and that is to mass produce cars of their every design in order to gain advantage of client’s trend. These 3 major companies were all located near Detroit, Michigan and were all rapidly expanding in the domestic market. Even with a little competition from foreign competitors, the industry grew rapidly, producing bigger and better and affordable cars to match changing consumer choice of style and needs. Regarding the cars as necessities, interstate highway system was constructed for the transition from urban to suburban areas and traveling has never been easier and enjoyable. The time of the automobile had arrived and contributed much too fast to industrialization. Decades after the Second World War there was a slight setback in American automobile industry. In the late 1960s the American automakers are having adversarial relationships with their suppliers. The cost of the materials in manufacturing car supplies and equipment could not support the fast modernization and production of the car industry and therefore resulted in production inefficiency. The end result was suffering for the suppliers. There was the need for outsourcing of component parts and supplies and competitive biddings were done by the car manufacturers to maintain productivity. The car makers even forced the suppliers to give them a steady supply of materials although there is already the problem on high production cost for supplies. This trend resulted in a highly competitive market structure among automotive makers wherein the large buyers are able to abuse smaller parts and component makers. The 1970s was the decade in the introduction of foreign cars by the Japanese. Theirs were smaller, less expensive and more fuel efficient than the large and gas consuming American cars. Their method of company management was also recognized by the Americans as strict but with direction, disciplined but precise and particular but with best quality control measures. This was now the global competition for car manufacturing. The 1980s was the decade for the Japanese automakers to celebrate. They were making cars what the people needs- small but trendy and comfortable. Able to join the free world market the Japanese are having momentum in the car manufacturing industry in the world market and are selling good. This looks like trouble to the American manufacturers. Although there was the opening of gate to foreign exporters the carmakers of America directly advised the Japanese to regulate the exportation of cars to the US or else their own industry would be in trouble. The Japanese complied with the concern of the Americans. In effect the Americans allowed the Japanese to put up and run their own car manufacturing plants in the US soil. From 1980 and 1990, Japanese automakers led by Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota totally invested $5. 3 billion in North America for cars alone. The Japanese are well known for their discipline, dedication and hard work. They do this with their lifestyle and even to work. Their production style and manufacturing practices give them superior support in terms of efficiency, quality assurance and economy. To be able to protect American’s position in their share in the domestic market and to be able to compete in the global economy the Japanese served as good examples for the Americans in their car manufacturing business. Daimler-Benz purchased Chrysler in 1998 and later changed the name of the company into DaimlerChrysler Motors Company LLC. The company became the fifth largest auto maker in the world with estimated annual revenue of $130 billion. The merging of two large companies resulted in a workforce of 421,000 employees worldwide and declared to be a merger of equals thought evidently Daimler-Benz is the dominant partner. Chrysler went into another crisis after this union. The year 2001 was the phasing-out of The Plymouth. Cost-cutting plans were done by sharing of components as well as platforms. The result of this program was the development of the Chrysler Crossfire which has a strong influence by the Mercedes. By the year 2004, the Chrysler 300 and the new introduced Hemi V8 became the top selling brand of the company. The restructuring efforts have contributed to the company’s financial performance as well as the introduction of the these two new brands to the world market.. The partnership of Mitsubishi and Daimler-Chrysler also ended as Daimler divested most of its shares in the firm and also due to Mitsubishi’s diving sales worldwide. Today, the European Commission has approved of the U. S. buyout firm Cerberus Capital Management (CBS) to purchase carmaker Chrysler from DaimlerChrysler (DCXGn) and the deal was approved under basic procedures because nobody lodged any objection, the Commission said. Without any option DaimlerChrysler conceded to sell most of its shares and some of its services that concerns with financing to Cerberus (Reuters, 2007). Meanwhile, the Chrysler Group with the need to restructure its field organization has created five Regional Business Centers to have focus on sales for each region. Every center is empowered to make plans relative to the car’s accessories and parts, incentives and its market. The five Regional Business Centers are located in Detroit, New York, Orlando, Dallas and Los Angeles. The centers will be supported locally with enough assistance such as Finance, Legal, Marketing, Parts Service, Fleet, Customer Relations, Training and Warranty personnel. There would be a need for downsizing staff and re-deployment to the Regional Business Centers. This is done to directly service the dealers and the local markets. It was assumed that the restructuring in the organization will be faster, more responsive and more efficient. (Group, 2007) After many years of pitfalls and improvement and the innovation of cars to the new world, Chrysler has experienced lots of changes and loses just like any giant companies which dominate the car world for decades. Chrysler has been employing many personalities known for their superior management style and productivity. But business is business and there is always a change of climate and trends. Although over the years the primary concern of the car industry is always focused on saving the company with output expenses but maintaining quality and sales, the internal problem would always affect the company’s growth and existence. Now that Chrysler has a new and restructured organization and plans, the need for other strategies to improve productivity is needed. Within the company, jobs are created and sometimes are getting lost too. Ironically, there must be the feeling of hopelessness of the employees because they knew that working with a company that had strived, lose and survived again seems to bring worries. Nobody knows the future and this sometimes causes demoralization to the individuals. Management has always been changing and it only put shivers to every employee that another management who has the capacity to run the company is now looming their heads. This is where enhanced motivations to drive force to the working people must be employed. Motivational strategies are required to every company to lit up the workers into working more, produce more, and be happy about it. But one thing is for sure. Motivation improves when everything in the organization is organized. So the keyword here is â€Å"Organization†. To top it all, the characteristic of a good organization can best be described if everything being done inside the workplace is meaningful to the workers. One of the best methods the organization must include is the injection of beneficial related tasks to the task that were already in practice. A positive environment greatly contributes to the worker’s attitude inside the workplace. Erroneous beliefs, wrong assumptions and expectations that may bring negative learning and guilt must be faced with positive confrontations. If needed, any indication or components that may lead to failure or fear must be removed. Activities that allow the employees to learn should always be advocated. Within an organized institution, an observation for any discontent within the workforce must be enforced. Make the employees involve themselves with the plans, giving them options on how to be more productive. Involve them with all the tasks that require acceleration of learning, interest and efficiency. Organize them so they can have smaller groups and provide them the right to choose their group leaders which can also motivate them to relate and work with bigger groups. From a small group with group leaders into teams and team leaders, this could essentially form a network of supporters for every cell within the organization and company. Sharing is one big factor that emanates from each member of an organization to the top management. Sharing is learning, learning is giving the company the capability to be more adept and ready with any internal and external changes. In conclusion, there must be a continuous supply of feedback particularly to the management. It must recognize that the progress of the company begins from the workforce. If the company does not recognize that there is always the feeling of discomfort and lack of interest to be productive. Recognition breeds motivation. Chrysler has already evolved into a giant corporation and already withstands difficult times. It had already recognized and imitated the work ethics of the Japanese and it still has enough manpower and brains to stir its way to top. Lots of management changes must have contributed to the adoption of different management style and quality employment within the company. But the company must always have to choose the best and not the easiest methods. Motivated people provide growth and stability to the company. Loyalty and trust of all the people within is the best way to avoid losing the best assets of the company. The people within are the driving force of an organization. References Group, C. (2007). Chrysler Group Restructures Field Organization To Empower Local Management [Electronic Version] from http://www. prnewswire. com/cgi-bin/stories. pl? ACCT=105STORY=/www/story/03-26-2001/0001455476. Reuters. (2007). EU Approves Purchase of Chrysler By Cerberus [Electronic Version] from http://www. bnet. com/2407-13071_23-93331. html.

Congressional Move to Balance the Budget on Education and Social Welfare :: Politics Political Essays

Congressional Move to Balance the Budget on Education and Social Welfare The current Congressional move toward a balanced budget is the one theme in Congress debate. The parameters of debate have in fact become very narrow. The Republicans want to balance the budget in seven years. President Clinton is holding out to ten. Either way, Congress is likely this year to make some deep reduction in government outlays. These cuts in funding are going to affect all the areas of the economy, specially education and social welfare. Simply getting into college is a challenge for everyone. The difficulties do not end once you have received that much hoped for college acceptance letters. The truth is that many students with skills, qualifications and a desire for a college education are stopped short in their quest for knowledge and better employment opportunities by the high costs of tuition and student living expenses. Unless a tuition-needy student wins the lottery, his or her most realistic options for getting a college education are interest-consuming college loans or scholarships. In response to this financial need, many corporations, government agencies and civil groups have instituted scholarship programs that give students more of a fighting chance in the high competitive race for financial aid. This aid is going to be affected by the education funding cuts; specially the aid offered by government agencies. These cuts would decrease the number of professionals that are going to graduate in the future, which at the same time would affect the technological and scientific growth of the country, fields in which the United States holds one of the first places in the world. Also this reduction in education funds would reduce the options for young people making them even more confused about what life has to offer them and what should they do in the future. In some cases this situation can confuse the student so much, putting them in a situation similar to the one that Hamlet was in the Shakespearian play when he expressed his famous soliloquy: "TO BE OR NOT TO BE." ; where the two options in this case would be: one to stay fighting for their dreams or to take an easy way out that sometimes can take them to their own destruction.

Causes of Mass Failure in English Language

ISSN  2039? 2117 Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  Sciences Vol  3  (1)  January  2012Causes of rising failure of the students’ in the subject of English at Secondary Level Gulap Shahzada (Corresponding & Principal author) Institute of Education & Research University of Science & Technology, Bannu, Pakistan [email  protected] com Dr. Safdar Rehman Ghazi Institute of Education & Research University of Science & Technology, Bannu, Pakistan [email  protected] com Dr.Umar Ali Khan Director Institute of Education & Research Gomal University DIKhan, Pakistan [email  protected] com Doi: 10. 5901/mjss. 2012. 03. 01. 603 Abstract Purpose of this research was to find out causes of rising failure of the students’ in the subject of English at Secondary Level. This study was descriptive in nature. All the male secondary schools in district Bannu constituted population of this study. From 50 secondary schools 100 English teachers were randomly selected as a sample of the study.A questionnaire for secondary school teachers was de veloped to collect data. To analyze and interpret data, simple percentage was used. Results of the study showed that majority of the respondents approved that teacher of English are not qualified and well trained, teachers of English do not teach English in a proper manner, Audio- Visual aids are not used in English class, The course is not compatible to the present time, teachers of linguistics are not present in our schools, English is given importance in the annual progress of the students in school.It was recommended that Qualified and well trained teachers may be appointed for English, teachers of English may use modern teaching method instead of traditional methods, Audio visual aids may be used such as language lab, gramophone, English course may be made compatible to the present time, Teachers may be encouraged to get linguistics knowledge. Keywords: English language, Audio, Visual aids, Communication, International 1. Introduction The kind of Education, offered to their peo ple by the countries of the world is always related to their progress and advancement.The more the people of societies are Educated, the more they are civilized and well disciplined. It is a fact –universally recognized, that Education is the prime key to moral, cultural, political and socio-economic development of a nation. Islam being a revolutionary faith made it obligatory on every man and woman to acquire knowledge and exerted them undertake long and tedious journey to distant land in search of it. Emphasizing the importance of Education and learning in Islam it is enough to note that the first revelation of the Prophet was â€Å"Read in the name of thy Lord who created†.It is through Education that a person gets an insight to understand and resolve his problems as well as those of his society (Government of Pakistan, 1998).605 ISSN  2039? 2117Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  SciencesVol  3  (1)  January  2012 Secondary Education is considered to be an important sub sector of the entire Education system. If it provides middle level workers for the economy on one hand, and on the other, it acts as a feeder for the higher level of Education.The quality of Higher Education depends upon the quality of secondary Education which is expected to produce high quality professionals in different fields of Social, Economic and Political life of the country. Thus Secondary level of Education therefore, requires to be organized in such a way that it should prepare young men and women for the pursuit of Higher Education, as well as make them able to adjust with their practical lives meaningfully and productively (Bhatti, 1987).An excellent opportunity is, therefore provided by four years of secondary education to the Educators and Educationists to conceive and launch programs which initiate the learners in to proper forms of behaviour and attitudes, which leads to decent productive and peaceful life in future (Govt of Pakistan, 1998). According to Encyclopedia Britannica (2005), a system of conventional, spoken or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, communicate is called a language.No nation on the globe can make progress in all fields of life, without having proficiency and good command of English. It is a great wonder that quality of instruction in English and results of the Examinations: in the subject of English were the lowest of all the other subjects. The medium by which we communicate our thoughts and feelings to our fellowmen , the tool with which we conduct our business or government, the vehicle in the Science, Philosophy, the poetry of the race have been transmitted is surely worthy of study . It is fact that most of the time and energy is consumed in teaching and learning of English.In spite of all these our students are weak in English. So the government realized the importance of English and has made it compulsory from the ve ry first level. According to Aggarwal (1995 ) command over English is a vehicle of thought and lack of command over it is bound to make thoughts inexpressible, only those who understand any language can express themselves in that language. This is the age of Science and technology, and no country can afford isolation from the social, Educational, Scientific and cultural movements profession like Engineering, Medicines, Agriculture and Industries.After all English is the language of the greatest power of the world. It spread as the language of the colonies of Britain in Africa and Asian countries (Griffer, 2002). The power of English will be increased by globalization, United States, World Bank, IMF etc. will control these jobs, which have started operating increasingly in English. This trend will increase the demand for English Schooling, which will make parents invest in English at the cost of their own languages (Skutnabb, 2000).According to Nicholas (1998), in the teaching of Eng lish, the teachers generally use Translation Method which is an old Method of Teaching; therefore, our students cannot get command over English language, as evident from the fact that there are a large number of students who fail in English at Secondary level. So, in light of the above mentioned facts the knowledge of English language is most important for a nation, but majority of the students fail in English because of lack of language learning Environment, Outdated curriculum, rigid Teaching Methods and incompetent English language Teachers in the Academic and professional Areas.Functional grammar is not taught and practiced, in the classrooms more importance is given to the teaching of English text-Books. For the study of English successfully, the teacher must help the students to acquire four Art skills in the language, namely; speaking, reading, listening and writing (Kolawole, 1998). 2. The Importance of English The importance of the English language is an open secret . We se es in our society that a little child whom we say the best philosopher is also in the struggle of learning the English language.Besides that we have remained the colony of the British Empire, therefore, we have the natural inclination towards the English language. The importance of the English language is naturally very great. English is the language not only of 606 ISSN 2039? 2117 Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  SciencesVol  3  (1)  January  2012 England but of the extensive dominions and colonies associated in the British Empire, and it is the language of the United States spoken by over 260 million people, it is in the number who speak it the largest of the occidental languages.English speaking people constitute about one tenth of the world’s population English, however, is not the largest language in the world. The more conservative estimates of the population of china would indicate that Chinese is spoken by about 450 million people. But his numerical ascendancy of English among European languages can be seen by a few comparative figures. Russian, next in size to English, is spoken by about 140 millions people, Spanish by 135 millions; German by 90 millions, Portuguese by 63 millions, French by 60 millions; Italian by 50 millions.Thus at the present time English has the advantage in numbers over al other western languages. Bu the importance of a language is not alone a matter of numbers or territory; it depends also on the importance of the people who speak it. The importance of a language is inevitably associated in the mind of the world with the political role played by the nations using it and their fluency in international affairs; with the confidence people feel in financial position and the certainty with which they will meet their obligations i. e. pay their debts to other nations, meet the interest on their bonds, maintain the gold or other basis of their business enterprise and the international scope of their commerce; with the conditions of life under which the great mass of their people live; and with the part played by them in art and literature and music, in science and invention, in exploration and discovery. English is the mother tongue of nations whose combined political influence, economic soundness, commercial activity, social well being and scientific and cultural contributions to civilization give impressive support to its numerical precedence (Albert, 1983).A study was conducted by Sabiha Mansoor of Agha Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan on culture and teaching of English as a second language for Pakistani students in the year 2008. If we have to make, the teaching of English in Pakistan we need to reform and restructure the teaching of English in Pakistan, as this study reveals. Not only would this involve an understanding of the needs of the English Students, but also the place of culture both local and global in their language learning process.We would have to take in to account t he sociolinguistic aspects of English in the Pakistani as well as the international context while redressing and restructure the English literature course. To make the learning of English interesting and useful for the learners, Pakistani English teachers will have to take cognizance of the relationship between language and culture. If local culture is included in to the curriculum, methodology and teaching materials of TESL, it would make, learning easier and more meaningful for Pakistani students. Vocabulary the most obvious influence of language and culture on thought.The researcher pointed out that presently the material used for teaching, Family background is the most important and most weighty factor in determining the academic performance. A study was conducted by Shafiullah Khan of university of science and technology Bannu on the causes of failure in the subject of English at secondary level in district Bannu, in the year, 2007. The major findings of the result related to t his area of study were given as under: 1. Majority of the respondents reported that untrained teachers are one of the causes of student’s failure in SSC. 2.Majority of the teachers agreed that overcrowded class room is the cause of student’s failure in English. 3. Majority of respondents approved that SSC students are overcrowded and it is the cause of failure. 4. Majority of the teachers accepted that old system of examination is the cause of failure. 5. Majority of the respondents approved that English is the difficult subject. Keeping in view the importance of the problem this study was designed to know the causes of the rising failure in the subject of English. 607 ISSN  2039? 2117 Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  Sciences Vol  3  (1)  January  2012 . Statement of the Problem The problem under the study was to investigate the causes of rising failure of the students in the subject of English at secondary level. 4. Objectives of the Study Follow ing was the main objective of the study. 1. To find out causes of the rising failure of the students in the subject of English among students at secondary level. 2. To give suggestion for the improvement of the situation. 5. Significance of the Study Education plays a vital role in the progress of any country of the world. Those nations who have equipped themselves with better education enjoy their prestigious status amongst the world.Today is the age of English language. English language is being taught as a compulsory subject in Pakistan. Being a foreign language, the teaching and learning English is a problem not only for the students but also for the teachers too. This study will be significant for the following reasons for both the teachers and students and curriculum developers. 1. The study may be helpful in finding the causes of rising failure in English. 2. The study may be helpful for the teachers in order to equip themselves with modern methodology and techniques regardin g the teaching of English 3.The study may be helpful in developing the proper curriculum for English. 6. Delimitation of the Study The study was delimited to all the male English teachers at secondary level in district Bannu. 7. Research Methodology This research was aimed to find out causes of the rising failure of the students in the subject of English at Secondary Level. This study was descriptive in nature. The following methodology was used: 7. 1 Population All the Govt. secondary schools in of district Bannu constituted population of this study. 7. 2 Sample One hundred English teachers of secondary level were selected from 50 secondary schools s a sample using simple random sampling technique. 7. 3 Research Instrument A questionnaire was developed with the help of research expert. It was administered to 30 students as pilot run in order to remove any ambiguity in the statements. 608 ISSN  2039? 2117 Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  Sciences Vol  3  (1)  Janu ary  2012 7. 4 Data Collection The questionnaires were personally among the 100 teachers who were randomly selected. The researcher personally remained there in order to remove any misunderstanding in the questionnaire. 7. 5.Analysis of Data The data collected were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted in the light of the objectives of the study. Simple percentage was used for analysis of data. 8. Findings 1. 0% teachers are strongly agree, 0% teachers are agree, 0% teachers are somewhat agree. 39% teachers are disagree and 61% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å"Teachers of English are qualified and well trained†. 2. 0% teachers are strongly agree, 0% teachers are agree, 0% teachers are somewhat agree, 64% teachers are disagree and 36% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Teacher of English teaches English in a proper way†. . 45% teachers are strongly agree, 54% teachers are agree, 1% teachers are somewhat agree, 0% teache rs are disagree and 0% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Teacher of English takes his class regularly†. 4. 52% teachers are strongly agree, 42% teachers are agree, 2% teachers are somewhat agree, 4% teachers are disagree and 0% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Teachers of English explain difficult words in an easy way†. 5. 6% teachers are strongly agree, 36% teachers are agree, 10% teachers are somewhat agree, 8% teachers are disagree and 0% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Teachers of English comes with full preparation for his lesson†. 6. 12% teachers are strongly agree, 11% teachers are agree, 2% teachers are somewhat agree, 29% teachers are disagree and 46% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Audio-Visual aids are used in the teaching of English†. 7. %5 teachers are trongly agree, 5% teachers are agree, 3% teachers are somewhat agree, 37% teachers a re disagree and 50% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Syllabus of English is lengthy†. 8. 3% teachers are strongly agree, 7% teachers are agree , 14% teachers are somewhat agree, 20% teachers are disagree and 66% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" syllabus of English is difficult†. 9. 3% teachers are strongly agree, 6% teachers are agree, 0% teachers are somewhat agree, 40% teachers are disagree and 50% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" The course is compatible to the present time†. 0. 27% teachers are strongly agree, 13% teachers are agree, 5% teachers are somewhat agree, 20% teachers are disagree and 35% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" There are suitable number of English periods in timetable†. 11. 19% teachers are strongly agree, 31% teachers are agree, 20% teachers are somewhat agree, 10% teachers are disagree and 20% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" The length of time of an English period is suitable†. 12. 3% teachers are strongly agree, 34% teachers are agree, 8% teachers are somewhat agree, 10% teachers are strongly agree and 5% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Tests are taken regularly in an English class†. 609 ISSN  2039? 2117 Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  Sciences Vol  3  (1)  January  2012 13. 12% teachers are agree, 8% teachers are strongly agree, 0% teachers are somewhat agree, 43% teachers are disagree and 37% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" teachers of linguistic are present for teaching English†. 4. 40 % teachers are strongly agree, 35% teachers are agree, 10% teachers are somewhat agree, 8% teachers are disagree and 7% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Headmaster asks about performance from our teacher†. 15. 36% teachers are strongly agree, 28% teachers ar e agree, 6 % teachers are somewhat agree, 20% teachers are disagree and 10% teachers are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Head master takes interest in our English Lesson†. 16. 30% teachers are strongly gree, 21% teachers are agree, 8% teachers are somewhat agree21% teachers are disagree and 20% teachers are agree to the statement that â€Å" duration of the period is reasonable†. 17. 30% teachers are strongly agree, 37% teachers are agree, 7% teachers are somewhat agree, 20% teachers are disagree and 6% teachers strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" Monthly tests are given at school†. 18. 38% teachers are strongly agree, 40% teachers are agree, 5% teachers are somewhat agree, 10% teachers are disagree and 10% teachers are disagree to the statement that â€Å" period of English lesson begins in time†. 19. 3% teachers are strongly agree, 33% teachers are agree, 4% teachers are somewhat agree, 10% teachers are disagree and 10% teacher s are strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" English is given importance in the annual progress of the student in school†. 20. 30% teachers are strongly agree, 15% teachers are agree, 30% teachers are somewhat agree, 10% teachers are disagree and 15% teachers strongly disagree to the statement that â€Å" The method of setting English paper is correct†. 9. Conclusions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Teacher of English are not qualified and well trained. Teachers of English don not teach English in a proper manner.They are teaching through traditional (grammar translation) method. Teachers of English take their classes regularly. Teachers of English come to class with preparation. Audio- Visual aids are not used in English class. The course is not compatible to the present time. Teachers of linguistics are not present in our schools. English is given importance in the annual progress of the students in school. 10. Recommendations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Qualified and well traine d teachers may be appointed for English. Teachers who have command over pronunciation, functional grammar and vocabulary.Teachers of English may use modern teaching method instead of traditional methods. Direct method of teaching English may be used because it is a natural method of teaching a language. Audio visual aids may be used such as language lab; cassette player, computer and English talking dictionary are very helpful in teaching a language. English course may be made compatible to the present time. Native literature should be included in the curriculum instead of foreign, in order to arouse interest of the students. Teachers may be encouraged to get linguistics knowledge. They may be trained in phonology and phonetics. 10 ISSN  2039? 2117 Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  Sciences Vol  3  (1)  January  2012 References Aggarwal J. C. 1995. Essentials of Examination System, Vikas Publishing House (pvt) Ltd Bhatti, M. A. 1987. Secondary Education in Pakist an: Perspective Planning. National Education Council, Islamabad. Pakistan. pp. 223242. Brutt- Griffler, J. (2002). Word English. A study of its development. Clevedon, England. Multilingual Matters. Government of Pakistan. 1998. National Education Policy ,Ministry of Education , Islamabad,Pakistan. pp. 45-47. Khan, Shafiullah (2007).Failure in the Subject of English at SSC Level . A Master Thesis ,University of Science and Technology ,Bannu. Sabiha Mansoor (2008) Culture and teaching of English as a second language for Pakistani students, Agha Khan University Karachi, Pakistan. Skutnabb-Kangas, Tove (2000). Linguistic Genocide in Education – or Worldwide Diversity and Human Rights? Mahwah, N. J. : Lawrence Erlbaum (also 2008, Delhi: Orient Longman). Kolawole (1997). ‘Essentials of Language Learning and Language Teaching’. In E. T. O. Bamisaiye (Ed. ). Studies in Language and Linguistics. Ibadan: Montem Publishers. Nicholas , H. (1982).A History of Foreign World in English , 48 Governors Street , London , UK. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2005, vol 13. Delhi, India . pp. 12-16. Causes of rising failure of the students in the subject of English (N0=100) Strongly agree =SA, Agree =A, somewhat agree =SWA, Disagree =DA, strongly disagree= SDA SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Teacher of English is qualified and well trained. Teacher of English teaches English in a proper manner. Teacher of English teaches his class regularly. Teacher of English explains difficult words in an easy way. Teacher of English comes with l preparation for his lesson.Audio-visual aids are used in the teaching of English. Syllabus of English is lengthy. Syllabus English is difficult. The course is compatible to the present time. There is suitable number of English periods in timetable. The time of an English period is suitable. Monthly test are taken regularly in an English class. Teachers of linguistic are present for teaching English. head master asks abo ut our performance from our English teacher The Head master takes interests in our English class duration of the periods is reasonable The 1st quarter, 3rd quarter and annual examination are given in School. he periods begin in time. English is given importance in the annual progress of the students in school. The method of setting the English papers is correct. 0% 0% 45% 52% 46% 12% 5% 3% 3% 27% 19% 43% 12% 40% 36% 30% 30% 38% 43% 30% A 0% 0% 54% 42% 36% 11% 5% 7% 6% 13% 31% 34% 8% 35% 28% 21% 37% 40% 33% 15% SWA 0% 0% 1% 2% 10% 2% 3% 14% 0% 5% 20% 8% 0% 10% 6% 8% 7% 5% 4% 30% DA 39% 64% 0% 4% 8% 29% 37% 20% 40% 20% 10% 10% 43% 8% 20% 21% 20% 10% 10% 10% SDA 61% 36% 0% 0% 0% 46% 50% 66% 50% 35% 20% 5% 37% 7% 10% 20% 6% 7% 10% 15% 611

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Case

The sudden increase of the production complexity, in seat volumes and variations, made some evident flaws in the production capabilities of Toyota’s Georgetown production plant. The root problem TMM facing is lack of coordination and planning within the companies’ departments as well with its supplier KFS. For the supplier KFS, TMM didn’t assess their practical production capacity before launching new models. As a result, the sudden change of production volume due to new modifications caused a series of problems in supply quality and timing. The frequent change of demand from TMM made KFS hard to respond and fulfill the orders. As the quality issue of seats occurred, it indicated that KFS was not ready to produce the new model seats with a high volume and to meet demand of variations. The JIT production strategy doesn’t allow supply issues, but in practice, TMM left the vehicles with problematic seats instead of shutting down the production line to avoid high cost, which against traditional TPS. As a result, a greater negative impact on the production line was created, such as more vehicles without seats stuck at overflow area. Additional to the supply issues, the workers in the Georgetown plant were not well trained for assembling new models as well. When they found defective parts, TMM failed to follow up the solutions of such problems; delay in response also made the same problems to occur frequently. On the other hand, overtime became another issue due to low quality work. In the long run, our recommendation to TMM is to setup a cross functional team in order to manage the projects related to the production of new vehicle models. Doing so will lead TMM to a better communication along the different departments and with its suppliers as well. Sharing forecasts and design of future parts in advance with suppliers will improve the production efficiency. Cooperation in design with the supplier will decrease the defective rate in parts production such as the car seats. It is also highly recommended to build up an in-house training program to coach workers to assemble new models appropriately. Workers will be more capable to solve the problem by themselves after training. TMM needs to go back to the TPS and try to solve problems on the line instead of leaving them away. In the short run, TMM should give more time to KFS to fulfill the order, and when the problem occurred, it is better for them to solve together. Reviewing and tracing the problematic parts are necessary; the new team should focus on the complaints from bottom workers, and then give the information back to suppliers (KFS) as soon as possible. In this way, it is much easier to ensure the quality of new arrival parts and in case of the same problem occur again.

Toddlerhood Essays

Toddlerhood Essays Toddlerhood Paper Toddlerhood Paper Toddlers use self-control when they want something they cant have, or when they are forced Into a situation they do not want to be In. For example, a child may want a candy bar, but the caregiver refuses to give It to them Immediately. The toddler uses their ability of self-control to Walt patiently until they are allowed to have the candy bar. Psychosocial Crisis The psychosocial crisis of toddlers Is autonomy versus shame and doubt. Autonomy is a toddlers sense that they can do things on their own instead of with the assistance of the caregiver. A toddlers ability to do something on their own boosts their self-esteem in accomplishing tasks and makes them more confident in themselves later on in life. If a caregiver is supportive and praising when a toddler does something correctly on their own, the positive outcome of the psychosocial crisis for this stage of life is achieved. Shame and doubt is a toddlers sense that they cannot do anything right on their own, causing them to second-guess themselves more often that not. Shame and doubt is the negative outcome of this psychosocial rises, and it can be caused from caregivers who are not praising and supportive of their childs sense of autonomy. If, for example, the caregiver scolds the child for doing something wrong every time they attempt to complete the task, the child will not be confident in themselves whenever they try to do something on their own. Later in life, these toddlers will have a low sense of self-esteem and will always question the validity of their actions. Central Process The central process for the stage of toddlers is imitation. Toddlers use Imitation in order to best learn how to do things. A toddler may imitate an older sibling tying their shoes in order to fully learn how to tie their own shoes. Imitation can also be used for fantasy play; a child may Imitate their mother washing the dishes after observing her and how she completes the task. Coping Mechanisms The prime adaptive ego quality of this stage of life Is will. Will Is the capacity of the mind to direct and control action. Without will, toddlers would not be able to control themselves when necessary or develop a sense of autonomy. Toddlers who do not eve a strong will become adults that do not make decisions for themselves often unless otherwise directed by another. The core pathology of this life stage Is compulsion. Compulsion Is developed when toddlers do not develop a strong sense of self-control Is established. Toddlers with a low will power often give In to their compulsions, be them good or bad; toddlers may steal candy bars if they want it or hurt someone because they are not happy with teem. Compulsion can also De a sense Tanat things must time they are completed. De cone a CE rattan way every

The Economics of Sales Taxes

The Economics of Sales Taxes The Glossary of Economics Terms defines a sales tax as a tax levied on the sale of a good or service, which is usually proportional to the price of the good or service sold. The Two Types of Sales Taxes Sales taxes come in two varieties. The first is a consumption tax or retail sales tax which is a straight percentage tax placed on the sale of a good. These are the traditional type of sales tax.The second type of sales tax is a value added tax. On a value-added tax (VAT), the net tax amount is the difference between the input costs and the sales price. If a retailer pays $30 for a good from a wholesaler and charges the customer $40, then the net tax is only placed on the $10 difference. VATs are used in Canada (GST), Australia (GST) and all member countries of the European Union (EU VAT). Sales Tax - What Advantages Do Sales Taxes Have? The biggest advantage to sales taxes are how economically efficient they are in collecting a single dollar of revenue for the government - that is, they have the smallest negative impact on the economy per dollar collected. Sales Tax - Evidence of Advantages In an article about taxation in Canada a 2002 Fraser Institute study was cited on the marginal efficiency cost of various taxes in Canada. They found that per dollar collected, corporate income taxes did $1.55 in damage to the economy. Income taxes were somewhat more efficient in only doing $0.56 worth of damage per dollar collected. Sales taxes, however, came out on top with only $0.17 in economic damage per dollar collected. Sales Taxes - What Disadvantages Does a Sales Tax Have? The biggest drawback to sales taxes, in the eyes of many, are that they are a regressive tax - A tax on income in which the proportion of tax paid relative to income decreases as income increases. The regressivity  problem can be overcome, if desired, through the use of rebate cheques and tax exemptions on necessities. The Canadian GST uses both of these mechanisms to reduce the regressivity tax. The FairTax Sales Tax Proposal Due to the advantages inherent in using sales taxes, it is not surprising that some believe that the United States should base their entire tax system on sales taxes rather than income taxes. The FairTax, if implemented would replace most U.S. taxes with a national sales tax at a 23-percent tax inclusive (equivalent to a 30-percent tax exclusive) rate. Families would also be issued prebate cheques as to eliminate the inherent regressivity of a sales tax system.

Compare and contrast the marketing strategies of two companies Essay

Compare and contrast the marketing strategies of two companies - Essay Example Both companies like to keep their product at the introductory and growth stages of the product lifecycle by introducing new models of cars to the market. BMW Company does not like having their products at the maturity or declining stage of product life cycle. They like introducing new models of cars to the market so as to keep a competitive edge over other automobile companies in the industry. In contrast, although the Rolls Royce Company keeps their products in the introductory and growth stage of product life cycle, this company also maintains their products in the maturity and decline stage of life. This is because they target a sale market of middle-income earners (Smith, 2013). Both companies use similar market approaches so as to have a competitive advantage over other automobile companies in the market. They both produce products that serve the global needs of customers. The two companies’ produces new models of cars to suit the customers demand and recognizes the need of quality and luxury as both of their products is built on this attributes. The two companies, therefore, produces attractive and trend products that suit the needs of their customers. Both companies differentiate their market into demographic segmentation. This market is segmented into income, age, and gender. Therefore, the two companies produce products that favor these segments of the market. BMW produce products that target high-income earners basing on the economic segment. Their target customers are those with an income of $75,000 unlike the Rolls Royce, who targets customers with an income of more than $30, 000. These makes BMW brands most common among the rich while the Rolls Royce more common among the middle-income earners ( Simms & Trott, 2007). Both companies have a good number of market dealership and imports from no dealership-networked countries. They both have various manufacturing plants in Germany and UK with the companies operating in more than 100