Defining Abnormality †Towards a definition Essay

The statistical approach is based on the idea that certain behaviours are statistically rare in the population. If you measure any type of human behaviour you should find that people with varying degrees of the behaviour are normally distributed around the mean. For example there are a lot of people who are of average height but few people who are very small. If we plot a graph of for example IQ scores, It is bell shaped. The majority of individuals are clustered around the mean (the curves highest point). The further you go away from the mean, the fewer people there are. Problems Desirability-some statistically infrequent behaviours, e.g. being a genius are desirable. Cut-off point-who decides at what point you are to be considered abnormal? Statistical Definitions-The Same standards or norms are not relevant to all social groups/ ages/cultures for example in terms of anxiety. Children have more irrational fears than adults. Deviation from social norms Social norms are behaviours that are desirable for both the individual and society as a whole. Deviance from social norms is both undesirable and abnormal. Most mentally Ill people do behave in a socially deviant way but this doesn’t mean that you can base clinical abnormality on this theory alone. Moral standards-social norms change over time and basing mental illness on deviation from social norms is dangerous. Context-for example, wearing few items of clothing on the beach is acceptable, on the high street it is not. Sub Cultures-for example in the Mormon religion it is acceptable to have several wives. In England that is a crime called bigamy Good/Bad-in some certain circumstances being socially deviant is a good thing for example in Nazi Germany people who were opposed to Nazism were socially deviant. Collectivistic cultures-cultures which emphasise the greater good of the community rather than focusing on individual achievement would not find the first three characteristics relevant. Difficult-most people would have difficulty fitting all these criteria at most times in their lives. Cultural relativism A limitation to all ways of defining abnormality is that no definition is relevant to all cultures. Also cultures definitions change over time. For example Homosexuality was considered to be a mental disease till the 80’s.

Report in Delta Life Insurance Company

Executive Summary The development of a country depends up on the consolidate development of all infrastructures like-agricultural sector, industrial sector, financial sector, technological sector etc. But developing all these structures is not easy. A lot of troubles and threats always hinder and make difficulties to success. The most difficult problem is financial risk. So if it is feasible to provide financial protection then most of the structural development will be achievable with minimal efforts. And the most well known practical method for handling financial risk is insurance.Delta Life Insurance Company Limited was incorporated in November 10, 1986 and is mainly engaged in Ordinary Life (OL), Group Insurance (GI), Health Insurance (HI) business and non-traditional micro insurance business under the name of Gono-Grameen Bima (GN-GRB). The Company is a publicly traded Company and its shares are listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange. However, we have p repared this report on Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd, which is one of the growing and prospective insurance companies in the insurance industry.The company is providing protection and financial security to the nation, whilst adding shareholders value thought customer service excellence. By the way of examining and evaluation the functions and performance of Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd, we tried to illustrate a true scenario of insurance industry of Bangladesh. Our report topic is ? Overall Activities Delta Life Insurance Co. Lid?. So, to get an accurate realization about Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Basically, we emphasize on underwriting process & claim settlement issues of Delta Life Insurance Company. 1. Introduction: 1. Origin: As we are the student of business administration we have been authorized by our guide teacher to prepare a report on the activities of Delta Life Insurance Company given to the customers and their underwriting process and claim settlement. 1. 2 Objective s of the report: 1. 2. 1: Broad Objectives: A broad objective is to find out the overall activities of Delta Life Insurance Company ltd and the procedure of underwriting processes and claim settlement issues 1. 2. 2: Specific Objectives: 1. To have a brief idea about insurance industry and their policy and procedures 2.To find out their services. 3. To find out the different products. 4. To find out the different types rates. 5. To find out the different types condition 1. 3 Scope: To find out the overall activities & accounts department of Delta Life Insurance Company ltd we have visited Motijheel Branch of Delta life insurance compny. 1. 4: Methodology: * Primary Data: Primary data was collected with the help of information given by M. Mosharaof Hossain, Assistant vice president, Delta life insurance company * Secondary Data: Secondary data was collected form the following sources: * Websites Books regarding insurance * Articles on insurance policies 1. 5: Limitations: In this sho rt time, we have tried to give our maximum effort to provide the information about the total activities of Delta Life Insurance Company ltd. Several drawbacks that appeared at the time of preparing the report and hindered the total work process are as under: Time limitation: The limitation of this study involved limited time frame that was available for completing such an in-depth report. Our semester consists of four month.Within this time most of the teachers give the assignment or report after mid term exam and we are required to prepare and submit assignment or report within this short time. As a result we had to divide time for preparing report for our courses. As a partial fulfillment of our course we also required to prepare this report within short time. So it was hard to complete tis assignment covering all important matters . Other limitations: * One of the main barriers of the report was the confidentiality of the data * Not able to collect information from the source. It was difficult to include all the information to prepare a proper report Company Background Name, Address, Established date & some words Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd. established mainly through the initiative of a group of Bangladeshi professionals then working abroad along with a few enthusiastic local entrepreneurs, started its operation in December, 1986 after the Government of Bangladesh allowed the private sector to operate in the insurance sector in 1984 to carry on the business of insurance in the Private Sector. A brief explanation as to the growth of life insurance business in Bangladesh is in order here.Bangladesh declared independence from the Pakistani rules on March 26, 1971 following which she had to witness a bloody liberation struggle with the occupation forces lasting for 9 months before they were defeated. Insurance business which was exclusively carried on in private sector before independence was nationalized after liberation in 1972 primarily to address the emer ging situation of eroding public confidence in the industry that was left staggeringly short of resources in the face of huge losses caused by the war of liberation.After a series of experimentation, a state-owned body, namely Jiban Bima Corporation (JBC), established in May, 1973 for transacting the life insurance business, took over the assets and liabilities under life portfolios of all erstwhile private insurance companies and started business in its own name. However, things did not improve; rather, in many respects became more exacerbating and the Government then thought it better to allow private sector participation in insurance business.Since inception, Delta Life set before itself a high standard of all round performance coextensive with professional soundness and proficiency. It soon made a mark in the life insurance arena by not only being the leader among the private sector indigenous companies, but by undertaking and successfully implementing innovative and welfare ori ented life insurance schemes. It introduced an array of conventional life and group insurance products – many of which were the first in Bangladesh. For the first time, health insurance products were also introduced by Delta Life.But more importantly, in fulfilment of the avowed commitment towards social development, Delta Life for the first time not only in Bangladesh but probably in the World, devised and introduced micro-life insurance-cum-savings products specially suited to the needs and pockets of poor people of the country who constitute more than 80% of the people of Bangladesh Two projects of the company namely Grameen Bima for the rural people and Gono Bima for the poor and marginal savers of the urban areas were initiated to devote themslave exclusively to marketing and management of these innovative products.We are happy to report that we have achieved a good measure of success although there is a long way to go. These schemes that we have introduced have created great stir and enthusiasm among the general mass who, before these projects started functioning, could not even dream of owning a policy that provides the much needed life insurance coverage along with facility of regular savings on a long-term basis. At a later stage i. e. in the year 2002, the projects were merged into a division of Delta Life, namely, Gono Grameen Bima Division.The GNGRB Division has been growing at a first rate of more than 25% p. a. for the last couple of the years and is poised to maintain this growth rate at least in the next five years or so. Vision To be a market leader in providing integrated total security clients service, to be an innovative, profitable, customer friendly with a global focus. Mission: Create unmatched value for everyone through dependable, effective, transparent and profitable life insurance and pension plans.Objectives of Delta life Insurance company: To serve the humanity for its well being in the present and the world hereafter by pro viding financial and moral gains through utmost good faith, good conduct, mutual trust, sincerity, integrity and personalized services. Address of Main Branch: * Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd * Gouse Pak Building (5th Floor) * 28/G/1, Toyebee Circuler Road * Motijheel C/A, Dhaka Ph: +88 02 9560407 Branches Branches /offices/service center/zone| Address |Dhaka Service Center| * Gouse Pak Building (5th Floor) * 28/G/1, Toyebee Circuler Road * Motijheel C/A, Dhaka * Ph: +88 02 9560407| Comilla Service Center| * Gani Bhuiyan Mansion (3rd Floor) * Monohorpur, Comilla * Ph: +88 081 68796| Rajshahi Service Center| * C & B More * Kajihata, Rajshahi * Ph: +88 0721 770693| Chittagong Service Center| * Ajmol Arcade (4th Floor) * 1806, Sheikh Mujib Road * Agrabad C/A, Chittagong * Ph: +88 031 713059| Barisal Service Center| * Ahsan Plaza (2nd Floor) * Bot Tola * Nobogram Road, Barisal * Ph: +88 0431 64306| Dhaka Metro ZOC| * Baitul Abed Tower (10th Floor) * 53, Purana Paltan * Dhaka * Ph: +88 02 9570324| Chittagong ZOC| * 119/120, Mirzapur * Muradpur, Chittagong * Ph: +88 031 656333| Barisal ZOC| * Shahida Villa (3rd Floor) * Bogra Road, Barisal * Ph: +88 0431 62943| There are so many branches existing in Bangladesh. We don’t want to include those. Board of Directors Chairman Mr. Monzurur Rahman Directors: * Mr. Aziz Ahmed * Mr. Kazi Fazlur Rahman * Mr. Borhanuddin Ahmed * Ms. Anika Rahman * Mrs. Adeeba Rahman * Mr. Zeyad Rahman * Mr. Md. Mujibur Rahman * Mr. Md. Abdul Wahab * Mr. Arif Ahmed * Mr. Md. Nurul Islam * Mr. Golam Sarwar * Mrs. Syeda Soyeli Ahmed * Ms. Saika Rahman 2. 1 Committees of the Board Audit Committee Chairman * Mr. Aziz AhmedMember * Mr. Borhanuddin Ahmed * Mr. Md. Mujibur Rahman * Mr. Zeyad Rahma ————————————————- Delta life Insurance Co. Ltd Organogram of Delta Life Insurance Company Ltd Chapter-02 Performance Analysis General Account s (Provisional and Unaudited) `(Amount In Crore Tk. ) General: Particulars| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| First Year Premium| 120. 51| 107. 40| 95. 32| 82. 30| 85. 40| Renewal Premium| 342. 91| 302. 83| 266. 79| 245. 00| 207. 60| Group Insurance Premium| 21. 28| 19. 94| 16. 17| 10. 60| 8. 32| Health Insurance Premium| 14. 42| 10. 68| 5. 22| 3. 29| 2. 66| Gross Premium| 499. 12| 440. 85| 383. 50| 341. 9| 303. 44| Growth over Previous Year| 13. 22 %| 14. 95 %| 12. 40 %| 12. 44 %| 17. 84 %| Investment Income| 298. 95| 180. 99| 127. 99| 112. 00| 89. 66| Income from Other Sources| 5. 89| 4. 87| 4. 83| 2. 61| 1. 41| Management Expense Particulars| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| Commission Expense| 91. 16| 80. 36| 69. 35| 62. 67| 63. 67| Admin Expense| 68. 69| 62. 34| 56. 40| 50. 26| 44. 45| Management Expense (as % of gross premium)| 32. 03| 32. 37| 32. 79| 33. 10| 35. 63| Claims Particulars| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| Number of Claims| 149051| 156444| 214301| 151523| 59567| Amount of C laims| 223. 54| 204. 80| 243. 40| 175. 81| 89. 85| OthersParticulars| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| Assets| 2,180. 23| 1,755. 61| 1,473. 62| 1,325. 25| 1,129. 92| Life Fund| 2,034. 95| 1,619. 00| 1,347. 01| 1,206. 07| 1041. 44| Chapter-03 Number of policies 1. Ordinary Life Insurance 2. Gono Grameen Bima 3. Group Life Insurance 4. Health Insurance Chapter-04 Under – writing process & claim settlement process: 4. 1: Ordinary Life Insurance Delta Life offers a wide variety of ordinary life product/plans ranging from the most common endowment type to more modern and sophisticated plans like endowment with open term, pension plan with built in provision for increasing pension, increasing protection with provision for premium refund etc.The plans have been designed keeping in view the diverse and multifaceted needs of the insuring public belonging to different strata of the society. Some of the popular plans are briefly described below. 4. 1. 1: Endowment plan with and without pro fits: The most common and widely popular, this plan provides for a fixed sum at end of a particular term or at earlier death of the assured. The plan is available under both options i. e. with profit and without profit. This is a straightforward coverage allowing a person to plan his future needs for security and projected savings through means of insurance. eds for security and projected savings through means of insurance. 4. 1. 2: One-two-three endowment plan with profitsThis plan provides for high security at earlier death of the assured before expiry of term (10 & 20 years) or the sum assured at expiry of the term. The plan provides for double the sum assured at premature death due to illness or treble the sum assured if death occurs directly as the result of an accident along with accrued bonuses till death or maturity as the case may be. 4. 1. 3: Installment payment plans with or without profit: a) Three payments plan Given for terms like 12, 15, 18, 21 years with or without p rofits this plan provides for one fourth of the sum assured upon expiry of each one third of the term and on death at anytime within the term the full sum assured – payment of one or all the installments notwithstanding.In case of survival to the end of the term remaining portion of the sum assured along with profits is paid after deducting the installments already paid. b) Bi-annual payment plan is given for 10, 15 & 20 years' term and provides for payment of a portion of sum assured bi-annually after expiry of the 4th year of the policy, if the policyholder is then living. The amount of installment and when payable is shown in the table below: Policy Term| Amount of Installment| When Payable| Sum Assured Payable on Maturity| 10 Years| 20%| Upon expiry of 4th, 6th, 8th years| 40%| 15 Years| 15%| Upon expiry of 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th 12th years| 25%| 20 Years| 10%| Upon expiry of 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th ; 18th years| 25%|Notwithstanding the payment of any number of installments, the policyholder remains covered for full risk and on death occurring before maturity, full sum assured is payable. * The higher numbered table refers to without profit premium rates. 4. 1. 4: Premium back term Insurance Plan without Profits These are comparatively low cost plans. These plans provide for payment of sum assured in case of premature death within the term or refund of all premiums paid at end of term. Under Table-59(A), sum assured keeps on increasing at 8% p. a. on each successive policy anniversary and such increased sum is paid at death during the term. On survival up to the end of term, all premium paid during the term is paid.Under Table-65(A) a guaranteed profit equal to 10% of sum assured is paid along with full premium at end of term as survival benefit. On death before maturity, the sum assured is payable. 4. 1. 5: Pension Plan (Table-72A, 72D) without profits. Under plan pensions are provided at quarterly intervals from an age designated by the policyholder for life, guaranteed for a minimum period of 10 years i. e. if the pensioner dies anytime within 10 years his designated nominee will get pension for remaining term of 10 years. Before pension starts, if the assured policyholder dies, 10 times the annual pension is paid as a lump-sum to his nominee and the policy is terminated upon such payment.There is another plan that while providing for full protection against premature death as described above, provides for pension from a designated age as elected by the policyholder at an increasing rate i. e. pension will increase at 10% at intervals of two years. Payment of pension is guaranteed for at least ten years and thereafter as long as the pensioner lives. Both these pension plans provide for waiver of premium in case of permanent and total disability due to accident before commencement of pension. 4. 1. 6: Child Educational Protection Plan with Profits Multiple benefits in the form of scholarships, monthly annuities et c. in addition to sum assured are available under these plans.Under one plan sum assured or a part thereof is also payable to the policyholder in case the child dies prematurely. 4. 1. 7:. Tri-dimensional Policy Built-in benefits for payment of 50% sum assured immediately if critical illness is diagnosed. Premium and the sum assured will thereafter be halved and the policy continues. Under this plan, a spouse may also be covered for major disease benefits. 4. 1. 8: Moving Term Plan Policies under the plan are initially issued and is to be taken for a minimum term (6 to 10 years) as elected by policy holder. Any time within this minimum term if death occurs, full sum assured is payable. At the expiry of the minimum term, the policy may be surrendered for full refund of premiums paid.However, the policyholder need not terminate his policy at end of the minimum specified period. The policy will automatically continue till age 65 years of the policyholder unless he terminates it earlier . The survival benefit comprises of refund of all premiums paid along with bonuses. In case of premature death the nominee(s) is paid the sum assured plus all premiums paid till death, or all premiums paid with profit accrued till death whichever is greater. 4. 1. 9: Single Premium Multiple Security Plan It is a single Premium Policy offering multiple securities for five years term. It covers natural death, permanent and partial/total disability and seven major diseases.Premiums are based on the age of the proposer. This plan perfectly suits the needs of the executive class. Policy Conditions * Surrender Value: After payment of two full years' premium, the policy acquires cash surrender value which is quoted on request unless stated in the policy itself. * Loan: At any time after a cash surrender value is available under the policy and while the policy is in force, the policyholder may obtain, subject to the company's existing rules, a loan on the policy up to 90% of the cash surren der value. * Age Proof: Age of life assured as declared while applying for the policy has to be authenticated with an age proof document acceptable to the company.The company reserves the right to require proof of age of the life assured before paying any claim under the policy if not admitted earlier. * Settlement Option:Payee may elect to receive the proceeds of the policy in installments instead of in a single sum, in such a manner as may be agreed upon with the company. * Suicide: Should the life assured commit suicide, whether the assured be then sane or insane, within two years from the commencement date or from reinstatement of the policy, then the liability of the company shall be limited to the refund of all premiums paid under the policy less indebtedness, if any, at the time of such death. Bonus: Delta Life pays attractive bonuses to its with-profit policies.The present rate of policy bonuses are as following: a) A compound reversionary bonus @ 5% of paid up sum assured. This bonus is not paid on the installments withdrawn (under Table-03, 04) from the date of such withdrawal. b) A simple reversionary bonus ranging from Tk. 10 to Tk. 15 per thousand sum assured per year depending on term. c) A terminal bonus equal to 10% to 12% of sum assured at maturity of policy depending on terms if the policy would have been in force for at least 2/3rd of its term. Average Rate of Bonus On the basis of the three types of bonuses the Company now pays to its with profit policies, the average bonus earned by a Tk. ,00,000 sum assured endowment policy (except Table No. 03, 04) per thousand sum assured per year shall be as following: Term of Policy| Total Bonus at Maturity| Average Rate per Thousand per S. A. year| 10 Years| Tk. 52,000. 00| Tk. 52. 00| 15 Years| Tk. 81,000. 00| Tk. 54. 00| 20 Years| Tk. 1,15000. 00| Tk. 58. 00| | | | | | | | | | | | | 4. 2: Gono Grameen Bima Delta Life first launched Micro-insurance product in 1988 through its Grameen Bima Project(GR B) to cater to the necessity of economic protection against premature death and of disability as well as providing a way for regular savings for the poor and low income group of people living in villages.Later it started another project in 1994, namely, Gono Bima(GNB) for the urban poor and the low income class. These projects are now merged under the name of Gono-Grameen Bima Project(GN-GRB). The initial problems apart, the project started to yield impressive results right from the beginning by creating great interest among the target population who could not even perceive an institutional arrangement through which the ever present problems of insecurity of life could be addressed. To suit the needs and pockets of the target people, and for efficient management of these portfolios, some of the age-old traditional concepts of carrying on life insurance business had to be diluted and in some cases replaced by simple and straightforward practices.Yet, the results are so encouraging th at Delta Life is now regarded far and wide as the undisputed leader espousing the cause of welfare of teeming millions and its experiences are now used to advantage not only by indigenous companies but also other micro-savings organizations abroad. 4. 2. 1: Target Group and the Product In GN-GRB the formalities are minimum. Insurance Cover is given under Group Insurance concept. A person interested in a policy submits a simple two-page proposal form; it is signed or thumb imprinted by him or her. There is no need for medical check-up. The person needs to be between 18 and 45 years of age, have a monthly income of Tk. 5,000. 00 (US $100. 00) or less, be of good health and supply a Declaration of Good Health (DGH) at the time of submitting the Proposal form.Death through pregnancy complications within the first year of the policy and death through suicide in the first year of the policy are not covered under an â€Å"exclusion clause†. Simple endowment with profit policies are offered for 10 and 15 years term both with premium payment mode being weekly or monthly. Premium rate is the same irrespective of age at entry. Besides this plan, new plans like three-payment plan with 12 and 15 years term and double protection endowment plan have recently been introduced. 4. 2. 2: Policy Documents Upon acceptance of the proposal, a pass book is issued to the policyholder detailing all terms and conditions of the policy.The pass book serves as the purpose of recording of all payments made by him towards the policy. There is one group policy document for the policyholders of each Thana or Block. For individual policyholders the passbook serves as policy document. 4. 2. 3: Micro Investment (Loan) GN-GRB gives small project loans to its policyholders on a group liability basis. No collateral is required. There is 20% service charge on the loans, which is calculated at a flat rate and added to the principal amount. The loan, together with the service charge, is repayabl e in 12 equal monthly installments. The repayments are collected from door to door by the organizers. Recently a decision has been taken to establish small collection booths in the villages.A person must be a policyholder and pay premiums for atleast one year before being eligible for a loan. The maximum loan given is Tk. 5,000. 00 (US $100. 00) per policyholder. The loans are for income generating activities (IGA) only. Policyholders form a committee of 5 to 7 members. 3 policyholders selected by the committee are given the first loan. After recovery of 3 installments from each of the first three borrowers, the next 3 are given their loans and so on. As a general rule, 60% of the premium income of an area and 40% of the repaid loan of an area are available for loan in that area. Also 100% of premium collection of a committee is available for loan to that committee. 4. 3: Group Life Insurance Group Life InsuranceGroup Insurance is an instrument for providing life insurance coverage (protection) to a number of individuals under a single contract (policy) who are associated together for a common interest other than insurance. It is the most cost effective means to provide immediate financial support to an insured member and/or his family in case of devastating events like-death, disability, disease as well as retirement. Group Insurance has already established its importance as a component of â€Å"Employee Benefit Package† in Bangladesh. Exclusive features of Group Insurance are: * Insurance coverage to a number of individuals under a single contract * Simple insurable conditions * Easy administrative procedure * Prompt claim settlement Affordable premium * Tax exemption on premium Delta Life offers a host of Group-Life Insurance schemes from which an organization/ employer may choose for benefits of its members/employees, as may best serve their interest according to organizational setup. To be treated as a group, the following criteria need to be fulfi lled. * A â€Å"Group† Should comprise of at least 15 members * It should be a legitimately organized body Group clients of Delta Life Insurance Company Limited include: * Semi-Government organization, autonomous bodies * Private, Non-Government Organizations (NGO's) * Educational & Financial Institutions * Public Limited Companies Associations, Business organizations etc. Group Life Insurance Schemes offered by Delta Life are of two types: * Traditional Schemes: For insurance coverage of members/employees of a Group * Exclusive Schemes: For insurance coverage of clients of Financial Institutions 4. 3. 1: Traditional Scheme: These are the commonly offered â€Å"Group-Life Insurance† schemes and are also known as Basic Schemes: These are: Short Term Contract * Group Term Life Insurance Scheme (GT) * Group Term Life with Premium Refund Scheme (GTR) Long Term Contract * Group Endowment Life Insurance Scheme (GEN) * Group Pension Scheme (GP) There are several variants of B asic Schemes.Examples of two variants of GTR are * GTR-100/10: Group Term Life with 100% Premium Refund after 10 years * GTR-50/10 : Group Term Life with 50% Premium Refund after 10 years Salient features of the Basic Schemes: Group Term Life (GT) * Insurance coverage worldwide round the clock * Contract, Initially for three years and is Renewable * Simple Claim procedure * Prompt claim settlement upon death of an insured * Option to alter sum assured at any time * Exclusion & Inclusion of members under coverage at any time * Premium Rate- comparatively lowest among the basic schemes * Option for supplementary covers to enhance benefit * Profit Sharing options for large groups Group Term Life Insurance with Premium Refund (GTR) Insurance coverage worldwide round the clock * Contract, initially for ten/fifteen years * Simple Claim procedure * Prompt claim settlement upon death of an insured * Exclusion & Inclusion of members under coverage at any time * Reasonable Premium Rate, but h igher than GT Scheme * Refund of basic premium (full/partial) on completion of term or retirement * Payment of Surrender Value in case of Policy discontinuation & exclusion * Conversion Privilege to take Individual Life Insurance Policy in lieu * Option for supplementary covers to enhance benefit Group Endowment Life Insurance (GEN) * Insurance coverage worldwide round the clock Continuous Contract, unless terminated by either party * Simple Claim procedure * Prompt claim settlement upon death of an insured * Exclusion & Inclusion of members under coverage at any time * Premium rate-age dependant and variable * Payment of sum assured as per contract on retirement * Payment of Surrender Value in case of discontinuation * Conversion Privilege to take Individual Life Insurance Policy in lieu * Option for supplementary covers to enhance benefit Group Pension Scheme * Provides for quarterly/yearly pension based on last salary * Continuous Contract, unless terminated by either party * Sco pe for taking â€Å"Death in Service† benefit Scope of taking â€Å"Joint life last survivor pension† benefit * Scope for life pension with/without guaranteed payment period * Exclusion & Inclusion of members under coverage at any time * Premium rate- age dependant and variable * Payment of Surrender Value in case of discontinuation * Option for supplementary covers to enhance benefit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Features&Benefits| Basic Schemes| | Group Term Life (GT)| Group Term Life with Premium Refund (GTR)| Group Endowment Scheme(GEN)| Age Limit for   Insurance Coverage| 18 years to 60 Years| 18 years to 60 Years| 18 yrs. to the age of  retirement (max. 60 yrs)| Duration of   Contract| 3 years in each spell| 10 years or 15 years in each spell| Continuous Contract, if not terminated| Scope for Inclusion & Exclusion| Yes| Yes| Yes|Scope for Inclusion& Exclusion| Yes| Yes| Yes| Scope for  Alteration of Sum Assured| Yes| Yes| Yes| Premium Rate| Single & Fixed (irrespective of age Low}| Single & Fixed (irrespective of age)| Variable; age dependant  premium rate| Benefits:| Death (payment of  Insured amount on death)| Yes| Yes| Yes| Maturity Benefit| None| None| Payment of Sum Assured as  per contract during retirement| Premium Refund| None| Refund of Premium as per contract on retirement or completion of term. Payment of surrender value in case of non completion of term| None| Profit Share| Provided to large groups only| None| None| On Payment of Additional Premium 1.Accidental Death Benefit (ADB) 2. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) 3. Permanent Partial Disability (PPT) 4. Dismemberment Benefit (DB) 5. Major Disease Benefit (MDB)| All or any one of those may be taken except DB which is offered only with ADB| All or any one of those may be taken except DB which is offered only with ADB| All or any one of those may be taken except DB which is offered only with ADB| | | | | S upplementary Covers: To provide insurance protection against few devastating conditions other than death, and to enhance insurance benefit in case of sudden accidental death, several Supplementary Covers are offered along with basic schemes.Supplementary covers include: * Accidental Death Benefit (ADB): Provides for double sum assured in case of accidental death. * Permanent and Total Disability Benefit (PTD): Provides for full sum assured on happening of defined risks. * Permanent & Partial Disability Benefit (PPD): Provides for certain percentage of the sum assured as per schedule on happening of the defined risks. * Dismemberment Benefit (DB): Provides for a certain percentage of Sum Assured as per schedule on happening of the defined risks. It is only offered with ADB. * Major Disease Benefit (MDB): Provides for 25% or 50% of S. A. upon diagnosis of a few specific life threatening diseases 4. 3. Exclusive Schemes: These are schemes, especially designed for financial institutions , in order to secure their investment and adorn the product to make it attractive to customers as well as to protect interest of the client. Few examples are: * Home Loan Insurance: e. g; Scheme for â€Å"Home Loan Borrowers† of Delta Brac Housing * Depositor's Insurance: e. g; Scheme for â€Å"Smart Plant† Depositors of Dhaka Bank Ltd Premium: For traditional schemes: Premiums are usually payable annually in advance before commencement of insurance. For exclusive schemes: A single premium is payable for the whole period of coverage before commencement of insurance. *Details about the schemes are provided with â€Å"Insurance Proposal† How to get a Group Life Insurance Proposal? For Proposal: fill in the Proposal Request Form and send it to us at our contract address For Quotation: fill in the â€Å"Proposal Request Form† and send it to us at our contract address accompanied by the list of members to be insured with following details | | | | | |    Sl#| Name| Designation| Date of Birth| Sum Assured| | | | | | |   |   |   | *If sum assured depends on salary, mention salary and desired multiple to determine Sum Assured Claims are settled to the concerned organization. 4. 4: Health Insurance Health Insurance Health Insurance is now considered indispensable in developed countries.In the present financial-social perspective of Bangladesh as well, Health Insurance has now become an essential, dependable, acceptable and the most cost effective means to make the modern treatment facilities affordable to all socio-economic classes of people, especially the fixed income group. As a pioneer of Health Insurance in Bangladesh, Delta Life Insurance Company offers several Health Insurance Schemes, which are as follows: 4. 4. 1: Hospitalization (In-patient) treatment coverage plans * Hospitalization Insurance Plan (Group)- offered to Members of a group and their dependants (if desired) * Hospitalization Insurance Plan (Individual) – offered to an Individual as well as his or her dependant family members also known as â€Å"DeltaCare Hospitalization Plan†. 4. 4. : Out-patient treatment coverage plans * Out-patient Insurance Plan – Offered as an adjunct to Group Hospitalization * Out-patient Management Plan – Offered as an adjunct to Group Hospitalization 4. 4. 3: Overseas treatment coverage plan for travelers * Overseas Medicliam Policy (OMP) – A pre-requisite for visa application offered only to Individuals traveling abroad. 4. 4. 4: Hospitalization Insurance Plans * Covers in-patient (Hospitalization) treatment expenses of an insured member Expenses Covered under Hospitalization Insurance Plans * Hospital Accommodation * Consultation Fee * Medicine ; Accessories * Medical Investigations * Surgical Operation Ancillary Services like Blood Transfusion, Ambulance Service, Dressing etc. General Features of the Scheme * No need for preliminary Medical Examination during enrolment. * Treat ment coverage round the clock inclusive of Accidents and Emergencies. * Coverage offered to Bangladeshi National as well as resident foreigner. * Treatment at any renowned hospital or clinic by consultant of own choice. * Preferential service at Designated Hospital. * Direct payment of treatment expenses by the company at Designated Hospital. * Reimbursement of expenses for treatment at non-designated hospital. * Membership ID Card for each insured to facilitate preferential services. Option for Maternity Benefit and Overseas Treatment coverage. * Provision for inclusion of Spouse ; Children under the plan. * Provision for inclusion of new member under the plan. * Coverage up to 65 years under Group HI ; 60 years under Individual HI plan. * Two types of plans with several benefit grades to choose from. * Option to choose more than one grade according to status of the members of a group. * Option to alter benefit grade during renewal. Exclusion from Coverage: Major Exclusions include * Congenital infirmity * Pre-existing condition for certain period * Psychiatric disorders and narcotic addiction * Attempted suicide and self-inflicted injury * Dental Treatment Pre or post hospitalization expenses and out patient treatment expenses * War risk, civil commotion or violence * Routine health checkup * Treatment for family planning purpose, contraception and infertility 4. 4. 5: Group Hospitalization Insurance Plans Types of plan offered: Standard Plan: Distinctive Hospitalization Insurance Plan of Delta Life Customized Plan: Tailored to the need and desire of the client. Standard Plan: Five Grades of benefits are offered under standard plan to choose from Benefit per Hospitalization| Benefit Grades| Mastercare| Supercare| Deluxcare| Exclusivecare| Royalcare| Max. Benefit (Each Insured Per Year)| Tk. 25,000| Tk. 45,000| Tk. 5,000| Tk. 100,000| Tk. 140,000| Hospital Stay (Maximum days)| 10| 12| 15| 18| 20| Room Rent (Actual Expenditure upto a Maximum Amount Per Day)| T k. 500| Tk. 1,000| Tk. 1,500| Tk. 1,800| Tk. 2,000| Consultation Fee (Actual Fee upto a Maximum Amount Per Visit ; One Visit Daily)| Tk. 300| Tk. 500| Tk. 500| Tk. 500| Tk. 500| Routine Investigations (Actual Expenditure upto a Maximum Amount)| Tk. 1,000| Tk. 1,200| Tk. 1,400| Tk. 1,600| Tk. 2,000| Medicines ; Accessories (Actual Expenditure upto a Maximum Amount)| In Case of Surgical Treatment| Tk. 2,000| Tk. 4,000| Tk. 6,000| Tk. 8,000| Tk. 10,000| In Case of Conservative Treatment| Tk. ,000| Tk. 10,000| Tk. 12,500| Tk. 15,000| Tk. 18,000| Surgery (Actual Expenditure upto a Maximum Amount)| Major Intermediate| Tk. 12,000| Tk. 14,000| Tk. 16,000| Tk. 20,000| Tk. 22,000| Charges included for Surgeon, Assistant, Operation Theater ; Anaesthesia| Tk. 6,000| Tk. 8,000| Tk. 10,000| Tk. 12,000| Tk. 15,000| Ancillary Services (80% of Actual Expenditure upto a Maximum Amount)| Tk. 2,000| Tk. 5,000| Tk. 8,000| Tk. 10,000| Tk. 12,000| Premium (For each insured per year) based on Age Attained (in Years) Benefit Grades| Master care| Super care| Delux care| Exclusive care| Royal care| 18 to 35 Years| Employee| Tk. 600| Tk. 1,080| Tk. ,535| Tk. 1,920| Tk. 3,360| Spouse| Tk. 510| Tk. 920| Tk. 1,310| Tk. 1,630| Tk. 2,855| 35+ to 45 Years| Employee| Tk. 750| Tk. 1,350| Tk. 1,795| Tk. 2,160| Tk. 3,780| Spouse| Tk. 635| Tk. 1,145| Tk. 1,520| Tk. 1,835| Tk. 3,210| 45+ to 50 Years| Employee| Tk. 1,050| Tk. 1,890| Tk. 2,300| Tk. 2,640| Tk. 4,620| Spouse| Tk. 895| Tk. 1,605| Tk. 1,955| Tk. 2,245| Tk. 3,930| 50+ to 55 Years| Employee| Tk. 1,500| Tk. 2,700| Tk. 3,060| Tk. 3,360| Tk. 5,880| Spouse| Tk. 1,275| Tk. 2,295| Tk. 2,605| Tk. 2,855| Tk. 4,995| 55+ to 60 Years| Employee| Tk. 2,100| Tk. 3,780| Tk. 4,075| Tk. 4,320| Tk. 7,560| Spouse| Tk. 1,785| Tk. 3,215| Tk. 3,420| Tk. ,670| Tk. 6,425| 60+ to 65 Years| Employee| Tk. 3,150| Tk. 5,670| Tk. 6,113| Tk. 6,480| Tk. 11,340| Spouse| Tk. 2,678| Tk. 4,823| Tk. 5,130| Tk. 5,505| Tk. 9,683| Each Child (Below 25 Years)| Tk. 510| Tk. 920| Tk . 1,310| Tk. 1,630| Tk. 2,855| Maternity Benefit (Maximum Amount as per Benefit Schedule above) Benefit Grades| Mastercare| Supercare| Deluxcare| Exclusivecare| Royalcare| Normal Delivery| Tk. 5,000| Tk. 7,500| Tk. 10,000| Tk. 12,500| Tk. 15,000| Caesarian Delivery| Tk. 10,000| Tk. 15,000| Tk. 20,000| Tk. 25,000| Tk. 30,000| For Maternity Benefit, an Extra Premium @40% shall be charged on the Basic Premium of the beneficiary groupGroup Discount Schedule| Size of Group| Size of Group| Uo to 100| Uo to 100| 101 – 500| 101 – 500| 501 – 1000| 501 – 1000| 1001 – 2000| 1001 – 2000| 2001 ; Above| 2001 ; Above| No Claim Discount Schedule| No Claim Years| Discount on Renewal Premium| One Year| 10%| Two Consecutive Years| 20%| Three Consecutive Years| 30%| | | | | | | | | | | | | VAT if imposed by government, shall have to be paid by the organization concerned. N. B. For large groups a â€Å"fixed premium rate† irrespective of the age is offere d upon recieving the list of members to be insured. Customized Plan Benefit Schedule ; Premium Rate * Benefits desired has to be provided by the client A â€Å"fixed premium rate† irrespective of age is offered on receipt of the list of members to be insured. How to get a Group Hospitalization Insurance Proposal? * For Proposal: Fill in the â€Å"Proposal Request Form† and send it to our contact address.. * For Quatation: Fill in the â€Å"Proposal Request Form† and send it to our contact address accompanied by the list of members to be insured with following details. Sl#| Name| Date of Birth| *Status| Benefit Grade| | | | | | *Status means rank of an employee or his relationship with dependant (spouse/children) Individual Hospitalization Insurance Plan * Bengali Leaflet * Proposal Form Overseas Mediclaim Policy (OMP)This is a distinctive Health Insurance Policy issued to travelers only. It is also a pre-requisite for Visa application of developed countries. The Policy is issued to Bangladeshi Nationals and Foreigners resident in Bangladesh Overseas Mediclaim Policy issued by Delta Life is universally accepted by all foreign Embassies and High Commissions in Bangladesh. Types of Policy * Plan A: For visiting any Country of the World (except USA ; Canada) * Plan B: For visiting all Countries of the World Coverage under both Plan A ; Plan B exceeds â‚ ¬30,000 EURO Key Features of the Policy * Age Limit : Policy issued to Individuals from the age of 6 months to 65 years. Nationality: Policy issued to Bangladeshi and Foreigner Resident in Bangladesh * Covered Expenses: Treatment expenses incurred for sudden and unexpected illness or accident while on tour abroad. * Maximum Benefit: * Plan A: US $50,000 (Fifty Thousand US Dollar) * Plan B: US $100,000 (One Hundred Thousand US Dollar) How to take out an â€Å"Overseas Mediclaim Policy† * Fill in a â€Å"Proposal Form†. * Attach photocopy of the first five pages of the passport * Enclose required amount of premium in cash as per â€Å"Premium Rate Chart†. Send those these to Health Insurance Department at the Head office of Delta Life *Physical presence or Photograph of proposer is not required. *it takes only about 30 minutes to get an Overseas Mediclaim Policy. â€Å"Proposal Form† is also available at Head Office and Agency Offices of Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd. d

Ethical Implications Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethical Implications Report - Essay Example As long as the user will be connected with this system, it will be possible for third parties to extrapolate user’s thoughts and rewrites them (Heather & Graves, 2012). This will guarantee third parties permission to hack into users bodies and be able to cause significant personal concerns without the user knowledge. This system does not give up limits of which a third party can track user’s thoughts and actions. This implies that some matters that we uphold as private and confidential will never have a guarantee of privacy because of this system that will always be connected to user’s bodies. Another ethical fix this system poses is crime. If user thought will control the computer devices in their bodies, then criminals may figure out ways to reverse the system and read the user thoughts (Heather & Graves, 2012). This means that these criminals may successfully access the users’ eyes and view password of highly critical cards like ATM. This will allow them fulfill their criminal activities. Sixth sense technology will make it easy for hackers to plant virus in people’s personal computer (Heather & Graves, 2012). This may cause damages to these users immune system. The virus may also cause a heart attack to the user. All these ethical issues must be put into consideration before accepting the sixth sense

LEVERAGING BUSINESS THROUGH CULTURAL COMPETENCY AND DIVERSITY IN THE Essay

LEVERAGING BUSINESS THROUGH CULTURAL COMPETENCY AND DIVERSITY IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY - Essay Example This likewise has a leveraging repercussion in trade and commerce. Statement of the purpose. One of the objectives of this dissertation is to show how cultural capabilities and idiosyncrasies neutralize growth and opportunities in business. For instance, because of acute recession in the United States of America and in order to save big on wages and other payroll costs, American companies outsource jobs to countries like India and those in Asia where salaries are significantly lower. Such is the case in call centres where telemarketing and other allied on-line services are rendered. It is admitted that oral English communications skills are the only required credentials for call specialists. In this field, other cultures can compete with their counterparts in the larger economies thus leveraging business in the global scene. The levelling of business particularly comes from taxes on the earnings of the employees which go to the host country rather than the territory which is outsourcing the services. The same is true with the circulation of money g enerated by the outsourced business. Another example where cultural competency sets in is in the car industry. While the world economy hits low levels, people in third world countries tend more to settle for reconditioned used cars rather than buy brand new ones from companies controlled by corporations with main offices based in affluent nations. Circumstances like this become balancing factors in international business and commerce. In short, owning a second-hand automobile is a readily acceptable cultural notion in poor countries while it may not be so much in highly developed nations. On the other side, there are products made by people from impoverished territories which fascinate rich Western nationals and this kind of exchange likewise levels the trade playing field. Such products include furniture made of rare wood or indigenous materials and tiny handicrafts being worn as beauty accessories. These are among the factors to consider in presenting a study on how cultural compe tency leverage business. In the case of diversity in the global economy, the research will inquire into non-traditional resources and approaches. One good illustration is the source of fuel or energy which has always been mineral fossil oil or petroleum. This circumstance has a very

Serum Markers for Septicemia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Serum Markers for Septicemia - Research Paper Example It is clear that a single biomarker which is ideal though has not been identified but a series specific studies on individual pathogen mediated sepsis has been studied extensively,. Challenges that are faced during biomarker research lied in the lack of uniform protocol and methodology , standardization of the assays and the detection levels to be fixed age wise from population to population. The reliable detection of Biomarkers can be useful to have a immense diagnostic and prognostic relevance in relation to the management of sepsis. Sepsis is considered as the most important cause of morbidity and mortality. By sepsis we mean infection of the blood and if it is caused by bacteria we term it as bacteremia and if by virus it is termed viremia. As such the infection in the blood is not so dangerous but as blood perfuses the important tissues and organs infections can be carried by blood to the kidneys or lungs which can result in the end organ failures of a patient leading to death i n severe conditions. The main issue is that sepsis often lacks clinical manifestations so if the specific and the sensitive indicators of the infections are collected and analyzed then it will create superior out comes in the management of the disease. Immunologically it can be considered as the dysregulation of the response of the innate immune system. Biomarkers are hence important to signal the presence and severity of sepsis in early conditions for effective prognostic values and importance.(Chiesa,1998)(De Bont,1994)(Manroe,1979)(Squire,1979). It is very important to note that sepsis is not a true disease and just a physiological manifestation of the systemic immune response in innate immunity majority of the studies define sepsis to be a systemic inflammatory response to a bacteria, virus or fungi. In clinical setting several other physiological symtoms must be presented to properly diagnose sepsis. The common treatments of patients suspected with sepsis aims to eradicate the bacteria in the blood or reduce its growth by using broad spectrum antimicrobials. The gold standard of sepsis diagnosis has been traditionally the use of microbial cultures to identify the source of illness. The major limitation of using cultures in the length of the time required to develop cultures to identifiable quantities to detect sepsis and the possible icrobes to start the treatment with antimicrobials and this with Bactek culture takes around 48 hours and hence there is a need of early detection through the detection of serum biomarkers which thus becomes important. Even the cultures might be insensitive under several conditions including the slow growing and non cultivatable organisms present at very low concentrations . So in the light of this problem alternative diagnostic methods using molecular biology tool kits have been developed to address the situation for rapid and automated detection of sepsis. These tests are basically the ELISA tests, flow cytometric detection of the specific marker antigens,immunocolorimetric tests ,FISH methodologies and PCR and amplified PCR techniques and the main ideology was to detect the marker proteins. In parallel to the development of biomarkers which provides a faster and more sensitive diagnostic methods for infectious microbes thus relies on the monitoring of the changes in specific serum protein biomarker concentrations. Biomarker is best defined as a factor or feature that can

Literacy narrative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literacy narrative - Essay Example I have always been in love with Engines and machines, the ability of doing it in the US was a great opportunity, but doing it without ample knowledge on written and spoken English would be like putting the cart before the horse because I would not do Engineering to my full potential. To be able to obtain my bachelor degree in Civil engineering at Rodger Williams University in the US, I had to first enroll for English classes at ELS English centre just within the same university’s campus in Bristol town. Bristol is a small town located at the centre of the smallest state in the union of Rhode Island. I experienced the beauty of heavens in Rode Island, the breeze from the large water body cooled me off while I enjoyed the summer, the weather was fantastic, and the warmth of the people around me soothed me and made me feel at home. The act of learning became more comprehensible for thanks to the support of my teachers, at the same time I also managed to make new friends and my so cial life was full of fun especially during the weekends. I took my writing skills and style learning in a slow and steady manner, I never wanted to rush thing over because I already learnt that slow and steady wins the race. Among the classes I undertook was the reading and writing class, the fact that it begun in the morning was a big boost to me because I was still as fresh as the word fresh itself and my mood was always good for learning and Mrs. Carol too set a good atmosphere for the learning experience and I started to see the daylight in the English language. The help provided by Mrs. Carol always prevented me from turning tail when things seemed to be a little harder. She was ever present in her office for consultations and any other questions I always had. There is this instance of the process that I will never forget; it is one of the memorable moments in my English studying process. She gave an assignment of comparing two things within an article and the time span for it s completion was includes as twenty four hours. The assignment was well described by her as an open book including the thesis statement; still I found this to be as hard as a rock. I thought that the reason for not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for this assignment was because it was the first I ever had, I went ahead and gave it all my all expecting to surprise my teacher by making up to the mark. After presenting the assignment, I was astonished when my teacher asked, ‘Where is your thesis, Mohammed?’ Knowing that it was a statement I decided to make a statement of the conclusion an escape goat to her question instead I was moving wide of the mark. The teacher asked me how I was going to make my readers understand how I was going to make my readers understand what I was talking about if I placed my thesis at the end of the article. She pointed out that the thesis should always be in the introduction. I was not the only fish in the pool; there were also othe r international students that had the same problem as me. Mrs. Carol therefore, trying to offer solution to my problem decided to give me links to websites and articles that were written in English so that I could practice identification of thesis in them. I went home with a strategy after getting a

The Condition of Twenty-First Century Societies Essay - 3

The Condition of Twenty-First Century Societies - Essay Example There is a certain kind of instability that law would display as a social institution in the twenty-first century. Apart from this, there would also be a certain privileging of diplomatic ties between nations. This would lead to a situation of anarchy within the society that one is a part of.  Ã‚   Many have argued that law is not a viable mode of controlling society in the event of societies being controlled by pragmatic forces rather than the law. Diplomatic ties and the maintenance of economic structures can then be looked upon as the reasons as to why the law is adhered to in the society of the twenty-first century. In cases where the law does not facilitate this, it may be flouted with the consent of the very people and institutions which had created them. This flexibility in the operation of the law is a phenomenon that is expected to continue in the twenty-first century. The possibilities of chaos thus remain even in the twenty-first century that shows no signs of effecting a change in this regard. This has implications for the way one views social institutions and their methods of functioning. This also implies a change in the conventional notions of what constitutes a civilization and civilizational ethos. By the time of the end of the cold war itself, â€Å"it was cl ear that law could not constrain the external behavior of nations in any serious way; only the use of force was respected. If realists were correct that states were rational, unitary actors concerned with their own survival, then they would be loath to enter into agreements that in any way constrained their ability to act.† (Raffo et al. 2007, 5). Here, what is important is the primacy of politics in shaping the way the world is.  Ã‚  

NESTLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

NESTLE - Essay Example Nestle sales for 2010 were almost CHF 110 bn (roughly 109 billion US Dollars). It manufactures and sells about 7500 brands in different nutrition and wellness categories. This report provides an analysis and evaluation of the range of alternative aspects related to international entrepreneurship employed by Nestle to influence business activity, by clearly identifying conclusions drawn from the analysis. The paper will give recommendations and suggest areas of further study. The report finds the international business prospects of the company in its current position are positive. The areas of weakness require further investigation and remedial action by management. Introduction Entrepreneurship is a process through which individuals or organizations identify opportunities, allocate resources, and create value.   This creation of value is often through the identification of unmet needs or through the identification of opportunities for change. Entrepreneurs see â€Å"problems† as â€Å"opportunities,† then take action to identify the solutions to those problems and the customers who will pay to have those problems solved. Entrepreneurial success is simply a function of the ability of an entrepreneur to see these opportunities in the marketplace, initiate change (or take advantage of change) and create value through solutions. (Greg). International or Global Business is defined as the exchange of goods and services among individuals and businesses in multiple countries. It is specific entity, such as a multinational corporation or international business company that engages in business among multiple countries. To initiate and expand international business, International marketing is required. International marketing is the process of conceptualizing and then conveying a final product or service worldwide with the hopes of reaching the international marketing community. Proper global marketing has the ability to catapult a company to the next leve l, if they do it correctly. Different strategies are implemented based on the region the company is marketing to. Global /International marketing is especially important to companies that provide products or services that have a universal demand such as automobiles and food.( jetzt). In this backdrop, Nestle is a true International entrepreneur / business. Henri Nestle in Vevey, Switzerland, founded the company in 1866 with headquarters still located there. Company employs around 280000 people and has factories or operations in almost every country in the world. Nestle sales for 2010 were almost CHF 110 bn (roughly 109 billion US Dollars). It manufactures and sells about 7500 brands in different nutrition and wellness categories. (Nestle) .Nestle deals in variety of food, health and nutrition products. Main categories of products include but not limited to Baby Foods, Sports Nutrition, Chocolates, Waters, Coffee, Beverages, Frozen Meals, Ice Cream and Frozen Treats, Imported Foods, Healthcare Nutrition, Pet Foods and Food services worldwide. Creating a global business strategy involves first carrying out an environmental analysis of political, economic, social, and technological trends that are relevant to operating on a global scale. An organization’s mission statement should then reflect this global focus. A mission statement is a relatively short statement outlining the purpose of an organization. It creates a direction for the organization. Having a clear set of objectives enables strategic planners within an organization to develop the plans - strategies that enable the organization to focus on global markets. A key element of this global strategy will be a global

Imperialism Essay Example for Free

Imperialism Essay One negative effect imperialism had been that the Africans were being stripped of their land. In document 4 an African proverb states that â€Å"the whites† had taken their land and changed their faith, displaying the amount of power â€Å"the whites† have. Europeans first sent out missionaries to spread their religion to these non-industrialized countries. After the Europeans have set their religion in they would bring in the big guns and take their land. A West African nationalist, Sekou Toure, describes how imperialists look down upon Africans as savages who couldn’t rule and absorbed colonies into their empire, his purpose for the document was possibly to unite people against the whites. The imperialists would basically bully weaker countries until they lacked self-confidence and just eventually give up their land. Once the imperialists absorbed these colonies they would use their raw materials to support their industrialization back at their homeland. Although it appears that Africans being stripped of their land is a negative effect, a journal containing entries about country invasion by a military officer would help to clarify whether this is true. Another negative impact imperialism had been the exploitation of Africans for work. An unknown artist drew a picture of an Asian man and an African man pulling a military officer in a wagon to show the power that European nations have above others. Bigger/more powerful nations are taking advantage of the people settled in lands that aren’t industrialized or as rich. David Diop displayed how â€Å"The White Man† takes advantage of in Africans in An Anthology of West African Verse that describes the death of his father and brother and his mother being raped. In the second to last line Diop called â€Å"The White Man† the â€Å"Conqueror† because he truly did conquer Diop’s family and freedom. The â€Å"Conqueror† left Diop with nothing except forcing him into slavery. A German cartoon titled â€Å"Thus colonize the English† shows a man in uniform squeezing coins out of an African while another man is feeding the African water and a priest preaching in the background. The purpose of this illustration is to show the only value/importance an African American has is for its use of labor. Europeans see indigenous people as a way for them to make money. Mistreatment and forcing religion onto these people was common in order for them to have â€Å"power† of them. Although it appears that Africans were exploited by imperialist Europeans for work, a survey of the amount of pay African workers receive and their type of labor would help to clarify whether this is true. Imperialism did bring out a positive effect that was that the industrialized European nations and non-industrialized, agricultural societies both benefited from each other. O. P. Austin, the author of â€Å"Does Colonization Pay†, described how imperialism benefits progressive nations and the tropic colonies. This was written to persuade/inform the skeptics or people against imperialism. The positive effects would be that if the tropic colonies allowed the progressive nations to control garden spots then in return they would build schools and roads. These progressive nations claimed that they gave â€Å"these people the benefit of other blessings of civilization which they have not the means of creating themselves. † The document Imperialism and World Politics by Parker T.  Moore explains the different groups of people involved in imperialism to show the chain of command/importance. Imperialism involves more than just the military that take over the land, manufacturers have interest in colonial markets, and bankers are the most important because the money used for loan to build ships and railways. Although it appears that both nations benefitted from imperialism, newspaper articles from both nations about the status of their economy and politics would help to clarify whether this is true.

Bank of America Essay Example for Free

Bank of America Essay In a workplace where multiculturalism exists is a diverse and successful workplace. Diversity helps workers and customers to do business freely because majority of customers are comfortable to communicate with people from their own culture. Pacific City Bank a financial company, which is not a diverse bank, has employees from only one culture and this has made way for customers from the same culture to be comfortable to do business with them. From the higher level C.F.O to the vice president of the company everyone is from the same culture. It is positive fact for the customers from the same culture to feel comfortable to communicate and have safety when doing business, but there are many negative effects of not having diversity in a workplace. When your doing business in a multicultural country, it is not viable to stick to doing business only with one culture, as the potential of the company cannot be reached. Customers from other cultures would not be comfortable to do business, as they cannot understand their language or might feel out of place to do business. Whereas Wells Fargo another financial company, which is majorly known for diverse workplace has more benefits compared to Pacific city bank. Customers are more comfortable to bank with Wells Fargo, as they feel comfortable with the choices of diverse people available to communicate with. Wells Fargo’s main goal is to make their customers comfortable while banking with them. By hiring diverse employees, their workers will understand basic methods on how to act in front of another employee or customer from different cultures. Wells Fargo respects other cultures and policies. The company’s council including the Chairman, C.E.O and other senior leaders meet quarterly to establish goals and set up directions when partnering with committee in the areas where there is diversity and market segment diversity. They ensure there is supporting infrastructure and inclusion- related behaviors as the â€Å"work of all† versus the â€Å"work of a few†.

Examining Whole Life Costing Construction Essay

Examining Whole Life Costing Construction Essay Whole life costing (WLC) can contribute significantly to control the financial and non-financial risks objectives of many construction, and construction organisations. This is especially relevant in terms of customer service, internal business processes, and financial performance. WLC is changing the approach to design, procurement, construction and facilities management and delivering major benefits. Many public and private sector clients now procure on cost of ownership, not capital cost. (Your development, 2008) There is a growing awareness that unplanned and unexpected maintenance and refurbishment costs may amount to half of all money spent on existing buildings, according to the Building Research Establishment. Estimates of the value of the unplanned portion in UK construction output range from  £8bn to a staggering  £20bn a year. This is why whole-life costing (WLC) is beginning to play a crucial role in project management (Bourke, 2005). This time, however, lifecycle cost ing/Whole life cycle costing is here to stay, for two reasons PFI and global warming. PFI has made it the basis of the commercial agreement between the client and the provider and global warming has made everybody think about the future impact of decisions to build. (Martin, 2008) Some of the ideas behind the justification for whole life-cycle costing (WLCC) are synonymous with key issues in todays construction industry. (Boussabaine, A., Kirkham, R.2004) Meeting clients expectations Clients now require buildings that are efficient during and after construction. WLCC techniques can demonstrate real cost savings in design solutions. Sustainability Achieving sustainable design solutions relies on the consideration of long term operational costs and performance of building components. Monitoring performance of constructed assets For example, are PFI/PPP (Private Finance Initiative / Public Private Partnerships) projects really cost effective? Only by considering the whole life costs can this be assessed. Using WLLC also supports benchmarking and key performance indicators. Monitoring cost effectiveness of constructed assets WLCC provides the means by which to constantly review this and base future capital investment on this information. Lean construction By considering long term cost and physical performance, waste is minimised both during construction and through the life of the building. The UK government has challenged the way its organisations deliver services, and has placed on them a duty to continuously improve in order to provide the services that people require economically, efficiently and effectively. This concept of best value has dominated public sector capital investment policy in the UK since the 1990s. (Boussabaine, A., Kirkham, R.2004) As a result of the fundamental revisions in public procurement policy that have subsequently taken place, interest in and demand for the use of WLCC techniques have risen to unprecedented levels. These policy changes are clearly demonstrated in recent government publications such as Construction Procurement Guidance, No 7 Whole Life Costs (Office of Government Commerce), which states that all procurement must be made solely on the basis of value for money in terms of the optimum combination of whole life costs and quality to meet the users requirements. This view is fully endorsed by National Audit Office (NAO) policy an d reinforced in their joint guide Getting value for money from procurement. How auditors can help. Consequently the award of public construction contracts based on simply the lowest capital cost bid is no longer recognised as good practice; best value must be taken into account and thereby WLCC should be fully appraised as part of the decision making process. (Boussabaine, A., Kirkham, R.2004) 2.2 HISTORY OF WHOLE LIFE COSTING Figure 2.1 History of whole life costing, Source (Boussabaine, A., Kirkham, R.2004) According to Ashworth (2008) during the 1960s it was often referred to as costs-in-use, although strictly speaking this term excluded anything to do with initial construction costs. In the 1970s, life cycle costing became the commonly accepted terminology but by the end of the century this had been replaced with whole life costing and this is the description under which it is now most commonly referred. 2.3 DEFINITION OF WHOLE LIFE COSTING The New construction research and innovation Strategy Panel (nCRISP) defines WLC as the systematic consideration of all relevant costs and revenues associated with the acquisition and ownership of an asset. (Constructing Excellence in the building environment, 2009) At its most basic, WLC includes the systematic consideration of all costs and revenues associated with the acquisition, use and maintenance and disposal of an asset. Ashworth (2004), Seely (1997), Ashworth and Hogg (2007), Cartlidge (2008) and Ferry and Flanagan (1991); according to BS ISO 15686, WLC can be defined as: a tool to assist in assessing the cost performance of construction work, aimed at facilitating choices where there are alternative means of achieving the clients objectives and where those alternatives differ, not only in their initial costs but also in their subsequent operational costs. Whole life appraisal (costing) is not the universal panacea for the construction sector, but properly understood and used it is a useful and powerful tool. (Flanagan, R., Jewell, C., 2005) Figure 2.2 The hidden costs, Source (Ellingham, I., and Fawcett, W.,2006) While initial costs are clear and visible at an early stage, longer-term costs are not see Figure 2.2. Nevertheless, these longer-term costs can far outweigh initial capital costs, and should have a much stronger influence on decisions with respect to facilities and individual elements Figure 2.3 Whole life cost, Source (Calford seaden, 2009) The sequence of the seven phases of a buildings life is described appropriately in British Standard 3811. Whole life phases Description Associated costs Specification The formulation of the clients Initial costsassociated with land purchase, professional fees and construction. Requirements at inception and briefing. Feasibility and viability of different proposals Design Translating ideas into working drawings Cost planning including whole life costing of alternative design solutions from outline proposals scheme and detail Deign Associated contract procurement documentation Installation The construction process Interim payments and financial statements Commissioning Handover of the project to the client Final accounts Maintenance The project in use Recurring costs associated with repairs, running and replacement items Modification Alterations and modifications necessary to keep the project to a good standard Costs associated with major refurbishment items Replacement Evaluation of the project for major changes or the site for redevelopment Redevelopment costs Table 2.1 Whole life phases (Ashworth.A, 2008) 2.4 WHY RISK ASSESSMENT IN WHOLE LIFE COSTING Combined with WLCC, risk assessment should from a major element in the strategic decision making process during project procurement and also in value analysis. Project cost, design and operational decision parameters are often established very early in the life of a given building project. Often, these parameters are chosen based on owners and project teams personal experiences. While these approaches are common, they do not provide a robust framework for dealing with the risks and decisions that are taken in the evaluation process. Nor do they allow for a systematic evaluation of all the parameters that are considered important in the examination of the WLCC aspect of a project. Capital costs and future costs must be quantified, analysed and presented as part of the strategic decision making process in todays business environment. Cost analysis and value analysis techniques are used to quantify and assess the economic implications of investment in building facilities in general. Whi le these techniques do provide a basis for making project cost decisions, they most often do not account for many of the parameters which may affect the actual project value or cost (Plenty et al.1999). Risk assessment should be an integral part of the WLCC process. A framework that uses formal decision making processes and risk assessment of each aspect of the decision to be taken in performing WLCC life cycle analysis can help owners, design teams and cost planners in marking strategic decisions based on analysis results that truly the inherent risks and costs related to the project. 2.5 DATA REQUIREMENTS IN WHOLE LIFE CYCLE COSTING AND RISK ASSESSMENT Flanagan and Norman (1983) highlighted three fundamental requirements in successfully implementing a life cycle costing methodology. A system by which the technologies can be used: a set of rule and procedures. Data for the proposed project under consideration: estimates of initial and running costs of elemental life cycles, discount rates, inflation indices, periods of occupancy, energy consumption, cleaning and the like. The data required to carry out WLCC analysis can be derived from a range of possible source Direct estimation from know costs and components Historical data from typical applications Models based on expected performance, average, etc. Best guesses of the future trends in technology, marking application Professional skill and judgement. All these factors have some bearing on the quality of data that is collected and how it is used in modelling and decision making processes. Whilst WLCC is now becoming widely used as a valuable tool in the design process, probably two key factors have undersized its potential impact A suspicion that life cycle cost estimates are in some sense inaccurate or based merely on guesswork The absence of sufficient and appropriate cost and performance data. 2.5.1 Data sources It has been highlighted how important the data and its composition are to WLCC, but where can this data be obtained? Ferry and Brandon (1991) highlighted six main outputs: Technical press Builders price books Information services such as the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) Government research literature such as from the National Economic Development Office (NEDO) University research Technical information services. Flanagan and Norman (1983) defined these into four subgroups: Manufacturers data Suppliers and contractors Modelling techniques Historical data Manufacturers data These specialists as a rule will have detailed breakdowns of the life cycle of the product, its material components and its performance characteristics. This data can also be obtained from other authorities that are responsible for testing the integrity and material for construction. The British Board of Agreement is a UK government testing body which carries out independent testing of materials used in the industry. Materials that meet a set specification and performance are issued with agreement certificates, which give details on service lives and other critical information. The Building Research Establishment also carries out testing on materials and can be a useful source of information. 2.5.3 Forecasts from models In the absence of any historical or suppliers data / feedback, models can be used as a way to analyse the WLCC implications of particular design decisions or choices of materials. The concept behind modelling is to facilitate and introduce a higher degree of accuracy in the estimates made by cost analysts when drawing up life cycle cost profiles. Historical data Historical data can be obtained from a variety of sources such as the BMCIS, clients and building occupies and in some cases the design team themselves. The value of historical data is relevant in that the values of initial capital cost and subsequent running cost can be categorised for certain groups of element in the building and this comparison can then be used to identify the elements which will benefit from a life cycle cost approach. 2.6 COMPONENTS OF A WHOLE LIFE COST ANALYSIS Figure 2.4 Components of a whole life cost analysis, Source (Boussabaine, A., Kirkham, R.2004) 2.6.1 Service life The prediction of component service life is a very important aspect in WLCC assessment. One such methodology currently in use is the factor method. The ISO/CD 15686-1 factor method for the estimation of the service life of components or assembly under specific conditions treats the service life as a deterministic value. In reality the service life has a big scatter and should be treated as a stochastic quantity. 2.6.2 Capital costs Returns on invested capital costs are essential in marking decisions on investment scenarios. Minimum capital commitment would be required if the client wanted to bear most of the cost until the building was handed over. In the event of limited capital budget is the prime consideration of the client, quality, in the form of a reduced specification, is like to be restricted. (Ashworth and Hogg, 2002, p.192).Further the cost of the project is a combination of land ,construction ,fees and finance and the employer will need to balance these against the various procurement systems available (Ashworth,1997,p.107). The capital cost objectives that need to be assessed include. Land acquisition cost. The location, and land viability may have a direct effect on the whole life cost and life expectancy of a facility. Predesign costs. The amounts of time and quality of information generated at this stage have great consequences on the quality and operation of a facility. The investors have a good opportunity to optimise the whole life cost of a facility through the selection of component and functional flexibility. Ideally, the issues relating to obsolescence should be investigated, accounted for as costs at this stage. Design costs. The quality of design in terms of error, detailing and buildability will have a direct effect on the cost of production and operation. A high quality building might also require higher costs in use in order to maintain its high aesthetic quality in use (Ashworth and Hogg, 2000) Development and production costs. The quality of workmanship is directly related to the level of maintenance. It is important to ensure that quality control is in place to ensure sound construction practices are used. Fees Risk costs Financial costs, tax, interest, etc. 2.6.3 Operational costs Operational costs are less certain as the time span increases due to uncertainties in energy costs, maintenance, fees, staff and regulatory changes. It is important to view operational cost estimates in their holistic state; several qualitative factors will have an important effect on the total operational costs. The operational cost objectives that need to be assessed include; Factors which contribute significantly to the total operational costs Optimum balance between capital and operational costs Operational risk management systems Optimum asset cleaning procedures Optimum waste management procedures Optimum utilities management procedures Optimum staffing level Minimum disruption due to denial use of the asset. 2.6.4 Maintenance costs The costs and priority of required maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement can be obtained from historical data but base cost estimates have to be supplemented with expert opinions in order to perform whole life cycle analysis and risk assessment. The maintenance cost objectives that need to be assessed include. Performance indicators for the assessment of maintenance costs Remaining service life of facility components Frequency and replacement costs In house or subcontracted maintenance Selection of exterior and interior materials and surfaces Selection of light fixtures with minimum routine repair and replacement requirements. Type of preventive maintenance programme. 2.6.5 Financing costs and revenues The objective here is to deal with WLCC input parameters of discount, inflation rates, taxes, expenses, etc. Critical analysis of investments must include both initial and ongoing costs and returns over the period of the investment. This will allow stakeholders to compare different options and decide which offers the best return for the investment. Usually discount rate is used for computing the value of future revenues. This includes a large degree of risk return. For example, if the discount rate is set too high or too low then future costs may appear insignificant; this could result in high operational costs and capital costs, which will discourage investment. Also, if inflation is different from the selected rates this may lead to inappropriate investment choices. The financing cost objectives that need to be assessed include assumptions about: Inflation rates, interest and taxes Level of returns and risks Optimum discount rate Economic activity. This has a direct on the economic obsolescence of facilities. Level of risk financing Cash inflow versus outflows Different rates, time periods and cash flows. The characteristics of new or existing facilities are very important aspect of WLCC computation. For the example a relationship may exist between building function and mechanical service costs, a particularly important feature of modern facilities. Little research has been published with regard to the impact of building characteristics on WLCC. 2.6.6 Asset characteristics The characteristics of new or existing facilities are very important aspect of WLCC computation. For the example a relationship may exist between building function and mechanical service costs, a particularly important feature of modern facilities. Little research has been published with regard to the impact of building characteristics on WLCC. Experience shows that an indirect link exists through many aspects, including energy, thus increasing WLCC and possible downtime costs in maintenance. The characteristics that should be assessed and included in the computation of WLCC include. Layout and location Functionality Construction technology Gross floor area Number of storeys and storeys height Glazing area Occupancy (m2/person) Shape of the facility Aesthetics Energy saving measures Quality of components Type and quality of public health system Type and quality of superstructure building fabric Type and quality of internal fabric Type and quality of electrical and mechanical services Extent of site works 2.6.6 Economic performance measures The procurement of building facilities involves a variety of decision making who decide on alternatives that generate capital and ongoing costs during a projects life. These capital costs generative value for different stakeholders and potential for returns to the project owner which should be durable over the life cycle of the asset. Therefore ,economic performance measurement in WLCC is very important for decision making to evaluate and allocate identifiable value from capital cost and continuing costs to relevant stakeholders in the life cycle of a facility. The objective that should be assessed under this heading should include. What type of performance indicators should be used to aid in the selection of alternatives The boundaries of these indicators, i.e. minimum and maximum values that the stakeholders are prepared to work to The best measures of performance in terms of WLCC outputs Mechanisms for WLCC benchmarking Measures for mitigating economic risks. 2.7 USE OF WHOLE LIFE COSTING Ferry and Flanagan (1991) argue that application of WLC, in any environment, exists on two levels. The lower level of life cycle costing is represented as a Management Tool to aid the decision making process. The higher level of life cycle costing is termed the Management System whose continuous operation dictates that responsibility for asset management should be retained. In general terms, they argue that during the management of a typical project, all stages, except project initiation, have a potential use for WLC. Whole life costing as a decision-making tool The primary use of WLC is to be used in the effective choice between a number of competing project alternatives. Although this can be done at any stage of the project, the potential of its effective use is Maximum during early design stages. In addition, the ability to influence cost decreases continually as the project progresses, from 100% at project sanction to typically 20% or less by the time construction starts. Furthermore, once the building is delivered, there is a very slim chance to change the total cost of ownership because the decision to own or to purchase a building normally commits users to most of the total cost of ownership. According to Kirk Al-Hajj ( 2004), 80-90% percent of the cost of running, maintaining and repairing a building is determined at the design stage. Figure 2.5 the relationship between whole life cost savings and time of implementation (Source- Al-Hajj,A.,Pollock,R.,Kishk,M.,Aouad,G.,Sun,M.andBakis,N,2004) Whole life costing as a management tool WLC can also be used as a management tool to identify the actual costs incurred in operating assets. The primary objective is to relate running costs and performance data. Thus, it could be useful for clients who want to estimate the actual running costs of the building and also for budgeting purposes. In addition, it can be a valuable feedback device to assist in the design (Al-Hajj,A.,Pollock,R.,Kishk,M.,Aouad,G.,Sun,M.andBakis,N,2004) BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF WHOLE LIFE COSTING TECHNIQUES 2.8.1 Industry barriers The capital cost of construction is almost always separated from the running cost. It is normal practice to accept the cheapest initial cost and then hand over the building to others to maintain. In addition, there is no clear definition of the buyer, seller, and their responsibilities towards the operating and maintenance costs (Bull 1993). Furthermore, there is a lack of motivation in cost optimisation because the design and cost estimating fees are usually a percentage of the total project cost. However, the expansion of new project delivery systems such as private finance initiative (PFI) and build operate and transfer (BOT) seems to overcome these obstacles 2.8.2 Client barriers Bull (1993) pointed out that there is also a lack of understanding on the part of the client. This may increase the possibility of subjective decision making. In addition, there are usually multiple aspects of needs desired by clients. Most of these aspects cannot be assessed in a strict WLC framework. This is mainly because either they are in conflict with the main WLC objective or because they are mostly non-financial. Some of these factors are even intangible such as aesthetics. In many cases, these intangibles are also in conflict with results of WLC (Picken 1989; Wilkinson 1996). Analysis difficulties The major obstacle facing the analyst is the difficulty of obtaining the proper level of information upon which to base a WLC analysis. This is because of the lack of appropriate, relevant and reliable historical information and data (Bull 1993). In addition, costs of data collection are enormous (Ferry and Flanagan 1991). Furthermore, the time needed for data collection and the analysis process may leave inadequate time for the essential dialogue with the decision-maker and the re-run of alternative options. This is one of the reasons why computerised models are valuable. Another difficulty is the need to be able to forecast, a long way ahead in time, many factors such as life cycles, future operating and maintenance costs, and discount and inflation rates (Ferry and Flanagan 1991). Besides, the uncertainty surrounding the variables in any WLC exercise should be properly assessed (Al-Hajj,A.,Pollock,R.,Kishk,M.,Aouad,G.,Sun,M.andBakis,N,2004) PRODUCING COSTS WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED? Before any evaluation of the projects whole life cycle costs can be made, the following factors need careful identification. Overall time scale of the building or element i.e. the life cycle; Statement of all costs and revenues attributable by disposal time; The design lives of the various components and equipment so that any calculation can include for replacements and repairs at appropriate times; Obsolescence where changes in technology, land values, working styles make the economic life of the building shorter than the planned design use; Tax implications allowances for certain items of plant and equipment can be offset against tax, thereby reducing their costs to the building owner; The time value of money (discounting) which incorporates allowances for interest and can consider inflation (iii) are relatively easy to calculate; (iv) (vi) are much more unpredictable as they tend to be guesses. From these elements come the typical WLC/LCC approach; STEP 1 establish the objective of the calculation STEP 2 choice of costing method STEP 3 formulate assumptions from list above STEP 4 identify the costs and the life cycle STEP 5 compare alternative solutions and rank STEP 6 sensitivity analysis (technique whereby costs revisited to identify items likely to change and the impact of those changes) STEP 7 report costs to client WHOLE LIFE COST / SUSTAINABILITY Contractors, particularly those involved with public private partnerships are recognising the importance of sustainability issues and the early consideration of whole life cost. The process of getting the minimum whole life cost and environmental impact is so complex, being a three dimensional problem as indicated below. Figure 2.6 Whole life cost considerations, Source (Cartidge, 2006) Each design option will have associated impacts and costs, and trade-offs have to be made between apparently unrelated entities Environmental value. This focuses on environmental aspects of development such as pollution, waste and CO2 emissions. These issues involve the initial manufacture of construction materials, the construction of the project, its use and eventual replacement. In this context value is maximised when environmental pressures are minimised to the level of the carrying capacity of ecological systems while using natural resources effectively and safeguarding natural capital and its productivity.

Significance of Pericles Death Essay -- Ancient Greece Greek History

Significance of Pericles' Death The death of Pericles was a significant event in the course of the Peloponnesian War; however, even without Pericles' leadership the Athenian Assembly had countless opportunities to prevent their loss and chose not to take them. The fickleness and inefficiency of democracy ('the mob') allowed the Athenians to be easily influenced and therefore electing populists such as Cleon, Lysicles and Hyperbolus into dominant leadership roles. Election, via democratic means, of such populists, meant that the Athenians would take a much more aggressive approach to the war and therefore abandon the policies that Pericles had previously established. So in turn, democracy the institution for which the Athenians fought tirelessly to protect, rather than the death of Pericles, ironically became the dominant factor influencing the final outcome of this Ancient Greek civil war. As can be expected from pioneer governmental institutions, Athenian democracy was not perfect. In fact it was far from it. It resulted in the establishment of poor policies by aggressive populists who sought "...private ambition and private profit...which were bad both for the Athenians themselves and their allies." (Thucydides). These self interested populist leaders with personal gain in mind established extensive internal political instability "...by quarrelling among themselves [and] began to bring confusion into the policy of the state." (Thucydides). Repeated opportunities to accept terms of peace after the battles of Pylos (425), Arginusae (406) and Aegospotami (405) were ignored by the inefficient Athenian demos eventually resulting in the devastation of the once dominant city-state. Internal political strife can also be attribu... ...ericles had lived, he may have actually hindered Athenian attempts to find some way out of the stalemated war." (http://www.warhorsesim.com/epw_hist.html). Pericles' death was significant. The Athenians had lost one of their greatest leaders. But even if the policies of Pericles had not been abandoned by the feeble Athenian democracy, the cost of the war would have proved too great and thus Athenian defeat was inevitable. It was a series of consequential events, spurred on by democratic failure, not one key turning point, that resulted in the decisive defeat of the Athenians by the Peloponnesians, with the aid of Persia. Because of democratic fickleness, with or without Pericles the Athenians were doomed for defeat, and therefore the death of Pericles was not the key turning point, rather it was only a factor which determined the length of the Peloponnesian War.

Diversity Of Hawthornes Writings In young Goodman Brown, ethan Bra :: Free Essay Writer

Diversity of Hawthorne's Writings in "Young Goodman Brown", "Ethan Brand", and "The Birthmark" . Michael Duncan ENG. 111 T/TH 9:30 am "... it is no delusion. There is an Unpardonable Sin!" , a quote by Ethan Brand that is at the root of many stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Nathaniel Hawthornes gloomy, dark style of writing is an emphasis on his theme of evil at societies heart. Writing about what he knew Hawthorne described the puritan society in different periods of time and defined different characters but all connected through his style. The stories that exemplify the diversity of Hawthornes writing are "Young Goodman Brown" , " Ethan Brand" , and "The Birthmark" . Having read these stories it is possible to become engrossed in the darkness that is portrayed and none is better than "Young Goodman Brown" . Young Goodman Brown, the character, is first introduced to us in the clearing of Salem village and we learn that he has faith in the goodness of the village and Faith for his companion as well. The people that we meet in Salem village in the first few paragraphs are just Goodman and Faith. These two characters are very important to understand for their surface characters or illusional characters. It is soon learned that Goodman Brown is not such a good man and later Faith shows us just as much false character. Goodman and Faith are not the only characters that are not all they seem to be. We come to meet more characters in the short story that are superficial as is the village itself. Goodman Brown leaves the bright, warm, goodness of his village to make a journey in the woods to meet a stranger. A good place to meet a stranger would be these surrounding woods of Salem for it is here that described by Nathaniel Hawthorne that "He had taken a dreary road,darkened by all the gloomiest trees of the forest, which barely stood aside to let the narrow path creep through, and closed immediately behind." and like the scheming mind of an evil person the dark woods leads one down the wrong pathway. The woods are not an allusion as was the village, the woods are exactly what they seem to be therefore the characters met inside the woods will be as shady as the woods themselves. Leading Goodman Brown to his despair is the first character, the stranger. The stranger is much older than the Goodman but the two converse easily and both understand each other even though they talk around Goodmans evil purpose. It is this easy conversation that Hawthorne

Cell Phones: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The prevalence of cell phones in American culture shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone. Cell phone use has risen In the united States from approximately 91,000 users 985 to In 2007 and n 2009 was somewhere In the neighborhood of 280,000,000, which means that approximately 90% of Americans own cell phones. And Americans arena the only ones. According to a February 2010 article on www. Cobwebs. Com, there are approximately 4. 6 billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide and that number is expected to surpass five billion by the end of the year.I had to wonder, what are the advantages and disadvantages of 90% of Americans (New York Times, May 13, 2010) and nearly 85% of the world's population using cell phones? I figure there had to be quite a few advantages for so many people to have cell phones, so I asked around. The number one answer I found was the convenience. Peoples' ability to be reached at all times, able to reach others at all times, and how fast communication with others has become. Can't reach someone by phone? Send a text. Text messages are delivered almost Instantaneously and there's no need to eave a message and Walt for a call back anymore.Many others cited having a cell phone In case of emergency. According to Pew Internet, In 2006, 74% of cell phone users reported using their cell phones in emergency situations. While cell phone bills are usually not lower than landlines bills alone, the long distance cost is significantly less for cell phone users. Long distance costs are included in the overall minute usage for most cell phone subscriptions, whereas many landlines providers charge by the minute for long distance calls. As cell phone technology advances, so o the tools available to cell phone users.A growing number of users report using their phones for such things as listening to music, checking email, keeping their daily calendars, making grocery lists, and even keeping track of daily calorie intake. (New York Times, May 13, 2010). There are many organizational tools available on the new generation of â€Å"smart phones† as well as many different navigational tools. GAPS locators In phones are subscribed to by many parents of underage cell phone users. Cell phones can also be used as cameras and video recorders and those photos and ideas are easily emailed to others or uploaded to sites such as Twitter and Faceable.Entertainment is even making the list of advantages to having a cell phone these days. As I mentioned previously, users can listen to music on their cell phones, but it doesn't stop there. Technology has advanced so much that users can now watch television shows and movies on their phones. So it seems I was correct about how many advantages must be out there, but what about the downside? The very first thought I had was about the ban on cell phones in schools and what a huge disruption cell phones must be In the classroom. That issue Is Just part of the larger issue of the widespread distract ion cell phones cause.Everywhere you go you see cell phones In use – In the coffee shop, the movie theater, the grocery store, even church, and while driving. Going back to the cost of cell phones, while heavy long distance users may notice a relief in their long distance landlines. There are costs for air time usage, text message usage, broadband usage, music purchases, games purchases, and app purchases, not to mention the dreaded overage costs. Some cell phone companies charge as much as sixty cents per minute or every minute of air time over your allotted plan.Add that to long contracts and hefty fees for canceling contracts and cell phones become quite an expensive venture. The ever-increasing technology is adding to these costs as well. Newer, smarter phones released every few months are of course attractive to users, but on top of the cost of upgrading phones on a regular basis is the added cost of the service provider's data package. In order to utilize these newer sm art phones, the data package is a requirement and on average costs something like an additional $30 ere month. Aside from financial impact, what about health impact?There seems to be quite a bit of worry over the radio frequency radiation given off by cell phones and cell phone towers. There is much argument about whether or not this sort of radiation is of any real concern, but according to www. Contemporaries. Com, there are many very serious health concerns to think about. There are reports that cell phone use can cause disturbances in sleep and concentration, fatigue, and headache. According to a BBC News report (wry. News. BBC. Co. UK), â€Å"Cell phones image key brain cells and could trigger the early onset of Alchemist's disease †¦Researchers have found that radiation from cell phone handsets damages areas of the brain associated with learning, memory and movement. † Reports linking cell phones to sterility in men, eye tissue damage, and increased chances of depr ession and cancer have also been published. In researching the negative effects of cell phones, I happened across some even more sinister effects. Take â€Å"setting† – â€Å"the act of sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photos, or images via cell phone, computer, or other chital device.These messages, photos, and images are then often being further disseminated through email and internet-based social networking websites well beyond their original intended recipients. † (wry. Mass. Gob) There have been hundreds of reported cases of setting – a handful of those cases involving suicide and/or sex offense criminal charges such as child pornography in the cases involving high school students. According to www. Masc.. Com, 39% of high schools students admit to sending these types of messages and 48% say they've received them.Another very dangerous habit Americans have developed is talking on their cell phone while driving. Muff have four times the risk of being in a crash if you're on the phone while driving. † (www. Unfathomable. Com) What's even scarier are the results of a Car and Driver Magazine study that found testing while driving is much worse than driving while intoxicated. The results of this study showed that unimpaired, it took the test driver . 54 seconds to brake when indicated to do so. Add four feet to that time for legally drunk drivers, thirty six feet for drivers reading email and events feet for drivers reading a text. Http://www. Zinc. Com/id/31 545004/site/ 14081 545). According too report by the National Safety Council, 28% of accidents involve talking or testing on cell phones. I couldn't help but notice that the risks seem to outweigh the benefits considerably, but I also admit that I'm still addicted to my cell phone. There has been their use elsewhere and I think there needs to be much more, although, I'm not certain how feasible that would be to accomplish. At any rate, we all make our own choices and we all need to make smarter choices about our cell phone use.