Price Rise

PRICE-RISE This is one topic in which I do not have to think before writing an article. The recent price rise in the essential commodities has hurt the common man where it hurts the most. The prices of onion , tomatoes, pulses have skyrocketed which adds flavor to the otherwise normal lifestyle of below average Indian. The above statement is a sarcasm in itself, but its necessary to show the grave situation which the normal citizens of this country are facing in the normal time.The prices of pulses which is nearly a staple diet for most of the country has risen to a large extent from the last 2 years. This may be due to less area under production for pulses in country or less per hectare yield of pulses or growth in demand. But the apathy is that there is no supportive government policy which could have helped India to raise the pulses production by giving more incentives to the farmers growing pulses, reducing loses to the intermediaries.One more benefit of higher pulses production is it takes less of nitrogenous fertilizers and is essential for regular wheat rice fields. The prices of onion has risen nearly 300% or more in the last month. The first reason is inefficient government policy which do not foresee demand supply situations, since onions are perishable quantities. The recent unseasonal rains in Nasik area has destroyed 10% of the crops, but still the quantum of price rise cannot be substantiated. The major culprit here is no control over the last leg of supply chain i. retailers , they are having the profit margin of more than 50% . They are speculating on the deficient supply and holding the common man on ransom. Moreover in India expert was stopped at a much later stage , which led to the spike in prices for the first instance. The rest and the last reason which is common to all, I would discuss in the later part of the article. There is another factor which is at play in high inflation rates across the commodities and it is ever increasing rates o f petrol and diesel.The common plea given by the government to the people of India during every rate increase is rising international crude prices, But they should first answer why there is double taxation by center and state on sale of petrol and diesel. My first question to the respective governments is why cannot these duties be reduced, so that atleast the transportation cost for the common commodities is reduced. Now let us come to the contentious issue which is common to all the commodities price rise and bone of contention between the government and opposition parties that is forward trading.Now some people will criticize me of knowing very little of the commodity trading, but my only point is why do you need speculative trading on the essential commodities, when you could have such trading on nearly each and every finance vehicle like equity shares, currency exchanges etc. The forward trading increases the speculation in markets and people who are really not in the supply ch ain of these commodities get into it and unnecessarily disrupts the chain leading to disparity in normal price mechanism of these commodities.Similarly prices of milk and other commodities could be discussed singly, but I just want to make a point that a concerted serious action is required for dealing the situation as it is hurting the foundation of common man economics in India. All the arms of government machinery, NGO's, common man should make an effort to discuss this problem and devise solutions which are practical and pragmatic in nature. Well I am doing my part by writing and publishing this article on net, so that our online community is more educated on the topic which is raging in India currently.

Sustainability and Integrated Reporting - A New Approach Essay

Sustainability and Integrated Reporting - A New Approach - Essay Example The benefits and challenges of this reporting is looked into and the need to adopt in corporations. Woolworth, a categorical large corporation is analysed in regards to the extent it has adopted integrated accounting. Guidelines for integrated reporting are set out globally through various bodies like the International integration reporting committee amongst others. The meaning of sustainability In the business context, sustainability can be defined as an approach that attempts to achieve long-term shareholder value by taking opportunities and managing risks emanating from economic, social and environmental development, but at the same time cutting back sustainability costs and risks (Michalski et al, 2002, 6). To achieve sustainability the business presents itself an opportunity to grow economically while attaining social fairness and environmental protection for its stakeholders. Apparently Woolworth considers sustainability in its business operations. The success of sustainability is high returns to the business and benefits to the community at large. Woolworth is presented with an opportunity to do good to the various stakeholders in turn earn returns on investments made towards sustainability. Woolworth’s policy on the Destination Zero clearly depicts a responsible employer in safety measures. This indicates no harm to people, property and the community. Reduction of potential harm is a social responsibility to Woolworth and thus maintaining the lead in retailing. People and Culture are the two main aspects which give Woolworth a competitive edge. To maintain this, the Retailer has to extend the benefits of social welfare by spending $63 million for staff focused initiatives. This is the key to sustainability in order to maintain satisfied employees to undertake the economic business responsibility. This is the central resource to be mobilized as the driver of sustainability. Corporate stakeholders of Woolworths and Woolworth’s engagement abo ut sustainability issues Community and the customers Plastic bags, GM foods, Responsible sale of alcohol are among the cited examples that Woolworth has had in its target. Recycling of plastic bags was improved through the elimination of the blue plastic bags that were used for bananas. New display methods have allowed them and their supplies to save on costs. This overall helps in creating a safe environment for the community. Responsible food retailer has had its way through educating the community on key issues on genetically modified foods, Foodbank, fresh food kids program etc. Government Compliance with government regulations is seen in aspects of selling alcohol responsibly and responsible serving of gaming. To attain liquor licenses, it had to acquire pubs that engaged in gaming activities. Woolworth has had the responsibility in producing the alcohol range expected before sale. It has encouraged honesty in gambling among its staff. Woolworth has also been working with suppl iers in compliance with organisations ethical supply

Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security Research Paper - 1

Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security - Research Paper Example Basically, social media marketing involves the use of social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to market products and services. Given the personalized nature of the social networks, social media marketing provides marketers with the ability to personalize their advertising in a way that meets the needs of the targeted audience and hence is a bet means of advertising (Smith, 2010). The use of social media marketing has gained a lot of recognition in the recent past due to the various flexibilities and the increased number of audience that comes with it. Social media marketing is considerable cost effective in comparison to other traditional modes of marketing. The moment an advertisement has been operationalized over the social media, it becomes easy to woo customers to do many things, including making orders, placing recommendations or visiting the website of the marketer. Because the social media is already an attraction, marketers do not need to market their products and services directly, but take advantage of the influence of the social media to attract customers to their products and services (Mangold & Faulds, 2009). ... People only visit such websites when they are interested in them. However, the case with social media is different. People frequent them to cat up with friends, watch new videos or post status update. In the process, however, they can click on advertisements that concern them. Social media marketing, is thus initiated by the users themselves and the marketer only has to post the advert while leaving the rest to the potential customers (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Marketing Most businesses have adopted the use of social media marketing because of the benefits that come with it, particularly the increased ability of organizations to build brand recognition. Organizations have adopted social media marketing because it allows them build their brands and their businesses. It gives them ability to eavesdrop while pressing the big digital ear up against the computer screen (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Social media marketing provides a rare opportunit y of getting immediate feedback about products and services and their performance in the market. Besides, they provide organization with more information about their competitors and other information relevant the performance of the organizations. Organizations that take their time to response and correct all the concerns about their products are in a good position to harvest huge benefits from social media advertising (Drury, 2008). However, like all other good things, social marketing has a downside. Among all the advertising channels, social marketing offers the longest odds. Social marketing becomes a tall order because of the channel itself. It is big and very authoritative, but not under the marketers direct and absolute control. In some

Relevance of the Concepts of Blame and Retribution in the Chief Essay

Relevance of the Concepts of Blame and Retribution in the Chief Medical Officers Approach to Mistakes of Doctors - Essay Example In addition, medical profession has defined its standards of accountability through a formal code of Ethics. Legal challenges and court decisions can seriously affect a doctor's professional future. Adrian Bowe, 31, from Dearhem near Maryport won 3 million in damages - the reason - He suffered a massive stroke in April 2000 completely paralyzing him because his GP failed to refer him to a specialist for medical treatment. He needs professional medical care for the rest of his life and will not be able to work again. Mr.Bowe first went to the doctor complaining dizziness and blurred vision. The doctor incorrectly diagnosed a migraine and his diagnosis remained unchanged despite Mr.Bowe making further visits. A year after the consultation Mr.Bowe's mother Patricia found him collapsed at his home. Subsequent tests revealed a massive stroke. The Irish Medical Board reported six fatal adverse reaction reports in Ireland of the patients who were treated with the inflammatory blocker Humira, with a note that the deaths could have been also the result of underlying infections. Edward Wilson filed a lawsuit against the Beverly Health Care center, West Virginia which was responsible for his wife Carol's death in Jan 2004. He alleged that she died from sepsis due to multiple urinary tract infections she had developed due to poor infection control methods, during assisted toileting. The Daily post reported that Merseyside hospitals paid more than 5 million to patients for medical litigation compensations. In 2004-2005 alone, there were 470 cases of adverse medical events including 204 clinical negligence cases. Alarmingly, it is said that the number of cases which give rise to compensation are few and for between the actual negligence reports in NHS hospitals. These episodes of medical compensations apart from helping the victims, highlights the errors and negligence occurring in treatment situations and need to raise the medical care standards. The death of Nardia, 32, in Feb 2002 after a hysterectomy at Mater hospital has brought the senior surgeon under scrutiny although he was not excluded or cancelled from the Queensland Medical Board. Shahzadi Shahida Sultana, 35, Pakistan died after a 10 inch forceps was left out in her abdomen during a caesarean section. Two doctors were suspended after her relatives lodged a complaint against five women doctors in 2005. Astra Zeneca was forced to withdraw its alternative to the drug warfarin, after serious hepatotoxic reports in patients. The US food and Drug Administration refused to approve the treatment even after regulators approved the drug as a blood-thinner for patients who undergo hip or knee replacement in 2004. Hundreds of British patients had strokes and heart attacks after taking the arthritis drug retocoxib. They have launched a mass compensation claim in the British courts against the manufacturer, Merck. Merck had withdrawn the drug worldwide on 30 Sept 2004 after reported heart attacks and strokes on prolonged use of the

Media Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Media Ethics - Essay Example Ultimately, I will conclude that the primary reason many media organizations may find themselves â€Å"aiding† terrorist is not out of the inevitability of an incidental connection, but a money-oriented strategy. Unlike other commentators, Held does not try to invoke the role of news media as a fourth branch or government, but takes the position that everyone in a moral society is obliged to promote the reduction of political violence. This position, in her opinion is partially relevant for those working in the media since it plays a key role in shaping public opinion, which is ultimately the objective of those that engage in political violence. She bases her argument on the claim that the media cannot be relied on to play its moral role in the war against terror since it is predominantly driven by profit motives. Even from a laypersons perspective, the media assist common sense in decreasing incidences of political violence. However, this is not as obvious to members of the fourth estate who tend to present news in the most dramatic and emotive way possible so as to exploit public outrage or fear for increased rating and create a sense of dependency. Given current reporting trends, it is cl ear that the infamous adage, â€Å"tell the people what they want hear† is alive. For example, they will rarely provide objective coverage of the arguments for and against the views by political dissidents unless they happen to be iconic figures such as Dalai Lama. She suggest that the press should air the view of everyone involved in an incidence since many acts of terror are committed by people who feel they are ignored and want to force society to acknowledge their existence and grievances. Her proposal on this matter is on point since in many cases, would be perpetrators of political violence will not get attention from the media unless they do something drastic. Held preeminently talks about the profit motive, which she cites rightly as

Project Management Process at HLR Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Management Process at HLR Inc - Essay Example This paper discusses the main issues concerned with the implementation of Information Technology project at HLR Inc. The firm had never implemented such a big project that involves huge investment and association of many stakeholders. Stakeholder analysis is an important stage in the management of a project. A stakeholder may be defined as anybody or organization who is actively involved in the project process and they include people who are affected by the project (Sproull 1991). Actually, stakeholder identification is a continuous process. At any stage of the project, stakeholders can be identified. Hence, it is the best practice to workout the stakeholders' list and documents it in the initial stages of the project. During the course of the project, this stakeholder list can be updated. The project manager should be aware of the needs and wants of the stakeholders as different stakeholders will have different wants and needs. The key stakeholders of the present project include the following parties: The Customer/user (HLR Inc and its customers): HLR Inc is the immediate customer of the project. However, the customers who purchase goods and receive service from the organization also form part of the stakeholders of the project. The project sponsor has a specific role to play in the project process. ... Product Fulfillment (Denver, Ottawa CN): Processes, evaluates, and approves development and leasing contracts. Makes changes to customer information if notified. Customer Service (Denver): Resolves problems for customers and acts as the 24/7 call center for lease or customer related issues. Makes changes to customer information. Billing (Chicago HQ): Deals with rental payments, invoice issues, and follow-ups. Makes changes to customer information. Provides financial information to sales and executive management Marketing (Chicago HQ): Reviews sales and future development data and determines marketing opportunities. Sponsor (CIO of HLR Inc): The person who facilitates project process by timely arranging finance and other resources. Any other people who are influenced indirectly by the activities of the organization. The Project Sponsor The project sponsor has a specific role to play in the project process. He occupies the prominent position as the project is initiated and completed by him by arranging all resources necessary for the project. In the present case, CIO is the project sponsor, who is responsible to undertake the completion of the project to protect the organization interest along with the interest of other stakeholders. CIO at HLR Inc is primarily a high risk-taker as the project is being criticized by many in the organization. However, the project manager takes strong decisions as to the smooth flow of the operations and completion of the work. CIO, here acts as the mediator between the project manager and other stakeholders who are adversely affected by the new project. There is no doubt that the scope of the responsibility of CIO spans the whole of the project life cycle. The activities of CIO involve the

International Logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

International Logistics - Essay Example When companies become substantially involved in international dealings, logistics become an essential ingredient in the strategic planning process. In an increasingly world economy, logistics is a very critical matter in the success of a company. It is a fundamental part of supply chain management that entails operations management considerations, production engineering, and matters pertaining to the region. The main aims of International Logistics are to connect parts of global supply chains, prevail over international trade hurdles, and reduce transaction expenditures. It can also offer considerable cost savings and help businesses enter new overseas markets (Branch, 2009). The channel of international logistics can be split into three: transaction channel, distribution channel, and communication channel (Behar et al., 2013). The transaction channel deals with the buying, selling and collection of payment; the distribution channel involves the physical movement of goods while communication involves the contact between various players in international business. With the help of a professionally managed international logistics department, organizations can gain economies of scale. International Logistics can lead to increased production, technological advancement, and market expansion (Behar et al.,