Contemporary issues in managing human resources Essay - 1

Contemporary issues in overseeing HR - Essay Example As affirmed by Ferris, et al. (1999), â€Å"driven by various critical inward and outside natural powers, HRM has advanced from a to a great extent support work, with little if any main concern sway, to what numerous researchers and specialists today see as the wellspring of continued upper hand for associations working in a worldwide economy† (p. 385). Further, contemporary HRM issues incorporate the more qualified term utilizing key HRM as building up the connection towards observing the nature of representative presentation. Another plaguing worry of worldwide associations is the choice for cutting back, explicitly when outer ecological weights and serious elements encroach on the dynamic procedure, to guarantee endurance and proceeded with creation and activity. In such manner, the ebb and flow research expects to proffer issues in contemporary HRM, especially concentrating on scaling down. The goal is wanted to be achieved by at first characterizing significant terms, for example, HRM, key HRM, and scaling back. A finishing up segment would feature the critical issues talked about as bolstered by different legitimate sources from scholarly diaries regarding the matter of HRM. Meaning of Terms An assessment of different meanings of HRM by creators, academicians, and the executives specialists, shows more typical components than divergent ideas. In the wake of combining these components, the accompanying definition is shown up at: HRM is the workmanship and study of securing, persuading, keeping up, and creating individuals in their employments considering their own, proficient and specialized information, abilities, possibilities, needs and values and in synchronization with the accomplishment of individual, association and society’s objectives. HRM manages individuals so they can deal with different assets inside their space of obligations all the more adequately. Then again, key HR the executives (SHRM) is characterized by Boxall and Purcell (2003) as â€Å"concerned with clarifying how HRM impacts hierarchical execution. They likewise call attention to that methodology isn't equivalent to vital plans. Key arranging is the conventional procedure that happens, generally in bigger associations, characterizing how things will be finished. Anyway procedure exists in all associations despite the fact that it may not be recorded and enunciated. It characterizes the organisation’s conduct and how it attempts to adapt to its environment.† Authors Boxall and Purcell inspected the interrelationships and degree by which authoritative objectives are accomplished and impacted by HRM. They separated HRM from SHRM by showing that â€Å"HRM was characterized as including â€Å"anything and everything related with the board of work relations in the firm† (Boxall and Purcell, 2000, p. 184). The hypothetical reason for the consideration of the word key to HRM was itemized utilizing a survey of different literary wor ks from researchers regarding the matter. Boxall and Purcell at long last affirmed at this meaning of SHRM as â€Å"concerned with the vital decisions related with the utilization of work in firms and with clarifying why a few firms oversee them more viably than others† (2000, p. 185). As indicated by Miller (2001), â€Å"HRM couldn't be conceptualized as an independent corporate issue† (p. 348). The consideration of technique was viewed as a fundamental expansion to join promoting endeavors to increase upper hand with successful utilization of the

International business through an International Strategic Alliance

Chapter by chapter list Errand. 1Existing worldwide vital coalition for examination purposes LG Electronics. Errand: 2 Motivation for the development of the global vital collusion chose. Errand 3. Basic conversation of the types of the board that can be utilized to deal with the collusion. Assignment 4. Propose 4 proposals to senior administration of your new organization about how the potential vital association could be upgraded. References Question-select one existing global vital union for investigation purposes (contextual analysis)? Undertaking. 1Existing global key coalition for investigation purposes LG Electronics In the system, we comprehended three center skills item administration, understudy initiative market authority. For example L.G. Hardware make an incentive for customer.L.G item are that item in the market who will make an incentive in the market. First we concentrated on the firm for breaking down the firm foundation maker of cell phone. L.G. is the item in the market that have the firm capabilities to grow a lot of the worldwide portable markets increment the association benefit. Today, world has loads of rivalry in the market. First investigate the market at that point make an item as indicated by the client needs. There are heaps of serious items in the market .In the center capabilities of item development (item administration in the market). Item is that type in the association which is powerful for the entire market. System qualities are separated into four sections. These parts are clarify below:(Mongay, 2012) (1) COMPETENCIES MUST BE VALUABLE: Value abilities help the firm an incentive for the client in the market. Adventure showcase openings or kill dangers for contenders. For instance : association with an item development in the market or make another item abuse the business in the market as indicated by the client needs or In another term we can say misuse the business as indicated by the outside condition. For example APPLE iTunes computerized music stores give a great deal of room to store the music in this gadget. They are sensible in cost with simple access for clients, fulfilled their need of listening the music. They are helpful simple to get to this item. Smooth structure of L.G. cell phone draw in the client .There are loads of capacity, video office, music office, ability to sit in the market stage the parcel of contenders at that point make a qualities in the market part of current proposals in the market.(Demers, 2013) (2) COMPETENCIES MUST BE RARE: Rare methods few. First of fall we will know total the errand or the undertaking with a similar quality item. Firm holds the center abilities that are significant however not uncommon. Search for example L.G numerous other substitute items in the market. Both the firm are center capability in the worldwide world. In any case, the skills of both the item are significant in the market. These items are not uncommon but rather the item esteem in the market. Yet, we will clarify the case of uncommon item in the market. These items are LG .interestingly, in the item are the structure of the item the smooth plan of LG item or the level model of LCD screen Television. These are the uncommon things in the product.(PULIZZI, 2013) (3) COMPETENCIES MUST BE DIFFICULT TO IMITATE: Competitors need to mirror another firm worth uncommon center skills. Anyway doing so might be troublesome. For example L.G. item administration is that the item plan or capacity of the capacity. However, there are part of rivals in the market. (4)COMPETENCIES MUST BE DIFFICULT TO NONSUBSTITUTABLE: These trademark are those trademark that have not a viable alternative for that item in the market.Nonsubstitude items are plan of L.G items that have no substitute in the market. The plans of the versatile, Function of that portable are entirely unexpected. There are no substitutes in the entire world.(ROBERTS, 2014) Question-assess basically the inspiration for the arrangement of the worldwide vital collusion chose? Undertaking: 2 Motivation for the arrangement of the universal key union chose Fruitful business partnerships are the basic key segments in numerous ventures. Be that as it may, numerous systems are flopping at some point as per the accomplice, barely centered around industry, poor union administration for actualizing the item making new one. At some point association will be illed from the entire procedure of techniques. Colleague take wrong choice for apply the technique in the firm. At the point when firm is opened a few focuses are noticed that: These point are: key administration based industry accomplice choice procedure, another powerful accomplice determination device are utilized in the particular firm or target firm which is pertinent to various apparatus industry settings, rich worldwide travel industry application that delineate the best possible accomplice choice procedure logical instrument that are appropriately utilized in the association. Key union development has increment significantly over the previous decades. Key unions moved the serious worldview in numerous residential worldwide markets from firm to firm rivalry to more partnership based market to advertise rivalry in the entire world. Various sorts of systems are utilized in the association. These techniques are the manner by which firm can change the standard with innovative inventive reasoning. Additionally, vital development are online travel, computerized correspondence diversion , including cell phone ,, for example, numerous other distinctive kind of substitutes or in another named we can say option of the item or numerous other various techniques are likewise follow in the association. The association can satisfy the client esteem through new blend of execution quality. Association trying to recognize, create keep up the upper hand progressively step by step. Diverse kind of procedures is follow in the association. These procedures are compelling adapta ble in the association. These systems are satisfying the need of client as indicated by their requirements needs. Be that as it may, expanding the developing number increments vital partnerships many bomb which are performing more prominent extent perform inadequately. Albeit such disappointment might be for some interrelated reasons: These reasons are two normal causes are poor accomplice determination poor collusion the board. A few cases unrivaled union administration aptitudes may not be conquered poor coalition the board or in another term we can say poor collusion key procedure. Various kinds of key procedure are utilized in the association yet some key unions are poor bomb in the association some are abundance the business or overabundance the firm in the market. For this situation determination of new powerful accomplice in the association numerous other new unique kind of devices procedure are utilized to broaden the business or firm .Many other distinctive sort of strategy are utilized these procedure are factual technique, diagrammatical strategy, contextual investigation technique, a ssessing technique, likelihood technique or numerous other various sorts of method are additionally utilized in the business or association. Entirely different kind of reasonable techniques is utilized to expand the business or firm. Informal organization, new culture, condition are receive in the business or executing a wide range of sort of strategies, instrument, strategy for improve the business or firm. Some commonsense encounters are utilized to comprehend the market center around advertise system. As indicated by the individual needs other various sorts of devices procedures for looking for the changed techniques are utilized in the firm to broaden the business development of industry. Usage changes of item or procedure in the market as per the needs of client or outer condition or numerous other market techniques are utilized to actualize the business in the association. Question-incorporate a basic conversation of the types of the executives that can be utilized to deal with the coalition? Undertaking 3. Basic conversation of the types of the board that can be utilized to deal with the partnership Vital partnership might be one of the most abused works in the business today. Various sorts of technique are utilized in the business. The five rules of vital coalitions are: What is that making unions really key to a specific organization? It is feasible for a coalition to be key one of the repels in relationship. Numerous partnerships are as income age which is significant for business or in another term we can say firm. However, income alone may not be making appropriate vital for the business or firm in the association or without income the association can't play out any objective in the association. There are five general standards that are utilized for key partnerships. These standards are as beneath: Basic to the achievement of business objective or targets in the association or firm Basic to the turn of events or upkeep of upper hand Obstructs a serious danger Make or keep up key decisions in a firm or in another term we can say association Critical hazard to the business These five are the basic focuses in the key collusions which will be clarified underneath. Basic TO A BUSINESS OBJECTIVE OR GOAL: First step is to comprehend what the objective in the association is. What is the normal sort of union are produce income in the market procedure. How they interface in the market? Income is the most significant partnerships in the market. Without income association can sit idle. The most significant coalition is income. Few out of every odd partnership that produces yet income is vital. For example sway on income if there is an effect in relationship. Genuine relationship key is the most significant effect in developing the income in the, showcase. Notwithstanding a solitary vital union related gathering of partnerships in the association. Systems administration is the most significant technique for gathering the partnerships in th

So many problem sets

So many problem sets Now that term has geared up a bit, most classes have given some sort of homework, usually in the form of a problem set. I thought the prospectives on here might be curious to see what problems on problem sets are actually like, so Ive posted a few of the problems from my own problem sets (dont give me the answers! I havent solved all of these yet!). 9.22 has presentations and readings, not psets, so I didnt post anything from it. 6.004 has labs rather than problem sets, so I posted a problem from the first lab, which is due this week. 5.12 Organic Chemistry 3. Sphingosine, a component of sphingomyelin, is part of the cellular lipid bilayer. For sphingosine, a) draw in all of the hydrogen atoms. Label each sp3 carbon according to b) C-C connectivity and c) C-H connectivity (Y = methyl, E = methylene, I = methine). c) Label each amine, alcohol, and hydrogen by sp3 CC connectivity. 5. a) Draw Newman projects for the six energy maxima and minima for 2- methylhexane, sighting along the C2-C3 bond. b) Calculate the energy of each conformation. (Assume the same energy values for â€"Pr that you would for â€"Me.) c) Use these values to make a graph of potential energy versus dihedral angle. d) What is the barrier to rotation around the C2-C3 bond? 7.03 Genetics 4. This problem deals with the following pedigree [not pictured in this entry], which shows the inheritance of a very rare trait. (a) Assume that the inherited disorder is expressed with complete penetrance and that there are no new mutations. What mode(s) of inheritance is/are consistent with this pedigree? (Your choices are: X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive, autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant.) (b) For each consistent mode of inheritance, what are the probabilities that Individuals 1 and 2 will have: … an affected son? … an affected daughter? … an unaffected son? … an unaffected daughter? (c) Use Bayes theorem to calculate the probability that the next child of Individuals 1 and 2 will be affected with the disorder, given the new knowledge that the couple already has two healthy sons. Do this calculation for each mode of inheritance consistent with the pedigree. 9.29/ Intro to Computational Neuroscience 1. Mathematics of the integrate-and-fire neuron a) For a spherical neuron with a surface area of 0.03 mm2, a specific membrane capacitance of cm = 10 nF/mm2, a specific membrane resistance of rm = 1 M?-mm2, and a resting membrane potential EL = -70: i) What is the total membrane capacitance Cm? ii) What is the specific membrane conductance gm? What is the total membrane conductance Gm? What is the total membrane resistance Rm? iii) What is the membrane time constant tm? iv) How much external electrode current would be required to hold the neuron at a membrane potential of -60 mV? v) If this amount of current is turned on at time t = 0 and held at this value, how long will the neuron take to reach a membrane potential of -65 mV if the cell is initially at a voltage V = E_L? vi) Calculate the total charge required to polarize the neuron to the resting potential. Assume the predominant conductance is potassium and use [K]_in=140mM for the concentration of potassium in mammalian neurons. What fraction of the total number of K+ ions in the neuron is lost as the neuron is polarized? b) Show that V(t) = E_L + R_mI_e + (V(t_0) E_L R_mI_e)exp(-(t t_0)/T_m) where the constant t0 is any reference time, satisfies the equation T_m(dV/dt) = E_L V + R_m I_e when Ie is a constant. Also verify that when t = t_0, the left and right sides of the equation agree and that when t ? 8, V(t) ? V(8) = E_L + R_mI_e. Setting t_0 equal to the current time in a computer simulation and t equal to the next time step a time ?t later gives the one-time-step update rule we will use for simulating the integrate-and-fire neuron (and which we will use more generally for simulating any equation of the form of equation (0.2) above, e.g. in problem 3 for the spike rate adaptation conductance below if we substitute g_sra for V and set E_L=I_e=0): V ? E_L + R_mI_e + (V E_L R_mI_e)exp(-?t/T_m), where this shorthand notation means that, in the time step ?t, the voltage gets updated from its old value to the value on the right of the arrow, i.e. V(t-t_0) ? E_L + R_mI_e + (V(t) E_L R_mI_e)exp(-?t/T_m) 6.004 Computation Structures (C) To maximize noise margins we want to have the transition in the voltage transfer characteristic (VTC) of the nand2 gate centered halfway between ground and the power supply voltage (3.3V). To determine the VTC for nand2, well perform a dc analysis to plot the gates output voltage as a function of the input voltage using the following additional netlist statements: * dc analysis to create VTC Xtest vin vin vout nand2 Vin vin 0 0v Vol vol 0 0.3v // make measurements easier! Voh voh 0 3v // see part (D) .dc Vin 0 3.3 .005 .plot vin vout voh vol Combine this netlist fragment with the one given at the start of this section and run the simulation. To center the VTC transition, keep the size of the nfet in the nand2 definition as SW=8 SL=1 and adjust the width of both pfets until the plots for vin and vout intersect at about 1.65 volts. Just try different integral widths (i.e, 9, 10, 11, ). Report the integral width that comes closest to having the curves intersect at 1.65V.

Music Education And Its Impact On Education Essay

As you can see, music and dance are very influential in the culture of Brazil. Therefore, music education is also important in the lives of the Brazilian people. Children are exposed to music from an early age through family and community. Unfortunately, music education is not highly regarded in the school system. The amount of music education differs greatly by school and teachers. Most public schools do not have a special music teacher or department. In order to be well educated in music a student would need to attend a private school or a conservatory. As we transition into talking about education, we see that there are many different positives and negatives to school in southern Brazil. Education is a factor that strongly influences every culture. The way in which young people are educated will determine the way in which a culture grows throughout the next generation. The value a society places on education is a strong indicator of their worldview and what the culture believes to be important. Education is valued by the Brazilian government. This is clear because public education is free of charge to students in all areas of Brazil. There are also numerous programs in place to help children pay for school and to make sure adults are literate. People in Brazil value education because they see it as the key to overcoming the economic struggles of families and the country as a whole. Children ages six to fourteen are required by law to attend school, this is known asShow MoreRelatedThe Current State Of The Cambodian Traditional Music Revival And The Large Impact Of Cultural Music Education1539 Words   |  7 Pagesto see the current state of the Cambodian traditional music revival and the large impact of cultural music education, it fails to see the external benefits of this music that promotes â€Å"a culture of peace, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and its contribution to sustainable development†.29 This cultural benefit is one of the biggest answers to the question of why this music education and the survival of traditional music is important. Despite the lack of coverage this elementRead MoreMusic Education Has On A Student929 Words   |  4 Pages Music education is often pushed to the side in terms of academics. It is often the victim of many budget cuts as it is seen as unnecessary and expensive. 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Also, limited availability of public funds makes it essential for theseRead MoreMusic And Its Effect On Students1202 Words   |  5 PagesMusic is a defining element in cultures around the world, and people are surrounded by it. It appears in movies, sporting events, nature, and important ceremonies. Even though music is an important element of society and everyday life, it is starting to decline in the nation’s schools. Although music does not seem as important as other core classes such as math and English, it is often forgotten that music impacts students in ways that applies to their core classes. From a young age, music developsRead MoreThe Internet Impacts The Lives Of Every Global Citizen1520 Words   |  7 PagesThe Internet impacts the lives of every global citizen. With wireless internet present in everything from department stores to restaurants, it is evident that people today need the internet just about any time of day. 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Blood Promise Chapter Thirty Free Essays

string(55) " hugged me and seemed genuinely happy to have me back\." Alberta was waiting for me in the front office of the guardians’ administrative building. Alberta’s role as captain here was remarkable considering the lower numbers of women in our ranks. She was in her fifties and one of the toughest women I’d met. We will write a custom essay sample on Blood Promise Chapter Thirty or any similar topic only for you Order Now Her sandy hair was showing some gray, and years of working outdoors had weathered her skin. â€Å"Welcome back, Rose,† she said, standing up at my approach. She certainly didn’t hug me, and her manner was businesslike, but the fact that she used my first name was a generous gesture for her. That, and I thought I saw a small spark of relief and happiness in her eyes. â€Å"Let’s go to my office.† I’d never been there. Any disciplinary issues I had with the guardians were usually addressed in committee. Unsurprisingly, the office was spotless, everything arranged with military efficiency. We sat on opposite sides of her desk, and I braced myself for an interrogation. â€Å"Rose,† she said, leaning toward me. â€Å"I’m going to be blunt with you. I’m not going to give you lectures or demand any explanations. Honestly, since you aren’t my student anymore, I don’t have the right to ask or tell you anything.† It was like what Adrian had said. â€Å"You can lecture,† I told her. â€Å"I’ve always respected you and want to hear what you have to say.† The ghost of a smile flashed on her face. â€Å"All right, here it is. You screwed up.† â€Å"Wow. You weren’t kidding about bluntness.† â€Å"The reasons don’t matter. You shouldn’t have left. You shouldn’t have dropped out. Your education and training are too valuable-no matter how much you think you know-and you are too talented to risk throwing away your future.† I almost laughed. â€Å"To tell you the truth? I’m not sure what my future is anymore.† â€Å"Which is why you need to graduate.† â€Å"But I dropped out.† She snorted. â€Å"Then drop back in!† â€Å"I-what? How?† â€Å"With paperwork. Just like everything else in the world.† To be honest, I hadn’t known what I’d do once I got back here. My immediate concern was Lissa-to be with her and make sure she was okay. I knew I couldn’t officially be her guardian anymore, but I’d figured once we were together, no one could stop her from hanging out with a friend. I’d be her hired bodyguard, so to speak, kind of like what Abe had. And in the meantime, I’d bum around campus like Adrian. But to enroll again? â€Å"I†¦ I missed a month. Maybe more.† My days were scattered. It was the first week of May, and I’d left near the end of March, on my birthday. What was that? Five weeks? Almost six? â€Å"You missed two years and managed to catch up. I have faith in you. And even if you have trouble, graduating with low grades is better than not graduating at all.† I tried to imagine myself back in this world. Had it really only been a little over a month? Classes†¦ day-to-day intrigue†¦ how could I just go back to that? How could I return to that life after seeing the way Dimitri’s family lived, after being with Dimitri and losing him-again. Would he have said he loved me? â€Å"I don’t know what to say,† I told Alberta. â€Å"This is kind of a lot to take in.† â€Å"Well, you should decide quickly. The sooner you’re back in class, the better.† â€Å"They’ll really let me?† That was the part I found a little unbelievable. â€Å"I’ll let you,† she said. â€Å"No way am I letting someone like you get away. And now that Lazar is gone†¦ well, things are crazy around here. No one’s going to give me much trouble in filing the paperwork.† Her wry smile slipped a little. â€Å"And if they do give us any trouble†¦ I’ve been made to understand that you have a benefactor who can pull a few favors to smooth everything over.† â€Å"A benefactor,† I repeated flatly. â€Å"A benefactor who wears flashy scarves and gold jewelry?† She shrugged. â€Å"No one I know. Don’t even know his name-only that he’ll threaten to withhold a considerable donation to the school if you aren’t let back in. If you want in.† Yeah. Deals and blackmail. I was pretty sure I knew who my benefactor was. â€Å"Give me some time to think about it. I’ll decide soon-I promise.† She frowned, thoughtful, and then gave a sharp nod. â€Å"All right.† We both stood up, and she walked me toward the building’s entrance. I glanced over at her. â€Å"Hey, if I do graduate†¦ do you think there’s ever any way I could be in line to be Lissa’s guardian officially again? I know they’ve already picked out people for her and that I’m in, ah, a bit of disgrace.† We stopped by the outer doors, and Alberta rested a hand on her hip. â€Å"I don’t know. We can certainly try. The situation’s gotten a lot more complicated.† â€Å"Yeah, I know,† I said sadly, recalling Tatiana’s high-handed actions. â€Å"But, like I said, we’ll do what we can. What I said about graduating with low grades? You won’t. Well, maybe in math and science-but that’s out of my control. You’ll be the best among the novices, though. I’ll work with you myself.† â€Å"Okay,† I said, realizing what a concession that was on her part. â€Å"Thank you.† I had just stepped outside when she called my name. â€Å"Rose?† I caught the door and glanced back. â€Å"Yeah?† Alberta’s face was gentle†¦ something I’d never seen before. â€Å"I’m sorry,† she said. â€Å"Sorry for everything that happened. And that none of us could do anything about it.† I saw in her eyes then that she knew about Dimitri and me. I wasn’t sure how. Maybe she’d heard it after the battle; maybe she’d guessed beforehand. Regardless, there was no chastisement in her face, only sincere sorrow and empathy. I gave her a brief nod of acknowledgment and went outside. I found Christian the next day, but our conversation was brief. He was on his way to meet with some of his trainees and was running late. But he hugged me and seemed genuinely happy to have me back. You read "Blood Promise Chapter Thirty" in category "Essay examples" It showed how far we’d come, considering the antagonistic relationship we’d had when we first met. â€Å"About time,† he said. â€Å"Lissa and Adrian get the market share on worrying about you, but they’re not the only ones. And someone needs to put Adrian in his place, you know. I can’t do it all the time.† â€Å"Thanks. It kills me to say this, but I missed you too. No one’s sarcasm compares to yours in Russia.† My amusement faded. â€Å"But since you mentioned Lissa-â€Å" â€Å"No, no.† He held up his hand by way of protest, face hardening. â€Å"I knew you were going to go there.† â€Å"Christian! She loves you. You know that what happened wasn’t her fault-â€Å" â€Å"I know that,† he interrupted. â€Å"But it doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. Rose, I know it’s in your nature to rush in and say what everyone else is afraid to, but please†¦ not this time. I need time to figure things out.† I had to bite back a lot of comments. Lissa had mentioned Christian in our talk yesterday. What had happened between them was one of her biggest regrets-probably the thing she hated Avery the most for. Lissa wanted to approach him and make up, but he’d kept his distance. And yes, he was right. It wasn’t my place to rush in-yet. But I did need them to fix this. So I respected his wishes and simply nodded. â€Å"Okay. For now.† My last words made his smile twist a little. â€Å"Thanks. Look, I’ve got to head off. If you ever want to show these kids how to kick ass the old-fashioned way, come by sometime. Jill would pass out if she saw you again.† I told him I would and let him go on his way, seeing as I had places to be. No way was I finished with him, though. I had a dinner date with Adrian and Lissa, up in one of the lounges in guest housing. Talking to Christian had made me late, and I hurried through the building’s lobby, barely taking note of my surroundings. â€Å"Always in a rush,† a voice said. â€Å"It’s a wonder anyone can get you to stop moving.† I came to a halt and turned, my eyes wide. â€Å"Mom†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, with her cropped auburn hair as curly and messy as ever. Her face, weathered like Alberta’s from being out in the elements, was filled with relief and-love. There was no anger, no condemnation. I had never been so happy to see her in my life. I was in her arms in an instant, resting my head on her chest even though she was shorter than me. â€Å"Rose, Rose,† she said into my hair. â€Å"Don’t ever do this again. Please.† I pulled back and looked at her face, astonished to see tears spilling from her eyes. I had seen my mother tear up in the wake of the attack on the school, but never, never had I seen her outright cry. Certainly not over me. It made me want to cry too, and I uselessly tried to dry her face with Abe’s scarf. â€Å"No, no, it’s okay. Don’t cry,† I said, taking on an odd role reversal. â€Å"I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I missed you so much.† It was true. I loved Olena Belikova. I thought she was kind and wonderful and would cherish the memories of her comforting me about Dimitri and always going out of her way to feed me. In another life, she could have been my mother-in-law. In this one, I would always regard her as a kind of foster mother. But she wasn’t my real mother. Janine Hathaway was. And standing there with her, I was happy-so, so happy-that I was her daughter. She wasn’t perfect, but no one was, as I was learning. She was, however, good and brave and fierce and compassionate-and I think she understood me more than I realized sometimes. If I could be half the woman she was, my life would be well spent. â€Å"I was so worried,† she told me, recovering herself. â€Å"Where did you go-I mean, I know now you were in Russia†¦ but why?† â€Å"I thought†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I swallowed and again saw Dimitri with my stake in his chest. â€Å"Well, there was something I had to do. I thought I had to do it on my own.† I wasn’t sure about that last part now. True, I had accomplished my goal on my own, but I was realizing now how many people loved me and were with me. Who knew how differently things might have turned out if I’d asked for help? Maybe it would have been easier. â€Å"I have a lot of questions,† she warned. Her voice had toughened, and I smiled in spite of myself. Now she was back to the Janine Hathaway I knew. And I loved her for it. Her eyes flitted to my face and then to my neck, and I saw her stiffen. For a panicked moment, I wondered if Oksana had missed healing one of the bite marks. The thought of my mother seeing what I’d lowered myself to in Siberia made my heart stop. Instead, she reached out and touched the bright colors of the cashmere scarf, her face filled with wonder as much as shock. â€Å"This†¦ this is Ibrahim’s scarf†¦ it’s a family heirloom†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"No, it belongs to this mobster guy named Abe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped as soon as the name crossed my lips. Abe. Ibrahim. Hearing them both out loud made me realize how similar they were. Abe†¦ Abe was short for Abraham in English. Abraham, Ibrahim. There was only a slight variation in the vowels. Abraham was a common enough name in the U.S., but I’d heard Ibrahim only once before, spoken in scorn by Queen Tatiana when referring to someone my mother had been involved with†¦ â€Å"Mom,† I said disbelievingly. â€Å"You know Abe.† She was still touching the scarf, eyes filled with emotion once more-but a different kind than she’d had for me. â€Å"Yes, Rose. I know him.† â€Å"Please don’t tell me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Oh, man. Why couldn’t I have been an illegitimate half-royal like Robert Doru? Or even the mail-man’s daughter? â€Å"Please don’t tell me Abe is my father†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She didn’t have to tell me. It was all over her face, her expression dreamily recalling some other time and place-some time and place that had undoubtedly involved my conception. Ugh. â€Å"Oh God,† I said. â€Å"I’m Zmey’s daughter. Zmey Junior. Zmeyette, even.† That got her attention. She looked up at me. â€Å"What on earth are you talking about?† â€Å"Nothing,† I said. I was stunned, trying desperately to assimilate this new piece of data into my worldview. I summoned a picture of that sly, bearded face, trying to hunt down family resemblance. Everyone said my facial features were like my mom’s when she was younger†¦ but my coloring, the dark hair and eyes†¦ yes, that was the same as Abe’s. I’d always known my father was Turkish. That was Abe’s mystery accent, the one not Russian but still foreign to my ears. Ibrahim must be the Turkish version of Abraham. â€Å"How?† I asked. â€Å"How in the world did you get involved with someone like that?† She looked offended. â€Å"Ibrahim is a wonderful man. You don’t know him like I do.† â€Å"Obviously.† I hesitated. â€Å"Mom†¦ you must know. What is it that Abe does for a living?† â€Å"He’s a businessman. And he knows and does favors for a lot of people, which is why he has the influence he does.† â€Å"But what kind of business? I’ve heard it’s illegal. It’s not†¦ oh God. Please tell me he isn’t selling blood whores or something.† â€Å"What?† She looked shocked. â€Å"No. Of course not.† â€Å"But he is doing illegal things.† â€Å"Who’s to say? He’s never actually been caught for anything illegal.† â€Å"I swear, you almost sounded like you were trying to make a joke.† I never would have expected her to defend a criminal, but I knew better than most how love could drive us to crazy acts. â€Å"If he wants to tell you, he’ll tell you. End of story, Rose. Besides, you certainly keep your share of secrets too. You two have a lot in common.† â€Å"Are you kidding? He’s arrogant, sarcastic, likes to intimidate people, and-oh.† Okay. Maybe she had a point. A small half-smile played upon her lips. â€Å"I never really expected you to meet this way. I never expected you to meet, period. We both thought it’d be best if he wasn’t in your life.† A new thought occurred to me. â€Å"It was you, wasn’t it? You hired him to find me.† â€Å"What? I contacted him when you went missing†¦ but I certainly didn’t hire him.† â€Å"Then who did?† I wondered. â€Å"He said he was working for someone.† Her lovestruck, reminiscent smile turned wry. â€Å"Rose, Ibrahim Mazur doesn’t work for anyone. He’s not the kind of person you can hire.† â€Å"But he said†¦ wait. Why was he following me? Are you saying he was lying?† â€Å"Well,† she admitted, â€Å"it wouldn’t be the first time. If he was following you, it wasn’t because anyone was making him or paying him. He did it because he wanted to. He wanted to find you and make sure you were okay. He made sure all his contacts knew to look out for you.† I replayed my brief history with Abe. Shadowy, taunting, infuriating. But he’d driven out into the night to get me when I’d been attacked, been adamant in his goal to get me back to school and safety, and had apparently gifted me with an heirloom because he thought I’d get cold on my way home. He’s a wonderful man, my mother had said. I supposed there were worse fathers to have. â€Å"Rose, there you are. What’s taking so long?† My mom and I turned as Lissa entered the lobby, her face lighting up when she saw me. â€Å"Come on both of you. The food’s going to get cold. And you won’t believe what Adrian got.† My mom and I exchanged a quick look, neither of us needing to speak. We had a long conversation ahead of us, but it would have to wait. I have no idea how Adrian had arranged it, but when we got to the lounge, there was Chinese food set up. The Academy almost never served it, and even then, it just never tasted†¦ right. But this was the good stuff. Bowls and bowls of sweet-and-sour chicken and egg foo young. In a corner garbage can, I saw some restaurant takeout cartons with an address in Missoula printed on the side. â€Å"How the hell did you get that here?† I demanded. Not only that, it was still warm. â€Å"Don’t question these things, Rose,† said Adrian, loading up his plate with pork fried rice. He seemed very pleased with himself. â€Å"Just roll with it. Once Alberta gets your paperwork settled, we’ll eat like this every day.† I stopped mid-bite. â€Å"How do you know about that?† He merely winked. â€Å"When you have nothing to do but hang out on campus all the time, you kind of pick things up.† Lissa glanced between the two of us. She’d been in class all day, and we hadn’t had much time to talk. â€Å"What’s this?† â€Å"Alberta wants me to enroll again and graduate,† I explained. Lissa nearly dropped her plate. â€Å"Then do it!† My mother looked equally startled. â€Å"She’ll let you?† â€Å"That’s what she told me,† I said. â€Å"Then do it!† my mother exclaimed. â€Å"You know,† mused Adrian, â€Å"I kind of liked the idea of us going on the road together.† â€Å"Whatever,† I shot back. â€Å"You probably wouldn’t let me drive.† â€Å"Stop this.† My mother was firmly back to her old self, no grief over her daughter’s departure or wistfulness for a lost lover. â€Å"You need to take this seriously. Your future’s at stake.† She nodded toward Lissa. â€Å"Her future’s at stake. Finishing your education here and going on to be a guardian is the-â€Å" â€Å"Yes,† I said. â€Å"Yes?† she asked, puzzled. I smiled. â€Å"Yes, I agree.† â€Å"You agree†¦ with me?† I don’t think my mom could ever recall that happening. Neither could I, for that matter. â€Å"Yup. I’ll take the trials, graduate, and become as respectable a member of society as I can. Not that it sounds like much fun,† I teased. I kept my tone light, but inside, I knew I needed this. I needed to be back with people who loved me. I needed a new purpose, or else I would never get over Dimitri. I would never stop seeing his face or hearing his voice. Beside me, Lissa gasped and clasped her hands together. Her joy flooded into me. Adrian didn’t wear his emotions as openly, but I could see he too was pleased at having me around. My mom still looked kind of stunned. I think she was used to me being unreasonable-which, usually, I was. â€Å"You’ll really stay?† she asked. â€Å"Good God.† I laughed. â€Å"How many times do I have to say it? Yes, I’ll go back to school.† â€Å"And stay?† she prompted. â€Å"The full two and a half months?† â€Å"Isn’t that implied?† Her face was hard-and very mom like. â€Å"I want to know for sure you aren’t going to up and run away again. You’ll stay and finish school no matter what? Stay until you graduate? Do you promise?† I met her eyes, surprised at her intensity. â€Å"Yes, yes. I promise.† â€Å"Excellent,† she said. â€Å"You’ll be glad you did this down the road.† Her words were guardian-formal, but in her eyes, I saw love and joy. We finished dinner and helped stack dishes for the building’s cleaning service. While scraping uneaten food into a trash can, I felt Adrian beside me. â€Å"This is very domestic of you,† he said. â€Å"It’s kind of hot, really. Giving me all sorts of fantasies about you in an apron vacuuming my house.† â€Å"Oh, Adrian, how I’ve missed you,† I said with an eye roll. â€Å"I don’t suppose you’re helping?† â€Å"Nah. I helped when I ate everything on my plate. No mess that way.† He paused. â€Å"And yes, you’re welcome.† I laughed. â€Å"You know, it’s a good thing you didn’t say much when I promised Mom I’d stay here. I might have decided otherwise.† â€Å"Not sure if you could have stood up to her. Your mom seems like someone who gets her way a lot.† He cast a covert look to where Lissa and my mom stood talking across the room. He lowered his voice. â€Å"It must run in the family. In fact, maybe I should get her help on something.† â€Å"Getting a hold of illegal cigarettes?† â€Å"Asking her daughter out.† I nearly dropped the plate I held. â€Å"You’ve asked me out tons of times.† â€Å"Not really. I’ve made inappropriate suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I’ve never asked you out on a real date. And, if memory serves, you did say you’d give me a fair chance once I let you clean out my trust fund.† â€Å"I didn’t clean it out,† I scoffed. But standing there, looking at him, I remembered that I had said that if I survived my quest for Dimitri, I’d give Adrian a shot. I would have said anything to get the money I needed then, but now, I saw Adrian through new eyes. I wasn’t ready to marry him by any stretch of the imagination, nor did I fully consider him reliable boyfriend material. I didn’t even know if I wanted a boyfriend ever. But he had been a good friend to me and everyone else throughout all of this chaos. He’d been kind and steady, and yeah, I couldn’t deny it†¦ even with a fading black eye, he was still extraordinarily handsome. And while it shouldn’t have mattered, Lissa had gotten it out from him that a lot of his infatuation with Avery had been compulsion-induced. He’d liked her and hadn’t been ruling out a romantic attachment, but her powers had cranked up the intensity more than he actually felt. Or so he claimed. If I were a guy and all that had happened to me, I’d probably say I’d been under the influence of magic too. Yet from the way he looked at me now, I found it hard to believe anyone had taken my place for him in this last month or so. â€Å"Make me an offer,† I said at last. â€Å"Write it up, and give me a point-by-point outline of why you’re a good would-be suitor.† He started to laugh, then saw my face. â€Å"Seriously? That’s like homework. There’s a reason I’m not in college.† I snapped my fingers. â€Å"Get to it, Ivashkov. I want to see you put in a good day’s work.† I expected a joke or a brush-off until later, but instead, he said, â€Å"Okay.† â€Å"Okay?† Now I felt like my mom had earlier, when I’d quickly agreed with her. â€Å"Yep. I’m going to go back to my room right now to start drafting my assignment.† I stared incredulously as he reached for his coat. I had never seen Adrian move that fast when any kind of labor was involved. Oh no. What had I gotten myself into? He suddenly paused and reached into his coat pocket with an exasperated smile. â€Å"Actually, I already practically wrote you an essay. Nearly forgot.† He produced a piece of folded paper and waved it in the air. â€Å"You have got to get your own phone. I’m not going to be your secretary anymore.† â€Å"What is that?† â€Å"Some foreign guy called me earlier†¦ said my number was in his phone’s memory.† Again, Adrian eyed Lissa and my mom. They were still deep in conversation. â€Å"He said he had a message for you and didn’t want me to tell anyone else. He made me write it out and read it back to him. You’re the only person I’d do that for, you know. I think I’m going to mention it when I write up my dating proposal.† â€Å"Will you just hand it over?† He gave me the note with a wink, sketched me a bow, and then said goodbye to Lissa and my mom. I kind of wondered if he really was going to go write up a dating proposal. Mostly, my attention was on the note. I had no doubt who had called him. I’d used Abe’s phone to dial Adrian in Novosibirsk and had later told Abe about Adrian’s financial involvement in my trip. Apparently, my father-ugh, that was still an unreal thought-had decided that made Adrian trustworthy, though I wondered why my mom couldn’t have been used as a messenger. I unfolded the note, and it took me a few seconds to decipher Adrian’s writing. If he did write me a dating proposal, I really hoped he would type it. The note read: Sent a message to Robert’s brother. He told me there was nothing I could offer that would make him reveal Robert’s location-and believe me, I have much to offer. But he said as long as he had to spend the rest of his life in there, then the information would die with him. Thought you’d like to know. It was hardly the essay Adrian had made it out to be. It was also a bit cryptic, but then, Abe wouldn’t want its contents easily understandable to Adrian. To me, the meaning was clear. Robert’s brother was Victor Dashkov. Abe had somehow gotten a message to Victor in whatever horrible, remote prison he was locked away in. (Somehow, it didn’t surprise me that Abe could pull that off.) Abe had no doubt attempted one of his trades with Victor in order to find out where Robert was, but Victor had refused. No surprise there either. Victor wasn’t the most helpful of people, and I couldn’t entirely blame him now. The guy was locked up for life â€Å"in there†-in prison. What could anyone offer a condemned man that would really make a difference in his life? I sighed and put the note away, somehow touched that Abe had done this for me, as futile as it was. And again, the same argument came to mind. Even if Victor had given up Robert’s location, what did it matter? The farther I got from the events in Russia, the more ridiculous it became to even consider turning a Strigoi back to his original form. Only true death could free them, only death†¦ My mom’s voice saved me before I could begin reliving the bridge scene once more in my head. She told me she had to leave but promised we’d talk later. As soon as she was gone, Lissa and I made sure everything was set in the lounge before heading off to my room. She and I still had a lot of talking to do too. We went upstairs, and I wondered when they’d move me out of guest housing and back to the dorm. Probably whenever Alberta finished with the red tape. It still seemed impossible to accept that I was going to be able to return to my old life and move on from all that had happened in the last month or so. â€Å"Did Adrian give you a love note?† Lissa asked me. Her voice was teasing, but through the bond, I knew she still worried about me grieving for Dimitri. â€Å"Not yet,† I said. â€Å"I’ll explain later.† Outside my room, one of the building attendants was just about to knock on the door. When she saw me, she held out a thick padded envelope. â€Å"I was just bringing this to you. It arrived in today’s mail.† â€Å"Thanks,† I said. I took it from her and looked at it. My name and St. Vladimir’s address were printed in neat writing, which I found odd, since my arrival here had been sudden. There was no return address, but it bore Russian postmarks and delivery through global overnight mail. â€Å"Do you know who it’s from?† Lissa asked once the woman was gone. â€Å"I don’t know. I met a lot of people in Russia.† It could have been from Olena, Mark, or Sydney. Yet†¦ something I couldn’t quite explain set my senses on high alert. I tore open one side and reached in. My hand closed around something cold and metallic. I knew before I even pulled it out what it was. It was a silver stake. â€Å"Oh God,† I said I rolled the stake around, running my finger over the engraved geometric pattern at its base. There was no question. One-of-a-kind. This was the stake I’d taken from the vault in Galina’s house. The one I’d â€Å"Why would someone send you a stake?† asked Lissa. I didn’t answer and instead pulled out the envelope’s next item: a small note card. There, in handwriting I knew all too well, was: You forgot another lesson: Never turn your back until you know your enemy is dead. Looks like we’ll have to go over the lesson again the next time I see you-which will be soon. Love, D. â€Å"Oh,† I said, nearly dropping the card. â€Å"This is not good.† The world spun for a moment, and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. For the hundredth time, I ran through the events of the night I’d escaped from Dimitri. Every other time, my emotions and attention were always on the look on his face when I stabbed him, the sight of his body falling into that black water. Now my mind summoned up the details of the struggle. I recalled how his last-minute dodge had interfered with my shot at his heart. For a moment out there, I hadn’t thought I’d gotten the stake in hard enough-until I’d seen his face go slack and watched him fall. But I really hadn’t gotten the stake in hard enough. My first instinct had been right, but things had happened too fast. He’d fallen†¦ and then what? Had the stake been loose enough to fall out on its own? Had he been able to pull it out? Had the river’s impact knocked it out? â€Å"All those practice dummies, all for nothing,† I muttered, recalling how Dimitri had drilled me over and over to plunge a stake into the chest so it would get past the ribs and into the heart. â€Å"Rose,† exclaimed Lissa. I had a feeling this wasn’t the first time she’d said my name. â€Å"What’s going on?† The most important staking of my life†¦ and I had messed it up. What would happen now? Looks like we’ll have to go over the lesson again the next time I see you-which will be soon. I didn’t know what to feel. Despair that I hadn’t released Dimitri’s soul and fulfilled the promise I’d secretly made to him? Relief that I hadn’t killed the man I loved? And always, always that question: Would he have said he loved me if we’d had a few moments more? I still had no answers. My emotions were running crazy, and I needed to put them on hold and analyze what I knew here. First: two and a half months. I’d promised my mom two and a half months. No action until then. Meanwhile, Dimitri was still out there, still a Strigoi. As long as he was loose in the world, there would be no peace for me. No closure. Looking at that card again, I realized I would have no peace even if I tried to ignore him. I understood the card’s message. Dimitri was coming for me this time. And something told me that I had blown my chance at being turned Strigoi. He was coming to kill me. What had he said when I escaped the manor? That there was no way we could both be alive in the world? And yet, maybe we could†¦ When I didn’t answer her right away, Lissa’s worry grew. â€Å"Your face is freaking me out a little. What are you thinking?† â€Å"Do you believe in fairy tales?† I asked, looking up into her eyes. Even as I said the words, I could imagine Mark’s disapproval. â€Å"What†¦ what kind of fairy tales?† â€Å"The kind you aren’t supposed to waste your life on.† â€Å"I don’t understand,† she said. â€Å"I’m totally lost. Tell me what’s going on. What can I do?† Two and a half months. I had to stay here for two and a half months-it seemed like forever. But I’d promised my mom that I would, and I refused to be rash again-particularly with the stakes so high now. Promises. I was drowning in promises. I’d even promised Lissa something. â€Å"Did you mean it before? You want to go with me on my next crazy quest? No matter what?† â€Å"Yes.† There was no uncertainty or hesitation in the word, no wavering in her steady green eyes. Of course, I wondered if she’d feel the same way later when she found out what it was we were going to do. What could anyone offer a condemned man that would really make a difference in his life? I’d pondered that earlier, trying to figure out what could get Victor Dashkov to talk. Victor had told Abe there was nothing anyone could offer that would make him give up the information about his brother’s alleged ability to restore Strigoi. Victor was serving a life sentence; no bribe could matter to him anymore. But one thing could, I realized. Freedom. And there was only one way to achieve that. We were going to have to break Victor Dashkov out of prison. But I decided not to mention that to Lissa quite yet. All I knew for now was that I had a fleeting shot at saving Dimitri. Mark had said it was a fairy tale, but I had to take the chance. The question was: how long did I have until Dimitri came to kill me? How long did I have to figure out if the impossible was actually possible? That was the real issue. Because if Dimitri showed up before I had a chance to find the dragon in this story-Victor-things were going to get ugly. Maybe this whole Robert thing was one big lie, but even if it wasn’t†¦ well, the clock was ticking. If Dimitri came for me before I could get to Victor and Robert, I’d have to fight him again. No question. I couldn’t wait for this magical cure. I’d have to kill Dimitri for real this time and lose any chance I might have to bring back my prince. Damn. It’s a good thing I work well under pressure. How to cite Blood Promise Chapter Thirty, Essay examples

The Tragic Story of Electra free essay sample

A comparison between Sophocles and Euripides plays on Electras tragic story. This paper discusses the tragic story of Electra, but at the same time, illustrates the nature of courage, honor and loyalty despite the tragedy. The author compares two version of this play, those by Sophocles and Euripides, emphasizing how these plays are similar to each other as well as diverge from one another. The part of Electra in this version of the play is an ideal one to play for any ambitious actress, for the character is called upon to feel and display every human emotion passion and joy, hatred and despair. In the end she is the avenged heroine, but Sophocles has left a certain ambiguity about how we should interpret her character (although perhaps this ambiguity would not have been apparent to classical audiences). Has Electra in the end been freed from her lifelong desire for revenge? Or has she become so distorted by years of hatred that she can never be whole again? The term tragedy is often used in a loose sense to describe any sad event, but as a term in the theater it should be properly applied only to such works as we have been discussing here dramatic treatments that ask us to consider with the highest degree of seriousness the nature of heroism, of misery, of loss, of endurance and also of joy and the possibility of happiness after sorrow. We will write a custom essay sample on The Tragic Story of Electra or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Achilles, The Hero Essays - Trojans, Achilles, Iliad, Hector

Achilles, The Hero I have chosen Achilles to write my paper on because his character is the central story line in the Iliad. Although it may seem that the main theme is about the totality and gruesomeness of when the poem is first read, this is not the main focus. The actual fighting and Trojan War could be compared to Saving Private Ryan. We get raw details of the war without missing any of the descriptive details. Achilles is the character I was most interested in because he was an extraordinary fighter, man, and hero. We see how Achilles matures from a bloodthirsty warrior in the beginning to a more reserved and thoughtful man by the end of the Iliad. Achilles is a semi-god because his mom, Thetis, is a goddess and his father, Peleus, is a mortal. Achilles shows the greatest military skill of any Achaean and has the greatest fighting ability of all Trojan and Achaean warriors. He is considered to worth an entire army when fighting in a battle. In the beginning of the Iliad Achilles is known as a ruthless and unstoppable killing force. Anyone he could not send to the House of Death he would hold as captives on his ship. He did all of this killing and destruction for the glory. When the Argives asked Achilles and his friend, Patroclus, to help them conquer Troy and get Helen back, Achilles agreed only because of the glory and fame he could achieve from it. Achilles had no reason to fight the Trojans because they had not wronged him, at least not yet. He joined the Argives because he felt this war would be the quickest way to gain glory. Achilles wanted to become famous. Achilles quickly became the Argives main fighting force. Agamemnon, the leader of the Argives, called him the most violent man alive. When Agamemnon takes Briseis, his favorite prize, Achilles become angry. The reason Agamemnon took Briseis is because he had to give his own prize, Chryseis, back to her father. Until she was returned Apollo would wreak havoc on the Argives day and night. The taking of Briseis hurt Achilles pride. He was disgruntled because he had not way to gain his glory back. He could not retaliate and put up a good fight in front of his men. This scenario reminds me of the bully picking a little kid on the playground, while all the other children are watching. Achilles decides to get even with Agamemnon for taking his prize so he prays to his mom to go to Zeus, the god of gods, and beg a favor. He wants his mom to ask Zeus to have the Trojans begin winning the war. At this point Achilles has stopped helping the Argives in their battle against Troy because he is mad at Agamemnon. Thetis warns Achilles that if he returns to the battle instead of going home he will die under Troys walls. Achilles has a big decision to make. One choice is he can change his attitude and start respecting life, which means he would go home. Achilles other choice is to ignore his mom and fight anyway. If he continues fighting he would die a famous and almost godly warrior. While Achilles is still deciding what to do Zeus sends Patroclus, Achilles best friend, back into battle where he dies at the hand of Hector. Achilles is furious. He returns to battle in a fury of anger. Achilles does not return for glory this time. Instead, he returns because he valued his friend and wants to avenge his death. Achilles chases the Trojans back to the walls of Troy. There is chases down Hector and kills him. Then he displays his body in the most disgraceful fashion. Zeus sends King Priam. Priam is Hectors dad and he has come to retrieve his sons body. He wants to give his son a proper burial. Achilles does not want to return the body at first, but Priam is able to change his mind. Priam convinces Achilles what the effect of killing has. He shows him the pain, suffering, and destruction that it causes people. The King even reveals his pain at Hectors death to Achilles.

Going Full-time or Not

Going Full-time or Not Part of the reason so many people want to write full-time  is to escape the responsibilities of the day job, the commute, and all the baggage that comes with working for someone else. Truth is, writing full-time  is not all its cracked up to be. You experience the pressure of juggling when you have a day job and then attempt to write at night, during lunch, or on weekends. If you wrote full-time  life would be so much less stressful, or so you think. But writing full-time  means you also have to squeeze writing into your day, because once you become your own boss, you are faced with: 1) estimated taxes, more serious bookkeeping, and administrative duties consuming 10 to 20 percent of your day; 2) marketing, which consumes a minimum of 20 percent of your day; 3) researching business techniques, keeping up with the industry, learning how to publish differently, vetting publishers/agents/clients consuming 10 to 20 percent of your day if not more. Suddenly you realize most of your day is still committed to items you dont enjoy doing . . . just like when you worked the day job. As a full-time  writer, I cannot keep up with the changes in freelancing, blogging, podcasting, publishing, and marketing. As hard as I try, I end the day a little frustrated, feeling like I lag behind so many others. The truth is, you cannot learn it all nor do it all. You write what you like, and you publish the best you can. You market intelligently instead of just checking it off your to-do list. But you cannot be like all the other writers out there. They are also ignoring aspects of the profession, because they, too, cannot work everything into their day. You have to remember to keep this profession fun. When it ceases to be enjoyable, stop and rethink what you are doing. Better to work the full-time  day job and enjoy your writing at night than be dragged into a full-time  writing business and have it suck the life out of your joy.

UK Economic Indicators Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

UK Economic Indicators - Assignment Example Typically, macroeconomic indicators are divided into several types according to their significance for exchange movements, as it affects the volatility of the market at the time of publication index. The overview of macroeconomic indicators Macroeconomic indicators cover economic development, point to economic growth or decline. Therefore we can say with certainty that the output of major data can lead to significant and lasting movements in exchange rates. These are important data: Nonfarm Payrolls, GDP, Industrial Production, CPI, PPI and other macroeconomic indicators. There is a calendar of economic indicators and the most important events in the life of the individual states (with specific dates or approximate time of their release). These events market is ready. Emerging expectations and forecasts of the value of an indicator can be and how it can be interpreted. The output data can lead to sharp fluctuations in exchange rates. Depending on how market participants apostrophe an d interprets a particular indicator, the rate can go as one and the other side. This movement can lead to a strengthening of an existing trend of course, its correction or the beginning of a new trend. Or that the outcome depends on several factors: market conditions, economic status of the host countries examined rates, preliminary expectations and sentiment, and, finally, the value of a specific indicator. The indicator of average earnings growth is calculated by taking into account earnings growth over the past three months (taking into account all payments that were actually made and not "accrued"). This is a good indicator of future inflation, as rising wages, if it is not offset by productivity growth is the cause of rising prices. Average earnings growth is one of the defining indicators, according to which the Bank of England determines the level of interest rates. This indicator has a significant impact on the market. The indicator of producer output prices (PPI output) is defined as a change in the level of wholesale prices of goods in the industry. It is a strong indicator of inflation that reflects the inflationary pressures on the economy by the manufacturers (the increase of prices in "output" may not affect the inflation index, as it can reduce the costs in the trade). The price of food, alcohol, tobacco and fuel (prices for these products is very variable) are not taken into account. The indicator of producer input prices (PPI input) is defined as the change in the price level for parts and semifinished products in the industry (the rise in prices may not be reflected in the inflation index, as it can reduce the costs in the manufacturing process). The indicator of retail price index determines the change in the price level in the basket of consumer goods. The indicator of inflation is the Retail Prices Index, excluding the interest payments on loans to purchase real estate (RPI-X). The retail price index is calculated by a single formula. If t he growth of rate exceeds the planned value of the index, usually the Bank of England raises interest rates. The indicator of CBI industrial trends overviews (in the form of numbers) the business sentiment of businessmen about the state of the manufacturing sector. The review has no direct connection with the real prospect of economic development. The indicator of CBI distributive trades overviews (in the form of numbers) the business sentiment regarding business trading areas. Review has no direc

Assignment AdvanceTopicManagement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Assignment AdvanceTopicManagement - Essay Example According, employees interest such as legal right has been compromised to customer and employers interest. Based on three journals regarding CSR, it carries out investigation on this common CSR misbehaviour problems by Chinese manufacturers, analyzes reason, current development and solution for this matter. Fiedman & Lee (2013) introduce that agency theory is a concept that explains why behavior or decisions by member of group, it provides a platform to explain relationship between agency and shareholders. It suggests that management of firms is undertaken on behalf of shareholder can improve the operation efficiency and increase profitability. In another hand, they explain that agency theory can be used to explain the failure CSR. The first article is about the Harmonious Society and its relations on Chinese CSR by Kok 2009. The second article is about Remaking the World of Chinese Labour and it deals with the key problems in the Chinese manufacturing industry by (Friedman and Lee 2013). The third article is Agency theory and it reviews the business problems in China. This article is a Strategic CSR or stakeholder theory emphasizes the balance among varieties of stakeholders, emphasizes the balance between social impact and economic impact during CSR implementation (Kok,2009). The article is a Comparative literature reviews on CSR development, exploration, to explore that how Harmonious Society will contribute to increasing CSR engagement. However, as employee, customer and employer etc are located in different positions. It is accompanying with power and interest conflicts, which is hard to be balanced (Martin Samy, 2010). The paper concluded that Hu Jintaos harmonious society is unlikely to promote CSR in China. Despite the harmonious society created by Chine President, the country still continues to violate labor laws which are leading to poor working conditions. This is with regard to the large number of manufacturing

A Study Of The Indian Food Processing Industry

A Study Of The Indian Food Processing Industry Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been considered one of the driving forces of modern economies due to their multifaceted contributions in terms of technological innovations, employment generation, export promotion, etc. Of these, the ability of SMEs to innovate assumes significance because innovation lends competitive edge to firms, industries and ultimately, economies. Therefore, technological innovation has the potential to spur growth of individual enterprises at the micro level and aggregate industries and economies at the macro level. Given the above, this paper attempts to understand issues such as what factors drive SMEs to innovate, what is the nature of SME innovations, what the achievements of SME innovations are and what the outcomes of these achievements are. Overall, this paper attempts to address the question: does SME innovation facilitate the growth of firm size? This question has been probed in the context of SMEs in Sunrise Sector of our economy. This paper probes the drivers, dimensions, achievements, and outcomes of technological innovations carried out by SMEs in the food processing industries in India. The Food Industry is divided into organized and unorganized wherein the maximum contribution is made by small and unorganized. Hence the focus of the study will be organized food processing sector. The research methodology is empirical study for this the evidences will be collected, in the form of case studies as evidences, through secondary data. Further, it ascertains the growth rates of innovative SMEs in comparison to non- innovative SMEs in terms of sales turnover, employment, and investment. The study will confirm that the Innovative SMEs have shown better and sustained growth. Keywords: Technological Innovations, Sales Growth, Organized Food Processing, Agriculture. Introduction Innovation is a new way of doing something or new stuff that is made useful. It may refer to incremental an emergent or radical and revolutionary changes in thinking, products, processes, or organizations. Following Schumpeter (1934), contributors to the scholarly literature on innovation typically distinguish between invention, an idea made manifest, and innovation, ideas applied successfully in practice. In many fields, such as the arts, economics and government policy, something new must be substantially different to be innovative. In economics the change must increase value, customer value, or producer value. The goal of innovation is positive change, to make someone or something better. Innovation leading to increased productivity is the fundamental source of increasing wealth in an economy. Those who are directly responsible for application of the innovation are often called pioneers in their field, whether they are individuals or organizations. In organizations A convenient definition of innovation from an organizational perspective is given by Luecke and Katz (2003), who wrote: Innovation . . . is generally understood as the successful introduction of a new thing or method . . . Innovation is the embodiment, combination, or synthesis of knowledge in original, relevant, valued new products, processes, or services. Innovation typically involves creativity, but is not identical to it: innovation involves acting on the creative ideas to make some specific and tangible difference in the domain in which the innovation occurs. For example, Amabile et al. (1996) propose: All innovation begins with creative ideas . . . We define innovation as the successful implementation of creative ideas within an organization. In this view, creativity by individuals and teams is a starting point for innovation; the first is necessary but not sufficient condition for the second. For innovation to occur, something more than the generation of a creative idea or insight is required: the insight must be put into action to make a genuine difference, resulting for example in new or altered business processes within the organization, or changes in the products and services provided. Innovation, like many business functions, is a management process that requires specific tools, rules, and discipline. From this point of view emphasis is moved from the introduction of specific novel and useful ideas to the general organizational processes and procedures for generating, considering, and acting on such insights leading to significant organizational improvements in terms of improved or new business products, services, or internal processes. In the organizational context, innovation may be linked to performance and growth through improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality, competitive positioning, market share, etc. All organizations can innovate, including for example hospitals, universities, and local governments. While innovation typically adds value, innovation may also have a negative or destructive effect as new developments clear away or change old organizational forms and practices. Organizations that do not innovate effectively may be destroyed by those that do. Hence innovation typically involves risk. A key challenge in innovation is maintaining a balance between process and product innovations where process innovations tend to involve a business model which may develop shareholder satisfaction through improved efficiencies while product innovations develop customer support however at the risk of costly RD that can erode shareholder return. Innovation can be described as the result of some amount of time and effort into researching an idea, plus some larger amount of time and effort into developing this idea, plus some very large amount of time and effort into commercializing this idea into a market place with customers. Joseph Schumpeter defined economic innovation in The Theory of Economic Development, 1934, Harvard University Press, Boston. The introduction of a new good that is one with which consumers are not yet familiar or of a new quality of a good. The introduction of a new method of production, which need by no means be founded upon a discovery scientifically new, and can also exist in a new way of handling a commodity commercially. The opening of a new market, that is a market into which the particular branch of manufacture of the country in question has not previously entered, whether or not this market has existed before. The conquest of a new source of supply of raw materials or half-manufactured goods, again irrespective of whether this source already exists or whether it has first to be created. The carrying out of the new organization of any industry, like the creation of a monopoly position (for example through trustification) or the breaking up of a monopoly position Whether innovation is mainly supply-pushed (based on new technological possibilities) or demand-led (based on social needs and market requirements) has been a hotly debated topic. Similarly, what exactly drives innovation in organizations and economies remains an open question. Programs of organizational innovation are typically tightly linked to organizational goals and objectives, to the business plan, and to market competitive positioning. One driver for innovation programs in corporations is to achieve growth objectives. As Davila et al. (2006) note, Companies cannot grow through cost reduction and reengineering alone Innovation is the key element in providing aggressive top-line growth, and for increasing bottom-line results (p.6) In general, business organizations spend a significant amount of their turnover on innovation, such as making changes to their established products, processes and services. The amount of investment can vary from as low as a half a percent of turnover for organizations with a low rate of change to anything over twenty percent of turnover for organizations with a high rate of change. The average investment across all types of organizations is four percent. For an organization with a turnover of one billion units, this would represent an investment of forty million units. This budget will typically be spread across various functions including marketing, product design, information systems, manufacturing systems and quality assurance. The investment may vary by industry and by market positioning. The latest index was published in March 2009. To rank the countries, the study measured both innovation inputs and outputs. Innovation inputs included government and fiscal policy, education policy and the innovation environment. Outputs included patents, technology transfer, and other RD results; business performance, such as labor productivity and total shareholder returns; and the impact of innovation on business migration and economic growth. SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN INDIA With the advent of planned economy from 1951 and the subsequent industrial policy followed by Government of India, both planners and Government earmarked special role for small-scale industries and medium scale industries in the Indian economy. Due protection was accorded to both sectors, and particularly for small scale industries from 1951 to 1991, till the nation adopted a policy of liberalization and globalization. Certain products were reserved for small-scale units for a long time, though this list of products is decreasing due to change in industrial policies and climate. SMEs always represented the model of socio-economic policies of Government of India which emphasized judicious use of foreign exchange for import of capital goods and inputs; labour intensive mode of production; employment generation; non concentration of diffusion of economic power in the hands of few (as in the case of big houses); discouraging monopolistic practices of production and marketing; and finally effective contribution to foreign exchange earning of the nation with low import-intensive operations. It was also coupled with the policy of de-concentration of industrial activities in few geographical centers. It can be observed that by and large, SMEs in India met the expectations of the Government in this respect. SMEs developed in a manner, which made it possible for them to achieve the following objectives: High contribution to domestic production Significant export earnings Low investment requirements Operational flexibility Location wise mobility Low intensive imports Capacities to develop appropriate indigenous technology Import substitution Contribution towards defense production Technology oriented industries Competitiveness in domestic and export markets At the same time one has to understand the limitations of SMEs. In spite of these limitations, the SMEs have made significant contribution towards technological development and exports. SMEs have been established in almost all-major sectors in the Indian industry such as: Food Processing Agricultural Inputs Chemicals Pharmaceuticals Engineering; Electricals; Electronics Electro-medical equipment Textiles and Garments Leather and leather goods Bio-engineering Sports goods Plastics products Computer Software, etc As a result of globalization and liberalization, coupled with WTO regime, Indian SMEs have been passing through a transitional period. With slowing down of Economy in India and abroad, particularly USA and European Union and enhanced competition from China and a few low cost centers of production from abroad many units have been facing a tough time. Those SMEs who have strong technological base, international business outlook, competitive spirit and willingness to restructure themselves shall withstand the present challenges and come out with shining colors to make their own contribution to the Indian economy. FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY Present Status and Future Prospects of Indian Food Processing Industries As per the Ministry of Food Processing Industry as data source, the food processing sector is highly fragmented industry, it widely comprises of the following sub-segments: fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products, beer and alcoholic beverages, meat and poultry, marine products, grain processing, packaged or convenience food and packaged drinks. A huge number of entrepreneurs in this industry are small in terms of their production and operations, and are largely concentrated in the unorganized segment. This segment accounts for more than 70% of the output in terms of volume and 50% in terms of value. Though the organized sector seems comparatively small, it is growing at a much faster pace. Indias Position in Worlds Production Largest producer of milk in the world (105 million tonnes per annum) Largest livestock population(485 million tonnes per annum) Second largest producer of fruits vegetables (150 million tonnes per annum) Third largest producer of food grain (230 million tonnes per annum) Third largest producer of fish (7 million tonnes per annum) 52% cultivable land compared to 11% world average All 15 major climates in the world exist in India 46 out of 60 soil types exist in India 20 agri-climatic regions Key Growth Drivers of Food Processing Sector in India Increasing spending on health and nutritional foods. Increasing number of nuclear families and working women Changing lifestyle Functional foods, fresh or processed foods Organized retail and private label penetration Changing demographics and rising disposable incomes Key Opportunities in Food processing Sector Processable varieties of crop Contract farming Investments in infrastructure through Public Private partnership (PPP) Mega Food parks Integrated cold chain Food safety Management Systems Key segments in the food processing industry Fruits vegetable processing Fruits and vegetables is one of the most important and fast growing sub-sectors of the food processing sector. Over the last few years, there has been a positive growth in ready-to-serve beverages, fruit juices and pulps, dehydrated and frozen fruits and vegetable products, tomato products, pickles, convenience vegspice pastes, processed mushrooms and curried vegetables reasons being increase in consumption by nuclear families, working women, students and single employees staying alone. There are abundant investments opportunities are there in expanding the export market. An increasing acceptance of new products with market development efforts has been witnessed lately given the fact that there is a good international demand for certain fruits and vegetable products. The Indian food processing industry is primarily export oriented. Indias geographical situation gives it the unique advantage of connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea. In 2008-09, Indias export of fresh fruit and vegetable was estimated at US$ 0.79 billion and in case of processed fruits and vegetables it stood at US$ 0.68 billion. Meat Processing In meat and meat processing sector, poultry meat is the fastest growing animal protein in India. The estimated production of meat was 6.5 million tonnes during 2007-08. India exports more than 500,000 million tonnes of meat of which major share is buffalo meat. Buffalo meat production during 2008-09 is estimated at 2.8 million tonnes and out of this about 21% is exported. Indian buffalo meat is witnessing strong demand in international markets due to its lean character and its near organic nature. India is the 6th largest exporter of bovine meat in the world. In 2008-09, Indias export of meat products (including buffalo meat, sheep/goat meat, poultry products, animal casings and processed meat) stood at U$ 1.25 billion. Dairy processing India is number one milk producing country in the world with an estimated production of 105 million tonnes in comparison to world milk production of 693 million tonnes during 2007-08.Buffalo milk is estimated to account for 57% of the total milk production in India. India has a unique pattern of production, processing and marketing/consumption of milk, which is not comparable with any large milk producing country. Approximately 70 million rural households in the country are engaged in milk production. Over 11 million farmers are organized into about 0.1 million village Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS). About 35% of milk produced in India is processed. The organized sector (large scale dairy plants) processes about 13 million tonnes annually, while the unorganized sector processes about 22 million tonnes per annum. In 2008-09, export of dairy products was estimated at US$ 0.21 billion. Fisheries Sector In India nearly 10 million people, living in 4,000 coastal villages and more number of interior villages, depend on fisheries sector. The export of marine products has steadily grown over the years from a mere US$ 0.84 million in 1961-62 to US$ 1,849.08 million in 2008-09. Marine products account for approximately 1.1 % of the total exports from India. Frozen shrimp continued to be the single largest item of export in terms of value accounting for about 44% in the total export earnings. In terms of quantity, fish accounted for the major share at 40% (shrimp 21%).European Union (EU) was the largest market during the year 2008-09 with a percentage share of 32.6% followed by China 14.8%, Japan 14.6% , USA 11.9%, South East Asia 10%, Middle East 5.5% and Other Countries 10.6%. Grain processing sector India during the year 2007-08, accounted for 8.73% of the worlds oilseed production of 7.63%; 7.31% of the worlds oil meal production of 6.74%; 7.53% of the worlds meal export of 6.78%; 6.03% of the worlds oil production of 5.86%; 9.22% of world oil imports of 9.58% and 9.33% of the worlds oil consumption of 9.28%. On the export front, export of oil meals, oilseeds, minor oils (fats) and castor oil during the financial year 2007-08 is reported at 62.6 lakh tonnes valued at US$ 2.32 billion against the exports of 58.9 lakh tonnes valued at US$ 1.39 billion in the previous year. The solvent extraction processing of oilseed, oilcakes and rice bran during 2007-08 is reported at 121.2 lakh. However, the overall production of solvent extracted oils during 2007-08 form rice bran, oilcakes minor oilseeds and soybean is reported at 19.4 lakh tonnes. Consumer food industries Consumer food industry includes pasta, breads, cakes, pastries, rusks, buns, rolls, noodles, corn flakes, rice flakes, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, biscuits etc. Bread and biscuits constitute the largest segment of consumer foods. Indias biscuits industry is the largest among all the food industries and has a turnover of around US$ 0.64 billion. India is known to be the second largest manufacturer of biscuits, the first being USA. Indian consumer food industry is classified under two sectors: organized and unorganized. Bread and biscuits are the major part of the bakery industry and cover around 80 percent of the total bakery products in India. Biscuits stand at a higher value and production level than bread. This belongs to the unorganized sector of the bakery industry and covers over 70% of the total production. Major Players in Indian Food processing: ITC Limited Parle Products Pvt. Ltd. Agro Tech Foods Amul Perfetti India Ltd. Cadbury India Ltd. PepsiCo India Holdings Nestle India Pvt. Ltd. Britannia Industries Ltd. Hindustan Lever Limited Milkfood MTR Foods Limited Godrej Industries Limited Gits Food Products Pvt. Ltd. Dabur India Ltd. Unilever Conagra Foods Nissin Foods Walmart Venkys Foreign Direct Policy in Food processing Industry: 100% FDI is allowed under automatic route in food processing industry and food infrastructure including food parks, distillation brewing of alcohol, cold storage chain and warehousing. The total inflow of Foreign Direct Investment in food processing sector during the last five years since April 2004-March 2009 is US$ 409.41 million. Future Outlook: Indian food industry expected to grow to US$ 280 billion by 2015 and generate an additional employment for approximately 8.2 million people. Also, food consumption in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.32 % by 2013.Futher, it is expected that processed food output will grow at a strong 7 % CAGR in terms of value from 55.6 billion US$ in 2005 to 95.6 billion US$ in 2013. Foreign Direct Investment in Food Processing Industry: The total inflow of FDI in FPI sector during the last five years since April 2004-March 2009 is Rs 1892.02 crore. Key Dimensions of Growth Strengths in Food Processing India has plenty of natural resources that provide it a competitive advantage in the food processing industry. Due to its unlike climatic conditions, it has a wide ranging and large raw material base appropriate for food processing industries. The semi processed and ready to eat packaged food segment is comparatively new and constantly changing. Indias cost advantage in manpower can be used to set up large low cost production bases for domestic and export markets. If one is to add on significant investments that have come into the country, food processing industry is in a favorable position. Research The well established RD and technical expertise of Indian research institutions like Central Food Technological Research Institute, Central Institute of Fisheries, National Dairy Research Institute, National Research and Development Centre etc have been a great support for food processing sector in India. Government Regulations The government has introduced several steps to enhance the growth of food processing industry. In order to further enhance investment in the food processing industry, several policy initiatives have been initiated in the recent past. The initiatives include Full repatriation of profits and capital. Immediate approvals for foreign investments up to 100 per cent. Import duty would be zero for 100 per cent export oriented units. Reduction in customs duty on packaging machines. Income tax rebate granted (100 per cent of profits for 5 year and 25 per cent of profits for next 5 years) for upcoming industries like fruits and vegetables. Government gives financial aid for establishing common facilities in Agro Food Park. Full duty exemption on all imports for units in export processing zones. Processing Technology At present most of the processing in India is manual. Usage of Technology like pre cooling facilities for vegetables, controlled atmospheric storage and irradiation facilities is very negligible. Modernizing and bringing in state of the art technology should be given paramount importance by both existing and upcoming manufacturers. Supply Chain Management According to estimates nearly 20 to 25 per cent of the production is lost during various stages of cultivation. Adding to this factor are issues like poor quality of seeds, planting material and sub standard technology in increasing productivity. Hence there is an urgent need for backward linkages with the farmers with the help of techniques like contract farming to improve the quality of the produce. Contract Farming It is nothing but an agreement between the food processor (contractor) who would mostly be a very big organized investor and the farmer, where the farmer is under contractual agreement to plant the contractors crop in his land, The farmer also agrees to cultivate and deliver to the contractor a portion of the produce, calculated on the basis of expected yield and contracted land usage at a pre determined price. The contractor also provides technology and training to the farmer. This is a tremendous advantage to both the farmer and contractor. It guarantees to the farmer a regular source of income and guarantees qualitative output for the contractor. Product Innovation In the case of certain processed food like snack foods, the customer would look for innovation, new varieties and brand loyalty. Neat and attractive packaging would also help by making the product more visible. Another factor to be given due importance is the pricing. Consumers are extremely price sensitive and due attention should be given to this factor. Future Trends It is believed that the food processing industry can do to the rural economy what the information technology industry has done for urban India. The Indian food processing industry is forecasted to grow at 9% to 12% in the coming years. The industry has set a goal of increasing its share in the global processed food trade from 1.6% to 3% within the next 8 years. India having an advantage of a strong agricultural base should tap this potential favorably and become a preferred sourcing destination for food products globally. Key outcomes The fruit and vegetable processing industry in India is highly decentralized. A large number of units are in the cottage/home scale and small scale sector, having small capacities upto 250 tonnes/annum though big Indian and multinational companies have capacities in the range of 30 tonnes per hour or so. The prominent processed items are fruit pulps and juices, fruit based ready-to-serve beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, jams, squashes, pickles, chutneys and dehydrated vegetables. More recently, products like frozen pulps and vegetables, frozen dried fruits and vegetables, fruit juice concentrates and vegetable curries in restorable pouches, canned mushroom and mushroom products have been taken up for manufacture by the industry. The processing level in India is estimated to be around 2%, as compared to about 80% in Malaysia, 30% in Thailand, and 60-70% in the UK and USA. Indias share in the world trade of horticultural processed products too, is miniscule less than 1 per cent. This compares very unfavorably with countries like Malaysia (83%), Philippines (78%), Brazil (70%) and US (70%). Indias major exports are in fruit pulp, pickles, chutneys, canned fruits and vegetables, concentrated pulps and juices, dehydrated vegetables and frozen fruits and vegetables. Supply chain efficiencies together with a focused approach to enhance exports are the key to ensure that India is able to successfully tap new product/market opportunities. India has the potential to achieve a 3% share in the world trade of agricultural and food products by 2015. Key Achievements India is the worlds second largest producer of food next to China, and has the potential of being the biggest with the food and agricultural sector. The total food production in India is likely to double in the next ten years and there is an opportunity for large investments in food and food processing technologies, skills and equipment, especially in areas of Canning, Dairy and Food Processing, Specialty Processing, Packaging, Frozen Food/Refrigeration and Thermo Processing. Fruits Vegetables, Fisheries, Milk Milk Products, Meat Poultry, Packaged/Convenience Foods, Alcoholic Beverages Soft Drinks and Grains are important sub-sectors of the food processing industry. Health food and health food supplements is another rapidly rising segment of this industry which is gaining vast popularity amongst the health conscious. India is one of the worlds major food producers but accounts for less than 1.5 per cent of international food trade. This indicates vast scope for both investors and exporters. Food exports in 1998 stood at US $5.8 billion whereas the world total was US $438 billion. The Indian food industries sales turnover is Rs 140,000 crore (1 crore = 10 million) annually as at the start of year 2000. The industry has the highest number of plants approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outside the USA. The food processing sector in the country with its vast potential has emerged as one of the major driver of economic growth. It is encouraging to note that while the countrys GDP growth rate had increase from 3.5 per cent in 2002-03 to 9 percent in 2006-07; the food processing sector has grown from 7 per cent to 13.1 per cent during the same period. India is a country of over 1.10 billion consumers, there is a large untapped domestic market of 1,000 million consumers in the food processing sector and 200 million more consumers are expected to shift to processed food by 2010. Case Study: Mrs. Bector Cremica Group Three decades ago in 1978 when Mrs. Bector had established a small enterprise, today known as Cremica Group a $90 Million company, is flagship bearer in food retailing and food services industry. Company is exporting to 50 countries including Africa, the USA, UK and the Middle East. Cremica Group included Cremica Frozen Foods, EBI Foods, Mrs. Bectors Desserts and Cremica Agro India. Its products include biscuits, sauces, bread spreads, ready to eat curries and syrups catering to the needs of the food processing industry that seems to be one of the reasons of its being the largest player in food services business in India. Since 1996 Cremica has been supplying buns, ketchups and toppings to McDonalds its key business partner. It has also partnered with Cadburys ITC and EBI Foods, a UK based firm. Its clientele today includes some of the premier names of the food processing industry like Cafe Coffee Day, Taj Group of Hotels, Spencer, Pizza Corner, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Jet Airways, Air India, Big Bazar, Spencer, Barista and HUL. As a companys policy to assists its customers succeed in the marketplace by helping them develop new products, substitute ingredients with local alternatives and reformulate existing products, company had came a long way. The companys value proposition lies in the fact that it can deliver better quality products at the same price. Its core competence in this business arises from its extensive product development and RD capabilities, its team of experienced food technologists and its plants, which are specifically designed for food service applications. Company had been innovative and rejuvenating its existing products with launch of products and services in India and Internationally. For example their sauces are being exported to Australia. In 2009 they launched a new range of chip-dips and bread spread in the ethnic Indian range and these are going abroad to a number of countries. Earlier, company was producing liquid condiments like sauces, Mayonnaise, Toppings and Syrups with its partner company, the erstwhile Quaker Oats Inc of the United States, but in 1999, Quaker Oats withdrew from the joint venture. Cremicas liquid condiments and biscuits are very popular. Cremicas automated biscuit plant has a monthly capacity of producing 10,000 tonnes of biscuits. Its dominant role in the biscuits segment arises from its excellent quality, widespread distribution and extended range. Almost all the divisions of the company are growing fast. With the positive response from the market the