Toyota Swot Analysis 2013 free essay sample

SWOT analysis of Toyota This is a Toyota Motor Corporation SWOT analysis for 2013. Company background NameToyota Motor Corporation Industries servedAutomotive Geographic areas servedWorldwide HeadquartersJapan Current CEOAkio Toyoda Revenue? 18. 583 trillion (2012) Profit? 283. 55 billion (2012) Employees300,747 (2012) Main CompetitorsBayerische Motoren Werke AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Co. , General Motors Company, Honda Motor Company, Nissan Motor, Tata Motors, Ltd. , Volkswagen AG and many other automotive companies. SWOT analysis of Toyota SWOT analysis of Toyota StrengthsWeaknesses 1. Innovative culture 2. Brand reputation valued at $30 billion 3. Industry leader in manufacturing and production 4. Strong brand portfolio 5. The leader in â€Å"green† cars development1. Large recalls 2. Weak presence in the emerging markets OpportunitiesThreats 1. Positive attitude towards â€Å"green† vehicles 2. Increasing fuel prices 3. Changing customer needs 4. Growth through acquisitions1. Fluctuating fuel prices 2. New emission standards 3. Rising raw material prices 4. Intense competition 5. Natural disasters 6. Appreciating yen exchange rate Strengths 1. Innovative culture. Toyota is one of the most innovative auto companies and has a strong culture that is focused on constant innovation. The company was the first to introduce Kaizen, Kanban and Total quality Management systems widely in their organization. The company was the first to mass-produce and sell hybrid vehicles too. 2. Brand reputation valued at $30 billion. Toyota’s brand is the most valued automotive brand in the world. The company is known for its environmentally friendly, safe and durable cars that are sold in more than 170 countries. 3. Industry leader in manufacturing and production. Toyota was the first company to introduce lean manufacturing and total quality management practices in manufacturing process. For some time, the company was the only practitioner of these practices and had the lowest manufacturing and production costs worldwide. Although many manufacturers were able to replicate Toyota’s lean manufacturing system, the company is still one of the most profitable manufacturers in the world. 4. Strong brand portfolio. Toyota currently sells about 70 different models of cars under its namesake brand. This does not only increase brands awareness but also satisfies nearly every consumer group needs. Toyota’s flagship models are Corolla and Prius. 5. The leader in â€Å"green† cars development. Toyota understands that environmental friendly cars are the necessity nowadays. Consumers are more selective in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel-efficiency of the cars they buy and Toyota’s early move towards selling hybrid and efficient cars is the strength few competitors can match. Weaknesses 1. Large-scale recalls. Toyota had quite a few large-scale vehicle recalls over the past few years. The company recalled 9 million vehicles in 2009-2010 and 7. 43 million cars in 2012. Such recalls does not only hurt the firm financially but significantly damages firm’s brand. 2. Weak presence in the emerging markets. Toyota’s main markets are Japan, US and Europe, while such emerging economies as China or India make only a small percentage of all Toyota’s sales. Due to poor presence in the largest automobile market (China), Toyota will find it hard to compete with GM that has huge market share there. Opportunities 1. Positive attitude towards â€Å"green† vehicles. Today consumers are more aware of the negative effects (air pollution) caused by cars. Large quantities of CO2 emissions intensify greenhouse effect and negatively impact the life on earth. Thus, consumers are more likely to buy new hybrid and electric cars that emit less CO2. 2. Increasing fuel prices. Increasing fuel prices open up large markets for Toyota’s hybrid cars as consumers shift towards efficient cars. 3. Changing customer needs. By introducing new car models, Toyota could satisfy varying consumers’ tastes and needs and access wider customer group. 4. Growth through acquisitions. Toyota has successfully acquired other car companies in the past and should continue doing so to grow, gain new skills, assets and access to new markets. Threats 1. Decreasing fuel prices. There is high possibility that future fuel prices will drop, as more shale gas will be extracted. For this reason, fuel-efficient hybrid and electric cars will become less attractive to cost conscious consumers that are the main customer group for Toyota’s Prius model. 2. New emission standards. New emission standards introduced by the government would require more investments into producing cleaner engines. More investments mean less profit for Toyota. 3. Rising raw material prices. Rising raw material prices are especially important to automobiles manufacturers. Higher prices mean higher costs and less profits for Toyota as the raw metals are the main components in car manufacturing. 4. Intense competition. Toyota faces more intense competition from other auto manufacturers more than ever. Volkswagen group is strongly growing and GM steps up after its reorganization to become more competitive than ever. 5. Natural disasters. Toyota’s has manufacturing facilities in Japan, Thailand, China and Indonesia. These countries, including others, are often subject to natural disasters that disrupt manufacturing in the facilities and decrease Toyota’s production volumes. 5. Appreciating yen exchange rate. Most of Toyota’s revenue comes from foreign countries. The profits earned abroad must be sent back to Japan and converted to yen. Appreciating yen exchange rate against other currencies means lower profits for Toyota. Sources: 1. Toyota (2013). Investors: 2012 Financial Results. Available at: http://www. toyota-global. com/investors/financial_result/2012/ 2. Toyota (2013). Company profile: Overview. Available at: http://www. toyota-global. com/company/profile/overview/ 3. Interbrand (2013). Best Global Brands 2012. Available at: http://www. interbrand. com/en/best-global-brands/2012/Best-Global-Brands-2012. aspx 4. Pantong, K. (2013). Toyota investing on big things in Thailand. Available at: http://www. nationmultimedia. com/business/Toyota-investing-on-big-things-in-Thailand-30198606. html 5. Wikipedia (2013). Toyota. Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Toyota#Hybrid_electric_vehicles

Algae derived biofuel

Algae derived biofuel Abstract The first section of the paper focuses on a background or historical context of algae derived fuels for aviation. It was found that the technology is relatively new. Tests have been done by several aviation firms but no fleet is powered by the fuel. After coverage of developments in the sector, the advantages and limitations of the fuel source were identified.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Algae derived biofuel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Advantages include low greenhouse emission, similarity to conventional jet fuel and no competition with food. Limitations include poor commercialization, lack of incentives and costliness. Thereafter, some recommendations were made on how to make this technology viable. They included private-public sector collaboration, improvement of the production process, government investment, sensitization of the masses and mobilization of stakeholders for standardizati on. Introduction Concerns about the rate of green house gas emissions necessitate the shift to more sustainable fuels. Algae-derived jet fuels have been suggested as possible solutions to this problem. However, most producers are still at the research phase of the product life cycle. It is, therefore, necessary to analyze the past and present trends in order to identify future possibilities. Methodology The study involved secondary research where journals, books and newspaper reports on the subject matter were collected. In this analysis the need for using the fuel was one of the topics identified. Furthermore, a historical analysis of the development of this fuel in the aviation industry was done. Thereafter, some articles were collected on adoption of the fuel in various industries presently. The disadvantages and advantages of the fuel were examined. Finally, an analysis of findings was done in order to make a forecast on future developments. Findings Historical context The aviat ion industry is one of heaviest sources of pollution in the world. Statistics indicate that for every fifty units of greenhouse gas generated on the earth, one unit will come from the aviation sector. This number may increase to 1.5 units in the next half a century. Consequently, sustainable and effective ways of dealing with this high carbon footprint are necessary.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Numerous scientists have already responded to this need through a myriad of innovations. Some of them have suggested the use of biodiesel, but its propensity to solidify in cold conditions makes it untenable (Shirvani et al. 2011). Others have suggested the use of FT SPK, which involves the use of solid biomass to generate oil through a process known as pyrolysis. The product is then transformed into the synthetic paraffinic form of kerosene that is used in ai rplanes. The major problem with this approach is that it is quite resource consuming. Firms also have the option of using oil from algae in order to create synthetic kerosene through a process of hydro processing (Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension 2012). The latter approach is the focus of the paper. Algae-derived fuels have gained popularity in the late 2000s. However, most research on them started in the 1990s. During the year 2008, several aviation stakeholders such as the Boeing, Virgin Atlantic, and Air New Zealand formed the Algal Biomass Organization. In January 2009, Continental Airlines tested the first commercial jet using a blend of algae-derived fuels. At the time, a 50-50 combination of the conventional fuel and algae biofuel was used (Kyriakos 2012). In July 2010, the first plane to be powered by 100% algae-derived biofuel was flown by Airbus maker-EADS. The demonstration was done in Berlin and then England. It was found that the fuel was more efficient t han the conventional ones. About fifty percent less fuel was needed compared to a petroleum-derived fuel. Even the unwanted emissions were drastically reduced. The company estimated that eight times as much greenhouse gases are produced by conventionally-powered aircrafts. In September 2010, Exelon Corporation worked on a new method of algae production that could be sustained even during cold temperatures. In June 2011, Honeywell, which specializes in the production of jet fuel from algae, tested a Gulftstream jet using a blend of the algae fuel as well as petrol in an equal ratio. The aircraft belonged to the US military and thus demonstrated that this government had faith in the possibilities of the fuel. Even the Navy in the US powered a helicopter for the first time with a blend of algae biofuel. It was reported that the aircraft was just as efficient as a conventionally-powered aircraft (Goldenberg 2010|). During the month of October, an organization known as Pond Biofeuls Inc. found a way of growing algae from cement plant emissions. However, the quantities were still minimal in number.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Algae derived biofuel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In November 2011, another Aircraft departed from a city in the US (Houston) to another – Chicago. In the first month of 2012, an organization known as VG Energy discovered a new method of producing algae that could increase the amount of oil that it produces by 700%. Current uses (benefits and limitations) The most promising aspect of algae-derived biofuel is their environmental sustainability. Aviation companies that belong to sustainability associations often have to follow certain criteria before adopting a fuel as an alternative. The source of the fuel should not cause pressure in food production. Oils derived from corn or other food products are deemed unsustainable because they lead to competition between humans who need the seed for food and those who want to make fuel out of it (Scott et al. 2010). Algae-derived fuels do not threaten food production because human beings do not eat algae. In addition to competition for food, the plant source of the biofuel ought not to use up land for farming. If a plant needs to be grown in the same way as other food crops, then it may use up a lot of land and prompt residents to practice deforestation. Once again, algae-derived biofuels do not have this quality because they are not grown on land. Most of them can be cultivated in salty water or even polluted water, yet they can yield as much as two hundred percent more oil than soybeans. Therefore, they will not cause depletion of natural resources like forests or water. Lastly, sustainable fuel should not lead to high amounts of carbon emissions in the air. The carbon lifecycle of the product needs to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; otherwise, the fuel would not be environmenta l friendly. This trait is quite true for the fuels from algae; it minimizes the availability of greenhouse gases by 50% (MIT 2012). In order to use a substance as a sustainable fuel, it must possess certain chemical characteristics that make it suitable for this purpose. The chemical composition of the product should allow it to be mixed with normal fuel for use. Jet fuel ought to have high tolerance for extremely hot and cold weather; this is true for algae-derived fuels.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More That requirement means that automotive derived alternatives cannot be suitable for aviation. The algae-derived fuels clearly fit this description. The sustainable fuels also need to be similar to conventional jet fuels in order to minimize the need for aircraft adaptation of the engines, which is another quality that the fuel under analysis possesses. Despite these tests, even on commercial airlines, most companies are yet to treat algae-derived biofuel as a reliable source of fuel. In fact, most research organizations are still working on ways of producing the algae at a large scale. Most organizations working on the technology are in educational or research institutions. The University of London and Cambridge are some of the many institutions researching on sustainable mechanisms for producing algae. Therefore, the reliability of the fuel is still questionable. For effective use of the technology, aviation companies need to take advantage of incentives offered for use of an altern ative fuel. Currently, some governments have given their aviation companies reprieve by providing incentives. In the United States, the government has passed a law that allows aviation firms to buy alternative fuels, including algae-derived ones, at fair prices. These benefits are accorded to members of the Renewable Fuel Standard group. However, several other countries do not possess such incentives thus making it difficult to try out algae fuels (Hartman 2008). The nature of business is also minimizing the adoption of this fuel commercially. Using biofuels in aircrafts is an expensive practice because one has to pay more per unit of fuel consumed. These high prices have dampened demand for the product. Investors, in turn, have avoided the product because it may be considered as a high-risk venture. Furthermore, whenever a technology is in its early stages of discovery, many investors tend to refrain from it until it picks up. Government bodies can come in and provide incentives fo r the use of the product. However, because only a small portion of these subsidies and deductions exist in aviation, then adoption of the technology may take long (Yang et al. 2010). Discussion Politics will play a large role in the adoption and use of algae-derived biofuels. The international business environment is not suitable for the use of these fuels unless governments step in and change the way things are done. Governments can collaborate with other sustainably oriented countries in order to create standards for the use of algae-derived fuels. The European Union has already started working on this aspect. Other countries, including Australia need to follow suit; otherwise, the adoption of the technology will continue to take too long. Additionally, governments can create incentives for the use of these fuels, and that would encourage more companies to use it. Governments also have the power to invest in this emerging technology. They can empower businesses who may want to sta rt with demonstration plants. Governments should try as much possible to treat algae-derived biofeuls as other fuels used on land transport. That would imply that the product is being taken seriously. People would invest in it and thus develop it. As the case is now, people still think of the technology as a reserve for wealthy aviation firms with extra amounts of money to spare (Greenwell 2010). Conventional jet fuel is sourced from firms that have well established production facilities. Since these companies have been in the industry for so long, they often take advantage of economies of scale and thus make their products affordable. Furthermore, they are easily accessible to aviation firms because they have an expansive distribution network. However, this is not true for algae-derived products. Few companies have large production facilities that can accommodate an increase in demand. Additionally, these organizations do not have a vast distribution network thus making it difficul t for customers to rely on their prompt response when in need of fuel. In order to match current demand levels of conventional jet fuels, companies should invest as much as $15 billion dollars in the new technology. Clearly, this is a large sum of money and few companies are yet to make such a commitment. Few partnerships exist between the government and public sector thus implying that all the opportunities available for the development of this technology are not being exploited fully (Teixera 2012). Conclusion Algae- derived jet fuels are quite promising because they provide an answer to most of the problems created by other biomass derived products. Not only are there no threats to food security or land resources from algae, but it easily blends with conventional fuels thus eliminating the need to change aircraft parts before use. However, the major problem with this fuel is that it is still in its early stages of development. No company has a distribution network that can sustai n the commercial production of the same. Few government incentives exist to encourage investment in the technology. Additionally, stakeholders are not cooperating or sharing resources in order to make the development even more promising. Unless these flaws are corrected, then prospects for commercialization of algae-derived jet fuels still remain slim. Recommendations The first approach that companies need to embrace is research and development. More should be done in order to ensure that commercialization of the fuel occurs. Firms have already discovered effective sources of algae feed stocks. Now they need to work on the refining process so as to convert it into a large scale endeavor. Since algae-derived fuels are new technologies, then governments should try to reduce risks in investing in this sector through public-private sector collaborations. There is a need for incentives that would encourage airlines to use the product. Investments and collaborations should be done in orde r to encourage creation of a clear network. Countries should mobilize other nations and convince them to join algae sustainability groups. This would cause them to commit to certain standards and thus develop the sector. Lastly, stakeholders ought to be empowered about the importance of algae-derived jet fuels. If they can understand the groundbreaking advantages that emanate from the technology, then they may become participants in its development. References Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension 2012, ‘Renewable and alternative energy fact sheet’, Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Science, 7 March, pp. 15-22. Goldenberg, S 2010, ‘Algae to solve the Pentagon’s problem of jet fuel’, The Guardian, 13 February, pp 8. Greenwell, M 2010, ‘Placing microalgae on the biofuels priority list: A review of the technological challenges’, Interface, vol. 7 no. 46, pp. 703-726. Hartman, E 2008, ‘A promising oil alternative: Al gae energy’, The Washington Post, 6 January, pp. 5. Kyriakos, M 2012, ‘High biofuel blends in aviation’, Official Journal of the European Union, no. S111, pp. 5. MIT 2012, Technical report: near term feasibility of alternative jet fuels, RAND, Massachusetts. Scott, S, Davey, M, Dennis, J, Howe, C, Horst, I, Smith, A, Lea-Smith, D 2010, ‘Biodiesel from Algae: challenges and prospects’, Current Opinions in Biotechnology, vol. 21 no. 3, pp 277-286. Shirvani, T, Yan, X, Inderwildi, O, Edwards, P King, D 2011, ‘Life cycle energy and greenhouse gas analysis for algae-derived biodiesel’, Energy and Environmental Science, vol. 4 no. 10, pp 377. Teixera, R 2012, ‘Energy efficient extraction of fuel and chemical feed stocks from algae’, Green Chemistry, vol. 14 no.2, pp. 419-427. Yang, J, Ming, X, Zhang, X, Qiang, H, Sommerfeld, M Chen, Y 2010, ‘Life cycle analysis on biodiesel production from microalgae’, Bioresources Technology, vol. 10, pp 1016.

Sample College Essay on Achievements is an Excellent Tool

Sample College Essay on Achievements is an Excellent ToolAn undergraduate college essay can be a very difficult topic to write as you often have the task of building up some extracurricular activities for your college, as well as establishing your resume. At times it can also be as difficult as writing the bulk of the essay itself. It may be a point that a prospective employer must see, but at other times you have to choose the words to describe yourself for the reader, and the manner in which they should be interpreted.The essay you submit as part of your application for admission to an undergraduate college must be carefully written, with a sample college essay on accomplishments as a frame of reference. While you may be tempted to refer to yourself from time to time, try to refrain from doing so. Keep it to a minimum and to the point.Sample college essays on accomplishments will help you get started on the right track. They are an excellent way to start. You will find that many gr eat essays are already available.This sample college essay on accomplishments is an excellent framework for describing yourself. It is an excellent sample of what to say to your potential employers. College Essay on Accomplishments by Mark T. Nilsen, P.Ed., and Brian M. Mayes, Ed., is a good example. This sample shows the proper way to describe yourself, how your accomplishments should be related to the rest of your qualifications, and also provides good guidelines for adding details to the essay if needed.In addition to this sample college essay on accomplishments, you will find many other sample essays that include appropriate words to use. There are samples online that are related to your field. These include surveys, publications, history, and opinions on numerous topics. The advantage to having an example sample is that you will be able to compare the wordings and how each one stands out to yourcolleagues.An undergraduate college essay on accomplishments is not as difficult as it may seem. With some practice, you will be able to produce an impressive article that will speak of your achievements and make your statement more powerful to the reader. If you do not take the time to learn how to write an article, and yet find yourself short of ideas for a very good college essay on accomplishments, there are available resources online. You can find these by doing research.Even a small amount of practice can yield results when it comes to writing a college essay on accomplishments. The best way to learn is by having somebody teach you. Reading sample articles, as well as research, is another way to learn the art of writing a college essay on accomplishments.

Free Essays on Yo Quiero Introducir Mi Amigo

Yo quiero introducir a mi amigo Justin. El tiene vienticinco aà ±os y sus cumpleaà ±os es el quince de abril. El nacià ³ en Madison, Wisconsin y el vive en Madison ahora. El es moreno, bajo, y flaco. Tambià ©n el tienes tatuajes en sus brazos, manos, piernas, y el tiene un tatuaje en su barbilla. El es fuerte, irrespetuoso, y no inteligente. El no tiene una esposa o nià ±os. El dibuja tatuajes para trabajo y el me dio un tatuaje en mi brazo izquierda. Justin toca la guitarra en un grupo de la mà ºsica rock. El toque la guitarra en mi grupo de rock hace cinco aà ±os pasados. El vive con mà ­ pero no me gusta porque el es loco y el siempre tocando la guitarra muy fuerte. El se levanta a cerca de once de la maà ±ana y nunca se ducha antes de el tiene que ir a trabajar. El siempre huele mal porque el nunca se ducha. En la noche el va a Milwaukee con sus amigos para el puedes tocar la guitarra en su grupo de rock y regresa a cerca de tres de la maà ±ana. La dà ­a prà ³xima el hace otra vez. El hace todos los dà ­as. En un aà ±o el es va a estar en Milwaukee tocando la guitarra y viviendo en estampillas de alimento. En cinco aà ±os el va a estar en la crcel probablemente porque el es una problema. El es un culero. El ha sido mi amigo por diez aà ±os y el es casi mi hermano. El es especialmente a me porque toque la guitarra con a me. Justin tiene que ir a escuela y recibe un trabajo autentico. El necesita alguien a darle a una buena lejà ­a y dà ­gale el es holgazn.... Free Essays on Yo Quiero Introducir Mi Amigo Free Essays on Yo Quiero Introducir Mi Amigo Yo quiero introducir a mi amigo Justin. El tiene vienticinco aà ±os y sus cumpleaà ±os es el quince de abril. El nacià ³ en Madison, Wisconsin y el vive en Madison ahora. El es moreno, bajo, y flaco. Tambià ©n el tienes tatuajes en sus brazos, manos, piernas, y el tiene un tatuaje en su barbilla. El es fuerte, irrespetuoso, y no inteligente. El no tiene una esposa o nià ±os. El dibuja tatuajes para trabajo y el me dio un tatuaje en mi brazo izquierda. Justin toca la guitarra en un grupo de la mà ºsica rock. El toque la guitarra en mi grupo de rock hace cinco aà ±os pasados. El vive con mà ­ pero no me gusta porque el es loco y el siempre tocando la guitarra muy fuerte. El se levanta a cerca de once de la maà ±ana y nunca se ducha antes de el tiene que ir a trabajar. El siempre huele mal porque el nunca se ducha. En la noche el va a Milwaukee con sus amigos para el puedes tocar la guitarra en su grupo de rock y regresa a cerca de tres de la maà ±ana. La dà ­a prà ³xima el hace otra vez. El hace todos los dà ­as. En un aà ±o el es va a estar en Milwaukee tocando la guitarra y viviendo en estampillas de alimento. En cinco aà ±os el va a estar en la crcel probablemente porque el es una problema. El es un culero. El ha sido mi amigo por diez aà ±os y el es casi mi hermano. El es especialmente a me porque toque la guitarra con a me. Justin tiene que ir a escuela y recibe un trabajo autentico. El necesita alguien a darle a una buena lejà ­a y dà ­gale el es holgazn....

Introduction to Financial Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Introduction to Financial Services - Essay Example The latter two correspond to its lines of businesses for individuals and for corporations. The most recent developments in the company’s operations and prospects include the disposal of its Latvian portfolio of mortgages to SwedBank AB, which occurred in February of 2012; the disposal of its AIB International Financial Services Limited and AIB Jerseytrust operations in 2011; the disposal of its stake in Bank Zachodni to Banco Santander SA in April 2011, comprising 70.4 percent of its total stake in that bank; the disposal of its 50 percent stake in BZ WBK AIB Asset Management likewise in April of 2011; and the acquisition of the EBS Building Society in July of 2011 (Google). It is noteworthy that while many of its activities are concentrated in Ireland, it has substantial presence in the UK, and also some presence in the United States, the latter in the form of CICB banking services on offer to corporations in the US, as well as in the UK. Moreover, it has a business segment f ocused solely on Northern Ireland and Greater Britain, in the form of its AIB UK business segment. This business segment is registered in the UK, and operates under the name of Allied Irish Bank GB. This business segment operates 28 full branches all over the UK, with regular banking services coupled with corporate and international banking (Reuters). Meanwhile, due to Central Bank mandates for the bank to up its capital base, AIB raised â‚ ¬ 14.8 billion of new capital through the flotation of new shares (AIB). The series of moves tied to this flotation effectively resulted in the Irish government coming to own all but a tiny fraction of all of the ordinary shares at AIB (AIB): On 31 March 2011, the Central Bank published its 'Financial Measures Programme Report', which detailed the outcome of PCAR 2011 and Prudential Liquidity Assessment Review (â€Å"PLAR†) 2011 for certain Irish credit institutions, including AIB and EBS. On this date, the Central Bank stated that it h ad set a new capital target for AIB and EBS, ultimately requiring AIB and EBS to generate a total of â‚ ¬ 14.8 billion of additional capital. This additional capital requirement was satisfied through AIB's placing of â‚ ¬ 5.0 billion of new ordinary shares with the NPRFC, capital contributions totalling â‚ ¬ 6.1 billion from the Minister for Finance and the NPRFC, the issue of â‚ ¬ 1.6 billion of contingent capital notes at par to the Minister (which completed on 27 July 2011), and further burden-sharing measures undertaken with the Group's subordinated debt-holders. Following these actions, the State, through the NPRFC, now owns 99.8% of the ordinary shares of AIB (AIB). II. Financial Performance The company’s ADR is valued at $31.03 billion as of the latest stock market close, with the stock ranging in value from a high of $1.87 and a low of $0.56. The most recent stock price close is at $0.60. Below is a snapshot of the performance of its ADR stock price from S eptember 2011 to the present (Google): Plot source: Google While data on the ADR is recent and short-term, data on the five-year financial performance of the bank is available through to 2009 from 2005, hitting the years from 2007 when the global financial crisis hit, but missing out on the past few years data, including the data relevant to its recent flotation of ordinary shares that transferred ownership of most ordinary shares to the Irish governm

Stress management - guided imagery Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stress management - guided imagery - Assignment Example One very effective way is hardiness. This means becoming stronger both physically and emotionally. Techniques of improving hardiness include doing more physical exercises reducing usage of drugs such as alcohol and nicotine, creating a support system by developing close relations with other people, doing activities that you enjoy among many more. Another effective method is development of a positive attitude towards situation. Healthy eating habits alongside with good nutrition increases not only the physical stamina but also the emotional and perhaps mental stamina (Hoffman et al., 46). Relaxing of both the mind and the body improves even the concentration and can be achieved by gaining enough sleep. Proper time management is another stress management skill that helps one to accomplish things that may otherwise cause stress. Proper cash managent is another strategy that reduces stress for college students. Exploring spirituality is also another common effective way of managing stres s since one finds personal meaning to his life. As a student, I adopted a stress management behavior that has worked out perfectly well. It is a strategy that has an acronym â€Å"HOLDUP†. This stands for Hardiness, Outlook, and Listening to my Body, Decreasing stress as much as I can, unburdening myself and Problem solving. I decided to change my outlook of challenges and took them positively. I developed a sense of humor in my problems and found out that they were not as bad as they seemed. More so, I learnt that making mistakes was inevitable as long as it was accompanied by a lesson in it. There was an added solution to taking responsibility over my own feelings, and this made me control all my stressors. By understanding my outlook, I was able to know my strengths that brought me a lot of confidence and my weaknesses too which were the major channels stress came through. Listening to my body always worked out very well for me. I was

Mill Locke on Liberty Essay Example for Free

Mill Locke on Liberty Essay Through out history, many philosophers have discussed the rights of mankind such as existence, liberty and especially property. In the work â€Å"The Second Treatise of Civil Government† written by John Locke, mankind’s natural rights are critically examined one by one. This essay aims to discuss whether John Stuart Mill’s harm principle that he mentions in â€Å"On Liberty† can be exercised while not violating the natural rights of mankind or not. First of all, in order to find out the consistency of Mill’s harm principle with Locke’s natural rights, briefly one should examine Locke’s definitions of state of nature and state of war. For Locke, when men live together reasonably and have right to judge each other, without a common authority such as a government it is called state of nature. For Locke, state of nature is a reasonable state that mankind live peacefully. And when men use force, or assert a design of force over other men and threat their lives, where also no common authority is present it is called state of war. Apart from the state of nature, in the state of war, Locke says that â€Å"every man hath a right to punish the offender, and be executioner of the law of nature† which drags men into continuous and endless wars and quarrels. Consequently, because of living in state of war, men could not make use of their natural rights such as right of existence, liberty, property, health, and punishment and judgment. One may instantly, without giving you a chance of defend, kill you, take away your freedom, seize you property and can do many other evil and unlawful actions. In order to prevent the brutal outcomes of state of war, Locke highlights the need of common legislative authority over the members of the community which will lead men to state of society where possessing natural rights would have a meaning and use. From these points, with a general survey, one can establish relations with Mill’s harm principle in consistency with natural rights. Mill’s harm principle lets government or such common legislative authority use power, force or other instruments over persons against their will in order to prevent someone to harm any other. And what Locke is seeking by introducing common legislative power is not much different with Mill’s presentation of harm principle. Let me support my stance by explaining the close relation between the natural rights of mankind and the principle. Right of existence and right of freedom cannot be secured in the state of war. The stronger members of the community would take hold of the others liberty which naturally have to be free from all superior powers and make them his slaves by at the same time threaten their lives, torturing and killing them. And putting forward that they can do anything they want and live in fully satisfied because of the natural right of liberty. But that is not the liberty of men. In such cases, rights of existence and liberty are attached to the willpower of the strongest although they are natural and given by god. True liberty is as Locke defines the freedom of men to follow their own wills and make their choices under the supervision of common legislative powers. So that for Locke such wills and actions that threatens others right of existence will not considered as natural right of freedom and not protected by government and vice-versa government will apply sanctions over whom uses right of freedom in bad faith. Then one shall say that Mill’s harm principle is put into practice over Locke’s natural rights of liberty. They joined together in the state of civilized society holding each other. Another very significant natural right that Locke talks about is property right. Firstly, he says that everything which lies on the earth created by god or nature belongs to the mankind in common. But mankind needs to use those unpossessed crops and fruits of earth in order to satisfy their needs and support and comfort of their being. Inevitably, concept of property is needed. Locke, at that point, says that whoever puts his or her labor on something that belongs to nature and community becomes the owner of that thing and constitutes title on it. The apples which in nature and owned by everybody, when gathered from trees by someone by mixing labor into, becomes the apples of the laborer or gatherer. By that way, I mean by mixing labor on something as Locke signifies, natural right of property can be established over something which is before common. However the question is, can one use Mill’s harm principle without violating Locke’s natural property right? The process of mixing effort on something is unclear. One may exert any kind of force and work to get the property of anything and may say â€Å"I have put my work on it† although actions may not legal, unjust, unfair and not protected by government. Another aspect is how someone can know and set apart the common and the owned property? Again he may put his effort on something which is already owned by another. The rule, first come, first served is not so determining and in practice many conflicts may occur. In both cases someone may get hurt by another’s actions. So in a sense, it seems harm principle is needed to be accepted by the government in order to prevent such harmful actions performed by ones who try to own something. In my opinion, in such cases putting into practice the harm principle is not a violation over property right, seems more like a limitation on behalf of mankind. Moreover, as Locke also explains everyone should not labor more than he could make use of, otherwise indirectly others may be affected by scarcity and lack of resources. At that point again harm principle can step in, and in order to prevent someone to acquire more than what he needs, common authority may exercise power on selfish ones. In conclusion, one may say that harm principle generally can be exercised by community while not violating the natural rights but limiting it on behalf of members of the society. Because as I tried to show that without such instruments, I mean harm principle, people who had bad faith in, can use natural rights in evil things.