Young Entrepreneurs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Young Entrepreneurs - Assignment Example His latest project in the solar-powered (LED) lantern has been described by many as the greatest innovation in recent time to cushion those who cannot afford the electricity. This project also aimed at providing light to school going children from poor families who could not stand the smoke of the local kerosene lamp The idea of developing the solar-powered lantern was originally presented by Wadongo at a local congress of young innovative youth’s forum in Kenya and was picked as a promising one with the potential to solve the problem in their communities. Wadongo did a lot of his research on the design and the sizes that most suited the targeted population. Through his various attempt to design the sustainable product that would not only last for long, but also provide a cleaner source of energy, he came up with something that has been appreciated worldwide. His bright idea that only started in a small village in Kenya has been recognized worldwide in various forums. According to the locals, Wadongo’s project is one that has helped more children go back to their schools and the impact being felt almost immediately. The performances have increased in most schools that have adopted the use of the solar-powered lantern. According to Wadongo, his project has not reached its peak yet w ith several additions intended to be made. He wants to extend the scheme to cover more areas in the country, and the same time sells his solar tapped power to major towns. He said that â€Å"this approach will work best for him due to the frequent power blackouts experienced in those towns’’. His idea was driven by the fact that 90% of the country’s power is generated from hydropower stations and the need for other reliable means of power generation was needed. According to Wadongo, the current power rates in the country are very high, and the consumers will welcome any form of cushioning. With the rates currently at Ksh 75 per Kw unit, he intends

Topics in cultural studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Topics in cultural studies - Essay Example This was especially evident in the strong resistance that missionaries had to face, as well as the general attitude that greatly condemned adapting to the western religion or culture significantly. The reason for this might perhaps be that India and China were far more developed than Africa. They had stronger roots within their own society and they had a strong sense of identity and development, both cultural and otherwise. Africa on the other hand was relatively more primitive than these countries and there were also fewer people. Furthermore, Africa experienced a considerable amount of syncretism owing to the interconnections and interactions that arose during the slave trade movement (Curto & Soulodre-La France, 2005). That's why when the encountered western culture, they were far more ready to adopt it, and had far fewer reasons to resist it. India and China had their own cultures and religions and they had developed them over hundreds of years, and so they did not take to adapti ng to foreign cultures that easily. What legacies have the differences in types of encounters and degrees of cultural change left today? The effects of the different sort of reactions syncretism faced in Africa and China and India have left a significant impact on them even today. China and India are both highly integrated nations, because they have a strong sense of self-identity and a unique cultural integrity, on which they can build their basis of individuality and take their stand of independence on. Neither is easily influenced by outside factors, and each has a distinct sense of common identity among its people, giving rise to a sense of unity and oneness of thinking, evident in the harmony the people of each country have with each other. Africa on the other hand doesn't seem to have such a strong sense of self-identity and legacy. Although on a very small scale, various communities have managed to retain a unique cultural identity, by and large, African culture has adapted v arious elements of American syncretism particularly in terms of religious dominance. This is also true when viewed inversely, that is African syncretism in America, as African culture has also left a significant impact on American culture, but when viewing Africa itself, it seems fairly evident that Africa considerably lost its own unique sense of identity when undertaking American influence. Of course now that Africa is again regaining some sense of identity, this unique sense of culture also seems to be returning, with the Africans referring to their own ancient uniqueness more and more, but the religious dominance and syncretism is still evident and has left its on mark on African culture (Greenfield, Droogers & Droogers, 2001) by breaking the strong foundation that a region's cultural identity provides it, which can be observed in culturally strong nations such as India and China. Had syncretism not occurred in the Americas, how might modern culture be different? North America h as experienced more syncretism than perhaps any other prominent society of the modern day era. This is in terms of religion as well as culture syncretism. When colonists from all over the world arrived in America, they laid down their roots and foundations, each setting up

Weapon Trafficking When Will It End Politics Essay

Weapon Trafficking When Will It End Politics Essay The news that people hear coming from Mexico, especially in recent times have not been very positive. The continuing violence along the U.S.-Mexico border has escalated even more dramatically within the past few years, mainly because of the Mexican governments constant efforts to cut off Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTO). The violence associated with Mexican DTOs continues to hurl major challenges and obstacles towards U.S. law enforcement, while at the same time threatening the citizens on both sides of the border. Drug trafficking may be the root to these problems, but the firearms used to perpetrate crimes in Mexico are being illegally trafficked from the U.S. across the southwest Border and is causing serious problems as well. There needs to be a complete removal, or at the least a reduction of the illegal arms passing through the border, but this can only occur through an improved sense of security and supervision and regulation of the arms market. Not only will the f ailure to bring improvement to this situation raise the level of violence and deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border, but will further diminish what the border was made to stand for, in promoting free trade and globalization. To start off, Mexico itself has very strict gun laws, especially the gun-ownership regulations. Very rarely will you witness citizens carrying guns with them or around the house, because of the serious issues that revolve around the possession of these weapons. Since the countrys already existing constitution makes it legal for the citizens to bear arms, the conditions it places on the actual ownership, through amendments to the constitution prove to be much more strict and limiting. The fact that only one body is permitted to sell weapons, and it is run by the army makes it even harder to attain or own these weapons (Ellingwood). Although these rules and regulations are given to the citizens of this country, it does not mean that the weapon-smuggling situation is completely under control and taken care of; as you will learn later on, there are definitely a few ways around any law or institutional arrangement, and the involving parties definitely know how to make the most of the ways around the system by utilizing many types of illegal trade. Yet the violence in the northern border states of Mexico seems to be produced not only by weapons being brought illegally from Mexico, but also by those weapons trafficked illegally from the United States. Since these dangerous firearms are still not legally available for sale in Mexico, it leaves it up to the various drug cartels to smuggle them through the U.S. or Guatemalan borders, or even by sea as a last resort (Money, Guns). A good number of these firearms are brought in by foreign countries by cartel members that participate in these illegal trades and theft and then they are smuggled to Mexico a few at a time. Now in a neighboring country, such as our very own, where most people who own guns have the right to bear arms and are protected by the rights, a small number of gun shows are put together and showcased nearly every weekend of the year. States like Texas, Arizona and California are considered to be the three main source states and hotspots that supply for the vast majo rity of the guns that are bought and snuck into Mexico (Gunrunner). To be able to absolutely prevent these guns from making their way south is a pretty tough battle that challenges the power of the second amendment rights of US citizens against the ever so bloody battles and increasing numbers of Mexican victims of these mini wars that are killed everyday by these brutal weapons that are bought here in the US (Gun Control). As far as the locations where these guns are purchased from, the Gun shows that are put on by the source states take place a couple of times a year, as mentioned earlier. For example, in Arizona, the gun shows occur almost every weekend. They are often times organized by a variety of different groups and unified organizations. One of the well known organizations goes by the name of the Arizona Arms Association, and since they are a group that is most importantly legal and allowed, they are given the power to partake in private transactions between gun owners and citizens. In being able to utilize such a network of these strawmen, the native Mexican arms traffickers have the potential to collect over a dozen of different weapons each weekend (Cartel). After they gather these weapons each week, their next move is to smuggle them into Mexico, which is usually executed using over land routes with a wide range of vehicles and means of transportation that are able to hold a quantity of weapons that are much smaller across the various border crossings. This type of smuggling, in which smaller groupings of guns are smuggled across the border, is known to be called ant trafficking, and continues to serve as one of the biggest reasons why it is so hard to actually detect these weapons that are being pushed down south from the U.S. region of the border. Now focusing back on the gun show, in the positions of the vendor, some private vendors are often entered into the world of the gun trade by taking on the role of a supplier, where he/she takes the orders ahead of time and to make deliveries at a later time, which would most likely take place at an upcoming gun show or event (Gun Control). These people then round up the repeat clients and gradually produce the majority of the supply source for the arms traffickers which have been reported by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also known as the (PAYAN). Once again, as mentioned earlier the main issue with this is that these transactions are not always closely and precis ely monitored, and so more times than not it puts the salesperson in a position where he/she is able to recognize interested buyers who are likely to be purchasing weapons for a third party. These so-called strawmen who serve as salesmen are the main suppliers and catalysts of these illicit and dangerous weapons that flow southbound, which they sell off to or illegally hand to gun traffickers who then round up and separate into groups and categories of the shipments at certain border crossings. Once they reach their destination in Mexico, the weapons smugglers are ready to make thousands and thousands on their merchandise (Gun Control). For example, an already used AK-47 assault rifle may sell for around 400 U.S. dollars and possibly more. In addition, an AR-15 rifle also has the potential to sell for 800 U.S. dollars up to 2,000 U.S. dollars, but that depends mostly on the model number of years it has been in production for that specific weapon as well as other options and accessories such as the scope or trigger. In Mexico, these weapons start to become more valuable and rocket in re-sell price, and in some rare cases as much as a whopping triple or more, according to the ATF (Gun Control). So an AK-47 rifle that has been purchased in Arizona for about 500 U.S. dollars might go for as much as 1,500 U.S. dollars or more once it crosses the border (Gun Control). At border crossings, Mexican customs agents are usually in the perfect position to interrogate and have the right to detect all smuggled weapons, but their can be a gut-wrenching one at times. Many times, these agents are given a pretty harsh ultimatum which goes by the name of Plata o plomo, meaning silver or lead which then translates into take the bribe or take a bullet. This message, is often times sent by Mexican organized crime groups and targeted to those who patrol the Mexican side of border crossings, known as plazas (Cartel). So here is another factor in why it may be difficult at times to put a halt to the weapon trafficking. Since these Mexican cartels are so menacing and uncooperative, the custom agents who are given the task to detect weapons, are presented with life and death decisions. Certain happenings like these just add on to the fact that it will be difficult to put an end to this war. These kinds of encounters are vital in understanding the rise of violence along the borders, because agents should not be in a position to be fearing of their lives. In the US, the second amendment advocates and supports the gun shows that many people consider an excuse to make weapon smuggling allowed and operating. While the political views surrounding tracing and information sharing can be a bit complicated, the procedure of buying the guns and the required background checks has been reorganize and restructured. These background checks are not required at gun shows because the sales are oftentimes considered to be made between two private and unlicensed individuals instead of a licensed dealer and an individual, which usually takes place in legitimate gun stores where a background check is indeed mandatory. Even the background checks that are made in gun stores are simple and quick (Gunrunner). For example, when a customer at a store is ready to make his/her purchase, the seller of the product is supposed to make a phone call to an ATF hotline, where the person gives out the proper information to the person talking on the other end of the hotl ine. Usually, this process should take less than five or ten minutes, but within the past couple of years, this background check has transformed into a slow and grueling process (Gunrunner). As for the strawmen, who buy off the weapons from law abiding gun merchants serve as a stepping stone into the crooked world of the grey market, where the weapons stay put until they are smuggled into Mexico and then resold. Before these guns are let into the hands of others, usually for criminal use, expert gunsmiths thoroughly check and inspect the working parts, and clean them for the necessary adjustments to transform a usual semi-automatic into a dangerous fully automatic assault weapons. They tweak parts of the gun and make them stronger. Once the strawman flees the scene of the store with gun in their hand, or leaves the show area in the case of a gun show or event, it becomes pretty much impossible to trace the weapon until it is picked up or discovered at a crime scene or if it has been seized. Often times, the weapons that have been captured in Mexico are able to be traced back to gun stores in the US, but the only pieces of information the gun dealer is allowed to legally share with is the information that has already been attained and solidified by the background check. As you can see, the tracing of the weapons captured in Mexico back to the US is proves to be a very complicated and frustrating matter. Due to this complicated process, a large number of weapons usually remain untraced due to the fact that the agents do not want to harass or bother with the bureaucracy (Cartel). In the U.S., there are approximately 2 million guns owned currently, and at any given time, any one of these guns has the potential to be sold to both men and women who will then smuggle them to Mexico. Reasons can range from personal use and self-defense while others for recreational or criminal use. When put together, the mixture of such a enormous supply with demand mixed in with the ant-trafficking produces a countless number of opportunities and possibilities, variables and pretty much leaves the ATF and others with only a limited arsenal of legal tools and, most importantly, gives them the constitutional rights to respect and defend (Gunrunner). As you can see, the conflict here resides in the fact that there are so many possible ways for these weapons to be smuggled, and with all the underground activity that is going on, it can be a very difficult task for the ATF to track down these trades at times. In a sense, the amount of illegal trafficking that is being presented here c an also be overwhelming to the forces that are trying to prevent the illicit trafficking of these weapons. As far as the types of guns that are smuggled, the most popular, or common smuggled firearms include the AR-15 and AK-47 type rifles, FN 5.7 caliber semi-automatic pistols and a variety of .50 caliber rifles and machine guns (AK-47). About a fourth of these AK-47 assault rifles that have been seized have also been created and fixed up to select fire weapons, which then allows for the assault rifles to be used by the cartels (AK-47). In the past, there have been a great number of reports regarding grenade launchers being used against security forces, and at least a dozen M4 Carbines with M203 grenade launchers have been confiscated (AK-47). It was believed that a lot of these lethal and high power weapons alongside their related accessories were actually stolen from U.S. military bases. However, the majority of these military grade guns and heavy duty weapons like grenades and light weight rockets are brought in by the cartels via the humongous supply of arms that remained after the w ars in Central America and Asia. The weapons that are being smuggled are serious weapons that can cause heavy damage and harm, so just the fact that the weapons talked about in this arms trafficking war are heavy duty once again reminds us of how dangerous this situation can get. This constant flow of arms between groups has lead to what has been dubbed the iron river of guns, because of the pouring amount of ammunition and light weapons that have been in flow southbound into Mexico, and how the organized crime hit men and others then use them in order to fight off the Mexican military and police. More times than not, innocent civilians are caught in the midst of shoot outs and random collision between the opposite groups and that is what leads to the rising number of deaths and high volume of violence throughout the years. The resulting body count that is the end product of this violence has greatly pressured the Mexican government over time to call for additional help from the U.S. capital, but these leaders have continued to remain silent and stubborn to put forth a strict gun control legislation. Many have waited and waited for someone to step up to the plate and address the problems along the border, but the subject has been ignored time and time again. Finally, in April of last year, a statement was made by U.S. President Barack Obama regarding the ongoing arms trafficking situation between the U.S. and Mexico, and to no surprise it sparked a serious and very much heated debate. The President, who referred to the data gathered from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (A.T.F.), stated that 90% of the weapons that were seized in Mexico could be traced back to the U.S. (ATF) In concurrence with supporters of putting forth a stricter gun regulation and opponents of the so-called War on Drugs, this information helped their cause and pushed to strengthen their cases. On the other side of the table, the statistic of 90% was greatly criticized and put down by the people who were against the finding of new or alternative solutions to the current situation in Mexico and also to any thoughts or ideas of making some changes regarding gun ownership in the U.S. Out of all the top news corporations, Fox News projected that the percentage of arms that could be traced back to the U.S. was actually closer to 17% percent (Gunrunner). This is a prime example of how things can get taken out of context and a serious issue at hand can be mistaken or overlooked because of little details that are misrepresented or reported. Not only does this add more unnecessary nonsense to a situation and blow it up bigger than what it already is, but it makes the already existing problem a dragging subject. In order to give the material substance and to enhance its rich meaning, all data must be presented in its original context; otherwise, statistics risk becoming meaningless sound bites and generalizations. In the Firearms Trafficking Report, given by the American Government Accountability Office (GAO), they explain the importance that even though it is pretty much impossible to know the exact number of firearms that are illegally smuggled into Mexico in a certain year, roughly 87% of the firearms that are obtained by the Mexican authorities and traced within the past couple of years originally started off in the U.S., according to the data that was gathered from Dept. of Justices Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Also, according to the Mexican and U.S. officials, these firearms have been increasingly more powerful and lethal in recent years. The report continues to polish and purify its data and information, by pointing out that between 2005 and 2008, more than 90% of the firearms that were obtained in Mexico and traced have once again, come from the United States (Gunrunner). When put together, there are a couple of elements that make the overall presentation of thi s data more convincing than just some random statistics put together because there was limited time frame, there was a specific set of weapons seized and traced, which applies to all illegal trade, and that the truth of the matter of the arms trade was imprecise. With all that being said, besides all the conditions and uncertainties that the percentages hold in these reports, there is no denying that there is a considerable amount of movement of weapons from the U.S. to Mexico that, to the dismay of many people, find their way into the hands of the people that are involved in this problematic drug trade. The G.A.O. report makes note of the fact that this trafficking is certainly not new to officials on the border, explaining that the U.S. and Mexican government and law enforcement officials did not see any reason why the drug cartels would go through so much hassle and endure the difficult task of obtaining a gun somewhere else in the world and then transporting it to Mexico when it is so easy and so simple for them to do so from the U.S. (Ellington). This proves to be in unison with the reports statement that even though the eTrace data only corresponds to data from the gun trace requests that were turned in from confiscation in Mexico and n ot all the guns seized, it is currently the only methodical and precise data available. Furthermore, the conclusions that the majority of firearms seized and traced were originally in the United States were consistent with the final conclusions reached by U.S. and Mexican government and law enforcement officials personally involved in the prevention and reducing of arms trafficking to Mexico (Cartel). The G.A.O.s data proves to be pretty clear and straight forward in its presentation. Although, the 90% figure that is being brought up constantly in these reports is just an extra number that creates a shock factor to an already stirring issue. Still, while discussions continue as to the appropriate use of this number, the reality is still readily apparent: there is an important and undeniable illegal market of weapons at the U.S.-Mexico border that fuels the violence between different drug-trafficking organizations. In Loreys book The U.S.-Mexican Border into the twenty-First century, he argues that the long-term objective of thinking and policymaking should be to overcome the U.S.-Mexican border (Lorey 12). When he says this, it could mean resolving material inequalities between the two sides of the boundary and more importantly, reducing conflict between the nations. Weapon trafficking is a serious issue that has been lingering for many years, and in order to cooperate with Loreys arguments, the weapons that are short in Mexico need to be dealt with in a different manner. Also, the violent conflicts between the government and drug cartels need to be put to rest. The task at hand may be difficult and long, but there are blueprints to solutions that can be implemented. The main obstacle and challenge that lies ahead in the fight against trafficking, and also where the conversation should be the focus of, is to address the different flaws in the system that ultimately makes way for such arms-trafficking to happen. The G.A.O. report makes not of certain factors that make trafficking possible, including faults and weaknesses found in both the Mexican and U.S. dealings, as well as the system of government: Uncontrolled and universal corruption in the Mexican government; Fragile and weak institutional links and information sharing between A.T.F. and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that lead to incomplete data; The absence of a Spanish language version of the eTrace program to be utilized by the Mexican authorities. Focusing in on these issues will help improve the quality of information being received by both U.S. and Mexican authorities, which can also lead to a much more informed and knowledgeable anti-arms trafficking strategy. This do es not mean that there must be a complete stop in the ongoing actions and efforts to reduce the weapons trafficking, but that the information gathering and collection and sharing between the countries and institutions must get better. There is hope in finding solutions to these weaknesses in the system. In efforts to help improve information collection and sharing, the ATF is hopeful that future funding and increased cash flow will eventually allow for these manuals (eTrace program) to be translated into Spanish, and also to put in a greater number agents on the border alongside an expansion of real-time intelligence sharing between the ATF and the many agents in Mexico. But besides the obviously simple and easy task at hand of translating English to Spanish, the new plans of the Merida Initiative, which is the name of the new proposal brought forth, guarantees to give the Mexican authorities scanners. These scanners, which will be planted at or near the main border crossings, will then be set up completely in order to detect and locate the drugs in traffic moving north and guns in traffic moving south (Mex). There are little things that can change that can help lead to the ultimate goal of reducing the smuggling of these weapons into Mexico, and it is reassuring to hear that after so many years, things are starting to progress and advance in putting an end to a situation that has caused so many problems for so many years. But it is also very important for us not to lose sight of some of the larger issues at hand surrounding arms trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico border. We must keep in mind that in both countries, even with the few restrictions, the weapons markets are legal. And as it applies to all kinds of markets, it is in the interest of those that are involved in the business to keep it alive and running. Being a weapon dealer, especially in the U.S. it is a very vital role they play in the market. For example, according to a 2006 report, the Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, also known as the CATDN put together and produced by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (C.R.S.), which is an office of the Library of Congress, the United States was by far the leading supplier of weapons to the developing world (ATF). Furthermore, in a report that came out in more recent times, the C.R.S. reported that for a 3 year span for the 2005-2008 timeframe, the United States and Russia st ood tall and completely took charge of the arms market in the developing world in the value of arms transfer agreements. These statistics may seem honor worthy and impressive, but when considering the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, the statistics seem to diminish in value and glory as the weapons that are being brought to Mexico from the U.S. is doing more harm than it is doing good. These reports have also made it clear that is it the eighth consecutive year in a row that the United States has been a leader and top force in worldwide arms deliveries (Gunrunner). And even though the report does not really break down the information for the Latin American region, the report also makes clear note that the U.S. and Russia are the regions two biggest suppliers of these weapons. Even though the U.S. is the world leader in weapons agreements according to these reports, there are indeed other countries that also sell and re-sell weapons. While the data from the reports seems to confirm that the vast majority of these weapons are found and captured in Mexico make their expedition into the country over the U.S. border, it is also most likely that many of these weapons travel through different routes as well. A good number of the arms seized could have also arrived in Mexico through legal transactions that occur time to time between governments but somehow have found their way into the illegal market coincidentally and ultimately into the hands of these drug cartel members. The data from reports may explain general facts and information, but sometimes things can happen without any documentation, and that is where the information gathering and collecting, and addressing of these actions needs to shape up. In conclusion, the ongoing discussion and debate on the U.S.-Mexico border and also on the future of the relationship between these two countries is not an easy one to put to rest or come up with a solution. There are so many important subject matters that are also in need of attention: immigrant migration (legal and illegal), the drug policy, border communications, homeland security, and a mutual environment, just to name a couple. It is clear that, although the tiniest details have the ability to offer a foretaste into the bigger picture, to rely and base the conversation purely on the immediate, just like the debate over Obamas use of the 90% statistic, is to completely lose focus of the much greater and more significant debate that holds the future of a complex and vibrant relationship. The reality of all this is that an illegal arms market is one discussion that fits that description and will be a hot issue for many more years to come until the problem is fixed permanently. In t his circumstance, it is clear that the number of illegal weapons passing through the border every year must be significantly and immediately reduced, and this can only happen through tighter supervision and adjustment of the arms market.

An Analysis of Russos Empire Falls :: Empire Falls Essays

An Analysis of Russo's Empire Falls The characters in Empire Falls go through many changes throughout the novel. By the end of the novel Miles is changed drastically. He begins the novel as a slow moving, trusting, somewhat depressed individual. By the end of the novel, Miles has achieved an epiphany. No longer letting the world step on his dreams, Miles goes after with a roar the dreams and desires that have lain dormant for twenty years. His ex-wife, Janine, also comes to realize that the dreams she thought she had are not necessarily what she wants after all. Janine comes to accept herself for Janine, instead of flailing around wildly trying to find herself in outward appearances. Tick has learned a lesson that we all come to at some point in our lives, that people are not always good and there is danger in the world. Charlie Mayne tells Miles that "There are things that grown-ups intend and want to do, but somehow just can’t." (p. 472). In all of Empire Falls, this theme is echoed. There are dreams denied or put on hold. There are characters desperately trying to do what they think is right but failing miserably. The entire town is moving in slow motion toward their own individual explosions. The novel itself meanders along, like the Knox River. Russo says in the Preface, "What water wanted to do was flow downhill by the straightest possible route. Meandering was what happened when a river’s best intentions were somehow thwarted." This is what the population of Empire Fall’s has been doing for twenty years meandering. To emphasize this theme, Russo himself meanders, oftentimes leaving the reader wondering when something dramatic would happen. In life, this is what so many people do also. People are always waiting for something to happen, always hoping that their waiting is the right thing to do and everything will come out right in the end. But all this attitude does is cause a build up that explodes when the dam bursts, as can be seen in the events that unfold in the last chapters of the novel. Russo won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, Empire Falls. The paragraph above emphasizes the main reason that I find for the novel being such a success. The manner in which Russo is able to actually weave this concept of ‘waiting’ into his story by creating a feeling of time moving slowly, of anticipation.

Causes and Effects of Illegal Loan Sharks Essay

llegal moneylender is the party offering illegal loans by charging higher interest rates. Doubled profits allow their business to continue operating despite the global economic recession. Oriented services such as shark’s need to combat. Illegal moneylender promote their services with attractive offers such as instant and convenient loan without collateral while legitimate financial companies impose strict conditions and take a long time to approve the loan. In Indian society, illegal moneylender known as Chettiar, and was called the â€Å"Tai Ee Long† in Chinese and â€Å"loan sharks† in the Malay community. Statistics show that the number of illegal borrow from loan sharks is increasing from time to time. Because of these activities brought many disadvantages, the cause of this phenomenon must be identified and effective measures should be taken to overcome them. There are several causes that make illegal moneylender services received. Among them is as easy approved loans illegal loan sharks. This is because borrowing money from the bank require complicated procedures and strict conditions. Someone who borrow from illegal loan sharks will get loan approval within a few hours compared with a bank that requires a long time to consider the eligibility of the borrower. Illegal moneylender also mendediakan loans to anyone regardless of whether the money can be borrowed, from RM1000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. They also know how to win borrowers and allow lenders to require collateral. More and more loan money from illegal loan sharks will only increase KADA interest on the borrower. Rising interest rates cause borrowers everyday mampumemulangkan not borrowed money and eventually there will be a further tragedy case. The next factor is the urgent need of money or suffered by the borrower to make a living for not having a salaried job. This is due to the borrower is experiencing problems or obstacles when working. In addition, borrowers may also poorly educated and do not have a certificate of excellence and consequently difficult to get high income pekarjaan. Therefore, borrowers will face problems such as dismissal, unemployment and so on. This causes the borrower to borrow the money from illegal loan sharks for a living. In addition, the problem of financing children’s education and the need to start or expand their businesses is also one. The cause of the moneylender loans illegal. One example of business if someone wishes start or expand a business, he will require a sum of money sufficient to achieve the desire. It can not be dinifikan that source can also cause illegal moneylender services received in the community. With this effective measures should be taken as soon as possible in order to overcome problems related to illegal loan sharks. Measures that can be implemented to combat the problem of illegal loan sharks are law enforcement tight, Moneylenders Act Amendments of 1951 to authorize the police to do the investigation, seize documents and search premises and arrest any person engaged in illegal loan sharks without a warrant so that no one cried foul. The authorities should regulate advertising publications involving illegal lending by loan sharks of the tyrant. Amendments to the Money Lenders Act 1951 to increase the maximum fine and imprisonment and caning for pesalah. Contohnya, they should be charged fines included a sum of RM10000 or five years imprisonment or both at once. For illegal loan sharks who hurt borrowers should be severe punishment, such as whipping. Therefore, the police in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) should work together to limit the production and penguatkuasaa. In this way the problem of illegal loan sharks can dibanteraskan effectively. In addition, financial firms and banks also play an important role in activities membanteraskan illegal loan sharks. Finance companies and banks can provide various forms of loans to low-income and sederhana. Contohnya, the bank can extend the time frame to return the money borrowed by the borrower with low income or facing kwwangan. Tambahan about the bank can offer interest rates less applicable to low-income borrowers. Banks and finance companies have to provide a more simple procedure and does not require collateral and the many and strict conditions for the easy way to make loans. In addition, they also have to accelerate lending to people who are desperate and facing serious financial problems. Awareness of the adverse effects of borrowing money from illegal loan sharks should also be increased in the community. The government should launch a massive campaign to make people aware of the dire consequences of borrowing money from illegal loan sharks. Awareness activities can be disseminated through print media. As a member of society, we also have a responsibility to report to the authorities if they have information about illegal lending activities. Therefore, public pengduan centers should be set up in setap area to facilitate community Assemblywoman pimp report illegal activity to activity can be reduced illegal activities pimp. (Tzyy Shyang) In conclusion, people should avoid getting involved in illegal money lenders from the loan sharks so dapt live in peace and quiet for being involved in this activity will not get any benefits even cause byawa themselves and family members at risk. By the community today needs to join forces together deangan authorities to menganangi this activity from excessive fragmentation. The authorities should take stern action against the recipient and the giver and illegal loan sharks lender and provide various altertif so people can borrow money from financial institutions of which is recognized as the banks and other financial companies so there is no issue we do not get away from illegal loan sharks cenkagaman by we are in financial difficulties. However, awareness of the importance of smart money management should also be vaccinated in the community so that they do not face financial problems in mengadapi uncertain economic development.

Jesus Christ and International Leadership

This paper will describe how Jesus himself was an international leader. The format will be as follows: Jesus as a leader, his role as an International leader, and how he still Influences events Internationally. This paper argues that what Jesus taught and how he acted as a leader differed much from other teachings on leadership. Jesus was not just a leader, he was a servant leader. Dale Carnage's teachings on leadership will be the first to be compared with Jesus' teachings. First Carnegie tells his readers In How to Win Friends and Influence People that we should always show appreciation for people.He distinguishes true appreciation from flattery and says that it is only true appreciation that will open doors. [insert quote]. Similarly, Jesus also shows a strong appreciation for people. The story of the Prodigal Son teaches the reader that In addition to loving one's neighbor one should also love one's enemy. When the spendthrift son had wasted all of his father's money on an extrav agant lifestyle and prostitutes, he realized his disastrous lifestyle and come home. Yet his father not only welcomed him back but slaughtered the best pig and organized a feast In his son's honor.The Sermon on he Mount praised those who no one else wanted to praise. â€Å"Blessed are the poor In spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth,† said Jesus. Yet Carnegie asks for us to show appreciation for others because we may never know which opportunities and benefits doing so will give us. Jesus taught us to honor and appreciate other, especially those who are not usually receive accolade, because it is part of God's purpose for us. Second Carnegie emphasizes that we should give the there person a reputation to live up to . Insert quote]. Jesus teaches something similar. Before he dies on the cross. Jesus gets down on his knees and washes his disciples feet. When o ne of his disciples disapproved at doing such a demeaning task, Jesus replied, † Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. † On encouraging others, Jesus also teaches us to submit to God's will. The Book of Luke tells us that right before Jesus' arrest he prayed while sweating drops of blood, † Father, if you are willing, take this up from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.Jesus gives us a reputation to live up to showing us his example. He does not motivate us teach us to be prideful or to Instill pride In others. As leaders we should act with humility and encourage others to do so as well. We should Inspire In others a reputation to be a servant. Third Carnegie tells his readers to encourage instead of punishing. [insert quote]. 1 OFF Jesus, as well, rarely Trace toners to accept ml Ana Nils teaching. Ratter en encouraged them by being merciful and voicing his higher expectation. Once when Jesus was at the temple, an adulterous woman was brought in to be stoned.The Pharisees wanted to stone her for breaking one of the Ten Commandments and asked him for his opinion. Jesus demanded, † Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. † After cold-hearted Pharisees had left, the shocked and sincerely grateful women stayed behind. Jesus simply told her to go and leave her life of sin. While Jesus was being beaten by the Roman soldiers and spit upon, bystanders yelled that Peter was one of Jesus' disciples. Peter embarrassed by he bullying and scared for his own well-being, denied the accusers three times.Instead of standing up for Jesus, Peter ran away and wept. However, Jesus understood the importance of encouragement. After his resurrection he comes back to visit Peter and asks Peter to shepherd Jesus' other followers. Carnegie tells his readers to encourage others and praise all of their small accomplishments mostly for the mo tivators own benefit. Jesus on the other hand saw people as the ends and not the means, valuing them not for what they did but for who is were. His disciples went on to influence people all around the world.

Psychological Aspects of Genetic Research essays

Psychological Aspects of Genetic Research essays In recent news and scientific publications, there has been a great deal written in the area of genetic research. New discoveries of ways to possibly cure disease or rebuild life-saving tissues and organs based on this type of research hold great promise. In addition, this type of therapy raises the question of other applications, particularly in the area of mental illness and diseases. There have not been many concrete findings in this field, but certain experimental research results are fascinating. Experiments in this field are on the forefront of psychological and genetic research. Many connections can be made between genetics and certain psychological expressive traits or genes such as; intelligence, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, aggression, and anxiety. Many of these emotion-based illnesses, such as manic depression and schizophrenia, can be connected to the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) and the 5-HT2c receptor. Another area of the brain under research is the myelin sheath about schizophrenia and manic depression. The brain chemical Serotonin has been the newest target of medication known as anti-depressants, and drugs that deal with mood stabilization. Another gene that is currently being researched at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland is a single gene: Pet-1. This gene regulates the production of serotonin and controls the communication between cells. Serotonin levels have previously been proven to influence emotion, learning, memory, and pain detection. "These small number of neurons can sprinkle serotonin all over the brain. That's why they have been implicated in so many brain processes and psychiatric disorders. But we know extremely little about them. This is the first gene we've found to control this," says study author Evan Deneris, an associate professor of neuroscience at Case Western. The studies of the serotonin transporter gene indicate a distinct phenotype of adults wit...

The Roman King L. Tarquinius Priscus According to Livy

The Roman King L. Tarquinius Priscus According to Livy Like the reigns of the kings of Rome who preceded L. Tarquinius Priscus (Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullius Ostilius, and Ancus Marcius), and those who followed him (Servius Tullius, and L. Tarquinius Superbus), the reign of the Roman King L. Tarquinius Priscus is shrouded in legend. The Story of Tarquinius Priscus According to Livy An Ambitious CoupleProud Tanaquil, born to one of the foremost  Etruscan families in Tarquinii (an Etrurian city northwest of Rome) was unhappy with her rich husband, Lucumo not with her husband as a man, but with his social status. On his mothers side, Lucumo was Etruscan, but he was also the son of a foreigner, a Corinthian noble and refugee named Demaratus. Lucumo agreed with Tanaquil that their social status would be enhanced if they moved to a new city, like Rome, where social status wasnt yet measured by genealogy. Their plans for the future seemed to have divine blessing or so thought Tanaquil, a woman trained in at least rudimentary arts of Etruscan divination,* for she interpreted the omen of an eagle swooping down to place a cap on Lucumos head as the gods selection of her husband as a king. Upon entering the city of Rome, Lucumo took the name of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus. His wealth and behavior won Tarquin important friends, including the king, Ancus, who, in his will, appointed Tarquin guardian of his children. Ancus ruled for twenty-four years, during which time his sons almost grew up. After Ancus died, Tarquin, acting as a guardian, sent the boys on a hunting trip, leaving him free to canvass for votes. Successful, Tarquin persuaded the people of Rome that he was the best choice for king. * According to Iain McDougall, this is the only truly Etruscan trait Livy mentions in connection with Tanaquil. Divination was a mans occupation, but women could have learned certain common basic signs. Tanaquil may otherwise be viewed as a woman of the Augustan age. The Legacy of L. Tarquinius Priscus - Part ITo garner political support, Tarquin created 100 new senators. Then he waged war against the Latins. He took their town of Apiolae and, in honor of the victory, started the Ludi Romani (Roman Games), which consisted of boxing and horse racing. Tarquin marked out for the Games the spot that became the Circus Maximus. He also established viewing spots, or fori (forum), for the patricians and knights. ExpansionThe Sabines soon attacked Rome. The first battle ended in a draw, but after Tarquin increased the Roman cavalry he defeated the Sabines and forced an unequivocal surrender of Collatia. The king asked, Have you been sent as envoys and commissioners by the people of Collatia to make the surrender of yourselves and the people of Collatia? We have. And is the people of Collatia an independent people? It is. Do you surrender into my power and that of the People of Rome yourselves, and the people of Collatia, your city, lands, water, boundaries, temples, sacred vessels all things divine and human? We do surrender them. Then I accept them.Livy Book I Chapter: 38 Soon he set his sights on Latium. One by one, the towns capitulated. The Legacy of L. Tarquinius Priscus - Part IIEven before the Sabine War, he had started to fortify Rome with a stone wall, Now that he was at peace he continued. In areas where water couldnt drain he built drainage systems to empty into the Tiber. Son-in-lawTanaquil interpreted another omen for her husband. A boy who may have been a slave was sleeping when flames surrounded his head. Instead of dousing him with water, she insisted he be left untouched until he woke of his own accord. When he did, the flames disappeared. Tanaquil told her husband that the boy, Servius Tullius would be a light to us in trouble and perplexity, and a protection to our tottering house. From then on, Servius was raised as their own and in time was given Tarquins daughter as wife a sure sign that he was the preferred successor. This angered the sons of Ancus. They figured the odds of their winning the throne were greater if Tarquin were dead than Servius, so they devised and carried out Tarquins assassination. With Tarquin dead from an ax through the head, Tanaquil devised a plan. She would deny to the public that her husband was mortally wounded while Servius would carry on as the king pro-temp, pretending to consult with Tarquin on various issues. This plan worked for a while. In time, word spread of Tarquins death. However, by this time Servius was already in control. Servius was the first king of Rome who was not elected. Kings of Rome 753-715 Romulus715-673 Numa Pompilius673-642 Tullus Hostilius642-617 Ancus Marcius616-579 L. Tarquinius Priscus578-535 Servius Tullius (Reforms)534-510 L. Tarquinius Superbus

A Thanksgiving Guide for College Students

A Thanksgiving Guide for College Students Thanksgiving break, for many college students, is an oasis in the middle of fall semester. Its a chance to return home and recharge. You can take a break from midterms and papers. For a lot of students, it might be their first chance to get some good food and spend time with old friends. Lots of students go home for Thanksgiving, but some stay on campus. Others head to a friend or roommates house to celebrate the holiday. No matter your situation, though, there are things you can do to make sure you squeeze every last drop out of the long weekend. Friends, Family, and Relationships Thanksgiving is nearly always about friends and family. And while every college student has a unique situation when it comes to their nearest and dearest, nearly everyone needs a little love around the holidays. Some families are less supportive than others. If you find being back home stressful, try planning to see friends or a trip to your favorite coffee shop. For many students, its the first chance they have to visit with friends from high school. If you had a large circle of friends, getting to see everyone you wanted to see might be hard. After all, the Thanksgiving break is only a few days, and most people will have some family obligations as well. Because of this, it is wise to try to plan group activities where you can spend time with as many of your old friends as possible. Dealing With Change If Thanksgiving is the first time youve been home since the start of college, you may have a hard time adjusting to being back. After months of the freedom to come and go as you please, having a curfew again might be hard to swallow. Things around your town have probably changed, too. You may have new interests and hobbies that you didnt have before, which your family may or may not approve of. Dealing with change isnt easy for anyone, including your parents. Try to approach the differences with an open mind. College is about moving from childhood to your adult life and its a process which is why you still have to follow your parents rules- but it wont be like that forever. Be patient when your parents start treating you like youre back in high school; they need time to adjust to their child growing up. When you start getting frustrated remind yourself its just a long weekend, youll be back at school before you know it. Dealing With Politics Its not uncommon for students to return home with new ideas or insight into the politics of the world. If your politics no longer align with your families, it could lead to some unpleasant conversations. Many people attempt to avoid discussing politics during the holiday but if thats not an option, view it as a learning experience. Ask your family members to explain their political beliefs to you. Even if you dont agree, allowing others to feel like theyve been heard can ease tensions. Its also easier to explain your beliefs when you have shown that you respect the other person enough to hear what they have to say. Heading Home Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so knowing what to expect can prevent a fun trip home from turning into a travel nightmare. Knowing what to pack when heading home for Thanksgiving is half the battle. The other half is planning your route home. If youre in charge of purchasing your airline ticket, youll want to book it at least six weeks in advance. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest travel days of the year, so youll want to avoid it if you can. If you have a class scheduled that day, talk to your professor about ways to accommodate your absence so you can leave earlier in the week. Dont worry if you forgot to buy your ticket home; there are ways to find last-minute student travel deals. If you do have to leave on Wednesday, leave early and be prepared to deal with travel delays and crowds. Staying on Top of Your Academics For most students, Thanksgiving falls either right before or right after midterms. So just because youre relaxing and hanging out with people over the break doesnt mean you can let your academics slide. While staying on top of your coursework is challenging, it isnt impossible. Thanksgiving is your first real chance to get to learn how to manage homework over a college break. Even if your professors didnt assign you anything over the break, you probably have a larger project or paper that you can work on. Remember, the end of the semester is really only a few weeks away. The time will pass faster than you think and saying you have to study is a great excuse to get out of an awkward conversation with extended family members.

Children with Traumatic Brain Injury Term Paper

Children with Traumatic Brain Injury - Term Paper Example TBI refers to brain injuries that are caused by external physical forces and not brain injuries that result during childbirth or those that are congenital and degenerative (Ponsford, Draper &Schonberger, 2008). In actual fact, TBI may occur in several ways for instance when the head hits an object, when the head comes into contact with force or when there is movement inside the skull. This results in the development of two types of TBI first being the closed head injury (CHI) which refers to brain damage that is not caused by exterior force and the damages are not visible. The other is open head injury (OHI) which is caused by the impact of external force resulting in the development of visible head injuries for instance swelling. Unfortunately, a child that sustains a brain injury may look fine at the moment but later in life, especially in the adolescent stage exhibit intense behavioral and cognitive problems. This implies that TBI causes children to have lifelong disabilities incl uding cognitive, perceptual, memory, abstract thinking, psychosocial behavior, speech, language, attention, judgment, information processing, sensory, physical functions and problem-solving impairments (Saatman, Duhaime & Workshop Scientific Team and Advisory Panel Members, 2008). These disabilities are manifested in an array of characteristics depending on the location and extent of brain injury. They may also be permanent or temporary in nature where they can either cause total or partial psychosocial adjustment or functional disabilities. For instance, students with cognitive impairments suffer from long or short-term memory deficits thus remembering things and facts become quite difficult. Such students also suffer from impaired concentration and limited attention span. Therefore, they cannot engage in any activity for a long period of time even concentrating in class becomes difficult. Moreover, these students suffer from impaired perception where sequencing, judgment, and plan ning pose a serious problem. In addition, such children gravely suffer from communication problems which inhibit both their writing and reading skills. This is as a result of damage that occurs in the frontal lobes of the brain (Aimaretti & Ghigo, 2007). TBI also manifests behavioral and emotional characteristics which include mood swings, lowered self-esteem, self-centeredness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, restlessness and nosedived motivation. They are also unable to control their emotions as at times they may excessively cry or laugh. As a result, they can neither self-monitor nor relate well with others. This arises because of damage that occurs in the limbic system in the brain. On the other hand, the physical impairment characteristics include sensory impairments as well as vision, speech and hearing problems. Conversely, the students may suffer from constant headaches, paralysis or paresis of either or both sides, lack of proper balance, gait impairments, spasticity of muscl es and seizure disorders. They also lack effective coordination especially the fine motor coordination. These physical characteristics arise due to an imbalance that affects the brain equilibrium. This is because of the development of the midline shift syndrome which further affects the weight, posture and drift posture of patients with TBI. As a result, the patients do not see a straight horizon or wall they see them as tilted (Parikh, Koch & Narayan, 2007).

Knowledge and skills for nursing part 2 assessment Essay

Knowledge and skills for nursing part 2 assessment - Essay Example Based on the background check patient had suffered severe depression because her husband died and live alone. The patient became alcoholic and her health deteriorated because of malnutrition. The patient looks underweight but can survive by giving proper medication and patient care. The nursing process can best be described as a framework for planning individualized care for patient with intellectual disabilities. Since the care for patient is a process it does not conclude into anything but rather it changes constantly and it is the nurses' responsibility to respond to these changing needs whenever necessary. The nursing process usually comprises four or five stages depending on the resources available and work setting, and includes: diagnosis, assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation. The nursing process should be undertaken using a collaborative and participative approach with other professionals, gathering and implementing resources, in order to improve the care process (Department of Health 2000b; Department of Health 2001). The focus of this study will be on the design care plan for our patient on study. The patient was brought in the hospital because of diarrhoea and vomiting. ... It includes areas such as health and health needs, daily living skills, activity programmes, mobility, mental health, risks to the client, finance, respite, social events/outings, support requirements, spiritual needs and, possibly, accommodation issues (Department of Health, 2000b;Sox, 2004a). Our patient on study has been diagnosed to have severe diarrhoea, but upon assessment the medical team handling the patient found out deeper reason for having such condition. The patient based on its medical background is having depression due to the lost of a husband. This has made the patient to neglect herself and become alcoholic. As a result of a deeper assessment the patient is also suffering from malnutrition. The care plan will be focusing on this condition of the patient. The chosen model should cover the entire activity of the patient. Planning In planning, the nurse plays an important role in the recovery and stay of the patient in the hospital. The patient upon admission was given attention on the main complain which is diarrhoea and vomiting. However further diagnosis and assessment of the medical team discovered that the patient is suffering from malnutrition. Our plan focus on malnutrition; the reasons why the patient is having this kind of condition, and the treatment and the protocol that the nurses should follow for the welfare of the patient. Implementation Implementation of a care plan is the most challenging part of the nursing process. Patient who is suffering from depression will lead to intellectual disabilities and an appropriate care plan should be implemented. In the case of our patient, she suffers depression after her husband dies wherein she depends on a lot. This make her

Michael Porter, Competitive Advantage ( Please see the assignment Coursework

Michael Porter, Competitive Advantage ( Please see the assignment criteria ) - Coursework Example At a certain point of time (during the year 1981) the bank chose to capture the market of wholesale credit. The bank although succeeded in achieving its aim but the achievement of leadership position in this loan segment could not be transformed into competitive advantage. Conversely, this strive towards leadership made the bank grant even those loans which other banks were not granting at that point of time to the borrowers. Thus, the bank got involved in escalation of cost and gradually the bank became ineffective (Porter, 1998). The bank failed to transform its leadership strategy into competitive advantage because the structure of the industry did not support leadership (University of Pennsylvania, 2011). For achieving the competitive position, the bank should have focused on attaining both differentiation as well as cost leadership. Leadership indicated that the bank had to deal with various corporations which are quite large and are sensitive towards prices of the loans. The po or position of the bank made various wholesale operators withdraw their funds from the bank that left the bank in a situation of liquidity disaster.

B2B and B2C Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

B2B and B2C Marketing - Assignment Example Thus, business buyer demand is derived demand. It means that there is an impact of all the determinants of individual demand on the derived demand of the business consumers. Moreover, it also means that it may be possible in the consumer market to mold the demand but it is rarely possible to mold the demand of business consumers. The demand in the business market is more inelastic than the consumer market. It means that the demand of the consumer market is not affected by short-run market price fluctuations. The business market contains fewer but larger customers but in the individual consumer market, the number of buyers is large but average quantity they purchase is small. Moreover, the business market is geographically more concentrated as compared to individual customers. The promotional techniques used in marketing for business are different from that for individual customers. For B2B marketing, usual techniques are direct sales, trade discounts, personal networking etc. However, for B2C marketing, the promotional techniques are advertising and other above the line (ATL) marketing techniques. Since the buying decision is very crucial and any error in that decision may cause a great loss, the buyers of the B2B are more rational, whereas, many consumer buying decision is derived by emotional appeals. The example we have chosen to demonstrate the difference between B2B and B2C is the automotive industry. The automotive industry may serve both the purposes, B2B and B2C. If an automotive industry is manufacturing cars to be sold to the individual consumers, it is B2C market operation, and however, if ACE Car Rental, a car rental service provider, purchases a car from the same vendor (Toyota Motor Corporation Australia). In that case, it would be the B2B market.  

Children in the restaurant observation Research Paper

Children in the restaurant observation - Research Paper Example 1100: Tasha enters through the door and seems to be dragging her mum inside as though she cannot wait to have a taste of the delicacies served in the restaurant. She shouts, â€Å"I want French fries, mum I need those† as she points to one of the customer’s plates that is loaded with nicely plated brown French fries with strands of red ketchup. Just as expected, Tasha and her mum are both served, and they head for their seats. Tasha eats hurriedly while focusing all her attention on her plate and seems to care less about her mum seated right in front of her. Neither does she care about adding ketchup or salt to her food. 1105: Jean gets into the hotel with his mother. He does not seem to be in a hurry and stops at the door to watch the restaurant’s cowboy statue erected at the entrance. It is not until his mum drags him that he finds a seat opposite Tasha’s. He seems to care less about the food. His mum joins him with two plates of French fries, and they begin to eat. 1110: Tasha stretches her left hand to reach for a bottle of ketchup. Her mum mumbles a few words before she goes on picking her chips one after the other. Tasha seems reluctant to add ketchup to her half full plate of French fries. She gazes around aimlessly like though she had not noticed the presence of their customers in the restaurant before she finally squeezes the ketchup on her plate wastefully. Her mum seems irritated and grabs the bottle. 1115: Jean eats slowly but steadily. He is not distracted by the melee caused in the restaurant when a group of rowdy teenagers enter the premise. Jean only lifts his head for a moment as if to confirm his mum’s presence then resumes his slow but steady eating. 1120: Tasha seems a little distracted by the food on her plate and begins to play with the sticks of chips. She rolls her sleeves up and begins to rearrange the food on her plate as if to create some sought of artwork. She

IMC Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IMC Analysis - Assignment Example As it can be seen in the videos, Coke’s big idea has been to set up interactive kiosks at different locations to spread and express the idea of happiness which the brand carries (Youtube, 2010; Coca-cola.com, 2012). The main purpose of Coke conducting these activations is to spread happiness in any form. This can be seen from the idea of Coke Happiness Machines which were installed in almost all major markets of Coke. Hence, Coke has successfully integrated its idea of giving spreading happiness through their brand activation campaigns (The Coca-Cola Company, 2009). In order to connect to the people, Coke revamps its packaging every now and then to engage the consumers with the brand. For example, in a CSR drive to save the Polar bears, Coca Cola revamped its packaging by adding Polar bears on the can for a specific period of time (The Coca-Cola Company, 2012). Besides this, to integrate their Super Bowl campaign which included commercials featuring Polar bears, Coke aimed to reduce its emissions by switching to hybrid trucks besides introducing biodiesel technologies (exploringpublicrelations.com, 2008). However, the main theme of this campaign was to save the Polar bears and not to create happiness as per its global brand value (exploringpublicrelations.com, 2008). Coke has been a long standing partner with soccer and to grab the opportunity of FIFA 2010, it gave a chance to consumers to win free tickets to FIFA through a lucky draw and even redesigned Coke Zero can to accommodate the scheme where the consumers would just need to look for the special can with a certain code which they would enter on the website www.cokezone.co.uk. They could even enter as many entries as they wished ((The Coca-Cola Company, 2009; The Coca-Cola Company, 2012). All of Coke’s endeavors were focused towards one common goal of giving people some

Children in the restaurant observation Research Paper

Children in the restaurant observation - Research Paper Example 1100: Tasha enters through the door and seems to be dragging her mum inside as though she cannot wait to have a taste of the delicacies served in the restaurant. She shouts, â€Å"I want French fries, mum I need those† as she points to one of the customer’s plates that is loaded with nicely plated brown French fries with strands of red ketchup. Just as expected, Tasha and her mum are both served, and they head for their seats. Tasha eats hurriedly while focusing all her attention on her plate and seems to care less about her mum seated right in front of her. Neither does she care about adding ketchup or salt to her food. 1105: Jean gets into the hotel with his mother. He does not seem to be in a hurry and stops at the door to watch the restaurant’s cowboy statue erected at the entrance. It is not until his mum drags him that he finds a seat opposite Tasha’s. He seems to care less about the food. His mum joins him with two plates of French fries, and they begin to eat. 1110: Tasha stretches her left hand to reach for a bottle of ketchup. Her mum mumbles a few words before she goes on picking her chips one after the other. Tasha seems reluctant to add ketchup to her half full plate of French fries. She gazes around aimlessly like though she had not noticed the presence of their customers in the restaurant before she finally squeezes the ketchup on her plate wastefully. Her mum seems irritated and grabs the bottle. 1115: Jean eats slowly but steadily. He is not distracted by the melee caused in the restaurant when a group of rowdy teenagers enter the premise. Jean only lifts his head for a moment as if to confirm his mum’s presence then resumes his slow but steady eating. 1120: Tasha seems a little distracted by the food on her plate and begins to play with the sticks of chips. She rolls her sleeves up and begins to rearrange the food on her plate as if to create some sought of artwork. She

Understanding Attitudes and Behavior Essay Example for Free

Understanding Attitudes and Behavior Essay The results support three out of the four hypotheses. The subscales knowledge, affect, intended behaviour and actual behaviour have a significant correlation, that is a change in one generates changes in another. Finding that knowledge is significant could be because the participants are University students and are likely to have a greater depth of general knowledge that the norm. On the other hand having a low knowledge score could be irrelevant to the actual behaviour. This is the conclusion of Maloney et als` study. Another consideration is maybe the hypothesis is wrong; knowledge could be significant in the ecological behaviour of an individual. Maloney et al did not find a correlation but Yule and Knussen (1998) did although to a lesser degree than the other subscales. It might be that it is not the specific knowledge across the spectrum of ecological issues that prompts to action. The items used may have had no relevance in the pro environmental attitude of the participant. Breadth of knowledge may lack significance however having a general, superficial knowledge of the subject or a deep knowledge of a specific area might correlate. In psychology it is generally regarded that knowledge of a subject has no significance with actual behaviour however it is unlikely that one would act to preserve the environment without some knowledge however unclear to prompt to action, especially in areas where recycling involves more effort than separating the items and putting them out for collection. Although there may be a smaller correlation with the other subscales it could be that knowledge is indeed significant but results may be forthcoming only when the inventory tackles the areas the pro-environmentalist is interested in and has a greater knowledge, e.g. a person may decide to recycle because they wish to conserve earths natural resources whereas another may do so because pollution kills. Both may recycle but for different reasons and their knowledge could be in-depth in separate but related areas. Possible behaviour needs a certain amount of knowledge to motivate but knowledge in itself does not necessarily activate behaviour. Ajzen and Fishbein concluded, from their studies, that traditional methods of attitude measurements were flawed but possibly modern attitude and behaviour measurements are also flawed. Perhaps when building the items to be used for the attitude measurement there would be a need to fit the items to particular social groups e. g. lower working class or long term unemployed may not buy environmentally friendly products as they are too expensive for a limited budget. Perhaps their contribution to recycling goes as far as reusing supermarket carriers as nappy sacks, using empty jars for home made jam, buying second hand goods, or using food scraps for humus in the garden but it is still recycling and is not included in CALECOL. Likewise a person with limited finances may have no way to get any items to a recycling point as a lot of local councils do not have collection days for recyclable goods. Their actual behaviour score would be reduced as a result of this biased slant to those that are financially able to buy environmentally friendly products. In the CALECOL Inventory (see appendix ii) there are a few items that may be irrelevant to certain areas of the population and as a result give a distorted score. For example actual behaviour subscale item 4 and intended behaviour item 9 12 mentions politics and environmental issues. Some religions actually prohibit voting for political parties and this item would affect the scoring. Transport difficulties mean taking items to be recycled is not possible for a lot of people(Item 9, actual behaviour. This Inventory is also biased towards the able bodied. Some environmentalists are disabled and unable to get out to clean up, use public transport, deliver leaflets or take items to a recycling point. This highlights the problems with measuring attitudes using inventories. The items used cannot be measured on everyone and therefore gives an unrealistic evaluation of their attitudes and the relationship to their behaviour. Age may affect the scores as most young people live at home and their actual behaviour may largely be under the control of their parents. So they may have the knowledge, strength of feeling and intention to be ecological but lack the means e. g. they will not usually decide which products to buy for the home or whether to recycle items. Age may also be a significant factor in revealing a correlation between the subscales. It would be interesting to find out if say the 18 24 age group subscales scores are significantly lower than the 36 44 age group. The evidence from this small study was that it might be as it was mostly the older members of the class that had the highest scores. This could be because as one ages one might ponder on the consequences of ones actions more. Pollution could be directly affecting their children and parents might want to make a contribution to their offsprings future environment. Another area that could be investigated is location. Do rural areas recycle more than towns or cities? What role does local social norms play in recycling behaviour? Measurement scales could be tailored to suit a particular class of individual, whether grouped by area, social class, disabled etc, to gain a more realistic measurement of their attitude. As attitudes are hypothetical constructs, theories and investigations will continue to be made. Through time, no doubt, measurement scales will grow more sophisticated in their search to accurately measure attitude components and their links with actual behaviour but without tailoring it is unlikely that all the items in an attitude inventory will apply to all participants in equal measure. REFERENCES Ajzen, I. , Fishbein, M. (1982). Understanding Attitudes and Behavior, Theoretical Implications. In J. C. Brigham, L. S. Wrightsman (ED. ), Contemporary Issues in Psychology (4th ED), pp127 137. Monterey, California, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Aijzen, I. , Fishbein, M. (1980). Understanding attitudes and predicting social behaviour. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Cited in Zimbargo and Leippe, (1991). The Psychology of Attitude and Social Influence. United States of America, McGraw Hill Maloney, M. P. , Ward, M. O. Braucht, C. N. (1975). A revised scale for the measurement of ecological attitudes and knowledge. American Psychologist, 30, 787-790

Malaysian Market For Sago Palm

Malaysian Market For Sago Palm In this chapter, we will discuss the background of Malaysia market for sago. The discussion of the market consists of production, consumption, export and price. To understand about sago, we will first briefly discuss on sago palm, sago starch and sago processing. 1.1 Sago Palm Sago palm or Metroxylon sagu is a crop that produces starch for food and non-food processing industries. Sago palm is widely cultivated in Sarawak with more than 60,000 hectare of area recently. Commercial cultivation area for sago palm was increased from 43 hectare in 1988 to 10,700 hectare in 1996 and the remaining was cultivated by smallholders. In year 2000, there are 21 sago processing plants which produced around 60,000 tonne of sago starch. In west Malaysia, sago palm cultivation is too small with only 2 sago processing plant operated in Johor. 1.2 Sago Starch Most of sago starch that been produced in Sarawak is used in west Malaysia (almost 30,000 tonne). Sago also been exported as high quality food grade starch and low quality industry grade starch. Export for food grade starch was increased from 3,600 tonne in 1985 to 11,000 tonne in 1995 while export for industry grade starch was decreased from 8,400 tonne in 1985 to 5,100 tonne in 1995. The major destinations for sago starch export are Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and Thailand. 1.3 Sago Processing Sago Palm Sago palm took 10 to 15 years to be matured. When sago palm is matured, it will be felt down so that its trunk can be cut. Sago palm has a huge trunk, upright, reaches a height of 10-12 meters, with the contents of the soft and contain high starch content. It is a staple food source for indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak, including ethnic Bisaya, and Melanau. Sago Log Sago trunk is cut into section with each section is 75 cm to 90 cm long. This section is known as sago log. Every sago trunk yield around 10 to 12 sago log. Then, these sago logs will be tied together in the form of rafts and tugged by boats to sago processing plant through river. Sometimes, these sago logs are carried by lorry to sago processing plant. Processing Sago Starch Processing of sago starch is done in the sago processing plant. In the sago extraction process, the sago logs are first debarked, followed by maceration using a rasper. Newer types of raspers have eliminated the need for debarking. The sago chips resulting from the maceration process are then further disintegrated using a hammer mill. The starch slurry is then passed through a series of centrifugal sieves to remove the coarse fibres. Cyclone separators are then used to extract the starch which is then dried using a rotary vacuum drum drier, followed by hot air drying. 1.4 Malaysia Market for Sago Source: Department of Agriculture, Sarawak. Agricultural Statistics of Sarawak From table 1.4, we can see how the development and the status of sago industries in Malaysia were. The number figure shows inconsistency in the export of sago starch every single year. Thus, it is influenced by the current economic climate. We can see that the figure of the total export of sago starch are not really consistence compared to its price which is going high all the way starting from the year of 1993 until it reaches its highest price in the year 1998. The year after, the figure shows that the price is going down. Even though, the total of production was increased in 2002 and 2003. The lowest price ever was in year 1993 where it was only around RM584 per tonne for industry grade starch and RM596 per tonne for food grade starch. The highest price was RM915 per tonne for industry grade starch and RM 897 food grade starch in the year 1998; a year after the economic erosion occurs. From the view of total export quantity and production, Malaysia produced the highest quantity of sago starch back in the year 1995 where it reaches its highest possible production with exported quantity up to 45,130.96 tonne for food grade starch and 4,816.43 tonne for industry grade starch. The lowest total production was in the year 1997 where only 27,285.50 tonne of food grade starch and 5,121.83 tonne of industry grade starch were exported; the same year when the economic erosion occurs. If referred to the net export value, the biggest amount is during the sago price recorded its highest price which is in year 1998. The amount is RM5, 638,142. Meanwhile, the lowest export value was in year 1993 with the net total of export value is RM2, 314,787. CHAPTER 2: CURRENT POLICIES DESCRIPTION 2.0 Introduction This chapter will discuss the agricultural policies relevant to sago; providing an accurate, clear understanding of the policies affecting the market for sago and its product. There are 4 policies that relevant to sago consist of policies by the Malaysia government (federal) and Sarawak government (state). 2.1 Sarawak Policy on Sago Plantation (Before NAP3) The Sarawak government is trying to pioneer the cultivation of sago on a plantation scale, trying to tap 20th century agricultural technology and large-scale organisational structure to grow this supposedly wonder crop. The aim of sago plantations is the application of modern, scientific agricultural technology and a large-scale institutional organisation, to exploit the cultivation of sago that has thus far been cultivated in a very primitive and semi-wild fashion. This is the first attempt at growing sago on a plantation scale anywhere in the world. Since the clone material and plantation technology for sago palm have not been established by private entrepreneurs, Sarawak government had developed the policies to cultivate sago palm on a plantation scale. With proper drainage, maintenance and fertilizer in plantation, sago palm will mature faster. This will increase the productivity of sago palm which supply starch to the local and international market. 2.2 Third National Agricultural Policy (NAP3) on Sago (1998-2010) In NAP3, sago is fallen under the group of new product and future industries. The policy objective for this group is: To develop innovative products and new industries which will provide source for the development of agriculture in the future The strategies for this policy are: To strengthen the economy base To generate and encourage private sector participation To reduce cost and increased productivity, commercial sago cultivation in large scale by private sector has been encouraged. This has been done alone by private sector and in collaboration with government subsidiaries. Infrastructures and basic facilities have been provided by the government to support the production of sago by private sector. Furthermore, cultivation with high quality seeds and better agronomy practices has been done to increase the productivity of sago smallholders. Sago cultivation has been encouraged on peat soil area in Sarawak due to the suitable of this crop with peat soil. This is the best way to use peat soil area in natured way. Production of value-added sago based products have been implemented to wider the market opportunities. The products include modified sago starch, sorbitol, dextrin and ascorbic acid. Research and development on both upstream and downstream activities for sago has been strengthen. The activities include: Breeding high quality crops material Farm management Processing technology New products development Usage of side products including wasted materials and sago scraps Sago smallholders have been encouraged to wider their farm through institution support. Research and market encouragement for sago starch and other sago products have been stressed due to strengthen the existing market and venture the new market. Sago processing plants have been encouraged to practice quality control management. Investment and strategic raw material gain for upstream industry has been encouraged. This is to sustain the supply of sago in the industry. To control the wasted materials and sago scraps, pollution control management has been implemented. 2.3 Sarawak Policy on Sago (Based on NAP3) Sarawak Policy on Sago has been formulated, planned and developed from NAP3 by Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak (MoMA). The policy is for sago starch-based product industry as a potential industry and sago as a crop industry. For sago starch-based product industry as a potential industry, the policy objective is: To explore new frontier industry which might have substantial return to the local producers and the economy The strategies for this policy are: To encourage private sector participation To intensify research and development on sago starch product development For sago as a crop industry, the policy objective is: To develop and expand sago industry and exploit the opportunities of market of sago and sago starch-based products The strategies for this policy are: To assist smallholder in planting sago using mini estate approach To encourage private sector participation in planting and processing of sago 2.4 Ninth Malaysia Plan; Policy on Sago Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, sago is one of the crops that included in land consolidation and rehabilitation. Land consolidation and rehabilitation will be continued on a larger scale to accelerate the modernisation of smallholdings as well as increase productivity of the crops. CHAPTER 3: OBJECTIVE Objective To determine Sago cultivation area in Sarawak To determine policy implication on Sago industry in Sarawak To determine the changes of policy in Sago industry CHAPTER 4: POLICY ANALYSIS 4.0 Introduction In this chapter, we will analyze the effects of policy that have been discussed in the previous chapter. The policy that we will analyze here is the Sarawak Policy on Sago based on NAP3. 4.1 Effects on Sago Cultivation Area According to Chew, Abu Hassan Isa and Mohd. Ghazali Mohayidin (1999), the aim of sago plantations is the application of modern, scientific agricultural technology and a large-scale institutional organisation, to exploit the cultivation of sago that has thus far been cultivated in a very primitive and semi-wild fashion. With commercial planting on large scale have been encouraged through the policies, the sago cultivation area was increased. The estimated area for sago cultivation in 1998 is 45,000 ha and it increased to 60,700 ha in 2000 (Third National Agricultural Policy, 1998) Since year 2000, the estimated area for sago cultivation in Sarawak is over 60,000 ha and slowly increased from year to year. The increment of sago cultivation area in Sarawak from year 2000 to 2004 is shown as below (Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005). Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Hectares (ha) 60,709 61,523 62,141 63,053 62,308 % compared to other crops 7.8 7.6 7.3 7.1 6.7 Table 4.1: Estimated Area for Sago Cultivation Source: Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005 Even though the area for sago cultivation is increased in term of hectares, but in term of percentage compared to other crops, sago cultivation is decreased. The policies might be effective to increase the area of sago cultivation, but the increment is rather too slow compared to other crops especially oil palm. Figure 4.1.1: Sago Cultivation Area in Sarawak Source: Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005 Figure 4.1.2: Percentage of Sago Cultivation Area Compared to Other Crops in Sarawak Source: Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005 4.2 Effects on Sago Starch Export and Starch Import The highest sago starch export was in 1998 with 46,518.43 tonne of sago starch was exported and the value of it was RM41, 855,722 with price per tonne is RM897 for food grade starch and RM915 for industry grade starch (Craun Research Sdn Bhd, 2004). After 1998, the sago starch export decreased making the worst export value was in year 2000 with only 36,382.78 tonne was exported and the value of it was RM29,782,916 with price per tonne is RM830 for food grade starch and RM766 for industry grade starch. This might be derived from the price drop of starch in world market. The effects of the policies were only been seen after year 2000 where the export value of sago starch increased every year starting from year 2001 to 2004. Only in year 2003, the export value was decreased by RM55,000. The export value of sago starch from year 1998 to 2004 is shown as below (Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005). Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Export Value (RM000) 42,182 36,450 29,783 30,680 32,165 32,110 37,020 Table 4.2.1: The Export Value of Sago Starch SOURCE: Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005 While exporting sago starch, Malaysia still has to import other starch due to local consumption. In year 1997, estimated total production of sago starch in Malaysia is 60,000 tonne with almost 30,000 was used for local consumption (Third National Agricultural Policy, 1998). In 1998, the import value of starch was RM552,000 made it was the highest import value for starch. With local demand for starch is good for food and non-food industries, the policies were able to support the supply of starch in local market. It helps to reduce the import value of starch in 1999 to RM55,000. From this year, the import value of starch per year was going up and down where in year 2000 there is no starch was imported. The import value of starch from year 1998 to 2004 is shown as below (Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005). Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Import Value (RM000) 552 55 134 0 45 71 57 Table 4.2.2: The Import Value of Starch Source : Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Sarawak, 2005 Figure 3.2: Export Value of Sago Starch and Import Value of Starch from 1998 to 2004 4.3 Effect on Sago Research Involvement According to Chew, Abu Hassan Isa and Mohd. Ghazali Mohayidin (1999), there was no private group and only two government centres carrying out research on sago in Malaysia. Researches on sago are important to avoid the extinction of sago industry in Malaysia. When the policies were implemented, Land Custody and Development Authority of Sarawak (PELITA) have formed Craun Research Sdn Bhd to carry out research and development on sago. Craun Research Sdn Bhd was once lead by former Sarawak MARDI Director, Mr. Yusup Bin Sobeng. The policies also encouraged local universities to carry out research on sago. With UPM already carry out researches on sago before the policies; UNIMAS have joined them to do more researches on sago. Recently on 4 August 2006, UNIMAS signed an MOU with New Century Fermentation Research Co. Ltd. (NECFER) of Fukoka to enable both institutions to cooperate and collaborate in the establishment of the fermentation parameters and structural set-up in a joint research and development endeavour on sago starch fermentation for large-scale production of ethanol and lactic acid. 4.4 Effects on Private Sector Involvement in Sago Plantation Presently, sago is grown in Sarawak as a smallholders crop (Chew, Abu Hassan Isa and Mohd. Ghazali Mohayidin, 1999). When Land Custody and Development Authority of Sarawak (PELITA) started the development of two sago plantations; Dalat Sago Plantation and Mukah Sago Plantation, several private companies in Sarawak got the initiative to involve in sago industry. With the policy encouraged private sector participation in planting and processing of sago, the numbers of private companies involve in sago plantation and processing had increase. Now, private companies which involve in sago industry have their own association for the benefits of members in the industry. Sarawak Sago Manufacturers Association is the well known sago companies association in Sarawak. It is joined by: Nee Seng Ngeng Sons Sago Industries Sdn Bhd Nitsei Sago Industries Sdn Bhd Song Ngeng Sago Industries (EM) Sdn Bhd C. L. Nee Sago Industries Sdn Bhd Grand Safeways (S) Sdn Bhd Igan Sago Industries Sdn Bhd 4.5 Effects on Traditional Sago Starch Production Before the policy was introduced, there were 11 modern sago processing plants in Sarawak which had fixed assets and equipment valued around RM2-RM5 million (Chew, Abu Hassan Isa and Mohd. Ghazali Mohayidin, 1999). The policy helps to increase this number to 21 modern sago processing plant in year 2000. The increasing number of modern sago processing plant had slowly replaced the production of traditional sago starch called lemantak with high quality, dry sago flour. 4.6 Effects on Sago Starch Contribution in World Starch Market In the world market, sago starch has to compete with other starch such as maize starch, potato starch, cassava starch and wheat starch. According to ISO Technical Committees (2005), the world starch output was estimated to be 48.5 million tons in year 2000. Below is the total export value (in USD) for starches in world market based on type of starches between years 2000 to 2002 (ISO Technical Committees, 2005). 2000 2001 2002 Wheat Starch 79,299,188 66,494,945 71,158,617 Maize Starch 247,354,215 254,598,496 250,744,561 Potato Starch 186,513,628 192,451,543 189,591,770 Cassava Starch 155,221,419 146,818,270 27,307,528 Other Starch 44,592,792 42,295,983 42,245,903 Table 3.6: Export Value (USD) for Starches in World Market Source: ISO Technical Committees, 2005 Other starch in table 3.6 refers to barley starch, rice starch, sago starch and waxy xaize starch. Though the export value of other starch is decreased from year 2000 to 2002, it was only 5% reduction compared to 82% reduction of cassava starch. However, the percentage or reduction for other starch including sago starch is higher than wheat starch, maize starch and potato starch. The policy to develop and expand sago industry in Malaysia helps to make Malaysia been acknowledged as one of the main exporter for starch in the world market. Malaysia also been acknowledged as the highest sago starch exporter in the world (ISO Technical Committees, 2005). CHAPTER 5: POLICY IMPLICATIONS This chapter will discuss the positive and negative aspects of the policies analyzed in the previous chapter. The discussion demonstrates a close relationship between the analysis in the previous chapter and the implications drawn in this chapter about the positive and negative aspects of the policies analyzed. 5.1 Positive Aspects First positive aspect, the policies implicate the sago cultivation to be increased. With 1.69 million hectares of peat soil in Sarawak, the policies had increased the sago cultivation area. This was due to the encouragement of private sector participation in sago plantation and the assistant of smallholder in planting sago using mini estate approach. Private sectors will not just focusing to oil palm plantation in term of the land usage in Sarawak. Even though sago is less profitable compared to oil palm, the policies which imply government support in sago cultivation helps to involve private sector in sago cultivation. Second positive aspect, the policies implicate the export and import of starch in Malaysia. With current consumption of starch in Malaysia is estimated around 100,000 tonne per year, the policies help to increase the supply of starch for local consumption. More than half of sago starch is been exported because of its high value as food grade starch and industry grade starch. This is more profitable than using it for local consumption. However, the usage of sago starch for local consumption still can support the local demand where the import value of starch in Malaysia is far too small (below RM80,000 from year 2001) compared to the export value of sago starch. Third positive aspect, the policies implicate the sago researches involvement in Malaysia. The policies help to increase the number of government subsidiaries and private group involvement in sago researches and development. The researches mostly focus on increasing its starch yield, reducing the gestation period of sago and reducing the cost of sago production. Fourth positive aspect, the policies implicate the income of sago smallholders. With most of sago palm is cultivated by smallholders, the policies help to increase their income. Most of sago farmers are having income from non-sago agricultural activities or from off-farm employment. This is because sago palm has the gestation period of 10 to 15 years which considered as too long to generate income. The policies are focusing on economic strategies in planting sago at farm level where the farmers can maximize the profit in sago cultivation. Fifth positive aspect, the policies implicate the collaboration between federal government and state government. With agriculture as the third instrument to generate Malaysias economy, the policies play an important role in developing the abundant crop such as sago. The federal government creates policies to develop sago cultivation for the state government. Then the state government will innovatively formulate, plan and develop the policies to be implemented. The policies consist of budget and land for sago cultivation. Finally, the policies ensured sago not to be abundant and will be developed to support the agriculture industry as well as other industries in Malaysia. 5.2 Negative Aspects First negative aspect, the policies implicate the manipulation of private companies in sago industry. Most of private companies that involve in planting and processing sago have their own association to protect their importance in the industry. They might control the price of sago section (sago trunk which is cut to yield its starch) and the fee for transportation to factories. When this happened, the sago smallholders might gain small profit or even worst they gain loss. Second negative aspect, the policies implicate the traditional value of sago processing. With the number of modern sago processing plant is increased, the traditional, small-scale cottage mills which produce a type of inferior wet sago called lementak for the local markets are slowly being wiped out. The Melanau community especially will slowly lose their traditional way in processing sago. Finally, the policies are considered not very effective in developing sago industry. This can be seen in the small increment of sago cultivation area for the past 5 years compare to other crop in Malaysia. CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS Even though, sago is considered by many plant scientists, especially Japanese scientists, as the starch crop of the 21st century (Jong, 1995), the present method of cultivation of sago palm shows that it is currently grown using very primitive agricultural technology. Sago is at present grown essentially as a smallholder crop, producing low yields with minimal maintenance and zero fertilization. Current methods of cultivation in Sarawak is not that much different from what had occurred through the millennium and what is occurring now in the virgin, unexplored jungles of Papua New Guinea. The policy was implemented and sago industry also given impotency in Sarawak region. The cultivation area was showing increment and the yield as well, at the same time Malaysia market and world market for sago also increase. We found every policy try their level best to develop the sago industry from cultivation up to market it. Now they also start focus in research and development (RD), which will improve the sago industry. The sago plant lot of RD, to improve the plant and make it more economically profit. In sago industry there need two important thing need to improve. Make sure the plant produce high starch or high yield and decrease the gestation period that is from 10 to 15 years to 5years. The yield can be improved by good plant materiel and good plant breeding as well. This can only be achieved by a prolonged, sustained research program in plant selection and breeding work. The spectacular improvements in the yield of oil palm and its maturity period in Malaysia were achieved by a similar long-term research program, undertaken by a wide variety of governmental and private groups, beginning in the 1900s (Hartley, 1967). Unfortunately, there are currently no private groups carrying out research on sago in Malaysia. In fact, there are now only two government centers, the Dalat Sago Research Station and CRAUN (Crop Research and Application Unit, Lembaga Pembangunan dan Lindungan Tanah, Sarawak or PELITA), carrying out research on sago cultivation. The amount of research resource devoted to sago is clearly inadequate for the monumental task of converting sago from its present semi-wild status to a modern clone with high yields, short maturity periods and responsiveness to fertilizers. The proper management and good care to sago will improve Sarawak Sago industry and the policy will make the sago as golden crop of Sarawak.