Hello, Ma Sheng Li Gong

Hello, Ma Sheng Li Gong Three summers ago, I visited MIT with one of my fellow schoolmates. We were en route to Mathcamp 2004 (which was held in Colby College, ME), and we decided to stay in Boston for a couple of nights before heading up north. Interestingly enough, the family friend that we were staying with knew a grad student from MIT and asked us whether we would like to stay over for a night at the Institute. Having heard so many amazing tales about what MIT contained, we cheerfully agreed. I still remember tossing around a Frisbee in front of Killian Court at dusk. I still remember the maze of corridors and first hearing about the Infinite. And, of course, I still remember the chirping crosswalk in front of 77 Mass Ave. Fast forward to 2007. I am standing underneath the shadow of the colossal marble columns, no longer holding a tourists guide to Boston, but rather, a thick stack of 18.02 course notes. I have learned that the big domey place with the Established for the Advancement ofetc. etc. is called Lobby 7. And, of course, I have learned why the Infinite Corridor is called the Infinite (just run from New House to 26-152, the Physics Room, when you are already late for class. Youll figure out what I mean somewhere along the middle of your journey). So this will be my home for the next four years. (Along with my Mathcamp schoolmate from 3 years ago, Jeremy L. 10). Anyways, that was a big introduction to nothing in particular, but sometimes I still pause and think, Wow, Im at MIT. The MIT. Sounds silly, but if you know where Im coming from, you might understand. I guess I am categorized as an ABC, but Im not your typical ABC. For one thing, I have never gone to school in the US, even though I was born here. My parents moved back to Taiwan when I was still a toddler, and so I spent my entire childhood (and all of my teenage years so yes, my entire life) in that lovely island in Asia. Having no idea of my citizenship, I grew up speaking Mandarin and Taiwanese and attending Taiwanese schools. When my parents decided to transfer me to an international school in third grade, I was depressed for weeks. However, I started learning English, and now ten years later I cant imagine how I would have turned out, if I stayed in the Taiwanese system. Despite going to an international school (e.g. taking AP courses, having classes in English, freaking out about SAT 2s), I guess I never felt like I was actually going to America. College was always in that place across the ocean and who cares about the future, as long as I get yummy sticky rice and REAL bubble tea everyday? So it really hit me when I logged on to the MIT notification system (prefrosh: prepare for the most melodramatic moment of your life) and read the admission letter. I finally felt like, Wow, so I am leaving this place, I am going to America. So thats me, in a nutshell, before coming to the US. I post a lot of comments (which are somewhat helpful, I hope) on College Confidential. Im known as Oasis there, so you might have noticed that Ive been commenting on the MIT blogs as Oasis. Dont ask me why I picked that screen name I dont really know myself (no, it doesnt have to do with the band though I did start listening to them after people commented on my username!). However, I do have a lot of posts on CC (read: too much free time in high school). All of this goes to say that 1) Im unfortunately addicted to that website (but I managed to stay off it for a month!) and 2) I like giving advice in general especially if Ive been through something and theres no need for you to repeat the same mistakes that Ive made. I probably would not know too much about the strategies of Halo 3 or whether USC will win this year in football, but feel free to ask me questions. Ill do my best to respond. :) I still do not know exactly what course Im going to be at MIT but I know Im going to go in the Chemistry, Biology, or Biological Engineering direction (in other words, Courses 5, 7, or 20). I love to travel so I also hope to tie in that interest through the things that were going to be doing in iHouse (more on this soon!) and D-lab (first semester next year). It should be an amazing journey. Mm-hmm. That was a lot of text, and I definitely hope I did not succeed in boring you to death with my ruminations therefore, Ill let some pictures tell you the story of my first couple of weeks at MIT: Fraternity Rush Fraternity Rush is basically the last weekend before the start of school (yes, these pictures are oldI know) and a couple of days into the new school year. Froshies get taken around to all of MITs fraternities (theres 27 of them! and 5 sororities) and they basically enjoy a ton of free food (mmm includes the traditional free lobster and steak dinners) and if you get to know some fraternities to a greater detail off campus trips (I went on a kayaking trip, a beach trip, and a Boston food tour this year!).   Twas fun. :) Career Fair One of the amazing things about MIT is the scope of its connections with the major companies and corporations from all the world yes, we are talking about companies like Microsoft, Google, Morgan Stanley, IBM, Sun Microsystems, Limewire, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Xeroxyou name it, MIT has it its really not an understatement to say that these companies recruit straight out of MIT (in fact, thats what a lot of them do through Career Fair). In short, Career Fair is an annual massive conglomeration of company representatives who are interested in recruiting MIT students to work for them. A lot of students (juniors and seniors) submit their resumes and get all dressed up for the affairwhile others, like HaoQi 11 in the picture, go and collect check out all the cool gadgets. I actually missed out on this years career fair (because I was being a good student, and went to classahem) but its alright, theres always next year. =p iHouse retreat! Like I mentioned before, iHouse is my dorm. I dont want to go into too much detail here because you will surely hear a lot from me about iHouse in the entries to come, but iHouse is the newest (were the inaugural year!) living and learning community within MIT. So what exactly is a living and learning community? Is it after-hours school within the dorm (eww)? Basically, we all would have opportunities over the four years to conduct international development projects (very similar to the ones under operation in D-lab), under the guidance of Amy Smith (D-lab instructor, also the lady above talking about Honduran chlorination systems) and the Public Service Center (which also maintains blogs on MIT Admissions!). But most of all, we get to work with one another, toss around ideas, and just share our visions while still living under the same rooftop! And, finally Food, glorious food! Be warned in the time to come, I will probably be blogging a fair amount about food, since I love to eat (dont worry, it will not dominate my blog, I promise :)). I can save money on everything else, but I will not save money on food. I actually bought the Zagat Survey Guidebook for Boston and fully intend to work my way through the majority of it over the four years that I have here (it would be my personal 101 Things to Eat Before I Graduate!) Hey, we all live 60-70-80 years on this earth, so why not make the most of what you eat before you get old and cannot eat as heartily as you can now? Carpe diem, bon appetit! Post Tagged #iHouse #New House

What Is Baleen

Baleen is a strong, yet flexible material made out of keratin, a protein that is the same material that makes up our hair and fingernails. It is used by whales to filter their prey from the sea water. Whales in the Suborder Mysticeti have several hundred plates of baleen hanging from their upper jaw. Like our fingernails, the baleen grows continuously. The baleen plates are about a quarter-inch apart and are smooth on the outer edge but have a hairy fringe on the inner edge. The fringe on the plates overlaps and creates a mesh-like strainer inside the whales mouth. The whale uses this strainer to trap its prey (usually small schooling fish, crustaceans or plankton) while it filters out the sea water, which it cannot drink in large quantities. Some baleen whales, like the humpback whale, feed by gulping large amounts of prey and water and then using their tongue to force the water out in between the baleen plates. Other whales, like right whales, are skim feeders and move slowly through the water with their mouths open as the water flows in the front of the mouth and out in between the baleen. Along the way, tiny plankton is trapped by the right whales fine baleen hairs. Baleen is historically important as it was sought by whalers, who called it whalebone, even though it is not made of bone at all. The baleen was used in many things such as in corsets, buggy whips, and umbrella ribs. Also Known As: Whalebone Examples: The fin whale has between 800-900 baleen plates hanging from its upper jaw.

The Language Bathtub Effect

Queen Elizabeth I Of England - 967 Words

In the late 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I of England endeavored to establish a permanent settlement in the New World. Elizabeth granted English aristocrat Sir Walter Ralegh the rights to introduce a settlement to spread the influence of the Queen and the Christian faith. In 1585, the first English settlers populated the new colony of Roanoke. By establishing Roanoke, the English hoped to launch trade with the Native Americans and mount piracy attacks on the ships of the enemy Spanish fleet. Queen Elizabeth sponsored â€Å"privateering† by motivating English sailors to raid and pillage Spanish ships, and having an English colony near the Spanish colonies would increase the effectiveness of privateering. Elizabeth hoped that once the English controlled the entire Eastern Seaboard of the new continent, the Spanish would hardly be a threat. However, the English were hasty in establishing their first settlement and this ultimately lead to the downfall of the colony. Roanoke faile d to last for more than a few years and by 1590, the entire colony had disappeared. If the English focused on establishing a safe and durable settlement instead of developing a base for trade, privateering, and further expansion, the first colony of Roanoke could have been successful. Roanoke was established with the intent of being a trading colony before the colonists firmly established friendly relations with the Native Americans. In 1584, English writer Richard Hakluyt documented a list of advantageousShow MoreRelatedQueen Elizabeth I Of England1040 Words   |  5 PagesElizabeth sat in her bedroom in the Buckingham palace brushing her long, curly, red hair which was stained with strands of gray. She focused on the mirror and softly stared at the freckles on her pale skin, which looked as if it needed to be ironed, and her dark brown eyes that looked like a black hole against her pale complexion. The year was 1587, Elizabeth had gone through so much to be here. Oh, my mistake, I should probably refer to her by her formal name. The Elizabeth of this daring storyRead MoreQueen Mary Stuart Of Scotland And Queen Elizabeth I Of England1015 Words   |  5 PagesEurope. Cousins, Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland and Queen Elizabeth I of England, formed an unpleasant relationship that ended with execution. The scandalous rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I had a profound effect on the politics of their time. Queen Elizabeth I was much more regal than her cousin, Mary Stuart of Scotland, and ruled her kingdom with poise and sophistication. When Elizabeth came into power, she had to rebuild the ruins that her half-sister, Mary I, had left ofRead MoreQueen Elizabeth I; a Powerful Ruler in England2773 Words   |  12 PagesHistory 111 6 May 2010 Queen Elizabeth I: A Powerful Ruler in History While there was no law in Tudor England preventing appointment of a woman on the throne, the ruling of a woman was considered unfavorable. Women were not normally held high in command because it was believed that women could not rule well. During a time where the role of women was contained, Elizabeth I of England proved her power and remained the only unmarried queen in England’s history. She reined England from 1558 to 1603 andRead MoreEssay on Queen Elizabeth I: Changing the Course of England2839 Words   |  12 Pageswives, and his desire for a male heir to the throne of England. Because of Henry VIII, England received one of its best monarchs, Queen Elizabeth. There were a great number of obstacles and unfortunate events that Elizabeth went through as a result of her parents. Although Queen Elizabeth I faced many difficulties, including both coming to the throne and during her reign, she was a great ruler with many successes that changed the course of England and its history. Elizabeth’s father was King HenryRead MoreEssay about Queen Elizabeth I: The Most Glorious Ruler of England 1074 Words   |  5 Pagesgreatest monarchs, and brought England out of destitution, and into one of its most glorious periods, the Elizabethan Age. Though, she suffered greatly before crowning; throughout her rule as Queen, England was reformed and fortified to be one of the most powerful countries in the known world. Elizabeth was born in the Greenwich Palace on September 7, 1533 to Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII of England. (Stated on page 1 of Crompton, Samuel Willard. Queen Elizabeth and Englands Golden Age. ChelseaRead MoreA Royal Catfight: The Battle Between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary Stuart1465 Words   |  6 PagesThe reign of Queen Elizabeth I was known as the Elizabethan Age. At this time, the Renaissance had spread to England. As a ruler, she was well educated, speaking about four different languages (Beck 963). However, it was not just her knowledge that made her into a popular monarch. Her personality helped her to become a successful politician as well. In a documentary about Queen Elizabeth I, it was stated, â€Å"She was vain, spiteful, arrogant. She was frequently unjust, and she was often maddeninglyRead MoreQueen Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen922 Words   |  4 PagesLizzie Scott â€Å"I am already bound unto a husband which is the Kingdom of England.† -Elizabeth I (Add Intro) Queen Elizabeth was famously known as â€Å"The Virgin Queen† for never marrying. She refused to share her power. Queen Elizabeth was born in 1533 and she and her sister were claimed to be illegitimate by her father, Henry VIII since he was looking for a male heir to his throne. Her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed by her husband Henry VIII for what historians believe was false charges of adulteryRead MoreElizabeth The First Was The Queen Of England And Ireland1692 Words   |  7 PagesElizabeth the First was the Queen of England and Ireland from 1553 to 1603. She was the final and fifth monarch of the Tudor dynasty. Elizabeth had many talents, which enabled her to be a capable, strong leader. For many reasons Elizabeth was one of the most notable personalities of Tudor, one being that she kept stability in a nation that was troubled with political and religious rebellion. Against the pressures of parliament she maintained authority of the crown. She was able to transform England’sRead MoreEssay on Elizabeth1032 Words   |  5 Pages Elizabeth I nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Were Queen Elizabeth I and Catherine the Great effective rulers? Were their reign’s characterized as good or not so well? Disregarding the opinion of those who reigned concurrently or historians today, these two ruled their country in a time of turmoil and uncertainty! The world and the people within it were undergoing a major transition. New lands were being discovered as well as major role-playing continents and countries were changing status. Some losingRead MoreQueen Mary and Queen Elizabeth of England1626 Words   |  7 PagesQueen Mary and Queen Elizabeth of England Sixteenth century England experienced a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the Age of Queens. The decisive power of the country was placed in women’s hands and their reigns were watched with a reasonable doubt. There is contrast of rule in terms of reigns between Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth of England, both of whom were engaged in a protracted struggle for the English throne. Beside the legitimacy of their claims, there are more significant considerations

Entrepreneurship in a Globalised Environment

Question: Write an essay about the Entrepreneurship in a Globalised Environment. Answer: Introduction: Kosovo is one of the Western Balkan countries that have achieved a notable progress in establishing a market-led economy. Kosovo is a potential candidate of the European Union membership. It is one of the countries that showed great positive growth post the crisis period. Total asset of the banking sector has increased from 3.19 billion in the year 2014 to 3.39 billion in the year 2015. This growth has been a result of growth and increase in loans and advances from customers. Kosovo has 10 commercial banks with a total asset of 72.3%. Other financial institutions include insurance companies and micro finance institutions as well (Siqani and Sekiraca 2016). There have been issues related to the technological advancement in the working of the banks and other financial institution. This calls for making better approaches towards making deposit and withdrawal of money easier for the customers. This paper is based on analyzing the opportunity for ATMs and POSs in the region of Kosovo an d its nearby regions such as Macedonia Problems: The banking sector of Kosovo has been facing great challenges. The country has seen a massive rush in foreign exchange and cash holding techniques. The small size of Kosovos economy and poor experience of the people with the banking sector have raised the necessity for strong participation towards the development of banking sectors. In respect to the developed countries, one branch of bank is available for 1500 customers; Kosovo has one branch for 9000 inhabitants (Bankofalbania.org 2016). The commercial banks maintain their own ATM Few plans on exchange of households amounts between 1,000 and 10,000 were allowed to be the maximum amount of cash exchange. The banking sector of Kosovo is already struggling in the IT developmental process. This is mainly due to financial limitation. It is due to these struggling efforts of the banks, that there arises the situation of thinking of ways to improve the technological capabilities of the bank. Availability of ATMs and POSs in almost every developed and developing nations, has increased the urgency of such technological improvements in the banking sector. Numerous debates have been made in the process of outsourcing in Kosovo without making a clear comprehension of outsourcing. Opportunity: In recent negotiation of Stabilization and Association Agreement, the country is expected to progress its relationship with other countries. There has been considerable increase in the number of commercial banks in Kosovo in the year 2002 and 2003. Major seven banks of the country have shown great expansion. It has been found that the commercial banks charge differently with other banks. Thus, if a single system is made that would help the customers to deal with monetary transaction from a single point of access, then there would be a better opportunity for the consumers to access the innovative techniques of the banking methods. On the other perspective, it might be said that there is lies great opportunity for any kind of innovative product in the market. Creativity along with technological approach towards a venture would call for greater acceptance among the consumers. In this respect, it can be said that considering the problems and issues faced by the people at Kosovo in carrying out transaction activities, an innovative approach such as the said business plan would be fruitful. Importance of technology is gaining importance day by day (Mullins 2012). In the recent perspective, it cannot be denied that every activity is related to some kind of technological involvement. For monetary deals, it is convenient to use technology for easy transfer. In the developed countries, the approach towards making every transaction using technology has long been proposed. If the same approach is made in a small region like Kosovo, it will also be a great venture from the perspective of an entrepreneur. Context: There is a great market potential for Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) and Point of Sale (POS) equipment in the e-utilization of banks in Kosovo. More and more banks are investing in the process of making e-banking available to the consumers. The business idea is to establish an e-banking system for the existing banks. The idea behind the proposal of a new venture is to establish a path for the existing as well as the new banks to think of innovative ways to open up ATMs or POSs at various places of the target areas (Navarro 2015). For the same, a detail research will be conducted on the various aspects of banking sectors and the opportunity of innovative techniques in making the process of transaction easier for the consumers. The business project presents a good opportunity for both banking sector and their clients. Greater approaches will be made in making the transaction and other financial activities to carry on with better operations. Apart from drawing a plan for the business project, other things like risks and scalability of the proposed project will also be analyze. Along with that, a financial report will also be presented to get knowledge of the estimated budget of the project. Literature review: Literature review section helps to analyze different concepts related to the area of research. When the concepts are clear, it provides an opportunity for the researcher to think of the available options in the new approach or the research study. In this case, it can be said that the business plan is an innovative approach towards the creation of an All in one ATM machine. Thus, an analysis of the theories related to innovation, technology, and new venture and most importantly, entrepreneurship will be carried on. Innovation: Process of innovation is very challenging. Much effort is given on understanding the industrial process and then innovative approaches are made towards the business. Empirical evidences show that innovation process follows a different pattern in major developing countries. As stated by Toi et al. (2013), innovation comes with uncertainty. However, this uncertainty depends on two key concepts, the technical performance of the innovation and the market response on the introduction of the innovative product or idea. Skenderi et al. (2016) has identified five major paths of the innovation process. The major innovative idea starts with the invention or production of a design or a product. This depends on the market signal, and then the product is developed, produced and marketed. The next major step is getting a feedback of the innovative approach after taking steps and controlling in respect to the perceived market. Linking the innovative approach with the science of innovation is what comes next. Linking the innovative idea with the available various resources for accompanying the complete process. Then the rare factor, where new and innovative approaches make it possible due to radical innovative ideas. The last stage also calls for feedback of the innovative ideas. The result of any kind of innovation is not only a new product or service, but it also calls for new information which has public good characteristics as well. In this case, it can be said that RD department is responsible for understanding and creating opportunities that might be socially profitable but privately unprofitable (Siqani and Sekiraca 2016). These approaches sometimes cause for market failure and the innovative approach is failed. New venture, new products and entrepreneurship: Creativity and innovation has the ability of creating a noble solution that can solve relevant problems. A new venture can also be proved to be a competitive advantage in the market. For an entrepreneur, creativity is considered to be the first stage of innovative ideas. A successful entrepreneur can be called as the one who comes up with a successful innovative idea that would attract consumers towards the product or the service. It is also important to convey the message of the innovative ideas in the market. The entrepreneur often justifies the approach made by him and shows the validation of the new approach made by the person. These creative approaches bring economic prosperity to the organization as well. As pointed out by Shim (2013), in order to make the creative idea work in the market, it must be useful enough for the market and has the potential to capture the market with the new venture. As suggested by Shaqir (2014), an entrepreneur must have the insight and the judgmental decision of the usefulness and the effectiveness of the new venture or the product. Again, it has been argued by Sadgrove (2015), that there always lies the opportunity of new approaches in the market; it depends on the ability of the entrepreneur to think of all the possible ways towards the approach of a new venture. It has been suggested by Putnik et al. (2013), that for the success of a new venture; promotional activities play the most crucial role. Thus, it is also expected that a great focus have to be made on the marketing and promotional techniques of a new venture. New product is the one that offers newness in the existing market. This calls for initial acts of creativity that also calls for the opportunity of a new product that would bring economic value and commercial survival of the new venture. An entrepreneur is the one who is responsible for carrying out a new venture and introducing a new product or service. As pointed out by Pula et al. (2015), for a better output from the entrepreneurial perspective, it can be said that three basic motivations are needed. These can be denoted as, intrinsic motivation, domain-relevant skills, and a cognitive process towards creativity. For a new venture towards the establishment of a new and innovative approach in making the all in one ATM machine, all the mentioned characteristics are indeed important. New ventures in the banking industry: Various new ventures have been introduced in the banking industry, in both developed and developing nations. As pointed out by Pavlou and Stewart (2015), the established and privately owned banks have the capacity to introduce any kind of ventures by investing money. The existing bank players are playing critical roles in the process of openness, collaboration, and investment. The banking sector has understood the importance of going digital and dealing with the various issues that might require to get benefitted from the driven forces of new services and productivity. In argument, it has been pointed by Osmanaj (2014) that in the situation of meeting challenges, the banks might have to face with certain risks as well. The Fintech sector has showed the opportunity of new ventures in the diversified environment, two of the biggest success of the sector can be mentioned. First, is the payment processing services were one has the opportunity of lending or borrowing money to peers. Legacy technology and issues faced with the difficulties of approaching the new technological perspectives sometimes become an important factor in coming up with new venture or innovative product idea. Banking and Payment Authority of Kosovo established by UNMIK is responsible for the implementation of the monetary and other financial framework in order to foster an efficient and a safe payment system (Navarro 2015). Despite these approaches, there are notable future assumptions that would keep the traditional mode operated banks future ready to fight with the technological approaches made by the banks. Some banks keep on operating with the product-based assumptions rather than thinking of digital ways to improve their business. Business and market attractiveness: The idea behind the proposed venture is to enable the service of ATMs and POS in the market of Kosovo. This will creates opportunities for new banks and existing banks by the means of increasing ATM access. There have been issues regarding the availability of ATM machines in the existing banks of Kosovo. Each bank has limited very few number of ATM machines exclusively for themselves. If consumers from other banks use the ATM of other banks, the person has to pay certain amount as access fees (Mullins 2012). This automatically calls for an opportunity of a new venture that would reduce the extra amount to be paid by the users of the ATMs. Thus, the higher charges paid by the customers can also be reduced to some extent because everything will be digitalized and based on virtual operations. Inclination towards creating a customer satisfaction has been a long-term effort made by the banks and other financial institutions. Digital revolution has caught the headlight of easier task and cost reduction as well. New players in the banking sector have effectively taken part in the process of making the operations digital. The product-based approaches of the banks have been continuing successfully and the banks failing to keep pace with the same approaches have seen to reduce share in the market. However, certain banks are stubborn towards their approach and believe in the impregnable nature of the business. As pointed out by Mulaj (2014), these banks are facing continuous diminishing share as their brand reorganization is reducing due to inability to compete with the existing fast flowing strategies of the banks. The sources of revenue of the banks are reducing with the changes in the insight of the customers. As the insight of the customers, are growing and they are reacting to the change in the business scenario. Banks might take advantage of this short-term idea and focus any kind of changes or innovations in the strategies of their business. In the viewpoint of Melecky and Podpiera (2012), when a bank or any other organization comes up with something innovative, then it is bound to attract the attention of the customers. Thus, solving the interim digital frustration of the customers would help the banks to solve the issues that are making the banks remaining behind in satisfying the customers. Utilizing ones own intellectual properties and the expertise of the bank, or in case if required, taking help from outsourcing, the banks can make approaches towards making the operation more customer friendly. This would be the most appropriate way of creating customer satisfaction. In the age of great competition, satisfying customers is indeed required to create a brand loyalty. As pointed out by McKeever (2014), it is only by the means of creating a brand loyalty among the target customers that will engage the existing customers to stay loyal towards the brand. Overview of the industry: Kosovos banking and financial sector is composed of 10 major banks, operating in 247 offices. There are 14 micro finance institutions and 3 other non-bank institutions. There are 7 insurance companies and a single Pension saving trust as well. Banking system of Kosovo covers a wide area. Approximately, there is one bank branch for every 9000 inhabitants. Total asset of banking institutions in Kosovo is 700 million Euros. This is equivalent to 40% of the GDP of the country. At the time when Kosovo planned for Euroisation, the inflation rate increased at over 40%. This inflation rate was not removed consequently and in subsequent years, Kosovo recorded double digit inflation (Mazelliu and Zogjani 2015). However, Euroisation has removed economic fall down of the region to some extent. The process has reduced transaction cost that is an important factor of trade within the Kosovo economy. The central banks are facing more constraints to tackle the lenders functions. Digitalization has been a process undertaken the banking sector in its business since a long time. Innovative approaches have been seen to undertake by the banks and other operating industries as well for making the working procedure digital and less time consuming. For example, Germanys Fidor Bank has established FidorOS, an open application program that facilitate the consumers to carry on with core banking. This method has provided a great offer to the existing customers (Mathaisel and Comm 2015). The users of the service can carry out with various transactional activities, such as lending or transferring money to others accounts. In fact, the most innovative approach made by the bank is by the offering a modern range of service of transferring money via Twitter. This way, 24 hours transaction has been made possible by the bank with their innovative approach. Thus, it can be easily said that the banking sectors are striving for innovative approaches and the banks are focusing grea tly towards making innovative changes in the operational activities of the bank. The solution: Companies that operate in a single field such as a bank, have greater opportunities to conduct outsourcing. When a special product or service is introduced by the same sector, it is usually welcomed by the consumers. In this respect, it can be mentioned that outsourcing has also touched the business scenario of Kosovo (Manu 2015). These opportunities have opened wider perspectives for the entrepreneurs of the young talent of Kosovo. There is provision of earning immediate profit as well as long run profit from the outsourcing techniques. One of the solutions gained for operating in the digital environment is by the means of collaboration. Several private as well as corporate banks have taken the initiative towards collaborating with the each other. These companies have made an approach towards opening of an ATM or POS counter to make it easier for the consumers access the monetary transaction. In fact, collaboration approach has made it a factor that the organizations can utilize it for their future projects as well (Malush 2014). When a cross-cultural or cross-company collaborative approach is made towards a business, then a better result is expected. Many examples of this collaboration can be stated here. In the year 1966, having realized the potential of the power of plastic money, the MasterCard was founded to support the interbank payment option. This way, these banks shared the utility of the proposed idea and made the transaction facility easier and convenient for the users. Similar approach can be made in the banking sector of Kosovo. For the introduction of All in one ATM, not only a number of banks can make collaborative approach but a cross-industry approach can also be made. Since, the machine that has been proposed will be applicable for several other purposes and not only transaction of money, a cross industrial approach would be beneficial to develop the product (Leonidou et al. 2013). A cross industrial approach will open doors for future vale generation as well. Digital approach has been made in almost every sector and every company is thinking of ways to go cashless and transfer of money easier. It might be a challenging situation for a new venture to go for a collaborative approach towards the start of the business but the solution that has been proposed for the new business plan venture could be collaboration with the existing banks and other cross culture industries. It might also be added in this respect that when a collaborative approach is made, then a good support from the established industries helped to gain loyalty of the customers in the market (Lages et al. 2013). Investing for a new venture and starting a business completely in a new way without the help or collaboration of companies might prove to be really challenging. Getting loans from the bank would not be easy. However, even for a collaborative approach as well, some funding is indeed required that would be gathered from the banks in term of loans. Designing the business model will also require the investment of some amount as an initial funding. Positioning on the Innovation map: It is indeed required to position the service in the market. As commented by Lages et al. (2013), unless good marketing is not done on a new venture or product, the company cannot hope for better returns from the market. For gaining a gripped position in the market, conducting a marketing mix is very necessary. Marketing mix model: The 4Ps of marketing, namely, Product, Place, People and Promotion can be discussed here. Product: The product as already stated is a multi use machine. Several functions will be available in the machine such as depositing cash, withdrawal of cash, money transfer, exchange of money and other such facilities. The service will be available to the customers at a much cheaper rate. This would make the system easier for the user to carry on with the transaction and other related things (Kupina and Salko 2015). Moreover, the machine would be equipped with such devices that would reduce the time of checking balance because the model will be equipped with such devices that it would directly take the input from the customer without creating confusing navigation options. These things create confusion as well as are time consuming. Place: The place selected for the business is Kosovo because the number of banks and other financial institution in this region is very less. It would be a better business opportunity in terms of opening ATM or POS in collaboration with the banks. The same approach might be expandable to nearby markets of Albania, Macedonia and Serbia as well. People: The target group of people is the users of bank account. People all around the world are using the ATM facility to withdraw money. Other facilities like depositing and checking balance of the account has increased the number of users by many folds (Krasniqi 2014). When the facility of transferring money from other banks will be available along with exchange of currency, then more numbers of customers are expected to use the facility of the ATM machines in the Kosovo region. Thus, people from all sectors carrying out with monetary transaction at a regular basis can be the targeted customers for the new venture. In this respect, it has to be mentioned that for the new venture, the regional banks of Kosovo are also needed to convince to join the new venture. With more numbers of banks involving in the process, more numbers of users can be targeted. The purpose of the venture is not only to promote the function of ATM, for withdrawal of money but to serve other purposes as well. Thus, the targeted consumers are not only bank users but the banks as well. Promotion: The promotional activities can be carried on by various means. In this case, reaching out to the banks and other financial institutions personally with the proposal can be considered to be the best promotional technique (Kimiagari et al. 2015). Other than that informing clients by sending personal messages via as e-mails or i-message can also be very fruitful. At the place promotional activities would be very fruitful for this purpose. Kiosks and other hoardings might be placed in various branches of bank to promote the new service. If the above proposed marketing mix is applied for the sake of marketing the product, there is a chance of attaining greater success in the market. Business model: As stated by Kim and Mauborgne (2014), Business model is an art that is required to plan before the commencement of a new business venture. Unless a business model is set up, there remains no path of taking the business to higher level. Certain things are required for the establishment of a new venture. For the sake of establishing the innovative service in the form of All in one ATM a business model can be framed. Every machine would be enabled with the ATM facility by which customers would be able to withdraw money as per their convenience. Other facilities that would be available are depositing cash from the same counter. One would be able to pay the installments of bank loans or any other types of loans. Other things required for setting the ATM counters would be flat fee for banks or the clients. The idea is much reliable and is sustainable for at least 10 years. Assurance can be made for this proposal because there is much less scope of technological advancement in Kosovo and the nearby regions as well (Jimnez et al. 2013). However, todays world is turning digital with technological advancements and every action is being carried on virtually. The idea is much innovative and would be highly acceptable among the people of this region. In the age of globalization, the world is getting connected by the means of internet using the digital platform. Every sector is making approaches to adapt to this change just to meet the global demand of consumers. Monetary transaction is indeed needed for every sector of business and carrying out any kind of regular activity. Thus, the business model would be very fruitful if proper approaches are made towards the establishment of the All-in-One ATM machine. Critical resources needed: As pointed out by Ismajli et al. (2014), basically five types of resources are required to start up a business. Many projects or ventures fail in succeeding in business due to deficiency in certain critical resources. For the new venture of opening all-in one ATM, the critical resources needed might be mentioned here: Financial resources: the most important element to start up a business is the requirement of financial help or funding. Every small and big businesses requires the financial funding. For the sake of this new venture, a proposed budget has been made. The amount required for this budget might be available from the banks in terms of loan (Huang and Sarigll 2012). Since, it is a big venture, supporting the project with the capital available to a single or a group of persons might not be possible and it certainly requires taking financial help from the banks in terms of loans. Human resource: Skilled and knowledgeable human resource is required to carry on with the business perspective. Since, it requires a great knowledge of technology; people from IT sector are required to take charge of the complete business project (Hoti et al. 2014). Apart from them, creating a business plan would require the involvement of entrepreneurs and thus, human resource from Business knowledge background is also required. For the promotional activities, a group of experts are also needed. Educational resource: Without understanding the basic educational background of the various approaches needed for the sake of carrying out the business venture. Getting educated about the internal and external policies of the things related to the new venture will facilitate to understand the business and take better steps towards the new venture (Hanssens et al. 2014). Physical resource: Physical resources such as space for establishing the ATM or the POS machine. The new proposed venture might be used by shopkeepers as well for monetary transactions. Thus, such shops or outlets are also required for the machines to work in the market. Emotional resource: Emotional resource calls for moral support and assistance. It might not be possible for a single entrepreneur to handle the various situations of success and failure. However, a moral support from few people gives the possibility to fight with the situation (Han et al. 2015). An emotional resource calls for team building and metal or emotional support for the business venture. All the mentioned factors are very important for any business venture to begin in a new market. Scalability: Understanding the scalability of a product or a service is important because it describes the capability of the same to cope or perform in the given environmental situation. The service that would be able to scale well in the market, have greater opportunity to grab the market. Some of the scalability factors of the service for All-in-one ATM machine might be discussed here: Geographical location: The region selected for the business plan is Kosovo. As already mentioned, the need of technological development in the region, it purpose of the launch of the service might prove to be really fruitful (Govori 2013). Product differentiation: This call for differentiation in the product which means that the new service or the product will serve something different that might not be available previously. We know that ATM machines are very common in recent market scenario and people are taking advantage of the service to a large extent. In the developed and developing countries, there is no bank that does not provide ATM facility (Gashi 2013). However, if the proposed idea provide something extra other than the normal facility of cash withdrawal or cash deposit, then its scalability might increase. Some of the extra facilities that might be available from the All-in-one ATM is: Cash back on POS: Many times, people are stuck with the problems that while doing any kind of transaction, mainly at the time of making payment, the transaction is failed. However, the person paid for the same transaction receives a message that the amount has been debited from his account (Faroughian et al. 2012). The person gets panicked stricken. In order to overcome from these types of situations, the machine would be equipped with the facility of getting the cash back from the machine if the transaction fails. This would create greater trust among the users and they would use the service without much hindrance. National/international transfer transaction: The service will be available for conducting any kind of transaction both national and international. People will be able to send and receive money from any part of the globe. Phone credit top up: Apart from all the above mentioned facilities, it is also expected that the machine will be also be enabled with the facility of carrying out any kind of recharges for paying bills of telephones, electricity or any other such requirements (Evans 2015). The above mentioned extra feature would definitely grab the attention of the users and consumers in the market. People would use the service happily Go-to-market strategy: Go to market strategy is the plan that an organization undertakes utilizing the available inside and outside resources that allows them to deliver their unique value proportion to the target consumers in order to achieve competitive advantage in the existing market. It depends on the overall experience of the product or service such as the quality of the product to enhance their market proposition (Dibb and Simkin 2016). The business plan that has been proposed shows the go-to market strategy in the following way: Favorable agreements with banks and other financial institutions: Capturing the market by favorable agreement with banks, enables automatic access to the clients. It is expected that the management team of the new business would come up with certain strategic plans to keep a trace of the banking business in the market and formulate better schemes and agreements with the banks that they easily cope up with the business plan. Better service fees: A negotiable service fee has to be assumed for the sake of carrying out the transaction activities with the consumers and the banks. It must be kept in mind that pricing strategy has been used by major companies to fight with the competitive nature of the market (DeYoung et al. 2015). Thus, it is recommended to think of better plans at the time of deciding the service fees to offer to the consumers. Wider physical presence: Binding the service within a limited range of geographical location will not help to attract as many customers or clients towards the innovative business plan. The only way to grab more customers is to spread the business far and wide (Born and Pfeifer 2014). Thus, approach has to be made for wider physical presence. The regions of Macedonia, Kosovo and other nearby regions can be easily targeted. With the above recommendation made here, it can be said that the proposed business plan must take great initiatives to follow up their business plan with the contemporary market scenario. It can also be stated here that before introducing any kind of business project, it is the foremost duty of the entrepreneur to dig out all the possible features of the market related to the proposed business plan. It is when the market condition is favorable for the proposed plan; initiative should be made for carrying out the business plan. In case of banking sector of Kosovo, the plan is indeed a good initiative. Financial planning: For the proposed venture, a total investment of 3,000,000 Euros would be made that is procured through investors investment and bank loans. This capital would be employed systematically and would cover start-up cost as well as operating costs before the venture starts yielding enough revenues to cover its own expenses (Brealey et al. 2012). The following table represents the elements of capital funding, sales forecast, cost of goods sold, various expenses incurred by the business and fixed asset owned by the company. As the projected venture is an innovative business idea and does not have any significant competitors, the venture is expected to grow rapidly (Brooks and Mukherjee 2013). Conclusion: By the end of the discussion it can be said that there is a great opportunity of such a business venture in recent scenario where there is a great opportunity of making every possible thing digital. People and businesses are getting connected very easily by using internet as the medium of connectivity. The age of globalization calls for effort to be given by every business activists. People are becoming more technology oriented and want to carry on with basic things by the means of technology. Easy payment options like Paypal and iPay have been operating in the commercial market with great success. Thus, any venture made in accordance to such related business perspective would prove to be a massive hit in the business market. The business plan has described the situation of the banking sectors in Kosovo. It is clear that there lies a great opportunity for a business ventures like All-in one ATM. It is expected that the banks and other financial institutes would easily accept the proposed idea. The venture is also supportive for the people because this way they are able to make payment in a better and easier way. In fact, more and more people are opting for e-payment mode rather than doing cash transactions. Apart from the opportunities, the scalability of the product along with possible risks that can take place with the advent of the new venture has been discussed here. It can be stated that the venture could be easily expanded to other regions as well and there is a high possibility of the acceptance of the service far and wide. If the scenario of Kosovo is undertaken, then there lies a great opportunity in the banking sector of the region and the nearby regions as well. If proper implementations are made and the banks and other financial institutions are convinced for the proposal, then the business plan would be of great success. The foreseen risks have to be kept in check regularly and necessary steps are to be taken to overcome the issues related to the business plan. Certain other methods might be kept in mind that might be applicable in case if the proposed business idea does not work out well. Reference list: Ahmeti, S., Hoti, A. and Bekteshi, S.A., 2014. Analysis of Financial Performance in the Banking System in Kosovo-the Period 2006-2012.Journal of Knowledge Management, Economics and Information Technology,4(2). Arifi, E., Durguti, E., Tmava, Q. and Kryeziu, N., 2014. Empirical analysis of basel iii effects in interest rate on the kosovo banking system.European Scientific Journal,10(28). Bankofalbania.org, 2016, Kosovo Experience with Euronization of its Economy. Available at: bankofalbania.org/web/pub/M_SVETCHINE_1329_1.pdf [Accessed on: 10-6-2016 ] Beqiri, E., Beqiri, N. and Beqiri, V., 2015. Harmonization of Information Systems in the Case of Electronic Banking Payments in South East European Countries.Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies,4(2 S1), p.112. Bertay, A.C., Demirg-Kunt, A. and Huizinga, H., 2013. Do we need big banks? Evidence on performance, strategy and market discipline.Journal of Financial Intermediation,22(4), pp.532-558. Bierman Jr, H. and Smidt, S., 2012.The capital budgeting decision: economic analysis of investment projects. Routledge. Blank, S., 2013. Why the lean start-up changes everything.Harvard Business Review,91(5), pp.63-72. Born, B. and Pfeifer, J., 2014. Policy risk and the business cycle.Journal of Monetary Economics,68, pp.68-85. Brealey, R.A., Myers, S.C., Allen, F. and Mohanty, P., 2012.Principles of corporate finance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. Brooks, R. and Mukherjee, A.K., 2013.Financial management: core concepts. Pearson. DeYoung, R., Gron, A., Torna, G. and Winton, A., 2015. Risk overhang and loan portfolio decisions: small business loan supply before and during the financial crisis.The Journal of Finance,70(6), pp.2451-2488. Dibb, S. and Simkin, L., 2016. Market Segmentation and Segment Strategy.Marketing Theory: A Student Text, p.251. Evans, V., 2015.The FT Essential Guide to Writing a Business Plan: How to win backing to start up or grow your business. Pearson Higher Ed. Faroughian, F.F., Kalafatis, S.P., Ledden, L., Samouel, P. and Tsogas, M.H., 2012. Value and risk in business-to-business e-banking.Industrial Marketing Management,41(1), pp.68-81. Fintechinnovationlablondon.co.uk, 2016. The Future of Fintech and Banking. Available at: fintechinnovationlablondon.co.uk/media/730274/Accenture-The-Future-of-Fintech-and-Banking-digitallydisrupted-or-reima-.pdf [Accessed on: 10-6-2016 ] Gashi, A., 2013. The Impact of the Crisis on Social Inclusion and Social Protection in Kosovo.The social consequences of the global economic. Glackin, C., 2013. Entrepreneurship: Starting and Operating a Small Business, 3e. Govori, A., 2013. Factors Affecting the Growth and Development of SMEs: Experiences from Kosovo.Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,4(9), p.701. Han, H.S., Yang, H.D. and Kim, K., 2015. Open Market Strategy of the Business Innovation Platform for SME Informatization based on Cloud Computing.Journal of the Korea society of IT services,14(4), pp.15-30. Hanssens, D.M., Pauwels, K.H., Srinivasan, S., Vanhuele, M. and Yildirim, G., 2014. Consumer attitude metrics for guiding marketing mix decisions.Marketing Science,33(4), pp.534-550. Hoti, A., Alshiqi-Bekteshi, S. and Livoreka, B., 2014. Performance of Foreign Banks Operating in KosovoProCredit Bank Kosovo-Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo NLB Prishtina.Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies,3(2), p.57. Huang, R. and Sarigll, E., 2012. How brand awareness relates to market outcome, brand equity, and the marketing mix.Journal of Business Research,65(1), pp.92-99. Ismajli, A., Hysi-Panajoti, V., Fejza, L.E., Ismajli, D.A. and Fejza, E., 2014. Consumer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the services sector: a case study of bkt bank-prishtina, kosovo.European Scientific Journal,10(1). Jimnez, G., Lopez, J.A. and Saurina, J., 2013. How does competition affect bank risk-taking?.Journal of Financial Stability,9(2), pp.185-195. Kerzner, H.R., 2013.Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Kim, W.C. and Mauborgne, R., 2014.Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant. Harvard Business Review Press. Kimiagari, S., Gabrielsson, P., Gabrielsson, M. and Montreuil, B., 2015. 5. Market strategy of international new ventures originating from a small and open economy.Handbook of Research on International Entrepreneurship Strategy: Improving SME Performance Globally, p.85. Krasniqi, M., 2014. Management and Design of Fiscal Policy Towards Economic Development.Journal of Educational and Social Research,4(6), p.175. Kupina, Q. and Salko, D., 2015. Banking System Performance on Actual Stage of Economic Development (A comparison Analysis of Banking Systems of Albania and Kosovo).Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,6(2), p.345. Lages, L.F., Mata, J. and Griffith, D.A., 2013. Change in international market strategy as a reaction to performance decline.Journal of Business Research,66(12), pp.2600-2611. Leonidou, C.N., Katsikeas, C.S. and Morgan, N.A., 2013. Greening the marketing mix: do firms do it and does it pay off?.Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science,41(2), pp.151-170. Malush, K., 2014. Management and Design of Fiscal Policy Towards Economic Development.Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,5(20), p.990.

Ethics and Compliance of Starbucks free essay sample

Starbucks has grown to now 18,000 stores in 62 countries and has become the premier roaster and retailer of coffee in the world. The company has strived to purchase and roast high quality whole bean coffees and has become the beacon for all of coffee lovers everywhere. Starbucks company website states that it is their goal to â€Å"make a positive impact one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. † Starbucks has committed to a good corporate citizen; using their scale for good to catalyze change â€Å"across entire industries so that Starbucks and everyone we touch can endure and thrive. Starbucks 2012 Annual Global Responsibility report shows more than 9,400 company operated stores were open as of September 30, 2012. In the United Kingdom, 595 stores were open as of September 30, 2012. As a global corporate citizen, Starbucks is doing well in achieving their goals of ethically sourcing their coffee, getting the customers more involved in their communities and recycl ing; just a few of their global goals. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics and Compliance of Starbucks or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, as a billion dollar global corporation, Starbucks has found legal ways to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. In October 2012, an article published by Daniel Johnson of the Daily Mail, stating that Starbucks had managed to avoid paying taxes on $1. 2 billion pounds in sales over the past three years. The company employs at least three legal ways of avoiding tax payments on profits. First, the company charges their own overseas subsidiaries royalties for the right to use its brand and products. Each time a citizen of the United Kingdom purchases a cup of coffee, six percent of the price is a royalty paid back the United States parent company branches. Some of the royalties are placed in tax havens. The royalties would have been counted as profits in the United Kingdom and taxed at 24 % but because the royalties are sent back to the United States the money cannot be taxed. Second way of avoiding tax payments is accomplished by requiring the UK subsidiaries to pay the Holland subsidiary to roast the beans and to buy beans from its Switzerland subsidiaries Holland and Switzerland end up reporting profits because of this. Starbucks used its supply chain to move its profits out of the UK. The profits earned in Holland are taxed at 25%. Swiss law does not require Starbucks to report its profits, which are taxed at only 5 percent. By moving its supply chain operations out of the UK, the company has managed to move its profits out of the UK also. Finally, the company avoids paying taxes by funding the United Kingdom operations through the use of borrowing high interest rate loans from another part of the firm. This action lowers the profits made in the United Kingdom. Starbucks actions are not illegal, but they are not the most ethical practices either. By not paying their corporate taxes, the company is contradicting itself when it states that it desires to make everyone â€Å"endure and thrive. † Instead of being a corporation that inspires change it follows the pattern of the rest of the large corporations who seek to earn a profit by legally avoiding tax payments. â€Å"The U. S. financial markets consist of many separate markets for diverse products offered on a range of trading platforms and exchanges. Among the many products traded are fixed-income securities, equities, foreign exchange and derivatives. (U. S. Department Of The Treasury, 2010). In the United States people rely on other companies to buy their stocks and bonds so the company selling these stocks and bond can to receive money to increase their business. One example of the most popular financial market is the stock markets. This here all types of companies can sell stocks and bonds. There are three types of stock markets in the United States, New York Sto ck Exchange, over-the-counter market, and American Stock Exchange. The New York Stock exchange usually consists of the larger business whereas the Over-the-counter market is mostly made of smaller businesses. The way businesses can earn extra money they loan to the borrower is by charging them interest on the funds they had borrowed. A SEC filing helps the government keep track of a company and make sure they are not breaking any laws but this SEC filing helps the investor as well. The SEC filing helps the investor by showing them how well or how bad the company has been doing in their financial statements. Starbucks relies on their employees as well to follow the SEC regulations, which means for the employees that the board can to come in at any time to a store to regulate the jobs and duties of the employees. The committee is also able to check the stores books to make sure they are putting in all financial information and keeping correct taps on items sold as well as materials used. â€Å"The primary purpose of the Audit and Compliance Committee (the â€Å"Committee†) is to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of Starbucks Corporation (the â€Å"Company†) and the internal and external audit processes. The Committee also assists the Board of Directors of the company in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial information that is provided to shareholders and others, the systems of internal control which management and the Board of Directors have established, the Company’s risk management practices, and compliance with the Companys Standards of Business Conduct, Code of Ethics for the CEO and Finance Leaders and the Policy for the Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions Required to be Disclosed in Proxy Statements. (Starbucks Corporation Audit and Compliance Committee Charter, 2012) According to the formula current ratio = current assets/current liabilities, the current ratio for Starbucks in 2011 was 1. 83. The formula debt ratio= total liabilities/total assets, the debt ratio was . 40. The formula return on equity ratio = net income/shareholders equity, the return on equity ratio was . 28. According to the formula days receivable ratio = accounts receivable/ (credit sales/365), the days receivable ratio was 164. 47 (Google, 2013). According to the same formulas, in 2012 the current ratio was 1. 90. The debt ratio was . 38. The return on equity ratio was . 27. Finally, the day’s receivable ratio was 197. 52. The financial health of Starbucks is trending upward. The higher current ratio in 2012 implies that it was easier in 2012 for the company to pay back short-term obligations. The lower debt ratio in 2012 implies that the company can manage assets and debt. The return on equity remained close both years, implying that the company generated almost equal profit both ears with the money that the shareholders have invested. The day’s receivable ratio did climb, which means that it is taking the company longer to collect. This could be an issue if the company was smaller, but the size of the company, it should not be a problem at this point. Starbucks has been a wealthy business for some time now. It is the place to get the best coffee around. They seek to find the best coffee beans to roast and brew up into a specialty coffee. As we have read in this paper Starbucks has found legal ways to get around avoiding paying taxes. By selling the coffee in Holland and Switzerland, Starbucks is allowed to not pay taxes on everything sold overseas then send to the United States. This is an unethical way of managing taxes, but it is legal in those areas. The businesses ratios are well in the successful range and are doing very well for themselves. They are certainly holding up to their motto of inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time(Starbucks Corporation, 2012). Works Cited: Google. (2013). Retrieved from http://www. oogle. com/finance? fstype=iiamp;q=NASDAQ:SBUX Johnson, D. (2012, Oct 17). Starbucks and the stench of hypocrisy. Daily Mail. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/1112339262? accountid=35812 http://www. starbucks. com/responsibility/global-report STARBUCKS CORPORATION AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER. (2012). Retrieved from http://team. starbucks. net/sites/CORP U. S. Department of the Treasury. (2010). Retrieved from http://www. t reasury. gov/resource-center/faqs/Markets/Pages/finmarketsfaq. aspx

Argument essay on graduates

Argument essay on graduates Strike organized by the institutions of higher learning in San Francisco lacked foundation, both in size and organizational style. According to Barlow and Sharpio, what began as a simple anxiety by a few students interfered with the whole education section. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Argument essay on graduates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is vital to emphasize that five student organizations from developing countries also joined the strike (Barlow Sharpio 278). This occurrence has resulted in several views across the society. One of the most important views is the provision of equal ranks to all students regardless to ethnicity, as well as cultural values. It should be noted that â€Å"five other third world student organizations on campus† joined hands in harmony with their black counterparts (Barlow Sharpio 278). In as much as the strike was a negative event, it culminated to significant cha nges in the relations of persons in educational institutions. It is noted that the speedy spread of the strike means that it was not set to take place within a given place. This is true when considering several issues across educational system. Increase in the number of students was as a result of high admission rates for students from various cultural backgrounds. Consequently, it was caused by the affordability of the tuition fees. This was bound to raise several issues following the history of racial isolation in the country. Most of these learning institutions failed to change their curriculum and extra-curricula programs to suit the increased variety in terms of the student population. It is again essential to note that unfairness in fees structure was a major contributor to the problem (Bill Sharpio 281). The large number of student led to an increase in the budgetary allocation for education. This move did not favor most students, since the majority was from poor backgroun ds and could neither withstand increased taxes nor manage the responsibility of paying school fees. Existence of many cultures is very important for the smooth running of academic institutions in the modern times. This is true considering the occurrences at institutions of higher education in San Francisco during previous years. The most outstanding student based protest arose from an insignificant matter, which was simple to evade. Advertising Looking for essay on ethnicity studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Black students and other minority groups had fears about the policies that governed admission of students, allocation of financial scholarships and other misunderstandings involving members of staff. The protest would have been prevented if the administration at the time was more responsive to their needs, and opted for alternative revenge with regards to the suspension of the black professor. The strike a ttracted several people, since the administration department watched silently as students from developing nations were being harassed repeatedly. In addition, the fact that students from other institutions also protested in solidarity shows the importance of multiculturalism (Barlow Sharpio 278). This is because most of them confessed to having experienced a similar scenario in their respective institutions. Barlow and Sharpio emphasize that cultural studies formed an important area of study, since it equips students with the conceptual and practical skills. This would enable them to take part in all parts of life with ability and the necessary responsibility, in order to promote fairness, which entails democratic system and universal citizenship. This became evident since majority of the experts state challenges that professors bearing a similar heritage to theirs experienced like students. This implies that every racial heritage plays a significant role in establishing the stru cture of the society and hence should not be ignored. Most importantly, the adoption of multiculturalism led to the induction of ethnic studies in academic institutions. This meant that students were appropriately prepared to handle different challenges that came about because of racism and other forms of bias. It is notable that all segments proposed for inclusion into the curriculum are still covered to date, though with slight variations on the content and scale of study. Ethnic studies have been beneficial to the entire society in many ways, since students appreciate their cultures with relation to others, thus maintaining patience and the importance of peaceful coexistence.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Argument essay on graduates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, persons with interest in undertaking Asian studies, African studies or the lifestyle of any other minority group living in America are better placed to achieve this dream. This is due to the existence of these units as faculties in the different institutions of higher learning. Additionally, the changes made on the school administration in the state resulted in the creation of new vacancies. Natural causes like old age and retirements have maintained the process, since elderly tutors have to be replaced. Lastly, an increase in population led to the demand for more schools, hence more vacancies for teaching. Since this course has been integrated into the American curriculum, teachers for elementary, secondary and college level institutions also profit from this undertaking. Conclusion It is very important to emphasize that normal settlement patterns in America are determined by ethnicity, as well as economic status of individuals. This means that professionals planning to work closely with ethnic communities are in a formidable position to carry out their studies effectively. Such professionals include medical pra ctitioners, legal officers, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and sociologists, among many more (Barlow Sharpio 148). This knowledge will ensure the experts are knowledgeable about the community’s background, customs and beliefs; consequently, they will be able to know their values and habits. Knowledge about this will enable these professionals to organize their work, to avoid upsetting the community they serve. Furthermore, good relationships are also maintained since common respect is developed by all people. Barlow, Bill. Peter, Sharpio. Black power and student rebellion. California: Wadsworth Pub.Co.1969. Print. Barlow, Bill. Peter, Sharpio. The struggle for SF state. The reader. N.d. 278-281. Print.