Interim Report IDBI Federal Essay Example for Free

Interim Report IDBI Federal Essay Problem statement: To study workmen compensation in IDBI and determine the satisfaction level of employees. Description of the Project: Reward system is a tool by which employee can attract, motivate, and retain employees. It involves everything the employee perceives to be of value resulting from the employment relationship successful. The reward system consists of many components out of which â€Å"Compensation† is one the most the important factor in employee satisfaction. Organization try to understand the type of compensation required for each of the employees and the one which has high impact on the system. Research Objective: Employee’s preference towards total rewards system depends on one’s perception and the motivation level he has achieved in life. Various theories have been incorporated to justify the preference. The theories are explained in Literature review. Based on the problem definition, we formulated our hypothesis. * Objectives of the Project: To study the workmen compensation in IDBI -Primary objectives: The main task of the project is to identify: * The various compensations offered to workmen in IDBI and policies used to evaluate various compensations. * The satisfaction level of employees with their compensation at IDBI. -Secondary objectives: * Is there any preference given to compensation by employees at any level of choosing job. * How compensation help organization to retain and attract employees. * Methodology: * Primary Data: the main data collection will be done by surveys on the present as well as past employees if possible. * Secondary Data: the secondary data will be as provided by the company guides through their records and manuals. Hypothesis 1: Employees are satisfied by the timely compensation provided to them under various circumstances by the IDBI. Hypothesis 2: Employees are not satisfied by the timely compensation provided to them under various circumstances by the IDBI. The research is restricted to IDBI employees only, the population size consist of all the employees present in the organization. We shall try to involve the response of every employee. The various theories which help us to understand the satisfaction and retention level of employees in the organization are: The motivational theories which were crucial for this kind of study were Maslow’s need Hierarchy and Herzberg’s two-factor theory * Maslow Need Hierarchy: People are motivated by inner needs. Needs form a hierarchy from most basic to higher order. The value of compensation will depend on the level of pyramid at which the person is residing. * Herzberg’s two factor theory: Employees are motivated by two ways of motivators: Hygiene factor and satisfiers. Hygiene factors in their absence prevent behaviors but their presence cannot motivate performance. Satisfiers such as recognition, promotion and achievement motivate performance. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs the person who has achieved the levels of physiological needs and safety would be motivated by other factors. For the people at level 3 may not consider monetary rewards as driving force. Therefore there are chances that employees will not take compensation into matter for changing their jobs. Reward system is a tool by which employee can attract, motivate, and retain employees. It involves everything the employee perceives to be of value resulting from the employment relationship successful. The reward system consists of many components out of which â€Å"Compensation† is one the most the important factor in employee satisfaction. Organization try to understand the type of compensation required for each of the employees and the one which has high impact on the system. Introduction * Insurance sector in India In India, insurance has a deep-rooted history. Insurance in various forms has been mentioned in the writings of Manu (Manusmrithi), Yagnavalkya (Dharmashastra) and Kautilya (Arthashastra). The fundamental basis of the historical reference to insurance in these ancient Indian texts is the same i.e. pooling of resources that could be re-distributed in times of calamities such as fire, floods, epidemics and famine. The early references to Insurance in these texts have reference to marine trade loans and carriers contracts. The insurance sector in India has grown at a fast rate post-liberalization in 1999. In the last decade, total premium grew at a CAGR of 25% and reached a total of $67 billion in 2010. Indian Life insurance industry (which contributes 88% of total Life and General insurance premium in India) has emerged as the 9th largest life insurance market in the world. Yet, Insurance penetration (measured as ratio of premium underwritten to GDP) was only at 5.2 % in 2010 – significantly lower than Asian peers like South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong which boast an insurance density greater than 10%. With low insurance penetration levels, growth potential remains promising. More importantly, the pace and nature of growth will likely see a change where new behaviors and dynamics of demand and supply will apply. On the demand side, growth is being fuelled by the growing population base, rising purchasing power, increased insurance awareness, increased domestic savings and rising financial literacy. The suppliers are correspondingly playing a market making role as competition heightens and differentiation become necessary for profitable growth. The major insurance companies in India and their market share is as follows– Initially there were only two insurance companies that operated the insurance sector in India, namely, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the other General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC). On December 2000, the subsidiaries were declared independent and began to operate as independent as independent insurance companies. According to statistics the life insurance premiums and general insurance premiums accounts to 2.5% and 0.65% of India’s GDP respectively * Role of HR in Insurance Industry The Human Resources function in the insurance industry is of utmost important. The business of acquiring clients, providing proper awareness and converting them into customers thoroughly depends on the sales force. India being a developing nation, majority of households do not have disposable income. There is a shift in customer loyalty in no time owing to the digital revolution. The population that has enough disposable income at hand also requires proper financial advice. The sales person, hence, need not only be well versed with the art of selling but also needs to be sound with financial knowledge about the products and its implications. Thus acquiring talent and retaining it is a major concern in this industry. The reason being a multifaceted personality is required to work for the company. The major compensation provided to these employees is often variable which keeps them on the edge of performing better every day. * Introduction (Company) IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company Ltd is a joint venture of IDBI Bank, Federal Bank and Fortis (Ageas) Insurance International holding 48%, 26% and 26% stake respectively. With the Insurance Regulatory and Developmental Authority (IRDA) setting regulations to protect the interest of the customers, the insurer companies need to maintain a capital structure in the form of solvency ratio. A higher solvency ratio will lead to the company with a higher surplus. As per the Annual Report 2011-12 released by IRDA, IDBI Federal holds a high solvency rate of 6.61 in March 2012. With a very high solvency rate which is second among all the private and public life insurers of India IDBI Federal poses as a healthy and safe insurer. As on March 2013, there are 10 products in the rack of IDBI federal. They are Bondsurance, Group Microsurance, Childsurance, Healthsurance, Homesurance, Incomesurance, Lifesurance, Loansurance, Termsurance, and Wealthsurance.

Summery - `The Living Conditions of Chittagong University Essay Example for Free

Summery `The Living Conditions of Chittagong University Essay The Impact of residential life influences personal, academic, emotional and spiritual growth, development and adjustment of a student. Much research has documented how residential environment affects the development of students. Brilliantes, Aga and others have shown in their study The Living Conditions of university Students In Boarding Houses and Dormitories In Davao City, Philippines that the facllltles and the environment of students dormitories significantly Influence their well-being holistically. (Brilliantes ; Aga: 2012). Maya Brennan claimed In one of her research hat affordable (reasonable) housing developments may function as a platform for educational Improvement by provldlng a forum (Opportunity) for residential-based after school program. (Brennan: 20111. Shaikh and Deschamps elicited that Student living in university residences experience frail (Weak/ in poor health) living conditions, being away from their homes and families, the stress (Pressure) of studies, a bizarre (Irregular) routine, and absence of readily (Willingly) available guidance. This condition derictly related with overall well-being of the students of a University. (Shaik ; Deschamps: 2006). Significant number of works on this topic previously done worldwide beside above mentioned studies. In particular, according to Barger ; Lynch, A series of studies undertaken at the university of Florida in Gainesville by Alsobrook (1962), Carter (1966), Clark (1 963), Decoster (1970), Lynch (1970). MacDonald (1968), Musselman (1967), Ridge (1968) and Stormer (1971) highlighted the impact of the mix of student characteristics and the effectiveness of leadership on the quality of life that develops in the residence hall. (Barger ; Lynch: 1973) But in Bangladesh, study regarding living condition of university students and how esidential environment affect students well-being is beyond our minds eye, because of the unavailability of such kinds of work. A study has been conducted on Quality of Education and Campus Violence under FREPD (Foundation for Research on Educational Planning and Development. The team of this research explored how campus violence affects quality of education of a student. (Ahmed: 2000). So, we find lack of priority in research on quality study of university environment especially how students lead their lives In university arena. In this point of view and with the onsideration of above discussion, It Is more contextual to study on the llvlng condition of university students and their hollstlc welfare depends on residential environment. Summery The Living Conditions of Chittagong University Students in Halls and Cottages . By miahhanif The impact of residential life influences personal, academic, emotional and spiritual and others have shown in their study The Living Conditions of University Students in Boarding Houses and Dormitories in Davao City, Philippines that the facilities and the environment of students dormitories significantly influence their well-being olistically. (Brilliantes ; Aga: 2012).

Promotion and sales and marketing techniques

Promotion and sales and marketing techniques Promotion and Sales:- The term Promotion and Sales are totally interdependent on each other. Promotion is a communication link between buyers and sellers. It is a function of informing, persuading, and influencing a consumers purchase decision. Promotional activities include: media advertising, direct mail, personal selling, sales promotion and public relations. A sale consists of marketing activities other than personal selling, advertising and public relations that stimulate consumer purchasing and dealer effectiveness. Sales promotion is a subset of promotion. In other words, sales promotion is not the same thing as promotion. Promotion is a much broader term. Promotion Mix:- The Combination of promotional activities an organization uses is called promotion mix . Integrated marketing communications (IMC):- Coordination of all promotional activities to produce a unified, customer-focused promotional message. Aim:-The main role of this assignment is to examine the role of Promotion and Sales and to find out market technique. In this assignment we are analyzing the following techniques: 1. Traditional elements of the promotion mix. 2. Advertising media. 3. Steps in Business to Business Selling. 4. Steps involved in setting up a public relations programme 5. Promotional techniques used to reach customers. Traditional elements of the promotion mix: Advertising Personal Selling Sales Promotion public relations Product Product Traditional Promotional Mix The Promotional mix works like a subset of the marketing mix, with its product, distribution, promotion, and pricing elements. With the promotional mix, the marketers attempt to create an optimal blend of various elements to achieve promotional objectives. The promotional mix requires a carefully designed blend of variables to satisfy the needs of a companys customers and achieve organizational objectives. Promotional Mix: Subset of the marketing mix in which marketers attempt to achieve the optimal blending of the elements of personal and non personal selling to achieve promotional objectives. I. Personal Selling :- is the oldest form of promotion. It is conducted on a person-to-person basis with the buyer. It involves the search for new prospects and follow up service after the sale. It is mainly face to face presentation and promotions of goods and services. Its more accurately described today as helping others satisfy their wants and needs. This direct form of promotion may be conducted: a. Face-to-face b. Telephone c. Videoconferencing d . Interactive computer links between buyer and seller Benefits of Personal Selling :- The benefit of personal selling is that there is a person there to help you complete a transaction. The sales person should listen to your needs, help you reach a solution and do all that is possible to make accomplishing that solution smoother and easier. 2. Non-personal Selling a. Advertising:- is any paid, non personal communication through various media about a business firm, not-for-profit organization, product, or idea by a sponsor Identified in a message that is intended to inform or persuade members of a particular audience. Advertising primarily involves the mass media, such as newspapers, television, radio, magazines, and billboards, but also includes electronic and computerized forms of promotion such as Web commercials, CDs and DVDs, and video screens in supermarkets. b. Product Placement:- a form of non personal selling in which the marketer pays a motion picture or television program owner a fee to display his product prominently in the film or show. Through their product gets so much popularity and they get the benefit from this. So this type of non personal selling is very good for their product placement. C. Sales Promotion:- consists of marketing activities other than personal selling, advertising and public relations that stimulate consumer purchasing and dealer effectiveness. Sales promotion is a subset of promotion. In other words, sales promotion is not the same thing as promotion. Promotion is a much broader term. Sales promotion provides a short-term incentive, usually in combination with other f forms of promotion, to emphasize, assist supplement, or otherwise support the objectives of the promotional program. For example, Restaurants, including fast food establishments, often place certain items on the menu at a lower price for a limited time only. Movie promotional tie-ins are a classic example. Movies are tied into food, drinks and restaurants. Sales promotion includes the following activities: 1) Displays, 2) trade shows, 3) coupons, 4) contests, 5) samples, 6) premiums, and 7) product demonstrations. Sales Promotion can be achieved both internally ( with in the company) and externally (outside the company) Public Relations and Publicity:- Public relations refer to a firms communications and relationships with its various publics. These publics include customers, suppliers, stockholders, employees, the government, the general public, and the society in which the organization operates. It is the management function that evaluates public attitudes and procedures in response to public request. Publicity is the marketing-oriented aspect of public relations. It can be defined as non personal stimulation of demand for a good, service, person, cause, or organization through unpaid placement of significant news about it in a published medium or through a favorable presentation of it on the radio, television, or stage. Of course, bad publicity can damage a companys reputation and diminish brand equity. Public Relations has three steps:- Listen to the public Change Policies and procedures Inform people that youre being responsive to their needs. Comparison of the Four Promotional Mix Elements Personal Selling Advertising Sales Promotion Public Relations Advantages Permits measurement of effectiveness Elicits an immediate response Tailors the message to fit the customer Reaches a large group of potential consumers for a relatively low price per exposure Allows strict control over the final message Can be adapted to either mass audiences or specific audience segments Produces an immediate consumer response Attracts attention and creates product awareness Allows easy measurement of results Provides short-term sales increases Creates a positive attitude toward a product or company Enhances credibility of a product or company Disadvantages Relies almost exclusively upon the ability of the salesperson Involves high cost per contact Does not permit totally accurate measurement of results Usually cannot close sales Advertising media Advertising is a form of communication intended to persuade an audience (viewers, readers or listeners) to purchase or take some action upon products, ideals, or services. It includes the name of a product or service and how that product or service could benefit the consumer, to persuade a target market to purchase or to consume that particular brand. These brands are usually paid for or identified through sponsors and viewed via various media. It is any paid, non personal communication through various media about a business firm, not-for-profit organization, product, or idea by a sponsor Identified in a message that is intended to inform or persuade members of a particular audience. Advertising primarily involves the mass media, such as newspapers, television, radio, magazines, and billboards, but also includes electronic and computerized forms of promotion such as Web commercials, CDs and DVDs, and video screens in supermarkets. Various types of Advertising media 1 Newspapers 2 Television 3 Radio 4 Magazines 5 Outdoors 6 Direct mail 7 Internet The above described media are classified according as retail advertising, trade advertising, business to business advertising ,institutional advertising, product advertising ,comparison and online advertising. Advantages of Advertising media It reaches a large group of potential consumers for a relatively low price per exposure. Allows strict control over the final message. Can be adapted to either mass audiences or specific audience segments. Disadvantages of Advertising media Does not permit totally accurate measurement of results Usually cannot close sales. Global advertising Advertising has gone through five major stages of development: domestic, export, international, multi-national, and global. For global advertisers, there are four, potentially competing, business objectives that must be balanced when developing worldwide advertising: building a brand while speaking with one voice, developing economies of scale in the creative process, maximizing local effectiveness of ads, and increasing the companys speed of implementation. Born from the evolutionary stages of global marketing are the three primary and fundamentally different approaches to the development of global advertising executions: exporting executions, producing local executions, and importing ideas that travel.[24] Advertising research is key to determining the success of an ad in any country or region. The ability to identify which elements and/or moments of an ad that contributes to its success is how economies of scale are maximized. Once one knows what works in an ad, that idea or ideas can be imported by any other market. Market research measures, such as Flow of Attention, Flow of Emotion and branding moments provide insight into what is working in an ad in any country or region because the measures are based on the visual, not verbal, elements of the ad. Steps in business to business Selling In business to business-selling, it is critical for the sales person to known the product well to know how the product compares to competitors s products. Such product knowledge is needed before the salesperson begin the selling process. Example of this is customer relationship management software (CRM).It is useful for establishing long term relationships with customers imagining you are a software sales person showing business user the advantages of various programs .It consists of Prospect and Quality Pre approach Approach Make Presentation Answer Objectives Close Sale Follow up 1.Prospect and Quality The first step is of prospecting. Prospecting involves researching potential buyers and choosing those most likely to buy. That selection process is called qualifying. To qualify people means to make sure that they have need for product, the authority to buy and the willingness to listen to a sales message. A person who meets these criteria is called a prospect. 2.Pre approach In this approach you must learn as much as possible about customers and their wants and needs. In this gathering the information before you approach the customer is critical. As we said an example of CRM selling you would know which people are likely to buy or use it. Approach In this the main idea is to give an impression of friendly professionalism, to create rapport,, to build credibility, and to start a relationship. Often the decision of whether to use a software package depends on reliable service from the salesperson. Make Presentation In the actual presentation of the CRM software, the idea is to match the benefits of your value package to the clients needs. Various companies provide sales proposal software that include everything from power point presentations to competitive analysis. During the presentation is a great time to use testimonal to Show potential buyers that they are joining leaders in others firms in trying this software. 5 Answer Objections You should anticipate any objections the prospect may raise and determine proper responses. Think of questions as opportunities for creating better relationships, not as challenges to what youre saying. Customers may have legimate doubts and you are there to resolve those doubts. Relationships are based on trust, and trust comes from successfully and honestly working with others. it. Close Sale As a salesperson, you have limited time and cant spend forever with one potential customer answering questions and objectives. A trial close consist of a question or statement that moves the selling process towards the actual close. As you can see, salespeople must learn to close many times before a long term Relationship is established. or relationships, not as challenges to what youre saying. Customers may have legimates doubts and you are 7.Follow Up The selling process isnt over until the order is approved and the customers is happy. The sales relationship may continue for years as you respond to new request for information. Salesperson realy needs to be providers of solutions to their customers and also needs to think about happen after the sale. The follow up step includes handling customers complaints ,making sure the customers questions are answered and quickly supplying what the customers wants. Steps involved in setting up a public relations programme Public relations refer to a firms communications and relationships with its various publics. These publics include customers, suppliers, stockholders, employees, the government, the general public, and the society in which the organization operates. It is the management function that evaluates public attitudes and procedures in response to public request. Public relation is defined as the management function that evaluates public attitudes ,request and procedures in response to the public s request, and executes a program of action and information to earn public understanding And acceptance. Publicity is the marketing-oriented aspect of public relations. It can be defined as non personal stimulation of demand for a good, service, person, cause, or organization through unpaid placement of significant news about it in a published medium or through a favorable presentation of it on the radio, television, or stage. Of course, bad publicity can damage a companys reputation and diminish brand equity. Public Relations has three steps:- Listen to the public: Public relation start with good marketing research. Change Policies and procedures : Businesses dont earn understanding by bombarding the public with propaganda, they earn understanding by having programs and policies and practices in their public interest . Inform people that youre being responsive to their needs: Its not enough to simply have programs in the public interest. You have to tell the public about those programs so that they know youre being responsive Public relations has more power to influence consumers because the message comes from source that is perceived as being more trustworthy. Advantages of Publicity: Creates a positive attitude toward a product or company Enhances credibility of a product or company Disadvantages of Publicity: May not permit accurate measurement of effect on sales Involves much effort directed toward non-marketing-oriented goals 5.Promotional techniques used to reach customers There are several Promotional techniques that encourage/stimulate customers to patronize a specific retail store or to try a specific product. These promotional techniques give various benefits/bonuses to customers and these are mainly classified as 1.Coupons: This is the most common technique which usually reduce the purchase price or offered as cash. Need to state the offer clearly and make it easy to recognize. 2. HandoutAwash in Coupons Looks at the volume of coupons (323 bn) and the poor redemption rate (less than 3%). Looks at more innovative media to deliver coupons (currently over 80% are delivered via the Sunday paper).in store by the products, as customers exit the store based on purchasesdiscussed delivering coupons to customers as they enter the store, using a card that swipes to indicate past purchases. Past buying behavior is the best predictor of future buying patterns Users only redeem coupons they would ordinarily purchase. 75% of the coupons are redeemed by consumers who would buy the brand already. . 3 Demonstrations: Excellent attention getters. Labor costs are usually high. 4. Frequent User Incentives: Major airlines, helps foster customer loyalty to a specific company. Credit card companies. Trading stamps-Co-ops back in England, foster retail loyalty. 5. Point of Purchase Display: Outside signs, window displays, counter pieces, display racks. 90% of retailers believe that point of purchase materials sell products. Essential for product introductions. Also with 2/3 of purchasing decisions made in the store, they are important. 6. Free Samples: Stimulate trial of product. Increase sales volume at the early stage of the product life cycle and obtain desirable distribution .Most expensive sales promotion technique. Not appropriate for mature products and slow turnover products. 7. Money Refunds/Rebates: Submit proof of purchase and mail specific refund, usually need multiple purchase for refund. Helps promote trial use, due to the complexity of the refund, it has little impact. Customers have a poor perception of rebate offered products. Used extensively in the Auto and Computer industry. 8. Premium Items: Offered free or at minimum cost as a bonus. Used to attract competitors customers,different sizes of established products. McDonalds Last summer the following tie-in premium programs. Casper with Pepsi, Pizza Hut, Choice Hotels Congo with Taco Bell Batman Forever with McDonalds, Kelloggs , Six Flags, Sears Pocahontas with Chrysler, Nestle, General Mills, Burger King Mighty Morphin with McDonalds Cents-off Offer: Strong incentive for trying a product-very similar to coupons, but are a part of the package. Consumer Contests and Sweepstakes: Consumers compete based on their analytical or creative skills. Must be accurate or you will anger customers/retailers. Sweepstakes are prohibited in some states. Conclusion From the above discussion of various Promotion and sales technique we conclude that promotion with advertising is a part of total system approach that lead to maketing principles. Promotion and sales are interdependent on each other. It helps to increase demand for the product with a view to increase the companys sale and profit.

The Influential Power of Oprah Winfrey Essay -- essays research papers

How can one person, whom most people have never met, influence the lives of people in the world today in such positive ways? Oprah Winfrey has been able to persuade and inspire many people around the world today because she has simply believed in herself and the good of the people. Oprah once said, â€Å"Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe† (Lowe 170). The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Angel Network, and Oprah’s Book Club have been some of the most indoctrinating pieces of work by Oprah. Moreover, these creations have been the ultimate techniques Oprah has used to reach out to the people of the world. Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential, dynamic, and powerful women of today’s society, has devoted her life’s works to influencing the people of the world. Millions of viewers tune in daily to be educated, entertained, or simply enlivened by Oprah as she visits them in the company of their own home. Oprah’s show has been so successful because of the ways in which she thinks and believes. Oprah said, â€Å"†¦ a good talk show will stimulate thought, present new ideas, and maybe give you a sense of hope where there wasn’t any-a feeling of encouragement, enlightenment; inspire you† (Lowe 151). The Oprah Winfrey Show has provided people with symmetrical, lucid, and comprehensive information on various topics. For example, money management and family finance issues were subjects for discussion during an episode on the show. Furthermore, shows need multidimensional aspects to keep the audience aroused, so a celebrity hour has energized the show. Such celebrities as Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts have been ostentatious guests of the hour. Moreover, the majority of viewers seemed really invigorated and motivated by Oprah with one particular topic of weight loss. For instance, society has battled with the issue of weight and Oprah’s own success with weight loss really encouraged her viewers to do the same. Here is one inspirational thought Oprah has stated â€Å"The bottom line is, you cannot lose weight until you make yourself enough of a priority to do the things you need to do to make it happen† (Winfrey). In conclusion, Oprah’s diversity on her talk show has empowered people through television by educating, entertaining, and inspiring. Oprah has continued to stick to her guns about keeping The Oprah Winfrey Show on higher... ...he Book Club have been the very reasons Oprah has become such a dominant reinforcement of character and morale in today’s society. Oprah has created several resources of communication in order to influence, inspire, educate, and strengthen others. Oprah’s own determination and perseverance has inspired her to give back to others. Oprah stated: Don’t complain about what you don’t have. Use what you’ve got. To do less than your best is a sin. Every single one of us has the power for greatness, because greatness is determined by service-to yourself and others (Lowe 167). All her works and creations have had one mission: the desire to improve the world and empower people. This simply stated mission has been the key to Oprah’s influential impact on people she has never met and in return, millions of people have remained loyal to her. Works Cited Lowe, Janet. Oprah Winfrey Speaks: Insight From The World’s Most Influential Voice. New   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  York: Wiley, 1998. Oprah.com Live Your Best Life. Ed. Harpo Productions, Incorporated. January 2005. Harpo   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Productions Incorporated. 16 January 2005 Winfrey, Oprah. â€Å"Lose Weight with Oprah.† The Oprah Magazine   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Feb. 2005: 109-114.

From Element to Riches Essay -- essays research papers fc

From Element to Riches A diamond in a sense is the most communal, elegantly, used jewel used in circulation today. Do people in actuality understand the concept and edifice of this mineral? A diamond is known as the hardest rock in existence and to most of the world it is a piece of jewelry, but do we know what the chemical composition of a rock and how is it formed? A diamond in actuality is carbon in its most concentrated form. While a few diamonds may have trace impurities such as boron or nitrogen, most diamonds are composed mostly of carbon. Carbon is a chemical that is fundamental in the process of life and used in various amounts of ways on the Earths surface. In diamonds, carbon atoms share all four valance electrons with adjacent carbon atoms, which form a tetrahedral unit. The covalent bond that is formed in this process is responsible for many of the diamonds superlative properties. As a result of the highly symmetrical arrangement of eight atoms that are fundamentally arranged in a repeating structural unit diamond crystals can form a variety of different shapes known as crystal habits. The octahedron is the most common of these crystal habits, but others include cubes dodecahedra and combinations of theses shapes. All however, are manifestations of the cubic crystal system to which the mineral diamond belongs. Diamond crystals t hat are real do not have entirely smooth faces which can be seen in the trigons that reflect the subtle changes of height in the diamonds face. However some raised trigons that point the same direction as the crystal face can occur from dissolution, etching, and the crystals natural growth. Another notable property that the diamond is well known for is its hardness. Diamonds are the hardest substance known, receiving a ten on Moh’s hardness scale. While diamonds are not fragile or prone to breaking they can fracture or shatter. The best place for splitting a diamond is along one of its lines of cleavage as the crystal is know to have fewer chemical bonds on the plains of its octahedral face which allows for its perfect cleavage. Two of the most valued attributes of the diamond are its brilliance and luster, qualities obtained from the diamonds great ability to refract light. Light that passes through a diamond is reduced to approximately 77,000 mi... ...uses such as super electronics, indomitable optical windows, and un-scatchable surfaces, to many more things that have yet to be thought up. This mineral is definitely a very unique and diverse substance, unmatched by any known to man. So while the diamond may be appealing to the eye, this beauty is one with depth and purpose far beyond that which meets the eye. Bibliography Bonsor, Kevin. â€Å"How Diamonds Work.† HowStuffWorks. 1 Dec. 2004. http://science.howstuffworks.com/diamonds.htm â€Å"Diamond.† BambooWeb Dictionary: Open Content Encyclopedia. 1 Dec. 2004. http://www.bambooweb.com/articles/d/di/Diamond.html "Diamond." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Online. 2004. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service. 4 Dec. 2004. . â€Å"The Nature of Diamonds.† American Museum of Natural History. 1 Dec. 2004. http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/

The Future of Broadband over Power Lines Essay -- essays research pape

The future of BPL (Broadband over Power Lines)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  BPL, or Broadband over Power Lines, is in its infancy. Several utility companies are rolling BPL out to their customers for field trials, and â€Å"predict that 15 to 20% of its customer base will eventually be on BPL†. 1 There are several obstacles surrounding BPL and must be overcome to help with success of BPL. One obstacle is the issue of interference with radio transmissions. Another obstacle is the adoption of new technologies, which could greatly hinder the progress of BPL. While BPL is still in its infancy, the future of BPL could be very bright. If the issues are overcome, BPL could become a very strong contender in the Internet services arena. Radio Interference The amateur radio operators consider BPL to be quite harmful to the current radio spectrum. With several installations in the United Kingdom there has been some evidence that BPL does interfere with radio transmissions. â€Å"Earlier PLC systems such as the one developed by Nor.Web in the UK emitted a high level of radio noise in the 1-30 MHz bandwidth. This resulted in conflicts with the British government's Radio Agency, when it disrupted radio signals from the BBC World Service. The Department of Trade and Industry (UK) subsequently made it impossible to use PLC in the UK and contributed to the withdrawal of Nor.Web from the business†. 2 In the future there could be technology that is available to help with this interference. According t...

Ideological support for state independence Essay

Introduction In federal polity, there is a need to provide for regulations to balance federal and state authorities. The rights of the state and the federal government should be clearly defined so that there is no infringement of one by the other. There are many cases where states and local bodies feel that their rights are curbed such as usurping of environment related authority by the Federal Government in 1999. (Schoenbrod : 1999). While ideal conditions in a democratic polity cannot be assured, there is a general equilibrium which emerges. It is commonly believed that conservatives are in favor of greater independence to states from federal mandates while liberals are more inclined to give priority to the federal government. The universal applicability of this maxim may be limited by factors such as local interests, lobbies and other issues which may result in cross support by liberals and conservatives. But general veracity of this trend needs to be examined. The legislative collegiate comprises of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. This aspect will have to be thus seen in relation to legislation carried out by both these bodies separately to establish it as a general rule rather than a house specific injunction. Ideological support for state independence from federal mandates receives greater support from conservatives than liberals as conservatives are inclined towards greater self government and prefer limited federal impositions on states as against liberals who generally seek limited state autonomy. The issue is being examined in detail in the light of legislative action in two cases as given below:- (a) Legislative action on H. R. 5 in the 104th Congress. (b) Legislative action on S. 640 in the 102nd Congress Legislative action on H. R. 5 in the 104th Congress Legislative action on H R 5 in the 104th Congress in 1995 resulted in the, â€Å"Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995†,(UMRA), the aim of which was to restrict the practice of inflicting unfunded Federal mandates on States and local governments and provide for Federal Government to pay the costs that are incurred by States while complying with the requirements of statutes and regulations of the central Government. This is also deemed to include costs incurred in providing information of Federal mandates to the private sector and for other purposes. The Act thus seeks compensation for states arising from matters concerning federal mandates. Support of this act would deem to indicate sustainment of the primary thesis of conservatives providing greater support for state independence and liberals being in favor of the federal government. Text of legislation There is a need to specifically study the text of the legislation including its purposes and exceptions. The purpose of the legislation has been indicated as manifold. The main aim, as is normal in cases of state versus federal jurisdictions is to strengthen the compact between the Federal Government and States, local governments, and tribal governments. Given this aspect there is no reason to believe that there should be any resistance to this legislation as it is the constitutional obligation of all elected representatives to support state – federal relationship. The other purpose stated is to end the burden imposed on states, local governments and tribal governments from Federal mandates which displace their priorities and which do not have the full consideration of the Congress. This is a significant purpose from the point of view of the hypothesis under examination for it seeks to end the imbalance which may be caused due to federal imposition on state and local government. Thus support of this legislation will imply that state is being favored vis a vis the federal government. The other stated purpose is also to assist the Congress, in considering proposed legislations for establishing or revising Federal programmes which comprise of Federal mandates affecting states, local government, tribal governments and the private sector by providing information about the nature and size of mandates in the proposed legislation and a mechanism to bring forth this information to the attention of the Senate and House of Representatives before, it votes on the proposed legislation. This too provides a very favorable outlook for protecting interests of states as full information of its impact on states is sought before a federal legislation affecting the state is brought into force. This is a binding feature which will enable legislators to seek full information on a large many acts if put forth before the Senate and the House of Representatives given the nature of legislations in a federal formation as that of the United States of America. The other stated purposes include promotion of informed and deliberate decisions by the Congress on the suitability of Federal mandates in any specific instance and to establish point of order vote on the considerations in the Senate and House of Representatives of legislation which has major Federal mandates. It is also designed to assist Federal agencies while considering proposed regulations which affect the states, local and tribal governments, to have a process to enable the elected and other officials of these bodies to provide inputs when Federal agencies are developing such regulations. Federal agencies are also required to prepare and consider the budgetary impact of the regulations of Federal mandates as these will affect the local and state governments. The agencies of the Federal government are to be enjoined to ensure that small governments are given special consideration in the process. This again is in favor of the local governments what ever their form be and imposes on federal agencies the burden of providing adequate information to these bodies before any legislation is moved especially affecting their fiscal powers or resources. There is strong support for small governments in particular. The final purpose is to establish a general rule that Congress does not impose any federal mandates on states, local governments and tribal governments without providing adequate funding for them to follow these mandates. Thus any support of this legislation can be considered in general as an ideological leaning towards states in the state-federal dyad. Perhaps the limitations given in the Act may provide a holistic projection of its impact. The Act is not to be applied to any provision in a Federal statute or a proposed or final federal regulation which impinges on the constitutional rights of an individual or it establishes or enforces any statutory rights that proscribe discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, or challenged or disability. It also requires for compliance procedures in terms of accounting and auditing procedures with respect to grants and other money or property which has been provided by the Federal government. The provision of emergency assistance is covered in the limitations which are quite natural considering the likely exceptional circumstances which should not restrict or limit its applicability. A final limitation is that of national security and the ratification for compliance of an international treaty as well as the emergency legislation of the President which has been included as a statute by the Congress. While these limitations have been included in the Act, these in no way can be construed to be providing the Federal government exceptional powers over state and other authorities in the normal course and are only applicable when individual liberties are likely to be infringed or an emergency arises. Thus despite the limitations, state authorities continue to find favor in the Act. There were 172 Co Sponsors to this Act which was led by Rep. William F. Clinger, Jr. , Rep. Rob Portman, Rep. Gary A. Condit, and Rep. Thomas M. Davis, who were all Republicans. 172 Co Sponsors in a house of 434 members represents strong legislative support of approximately 40 percent for the Act which could be considered as virtually apriori indication of its approval. This includes four Democrat sponsors for this legislation which suggests some division in the ranks of democrats which may not be purely on ideological grounds given the small percentage involved. While this strong support would have virtually guaranteed passing of this legislation in the Congress, the voting pattern will indicate that there was some resistance which was exclusively from the Democrats and one independent representing a total of 17 percent. This may establish that there are no doubt a percentage of liberals who are opposed to greater independence to states, though even within the liberal body their percentage is limited to approximately 35. 7 percent of the votes placed by Democrats. This decrees that this legislation has support by liberals as well and there may be grounds to believe that the support of liberals is issue based rather than based on ideologies. However there have been mixed reactions to the Bill which is considered by some as teeth less and difficult to implement. (Lund: 1995). A detailed quantitative analysis is being carried out with the help of tables below. The voting pattern as given in Table 1 clearly establishes the hypothesis wherein it would be seen that, Republicans have overwhelmingly voted in favor of this Act with 230 votes or a hundred percent going in for the legislation seeking compensation for the states. The liberal vote is split, with 130 Democrats voting in favor of the legislation and 73 against with one democrat having not voted. A percentage evaluation is being carried out of the votes polled in Ayes and Nays by the two parties in Table 2. It would be seen that 100 percent Republicans have voted for the legislation emphasizing the assumption of support of independence to the states. However the voting pattern of democrats can be seen to marginally challenge the assumption thus, as 63. 72 percent of the Democrats have voted in favor of the legislation, while 35. 7 percent have voted against it. This implies that there is substantial support amongst Democrats for providing compensation to states for Federal mandates which have been imposed against its interests. The issue thus may need consideration in a different light, to see if the pattern of voting by the Democrats has been on a general agreement of principle of fair compensation to the states when it is felt that these have been biased due to a Federal mandate or is it that Democrats too favor state rather than federal support in their approach to state – federal relationship. If the percentage of votes of conservatives and liberals in the percentage of votes polled in Ayes and Nays is seen as in Table 3, there may be some general conclusions which could be arrived at. The percentage of votes in Ayes is 63. 9, Republican and 36. 1 Democrats thus confirming the trend in Table 1 and 2. The overwhelming votes polled in Nays were that of Democrats, which if the single vote not polled is included will lead to conclude that while conservatives do not support federal authorities on issues of federal-state relationship, there may be some difference of ideology amongst the liberals, a percentage of whom may be supporting legislation on grounds which may not be related to specific ideological leanings but on local issues. A summation of the issues covered in the analysis above will reveal that a study of the legislation as enacted including its limitations reveals that there is an overwhelming consideration of the rights of states, local governments and tribal governments in relation to these being infringed upon by the Federal government. The Act specifically proscribes such an event from taking place unless there is an emergency. The Act also deems that adequate information has to be provided to the Congress before any enactment to the contrary is made. It provides for budgetary support to other bodies when any fiscal harm is caused. The overwhelming support as given out by the quantitative analysis will reveal that it has a total backing of the conservatives and a portion of liberals as well. Thus the liberal vote could be considered as divided yet in favor of the state authorities over the centre of up to two thirds of the legislation. Suffice to say passing of the bill was welcomed by even President Bill Clinton, a Democrat. (Remarks of President: 1995). Thus it would be evident that ideological support for state independence from federal mandates has greater patronage of the conservatives than liberals. For any definitive conclusions another legislation is proposed to be examined.