The inclined plane Essay Example

The inclined plane Essay Example The inclined plane Paper The inclined plane Paper If the metal trolley is let free down the inclined plane, its move will be accelerated. Later, as the air resistance and friction force have influence on acceleration, they will change it.  Analysis:  The first part of experiment included preparing an inclined plane. The physics book by Giancoli was laying down on one table, while the other school table was laid on the book. This action is presented on the Drawing 1. The length of the school table is 120 1 cm measured by a ruler. The width of the table is not required. The difference in levels between a table and the highest point of the inclined plane is 6.8 cm . Using a ruler with exactness to millimeters and a chalk, we calculated and determined six distances of the same value 15 cm with the uncertainty of 1 cm. Next we checked if the stopwatch worked properly and checked the trolley. Its size is 191 cm; its mass is not relevant.  The most important part of the experiment included precise measurements. In order to do that, we repeated measurements of distance and time the trolley needed to travel given distance. Each measurement took place 10 times. Six distances measured ten times gave a total amount of sixty measurements. Using 10 measurements we calculate the average time taken to travel given distance. We added all ten measurements of time for each distance and divided by ten. The results can be seen in the Table. Then, the equation V=d/t was used. The velocity was calculated and so was the change of time and the change of velocity. Then all results were recorded in Table 3 Later on, a=?V/?t was used. The acceleration for each time was calculated and recorded in Table 3. Another step was to calculate the uncertainty of the acceleration using the equation: ?a/a= ?v/v+?t/t. The time, the velocity and the acceleration from the Table 3 were used and the results were recorded in Table 3. The uncertainty of the distance is 1 centimeter and is constant; the uncertainty of time is 0.05 second and also is constant. The uncertainty of velocity and acceleration is not constant. After recording all necessary datas, the averages of time, velocity, acceleration and uncertainty were calculated- the measurements of each six distances were added and divided by number of the measurements-six. All measurements were rounded to second decimal place.  The next step to measure the acceleration was constructing the graph showing the distance dependence on time (Graph 1). The best-fit line was drawn, so were the line of maximal slope and the line of minimal slope. Then, the Graph 2 showing the average acceleration dependence on time was constructed. The best fit line was drawn. Last step was creating a Graph 3 representing the relationship between given velocities. velocity In the experiment, the values of air resistance and friction force were neglected, but the air resistance and friction force has influenced the whole experiment.  The constructed graphs prove the hypothesis incorrect. The line touches all error bars, so it means there is a relationship between the linear quantities. The unit of the uncertainty of the distance is expressed in centimeters, the uncertainty of time in seconds and the uncertainty of acceleration in centimeters per second square. The air force and friction has a significant influence on the value of acceleration during the experiment. The conclusions are reasonable. In the experiment there was error due to the lack of precision of the ruler. Its not possible to be precise using the standard ruler measuring with precision to millimeters. Another possible error can be present due to the inability to see and mark the exact point where the identical distances were. Error also came from inability to know exactly when to stop the timer; also the additional seconds-reaction time of the experimentator. Given errors could cause further errors in calculations of accelerations. All errors have reasonable values. The values of the measurements are similar to each other. The number of repetition is proper. The fact that the graph doesnt go through the point (0,0) shows presence of the systematic error. As the exact value of air resistance and friction forces were not regarded, the error could occur. There also could be the error due to the slight change of levels because of soft cover of Giancoli.  As all experiments, this one also involve errors and can be improved. The uncertainty could be reduced, the millimeter paper could be used instead of the ruler, hard cover instead of Giancoli. Considering air resistance and friction force could help with estimating particulars. The usage of more precise timer could also improve our measurements and further analysis. More readings could give better results and therefore improve the whole experiment. The fact that the inclined plane had a low angle could also change the expected results; if the inclined plane were higher, the results would be more precise.  Not including and using in calculations the values of air resistance and friction force has influenced the calculation, and what follows, the results of the experiment. If the values of air resistance, fraction force and other variables were considered and therefore calculated, it would show, that our experiment was done correctly.

Monopolies and Monopoly Power (Definition)

Monopolies and Monopoly Power (Definition) The Economics Glossary defines monopoly as: If a certain firm is the only one that can produce a certain good, it has a monopoly in the market for that good. To understand what a monopoly is and how a monopoly operates, well have to delve deeper than this. What features do monopolies have, and how do they differ from those in oligopolies, markets with monopolistic competition and perfectly competitive markets? Features of a Monopoly When we discuss a monopoly, or oligopoly, etc. were discussing the market for a particular type of product, such as toasters or DVD players. In the textbook case of a monopoly, there is only one firm producing the good. In a real-world monopoly, such as the operating system monopoly, there is one firm that provides the overwhelming majority of sales (Microsoft), and a handful of small companies that have little or no impact on the dominant firm. Because there is only one firm (or essentially only one firm) in a monopoly, the monopolys firm demand curve is identical to the market demand curve, and the monopoly firm need not consider what its competitors are pricing at. Thus a monopolist will keep selling units so long as the extra amount he receives by selling an extra unit (the marginal revenue) is greater than the additional costs he faces in producing and selling an additional unit (the marginal cost). Thus the monopoly firm will always set their quantity at the level where marginal cost is equal to marginal revenue. Because of this lack of competition, monopoly firms will make an economic profit. This would normally cause other firms to enter the market. For this market to remain a monopolistic one, there must be some barrier to entry. A few common ones are: Legal Barriers to Entry - This is a situation where a law prevents other firms from entering the market to sell a product. In the United States, only the USPS can deliver first class mail, so this would be a legal barrier to entry. In many jurisdictions alcohol can only be sold by the government-run corporation, creating a legal barrier to entry in this market.Patents - Patents are a subclass of legal barriers to entry, but theyre important enough to be given their own section. A patent gives the inventor of a product a monopoly in producing and selling that product for a limited amount of time. Pfizer, inventors of the drug Viagra, have a patent on the drug, thus Pfizer is the only company that can produce and sell Viagra until the patent runs out. Patents are tools that governments use to promote innovation, as companies should be more willing to create new products if they know theyll have monopoly power over those products.Natural Barriers to Entry - In these type of monopolies, other firms cannot enter the market because either the startup costs are too high, or the cost structure of the market gives an advantage to the largest firm. Most public utilities would fall into this category. Economists generally refer to these monopolies as natural monopolies. Theres the need-to-know information on monopolies. Monopolies are unique relative to other market structures, as it only contains one firm, and thus a monopoly firm has far more power to set prices than firms in other market structures.

Reducing income inequality while boosting economic growth Research Paper

Reducing income inequality while boosting economic growth - Research Paper Example OECD countries entail five groups with regard to their patterns of inequality. For instance, nations like Australia, Ireland and United Kingdom and the Holland reflect dispersed wages and high part- time employment share, putting inequality in labor earning at above the average of the OECD. Means- investigated transfers of public cash and progressive taxes for household reduce the general inequality in income, but it retains its position above the average of the OECD. Similarly, some Nordic nations and Switzerland all entail comparatively low income of labor inequality due to narrow dispersion of wages and high rates of employment. Can transfers are normally universal; hence, they are less redistributive. Inequality in income for such a group is significantly below the average of the OECD. Empirical analysis by Garicano reveals that despite the critical role played by technological change and globalization in fueling labor income distribution, the variation in marked cross- country i s certainly because of differences in institutions and policies. Consequently, a scholar can deduce the following conclusions about the policies and the institutions: firstly, policies of education matter. Policies that raise rates of graduation from upper education and tertiary education as well as advance uniform education access help diminish inequality. Secondly, well- designed policies institutions of labor market can decrease inequality. A significantly high minimum wage minimizes distribution in labor income, however if set at a high level it may diminish employment; hence, dampening its influence on inequality- reducing. Arrangements of institutions that uphold trade unions...The paper presents a modern comprehensive analysis of the state of income inequality in the OECD countries, identifies factors behind such income distribution and offers policy measures to reduce inequality, while maintaining high levels of development. The paper identifies patterns of inequality betwee n OECD countries and demonstrates a new analysis of policy together with non-policy drivers in the countries It has sketched a comprehensive portrait of rising inequality in income among the OECD.It has reviewed changes in the factors, that stipulate such state of things, and it has examined their significant influence on inequality. Particularly, it has examined the role of technological changes and globalization as well as regulatory reforms in tax regulations and benefit. It has assessed what a government can do in addressing rising inequality and it has concluded by examining the likely certain policy avenues. The analysis revealed that income inequality prior to transfers and taxes is entirely driven by labor income diversion and the existence of inactivity and part- time employment. A significant finding reveals that education and policies of anti- discrimination, fully developed institutions of labor market and progressive systems of tax transfer can all help moderate inequality in income. Certain tax reforms and systems of transfer comprise a double divided in inequality diminution and increase of GDP per capita. The paper discussed other reforms such as trade- offs between the policy objectives

Politicians, Corruption and the Police Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Politicians, Corruption and the Police - Essay Example Government official misuse their power for their personal benefits. The political corruption is an illegal act which is directly related to official duties. Each & every department of the government is effected with political corruption. These corruptions may include activities like buying-off or bribery, partiality, benefaction, splice, and fraud. Such types of activities or corruptions are different in different countries. Some activities or practice like allocation of funds for some project may be legal for one country and illegal for the other country. Allocations of big project to their relatives are also a big corruption found in government offices. By allocating the big project to their relatives the government officials got benefits. Government official have some percentage in funds allocated to the project. Although this money is treated as black money, still most of the government officials are practicing it. Here we are discussing a case related to the Member of Parliament (MP) in Australia who is involved in prostitution related activities. As we have done the case study, we came to know that the Member of Parliament is involved in prostitution related activity in a regional town in central Queensland. This area is prohibited for prostitution and the persons who are involving in the prostitution in that area are doing illegal practices. The Member of Parliament is looking for prostitutes in the prohibited area. And after providing them with the food, money, he had a safe night sleep with them. Again as per the report Member of Parliament is using his office vehicle to carry women from one place to another. Here Member of Parliament is doing two illegal operations which he should not perform. One is enhancing prostitution in the prohibited area and the use of office vehicle. Though the both types of operations are done by government official these comes under political

Discount Pricing - Prices in a slow economy Article

Discount Pricing - Prices in a slow economy - Article Example A survey conducted from Henry H. Harteveldt represented that companies are trying to cut down on their business travelling budget and are very strictly and cautiously making decisions regarding air travel for business (MOUAWAD, 2012). This article relates to the course because the course is about pricing decision making, in pricing decision making the companies such as the airline companies have to decide whether or not to increase prices and what activities can be done in order to attract more customers. This decision can not be made by the companies until and unless they take the decision making of the travelers and consumers in their analysis. Their analysis will show that the consumers do not have confidence in the economy and they are spending money very cautiously, they are trying to save every penny in order to ensure profits and to remain safe from going out of business. MOUAWAD, JAD. "Business Travel Is Rising, but Not Necessarily the Travel Budget - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2012.

Infosys Technologies Ltd: SWOT and PESTLE

Infosys Technologies Ltd: SWOT and PESTLE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY We are using the term information technology or IT to refer to an entire industry. In actuality, information technology is the use of computers and software to manage information. In some companies, this is referred to as Management Information Services (MIS) or simply as Information Services (IS). The information technology department of a large company would be responsible for storing information, protecting information, processing the information, transmitting the information as necessary, and later retrieving information as necessary. History of Information Technology: In relative terms, it wasnt long ago that the Information Technology department might have consisted of a single Computer Operator, who might be storing data on magnetic tape, and then putting it in a box down in the basement somewhere. The history of information technology is fascinating! These Information Technology resources for information on everything from the history of IT to electronics inventions and even the top 10 IT bugs. Modern Information Technology Departments: In order to perform the complex functions required of information technology departments today, the modern Information Technology Department would use computers, servers, database management systems, and cryptography. The department would be made up of several System Administrators, Database Administrators and at least one Information Technology Manager. In India, the software boom started somewhere in the late 1990s. Most of the Indian software companies at that moment offered only limited software services such as the banking and the engineering software. The business software boom started with the emergence of year2000 problem, when a large number of skilled personnel were required to fulfill the mammoth database-correction demand in order to cope up with the advent of the new millennium. The profile of the Indian IT Services has been undergoing a change in the last few years, partly as it moves up the value chain and partly as a response to the market dynamics. Ten years ago, most US companies would not even consider outsourcing some of their IT projects to outside vendors. Now, ten years later, a vast majority of US companies use the professional services of Indian Software engineers in some manner, through large, medium or small companies or through individuals recruited directly. The market competition is forcing organizations to cut down on costs of products. The professional IT services on the other hand are becoming increasingly expensive. The offshore software development model is today where onsite professional services were ten years ago. There is a high chance (almost a mathematical certainty), that in less than ten years, the vast majority of IT services (software development being just one of them) from developed countries, will be, one, outsourced and two, outsourced to an offshore vendor. Despite the global economic slowdown, the Indian IT software and services industry is maintaining a steady pace of growth. Software development activity is not confined to a few cities in India. Software development centers, such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Vadodara, Bhubaneswar, Ahmadabad, Goa, Chandigarh, and Trivandrum are all developing quickly. All of these places have state of the art software facilities and the presence of a large number of overseas vendors. Indias most prized resource is its readily available technical work force. India has the second largest English-speaking scientific professionals in the world, second only to the U.S. It is estimated that India has over 4 million technical workers, over 1,832 educational institutions and polytechnics, which train more than 67,785 computer software professionals every year. The enormous base of skilled manpower is a major draw for global customers. India provides IT servi ces at one-tenth the price. No wonder more and more companies are basing their operations in India. The industry is in an expansion mode right now, with dozens of new offshore IT services vendors emerging every day, the industry has a high probability of being subjected to the 80:20 rule in not too distant a future. In perhaps another ten years, 80 percent of all outsourced offshore development work will be done by 20 percent of all vendors, a small number of high qualities, trusted vendors. Only a few select countries and only the most professional companies in those countries will emerge as winners. India will definitely be the country of choice for offshore software development. It has the potential to become and remain the country of choice for all software developments and IT enabled services, second only to the USA. The third choice could be far distant. India is among the three countries that have built supercomputers on their own. The other two are USA and Japan. India is among six countries that launch satellites and do so even for Germany and Belgium. Indias INSAT is among the worlds largest domestic satellite communication systems. India has the third largest telecommunications network among the emerging economies and it is among the top ten networks of the world. To become a global leader in the IT industry and retain that position, India needs to constantly keep moving up the value chain, focusing on finished products and solutions, rather than purely on skill sets and resumes. It also needs to be able to package its services as products, rather than offering them as raw material. It needs to be able to recognize and build up on its strengths and work on weaknesses. Another extension of the IT industry is the ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) which is a sector dependent on IT sector. Information technology consulting (IT consulting or business and technology services) is a field that focuses on advising businesses on how best to use information technology to meet their business objectives. In addition to providing advice, IT consultancies often implement, deploy, and administer IT systems on businesses behalf. The PC industry is one of the strangest in the world. There is probably no other type of product that is so technologically sophisticated, sells for so much money, and yet is sold by so many companies for so little profit. The severe competition in the industry is the one reason why so many problems are encountered by those who deal with PC vendors. While I consider there to be absolutely no excuse for a company not treating its customers fairly, at the same time I think customers should have some idea of what vendors are up against in this demanding marketplace. PESTLE ANALYSIS There are many factors in the macro-environment that will effect the decisions of the managers of any organization. Tax changes, new laws, trade barriers, demographic change and government policy changes are all examples of macro change. To help analyze these factors, managers can categorize them using the PESTLE model. PESTLE stands for Political, Economical, Social, Technical, Legislative and Environmental. It is a strategic planning technique that provides a useful framework for analyzing the environmental pressures on a team or an organization. It describes a framework of macro environmental factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management. It is a part of the external analysis when conducting a strategic analysis or doing market research and gives a certain overview of the different macro environmental factors that the company has to take into consideration. It is a useful strategic tool for understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operations. PESTLE factors play an important role in the value creation opportunities of a strategy. However they are usually outside the control of the corporation and must normally be considered as either threats or opportunities. Kotler (1998) claimed that PESTLE analysis is a useful strategic tool for understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operations. The headings of PESTLE are a framework for reviewing a situation, and can in addition to SWOT and Porters Five Forces models, be applied by companies to review strategic directions, including marketing proposition. (P)olitical factors These refer to government policies such as the degree of intervention in the economy. What goods and services does a government want to provide? To what extent does it believe in subsidizing firms? What are its priorities in terms of business support? Political decisions can impact on many vital areas for business such as the education of the workforce, the health of the nation and the quality of the infrastructure of the economy such as the road and rail system, Government rules and regulations can also affect a business heavily. Rules and regulations such as environmental regulations, industry specific regulations, competitive regulations, consumer protection and various kinds of employment laws. (E)conomical factors These include interest rates, taxation changes, economic growth, inflation and exchange rates, governments spending levels, unemployment, job growth, tariffs, consumer confidence index and import or export rations. Economic changes can have a major impact on a firms behavior. Higher interest rates may deter investment because it costs more to borrow. A strong currency may make exporting more difficult because it may raise the price in terms of foreign currency Inflation may provoke higher wage demands from employees and raise costs Higher national income growth may boost demand for a firms products (S)ocial factors These often look at the cultural aspects and include health consciousness, population growth rate, demographics (age, gender ,race, distribution), career attitudes and emphasis on safety , lifestyle changes, population shifts, education trends, fads, diversity, immigration/emigration, housing trends, fashion, attitudes to work, leisure activities, occupations and earning capacity. Changes in social trends can impact on the demand for a firms products and the availability and willingness of individuals to work. Today the aging of population has become a huge problem. This has increased the costs for firms who are committed to pension payments for their employees because their staff is living longer. It also means some firms have started to recruit older employees to tap into this growing labour pool. The ageing population also has impact on demand: for example, demand for sheltered accommodation and medicines have increased whereas demand for toys is falling. (T)echnological factors Technological factors include ecological and environmental aspects and can determine barriers to entry, minimum efficient production level and influence outsourcing decisions. Technological factors look at elements such as RD activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. New technologies create new products and new processes. MP3 players, computer games, online gambling and high definition TVs are all new markets created by technological advances. Online shopping, bar coding and computer aided designing are all improvements to the way we do business as a result of better technology. Technology can reduce costs, improve quality and lead to innovation. These developments can benefit consumers as well as the organizations providing the products. (L)egal factors These are related to the legal environment in which firms operate. In recent years in UK there have been many significant legal changes that have affected organizations behavior. The introduction of age discrimination and disability discrimination legislation, an increase in the minimum wage and greater requirements for firms to recycle are examples of relatively recent laws that affect an organizations actions. Legal changes can affect a firms costs (e.g. if new systems and procedures have to be developed) and demand (e.g. if the law affects the likelihood of customers buying the good or using the service). (E)nvironmental factors Environmental factors include the weather and climate change. Changes in temperature can impact on many industries including farming, tourism and insurance. With major climate changes occurring due to global warming and with greater environmental awareness this external factor is becoming a significant issue for firms to consider. The growing desire to protect the environment is having an impact on many industries such as the travel and transportation industries (for example, more taxes being placed on air travel and the success of hybrid cars) and the general move towards more environmentally friendly products and processes is affecting demand patterns and creating business opportunities. Introduction: Infosys Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: INFY) was started in 1981 by seven people with US$ 250. Today, we are a global leader in the next generation of IT and consulting with revenues of over US$ 4 billion. Infosys defines designs and delivers technology-enabled business solutions that help Global 2000 companies win in a Flat World. Infosys also provides a complete range of services by leveraging our domain and business expertise and strategic alliances with leading technology providers. Infosys offerings span business and technology consulting, application services, systems integration, product engineering, custom software development, maintenance, re-engineering, independent testing and validation services, IT infrastructure services and business process outsourcing Infosys pioneered the Global Delivery Model (GDM), which emerged as a disruptive force in the industry leading to the rise of offshore outsourcing. The GDM is based on the principle of taking work to the location where the best talent is available, where it makes the best economic sense, with the least amount of acceptable risk. Infosys has a global footprint with over 50 offices and development centers in India, China, Australia, the Czech Republic, Poland, the UK, Canada and Japan. Infosys has over 103,000 employees. Infosys takes pride in building strategic long-term client relationships. Over 97% of our revenues come from existing customers. In an increasingly globalised world, significant complexity and uncertainty is getting attached to the unprecedented economic crisis. The Indian economy has also been impacted by the recessionary trends, with a slowdown in GDP growth to seven per cent. The focus and exponential growth in the domestic market has partially offset this fall and insulated the country, resulting in net overall momentum. The IT-BPO industry in India has today become a growth engine for the economy, contributing substantially to increases in the GDP, urban employment and exports, to achieve the vision of a young and resilient India. During the year, the sector maintained its double digit growth rate and was a net hirer. This growth has been fueled by increasing diversification in the geographic base and industry verticals, and adaptation in the service offerings portfolio. While the effects of the economic crisis are expected to linger in the near term future, the Indian IT-BPO industry has displayed resili ence and tenacity in countering the unpredictable conditions and reiterating the viability of Indias fundamental value proposition. Consequently, India has retained its leadership position in the global sourcing market. The Indian IT-BPO industry is estimated to achieve revenues of USD 71.7 billion in FY2009, with the IT software and services industry accounting for USD 60 billion of revenues. During this period, direct employment is expected to reach nearly 2.23 million, an addition of 226,000 employees, while indirect job creation is estimated to touch 8 million. As a proportion of national GDP, the sector revenues have grown from 1.2 per cent in FY1998 to an estimated 5.8 per cent in FY2009. Software and services exports (including BPO) are expected to account for over 99 per cent of total exports, employing over 1.76 million employees. While the current mood is that of cautious optimism, the industry is expected to witness sustainable growth over a two-year horizon, going past i ts USD 60 billion export target in FY2011. While the industry has significant headroom for growth, competition is increasing, with a number of countries creating enabling business environments aimed at replicating Indias success in the IT-BPO industry. Hence, concentrated efforts are required by all stakeholders to address the current challenges, to ensure that India realizes its potential, and maintains its leadership position. Vision To be a globally respected corporation that provides best-of-breed business solutions, leveraging technology, delivered by best in class people. Mission To achieve our objectives in an environment of fairness, honesty, and courtesy towards our clients, employees, vendors and society at large. STP Analysis Segmentation Geographical regions: US, India, Australia, China, UK Psychographics: MNC, BFSI, Hospitality Sector Demographic: Population or Employee strength of consumer company: +5000 Targeting Infosys Technologies Ltd, which offers its core banking solution under the brand Finacle, is targeting regional rural banks to achieve higher growth. There are over 90 rural banks in India they have come up with a solution called The Finacle Bank in a Box for this segment. The expenditure that each rural bank would have to make would depend on its existing level of automation. IT service providers would benefit a great deal if more people from rural areas were included in the banking services, and Infosys has. The solution will be deployed by a third party who will do the banking transaction on behalf of different banks as the model is expected to be cost-effective Infosys BPO is targeting the hospitality industry for its outsources processes offering. The company has formed a strategic alliance with New York-based hospitality consultancy major HVS International The alliance will help Infosys BPO (formerly called Progeon) to target hotels and other customers in the hospitality industry. HVS is a well-known consulting firm in the hospitality segment. Positioning Infosys is seeking to move away from its image as a cheap Indian offshore service factory to that of a global business technology (BT) leader. The company is investing in measures to enhance its visibility and footprint across a wider group of client stakeholders and markets. The aim is to position Infosys as a prototype for successful companies in a globalized market environment. While Infosys can justifiably point to its ongoing business growth as a major success story, its corporate positioning suffers from inconsistencies in its underlying messaging. Furthermore, its product positioning continues to mainly focus on technology and cost-related benefits, which represents a disconnect with Infosys corporate ambitions. Leadership Style: Infosys believes that leadership is one of the most essential ingredients of organizational success which is provided by its Chairman, N R Narayanmurthy. Leadership is based on high business vision and predominantly supportive styles. There is emphasis on developing leadership qualities among employees. For this purpose, it has established Infosys Leadership Institute. Top management emphasizes on open door policy, continuous sharing of information, takes inputs from employees in decision making, and builds personal rapport with employees. As we have seen over last few years, we have seen smooth transition from N R Narayanmurthy to Nandan Nilakeni and from Nandan Nilakeni to Kris Gopalkrishnan without any adverse effects on the company outlook and each one has proved to be an able leader taking company forward. Staff (Human Resources): Since Infosys is in knowledge-based industry, it focuses on the quality of the human resources. Out of total personnel, about 90 per cent are engineer s. At the entry level, it emphasizes on selecting candidates who find the companys meritocratic culture satisfying, superior academic records, technical skills, and high level of learn ability. The company emphasizes on training and development of its employees on continuous basis and spends about 2.65 per cent of its revenues on up gradation of employees? skills, and around 50% as employee costs. In spite of thousands of people joining every month, Infosys has been able to maintain its training standard mostly due to its highly matured processes capabilities and investment in infrastructure. SWOT Analysis (S)TRENGTHS: Leadership in sophisticated solutions that enable clients to optimize the efficiency of their business. Proven Global delivery model Commitment to superior quality and process execution Strong Brand and Long-Standing Client Relationships Ability to scale Innovation and leadership. (W)EAKNESSES: Excessive dependence on US for revenues, 67 % of revenues from USA. Weak player in domestic market. Only 1 % of revenues from India low as compared to peers. Low R D spending as compared to global IT companies only 1.3 % of total revenues. Low expertise in high end services like Consultancy and KPO. (O)PPORTUNITIES: Domestic market set to grow by 20%. Expanding into new geographies Europe, Middle East etc. Infosys is cash rich (Around US $ 1 Billion). Acquiring companies to increase expertise in Consultancy, KPO and package implementation capabilities Opening offices and development centers in cost advantage countries such as those in Latin America and Eastern Europe. (T)HREATS: Global economic slowdown may continue for several years hence low IT spending globally. US Govt. against outsourcing. Shrinking margins due to rising wage inflation, Rupee-dollar movementaffects revenue and hence margins. Increased competition from foreign firms like Accenture, IBM etc. Increased competition from low-wage countries like China, Indonesia etc. Strategy: Infosys has adopted a client-focused strategy to achieve growth. Rather than focusing on numerous small organizations, it focuses on limited number of large organizations throughout world. In order to cater its clients, the company emphasizes on custom-built softwares. Another differentiating factor for Infosys is that it commands premium margins. Company does not negotiate over margins beyond a certain limit and some time prefers to walk-out rather than compromise on quality for low-cost contracts. This has helped in building an image for quality driven model rather than cost-differentiating model. Increase business from existing and new clients: Infosys has focused on expanding the nature and scope of engagements for the existing clients by increasing the size and number of projects and extending the breadth of its service offerings. For new clients, it provides value added solutions by leveraging its in-depth industry expertise. It increases its recurring business with clients by providing software re-engineering, maintenance, infrastructure management and business process management services which are long-term in nature and require frequent client contact. Expand geographically: Infosys plans to establish new sales and marketing offices, representative offices and global development centers to expand its geographical reach. It plans to increase presence in China through Infosys China, in the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe directly and through Infosys BPO, in Australia through Infosys Australia and in Latin America, through Infosys Mexico. Enhance solution set: Infosys focuses on emerging trends, new technologies, specific industries and pervasive business issues that confront our clients Pestle of Infosys: (P)olitical: Political stability: Indian political structure is considered stable enough expect the fact that there is a fear of hung parliament (no clear majority). U.S. government has declared that U.S companies that outsource IT work to other locations other than U.S. will not get tax benefit. Government owned companies and PSUs have decided to give more IT projects to Indian IT companies. Terrorist attack or war. (E)conomic: Global IT spending (demand) Domestic IT Spending (Demand): Domestic market to grow by 20% and reach approx USD 20 billion in 2008-09 NASSCOM Currency Fluctuation Real Estate Prices: Decline in real estate prices has resulted reducing the rental expenditures. Attrition: Due to recession, the layoffs and job-cuts have resulted in low attrition rate. Economic Attractiveness: Due to cost advantage and other factors (So)cial: Language spoken: English is widely spoken language in India, English medium being the most accepted medium of education. Thus, India boasts of large English speaking population. Education: A number of technical institutes and universities over the country offer IT education. Working age population (T)echnological: Telephony: India has the worlds lowest call rates (1-2 US cents). Expected to have total subscriber base of about 500 million by 2010. ARPU for GSM is USD 6.6 per month. India has the second largest telephone network after china. Teledensity 19.86 % Enterprise telephone services, 3G, Wi-max and VPN are poised to grow. Internet Backbone: Due to IT revolution in 90s India is well connected with undersea optical cables. New IT Technologies: Technologies like SOA, web 2.0, High definition content, grid computing, and innovation in low cost technologies is presenting new challenges opportunities for Indian IT industry. Internet Backbone: Due to IT revolution of 90s, Indian cities and India is well connected with undersea optical cables. New IT technologies: Technologies like SOA, Web 2.0, High-definition content, grid computing, etc and innovation in low cost technologies is presenting new challenges and opportunities for Indian IT industry. (L)egal: IT SEZ requirement: IT companies can set up SEZ with minimum area of 10 hectares and enjoy a host of tax benefits and fiscal benefits. Contract / Bond requirements: Huge debates surrounding the bonds under which the employees are required to work, which is not legally required. IT Act: Indian government is strengthening the IT act, 2000 to provide a sound legal environment for companies to operate esp. related to security of data in transmission and storage, etc. Companies operating in Software Technology Park (STPI) scheme will continue to get tax-benefit till 2010. (E)nvironmental: Energy Efficient processes and equipments: Companies are focusing on reducing the carbon footprints, energy utilization, water consumption, etc BIBILIOGRAPHY http://www.businessballs.com/pestanalysisfreetemplate.htm http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/datamonitor-premium-profiles/ http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/careersintechnology/p/ITDefinition.htm http://www.wikipedia.com

Depictions of gender roles in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is virtually banished from the Puritan society because of her crime. She was guilty for adultery with the town’s minister, Arthur Dimmesdale. However, the reader is kept in the dark that Dimmesdale is the child’s father until latter part of the novel. Although Hawthorne’s novel accurately depicts the consequences that Hester and Dimmesdale suffer from their sin, the novel does not accomplish the task of reflecting upon the 17th century Puritan gender roles in Hester and Dimmesdale. For one, the mental and physical states of Hester and Dimmesdale are switched. Hester takes on the more courageous role throughout the novel whereas Dimmesdale takes on the more sensitive role. In addition, Hester is examined in accordance to the gender roles set for today’s American women. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is written in a manner that accurately depicts 17th century Puritan so ciety, but does not accurately show gender roles. To begin, typical Puritan society during the 17th century was â€Å"painfully stern and somber; it was founded on the strictest, unmollified Calvinism,† (Puritan†¦). In other words, their society was very restricted and confined to religion. Civil law also played a role in the citizens’ business and social relations. Law impacted how they dressed, their religious affairs, and even their family relations. In terms of education, Puritans prospered. In fact, in Massachusetts, they required every township of fifty families to employ a teacher to educate the children. Their government was also structured upon religion because religion served as their only method of life. In terms of gender roles, the men were responsible for earning bread for... ... Letter." Ghent University Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Ghent University, July 2008. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. . Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, 1989. Print. Gannon, Andres. "The Puritan Influence in Contemporary American Society." The Puritan Influence in Contemporary American Society. Damien High School, 2008. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. . Tyson, Lois. "Feminist Criticism." Critical Theory Today: a User-friendly Guide. New York: Routledge, 2006. Print. "Puritan Laws and Character." History of the USA. Web. 17 Jan. 2011. .