Tuesday, January 28, 2020

1984 George Orwell Dramatic performance analysis Essay Example for Free

1984 George Orwell Dramatic performance analysis Essay â€Å"No one is free, even the birds are chained in the sky.† – Bob Dylan A spotlight moves through the audience, searching, staring deep into the minds of the victims as they sit unknowing of their fate. Democracy has fallen and there is no hope. The lights fade and there is silence. The stage is empty. Big Brother is watching. George Orwell’s novel 1984 springs to life with this stage adaptation presented by the highly entertaining theatre company Shake and Stir. In the totalitarian society of 1984, lies, myths and false information dictate the population and this is portrayed beautifully in the theatrical presentation of the novel. 1984 tells the story of Winston, a man with no hope, the party controls his life, his not his mind. He believes that the party is spreading false truths to retain power over the people, and to rebel, he commits ‘thought crime’ by thinking and writing about taking down the party and destroying the power that they possess. Little does he know, the party is onto him. Orwell uses this as a comparison to the real world. It is his view that the If communist governments take over the world there will be no escape from their supreme rule. He instead believes in democratic socialism where there are still free elections. Socialism stops privatization by establishing collective ownership of major factors of production. And if there is no privatization the theory is there will be no corruption. Well executed dramatic elements of role, mood and symbol, as well as the set and costumes of 1984 are what make it an outstanding piece of theatre and one that is effectively designed, not only through live presentation but with the aid of audio and visual pre-recordings. Like Shake and Stir’s previous Orwell reboot, Animal Farm, 1984 is presented through elements of realism as well as minimalism through the miming of objects and the use of imaginary sets. The roles in the performance are uniquely developed and different for each performer. Winston is not just the lead character, but also a twisted representation of humanity, the real life population, and what we would do in that situation. His convincing portrayal surpassed any expectation. The  audience watches Winston throughout the play develop as a person as his hate for The Party develops. In the beginning of the play Winston is going through his everyday routine, which involves falsely proclaiming love for the party, which helps him survive. As the play continues Winston loses all hope and his he begins to not care about getting caught. This character development is captivating for the audience who identify Winston as the person they should emotionally connect with. The minor roles of Tom Parsons and Syme create an interesting feel to the play. Once they are killed off or ‘evaporated’, they appear in a number of different roles such as guards in the Ministry of Love or policemen arresting Winston and Julia. This double use of cast members creates a simplistic feel that stops the play from becoming overcrowded and complicated. Julia’s role in the performance plays a significant part, as she is the only female present throughout the play. Her personality screams hope for a better life in contrast to the other actors’ characteristics of doom, dismay or love for The Party. Julia’s development through the play is subtle but well executed. She begins as just another resident in Oceania but transforms into the only symbol of confidence and hope presented in the show. This helps to further develop Winston’s character by Julia’s influence rubbing off on him. O’Brien’s character is the final observable role in 1984. OBrien is an inner party member and the only one the audience physically witnesses. For all we know, he could run the whole operation, as he seems to be very powerful when Winston is in the Ministry of Love by even showing mind reading powers. OBrien is different to the other characters not only in his physical stature and age (being distinguishably older) but also in his appearance. He wears a suit but in the same uniformed ‘overall’ fashion as the rest of the cast. This part of the role represents his power (the suit) while still being controlled by ‘Big Brother’ (the work overalls). The significance of the hierarchy is fundamental to Orwell’s idea that Winston has no power and even inner party members are not fully in control. The mood in 1984 explodes in the audiences face from the first second. Despair, heartbreak, torture and tyranny were feelings that the audience was expected to feel during the performance. The dark set aided the mood in its  endeavor to achieve these feelings. The tension was evident as soon as Julia and Winston started their romance with hovered movements and purposefully dropped lines playing a pivotal role. Not only was there sexual tension between the couple but tension created by the held suspense for the pair to inevitably get caught. The audience was mesmerized by the fact that the pair could have their secret love affair and not be found out. Every time they practiced â€Å"thought crime,† the audience would think; this is it, they are going to be captured. But only when audience members feel as if maybe they will get away with it do they violently get captured. This suspense is what gives the play its spine tingling mood. Not only was the mood set to entice and intrigue audience members, 1984 also made people think with its deep and meaningful symbolism. The sash that Julia wore was meant to be for the ‘Anti Sex League’, but it had so much more meaning than this. It was a distinguishing factor between her and the men that surrounded her. It was also a reason for Winston to look at her and therefore fall in love with her. But the major symbolism behind the sash was her defiance against Big Brother. When she wore it she seemed different and interesting, she stood out from the bland background from which she dwelled and that was why it was significant. From the very start of the show, symbolism was flowing through each individual’s mind subconsciously. The spot light at the start of the show, symbolized Big Brother’s watch over the people and in this case, the audience. It may not have seemed significant, but it was making an impression in the audience’s heads before the y even knew what the play was about. Props were also used symbolically. The notebook that Winston wrote in was a symbolic way to spew his thoughts onto paper and for the audience to audibly hear what Winston was thinking. This was imperative for the narrative to add extra meaning and depth. The last section of symbolism in 1984 was the room that Winston rented out. It was an oasis, an escape from the torture that was life. The room was lit brighter than the rest of the set and felt warm and comforting; it was a last look at a previous life, one without Big Brother. The authenticity of the room gave it contrast from the rest of the set made it stand out that little bit more, but it was inevitably the  downfall of Winston and Julia’s relationship. This irony was well mastered and presented by the cast. Not all creative prowess was based on the characters in 1984. The set was outstanding in creating an environment that really did feel post apocalyptic. Not only did it have the rotating part to open up into a different room but also it proved multi-purposeful. It served as a jail, a lonely street, the comforting home and a torture cell as well as the woods, all without changing the background. This was possible because of the creative genius that was the television screens. They completely revolutionized the feel of the play and created a strong atmospheric impression upon the audience. Not only did they serve as a look into Winston’s mind but they also painted a beautiful picture of his dreams. As well as being a depiction of Winston, they portrayed security cameras and television screens to enhance the story even further. This technological addition to the performance made the already insightful story even more profound. Shake and Stir have done an inestimable justice to Orwell’s 1984. With the role of characters structurally thought-out down to the finest points, the mood was set and designed to divide the minds of audiences and make them question reality at the present. They created symbolism that was insightful and thought provoking while still being detectable. Stunningly raw sets merged with large screens that created a post apocalyptic world in front of the eyes of viewers. Audience members leave the theatre wondering†¦ â€Å"Is Big Brother watching?†

Monday, January 20, 2020

Tourism is of major economic and social significance Essay -- Personâ€e

Tourism is of major economic and social significance. More than 720 million tourists spend $480 billion annually in places outside their own country (WTO, 2004). This is one of the largest items in the world’s foreign trade. The significance of tourism has been recognized in both developing and developed countries. This can be seen in the establishment of sophisticated and well resourced government departments of tourism , widespread encouragement and sponsorship of tourism developments, and the proliferation of small business and multinational corporations contributing to and deriving benefits from the tourism industry. In 2005, the tourism sector accounted for 3 % to 10% of the GDP of developing countries. The contribution of tourism to economic growth and development is reflected in the form of exports since it represents 40 percent of all xports of services, making it one of the largest categories of international trade (UNWTO, 2006). There is widespread optimism that tou rism might be a powerful and beneficial agent of both economic and social change, some even advocating that it might be a force for world peace. Indeed, tourism has stimulated employment, investment and entrepreneurial activity, modified land use and economic structure, and made a positive contribution to the balance of payments in many countries throughout the world. At the same time, the growth of tourism has prompted perceptive observes to raise many questions concerning the social and environmental desirability of encouraging further expansion. Do the expenditures of tourists benefit the residents of destination areas? Is tourism encouraging prostitution, crime and gambling? Does tourism rejuvenate or erode the traditional arts and crafts of host culture... ...o contain a mixture of both positive and negative strands and affect both hosts and guests (Opperman, Chon 1997; Cooper et al. 1998). As a result, in spite of the fact that some researchers regard socio-cultural change as one of the evils of tourism development, any form of economic development will, by definition, carry with it implications for social structure and cultural aspects of the host population (Cooper et al. 1998) Though originally most of the research tended to look at rural areas in the English speaking world (e.g., Long et al., 1990; Murphy, 1985) and then subsequently with reference to the impact of tourism on the communities and indigenous people (e.g., Ryan & Aicken, 2005), more recent research has looked at tourism impacts in the non-English-speaking world among the cultural representatives of those countries (e.g., Eraqi, 2007).

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Pest Analysis of Automobile Industry Essay

I would like to confer my heartiest thanks to my coordinator of Business Environment and class teacher Miss Impreet Kaur for giving me the opportunity to expel and work in the field of Environmental Analysis, especially its practical applications. While preparing my project I got to have an in depth knowledge of practical applications of the theoretical concepts and definitely the things which I have learned will undoubtedly help me in future, to analyze many processes going on in our economy. I would also like to thank all those people who directly or indirectly helped us in accomplishing this project. Literature Review Competitiveness of manufacturing sector is a very broad multi-dimensional concept that embraces numerous aspects such as price, quality, productivity, efficiency and macro-economic environment. The OECD definition of competitiveness, which is most widely quoted, also considers employment and sustainability, while being exposed to international competition, as features pertaining to competitiveness. There are numerous studies on auto industry in India, published by industry associations, consultancy organizations, research bodies and peer-reviewed journals. In this section, various studies on the Indian auto industry are reviewed, under different heads pertaining to competitiveness, namely, global comparisons, policy environment and evolution of the Indian auto industry, productivity, aspects related to supply-chain and industrial structure and technology and other aspects. PESTLE Analysis PESTLE Analysis is a simple, useful and widely-used tool that helps you understand the â€Å"big picture† of your Political, Economic, Socio-Cultural and Technological, Legal and Environmental aspects. As such, it is used by business leaders worldwide to build their vision of the future. PESTLE analysis is concerned with the environmental influences on a business. Identifying PESTLE influences is a useful way of summarizing the external environment in which a business operates. However, it must be followed up by consideration of how a business should respond to these influences. It is important for these reasons: * First, by making effective use of PESTLE Analysis, you ensure that what you are doing is aligned positively with the powerful forces of change that are affecting our world. By taking advantage of change, you are much more likely to be successful than if your activities oppose it; * Second, good use of PESTLE Analysis helps you avoid taking action that is doomed to failure from the outset, for reasons beyond your control; and * Third, PESTLE is useful when you start operating in a new country or region. Use of PESTLE helps you break free of unconscious assumptions, and helps you quickly adapt to the realities of the new environment. The table below lists some possible factors that could indicate important environmental influences for a business under the PESTLE headings: Political / Legal| Economic| Social| Technological| – Environmental regulation and protection| – Economic growth | – Income distribution | – Government spending on research| – Taxation | – Monetary policy | – Demographics | – Government and industry focus on technological effort| – International trade regulation| – Government spending | – Labor / social mobility| – New discoveries and development| – Consumer protection| – Policy towards unemployment | – Lifestyle changes | – Speed of technology transfer | – Employment law| – Taxation | – Attitudes to work and leisure| – Rates of technological obsolescence | – Government organization / attitude | – Exchange rates | – Education| – Energy use and costs | – Competition regulation| – Inflation | – Fashions and fads| – Changes in material sciences | | – Stage of the business cycle | – Health & welfare | – Impact of changes in Information technology| | – Economic â€Å"mood† – consumer confidence| – Living conditions | – Internet! | PESTLE Analysis of Automobile Sector Political. * In 2002, the Indian government formulated an auto policy that aimed at promoting integrated, phased, enduring and self-sustained growth of the Indian automotive industry * Allows automatic approval for foreign equity investment up to 100% in the automotive sector and does not lay down any minimum investment criteria. * Formulation of an appropriate auto fuel policy to ensure availability of adequate amount of appropriate fuel to meet emission norms * Confirms the government’s intention on harmonizing the regulatory standards with the rest of the world * Indian government auto policy aimed at promoting an integrated, phased and conductive growth of the Indian automobile industry. * Allowing automatic approval for foreign equity investment up to 100% with no minimum investment criteria. * Establish an international hub for manufacturing small, affordable passenger cars as well as tractor and two wheelers. * Ensure a balanced transition to open trade at minimal risk to the Indian economy and local industry. * Assist development of vehicle propelled by alternate energy source. * Lying emphasis on R&D activities carried out by companies in India by giving a weighted tax deduction of up to 150% for in house research and R&D activities. * Plan to have a terminal life policy for CVs along with incentives for replacement for such vehicles. * Promoting multi-model transportation and the implementation of mass rapid transport system. Economic * The level of inflation Employment level per capita is right. * Economic pressures on the industry are causing automobile companies to reorganize the traditional sales process. * Weighted tax deduction of up to 150% for in-house research and R & D activities. * Govt. has granted concessions, such as reduced interest rates for export financing. * The Indian economy has grown at 8. 5% per annum. * The manufacturing sector has grown at 8-10 % per annum in the last few years. * More than 90% of the CV purchase is on credit. * Finance availability to CV buyers has grown in scope during the last few years. * The increased enforcement of overloading restrictions has also contributed to an increase in the no. of CVs plying on Indian roads. * Several Indian firms have partnered with global players. While some have formed joint ventures with equity participation, other also has entered into technology tie-ups. * Establishment of India as a manufacturing hub, for mini, compact cars, OEMs and for auto components. Social * Since changed lifestyle of people, leads to increased purchase of automobiles, so automobile sector have a large customer base to serve. * The average family size is 4, which makes it favorable to buy a four wheeler. * Growth in urbanization, 4th largest economy by ppp index. * Upward migration of household income levels. * 85% of cars are financed in India. * Car priced below USD 12000 accounts for nearly 80% of the market. * Vehicles priced between USD 7000-12000 form the largest segment in the passenger car market. * Indian customers are highly discerning, educated and well informed. They are price sensitive and put a lot of emphasis on value for money. * Preference for small and compact cars. They are socially acceptable even amongst the well off. * Preference for fuel efficient cars with low running costs. Technological * More and more emphasis is being laid on R & D activities carried out by companies in India. * Weighted tax deduction of up to 150% for in-house research and R & D activities. * The Government of India is promoting National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) to support the growth of the auto industry in India * Technological solutions helps in integrating the supply chain, hence reduce losses and increase profitability. * Customized solutions (designer cars, etc) can be provided with the proliferation of technology * Internet makes it easy to collect and analyse customer feedback * With the entry of global companies into the Indian market, advanced technologies, both in product and production process have developed. * With the development or evolution of alternate fuels, hybrid cars have made entry into the market. * Few global companies have setup R &D centers in India. * Major global players like audi, BMW, Hyundai etc have setup their manufacturing units in India. Environmental * Physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges affect the use of automobiles. If there is good availability of roads or the roads are smooth then it will affect the use of automobiles. * Physical conditions like environmental situation affect the use of automobiles. If the environment is pleasant then it will lead to more use of vehicles. * Technological solutions helps in integrating the supply chain, hence reduce losses and increase profitability. * With the entry of global companies into the Indian market, advanced technologies, both in product and production process have developed. * With the development or evolution of alternate fuels, hybrid cars have made entry into the market. * Few global companies have setup R &D centers in India. * Major global players like audi, BMW, Hyundai etc have setup their manufacturing units in India. Legal * Legal provision relating to environmental population by automobiles. * Legal provisions relating to safety measures. * Confirms the government’s intention on harmonizing the regulatory standards with the rest of the world * Indian government auto policy aimed at promoting an integrated, phased and conductive growth of the Indian automobile industry. * Establish an international hub for manufacturing small, affordable passenger cars as well as tractor and two wheelers. * Ensure a balanced transition to open trade at minimal risk to the Indian economy and local industry. Introduction The Indian automotive component industry is dominated by around 500 players which account for more than 85% of the production. The turnover of this industry has been growing at a mammoth 28. 05% per annum from 2002-03 onwards as illustrated in Fig. 1 which clarifies its emergence as one of India’s fastest growing manufacturing sectors. During 1990s, the auto components market in India used to be dominated by supplies to the aftermarket with only 35% exports sourced by global Tier 1 OEMs (Original equipment Manufacturers). The industry made a sustained shift to the global Tier 1 market and today, the component manufacturers supply 75% of their exports to global Tier 1 OEMs and the remaining to the aftermarket. This is largely due to the growing capability of the Indian component suppliers in understanding technical drawings, conversance with global automotive standards, economically attractive costs (manufacturing costs are 25%-30% lower than its western counterparts), flexibility in small batch production and growing information technology application for design, development and simulation. Besides the burgeoning demand of auto components from global majors, the domestic automobile industry has been showing a sparkling growth caused by increasing customer base and affordable loans. Based on this, the turnover of the Indian auto component industry is expected to touch US$ 18. 7 billion by 2009 and estimated to reach US$ 40 billion by 2014. Overview of Indian Automobile Industry The liberalized policies of the Indian Government paved towards steady evolution of India as a stable and market driven economy with the real Gross Domestic Product growth in excess of 8%, foreign exchange reserves crossing the $150 billion mark, growing value of Indian Rupee compared to US dollar and reducing inflation rate. 100% Foreign Direct Investment, absence of local content regulation, manufacturing and imports free from licensing & approvals in the automobile sector coupled with customs tariff or auto components reducing to 12. 5% resulted in increased number of multinationals establishing their bases in India and with export markets looking up, the Indian automobile industry is poised for a phenomenal growth. The automobile production in the sub-continent has been growing steadily @ 18. 53% per annum from 2002-03 onwards with total vehicle production standing at a mammoth 1,00,31,296 nos. in 2005-06 as is shown in Fig. 2. Among the automobiles, 2 wheelers account for 75. 77%, cars about 11. 09%, 3 wheelers to the tune of 4. 33%, tractors about 2. 95%, buses & trucks constitute 2. 19%, Multi Utility Vehicles (MUVs) to the tune of 1. 96% and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) about 1. 71% of the total number of automobiles produced in the country. Presently, India is the second largest market after China for two & three wheelers. In tractors production, India is one of the two largest manufacturers in the world along with China. The subcontinent stands as the 4th largest producer of trucks in the world. Coming to the passenger car segment, the country is positioned 11th in car production in the world. The Indian passenger car market is far from being saturated leaving ample opportunity for volume growth since the per capita car penetration per 1000 is only 7 compared to 500 in Germany. The production of cars in the country has been growing at a mammoth 27. 58% per annum from 2002- 03 onwards as is shown in Fig. 3. In general, cars are broadly classified as Mini, Compact, Mid-Size, Executive & Premium varieties. There has been a steady rise in compact car production from 333,000 in 2002-03 to 715,000 in 2005- 06, mid-size cars from 122,000 to 204,000 nos. , executive cars from 2000 to 23,000 nos. and premium variety cars from 4000 in 2002-03 to 5000 nos. in 2005-06. The mini car segment production reduced from 150,000 in 2002-03 to 98,000 nos. in 2005-06. These statistics vividly reveal the increasing capacity of the Indian customer, thus driving the passenger car demand rapidly up the price ladder. Analysts speculate car production in the sub-continent to touch 1575,000 in 2009 and 2654,000 by 2014. Cars and MUVs exports rose from 72,000 in 2002-03 to reach 176,000 nos. in 2005-06 with growth @ 48. 155 per annum from 2002-03 onwards. Out of the two wheelers produced in India, motorcycles account for 81. 59%, scooters about 13. 42% and mopeds to the tune of 4. 99% of the total production. The production statistics is shown in Fig. 4 which shows the growth of 2 wheelers @ 16. 58% per annum from 2002-03 onwards. Out of this, motorcycles have exhibited production growth @ 19. 99% per annum, scooters @ 6. 74% per annum & mopeds @ 2. 65% per annum from 2002-03 onwards. Two wheeler production units in India constitute of Japanese OEMS (Original Equipment Manufacturers) which include Hero Honda Motors, Honda Motorcycle & scooter India (P) Ltd. , Yamaha Motor India (P) Ltd. & Suzuki Motorcycle India (P) Ltd. and Indian OEMs consisting of Bajaj Auto L t d . , TVS Motor Company Ltd. , LML Ltd. , Kinetic Engineering Ltd. , Majestic Auto Ltd. , Kinetic Motor Company Ltd. and Royal Enfield of Eicher Ltd. Out of the aforementioned, Hero Honda accounts for 39. 55%, Bajaj Auto about 26. 87%, TVS Motors 17. 98%, Honda Motors 7. 94%, Yamaha Motors 3. 27%, LML 1. 41% and the remaining 2. 98% of the total 2 wheelers production in the country. The exports of two wheelers made a significant growth from a level of 180,000 in 2002-03 to reach 513,000 nos. in 2005-06. The latest estimates put up production of 2 wheelers to 13. 6 million by 2009. Current status of the industry The industry over a period of time has installed a robust capacity as given below: Table 1. Installed capacity in different segments of the automobile industry Against this installed capacity, the production over last few years has been as: Table 2. Vehicle production, 1996-2002 In order to illustrate the volume in economic terms, the Indian automobile industry achieved a turnover of nearly US$ 8 billion (excluding component industry) during the year 1998-1999. The imports of the industry during that year were of the order of US$ 0. 8 billion. The auto component industry in the country has also made rapid strides and its turnover has almost doubled in last five-year period as the year-wise production given below indicates. 1997-1998 US$ 2. 51 billion 1998-1999 US$ 2. 71 billion 1999-2000 US$ 3. 41 billion 2000-2001 US$ 3. 58 billion (estimated) Automotive industry of India is now finding increasing recognition worldwide. A beginning has been made in exports of vehicles. However, the exports have largely remained static since 1996-1997. India is making serious efforts to tap the potential in this area. The following table indicates the situation. Table 3. Indian car exports, 1996-2001 Indian automobiles are being exported mainly to the following countries. Table 3. 4. Main export destinations. The auto component industry in India now equipped with significant advancement in its technological capabilities, due to its alignment with major vehicle manufacturers in the country and abroad, has a high export potential. During the late 1990s, the export of auto-components has grown by a CAGR of about 20 per cent. Currently, the share of exports out of the total production of auto-components is 10 per cent. During the last 5 years, the exports of auto components have been as follows: 1998-1999 US$ 292 million 1999-2000 US$ 347 million 2000-2001 US$ 400 million (estimated) Future Projections Automobile industry With the domestic auto industry now moving in step with the WTO covenants, the stage is set for it to make rapid strides domestically and internationally to attain its rightful place in the world trade. A global recession for last two years notwithstanding, the industry has shown appreciable resilience and adjusted to the challenges of the environment. Based on the general growth projections indicated by the Planning Commission of India for the next five-year period, automobile industry is expected to register growth pattern as given below. This growth estimate implies certain assumptions relating to segment-wise growth rates based on a study conducted by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). Table 3. 5 Projections of India’s automobile industry, 2001-2012 Emerging trends in Indian Automobile Globalization is pushing auto majors to consolidate, to upgrade technology, enlarge product range, access new markets and cut costs. They have resorted to common platforms, modular assemblies and systems integration of component suppliers and e-commerce. The component industry is undergoing vertical integration resulting into emergence of ‘systems and assembly suppliers’ rather than individual component suppliers. Thus, while most component suppliers are integrating into tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers, larger manufacturers and multinational corporations (MNCs) are being transformed into tier 1 companies. Environmental and safety concerns are leading to higher safety and emission norms in the country. India has already charted out a road-map for reaching EURO-II norms across the country by the year 2005. Seven metropolitan cities of India would simultaneously move to EURO-III norms in 2005. Most vehicle manufacturers are already producing EURO-II compliant vehicles in the country to meet special requirements of capital city of New Delhi where the Supreme Court verdict has already necessitated this. To meet the concomitant testing and certification activities relating to higher safety and emission norms, testing infrastructure in the country is being overhauled. A substantive state funding is being planned in upgrading the testing infrastructure with participation of industry. Environmental pollution and the need to conserve existing supply of fossil fuels have led to search for alternative fuels. In addition to supporting greenfield research in this area, an ambitious phased programme to upgrade carbon fuel quality commensurate with higher emission norms is also being undertaken. Foreign direct investment norms have already been considerably relaxed. Unhindered import of automobiles, including new and second hand vehicles, has also been permitted. Most non-tariff barriers have also been relaxed or removed. The Government has moderated and lowered taxes and duties on automobiles, including customs duty. Value Added Tax (VAT) is also proposed to be introduced across the country from 1 April 2001. The Government has also allowed private sector participation in the insurance sector. Norms guiding external commercial borrowings (ECBs) have been liberalized and lending rates within the country have also been reduced further strengthening the environment of investment. An ambitious programme to upgrade the quadrilateral of highways in the country, the Government is laying an eight-lane expressway linking all metropolitan and several important capital towns across the country paving the way for movement of heavier haulage vehicles. Porter’s Five Forces Porter’s Five Forces of Competition framework views the profitability of an industry as determined by five sources of competitive pressure. These five forces of competition include three sources of â€Å"horizontal† competition: competition from substitutes, competition from entrants, and competition from established rivals; and two sources of â€Å"vertical† competition: the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers. The strength of each of these competitive forces is determined by a number of key structural variables, as shown in Figure 3. 3. FIGURE 3. 2 Porter’s Five Forces of Competition framework Competition from Substitutes The price customers are willing to pay for a product depends, in part, on the availability of substitute products. The absence of close substitutes for a product, as in the case of automobiles, means that consumers are comparatively insensitive to price (i. e. , demand is inelastic with respect to price). The existence of close substitutes means that customers will switch to substitutes in response to price increases for the product (i. e. , demand is elastic with respect to price). The extent to which substitutes limit prices and profits depends on the propensity of buyers to substitute between alternatives. This, in turn, is dependent on their price performance characteristics. The more complex the needs being fulfilled by the product and the more difficult it is to discern performance differences, the lower the extent of substitution by customers on the basis of price differences. FIGURE 3. 3 The structural determinants of the Five Forces of Competition Rivalry between Established Competitors For most industries, the major determinant of the overall state of competition and the general level of profitability is competition among the firms within the industry. In some industries, firms compete aggressively – sometimes to the extent that prices are pushed below the level of costs and industry-wide losses are incurred. In others, price competition is muted and rivalry focuses on advertising, innovation, and other non price dimensions. Six factors play an important role in determining the nature and intensity of competition between established firms: concentration, the diversity of competitors, product differentiation, excess capacity, exit barriers, and cost conditions. Threat of Entry If an industry earns a return on capital in excess of its cost of capital, that industry acts as a magnet to firms outside the industry. Unless the entry of new firms is barred, the rate of profit will fall toward its competitive level. The threat of entry rather than actual entry may be sufficient to ensure that established firms constrain their prices to the competitive level. * Economies of Scale – Since Indian automobile market is of order $ 350 billion, the economies of scale are very high. Thus, threat of new entrants is low. * Product Differences – Since there is hardly any difference in the offerings of the various providers, so product differentiation is low. So threat of new entrants is high. * Brand Identity – Since there is no big Retailer like Amazon. com or Wal-Mart in India. So threat of new entrants is high. * Government Policy – Since the Government Policy has been quite restrictive till now with respect to the Retail market & FDI, so threat of new entrants is low. * Capital Requirements – The capital requirements for entering in the automobile sector are substantially high( high fixed cost and cost of infrastructure), so only big names can think of venturing into this area So, in that respect threat of new entrants is low. * Access to distribution – Since in India there is no well established distribution network. So threat of new entrants is low. Bargaining Power of Buyers The firms in an industry operate in two types of markets: in the markets for inputs and the markets for outputs. In input markets firms purchase raw materials, components, and financial and labor services. In the markets for outputs firms sell their goods and services to customers (who may be distributors, consumers, or other manufacturers). In both markets the transactions create value for both buyers and sellers. How this value is shared between them in terms of profitability depends on their relative economic power. The strength of buying power that firms face from their customers depends on two sets of factors: buyers’ price sensitivity and relative bargaining power. * Product Differences – Since there is hardly any difference in the offerings of the various providers, so product differentiation is low. So bargaining power of buyers is high. * Buyer Information – Today’s customers are well educated about the various product offerings in the sector. So bargaining power of buyers is high. * Buyer Switching Costs – Since customers don’t have to pay a fat premium to be registered for provision of services , so bargaining power of buyers is high. * Brand Identity – High Brand Identity and trustworthiness reduce the bargaining power of buyers but, otherwise the bargaining power of buyers is high. * Buyer Profits – Since dealers offers discounts and various bundling services like 0% insurance, old car sale, etc, on different items. Hence bargaining power of buyers is high. Bargaining Power of Suppliers. Analysis of the determinants of relative power between the producers in an industry and their suppliers is precisely analogous to analysis of the relationship between producers and their buyers. The only difference is that it is now the firms in the industry that are the buyers and the producers of inputs that are the suppliers. The key issues are the ease with which the firms in the industry can switch between different input suppliers and the relative bargaining power of each party. * Product Differences – Since there is hardly any difference in the offerings of the various suppliers, so product differentiation is low. So bargaining power of Suppliers is low. * Supplier Information – Today’s automobile manufacturers are well educated about different Suppliers. So bargaining power of Suppliers is low. * Supplier Switching Costs – Since different Suppliers hold resources as per buyer’s requirements and a large inventory has to be maintained. So bargaining power of Suppliers is low as they would have to incur a huge cost on switching. But if they get automobile manufacturers for similar products who can pay higher Supplier switching cost is low. In such case, bargaining power of Suppliers is high. * Brand Identity – High Brand Identity and Trustworthiness of a Supplier increases the bargaining power of Suppliers. But, otherwise the bargaining power of suppliers is low. Measures for more Conducive Growth. The automobile industry across the world has great potential to trigger sustained employment, mobility, inter- sectoral industrial growth and thus conduce conditions for general economic and social well-being. However, there is need to promote and sustain international cooperation between Governments and industry. There is need for coordinated research and development, standardization of designs and broader technologies, effective cost cutting to enhance affordability and loosening of trade barriers across the globe. There are separate measures, which require addressing at the national and international levels. Some suggested steps at both levels are listed below. Suggestions at the national level. Further lessening the incidence of taxes and loosening of non-tariff barriers has to be attempted with a faster pace faster. A regime of single tax across the country is an ideal situation and possibilities of this should be explored. A vehicle retirement programme which will assist not only in fleet modernization and reduction of emission but will also provide quantum fillip to the demand should be put in place. There is a need to brief the international communities on technological and quality related capabilities of Indian automobile industry. Substantive efforts are required for educating opinion leaders and build a strong ‘Made in India’ brand in overseas markets. Existing incentives for promoting exports are considered inadequate. An institutional mechanism such as the Automobile Export Promotion Council, which can address industry-specific issues and facilitate exports is urgently required. Labor laws’ reforms to facilitate better productivity and reduction in manpower costs as has already been committed by the Government should be expedited. Greater tax incentive on expenditure incurred on research and development in automotive sector. Tariff rationalization and taming of avoidable competition between rail and road transport sectors should be carried out. In this unhealthy competition, both the industries are unable to realize their full potential. Easier availability of market credit for funding automobile acquisition is required. Despite lower interest rates, availability of easy credit in rural and semi-urban areas requires more focused attention. This can substantially spur the demand. Suggestions at the international level Serious and sustained dialogue on regional cooperation in automobile sector should begin at the earliest. Dialogue should be regular and focused in which Governments and industry should both engage. The recent statistics of custom duties show that the average tariff rates of different countries have declined. However, it has been noticed that the problem of high tariffs is still prevalent in certain sectors. These high tariffs are generally noticed in developed countries. Reduction of peak tariffs is necessary to facilitate free flow of automobiles. Non-tariff barriers should be phased out with mutual dialogue and consensus. Mutual recognition should be accorded to the testing and certification agencies in various countries. Countries should join hands in developing alternative fuels to replace the existing fossil fuels. Similar cooperation is required in other critical areas of technological development. Fragmented and limited research in each country may lead to delay and more expensive results. Affordability of quality automobiles should be focus of industry across the world to facilitate volumes and widespread ownership. Reasons of Growth. Economic liberalization, increase in per capita income, various tax relief policies, easy accessibility of finance, launch of new models and exciting discount offers made by dealers all together have resulted in to a stupendous growth of India automobile industry. Market Share Automobile industry of India can be broadly classified under passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers and two wheelers, with two wheelers having a maximum market share of more than 75%. Automobile companies of India, Korea, Europe and Japan have a significant hold on the Indian market share. Tata Motors produces maximum numbers of mid and large size commercial vehicles, holding more that 60% of the market share. Motorcycles tops the charts of two wheelers with Hero Honda being the key player. Bajaj by far is the number one manufacturer of three wheelers in India. Passenger vehicle section is majorly ruled by the car manufacturers capturing over 82% of the total market share. Maruti since long has been the biggest car manufacturer and holds more that 50% of the entire market. Global recession has impacted, the Indian automobile industry also and can be seen clearly in the sales figures of the last financial year. Even then this industry has high hopes in 2009-2010, as banks have reduced loan interest rates and the major chuck of automobile customers belong to the middle income group who are becoming economically stronger with every passing day. Conclusions Easier and faster mobility of people and goods across the regions, countri.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Failure and Success of Jamestown - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 964 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/03/18 Category Analytics Essay Level High school Tags: Failure Essay Did you like this example? What is a triumph? Triumph, a word not commonly used amongst the small world of middle schoolers, or anyone in general, means to be successful or to reach a great achievement. Although you may not use this word often, we all know one of its synonyms, victory, and have all experienced this joy whether it be you getting an A on your math test, which is your worst subject, or simply learning how to finally ride a bike as a younger child. Even though these are smaller things to feel triumph over, you still feel as if your world has brightened up, and although you felt this happiness, the people in Jamestown weren’t blessed with quite this great overload of bliss as the tragedies of colonization in Jamestown, first, took them down.. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Failure and Success of Jamestown" essay for you Create order What is a tragedy? When the word tragedy comes to mind you may not get the best feeling as the noun carries a misfortunate event. It also carries along the possible feeling of loneliness or that you’re alone. The people trying to create colonization in the new world witnessed plenty of tragedies one knowingly being the ultimate loss of a loved one and without them even knowing the ultimate loss and sickness of themselves. Background info on attempts on settlement/ why settlement was so important in relation to Great Britain? After the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus, and the failure of Roanoke, the first attempt at colonization, the desire to colonize was sparked again. King James the first, in 1606, granted a charter to the Virginia Company of London, a joint stock company wishing to benefit economically off the new, discovered area, to begin the New World colonization. The king saw this expansion as an opportunity to build his country’s wealth, by trade, bring them more power, search for the rare minerals of gold, and benefit from mercantilism, supplying England with new raw materials only produced in North America. What is Jamestown? Jamestown was the first successful attempt at colonization in the New World for North America. This colony then, became the base for The United States as even more people felt the need to break away from the King of England and the rest of his country. Triumphs of Jamestown 1) tobacco: In the year of 1612, the colonists of Jamestown began to make large amounts of money after investing in the seeds of tobacco. They had been introduced to this cash crop by John Rolfe, a colonist recently stuck on the island of Bermuda. He thought the crop would bring the settlement money and dig them out of their struggling times; he was right. The want for tobacco at the time was strong and not only that, but multiple countries were interested in smoking tobacco. John Rolfe was also a big help to the Jamestown colonists because he was married to Pocohantas, the daughter of Powaton, the chief of the Virginian Native Americans. 2) first successful settlement 3) first representative gov. As the colony was at a huge struggle point on its unknown way to success, the Virginia Company of London thought that, because they feared the downfall of Jamestown and the loss of their desired profit, they would try to grow the settlement’s population and attract more people to their colony by providing them with something they couldn’t find in England. Sir George Yeardley, the governor of Virginia, following orders by the Virginia Company of London, instructed the colonists to build a new form of government. About twenty to thirty colonists came together for their first assembly to create the first form of representative government in the colonies called The Virginia House of Burgesses. This document provided the colonists with more say in their government and made sure the colonists voices were always heard. John Smith Tragedies of Jamestown Starving Time: Not too long after Jamestown was formed in 1607, the colonists ran into a dead end as a time of discouragement fell upon the new settlers. A want for food and no one motivated enough to make it almost threw the colony of Jamestown to dust. This period of time from 1609 to 1610 was known as Starving Time. Colonists were so desperate for food that some even transferred to cannibalism, eating anything they could. JOHN SMITH: This time was unacceptable in the eyes of John Smith, an Englishman, working with the Virginia Company of London, the sponsor for Jamestown, and one of the first council members of Jamestown, as he saw the hungry and careless colonists of the Jamestown colony. Smith enforced power by telling the colonists that they who â€Å"will not work shall not eat.† His famous quote motivated the colonists to work, ultimately contributing to the growth of Jamestown and the resolution to their hunger. Native Americans: Geography of land: The colonists of Jamestown had no experience settling so therefore didn’t know how to pick the location for their settlement. All they had was the instructions and rules from the Virginia Company of London and their mission to protect and defend their fort. Therefore, colonists chose land on a peninsula to make it easy for them to receive supplies from England and later, help with trade. Their location was ideal in all ways to them as they also stayed away from the Native Americans and the Spanish army, but little did they know that their final area of settlement was not good in terms of their well-being. The colonists what seemed so great peninsula idea wasn’t looking too good after finding out that loads of malaria infested mosquitos found the water as their home and saw that the sea water flow from the water was also unbearable, making it difficult to find the necessary water they needed to reach a successful, stable colony.