Increase in Economic Growth does not Necessarily Lead to an Increase Essay

Increase in Economic Growth does not Necessarily Lead to an Increase in Human Well-Being - Essay Example There are many definitions to the term economic growth; however, economists agree that economic growth refers to the growth in goods and services that a country produces over a period of time; this growth is measured in gross domestic product (GDP) (La Grandville, 2011, p536). GDP includes the goods and services that a country produces, that is to mean the personal expenditure of the people in the country added to the government expenditure and the net exports, which is the value of exports minus imports (Contanza, Hart, Posner and Talberth, 2009, 3). There have been various concerns by economists of how well GDP measures the well-being of individuals in a country with most of them arguing for differentiation between economic growth and economic well-being. This paper will therefore analyse critically the claim that an increase in levels of economic growth does not necessarily translate to increase in the well-being of individuals. The idea of well being of an individual can be eithe r objective or subjective. In the objective well-being, individuals use material goods that are measurable such as buying a new house or car among other material gains. However, economic growth is not usually associated with improved material well being because some of the factors that cause the economic growth also cause negative impacts in the society such as exploitation, environmental degradation or unequal spread of the wealth. GDP as a measure of well being of individuals’ measure the value of intermediate goods, which are not enjoyed by people rather they are used to produce other goods and services. In addition, the exclusion of military expenditure from GDP since there is no measurable output undermines the improvement in the quality of life that people enjoy due to military operations to secure the boarders of a country hence reducing criminal activities (D’acci, 2011, 49). The subjective well being of is the state of happiness that is usually brought about b y the enjoyment of the material wealth. In most of the instances, the subjective well-being, which is the psychological utility of the good that an individual has, is used to measure the variations in the objective well being of the individual. Research has found out that in some instances even with improves material wealth of a country, the happiness levels do not improve , however this claim has been refuted as in most instances the wealthier a country becomes the happier the residents are as wealth leads to increased levels of expressed happiness (Oswald ,1997, 1815). In addition, the levels of happiness that an increase in material wealth brings are usually attached to the social expectations and aspirations. Therefore even if economic growth increased the material wealth of an individual, the economic standards benchmark will rise, the individual will therefore remain at the same position or be worse off relative to the new economic standards and expectations which in return do es not making him any happier. In addition, the increase in employment that is brought about by economic growth does not necessarily lead to increased well being of an individual (Kenny, 1999, 6). Research conducted by the international labour organisation has showed that over 40% of workers are classified as poor, this happens when the employment increases without accompanying increase in productivity of each worker, it has been confirmed in East Asian countries such as Vietnam where increased levels of productivity among employees have led to reduction in poverty levels in the country. The idea that economic growth d

Prove how a more Community feel to college and more social events can Research Paper

Prove how a more Community feel to college and more social events can lead to higher grades - Research Paper Example These influences may not be exactly related to academics but drift towards an individual’s more personal realm involving their lifestyle and mind-frame while attending these academic institutions. One of these influences is the general feel of the academic institute/college that a person is attending (Brick 23). The ability of the college to provide a more comfortable environment for their students through initiating a â€Å"community feel† around the college is one way that a tertiary institution may be able to assist their students in improving their grades. Problem Definition Tertiary education can be said to be the trickiest part of the academic system as in most cases it is usually meted out in different circumstances than those that individuals had become accustomed to in their past academic experiences (Hanushek 74). This is largely due to the fact that this can be referred to as the final stage of traditional education and thus the environment the student is sub jected is more in tune with the post academic structure they will find after they graduate (Brick 15). This is to say that in college, students are treated more like the adults they will be when released to the world. However this change in scenery may affect individuals negatively as they may find it difficult to cope with the switch leading to a drop in their grades. The drop may be significant or barely noticeable depending on the individual but nonetheless the problem has to be faced in a bid to come up with ways that students are able to improve their grades in college. The more traditional solutions may not work at this time as the environment may not be suitable to cultivate success and thus more conventional methods may be needed. For instance increased study may not work as well as there is no one present to monitor whether an individual has actually increased their level of studying (Pashler 56). Whereas in previous situations such as high school and below there is usually an authoritative figure observing the studying habits of an individual be it a teacher or a parent and thus one is felt compelled to read when they know they are being monitored. However, college brings about a different atmosphere where there is usually no authoritative figure to monitor ones actions (this is usually due to the freedom that comes with moving out of the house.) and thus another source of motivation may have to be found if one wishes for improved grades. This can be seen by the drop in grades of an individual after they have cleared high school and have moved on to college. This is especially true in what can be referred to as the â€Å"non –elite† institutions and mainly consists of community colleges and various institutions on a similar level. The elite institutions (in this case would include schools such as Harvard, Yale, and Brown) may fall out of this category of a drop in grades as the pressure is still there for those who join such institution s to perform (Hanushek 83). The various individuals attending college can be seen as a community and thus a role should be taken up by a member of this particular community to attempt to improve the academic results of the institution in general through finding out ways in which colleges can bring about a more â€Å"

Personal Wildly Important Goal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personal Wildly Important Goal - Essay Example According to the study  the team should spend time in discussing the goals. When they talk about them every day, they will have mutual accountabilities towards achieving them. This means that they must be too sure of the goals. This calls for both vertical and horizontal communication among the team members. The team members should be aware of the key measures of success. There is a need for feedback. It is important to let the workers know when they do right. This will be an incentive to the team. However, it is hard to measure how much people are trying. Customer feedback is also important. It gives the organization a sense of evaluating whether it has achieved the goals or not. To achieve set goals and estimated results within the set constraints of time and budget, a manager uses a project. This implies that project management is very crucial in achieving the goals of the firm. All goals should be clearly stated In conclusion, project management is very important in achieving o rganization’s goals. It helps the team to define the most important goals and this result in the achievement of the firm’s strategic plans.

Global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Global warming - Essay Example The Earth is heating up and it will affect the crops. The rising of the sea level, the melting of icecaps and the global climatic changes are all the impacts of global warming. Global warming has influenced the business strategies as people try to reduce the greenhouse effect through efficient operations or energy conservations techniques. Regulations are imposed every other day to reduce the quantity of carbon dioxide and other gases emitted into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is argued that global warming presents new oppurtunities to businesses; it encourages innovation and creativity with the help of advanced technology. Global warming is believed to be destructive and expensive (Richman, 2007) but smart companies know which way the wind is blowing and how fast the ice is melting (Gunther, 2006). They find new ways to innovate, save energy, cut costs and reduce emissions. Insurers manage $26 trillion of assets of companies and are trying to influence the government to change po licies so that radical action can be taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions (Webber, 2002). Businesses have to evaluate the risks and analyze the oppurtunities that climate change has posed (Hagen, 2007). Stronger storms, prolonged droughts in some areas and heavy flooding or precipitation in other areas can adversely affect the immovable properties of businesses. The value of properties in coastal areas could decrease and they may be required to construct sturdier buildings that are more solid and resistant.

Software Requirement Specification Essay Example for Free

Software Requirement Specification Essay In existing system, professor takes the attendance manually and records the details of absentees or presenters. Using this records professor stores the student’s attendance in each day in the attendance list and calculates the attendance percentage manually. In this system professor must consider each student separately and keep this list safely. It takes lot of time. Professor must spend more time to record the each student’s attendance in the attendance list. The project aims in implementing software that helps professor to take the attendance using mobile phone. For this mobile must support java application. This project is based on J2ME technology. Professor enters the attendance to the mobile using keypad. It is a manual process. After saving the absentees or presenters in to the mobile, teacher can edit the attendance list in the mobile. And this attendance details can send to a computer using GPRS. After sending the files to a computer, attendance list must be updated automatically. Modules 1.User Module: The main purpose of the user module is to provide security. This module is specially designed for staffs, which use mobile phone to take attendance. Each staff enter username and password before enter in to attendance list. If username and password cannot match, he/she can’t enter in to attendance page. 2. Attendance Entry Module: The purpose of Attendance Entry Module is to mark the attendance using cell phone. In this module Lecturer takes the attendance using the cell phone. Lecturers select the branch, semester and year. After this session he enters in to attendance page. Here staff makes a mark on the absentees. 3. GPRS connectivity Module: The main function of GPRS connectivity module is sends attendance list to the server database by connecting cell phone with the server through GPRS. In this module attendance list in the cell phone is sends to the database. 4. Updating the Database Module: The first function of this module is to update the attendance list from the cell phone. When the attendance list from the cell phone receives, server automatically updates its database. The server updating the database whether any change from cell phone occurred. 5. Display Module: The Displaying attendance list Module deals with the WEB application of CBAS. In this module Students can view their attendance through WEB. Student must select the branch and year then they get the attendance list of the class. 6. SMS Module: The main advantage of SMS module is that the Students can know their attendance by sending SMS from anywhere. Students send a SMS to the server with their register number. If it is in correct format, the server will replays the attendance of corresponding student through SMS. Otherwise sends an error message.

Nicaraguan Cocoa Trade Essay Example for Free

Nicaraguan Cocoa Trade Essay Cocoa has been an important part of Mesoamerican life for more than a thousand years. It began as a sacred, ceremonial food until the discovery of the Americas by the Europeans. From that time to today cocoa has been a booming commodity locally and more importantly, in the worldwide marketplace. (Somarriba, 2009) However, Nicaragua struggles to capture a big portion of the international market, although cocoa from that region is generally accepted as very high quality. In the late 1970’s farmers struggled with both crop disease and lower market prices. The outcome was a massive replacement by farmers from cocoa to bananas, which were believed to be more profitable. The effect was a decrease in cocoa bean production, which has remained relatively low until recently. Today cocoa is frequently cultivated by indigenous peoples and peasant farmers. Many Mesoamerican countries use the cocoa farms as a key land use effort to reducing poverty. (Somarriba, 2009) However, Nicaragua is beginning to turn their focus on better production methods, and more land specifically designated to the production of cocoa. Experts have estimated that only 6400 hectares are farmed each year in the cultivation of cocoa. That number roughly represents about one thousand cubic tons per year in cocoa production. (Navarrete, 2005) In addition to this, most farmers are small scale generational farmers, passing along traditions through the years. However, it has also been estimated that in comparison to the 6400 hectares that are farmed each year, a possible 350,000 hectares are suitable for cocoa production. (Navarretes, 2005) This exciting prospect is further fueled by the high demand for quality cocoa by international buyers such as Germany, The Netherlands, and the USA. (Dand, 2009) Although Nicaraguan cocoa is known for its very desirable characteristics and therefore good market prices, the area struggles with low production. The two biggest contributors to such minimal output are both poor agricultural management and technology, and plant-diseases. (Navarretes, 2005) Cultivating cocoa is a relatively easy crop. Many farmers like the lack of costly equipment or chemicals that would eat up profits. However, cocoa is very labor intensive. One of the many problems facing Nicaraguan farmers is learning how to deal with these issues on a steady basis to increase crop production. Firstly, soil preparation and plot placement is important. Cocoa needs well drained soil and plenty of water, humidity and sunshine. Often the small considerations like weeding and cutting down excessive shade trees that steal soil nutrients and sunlight are neglected and cause poor crops, although they are fairly easy problems to remedy. . (Navarretes, 2005)Another easy remedy that is often overlooked is that of dead or diseased pod and limb removal. Neglecting such seemingly simple tasks have had disastrous effects on whole cocoa crops. The diseased or dead pods and limbs quickly become diseased and spread rapidly throughout the crop. Adding to these mounting problems, farmers try to save crops with chemicals, but misuse and poor techniques result in killing the crops anyway. One of the most deadly diseases that cocoa farms are susceptible to is the Monilia virus. This devastating virus acts like a cancer and is very easily spread. In the late 1980’s the Monilia virus was responsible for crop failures in most of Mesoamerica. (Lok, p. 251) Management practices were introduced to help educate farmers on easy methods to save crops. These included removing infected fruit, pruning and weed control. One of the biggest problems remaining today that stands as a great hindrance to the desired cocoa production is simply that many of these farmers are ill-educated on farming techniques, and don’t know how to identify or resolve any of these fairly simple problems. However, NGO’s and extensionist groups have tried to come in and remedy the problems. Extensionists focused mainly on farming practices and taught farmers how to identify and resolve problems. Also, they spent time educating farmers on methods for stimulating production, site choices and record keeping. Several problems were faced in all of these areas. First of all, one method which involves opening up the crown of the tree for longer term production must be carefully balanced by how much water is near the tree, humidity being an important factor in healthy cocoa trees. In one study after education the farmer on proper techniques, the farmer didn’t relate the balance of humidity and sunshine, and lost the entire crop to dehydration. This proved to encourage distrust in the farmers of the extensionists who were there to help leading to the general consensus by the farmers that they should continue to stick to their own methods. (Lok, p. 255) As one farmer expressed his feelings on the matter, â€Å"I was told to establish my plot here, because it was the best place according to the extensionists, but I regret having done so. Next time I will establish my plot far from the river on the slope. This will give me less work, while still producing an acceptable amount of cocoa. †(Lok, p. 255) In addition to differences with training techniques, resistance by farmers was also had in relaying the importance of cutting down other trees that inhibit good cocoa crop production. Part of the problem lies in the simple fact that farmers use many of the trees for other necessary uses. For example, many of the shade trees are used for firewood and fruit and are seen by the farmers as being indispensable. Moreover, when trying to establish a basis for recording yield production, extensionists found that farmers would hesitate to give the correct amount. Farmers insecure living circumstances, murder, theft and kidnapping, as well as debts needing to be repaid to the NGO’s all play their part in the farmer’s inconsistencies and reluctance to report accurately. Unfortunately these problems only add to the difficulties being faced in trying to increase production. (Lok, p. 255) With the aid of extensionists also came the helpful tools that the NGO’s had to offer. Because most cocoa was initially sold to middle men, farmers got low prices for their crops, thus ensuring the cycle of low production. With help from NGO’s cocoa prices went up which opened opportunities for funding for better methods. The main problem faced in this are was mostly one that often strikes countries struggling with economic development. One government leader in attempting to address this problem of squandering increased income bluntly stated, â€Å"Brother workers and peasants, begging your pardon, but you will have to get drunk less, and dedicate the money to your family. † (Fagen, 1986) Its second largest task of providing ways to market its product has been aided both internally and externally. With new focus on commercialization and export procedures change is inevitable. Just as in the case with farming techniques, many of the issues that are hindering a large scale export are easily resolved. For instance, one of the major obstacles in the commercial cycle is simply that the roads are in such bad condition make travel impassable. (Dand, 1997) With the addition of government projects and government backing the potential for success is high. In addition, Nicaraguan commercialization of cocoa is focusing on the utilization of the CAFTA organization to help increase productivity. (Dilger, 2005) Following CAFTA encouragement, Nicaragua would focus its commercialization with the United States, who â€Å"buys 25% of the world production†. With this strengthened focus CAFTA will also push cocoa as a free market product, trying to lift restrictions and increase sales. (Dilger, 2005) Interestingly, CAFTA is also aware of the traditional cocoa cultivation practices and is urging farmers to try mew methods. (Dilger, 2005) Regardless of the many obstacles, the national goal of Nicaragua to increase production of one of its finest exports remains strong. Nicaragua is aware of its problems of low production, lack of credit, persistent Monilia, and pricing wars. (Dilger, 2005) However, with Nicaragua’s high quality cocoa and the accompanying international demands, Nicaragua could easily compete in the international cocoa trade. The potential for growth is strong, as is the determination of Nicaragua. References Dand, R. (1997). The International Cocoa Trade. New York: John Wiley Sons. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=od=114030771 Dilger, Robert. Kopsell, Edgar. (August 2005) Estrategias publicas-privadas en el sector Cacoa en Nicaragua y Acuerdos regionales de comercio libre. Fagen, R. R. (1986, November). The Politics of Transition. Monthly Review, 38, 1+. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=od=5002128448 Lok, Rossana. (1998) Traditional Cocoa Agroforesrty Systems in Wasala, Nicaragua. Navarrete, Ignacio Thelma Gaitan. (2005). Cadena del Cultivo Cacao. Somarriba, Eduardo. Sustainable Cocoa Production in Mesoamerica. www. worldcocoafoundation. org. Retrieved March 26, 2009

Questions on analysing red bulls marketing strategies

Questions on analysing red bulls marketing strategies Red Bull is a highly successful branding story. The brand came to India in 2003. Although the brand has been keeping a low profile compared to the Cola majors , Red Bull has created a category of energy drinks in the Indian market. According to Economic Times ( 30.05.08) the energy drink market in India is estimated to be around 100 crore. The market now has two main players Red Bull and Power Horse. Energy Drinks are not much popular in India or it can be said that this product is used mostly by sport persons hence a niche. So far the use of these kind of drinks has not percolated to the mass market.. The energy drink broadly comes under the category of functional drinks which is a bigger market estimated to be around Rs 543 crores. Q1. Argue for the most relevant segment criteria to be used in the international market selection process? Red bull has consistently worked on growing international sales. Red bull has a well developed network of local subsidiaries set up in key markets to oversee distribution in any given region. Instead of targeting largest distributors with greatest reach, red bull targets small distributors who often become exclusively red bull distributors. Small independent venues are also the first targets. Red Bull does not use traditional market the local subsidiaries are responsible for local marketing content such as oral marketing, bill boards and radio. Q2.Which changes would you suggest for red bulls future global marketing mix in order to make future challenges? Have an ability to gain new customers and retain current customer loyalty: With Red Bulls target market currently aimed at the Generation Ys (15 30 year olds) there is the question of whether this generation will continue to drink Red Bull as they grow older.  And will the next upcoming generation accept this product as their own. They should segment the market in two difeernt ways, one relating to the youth. Second to the older generation Have Health and Social Implications: Due to growing pressure on organisations in society, Red Bull now promotes their product with current societal and health issues in mind. Childhood obesity and type 2-onset diabetes has become a major issue across western developed nations. By introducing sugar free Red Bull will open up a new opportunity to the health conscious and diabetics. Managing this issue will be a constant process and Red Bull must be seen to be adjusting their product to suit society. By not having only one product: One particular issue Red Bull has to consider is their limited product range. Unlike their major competitors such as Coca Cola and Pepsi, who have various different products in different beverage classes (water, soft drinks, electrolytes) Red Bull does not. Only having one product can be a positive however, for example Red Bull can concentrate 100% effort on their product while not being distracted by other influences, however the downside is that should the market share of that product decrease in the future, Red Bull has no back up product to cover the loss. Q3.How will you categorize red bulls oral global marketing strategy? Red Bull globally is known for buzz marketing. It is a brand which has built its equity through careful below the line marketing. During the initial launch time, Red Bull used to invest heavily in buzz marketing . Some of the famous marketing strategy adopted by Red Bull is given below : Student Brand Managers : The brand tried to reach the trend setters and opinion leaders by appointing ( informal agreement ) student brand managers across campuses. These members were given free Red Bull cans and was encouraged to organize parties for other youngsters. Identify Hot Spots : The brand identified hot spots where the majority of consumers /opinion leaders gather. This could be a bar or a party area. Once these hotspots are identified, the brand campaigns in that spot. Red Bull has the famous slogan Red Bull gives you wiings . The ads are revolving round this theme of the brand giving a high. One fact is that Red Bull need not do much of a product advertisements because the brand was confident that once the customer tries the product, he will start understanding the benefits of this product. Q4.Red bulls is available in large cities in India across supermarkets, restaurants and bars. Evaluate for opportunities for market expansion in India? In India which is a market which is characterized by heavy duty advertisements, high profile celebrity endorsements and mouth watering sales promotions, Red Bull has managed to take the different route. Since the launch the brand has managed to dominate the Indian market with more than 60 % market share . The popularity of Red Bull has prompted many cola majors to launch their energy drinks brand in India. There are news reports of Coca Cola and Pepsi bringing their global brands in this category into the Indian market. Despite the success of Red Bull and Power Horse, there are stumbling blocks in the development of this category . The main issue is regarding the perception of consumers towards this category. Energy drinks are usually viewed this type of drinks with suspicion. Frankly speaking they have an attached perception that this energy drinks are associated with alcohol ( it was a perception). I was surprised to find that these products are targeted towards youth.And these products are more found in pubs and bars which further reinforced the perception that these drinks have parity with products like beer.India, the culture is different. The consumption of these beverages are not considered a part of social living. There are restrictions in consumption and availability of these beverages. Red Bull is marketed heavily through pubs and bars across the western markets. But in India , Red Bull should keep away from associating itself with these kind of beverages. Because such an association will repel many customers especially ladies. Having said that, this category also offers excellent growth potential also provided the brand rationalizes the price. The price of energy drinks vary between Rs70-95 per can which can restrict the frequency of purchase of this product.