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ALDI Strategy Case Study

ALDI Strategy – Case Study

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Introduction

Business enterprises employ various initiatives to maximize returns and achieve competitive advantage over competitors in there respective industries (Kafalas, 1981). On this note, ALDI Australia has adopted unique strategic management principles that have helped it to gain and maintain competitiveness amidst various challenges faced in the industry. This paper examines in brief the concepts of strategic management and strategic competitiveness in relation to ALDA Australia. Further, it explores the external and internal environments as well as the Business Level Strategy (BLS) of ALDI. Finally, a conclusion and several recommendations to the current strategies of this company are made.

Strategic management and strategic competitiveness

Strategic management refers to coordinated and integrated set of actions and commitments by an organization’s leadership designed to steer the organization to maximize returns and to gain competitive advantage over competitors (Rogers & Caswell, 1988). On the other hand, strategic competitiveness describes a situation where an enterprise successfully develops and implements a value-adding strategy (Hitt et al, 1994). As – noted, the level of competitive rivalry in Australian food and grocery industry is high due to high level of similarity in the products offered by different prayers. However, different retailers have developed different strategies to enable them gain competitive edge in the market while others compete along similar dimensions. For instance, Woolworths, IGAall and Coles-Myer focus on product and market differentiation strategies. ALDI’s strategy involves offering high quality products at lower prices in comparison with those offered by competitors (Kleeman, 2012).

External Environment

According to Porter (as cited in Kourteli, 2005), the purpose of external analysis on a firm’s structure is to understand the effectiveness of its sources of competitive advantage. This analysis is based on the Porter’s five forces Model. As mentioned earlier, the level of competitive rivalry in Australian food and grocery industry is high as there are numerous global and local retailers offering similar products and services to those that are provided by ALDI. The bargaining power of customers for ALDI can be said to be moderate. Buyers are able to switch from one retailer to another due to close similarities of products offered by different retailers (Kleeman, 2012). However, they are price sensitive and this is an added advantage to ALDI since the buyers have a notion that this enterprise offers quality and cheaper goods.

The bargaining power of suppliers for ALDI is low since there are numerous suppliers offering similar products. ALDI has different options and goes for suppliers with cheapest prices. However, ALDI Australia currently sources its products from local suppliers, which are more expensive than imported products. The lack of strong preference for specific brands by consumers makes it easy for new entrants to survive in the industry (Kleeman, 2012). According to Cardwell (2008), this threat is heightened by the fact that it is easy for a competitor to copy the strategies of another competitor and to implement them in the market. The threat of substitutes in his industry is considerably high due to high level of similarity of products offered by different competitors. Consumers can easily switch from one retailer to another.

Internal Environment

According to Chen, and Mohamed (2008), the strength of the internal environment of an enterprise is determined by the effectiveness of its current strategies and how well resources are mobilized in support of the strategies. ALDI has adopted simple and less complicated organization structure which has contributed effectively in cost saving. The company focuses on core operations only in locations that are deemed to be profitable; limits the number of personnel in each store; their store layouts are designed in a simple manner; and adheres to restricted opening and closing hours (Haberer, 2010). This enables the enterprise to offer high quality products at low costs. The enterprise produces its own products and brands, making it to have a high control over them. Apart from this, this organization has listed all of its products and their prices online (Kleeman, 2012). This has made it easy for the consumers to gain useful information about the firm. However, the reliance on a small number of trained workers can be considered a weakness. Also, the limited range of products offered by the enterprise can also be deemed as a weakness since it limits consumer choices (Haberer, 2010).

BLS

BLS refers to a set of actions taken by an enterprise in order to satisfy the needs of customers and hence, achieve competitive advantage in the future. Hua et al (2011) explains that, “a business enterprise can benefit from BSL by exploiting core competences in specific, individual product or service markets.” ALDI’s BLS focuses on offering quality products at lower costs to their customers. This is achieved through adopting an organizational structure that minimizes costs. They are also able to conduct a quality control of their products due to the narrow range of product categories (Haberer, 2010). This strategy can be considered as a sustainable source of competitive advantage for this enterprise.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Based on the above analysis, various recommendations can be made. First, ALDI needs to focus more on product diversification in order to add more choices for customers. Secondly, they should focus on expanding its operations within Australia through a store rollout program. As well, this company should maintain its strategy that focuses on offering high quality products at lower prices. Another suggestion is to increase percentage of imported supplies and hence, raise profits. It is essential for this firm to catch up with the developing technology by developing an online system that includes a platform for transaction and delivery.

In conclusion, this paper has addressed the current strategies adopted by ALDI. The paper has examined the competitive position ALDI’s, internal and external environments and its business level strategies. As noted in the paper, it is necessary for ALDI to reconsider its strategies and take into account the recommendations stated above in order to gain and maintain competitive edge over competitors in the long–run.

References

Cardwell, P. (2008), Adwatch.(ALDI Group’s brand strategy overview). Marketing. 23

Chen, L. & Mohamed, S., (2008), Impact of the internal business environment on knowledge

management within construction organisations. Construction Innovation 8(1), pp. 61 – 81, DOI 10.1108/14714170810846521

Haberer, J. (2010), Strategic management, Sydney: GRIN Verlag

Hitt, M. A., Hoskisson, R. E., Harrison, J. S. & Summers, T. P. (1994), Human Capital and

Strategic Competitiveness in the 1990s. Journal of Management Development. 13(1), pp. 35 – 46

Hua, S., Chatterjee, S. R.,& Jingliang, C., (2011) Achieving competitive advantage in service

supply chain: evidence from the Chinese steel industry, Chinese Management Studies, 5( 1), pp.68 – 81

Kafalas, A. G., (1981), Analyzing changes in the external business environment, Strategy &

Leadership, 9(4), pp. 26 – 46, DOI: 10.1108/eb053956

Kleeman, F. C., (2012), Supply Chain Strategy Analysis for Aldi: Supply Chain Management Im

Kourteli, L., (2005), Scanning the business external environment for information: evidence fromGreece. Information Research: An international electronic journal. 11(1), Pp. 242-257

Einzelhandel: Eine Strategische Analyse Des Discounters ALDI. Sydney: GRIN Verlag

Rogers, T. T. & Caswell, J. A., (1988), Strategic management and the internal organization of

food marketing firms, Agribusiness. 4 (1), pp. 3 – 10, DOI: 10.1002/1520-6297(198801)4:1<3::AID-AGR2720040103>3.0.CO;2-S

Event analysis of BP and shell

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Event analysis of BP and shell

Date

Event analysis

Introduction

According to Dreman & Berry, (1995, pp21-36), There are multiple argument concerning the effects of announcement on the stock prices, such events usually attract a lot of attention. There are also arguments that such events attract the attention of speculators thereby increasing stock volatility. Events may mean a lot to the shareholder and the potential investors. Such events usually lead to increased activity in the stock of the companies in question and may either mean convenience or detrimental depending on the nature of the company (Harris, 1986; Ho, 1998; Jaffe, 1974).

Event Reflections Concordia Action and Comedy Movie

Event Reflections: Concordia; Action and Comedy Movie

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Event Reflections: Concordia; Action and Comedy Movie

Presented as an action and movie comedy, my experience at Concordia was probably one of the best I have ever had with movies. While the thrills of actions come alive and captivate the mind, one is able to relieve tension now and again. In this movie, the staring characters included Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, and Jennifer Lawrence. In most instances, they presented comic antics which were combined with witty acts and occasionally very audacious and brave steps. By attending this movie, I got to learn that action movies can be merged with comedy to produce an entirely wonderful piece. It is so entertaining when an individual causes you to laugh and on the other hand risks death, only to emerge a hero from the whole setup. Initially, I had believed action movies were simply action movies and comedy was comedy.

At the same time, I learnt so many things about myself as a result of attending Concordia. First, I like this type of movie so much. After I left the movie, I reviewed my attendance and I could remember that all through the movie, I was so consumed in emotions. Also coming to the fact that I am quite reactionary, I remember episodes when I felt extremely angry at people who were doing wrong and times when I felt happy about and probably sided with one of the heroes punishing an evil doer. Other than liking the genre, I have also learnt that I have good memory for adventures that please me. Although I may not have it word for word, I can recall the whole script, all points where notable activities took place, and most of the cast.

I believe I might participate in a similar experience again. This is because the whole episode was entertaining and refreshing. Although I had not interacted with this genre before, the attention it attracted from me has pushed me to the libraries to find out more about it. I have then come across bigger names in action comedy like Eddie Murphy, Jackie Chan, and other Superheroes. I look forward to meeting them at the theatres.

Event analysis

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Institution

Event analysis

Date

Event analysis

Introduction

Alberto Giacometti artwork and inspiration

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Chapter 1: Introduction

Background information

In 1901, a painter, Giacometti Giovanni gave birth to Alberto Giacometti at Borgonovo in Swiss as the first born among four other children (‘Alberto Giacometti’, nd, p. 1-2). Alberto Giacometti’s interest in arts developed as early as his childhood while under the care of his painter father. Alberto viewed the world through his father’s artistic eyes while young and it is through the parental inspiration that he began painting and drawing before his interest developed in sculptures. Characteristically, Alberto’s young age was used in queries and questions on reality, illusions and truth in human life, questions that would astonish the fairest of the world’s philosophers of the age (Trachtman, 2004, p. 1-4). After elementary art’s classes in Geneva, Alberto went for higher studies in arts in Paris where his mastery in sculpturing was gained. His love for arts led to his opening of a studio in collaboration with his brother at Paris in 1925. Plastic arts interested him equally after observing primitive people as was observed in 1925 on torso. It was between 1936 and 40 that his interest in sculptures intensified and he concentrated more on head sculptures with his sister’s gaze as a blue print. Besides plastic, Alberto used gypsum as well as marble for his works and adopts public exhibitions for his works. Through his works in painting and sculptures, Alberto earned his living and together with his brother, they invest in making designs of lamps as well as furniture under Frank Michael, an interior architect from Parisian. Nevertheless, his unique styles gained audience after the world war when he adopted bronze for his works. A characteristic feature with his works of art was his preference for long, elongated and very thin sculptures, which were seen as though they did not have weight. Skinny figures of his works representing his brothers, sisters as well as his sister are still exhibited in New York at Pierre Matisse Gallery (Schweiz, nd, para 1-5). Besides, he made images of animals from bronze with special features that represented seasons and had artistic representation of human world especially during the world war period between 1930s and 40s. He effectively represented distinction between reality as well as imaginations through his tall and emaciated images of walking men and the representations of women figures while studying. In much of his artistic works in drawings, paintings as well as in forms of sculpture, Alberto addresses the theme of existentialism where self consciousness philosophy is represented through his capacity to capture melancholy, loneliness and alienation in his works. He also had a unique way of representing ‘sex’ in reference to gender where men figures were unique from women figures (Markus, nd, p. 81-84).

Problem statement

The above introduction reveals that Alberto lived a relatively long life (between 1901-1966) but was successful in living a fulfilled live in his endeavors to further and practice art through sculptures. According to Alberto, art is a means to have a better view and this has implications of sensation recording into the eyes of the observer. He is remembered by his position that arts is best understood and enjoyed when interpreted through own visual perception as unlike what one is told. It is noted that Alberto’s interest in arts developed at childhood and his works were more of copies where he worked on notebooks, single copies as well as margins of own books or his father’s books. He specialized on a variety of collections from the African origin, European art, Indian arts, oceanic arts as well as contemporary works as those of Picasso and Mondrian. Copying according to Alberto had significance in meaning in reference to “resembling reality” as well as “vision.” He reasoned that he was prompted to copy in order to have a clear vision and understand better. His unique works of art brought him into the global perspective, he traveled wide and far and his works are exhibited across the globe in major museums and such galleries. Le Chat is among the highly treasured pieces of art by Alberto and such other works that came into being after the world war. He is remembered to have explained significance of his works in symbolism where once, he curved a cat ‘Le Chien’ that according to him was his own representation of the loneliness felt during the world war. Little is however known about the source of his inspiration into the works of arts as he specialized in his livelihood. This therefore forms the basis of this project where the intention is to understand the source of Alberto’s inspiration towards his career and specialization in sculptures.

Thesis statement

The perception of artistic work empowers an artist to overcome the cultural veil that covers one’s vision and the person is empowered to appreciate pieces of art in a more open manner as against earlier perceptions. After such an uncovering, Alberto reasons that an artist is able to appreciate the works from exterior world and then manage to represent them through own works. The works of Alberto has been studied in depth and shown to be a depiction of human finitude as have been sought by scientists and philosophers. His emaciated, slim and tall images of persons gazing emptily into the space only successfully explain the alienation and separation of humans from other forms of lives (Nasgaard, 1965, p. iii-iv). This paper therefore intends to investigate the source of inspiration upon which Alberto relied on in his engagement in sculpture arts and critically analyze some of his visual art works in reference to his artistic view.

Significance of the Study

This study has the main objective as being that of understanding the inspiration that the works of Alberto came from. However, the study involves among other aims to evaluate the contemporary artworks before as well during World War II, through which Alberto would have had immediate reference. This study will therefore add to the existing literature from other studies that have been done previously on the theme. Besides, the study would clearly outline some of the evolutionary stages through which the artwork has undergone and the contribution of Alberto’s work in the mid 20th century. Besides, the findings of this study will be instrumental in informing readers and such researchers on the actual source of inspiration to Alberto’s works in art. Besides, future studies would have a lot to learn from the findings of the current study.

Research Questions

What particular personalities and historical events in the field of arts inspired Alberto in artwork?

What fields interested him more while producing his works of art and what effects did his works have in the field?

How was the field of arts prior to and during his engagements in sculpture arts?

Objectives of the study

Full appreciation of a piece of artwork requires an artistic analysis and the perception of the external world as the artist would see. It would be impossible for us to fully appreciate Alberto’s works of art before we understand him in person, understand his perception of the contemporary world as well as understand his inspiration into the field of arts. This study is therefore guided by many objectives among them being to:

Evaluate the life of Alberto in arts and understand his inspiration

Understand the development of the industry of arts as influenced by the world war as shown through his works

Propose possible themes of study concerning art development in the contemporary world learning from the works of Alberto during and after the world war II

Chapter 3: Methodology

This part describes the procedure that will be used during the testing of the hypothesis, collecting of data and management of data upon which this study is based. The chapter additionally explains the method that is used during data analysis and the description entailing the scope of the procedure that eventually lead to the answering of the hypothetical questions that were generated, from the review of the literature.

Unlike research methods that are used by researchers to refer to distinct techniques that are applied while carrying out a research study, research methodology describes the vast number of processes that a researcher involves while studying specific phenomena. Methodologies therefore refer to the systematic process through which a research study is carried out. Research methods are categorically part of the methodologies that are utilized by a researcher while carrying out a research study.

Methodology is a critical step while carrying out a research study in that through literature review, one is able to know whether it is a study that has ever been done and if so the methods applied previously and the outcomes that were gotten. It therefore assists the research in determining whether his/her methods have been used in the past and what other methods have ever been used. Moreover, the methodology may depend on the research being either structured or unstructured within the qualitative/quantitative analysis.

Nevertheless, the conceptual or theoretical research studies are guided by some abstract ideas or theories. Testing of the hypothesis as well as interpretation of the findings is based on some predetermined body of knowledge or theories. The theories are assumed conventional and thus universally acceptable. It is however necessary that a researcher defines the theory under use in order to determine the methodologies to use within the study. These are equally dependent on the subject or field of study. The research paradigm adopted as either being qualitative or quantitative is equally very instrumental in deciding on the methodology to be applied (Maxwell, 2008, p. 214-218). Qualitative and quantitative research studies depend on the major differences notable on the nature of reality, epistemology (relationships being studied), use of language, role of values as well as the overall research process (Aylward and Clarke, 2005, p.29).

Analytical methods especially the empirical analyses are applicable within the context of testable variable within studies. Other relationships are not testable hence; the studies adopt the deductive methodologies of carrying out a research study. On the other hand, whenever research variables relate in manners that are both predictable through theoretical deductions and can be testable, the studies will employ the use of the two simultaneously. Deductions from the study findings will then be applicable in general context within the capacity of the study to project and make inferences (Key, 1997, p. para 1-3). By conducting this study under the deductive framework and by use of qualitative analysis, the study methodology is not unique, as others have used the methodology in the past. However, uniqueness is ascertained by the specific analysis engaged within this study as opposed to the other studies carried out in a like or related analysis. This study will therefore wholly rely on the literature reviewed in reference to the theme of ‘Alberto Giacometti’s artworks as well as his inspiration’. The deductive analysis will be used in reference to available works of literature through which this study envisions to gather information to answer the questions posed. Besides, this study will have developed hypothesis which will predefine the expected results and which the findings will seek to justify or otherwise prove wrong. Qualitative studies have been done on the theme in the past as seen from literature and thus deductions from such studies will serve for analysis and results in this study.

Research Design

The research design describes a unique procedure that the researcher is going to use to go about the data collection exercise. In case study, the researcher identifies a specialised situation and undertakes a comprehensive study or research around the situation. This study therefore identifies the case of interest to be the analysis of the ‘Alberto Giacometti’s artworks as well as his inspiration’ as would be effective to understand the world of arts in the first half of 19th century especially during the World War II. This study will be qualitative and thus information to be collected is not quantitative. This study will employ deductive methods in analyzing available past research studies in order to successfully study the life and artworks of Alberto.

Hypothesis

This study intends to ascertain the authenticity of the following statements in assumption regarding the works of Alberto and his source of inspiration:

Alberto’s way of life as a survivor to the second world war informs his great interest in man’s solitude and infinitude as represented in his works of arts.

His immediate world while as a kid and general upbringing explains his childhood interests in copying and painting.

Exposure while studying as well as interaction with other artists of the time increased his interest in artworks while young as well as in the advanced age.

Limitations of the study

This study wholly depends on data and information that is currently available through literature and thus there is likelihood that such literature lacks from such sources as the internet. This is therefore the main problem that the researcher envisions that would limit the study if the necessary literature is not found or if the literature is not up to date. Moreover, the availability of the literature to be reviewed is a fundamental concern where the limited literature is likely to affect negatively the study findings.

Outcomes

Through the analysis of available literature, it is possible to establish the link between Alberto’s works of art as well as the contemporary world in which he lived during his time. The background to his life reveals that much of inspiration towards his future career was developed while under the watch of his artist father. His inquisitive nature explains his position that understanding and being successful in doing works of art requires an artist represent the world as he sees and not as others see it. This therefore shows that much of his artistic works had a distinction from the rest of works art in the time. The world war II had significant influence in his works and career as portrayed by his images of dogs and cats which he would later explain to represent his loneliness and separation as the effects of the war.

Value of proposed work

Besides giving the picture of Alberto in the first 20th century, this research will endeavor to answer such questions that would interest many regarding the uniqueness of Alberto’s works of art that continue to fascinate many even in the 21st century. This study will therefore contribute towards filling a gap that exists in many of the previous studies regarding Alberto by answering the question as to what was the inspiration of Alberto in his arts career. It is also intended to analyze the artistic attributes that were in Alberto and what life steps worked to enhance them to shape the future of the artist. Besides, this study will be instrumental in guiding future studies concerning the life and works of Alberto.

Bibliography

‘Alberto Giacometti’, nd. “Alberto Giacometti”. Accessed November 28, 2013. http://www.speysidehigh.net/sites/default/files/Alberto%20Giacometti.pdf

Aylward D. and Clarke R. 2005. Research models and methodologies. HDR seminar series. Faculty of commerce spring session 2005.

Key J. P., 1997. “Qualitative research” Accessed November 28, 2013. HYPERLINK “http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage21.htm” http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage21.htm

Maxwell J. A., 2008. “Designing a Qualitative Study” Accessed November 28, 2013. http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/PeresSc/Classes/PSYC6036www/presentations/Ch7_qualitativeResearch.pdf

Markus R., nd. “Sex and Gender in Giacometti’s Couples”. Accessed November 28, 2013. http://arts.tau.ac.il/departments/images/stories/journals/arthistory/Assaph5/05markus.pdf

Nasgaard R., 1965. “Alberto Giacometti: An art of Impasse” Accessed November 28, 2013. https://circle.ubc.ca/bitstream/handle/2429/36686/UBC_1967_A8%20N3.pdf?sequence=1

Schweiz B., nd. “Alberto Giacometti”. Accessed November 28, 2013. HYPERLINK “http://www.alberto–giacometti.com/” http://www.alberto–giacometti.com/

Trachtman P., 2004. “Magnificent Obsession Giacometti struggled to capture perception in sculpture and paint–and thought he’d failed. Accessed November 28, 2013. http://paultrachtman.net/pdfs/giacometti.pdf

ajman bank Liquidity ratios

Ajman bank

Name

Affiliation

Name of Ratio Formula Solution

Year 1 Solution

Year 2 2014 2013 % Change /Increase or Decrease

Return on Total Assets Net Capital ÷ Average Total Assets 1200/879 1580/1200 136% 132% Decrease

Return on Equity Net Capital available to Common

Stockholders ÷ Average Common

Stockholders’ Equity

2345/3400 3320/8500 68%

39% Decrease

Age of Receivables Average AR (net) x 365 ÷ Net Credit

Sales 124*365/310 124*365/310 23 45 Increase

Inventory Turnover Cost of Sales ÷ Average Inventory

1890/320 1430/450 6.2 5.5 Decrease

Percentage change

in Sales

Current Year Net Sales – Prior Year Net Sales/Prior Year Net Sales 1050/450 1570/600 23% 28% Increase

Gross Profit

Percentage Net Sales – Cost of Sales ÷ Net Sales 910/6519 975/9033 13.5% 10% Decrease

Operating Expenses as a Percentage of

Sales Operating Expenses ÷ Net Sales 1976/5600 2300/9030 33% 21% Decrease

Bad Debt as a Percentage of Sales Bad Debt Expense ÷ Net Credit

Sales

180/710 250/980 31% 24.4% Decrease

Repairs and

Maintenance as a Percentage of Net Fixed Assets Repairs and Maintenance Expense ÷

Net Fixed Assets

2000/4500 2700/8000 20.9% 21.5% increase

Current Ratio Current Assets ÷ Current Liabilities 2600/23 3000/29 112% 116% Increase

Quick Ratio Current Assets – Inventory – Prepaid items ÷ Current Liabilities

465/128 700/200 40.5% 39.1% Decrease

Debt Ratio Debt ÷ Total Assets 1380/1000 1270/510 1.3% 3.6% increase

Times Interest

Earned Operating Capital ÷ Annual Interest

Payments 2077/1750 3400/830 21.67% 44.56% increase

Debt Service

Coverage Net Capital + Depreciation ÷ Annual

Principal Payments 170/530 190/400 35.2% 38.7% Increase

Introduction

The ideas, uses and impediments of financial ratio analysis are clarified further down. A portion of the essential procedures of computing ratio investigation are inspected. The brief history of Ajman Bank open restricted organization and their future goals are encased. Budgetary proclamations are utilized to ascertain and investigated utilizing ratio examinations from financial specialist’s perspective. Finally, confinements of monetary ratio investigations are talked about.

Ratio

It has been said that we must measure what you hope to oversee and perform. Without estimation, you have no reference to work with and accordingly, you have a tendency to work oblivious. Restricted of securing references and dealing with the money related issues of an association is to utilize ratio. Ratios are basically connections between two monetary equalizations or money related estimations. These connections secure references so organization or a business can see how well monetary execution is. Ratio additionally amplify customary method for measuring money related execution i.e. depending on money related articulations. By applying ratio to an arrangement of monetary explanations, organization or a business can better comprehend budgetary execution.

Liquidity ratios The advantage of breaking down liquidity ratio is assessing the dissolvability, monetary solidness and administration of working capital of the organization or a business. Meaning of liquidity ratios is the extent of aggregate resources that are promptly convertible into money that a clearing bank must keep up with a specific end goal to reimburse stores on interest. As per Anil B.Roy Chowdhury (1978, p.2) ” “Liquidity” implies transformation of advantages into money amid the ordinary course of business and to have a customary continuous stream of money to meet outside current liabilities or current commitments as and when due and payable” Common liquidity ratio are current ratio, quick ratio and working capital ratio. ● Current ratio The current ratios are primarily used to give a thought of the organization’s capacity to pay back its transient liabilities (obligation and payables)with its fleeting resources (money, stock, receivables). The current ratio can give a feeling of the productivity of an organization’s working cycle or its capacity to transform its item into money. Organizations that experience difficulty being paid on their receivables or have long stock turnover can run into liquidity issues because they are not able to allay their commitments.

Quick ratio

The quick ratio is a stringent test that demonstrates whether a firm has enough transient advantages for spread its quick liabilities without offering stock. For some organizations stock can’t be changed over into money rapidly. Hence, quick ratio avoids inventories from any measure of liquidity (Chaker & Salih, 2010).

Working capital

Working capital ratio measures how well current liabilities are secured by the capital produced from an organization’s operations in the short-term. Utilizing capital instead of wage is infrequently a superior sign of liquidity essentially in light of the fact that, as we know, money is the way bills are regularly paid off.

Proficiency Ratio

We will investigate effectiveness ratios to assess the overhead structure of organization. Proficiency is additionally a decent measure of productivity. Venture Ratios Investment ratios give profitable data to real or potential shareholders. These ratios are likewise of enthusiasm to administration, since an organization relies on potential financial specialists for further finances for development. Capital every offer Earnings every offer ratio relate the profit produced by the business accessible to shareholders, amid a period to the quantity of shares issued. This ratio is critical to the speculators for two reasons: – It gives the financial specialist some thought of security of future profits. – Investors can check to guarantee that administration are not paying out all capital however are seeking after a judicious arrangement of stopping back some piece of the yearly benefit.

Earnings Ratio Price/capital ratio is determined by a contrasting the business sector cost of a normal offer with the profit every offer. This may be communicated as such a variety of years buy of the benefits. Profit Yield Dividends proclaimed are constantly in light of a rate of the ostensible estimation of issued offer capital

References

Chaker, M. N., & Salih, A. (2010). The impact of the global economic crisis on the Islamic banks and financial institutions across UAE. Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 5(2), 113-125.

Evaluation On Human Servises

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Institution

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Introduction

Human services have the aim of meeting the needs of human beings by focusing on remediation as well as the prevention of problems, and being committed to improving the quality of life of people. They assist people on how to deal with the social problems like unemployment, sickness, addiction to drugs, aging, family violence, among others. Some of the small organizations in the community are family support, youth refugees, day care centers and accommodations for those with brain injuries and others. All these are supposed to bring change in those people brought (Bullen, 1996).

Practice setting.

The practice setting discussed in this paper is for families of the drug addicts as well as the alcoholics. This kind of behavior is serious as it affects the whole family both directly and indirectly (Yolk, 2009). This creates an environment which is dysfunctional in that the family members tend to hide the person’s behavior and may create lies to cover the addict like he has a flu when he is drunk or has hung over’s. The children may have problems in bringing friends to visit and even be withdrawn from the society. Addiction also leads to marital problems, emotional and physical abuse that may lead to divorce (Yolk, 2009). Al Anon is a support group that aims on assisting spouses of alcoholics by investigating whether the person is drinking or is sober. When there are meetings, the attendees look at issues like excessive caretaking, lack of loyalty to the spouses, the attempts that could lead to controlling the behavior of other people and the self blame (project Know, 2013).

Target Behavior

According to my research, it is evident that the parents who join Al Anon have a chance to meet with other parents with the problem of coping with addicted children or husbands. They get to listen to the experiences and stories from the parents who have been able to come up with better methods of communicating with the addicted person in the family. The support groups provide the parents with the necessary understanding of their fear, anger and resentment (project Know, 2013). The staff members will also listen to those parents and give them positive input. This makes the parents to understand that the addiction is an illness and hope for the addicted person to recover is instilled to them. They come out having developed required skills to cope with the crisis and also the methods of allowing the addict to be able to work on his or her program.

Analyses of the behavior

The Al Anon support group is of great help to the parents or women who are drug addicts and alcoholics in that the parents are provided with safe places to talk about the fear they have, get comforted and are also provided with counseling on how to live with these addicts and take care of them. The counseling also helps women who are beaten by their addicted husbands overcome the psychological conditions and trauma, which is brought about by the violence (Yolk, 2009). This is possible only to those people who are able to speak out their problems. They are taken through what is called a healing process for several days. They are enlightened on the best ways to use while communicating with the addicts. They also get a chance to discuss with other parents with the same problem and hence get to enlighten each other. This makes them be ready to go and live a better life.

Study Sample

The research involved parents who have had participated in a support group as a result of either their children being drug addicts or their husbands. We took twenty parents randomly where eleven of these parents confirmed to have been in the Al Anon support group and they confirmed that it was of great help. They confirmed that the counseling provided in the centre was very important in the transition of their life. They have been able to cope with their addicted victims and eight of these said during the interview that they were able to convince their victims to seek counseling in the same support group and some have stopped.

Research has shown that drugs and alcohol are associated with violence as the drug abusers are not able to control their emotions (Maher, 2012). In my conclusion, I therefore would say that the support group has done a lot in making the parents of the addicts to have a normal life and highly recommend that anybody with a problem can seek help from any of the support teams

References

Bullen, Paul, (1996) Evaluating Human Service Complexity-uncertainty-Self delusion-Rigour. Management Alternatives. Retrieved on 15th Feb 2013 from. http://www.mapl.com.au/a1.htm

Maher, C. A. (2012). Planning and evaluating human services programs: A resource guide for practitioners. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.

Project Know. (2013) Support Groups for Families of Addicts and Alcoholics. Understanding Addiction. Project Know.org. Retrieved on 15th Feb 2013 from

http://www.projectknow.com/research/support-groups-for-families-of-addicts-and-alcoholics/

York, R. O. (2009). Evaluating Human Services: A Practical Approach for the Human Service. Professional Boston: Pearson Education. ISBN-13: 977-0-205-50346-9.

Evaluation on the effectiveness of EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers

Evaluation on the effectiveness of EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’

Introduction

Patient safety in healthcare institutions is an area that has recently received more attention. Healthcare institutions of different forms face varied types of safety issues. Most of the body of literature available about patient safety is related to primary healthcare settings like emergency and acute patient care. The role of the nurse in patient safety is as multifaceted as the complex nature of the safety concerns that arise in these healthcare settings. Therefore, the nurse plays a role that should not go without being assessed and appraised. This literature seeks to evaluate patient falls as a safety concern in various health care settings and relate the arising issues with the role the nurse can play referring to the effectiveness of EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’ School. The literature will evaluate the issue of patient safety with respect to falls in the chosen institution. Falls have attracted more attention in the recent past years in the health care systems as more falls have been reported. For instance, the US National Center for Patient Safety report (2004) showed that falls reports accounted for 47% of safety issues reported in the previous year- 2003. Elsewhere, statistics have shown that falls account for a significant proportion of reported safety cases in the UK each year. Therefore, falls become a very significant part of the patient safety topic. Without developing keen interest into the issue of falls as patient safety concern, the long run implications would be an increased cost for falls management. Improving the effectiveness of EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’ School thus rests on the ability to understand the problem and having a deep understanding of the connection between the role of the nurse and safety concerns that arise from falls.

Application of this information/rational of the research

As a nurse and other programs, the information concerning the Evaluation on the effectiveness of EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’ Schools in this study plays a critical role in aiding the understanding of the responsibility they carry. First, an understanding of the dangers that many patients face and the effectiveness of EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’ School is essential for many organizations to be in a position to devise ways and means of fighting back and guaranteeing the safety of patients not only in Maryknoll Fathers’ School but other areas as well. This is because one cannot prevent something that the nurse or practitioners are not aware of. On the other hand, this information is important to doctors on EAU plus others, as they need to understand how their patients are faring on for them to align themselves in a way that would enable them to take emergency care in case of some problems. The information will also applicable in nursing career as it would be of defining significance in the classification of clinical decision-making. The information can find a good application in the role the nurses’ play in interpreting the underlying nursing intuition and medical diagnosis.

Literature review

Many researchers and scholars continue to explore the issue of patient safety and the role of EAU in prevention and management of patient safety. With respect to patient safety, experts have recognized the importance of prevention and proper management in EAU. Among the risks that patients are exposed to, while in the hands of medical practitioners are injuries and even death caused by falls. Many people have experienced falls in their lives when being attended to in medical facilities. According to Morse (1997), these falls are either accidental for eaxmple happen without a fore thought by the victim or are induced to cause further injuries in the patient and/or even death. Therefore, health facilities have the responsibility of coming up with preventive measures to minimize cases of falls within their structures. Studies that have been carried out in England shows that falls cases are high as 152,000 every year. In the United States, statistics shows that the statistics are even high with patient population being put at 200,000 in 2006. Most of these cases were reported in in-patient medical facilities, which comprised of about 98% of the total falls.

The UK Institute for Innovation and Improvement (2009) points out that inpatient falls can substantially increase the patients’ time in wards and increase the costs substantially. The institute carried out a research and established that even though a fall may occur without causing significant injury on the patient, it may lead to an increase in the patient’s length of stay by an average of three days. On the other hand, a fall the resulted in a serious injury was found to increase the length of the stay by 17 days on average. Before the falls occur, there is need for prevention to check on the additional number of days a patient would have to stay since the days have a financial implications (NHS 2009). However, if the falls occur, proper management measures must be put in place to guarantee a speedy recovery.

Bayer et al (2005) suggest that patient safety with respect to falls can only start through a proper record keeping tradition where the number of inpatient patient falls in the health care institution is ascertained, associated increased period of stay established then develop a management process. Secondly, the scholars point out that individualized patient care can help to reduce the falls significantly.

The nursing profession comes with a responsibility that can only be successfully achieved if there is a proper understanding of the circumstances that underpin patient falls and the effectiveness of various program especially the ones undertaken by EAU in this context. Medical experts have pointed out falls among patients are principally caused by weak muscles in the patients, walking problems and gait problems. For these reasons, falls (due to ineffective programs) occur more frequently among older patients of ages 65 and above as compared to middle-aged patients. Muscle weakness and walking or gait problems are the most common causes of falls among nursing home residents.

Roles of the Nurse with respect to improving patient safety against falls

As indicated earlier, the nurse plays a role that is multifaceted in the prevention and management of falls in patients. The roles may fall under provider of care to the patient, manager, or member of the team in the institution. These roles include providing care to patients, educating the patients, communicators, and teachers. Nurses have the responsibility of aiding every patient to be able to attain the highest level of wellness that can be achieved by a patient. While it is his or her vision that each patient attains complete wellness, there should also be a provision for compromise since not every patient can get complete healing. According to Rosdahl & Kowalski (2007), nurses have the duty of making sure that every detail of the patient is recorded on a daily basis to provide information that can help in monitoring the progress of the patient (p.15). This information is then communicated to the concerned medical team within the health facilities for further action.

The EAU nurse can be construed as a provider of care on various perspectives in institutions that they operate in. The nurse as a provider of care is responsible for providing care to children. In this perspective, the nurse demonstrates his role as a provider by understanding of pediatric settings where children and their families need care through clinical competence of the nurse. This means EAU on programme planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’ School plus in other institutions should be very effective.

Secondly, the nurse demonstrates his work as a provider of care by offering professional examination of adults who may be in acute and chronically ill conditions. In his duty as a provider of care, the nurse exercises confidentiality. Lastly, the nurse maintains a close personal contact and emotional closeness with his clients thus offering value negotiation. Nurses are also responsible for helping clients in solving their ethical dilemmas, offering care to children and to the mental health clients.

The problems faced by EAU

EAU program planning and delivery in Maryknoll Fathers’ School and other institutions has not been successful in the past due to the fact that it has been using the model which has been dealing mainly with patients and thus using another would change the whole medical system in their operational areas. It is evident to say that the medical system would not be the same owing to the fact that using Hygeia and other diseases would enable both the rich and the poor patients of to get access to medical care since it could be affordable and of high quality. Everyone wants to be given medical services that are of high quality but for many years it has not been possible for many patients to get access to it since the systems that has been existing has been too expensive for most of them to get access and that it has not been equitably provided to them thus the system would have been different due to the fact that it would have benefited all the citizens no matter what their economical status is.

The system would have been very different from what we have currently because many of the problems that we are facing presently would not have been there be it economically or socially since people would not have been put in a position to overspend their money or to misuse the available resources. As we look deep into the changes that the current world has gone through, it is true to say that it is so because of some reasons that lie behind the using their current model of health care because the world has moved to a greater height with the effective use of the rapidly growing technology which would not have been there if the other system was used and this is just to show that any system can have a disadvantage since it cannot be completely perfect.

In case the system was used then most people would not have improved in their social and economical lives because these changes have come with the improvement in technology both in terms of transport and communication systems. The system would still be very effective since people would have learned to do things practically and that they would rely more on their own knowledge compared to people in the current world who rely mostly on the excessive use of technology. There would not be problems that we are facing in the current world such as the introduction of new diseases that lack cure or take long to be cured such as cancer and the rest and that most people would be in a position to save money for other needs and not just spend all of it on medical care as it is done by many in the current world.

The most important thing to note about how this system would have functioned is that rules and regulations would still be there and that they would still have to be followed thus making the legal and ethical obligations to remain the same everywhere. This model of health care would not be very complicated to deal with because most of the things that would have done in it would not be out of reach because they would have been very cheap and easily accessible to all. Some of the problems that would be facing this system would be insufficient medical qualification since most people would not be qualified and there would be inadequate provision of resources due to unavailable of improved technology. Poverty would still have been there since most of the social and economical problems would still be very confidential to many people and that life would be very hard for many people due to hoarding of ideas.

The lesson that majority learn from this system employed by EAU is that they should be creative and to provide services of high quality in order to meet the medical needs of the citizens of a country and also to make the services equitable for everyone in the society. Taking all these into my health care practice will be very helpful in the sense that the legal rights will still have to be followed and respected and that the services will be within the reach of everyone thus enhancing improvement into the economy.

Ethical and Legal Implications of EAU

The current EAU healthcare management system is characterized by a number of challenges. These challenges range from the provision healthcare services to accessibility of healthcare and the management of the various health units not forgetting on programme planning and delivery in in various institutions. As far as the provision of healthcare is concerned, there is compromise in the provision of quality health care. The challenge of accessing health care comes as a result of the ever rising cost of health care and health insurance. The management of the various units of healthcare systems has also proved to be challenging and as a result efficiency and effectiveness in the various units have gone down. Consequently, the problems in the current healthcare management systems have various ethical and legal implications.

Measures taken by most health organizations (EAU included) of incorporating current technology in healthcare systems as a way of enhancing services have proved to cause certain ethical and legal issues. Problems associated with adopting new technologies in the healthcare systems lies in the identification and establishment of systems whose integration would not be troublesome to its end users. The adaptation of these technologies in the health care systems is essentially beneficial since they are fast and effective especially when it comes to the diagnosis and prescription processes. However, they require a high level of competency and professionalism failure to which medical errors can occur thus causing deaths or lowering quality healthcare. The ethical implication of this trends include the loss of lives that could have been saved, an estimation of 44,000 to 98,000 needless death occur each year in the United States of America. Furthermore the public is bound to lose confidence in healthcare systems in which they entrust there lives to. Legal implications of this trend emerge in a case whereby patients or the close keens of patients may take legal action against a particular health organization due to medical errors caused in the process of adapting to the new technologies.

Accessibility of cost effective health services and health insurance coverage in most healthcare institutions in the United States has major ethical and legal implications. Ethically, the poor have been victimized such that they cannot receive quality health care due to the fact that they cannot afford the high costs of healthcare. This also implies that only the rich can access quality healthcare. Moreover, the rise of health costs puts the financial security of most families at risk. Legal implications pertaining to the accessibility of cost effective healthcare are bound to emerge in the instance whereby the federal government steps in to regulate the prices of healthcare. Defaulters of these regulations may face legal action. In addition, legal issues may emerge in a case whereby a health institution fails to provide health care to a patient who ends up dying due to the lack of funds. Legal suits could be filed against the alleged health institution.

The management strategies of the various healthcare institutions considerably encompass a number of ethical and legal implications. The key objective of healthcare institutions lies in providing quality and efficient healthcare. In order to achieve this objective, the government and other stakeholders need to take charge in ensuring that health facilities are effectively equipped. On the other hand, medical practitioners and health care providers need to play their roles in order to ensure that this objective is actualized. Sadly, these roles have been neglected and as a result certain ethical implications have emerged. Neglect of obligation is an ethical issue and a breach of work ethical codes. This also put the lives of people at risk since healthcare is a grave line of work .Legal implications of these trends revolve around the issuance and the breach of work permits. The law is fervently against the issuance of work permits and licenses to healthcare facilities and practitioners who neglect their line of work or provide substandard services.

Public health is very high on the United Kingdom’s health care strategy agenda, and the nurses of the community are seen as been instrumental in helping in the reduction of health inequalities, in the promotion of social inclusion and in improving people’s circumstances and lifestyles. Government policies put emphasis on the partnerships between communities and agencies and working with individuals in the community to reduce the health inequalities and improve health. The new primary-care groups: local-health groups in Wales are required to shape health services, assess the health needs/necessities, reduce the health inequalities, listen to views of the users and also work in partnership with the local agencies. This will definitely require a wide range of skills which a small number of primary health experts presently have. Few fund-holders under-took any health needs/necessities assessment or involved the patients in buying, and the government has given-out little financial infrastructure or managerial, conceptual for public involvement.

The nursing profession like any other is subject to lots of changes. The processes involved in nursing are numerous, such as recruitment, marketing, training, patient handling, information management and many other administrative processes. Processes are prone to setbacks that hinder the efficiency and streamlined operations of within a system. Thus the units within the system will at times show signs of poor performance and the entire process in focus ends up failing.

Tomey (2007) shows that the overall rate of change of process is a sure sign of the organization’s capability to adapt to their immediate and extended environment. Nursing is not faced with a lot of competition as is the case of financial organizations in the world. For this reason a lot more mistakes can be overlooked. Though, critical of all these, is the kind of employees that a health institution employs. This forms the core of all the activities within an organization

Thus the most important process that sieves for the right employee is the process of recruitment. Recruitment follows distinct steps of planning, selection of individuals, interviewing or cross-examination, employment and further training and development. The process to be changed should cater especially for the initial point which is the selection of individuals Zerwekh & Claborn (2008).

Identification of problem or process to be changed in EAU

The process in focus here is recruitment of professionals within a health care institution. Over many years nursing profession has been very passive insofar as recruitment of professionals is involved. Times have changed and the contemporary setting requires for the interactive recruitment of professionals who best fit the requirements of healthcare facilities. Recruitment aids in introducing sieving and attracting the right professionals and talents into a health care service provision. To the health care institution, recruitment process is very important in changing the service delivery aspects and in turn maintaining functional efficacy in the operations of a health care center.

Nevertheless, proper recruitment assists in forming a flow of professional content from the learning institutions into the healthcare facilities and later this expertise gets to the patient or client indirectly. The process of recruitment commits the organization into spending a lot of resources in the planning, selection and development of the professional within EAU. For this reason recruitment is full of data such as number of employees selected, the training schedule for the new employees and the distribution of new employees by departments. All these data is useful in the sourcing for resources within the company for their use. The overall effect is the alignment of various other departments such as procurement, ICT and training department on the viability of designing ways to provide the needed material when required. In the same way, the forecasting of future organizational requirements is easily done in all departments. This can then be measured in relation to the relevance of such developments to the overall achievement of organizational goals and vision.

Change is usually motivated by several factors which include, regulatory compliance, the benchmarking of performance, the improvement of efficiency, the improvement of selection of professionals into the job market and the ultimate forecasting of an organization’s needs. All these aspects have been outlined in-depth in the subsequent sections of this paper. Benchmarking involves management identifying the best firms in the industry and then comparing the performance standards including quality-of business with those of their own business. Recruitment processes assist in ensuring that the right health care professionals get to serve the patients as per their professional and educational backgrounds. Recruitment is a process that ensures the right talent and skills are attracted and retained in the health care system as per the agreeable standards in the health care industry.

On the whole, proper recruitment process aids in first acquiring the right professionals as required by the market and nursing standards. This then creates a professional outlook for health environment. As per the legal requirements, recruitment should be in a non-discriminatory manner and should be based on the well agreeable metrics in nursing. Such include the educational background plus skills and experience in relevant areas such as community health care or surgery environment and others. Through improved recruitment, matters of occupational health such as the kind of lifestyle professionals live at work can be addressed. This is due to the fact that recruitment would ensure that the professionals taken in have necessary qualifications in handling safety and health aspects. The performance of tasks is usually based on professional standards that are well agreeable by the nursing profession. With better recruitment, the health care forges ways and means to overcome aspects of improved efficiency with the operations sections such as wards, and pharmacy. Professionals employed to manage healthcare will have the ability to exercise synergistic coordination of tasks and thus spend more of the work hours in adding value to the health care systems.

Better professionals are usually tailored to understand the working dynamics and can easily adapt in working with team members and forging ways to improve team work through team buildings and desired coordination of the health care’s work force. Change is a process that involves learning. Learning starts from one individual and moves to the group and then the institution or organization. This is regardless of the time it takes for change to take effect. This means that change can be considered as a systematic process that yields almost immediate actions or results. The former ways and processes are eliminated and new ones implemented. The affected individuals find a ware to cope with the new systems. If people do not accept change, the result is a life of stress and discomfort.

Change cannot take place effectively in a group without strategic planning. This is because the process requires a feedback to analyze how effectively a change is being implemented. The feedback should flow smoothly from the lowest rank to the highest rank in the organization. The interaction process allows for the identification of how a given change will affect the lives of the persons involved. It leads to an identification of new methods of effecting change and the means to overcome possible barriers. Since change affects people’s behavior, the planning process should be utilized to identify how change will impact on the people involved and the behavioral characteristics required to effect change. People are bound to refute change but effective communication will overcome the resistance. There will be a smooth flow of the transition of the required change when a theory is utilized as compared to change without theory. In my case, the change will flow from the board to the patients being served.

In conclusion, nurses play a very important role in ensuring that patient safety is maintained in health facilities. Whereas nurses may be ignored by the rest of the medical community because of the work they do, they must be available if the safety of the patients is to be guaranteed. On the other hand, they are able to ease the work of professional doctors and improve on the quality of treatment that is offered to their clients.

EAU has tried to enforce changes in for the last years to ensure the health and safety of the institutions in which they operate. State, local and federal laws have been created and improved constantly. All these have been designed at protecting the wellbeing of program beneficiaries and particularly the kids.

Akira Kurosawa

Introduction

Akira Kurosawa, a man who would have turned one hundred years old in September 1998, will always be considered as one of the influential moviemakers in cinema history. In his entire filmmaking career that spanned fifty seven years, he made and directed thirty one movies earning him the Lifetime Achievement Oscar Award for his efforts in 1989. Among his many other awards is a 1975 Best Foreign Film Oscar for the movie Dersu Uzala and a Moscow gold medal for the same movie. His muscular storytelling and moral curiosity were quite influential in the film making industry. Some of his memorable trademarks include the wipe effect in the fading transition between scenes which was later used in making the Star Wars trilogy. He was also famous for his use of weather, for instance rain or heavy wind, to amplify mood.

In his entire career, beginning with his first movie in 1943, Akira Kurosawa left many of his audiences in the West entertained and informed about the Japanese culture. He has been hailed as a timeless inspiration to many of the modern day Hollywood film directors. Phenomenal Hollywood directors like Martin Scorsese and George Lucas have named Akira Kurosawa as having greatly influenced them in their careers. This paper discusses the relevance of Akira Kurosawa’s life and filmmaking career as well as some of his works to the Japanese culture and civilization.

His Early Life

Akira Kurosawa was born in Oimachi near Tokyo on March 23 1910. His father was known as Isamu Kurosawa who belonged to the Samurai family of the Aikita Prefecture (Galbraith 14). His mother was from a merchant family in Osaka. Akira was the eighth child in the moderately well to do family. He grew up with three sisters and one brother after his elder siblings left home. His father was a director at the Physical Education Institute of the Army (Galbraith 15).

The senior Kurosawa was a man who understood the value of theatre and motion pictures as an educational medium and viewed Western traditions with an open mind. He raised his children with the same principles which significantly influenced young Akira in his love for education, drawing, and movies. At the age of six, Akira Kurosawa was studying calligraphy and swordsmanship in the kendo discipline (Galbraith 16).

Besides his father, Akira’s older brother Heigo was also a major influence in the young man’s early life. Akira was only thirteen when Heigo took him to view the aftermath of the 1923 Kanto earthquake which is an experience that opened Akira’s eyes to the realities of devastation and dark side of nature. This experience influenced his later artistic work and his career as a movie director (Kurosawa 52). Heigo later went on to become a famous narrator for silent films. At this time Akira had become a painter while living with his brother. He, however, was not able to eke a decent living from his paintings due to his philosophical ideals that were not very popular with art collectors. His loss of enthusiasm with art coupled with his brother’s suicide left devastated and he moved back to his parents. In his autobiography, he talks about this phase in his life in a chapter aptly titled “A Story I Don’t Want to Tell” (Kurosawa 84).

He made his entry into the film industry as an inexperienced 25 year old assistant director at Photo Chemical Laboratories studio on February 1936. Photo Chemical Laboratories was later to change its name to Toho. In his five years as an assistant director at Toho, Kurosawa built his knowledge and experience under famous directors like Kajiro Yamamoto whom he worked under in 17 of his 24 movies as assistant director. Most of these movies were comedies in which the leading character was the famous actor Kenichi Enomoto (Galbraith 30). His major tasks included stage construction, film development and other activities like location scouting, lighting and editing among many others. His last film as an assistant director was Horse in 1941 (Cowie 68). Afterwards, Kurosawa took over the production of subsequent movies as a director.

One of the lessons Akira Kurosawa claimed to have learnt from Yamamoto was the importance and value of mastering screenwriting (Kurosawa 103). Writing scripts was more lucrative and paid higher than an assistant director’s salary. This prompted Kurosawa to either write or co-write all the movies he later produced. He even wrote screenplays for many other directors earning him a lucrative income on the side even after he had become famous in the 1960s (Martinez 47).

After releasing Horse in 1941, Akira Kurosawa spent the next two years seeking for a story to launch his career as a director with. This was a time of turmoil as Japan entered the Second World War against the United States. It was also a time when author Tsuneo Tomita published his book Sanshiro Sugata. The book had such a great impact on Kurosawa that he was able to convince Toho to secure its film rights.

In 1942, Kurosawa launched his career as a director with the movie version of Sanshiro Sugata (Kurosawa 123). His contribution to the movie industry and the effect it had on the promotion of Japanese culture and civilization can be best understood through a detailed analysis of the films he directed. His three significant films are Sanshiro Sugata, Seven Samurai, and Ran.

Sanshiro Sugata

Sanshiro Sugata, translated as ‘Judo Saga,’ was Akira Kurosawa’s directorial debut movie that Toho Studios released on March 25, 1943. It was eventually shown for the first time in the United States in April 1974. The movie was adapted from a book of the same title by Tsuneo Tomita. It depicts the life of Sugata, a young man whose search for mastery of jujitsu lands him in a self-defence discipline called Judo under the tutelage of a master judoka Shiro Saigo. The movie details the emergence of judo in the 19th century Japan. Sugata’s quest to learn is prompted by an incidence where he witnesses a man being bullied by a gang that is adept in the jujitsu fighting style. He eventually learns that before he can master any fighting style, he has to learn to wage a battle against his inner self (IMDB).

The theme of the movie revolves around the education, initiation, and self discovery of Sugata which he does in the process of learning judo. The theme is well depicted in a scene where Sugata leaps into cold water to prove to his master Yano his dedication after being involved in a street fight.

The movie also depicts two overtly religious concepts. The first one is the location of the judo facilities inside a Buddhist temple and the second one being Sayo, the love of Sugata’s heart, offering prayers at a Shinto shrine. It shows the Buddhist monk who lives in the temple as Sugata’s voice of wisdom who translates the leading character’s experiences into words. It is the monk who directs Sugata in his journey towards self-discovery. The monk’s words provide a connection between Sugata and Sayo and consequently between the two religions namely Buddhism and Shintoism (Chris).

The movie Sanshiro Sugata shows Kurosawa’s mastery of the process of making movies and depicts some of his trademark techniques like the use of wipes, camera speeds, and weather in reflecting character moods. The movie was such a great success that it has been remade five times. Its sequel Sanshiro Sugata Part II released in 1945 was also directed by Kurosawa.

In making the movie, Kurosawa was able to depict the importance of martial arts, which is a trademark of Japanese culture, as a discipline that went beyond mere fighting to mastery of the self and conquest of self-doubts and limitations. In the movie, Kurosawa was also able to show the interconnectedness between the two dominant religions in Japan namely Buddhism and Shintoism. The movie became a major box office release in the United States years later opening the world to the rich culture and religion of Japanese people.

Ran

The phenomenal movie Ran was produced and released by Akira Kurosawa in 1985. It is a Japanese period drama which portrays the fall of a ‘Sengoku-era’ warlord called Hidetora Ichimonji in a similar fashion to Shakespeare’s King Lear. The movie was Kurosawa’s last major epic production in which he portrayed the richness of Japanese culture albeit at turbulent times of the Empire’s history. It was a heavy budget movie which ran into an estimated $12 million. At the time of its release it was the most expensive Japanese movie ever made (Hagopian). It won praise the world over especially due to its powerful use of Japanese cultural images and color. Emi Wada, the movie’s costume designer, was awarded the “Academy Award for Costume Design” (Hagopian). Stephen Prince referred to Ran as “a relentless chronicle of base lust for power, betrayal of the father by his sons, and pervasive wars and murders that destroy all the main characters” (284).

The first part of its story line involving the warlord dividing his castles among his sons takes a slow pace characterized with soft spoken dialogues but as the action builds up, the movie takes a fast paced speed culminating in a fierce battle scene. It is a compelling movie that explores Japanese culture from a political view down to the material culture and wartime philosophy. The film undisputedly puts Akira Kurosawa on the forefront of movie directors who successfully elevated Japanese cinema to a global level.

The movie tells a story of greed, obsession with power, and finally revenge. It begins with the great warlord Hidetora retiring from the throne and dividing the empire between his three sons namely Taro, Jiro, and the youngest son Saburo. Hidetora’s wish at this advanced stage of his life is to live in peace in each of his son’s castles. Before the empire is divided, the younger son learns of his two elder brothers’ ulterior motives and goes ahead to pint this fact to his father. However, Hidetora perceives his youngest son’s warning as a divisive attempt and banishes him. In confirmation with the banished son’s claims, the oldest son conspires with the second one and together they take over the empire, stripping their father off everything including his title in the process.

Kurosawa’s inspiration for Ran came from a parable on Mori Montonari, a warlord during the Sengoku-era, and Shakespearean famous tragedy King Lear (Peary). The movie was also significant to the Japanese civilization as it highlighted lush and expansive Japanese sceneries in its locations which included Mount Aso plains and great castles in Kumamoto and Azusa as well as Himeji.

Seven Samurai

Set in the Warring States era in the 1580s Japan, the movie Seven Samurai is a story about a farming village that hires seven ‘ronin’ or samurais to protect it from bandits who steal and plunder their crops after every harvest. It is one of the most influential movies on Japanese samurai cultures ever made. Directed by Kurosawa, Seven Samurai became famous in the West for a long time and was even voted in Sight and Sounds ten greatest films in 1982 and 2002.

Released in 1954, the movie became an influence in the samurai class of movies that followed throughout the last century. Its success led to the remake known as the Magnificent Seven in Hollywood. Kurosawa’s main intention of making the movie was to have a movie that depicted the Japanese culture and at the same time show the existence of moral humanity in a place ruled by rigid traditions. For example, the hired samurai and the villagers belonged to two different castes that were never expected to mix by the existing traditions. The bandits on the other hand represented an even greater threat so much that the villagers were forced to seek the services of the samurai despite their traditional resentment of this fighting class of citizens.

Kurosawa used the movie to show the existence of moral standards in ancient Japan despite the warring and brutal depictions of this period favored by most historians. Some of the aspects of the movie like the love affair between one samurai, Katsushiro, and a farmer’s girl were meant to appeal to the modern audience as it would have appeared unrealistic in the 1600s (Ebert).

Conclusion

Like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg, Akira Kurosawa never attended any specific school of movie directors. He learned his ropes in the five years he spent as an assistant director at Toho under the tutelage of Kajiro Yamamoto, the famous Japanese director. However, his contribution in the movie world spearheaded the introduction of Japanese movies in the entire Western world.

His works were largely significant to the Japanese film industry because they portrayed the culture of Japan in the ancient period giving a visually informative view of the conditions as they existed as early as in the 1600s in the movie Seven Samurai and the political manipulations and battles after Hidetora’s reign in the movie Ran. In what historians and students of literature would refer to as preservation of oral and visual traditions, Akira Kurosawa used the art of film making to permanently preserve important aspects of Japanese culture through his movies.

Works Cited

Berardinelli, James. Review of Seven Samurai. 2003. Web. 17 April, 2011.<http://www.reelviews.net/movies/s/7samurai.html>.

Chris. Sanshiro Sugata: Instances of Buddhism and Shintoism. September 13th, 2010. Web. 17April, 2011. <http://akirakurosawa.info/forums/topic/sanshiro-sugata-instances-of-buddhism-and-shintoism>.

Cowie, Peter. Akira Kurosawa: Master of Cinema. New York, NY: Rizzoli Publications, 2010.Print.

Ebert, Rogert. The Seven Samurai. 19 August, 2001. Web. 17 April, 2011.<http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20010819/REVIEWS08/401010356/1023>.

Galbraith, Stuart, IV. The Emperor and the Wolf: The Lives and Films of Akira Kurosawa andToshiro Mifune. New York, NY: Faber and Faber, Inc., 2002. Print.

Hagopian, Kevin. New York State Writers Institute Film Notes – Ran. 12 March, 2007. Web. 17April, 2011.<http://web.archive.org/web/20070312000702/http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/fns98n7.html>.

Internet Movie Database. Sanshiro Sugata. 28 April, 1974. Web. 17 April, 2011.<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036400/>.

Kurosawa, Akira. Something like an Autobiography. New York, NY: Vintage Books, 1983.Print.

Martinez, Delores P. Remaking Kurosawa: Translations and Permutations in GlobalCinema.Basingstoke, England: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. Print.

Peary, Gerald. Akira Kurosawa. Boston Herald. July, 1986. Web. 17 April, 2011.<http://www.geraldpeary.com/interviews/jkl/kurosawa.html>.

Prince, Stephen. The Warrior’s Camera. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1999. Print.

Al Ali Stage Cultural Analysis

2.Cultural Analysis

I-Introduction:

In order to enter a global market, we need to have an idea about the country’s cultural background, which helps him or her to build up a good business. As was explained in Stage 1, Italy is one of the five largest industrialized economies in the world. It is the gateway to the world’s largest single market, the European Union. It enjoys excellent economic contacts with the new democracies in Central and Eastern Europe. The products to be marketed are trade “Camel leather” bags and accessories. The company started in 2010 and has currently gained business success to almost 800 million dollars in assets. The company started with only 5 employees but it is currently employing more than 500 employee. The turnover of the company started at 500 but currently is at 3000.

III-Geographical setting:

Italy has very old history as a location and with the other countries, as Italy has experienced a tumultuous period that saw a mass exodus of her people and the disastrous consequences of two World Wars.

Yet over the past 60 years the country has reclaimed its position as a major social and cultural player in world affairs. Italian goods and services have excellent international reputations, and Italy remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe so far.

Location:

Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia.

Climate:

Predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south.

Topography:

Italy is located in Southern Europe and comprises the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and a number of islands including the two largest, Sicily and Sardinia. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula’s backbone, the Alps form its northern boundary.

IV-Social Institutions:

Before Italian families seemed to be as extended families which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and parents. But the average Italian family today is made up of one or two children.

Family:

Typically, due to different cultural concepts of lifestyle and values, families in the South will have more children than those of the North of the country, often more than two. The family is the center of the social structure and provides a stabilizing influence for its members; the family provides both emotional and financial support to its members. Nowadays nuclear family style is more embraced, as it contains of parents and two children only, as there are only few left that live with extended family style which contains grandparents, parents, children, cousins, aunties, uncles.

4.Role of male & female:

As the culture is being changed in Italy time by time, so, the responsibilities are being more, this responsibilities before was taking cared by the male only, but after the development and education, women also playing a huge role. The role of being a traditional housewife to Italian women is no longer appealing. Young housewives see this job as more of a necessity than a choice. Working positions of women vary depending on their location in Italy. The majority of mothers who have a child from ages 0 to 2 are working mothers (47.4 percent) while 42.8 percent are housewives.

Education:

Free education is available to children of all nationalities who are residents of Italy. They start with nursery then primary school, middle school, high school, then professional institutions that include higher education. At present the Italian school system is divided into three parts:

Primary school (scuole elementare)

Lower secondary (scuola media)

Upper secondary school (scuola superiore)

Political System:

Independence Day of Italy is 17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally unified until 1870).

Political structure: In June 1946, the Italian people voted to abolish the Monarchy and the country became a Democratic Republic. The Italian Parliament is made up of 946 elected members. There are two houses, both with equal rights and powers.

Political Parties: Also Italian voting system is based on a ‘Party List’ system, where each party’s candidates are ranked in order of priority.

Stability of Government:

Italian governments have been known to be unstable, and it has had a lot more general elections than other countries.

Taxes:

Taxation in Italy is levied at national, regional and municipal level. The Italian tax system is managed by the (Italian Inland Revenue). The Tax Year runs from 1st January to 31st December. All workers are subject to taxation of their income or other benefits, except for daily allowances paid for business trips and lunch tickets. The amount of tax to be paid depends on the type and duration of the contract. I have to keep in my mind about this point before opening a business over there, as a residence also I have to pay taxes, and it differs from business to business.

Role of Regional and local government:

The Italian constitution provides for four types of territorial bodies: regions, provinces, metropolitan cities and towns.

The republic is divided into regions, provinces, and communes. There are 15 ordinary regions and an additional 5 to which special autonomy has been granted. The organs of regional government are the regional council, a popularly elected deliberative body with power to pass laws and issue administrative regulations; the regional committee, an executive body elected by the council from among its own members; and the president of the regional committee. Type of government: republic, capital: Roma (Rome).

D- Legal System:

The Italian legal system is governed by the Constitution of the Italian Republic, promulgated in 1948. This is a fixed constitution, meaning that it cannot be amended by ordinary laws.; It can be amended or added to solely by means of a special procedure, which is highly complex and is laid down in the Constitution itself. And it’s based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials; judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

The legislative power of Parliament: The Constitution confers upon Parliament, which is made up of the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives the task of creating laws, which are the primary sources of the State’s legal order.

The company is a member of the intellectual property rights of Italy in order to protect its patent from competitive growing market.

In order to meet the current corporate responsibility, the company has registered several social organizations ranging from sports organizations to scholarship body that help the society.

V-Religion & Aesthetics:

A-Religion:

Includes: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim. Before Christianity gained a firm grip on the people of Italy, ancient Romans worshipped a series of gods and goddesses. In the Italy of today, the Roman Church still wields a powerful sword, and the people of the Church look to the Pope for guidance. Italy is a Christian country, some 88 per cent of the population belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.

B- Aesthetics:

Visual Arts

The country is a home for visual arts ranging from domestic and foreign visual arts. In order to promote this, the country organizes visual arts fairs to display their artistic works.

Music:

Italy is the home of opera music. Opera music was created in Italy in the 17th Century by Italian music composer Claudio Monteverdi. He wrote his first opera, named L’Orfeo, in 1607 which was composed to commemorate the annual festival of Mantua.

Italy has produced a few very significant names in the world of classical music over the past few hundred years. The most prevalent form of popular music in Italy during the past few decades has been rock music as well.

Drama:

Italian rulers began in 1485 to finance productions of Roman plays and imitations of them. This prompted interest in rewriting Roman plays into Italian as well as the writing of new plays. One of first important vernacular tragedy was Sofonisha by Giangiorgio Trissino.

National Holidays & Events:

There are a few major religious and historical celebrations, which are National Public Holidays and are celebrated all over Italy. On these days the shops, businesses, museums and other attractions tend to be closed. Festivals form a large part of life in Italy and these celebrations are not just confined to religion, historical events, art and culture.

Famous Sports:

Football, Men’s tennis & Stadio Olympico.

Painting:

Leonardo da vinci is the most famous in Italy, Having shown an early talent for painting, he was apprenticed at the age of fourteen to the artist, Verrocchio, patron of one of the finest workshops in Florence.

Theater:

The Commedia dell’ Arte, or The Italian Comedy, as it is sometimes called, flourished all over Italy, and later in France, as a popular form of theatre in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The characters of the commedia fall into three classes: servants (zanni), older men, (vecchi) and young lovers.

Cinema:

Italian Cinema was not that much famous, as Italian Cinema has had its ups and downs, ranging from trashy, low budget films, local comedy. The foundations for this important industry were laid before the Second World War, when the Fascist Government set up a Board of Judgment for popular culture, and with Mussolini’s approval, they created some important structures for Italian Cinema.

VI-Living Conditions

With high per capita and income rate the people of Italy enjoy outstanding living standards. This is also contributed with growing GDP.

VII-Language:

The Italian language is a member of the Romance group of the Italic subfamily of the Indo-European family of languages. During the long period of the evolution of Italian, many dialects sprang up. 93% of population is native Italian speakers. Around 50% of population speaks a regional dialect as mother tongue. Italian (official) 94%; Sardinian, Ladino, Friaul, German, French, Slovene

References:

HYPERLINK “http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcitaly.htm” http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcitaly.htm

HYPERLINK “http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297474/Italy/258797/Regional-and-local-government” http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297474/Italy/258797/Regional-and-local-government

HYPERLINK “http://www.infoplease.com/country/italy.html” http://www.infoplease.com/country/italy.html

3.Economic Analysis

I-Introduction:

Italy’s economy in the 21st Century has been mixed, experiencing both relative economic growth and stagnation, recession and stability. Italy has a great industrial economy, which is divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south, with high unemployment. The Italian government has struggled to limit government spending, but Italy’s exceedingly high public debt remains above 115% of GDP.

II-Population:

Italy ended 2012 with a population of 59,685,227 people, which represents an increase of 291,020 people compared to 2011. The female population is greater, with 30,795,630 women, representing 51.59% of the total, compared to 28,889,597 or 48.40% men.

The current population of the Italian Republic is estimated to be about 61,470,336. The Italian population makes up only 0.85% of the total world population and ranks 23rd in the population rankings, behind the United Kingdom, but ahead of Myanmar. It is also the sixth-most populous country in Europe.

Age structure: 0-14 years: 13.8% (male 4,335,746/female 4,148,249) 15-24 years: 9.9% (male 3,059,140/female 3,035,991) 25-54 years: 43.2% (male 13,133,733/female 13,416,626) 55-64 years: 12.3% (male 3,675,324/female 3,913,918) 65 years and over: 20.8% (male 5,454,283/female 7,309,287) (2013 est.)

A.Total?

1. Growth Rates

The GDP of Italy has reduced by 0.2% in the first quarter of this year. The average Gross Domestic product of Italy is about 7% from 2012 to 2013 reaching 13% in 2014. A clear indication that the GDP will be 20 by 2015.

2. Number of Live Births

According to the last record as released by the Italian government statistically agency ISTAT in 20th, June, 2014 indicated that more 10,000 live births were evident in the first three months as compared to last year (2013)

3. Birthrates

The Italian birth rate is 8.9 births/1000 populations according to the 2013 population analysis. This indicated that the market has limited birth rate reducing the potentials of future target market.

4.Migration rates and patterns

4.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.), the net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population change. High levels of migration can cause problems such as increasing unemployment and potential ethnic strife.

5.Ethnic Groups:

Ethnic groups: Italian 94%; German, French, Greek, Albanian, Slovene, Ladino.

III.Economic Statistics and Activities:

Land use: arable land: 41% //; – grass land: 16% //; – wooded area: 23% //; – arid land and desert: %

Agriculture: labor force: 9% //; – part of agriculture in GDP: 3%- Agricultural products: wheat, barley, vegetables, grapes, fruit, olives, fish Energy use (kg per capita): 2932

GNP (This is the Gross National Product of Italy as per 2013)

Total: The total GNP for Italy is 1756. 8 billion Euros in 2013. This indicates a potentials target market opportunity.

Rate of Growth. According to Italy’s statistics for 2013, the GNP for the country is 23%.

Personal Income per capita

The per capita income for Italy as per 2013 statistics is 250 euros, however the rate varies from place to place in the country. For example, those dwelling in the cities enjoy more per capita as compared to those in the rural areas.

C.Average family income:

The average income per person in Italy is $23,917 per year. They also spend almost a quarter of their disposable income.

D.Distribution of wealth:

As a result of Italy’s generous welfare state, the great majority of poor families do not live in extremes of squalor or deprivation. Essential needs provided by the state include basic health care and education, clean water supplies, and housing.

Income Classes

There are only two classes of income among the entire Italy’s population. The class is divided into high income earners and low income earners. These classes are noted to affect the rate of purchase.

Proportion of Population in Each Class

According to the national statistics, the low-income earners take 56% of the total population and 44 for the high-income earners

Is the distribution distorted

The best things with the country is that both the classes are evenly distributed in the all the localities.

Minerals and Resources

Italy was a reach country in the past in terms of minerals but the minerals capacity was exhausted after although resource such as fishing is abundant in the country.

Personal Income per capita

Modes

There are only two modes of earning income in the country. The first is from wages and salary from the government and the other is from private means such as businesses.

Availability

The availability of income in the country is uneven hence depends on other income modes for stable income expect for those getting from the government.

Usage Rates

The saving rate in the country (Italy) is only 25% hence meaning that the rate of use of the income in 75% mostly on medical bills and food.

Communications:

There are many types of media such as television, radio, newspapers, phone, fax and Internet. Italy is the fifth largest market in the world for communication services and television. Italy also has a good communication network to provide information to all Italian regions.

Types

There are two main types of communication in Italy that is oral and written means of communication. Written means found in letters, emails etc. and oral using cell phones and human oral communication.

Availability

The availability of means of communication in Italy is evenly distributed hence communication is easy to access.

Usage Rates

The rate of usage of the two means of communication is Italy is 99% meaning all people communicate effectively.

H. Working conditions:

The normal working day is set at 40 hours per week, not necessarily calculated on the basis of a working week but for each seven-day period. Collective contracts may agree a normal working period of less than 40 hours.

Employer-Employee Relations

Italy has a very good employee-to-employee relationship because of excellent employees’ unions in the country.

Employee Participation

The rate of employee participation in the country is 98% meaning that employees have Job satisfaction.

Salaries and Benefits

Employees are heavily remunerated in Italy leading to increased employee retention and motivation.

I. Principal Industries

Proportion

The main industries in the country and privately owned however the government also has some industries in manages

Ratio

The rate of private to government principles industries is 8: 2

J.Foreign Investment:

Compared to its European neighbors, Italy attracts little foreign direct investment (FDI) but nevertheless ranks 14th among global investors. As FDI flows are highly volatile and fall and rise in reaction to the opportunities created by the crises of the Italian economy. After recovering in 2011, they have now again fallen sharply. A recovery of the FDIs is expected in this year if the country becomes more politically and economically stable.

Opportunities

Several business opportunities in the Italian market that has a population demand Camel leather bags.

Which Industries

There are several leather bag industries in Italy that bring competition to camel leather bags hence the target market is expected to have a stiff competition.

K.International Trade Statistics

Major Exports

Dollar Value

Italy offers export market for its products in more than 100 countries, however its main products is its domestic market more than 1700.6 billion dollars are sold as exports.

Trends

Most of the exports are taken to European countries accounting for 54% all the exports and 30% to Asia and the rest to Africa. Rarely does their product go to United States.

Major Imports

a.Dollar Value

Italy offers import market for its products in more than 10 countries, however its main products is its domestic market more than 1250 billion dollars are bought as imports.

Trends

Most of the imports are taken to European countries accounting for 34% all the exports and 50% to Asia and the rest to Africa. Rarely does their product move from the United States.

Balance-of-payments Situation

Surplus or deficit

The UK current record deficiency wa s£10.7 billion in Quarter 4 2014, up from an updated setback of £3.2 billion in Quarter 3 2013. The deficiency in Quarter 3 2013 likened to 5.1% of GDP at current business sector costs, up from 2.5% in Quarter 2 2013

Trends

The UK has had a relentless deficiency since the mid-1980s. Nations with expansive current record surplus have not so much improved, e.g. Japan had a long time of stagnation

Exchange Rates

Single or Multiple

The country uses multiple rates to do its national business and other foreign business, including dollars, euros, and pounds

Current Rate

The current rate is 1 usd= 0,73 Euro and 1 GBP = 1.25657 EUR

Trends

The current exchange rate trend in Italy is diverse since the country is at its peak of financial growth.

L-Trade Restrictions:

Embargoes

Embargoes are viewed as solid conciliatory measures forced in an exertion, by the forcing nation, to inspire a given national-investment result from the nation on which it is forced. Embargoes are like monetary endorses and are for the most part considered lawful boundaries to exchange, not to be befuddled with barricade which does not exist in Italy

Quotas

Italy has no current trade bans hence the country is open for the camel leather bagd business.

Import Taxes: Import duty and taxes are due when importing goods into Italy from outside of the EU whether by a private individual or a commercial entity. Excise duty is payable on for example tobacco and alcohol. Additional customs fees can be charged to cover the expense of performing any required examinations, verification and or testing of the imported goods.

Tariffs: Tariff rate, applied, simple mean, manufactured products (%) in Italy was 1.42 as of 2011. Its highest value over the past 23 years was 5.86 in 1990, while its lowest value was 1.42 in 2011.

Licensing

The country has several licensing platform in both imports and exports and it considers low licensing fee for potentials investors

Customs Duties

The Italy has several Customs fee platform in both imports and exports and it considers low licensing fee for potentials investors

M.Extent of Economic Activity not included

Major Exports

Dollar Value

Italy offers economic growth for its products in more than 100 countries, however its main products is its domestic market more than 1330 billion dollars of economic activity.

Trends

Most of the economic activity is taken with other European countries accounting for 54%

Major Imports

Dollar Value

The main product is its domestic market more than 1050 billion dollars are bought as imports.

Trends

20 percent to Asia and the rest to Africa. Rarely does their imports come from US.

Balance-of-payments Situation

Surplus or deficit

The deficiency in Quarter 1 2014 likened to 2.1% of GDP at current business sector costs, up from 3.5% in Quarter 1 2014

Trends

The UK has had a relentless deficiency since the mid-1980s. Nations with expansive current record surplus have not so much improved, e.g. Japan had a long time of stagnation

Exchange Rates

Single or Multiple

The country uses multiple rates to do its national business and other foreign business, including dollars, euros, and pounds

Current Rate

The current rate is 1 usd= 0,73 Euro and 1 GBP = 1.25657 EUR

Trends

The current exchange rate trend in Italy is diverse since the country is at its peak of financial growth

Government: There is hardly any assistance in Italy for promoting foreign investment. This trend is reinforced by the European Union which wants Italy to harmonize its tax incentives with the Community regulations.

-Media:

Radio television Italiana (RAI) is the Italian state owned public service broadcaster. RAI is the biggest television company in Italy. It is funded by a mixture of license fee and advertising.

-Shopping:

Shopping in Italy is an amazing experience. The high level of fashion, the beautiful colors, and the high end designers that are offered throughout the country make shopping in Italy one of the finest experiences. Famous shops such as (Andrea Morando, Babylon Bus, Bernardelli, Russo Capri, Spinnaker 101).

-References:

HYPERLINK “http://www.populstat.info/Europe/italyg.htm” http://www.populstat.info/Europe/italyg.htm

HYPERLINK “http://internationalliving.com/countries/italy/the-economy-in-italy/” http://internationalliving.com/countries/italy/the-economy-in-italy/

HYPERLINK “http://goitaly.about.com/od/shoppinginitaly/” http://goitaly.about.com/od/shoppinginitaly/

HYPERLINK “http://www.ajob.cz/en/about-countries-at5/italy-living-and-working-conditions-a563” http://www.ajob.cz/en/about-countries-at5/italy-living-and-working-conditions-a563