The rates of reaction Essay Example for Free

The paces of response Essay The following are the consequences of the starter testing: Time in seconds As you can see from the outcomes table over the section of 7:3 isn't topped off and this is because of timing we needed more time in the exercise to finish the full test so we needed to leave it, what this educates us is that we either need to decrease the time stretches due to our spans being 30 seconds it is taking any longer than anyone elses, or we need to work at a quicker rate. The other motivation to why we didn't have the opportunity to do the last examination was because of we overlooked on a few events to clean out the funnel shaped cup and we regularly recollected after we included the corrosive inside and the magnesium, so we needed to take it out spill the corrosive and the magnesium turnings and start from the very beginning again in light of the fact that it isn't known as a reasonable test in the event that we don't clean the jar out. Different issues that we confronted which deferred out time was to put the burette topsy turvy in the water shower, this is on the grounds that everytime we attempted to do this the water substance inside the burette would spill out so we would need to top off the water and attempt once more. From the primer testing what I can assess is that for reasons unknown there doesn't appear to be that much distinction between the measure of hydrogen created relying upon the measure of focus . The outcomes appear to be genuinely near one another and remain in the scope of 20 60cm. What I thought would happen is that there would be an extraordinary change in the outcomes yet at that point looking at the situation objectively there would not be a radical change since we have not utilized extreme changes in the fixations so we would not see the reasonable impacts. In the event that I needed to see huge changes in the hydrogen created, at that point I would have needed to have an assortment of reaches in the fixation and change is definitely e. g. from 100% to half. We wound up doing the investigation with similar focuses that we utilized in our starter testing this is on the grounds that we didn't check this issue previously, we didn't focus on the outcomes that much and that was a misstep. I possibly understood this snippet of data when I was dissecting the outcomes and this was past the point of no return. Whenever when we directed our legitimate examinations what happened is that despite the fact that we utilized a similar magnesium substance magnesium turnings, what was happening was that the pace of the response was going on too rapidly so over the course of about 30 seconds 40cm of water would have been lost, and we were finding that before 210 seconds all the water was done ,we didn't trust it from the outset so we fired up another analysis nearby one and it was genuine the response for reasons unknown was truly quick and it had insubordinately sped up since the pilot testing. We at that point needed to change the kind of magnesium we were utilizing to magnesium strip and we diminished the sum that we were utilizing also from 0. 2g we chose to utilize 0. 1 g so that incase the mass of the magnesium was the reason for the quick response, by diminishing the weight possibly the response will back off. After we changed the magnesium from turnings to powder the response between the magnesium and the sulphuric corrosive was going at the right speed as in the past and the response happening appeared to look right. The outcomes tables for the three tests are beneath: Results 1: Concentrations:100% Above are for the most part the outcomes that we got from the three trials that we led. What I will do now is gather the mean outcomes and to this what I need to do is include the cm of hydrogen created for the grouping of 100% and for 30seconds and isolate it by 3, etc: TIME fixations. What I can see from this table is that the most measure of hydrogen is created when the convergence of the sulphuric corrosive is at its most powerfullest so when the fixation is unadulterated corrosive. I can tell this on the grounds that the most measure of hydrogen was created toward the finish of the 100% response at a normal of 73. 3cm. so these outcomes back one piece of my forecast and it end up being right, yet what I can likewise tell from normal outcomes is that over the long haul the measure of hydrogen delivered diminished, so this demonstrated my hypothesis of what I thought may happen to not be right. What I thought would happen is that as time went on the response would build which would imply that the volume of hydrogen delivered would be expanded, yet this was refuted in light of the fact that from my normal table I can see that toward the starting 90 seconds was the point at which we saw a more prominent distinction between the primary volume of hydrogen created to the following sum over the course of about 30 seconds for instance from 30 seconds to 60 seconds the volume of hydrogen created expanded from 24.3 to 41. 3 this is an expansion of 20cm of hydrogen and from that the volume goes up to 54cm this is an increment of 13. 3cm,but from 90 seconds onwards as long as 210 seconds the rate at which the volume increments at isn't unreasonably adequate, it increments. By 6,4 then 3.this shows that as time is going on the vitality with in the response is running out which implies that less warmth is accessible for the particles to impact more diligently and quicker to deliver the response that we can see, what's going on over the long haul is that the response is loosing he heat vitality which is making the particles move at a more slow speed which implies that they are presently more fragile and that they won't impact all the more frequently to create the hydrogen which in over all essentially implies that less hydrogen will be delivered. After I have created this table what I have done is that I have plotted these outcomes onto a diagram, this chart has all the normal outcomes on there so I am ready to look at the outcomes and disk any irregular outcomes. From the normal outcomes diagram what I am ready to see is that as the degrees of sulphuric corrosive in the arrangement diminishes the measure of hydrogen delivered diminishes also. I am unmistakably ready to consider the to be as the fixation diminishes and this is on the grounds that the lines on the diagram decline at each stage. The normal outcomes diagram likewise gives me that during the initial 30 60 seconds as the magnesium strip interacts with the sulphuric corrosive the degrees of hydrogen delivered are low, yet indeed they are low in volume yet during the principal minute or so is the timeframe where I am ready to see the more noteworthy range between the volumes. So when time increases the volumes are higher in rate, however not higher between the scopes of each 30seconds. There is by all accounts more variety during the main moment and a half as opposed to a short time later. This is obvious on the diagrams by the steepness of the inclinations in the initial 30 60 seconds following 90 seconds the slope begins to bend this is applied to the entirety of the four focuses. Other general patterns that I am ready to se by taking a gander at the chart is that as the time ways to deal with 210 seconds the lines appear to begin to bend, this implies if we somehow managed to continue recording for a more drawn out timeframe the rate at which the hydrogen was being delivered would of diminished and the motivation to this is previously the vitality in the response is lost it requires some investment for the particles to interact with one another and crash to create a response. I can likewise observe that each of the four lines end at various volumes of hydrogen. I feel that they all end effectively as they don't over interpretation of and other, the motivation behind why I state that they all end accurately is on the grounds that as the fixation diminishes the measure of hydrogen delivered should diminish subsequently the 100% focus line ought to be the line which goes up the most elevated and the 7:3 fixation line ought to be where the line should end at the least measure of hydrogen created in the entire analysis and this is the thing that has happened in this way the lines are right in that sense. Assessment: I believe that after we managed all the incidents that we had over the span of the tests the outcomes acquired were of a decent norm and they were dependable outcomes which empowered me to break down and assess them, along these lines letting me produce line diagrams for the outcomes. I believe that the outcomes that I got from my examination are clear and precise enough, I can say this since when we directed the analysis for the last three tests we ensured that we followed the security estimations to guarantee that outcomes will be exact, we didn't commit any errors and made sure to change the water in the estimating chamber and we likewise made sure to clean out the conelike flagon each time we got done with a specific focus dissimilar to in the primer testing . We additionally ensured that we watched out for the time so we didn't surpass the time furthest reaches of each analysis and we likewise ensured that we recorded the aftereffects of how much hydrogen was created as precisely as we could attempting to get it to the closest cm. , in light of the fact that we did the entirety of the above that is the reason I can say that the outcomes got and sufficiently precise to be utilized to reach great inferences and charts for this examination. I have discovered some irregular outcomes and examples in the individual tests not the general normal. On the off chance that you take a gander at Test 1 diagram, at that point you would see that the lines on the chart appear to over lap each other which isn't intended to occur, on the grounds that in principle what is intended to happen is as the fixation diminishes so is the volume of hydrogen delivered there for the lines ought to be all together with the 100% in coming up top followed by the 9:1, 8:2 and the 7:3 outcomes line. However, in test 1 outcomes what has happened is that the outcomes for the 9:1 focus has covered with the 100% outcomes. The explanation behind this is the aftereffects of how much volume of hydrogen was delivered for the 9:1 outcomes was higher than the 100% outcomes by 5cm. From the earliest starting point the 9:1 fixation delivered higher outcomes than the 100% focus at 30 seconds 26cm of hydrogen was created for the 9:1 testing while just 22cm of hydrogen was

CST PROBLEM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CST PROBLEM - Essay Example As per UNWTO and UNICEF, it is a wrongdoing, and an infringement of human and youngster rights for a visitor to take part in sexual connection to a minor. Subsequently, the travel industry needs to give broad training to all partners with an end goal to stop the youngster sex the travel industry and have any kind of effect. The travel industry ought to instruct voyagers, visit administrators, lodging chiefs and other the travel industry segments on the best way to moderate and end sex dealing. The partners ought to have the option to realize how to distinguish the event of any youngster sex dealing and what to do to oversee and diffuse the circumstance. In addition, the administrations ought to set up and actualize guideline and rules with an end goal to stop these indecencies and force solid punishments for those abusing the standards. In this view, kid misuse in Thailand and Kenya must be constrained by the nearness of against youngster sex training and authorization of rules by th e administration. Concerning this article, most young ladies take an interest in sex dealing because of elevated levels of destitution. Consequently, the administrations of the influenced nations should concentrate on work creation for its residents. With employments set up, individuals will recoup their lost ethics and morals, and quit permitting their youngsters to take an interest in this experience. Likewise, guardians will have the option to take female kids to class instead of having them take an interest in sex dealing to win a living. A change can rise with the manner in which the travel industry is being led if these nations center completely around building up the economy, make occupations for every one of its residents and guarantee families can provide food for their families. Adequate Another approach to have any kind of effect in these influenced nations is to bring issues to light of the experience. Individuals need to comprehend what goes on in the travel industry. Absence of mindfulness among individuals encourage and exacerbate the Child sex the travel industry. Mindfulness empowers little youngsters and young men to develop realizing that having sexual relations with grown-ups, outsiders or

Long, Stephen Harriman

Long, Stephen Harriman Long, Stephen Harriman, 1784â€"1864, American explorer, b. Hopkinton, N.H. As an army engineer, Long was sent on several exploring and surveying expeditions. The first in 1817 was to the region of the upper Mississippi and the Fox-Wisconsin portage; it is recorded in his Voyage in a Six-oared Skiff to the Falls of St. Anthony (1860). A journey to the Rocky Mts. in 1819â€"20 provided much new knowledge of the mountains. He climbed several peaks, including Long's Peak, and explored the regions of the Platte and Arkansas rivers. Edwin James's Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains (2 vol. and an atlas, 1822â€"23) tells of that journey. In 1823, Long led an expedition to determine the source of the Minnesota River and to study the United Statesâ€"Canadian boundary W of the Great Lakes. Some of his notes were used in W. H. Keating's Narrative of an Expedition to the Source of the St. Peter's River (1824). Chosen to select a route for the Baltimore and Ohio RR, he made a survey that resulted in an authoritative railroad manual, with tables of grades and curves. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. History: Biographies

Causal Analysis Essay Childhood Obesity - 913 Words

Causal Analysis Essay A drive down the road in any given American city and one can observe at least one reason that the United States is struggling with obesity. One would be hard pressed to find a community that is not teeming with fast food restaurants. However, it might surprise some that the obesity epidemic in our country has reached the most vulnerable population of all and they aren’t even capable of driving themselves to these bastions of unhealthy food. The childhood obesity level has reached 34% of children in the United States (SHUMEI, 2016).Obesity is caused by consistently consuming more calories than are needed for the level of physical activity one has on a daily basis. Although there are several indicators of obesity, the CDC and The American Academy of Pediatrics use the body mass index (BMI). Childhood obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex (Perpich, 2011). Childhood obesity has been linked to an increase in Type 2 diabe tes mellitus, asthma, hypertension, increased risk for cardiovascular disease and even affects children in psychosocial terms with low self-esteem and fewer friends than their non-obese contemporaries (Hispanic Health Care International, 2011). There are a variety of causes that work together for contributing to childhood obesity from the income level of the home to gender to even the location of the child’s home. Although there are many factors that can cause childhood obesity, weShow MoreRelatedMajor Causes Of Ischaemic Heart Disease2049 Words   |  9 Pagesphysical activity is one of the eight risk factors responsible for 61% of cardiovascular deaths globally. This risk factor has its roots inacomplex chain of eventsand has a fundamental role in aetiology of chronic diseases.(figure1) Figure 1: The causal chain. Major causes of ischaemic heart disease are shown. Arrows indicate some (but not all) of the pathways by which these causes interact. Source: World Health Organisation, 2009 Therefore,interventions which aim to increase physical activityRead MoreAP Psych First Semester Final FRQ Bank4882 Words   |  20 PagesAP Psych First Semester Final FRQ Bank Essay 1. Your friend Dave says: â€Å"How can you stand to study the history of psychology? Every single one of those theories is basically the same: the brain controls our behavior.† Given the history of psychology, evaluate Daves claim using the following terms in their appropriate context: †¢Introspection †¢Psychoanalytic theory †¢Behaviorism †¢Humanistic psychology †¢Cognitive revolution †¢Cognitive dissonance †¢Conformity †¢Social-cultural perspective 2. ProfessorRead MorePublic Health Paper12265 Words   |  50 Pagesconditions and lifestyles (Watterson 2003). The concept of a ‘new public health’ is distinct from the ‘old public health’ in its departure from the biomedical model of disease and the adoption of a social model of health which ‘advocated a multi-causal approach that saw infectious and chronic degenerative disorders as being the result of a complex interaction between biophysical, social or psychosocial factors’ (Brown and Duncan p363). Whether there is a reliance on the medical model in newRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesof systematic study. Identify the major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to OB. Demonstrate why few absolutes apply to OB. Identify the challenges and opportunities managers have in applying OB concepts. Compare the three levels of analysis in this book’s OB model. MyManagementLab Access a host of interactive learning aids to help strengthen your understanding of the chapter concepts at www.mymanagementlab.com cott Nicholson sits alone in his parents’ house in suburban Boston

Solutions and Recommendations on Regulation of IPR Free Essay Example, 4750 words

In the context of the protection of IPRs versus the rights of the public, it has become necessary to redefine the traditional notions of IPR and its regulation. The Internet has changed the face of IPR and has mandated the adoption of new and novel ways to tackle the problems involved with the infringement of IPRs. Hannabuss has mentioned the assignment of certain kinds of licenses that are classified under those issued for fair dealing purposes, which set out the criteria for permitted acts35a. These include the use of copyrighted material for purposes of research or study, reporting or insubstantial use, including allowing photocopying under a license. These would include Newspaper Licensing Agency licenses, design, and Artists Copyright Society Licenses and Christian Copyright Licenses, among others. These licenses contain guidelines on how much copying is permissible. Similarly, patent law has also made provision for finding infringement, even when modifications and additions ar e carried out in the UK, the law on patent also includes the scope for finding indirect infringement, through Section 60(2) which states: an individual will infringe another s patent where a person contributes to but does not directly take part in the infringement. This allows enhanced protection for patent owners, even in instances where they are unable to trace the source of the infringement because the indirect user of the infringed patented product can be sued instead. In two recent cases before the EU, the likelihood of confusion resulting in determining the extent of protection in a particular trademark similar to another has also been set out, in order to provide additional guidance on the issue of IPR. In the case of Canon KK v Metro Goldwyn Maye36r, the ECJ held that while considering the likelihood of confusion between two marks and whether or not one infringes on the other, the distinctive character of the earlier trademark and in particular its reputation must be ta ken into account .for the purposes of article 4(1) (b) of the Directive, registration of a trademark may have to be refused . We will write a custom essay sample on Solutions and Recommendations on Regulation of IPR or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now

Revisiting Cost of Capital in Commercial Banks Free Essays

string(77) " and also affect the decision making of the Mangers regarding their capital\." CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 2 Background Capital Structure decision remains one of the corporate strategies to corporate managers because it affects firm’s value. This research is conducted within the commercial banks. In many research journals and articles the cost of capital is the expected rate of return of capital in investor’s investment. We will write a custom essay sample on Revisiting Cost of Capital in Commercial Banks or any similar topic only for you Order Now Weighted average cost of capital is considered as required rate of return in the company. Component of cost of capital are; long-term debt, preferred stock, and common stock. Each must have minimum return. We analyze from previous research articles that the banks should not focus on historical cost but on new cost, because in order to invest and rise, new cost of capital is used to make decisions. Level of interest rates, tax rates are two of the factors that affects cost of capital in the commercial banks. Interest rates apply on debt and equity. It is the most important factor for investors. Cost of debt affects by the level of interest rates and also the cost of equity. As described in many articles, if interest rates increases the cost of debt increases, which increases the cost of capital. So, the raising of capital delayed till interest rate become favorable. This shows how the interest rate can be a source effective measure of the cost of capital. Similarly, if the tax rates increases, the cost of debt decreases, which decrease the cost of capital as it affects the after tax cost. The cost of capital directly and totally linked with capital structure. Capital structure influence the value of the banks, firm, company potentially by reflects the financing strategy. And capital structure should consider tax strategies. We found from different articles that the most important capital structure decisions are when the expected tax rates goes higher. The basic function of capital structure is to minimize the cost of capital and risk. Interest is tax deductable. The deductibility of interest payments provides influence for value. Higher the tax rate, the greater impact of deductibility of interest potentially on the after-tax cost of debt. These are the proved facts that are evaluated in previous researches. According to this research we are trying to find what role these factors play in commercial bank’s capital structure. It is necessary for top management of any business institutions to ascertain the banks or firms relevant cost of capital. From the banks’ perspective, the cost of each source of capital reflects the level of return because it is affected by certain factors like tax rates, interest rates, dividends etc. as the time period changes, the level of return also changes. In its simplest form, the capital structure decision is the selection by firm management of debt-to-equity ratio for the firm. Cost of Capital is perhaps the most fundamental and widely used concepts in financial economies. Managers of banks or corporation and also regulators employ the weighted average cost of capital for investment decisions. The WACC and the tax rates are endogenous to the firm’s debt policy. The interest rates affect the cost of debt as increasing debt increasing interest payments. We also derive the sources of capital structure that which source is better for the commercial banks and how the interest rates, tax rates brings variation in the cost of debt and the dividends and growth rates affects the cost of equity that totally affect the weighted average cost of capital. Our methodology allows us to value the government tax rates and interest rates that affect cost of debt. We specify numerically the affects of the variations in the factor like interest rates, tax rates and dividends, thus providing useful conceptual framework for the tax and interest policy debates that influence cost of capital of debt and equity. Finally we come to analyze that cost of debt increase or decrease by variation in the interest rates and tax rates and that help in the estimation of WACC that show that whenever the WACC decreases, it results in an increase in the profit that is useful for any organization or commercial banks. . Problem statement (Revisiting the cost of capital in the commercial bank) The problem statement of this research proposal includes re-examine the cost of capital in commercial banking sector of Pakistan and also to evaluate the direct and indirect association of the factors that affects weighted average cost of capital and how this variation (inc rease or decrease) can affect the profit and also the capital structure -debt and equity- of the commercial banks. 2. Research objectives While doing research planning, we analyze that the cost of capital considers the factors affecting decision making. The following object of the research comes into play: ? We will find out the factors which creates the variation (increase or decrease) on cost of capital and their effect on the capital structure decision making. ? To analyze the after effects of these factors on capital structure. ? To examine up to how much extent they are controllable or not from bank’s perspective. 3. Significance The importance of this research paper is that, the relation between the different determinants of the costs of capital creates different impact on the different commercial banks by affecting capital structure of that commercial bank. We know that as the weighted average cost of capital decreases, it increases the profit n the Commercial Banks. Risk associated with cost of capital and capital structure taking needs to b looked at differently in the case of the commercial banking institutes. This research sheds new light on how the cost of capital computed in the case of commercial banks. Also the relationship between the cost of capital and capital structure is investigated. This research has another importance as banking system has a vital role to play in the economic development of a nation. A healthy economy requires a sound banking system. This research states that how banks applies different techniques that enhance their performance and also affect the decision making of the Mangers regarding their capital. You read "Revisiting Cost of Capital in Commercial Banks" in category "Papers" In this research, the main finding of the paper suggests that the commercial bank should focus on reducing the cost of capital that maximizes the profit. According to our findings, it is concluded that each banks has its policies of financing. Each bank takes decision of selecting capital structure for minimizing their cost, risk factor differently that occupies good financial position in market. Factors that have impact on cost of capital as well as on capital structure are tax rates, interest rates, dividends payout, risk of default and other like market fluctuation, corporate governance. This research plays a vital role by showing the significant contribution of Commercial Banks while equating debt to equity ratio. It also shows the understanding of the performance of Banks by evaluating weighted average cost of capital. The main findings of the paper suggest that private commercial banks should focus on reducing the cost of capital which can magnify the returns to their stockholders. Finally this research paper would also help the students in academics in understanding the relation between the factors and the cost of capital and also their after affects that create impact on the weighted average cost of capital. 4. Limitation Time constraint of this semester is the issue for this study as we have limited time in this semester as compared to the actual time required for the research. By being in banks we will acquire interviews approximately 15 -30 minutes with questionnaire because of the time given by the Mangers of Finance Division. The information given by the managers is also limited because it difficult for them to provide all necessary information as they are bound by the policies of the commercial bank. 1. 6 Report Structure Chapter 1 represents the introduction of research topic its background, problem statement, objectives of research that set, significance of this research and limitations. This chapter gives brief information about the topic pervious information, the scope of research and its benefits, the target of the research. And also provides the basic information that already conducted by different authors researchers. Chapter 2 deals with the literature review and conceptual framework. In this portion you will find the different views of different researchers related to this research topic cost of capital in commercial banks including capital structure importance its link with cost of capital, and factors that affect cost of capital. This portion also gives the direction and relevant information which is very helpful in proceedings the research. Conceptual framework helps in determining the relationships of factors with WACC. Chapter 3 provides the detail of methodology that is adapted to proceedings the research. This portion gives explanation of research type, method, sample size, instruments that is used in finding and collecting the data. Chapter 4 gives the analysis of data that is collected through the questionnaire, interviews and calculating the WACC of commercial banks that chosen with assumptions, and research findings that proves the hypotheses that is set. Chapter 5 includes the conclusion of research findings and literature review findings. Also gives the recommendations. Finally Appendix attach to our research that contain Questionnaire. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 1 Literature Review 2 Capital structure (Khadka 2005) has analyses in his research that the firms meet their operational needs by raising their funds and this can be done through the capital structure that involves the two major sources of debt and equity. There should be an appropriate balance between debt and equity as it has effects on the risk and return of the shareholders of the company. If there are reasonable proportions of debt and equity in the capital structure of the firm, it maximizes the shareholders wealth while minimizing the cost of capital and that could be considered as the optimal capital structure. (John J. Pringle, Jun. , 1974) Since banks are private economic units, it is reasonable to suppose that shareholder interests will influence, if not control, managerial decisions. Capital is an important managerial decision variable and that it plays an important role in the financial management of the individual bank. Groth 1997) said that the selection of capital structure affects the cost of capital. Carefully selection of capital structure is more important. Banks and companies consider more conservative capital structure with sensitivity to cyclical effects of economy. It involves in dividing not in sharing. If payments of dividend are not deductible and if interest is tax deductible on debt then capital structure is important. Barton and Gordon (1987) Financing and capital structure choices are among the several key decisions made by firm managers. Yet the study of these questions has been generally neglected by strategy researchers. Several scholars have noted that the issues involved are concerned with fundamental choices ‘which should support and be consistent with the long- term strategy of the firm. Balakrishnan and Fox (1993) said that by selecting suitable financing, a ‘firm’s ability to manage its relationship with lenders thus becomes a key source of competitive advantage. Capital is a critical resource for all firms, the supply of which is uncertain. This uncertainty enables the suppliers of finance to exert ontrol over the firm. Stearns (1986) and Mizruchi (1993) estimate the cost of equity capital use a dividend discount model (DDM) methodology and earnings estimates. They find that the cost of equity capital for large U. S publicly traded companies ranged between 10% and 12% during 1979-1995, depending on the assumptions used with the DDM approach. Interestingly, Myers and Borucki (1994) obtain t he same range of estimates for the cost of equity capital of a limited sample of U. S. utility companies using a DDM-type method. Bruner (1998) and Weaver(2001) surveying large corporation and confirm about WACC methodologies. Both authors find that there is a significant difference exists in estimating the equity capital component of the firm. Some uses CAPM while other uses different methods. 4 Cost of capital Cost of capital is the minimum required rate of return by investors in firm’s securities. It occupies an important role in the theory of financial management and in the investment decision making as it provides criteria for allocation of the capital that what a firm pays for its capital like debt, preferred stock and equity. Cost of Capital is related with the level of risk associate with existing and new assets and investments. (Khadka 2005) Modigliani and Miller (1958) proved that firms cost of capital is independent of capital structure as it has no effect on the capital structure. The traditional belief of Modigliani and Miller (1963) is that the cost of capital can affect capital structure as in this belief they said that the personal taxes may include that brings variation in the cost of capital and hence affects the capital structure of the company. Khadka 2005) states that there is an empirical relationship between the cost of capital with capital structure, the size of the firm, growth of the firm, dividend payout ratio and liquidity of underdeveloped economy like Nepal but the major focus was the relationship of the leverage with the cost of capital where he conclude that negative beta shows that there is a negative relationship of cost of capital with the leverage as cost of capital decreases with the use of the leverage and this is done by the tax deductibility of the interest charges in the Nepalese firms. Cost of capital is the expected rate of return of capital in investor’s investment. On debt, the amount of interest is paid is called cost of debt. Whereas cost of equity is equivalent to the risk free rate of interest plus risk premium for business risk. (Groth 1997). 5 Factors that affects cost of capital Groth (1997) further said that risk is one of the factors that affect the cost of capital which determines the expected risk of cash flow in the asset side of the bank. Business risk is that when bank and companies cash flow are not able to meet its operating expenses. Risk is linked to economic changes. And it would be at risk to business risk when change in economy occurs and when financing is done by totally with equity. Cost of equity influenced by business risk. Equity holder’s risk has not accepted by the creditors and preferred stock holder if present. If increase in business risk occurs then it decreases the financial risk and the optimal D/E ratio, and increases the cash flow uncertainty of asset side. Financial risk is that when bank and companies cash flow are not able to meet its financial obligations. If firm finances through debt, then it has financial risk. Tax rates and interest rates are also factors. Interest payment expected deductibility give opportunity for value. If the tax deductibility is realized by the company then stockholders get the expected benefit of the tax deduction. Jorgenson and Landau (1993) or Bond and Devereux (2003) analyses that the government’s choice of the corporate tax rate is an important factor with respect to the investment decision made by shareholders and it is well known that the existence of corporate taxes distort this investment decision away from the social optimum . John J. Pringle, Jun. (1974) said that the traditional function of risk-bearing, capital is important in adjusting the maturity structure of liabilities. Risk is a function of uncertainty regarding future events, e. g. , earnings, losses on loans and securities, fluctuations in deposits, conditions in the financial markets, etc. Cost of equity increases if the financial risk become high. The cost of equity and debt increases wit h the increase in debt. The deduction of tax and its benefit is an expected benefit, to allow deduction of interest; the pre-tax EBIT income must be large. On after tax cost of debt, there is the greater the impact of interest deductibility, if the tax rate s higher. John R. Graham, (2003) analyze that the appropriate cost of capital in the presence of personal taxes does not depend directly on either the dividend payout rate or the tax on dividends. Equity shares have a market value lower than the difference between the reproduction cost of a firm’s assets and the market value of its debt obligations. Because of this capitalization, it need not be true that an economy without risk or uncertainty would have no equity financing. Groth (1997) said that asymmetry of effects is that the expected return to stockholder will goes up, if in place of some equity; some debt is used. The good or bad leveraging effects are asymmetry if interest is tax deductable. The inability to realize the interest deduction result in an asymmetry effect on expected return to stockholder. Weighted average cost of capital become low with the cost of capital high, if the debt capital increase in proportion. Cost of equity increases with the cost of debt. If the cost of components high the weighted average cost of capital increases and reason is that shareholder prefer to use of debt when expected value of tax benefit is attractive as compared to the added financial risk associated with the debt. The Demanded rate of increase in cost of debt and equity, effects on value of the expected increase in tax benefit of using more debt. Interest rate affects the cost of debt. It involves the risk components that have the probability of default on the debt. Meziane (2006) in his article said that a company pays interest which is treated as an expense for tax purpose and therefore it is tax deductable. Company will be bankrupt, if default on payment of interest to bank present by company. Equity financing cannot create a tax advantage because dividends are paid after interest and tax. Interest is paid on debt before tax deduction, whereas, dividend is paid after tax benefit. So, the cost of equity is high then cost of debt. Debt financing becomes attractive when tax is deductable from interest. Banks use cost of capital for decisions, a weighted average interest on debt. Bank should select D/E ratio for which the cost of capital fluctuate with the degree of debt finance is minimized. The D/E ratio is considered as one of the way of financing. (Alan J. Auerbach, aug. 1979). William F. Coffin and Sean Collin (2006) said that in the mid of 1990, a trend towards higher B/S debt in which low cost interest rate, lending level reduced by commercial banks and increase payback period for borrowers, a stable banking system. Cost of capital become low that could lower by the management in down market through viewing current corporate governance themes, taking action on giving management training with respect to capital market issues of today and advanced planning to identify the potential investors. Cost of capital and Corporate Governance Ramly and Rashid said corporate governance is also the factor that affects the cost of capital. CG directly affects the cost of equity, And indirectly with beta. This means poor performance of manager created through weak rights, thus increase cost of capital. Strong (weak) shareholders right associated with increase (decrease) cost of eq uity capital. CG generate liquidity problem in which investor high the sell price and decrease the buy price which can high the transaction cost and also affects the COEC. Thus, the CG creates strong mechanism on COEC and provides positive shareholder value for firm. It has also reducing effects on cost of capital. Banks and other financial institutes have negative influence on CG. Hennart, (1994) Both classes of suppliers (debt holders and equity holders) have governance abilities. The level of governance ability varies between the two and the optimal selection of the type of financing depends on the nature of resources of the firm. Seth, (1990) financing choices have the potential to affect performance by changing the level of governance costs. Importance and difficulties of WACC Denis Boudreaux (1995) in his article uses the buildup model for the cost of equity capital by estimating cost of equity capital for capital budgeting analyses. He said that whenever there is a need to determine the value of the firm, the cost of capital must be estimated. He said that the cost of debt of closely held firm is much higher that the publicly traded organization because of the loans or debt borrowed by the closely held firms including the commercial banks. He further said that the public traded firms have the low risk whereas a huge risk factor is involved in the closely held businesses. Experts have recognized that the exploitation of debt and equity can enhance the corporate value in 1940s. Later in the years, five concept developed on this area(1) early gearing leverage model; (2) the model of Modigliani and Miller (MM); (3) Capital Asset Pricing Model(CAPM); (4) Arbitrage Price Theory (APT); and (5) Gordon Model Shubbar and Alzafiri, (2008). Unless a firm can gain in excess of its cost of capital, it will not add value to its investor’s wealth. Company’s cost of capital is expressed by the weighted average of the cost of individual sources of capital employed. Bruner et. al. , (1998). For a firm using common stock (equity) and bond (debt) financing, with re and rd as the cost of equity capital and the cost of debt capital, the WACC is expressed the following equation: WACC = r = wd rd (1 ? t) + we re Where, wd (weight (proportion) of debt) = (value of debt/value of debt and value of equity), we (weight (proportion) of equity) = (value of equity/value of debt and value of equity), wd + we = 1, and t = tax rate on corporate income. The component costs, re and rd, as well as the weights are based on market values: re is frequently calculated as the risk free rate plus a risk premium, based on the capital asset pricing model, and rd reflects the market rates on the firm’s outstanding debt and on the rd of similar firms. The standard treatment includes (1? t) in the WACC calculation to reflect the deductibility of interest payments in the calculation of the corporate tax on the firm’s income statement: the interest cost of debt, by this procedure, is reduced. Also, to avoid double counting the tax â€Å"advantage† of debt, the interest payments are not calculated in the prospective cash flows. This is the textbook treatment in calculating a firm’s cost of capital. (Miller2006) Evaluating a firm’s weighted average cost of capital has its importance to the managers who estimate investments projects for capital budgeting purposes or to the investor whose desire is to assess the overall riskiness and expected return from a company’s activities for valuation purposes. (Miller 2006). Fama and French (1997, 1999) analyse that few difficulties arise because there is some uncertainty in evaluating a firm’s (or banks) cost of capital. This uncertainty is a sort of risk faced by the firm when projecting a project’s cash flow. Bruner, Eades, Harris, and Higgins, (1998) also analyze that there is wide variation in estimating WAAC by different methods. This is due to the manager’s differences in firms cost’s of equity capital that helps in investment decision making. 8 Conceptual Framework DV= DEPENDENT VARIABLE IV= INDEPENDENT VARIABLE MV=MODERATE VARIABLE 9 Conceptual Hypothesis Ho: WACC increases with increase in interest rates and decreases with decrease in interest rates. H1: WACC increases with decrease in tax rates and decreases with increase in interest rates. H3: Cost of debt increases with increases in interest rate and decreases with decrease in interest rates. H4: Cost of debt increases with decrease in tax rates and decreases with increase in interest rates. CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 10 Type of Research Research can be defined as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, with an open mind and facts, usually using a scientific method. Our research is empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence. This research comprises of both the qualitative and quantitative research method for the data analysis. Firstly we search for the secondary data in order to know and understand the analysis of the previous researcher that how they work and create different perspective for the Weighted Average Cost of Capital than we include the researches of the previous researcher in the literature review of this research in order to create relation and direction between the previous researches with our research. 1 Sampling Technique Sampling Technique used in our research is Random Sampling in which we chosen from a population for investigation. In this method we chose from managers in the Commercial Banks and estimates obtained from the random sample in order to solve our queries related to WACC. 12 Sample Size The Sample Size is comprises of 5 Commercial Banks of Karachi. More than the given sa mple size is not possible because of the time of this semester and also the little difficulty in finding the appointments with the Mangers of Finance Departments. 3 Instruments Questionnaire includes 12 question given to the Managers of the Commercial Banks in order to analyses the perception of the manager that how each individual differs in their perception for the factors that affects the weighted average cost of capital. Most of them include five point likert scales. Other than questionnaire, the balance sheet of 2009 of each bank is used to estimate the WACC for the year and evaluate how the factors like tax rates, interest rates affect WACC. 14 Data Collection This research has been carried out to evaluate the correlation between the factors of cost of capital like tax rates, interest rates and the WACC that how these factors affect the WACC in the commercial banks. The selected five banks include: Allied Bank Limited (ABL), Habib Bank Limite(HBL), Muslim Commercial Bank(MCB), Alfalah Bank and Soneri Bank Limited. Descriptive Data Analysis is taken place in order to estimate WACC. This study employs after-tax cost of debt and equity in order to estimate WACC for selected banks. The procedure of calculating after-tax cost of debt and cost of equity has been stated here. The cost of debt measures the cost of borrowing funds of the firm. In calculating the after-tax cost of debt of each bank for the year 2009 by the following formula: After-tax cost of debt = pre-tax cost of debt (1 – tax rate) The cost of equity evaluated through the given formula: Cost of equity = Gordon growth model =(Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) Finally the Weighted Average Cost of Capital calculated by WACC = (Weighted average cost of debt) + (weighted average cost of equity) CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS 15 QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS Banks normally prefer financing through debt plus equity. 1% of the commercial banks use both (debt and equity) as their sources of finance while remaining 29% of the banks prefer debt for their investment. Only exploitation of equity is not preferred by any banks because through debt finances, the banks gain and improves profit. [pic] Equity sources liable bank to pay dividend, 71% of the banks says that the dividend payment increases the cost of capital while the other 14% said that it decrease the cost of capital and the remaining said that dividend payment has no such impact on the cost of capital. [pic] 5% of the commercial banks said that by using tax shield, cost of capital decreases as it decreases cost of debt and also impact interest rates. While 14% said that it has no such impact like some of Islamic bank like Meezan Bank. [pic] 71% of the sample size agreed that the Cost of capital has positive impact on the capital structure by using both sources of finance while 15% disagree and other 14% are highly disagree. That means most of the commercial banks are in the favor of Ho that the using both sources improves the profit of the commercial bank. [pic] 7% agrees and 28% strongly agrees that the risk factor of the default increases as there is an increases liabilities when bank finance through debt while only 10% of the sample size disagree to this fact but still they have profit by increasing their liabi lities. [pic] Approximately 86% of the commercial banks agree from the fact that the fluctuation in the interest rate affects Cost of Capital and also the Capital Structure of their banks while other says that there is no as such impact of the interest rates but from secondary data we analyze that interest rate is the factor that affects the cost of capital and the capital structure. pic] 71% of the managers agrees that as low dividend payout affects the reputation of their bank, similarly high dividend payout and dividend growth also affect the capital structure decision whereas 29% of the managers said that high dividend has no such impact on the cost of capital and on investment decision. [pic] 100% of the sample size agrees that cost of capital highly impact the investment decision in the commercial bank that also affects capital structure decision making and increases the profit if the weighted average cost of capital is low. [pic] 5% of the sample size agrees that the cost of capital has a huge impact on the level of risk because the maximization of the profit in the commercial bank is truly based on cost of capital and its other factors. [pic] 57% of the sample size agree that the taxes bring variation in the cost of capital in commercial bank while the other denied that taxes has no such affects on cost of capital but many researches has proved that taxes highly affects the cost of capital. [pic] 100% of the managers agree that weighted average cost of capital reduces as there is reduction in the net financial debt. It can be explained by the fact that if the cost of debt remains same but there is variation in the weightage of the debt. The lower weightage reduces the WACC of the commercial bank. [pic] While the method used for the cost of equity varies in different banks. 15% uses the CAPM, 42% uses the Gordon Growth Model whereas the remaining percentage uses both the CPM and Gordon Growth Model method when they finances through the equity. [pic] 16 DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS 17 Allied Bank Limited WACC = (Weighted average cost of dbt) + (weighted average cost of equity) WACC = (interest (1-tax)) + (Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) COST OF EQUITY: |YEAR |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 |2009 | |DIVIDEND/SHARE |2. 5 |2. 5 |3 |3. 5 |4 | |GROWTH |0% |0% |20% |16. 66% |(14. 28%) | Average growth=4. 476% Cost of equity = Gordon growth model =(Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) Cost of equity =4(1+0. 4476)/59. 11+0. 04476 = 11. 54% | |g |Growth Rate |4. 476% | | |Do |Last Dividend |4 | | |MP |Market Price |59. 11 | | | | | | COST OF DEBT: Interest Rate = 9. 619% Tax rate = 32. 4% Weighted average cost of debt after tax = 0. 09619(1-0. 324) Weighted average cost of debt after tax =6. 503 % WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL: | |AMOUNT |%AGE COMPONENT |COST |WACC | | |Thousand |(a) |(b) |(a*b) | | |(000) | | | | |DEBT |39,457,216 |0. 0055 |0. 650 |0. 00036 | |EQUITY |7,110,007,580 |0. 9945 |0. 1154 |0. 11476 | |TOTAL |7,149,464,796 | | |0. 11512 or 11. 51% | ANALYSIS In order to prove our research hypotheses, we find different relation between the interest rates, cost of debt and WACC; we assume different variation in the interest rates as it is the independent variable that affects the WACC hich is the dependent variable. In 2009, the interest rate of ABL was 9. 619%, we assume two different rates in which one is greater than 2009 rate i. e. 15% and other is less than 2009 interest rate i. e. 7. 00%. As the interest rates increases, it also increases the cost of debt that results in the increase in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses Ho and H3 of our research has proved by this analysis because as the interest rate decreases to 7. 00%, the cost of debt also declines which result in decreases in the WACC and vice versa. INTEREST |COD |WACC | |7. 00% |4. 73% |11. 50% | |9. 62% |6. 50% |11. 51% | |15. 00% |10. 14% |11. 52% | pic] For the relation between the taxes rates, cost of debt and WACC. We find different variations among them. Tax rates are the independent variable so they create different affects on WACC as it is dependent variable. In 2009, ABL has the tax rate of 32. 40%. Similarly we assume one tax rate greater than 32. 4% and another is less than 32. 4% in order to prove our hypothesis. From the following analysis, we come to know that as the tax rates increases, it decreases the cost of debt that results in the decrease in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses H1 and H4 of our research have proved by this analysis. |TAX RATES |COD |WACC | |30% |6. 73% |11. 84% | |32. 40% |6. 50% |11. 51% | |35% |6. 25% |11. 50% | [pic] 8 Habib Bank Limited (HBL) WACC = (Weighted average cost of debt) + (weighted average cost of equity) WACC = (interest (1-tax)) + (Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) COST OF EQUITY: |YEAR |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 |2009 | |DIVIDEND/SHARE |1. 5 |1. 48 |1. 48 |3. 01 |0. 30 | |GROWTH |0 |-1. 333% |0 |103. 378% |-90. 033% | Average growth=2. 4024% Cost of equity = Gordon growth model =(Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) Cost of equity = 0. 03 (1+0. 024)/40. 9+0. 024 = 2. 475% | |g |Growth Rate |2. 4024% | | |Do |Last Dividend |0. 03 | | |MP |Market Price |40. 90 | | | | | | COST OF DEBT: Interest Rate = (LIBOR+1. 75) = 18. 65% Tax rate = 37. 2% Cost of debt after tax = 18. 65 (1 – 0. 3732) Cost of debt after tax = 11. 69% WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL: | |AMOUNT |%AGE COMPONENT |COST |WACC | | |Thousand |(a) |(b) |(a*b) | | |(000) | | | | |DEBT |33,536,837 |0. 786 |0. 169 |0. 0912 | |EQUITY |9,108,000 |0. 214 |0. 0246 |0. 0053 | |TOTAL |42644837 | | |0. 0965 or 9. 65% | ANALYSIS We find different relation between the interest rates, cost of debt and WACC in order to prove our research hypothesis. We assume different variation in the interest rates as it is the independent variable that affects the WACC which is the dependent variable. In 2009, the interest rate of HBL was 18. 65%, we assume two different rates in which one is greater than 2009 rate i. e. 20% and other is less than 2009 interest rate i. e. 12. 00%. As the interest rates increases, it also increases the cost of debt that results in the increase in the weighted average cost of capital, this can easily proved by given table and you can also find this relation through the given graph. Hence, hypotheses Ho and H3 of our research has proved by this analysis because as the interest rate decreases to 12%, the cost of debt also declines to from 11. 69% to 7. 2% and which result in decreases in the WACC from 9. 65% to 6. 44% and vice versa. |INTEREST |COD |WACC | |12% |7. 52% |6. 44% | |18. 65% |11. 69% |9. 65% | |20% |12. 536% |10. 38% | pic] Tax rates are the independent variable so they create different affects on WACC as it is dependent variable. In 2009, HBL has the tax rate of 32. 40% that having COD 6. 503% and a WACC of 11. 51%. Similarly we assume one tax rate greater than 32. 4% and another is less than 32. 4% in order to prove our hypothesis. From the following analysis, we come to know that as the tax rates increases, it decreases the cost of debt that results in the decrease in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses H1 and H4 of our research have proved by this analysis. Tax rates |COD |WACC | |30% |6. 73% |11. 84% | |32. 4% |6. 503% |11. 51% | |35% |6. 25% |11. 50% | [pic] 19 Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) WACC = (Weighted average cost of debt) + (weighted average cost of equity) WACC = (interest (1-tax)) + (Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) COST OF EQUITY: |YEAR |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 |2009 | |DIVIDEND/SHARE |4. 5 |5. 1 |5. 6 |6 |6. 8 | |GROWTH |0 |13. 33% |9. 8% |7. 14% |13. 33% | Average growth=8. 72% Cost of equity = Gordon growth model = (Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) Cost of equity=6. 8(1+0. 0872)/189. 79+0. 0872 =12. 62% | |g |Growth Rate |8. 72% | | |Do |Last Dividend |6. 8 | | |MP |Market Price |189. 79 | | | | | | COST OF DEBT: Interest Rate = 12. 75% Tax rate = 33. 07% Cost of debt after tax = 12. 275 (1 – 0. 3307) Cost of debt after tax = 8. 216% WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL: | |AMOUNT |%AGE COMPONENT |COST |WACC | | |Thousand (000) |(a) |(b) |(a*b) | |DEBT |44,662,088 |0. 0221 |0. 0822 |0. 0018 | |EQUITY |1,972,537,950 |0. 778 |0. 1262 |0. 1234 | |TOTAL |2,017,200,038 | | |0. 1252 or 12. 52% | ANALYSIS From many different previous researches, we find different relation between the interest rates, cost of debt and WACC. We assume different variation in the interest rates as it is the independent variable that affects the WACC which is the dependent variable. In 2009, the interest rate of MCB was 12. 28%, we assume two different rates in which one is greater than 2009 rate i. . 11. 6% and other is less than 2009 interest rate i. e. 14. 90% in order to find the after affects of these changes. Remaining other things constant, as the interest rates increases, it also increases the cost of debt that results in the increase in the weighted average cost of capital, this can easily proved by given table and you can also find this relation through the given graph. Hence, hypotheses Ho and H3 of our research has proved by this analysis because as the interest rate decreases to 11. 6%, the cost of debt also declines to from 8. 22% to 7. 6% and which result in decreases in the WACC from 12. 52% to 12. 51% and vice versa. |INTERSET RATES |COD |WACC | |11. 60% |7. 76% |12. 51% | |12. 28% |8. 22% |12. 52% | |14. 90% |9. 97% |12. 6% | [pic] For the relation between the tax rates, cost of debt and WACC. We find different variations among them. Tax rates are the independent variable so they create different affects on WACC as it is dependent variable. In 2009, MCB has the tax rate of 33. 07%. Similarly we assume one tax rate greater than 33. 07% and another is less than 33. 07% in order to prove our hypothesis. From the following analysis, we come to know that as the tax rates increases, it decreases the cost of debt that results in the decrease in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses H1 and H4 of our research have proved by this analysis. |TAX RATES |COD |WACC | |30% |8. 59% |12. 53% | |33. 07% |8. 22% |12. 52% | |40% |7. 36% |12. 50% | pic] 20 Al-falah Bank Limited WACC = (Weighted average cost of debt) + (weighted average cost of equity) WACC = (interest (1-tax)) + (Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) COST OF EQUITY: |YEAR |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 |2009 | |DIVIDEND/SHARE |0. 5 |1. 25 |1 |2. 25 |2. 25 | |GROWTH |0 |150% |-20% |125% |0 | Average growth=51% Cost of equity = Gordon growth model =(Do (1 + g))/ (market price per share)] + g) Cost of equity = 2. 25(1+0. 51)/26. 13+0. 51 = 64% | |g |Growth Rate |51% | | |Do |Last Dividend |2. 25 | | |MP |Market Price |26. 13 | | | | | | COST OF DEBT: Weighted average Interest Rate = 6. 406%. Tax rate = 34. 84% Cost of debt after tax = 0. 06406 (1 – 0. 3484) Cost of debt after tax = 4. 174% WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL: | |AMOUNT |%AGE COMPONENT |COST |WACC | | |Thousand (000) |(a) |(b) |(a*b) | |DEBT |18,687,600 |0. 00138 |0. 0417 |0. 000057 | |EQUITY |13,491,562,500 |0. 986 |0. 64 |0. 639104 | |TOTAL |13,510,250,100 | | |0. 639 or 63. 9% | ANALYSIS Many different researches have concluded that different variation in the interest rates as it is the independent variable that affects the WACC which is the dependent variable. In 2009, the interest rate of Alfalah Bank was 6. 404%, we assume two different rates in which one is greater than 2009 rate i. e. 8. 6% and other is less than 2009 interest rate i. . 4. 6% in order to find the after affects of these changes. Remaining other things constant, as the interest rates increases, it also increases the cost of debt that results in the increase in the weighted average cost of capital, this can easily proved by given table and you can also find this relation through the given graph. Hence, hypotheses Ho and H3 of our research has proved by this analysis because as the interest rate decreases to 4. 6%, the cost of debt also declines to from 4. 174% to 2. 997% and which result in decreases in the WACC from 63. 914% to 63. 0% and vice versa. |INTEREST RATES |COD |WACC | |4. 6% |2. 997% |63. 90% | |6. 406%. |4. 174% |63. 914% | |8. 6% |5. 604% |63. 918% | [pic] For the relation between the taxes rates, cost of debt and WACC. We find different variations among them. Tax rates are the independent variable so they create different affects on WACC as it is dependent variable. In 2009, Alfalah has the tax rate of 34. 84%. Similarly we assume one tax rate greater than 34. 84% and another is less than 34. 84% in order to prove our hypothesis. From the following analysis, we come to know that as the tax rates increases, it decreases the cost of debt that results in the decrease in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses H1 and H4 of our research have proved by this analysis as they are negatively correlated. TAX RATES |COD |WACC | |25% |4. 805% |63. 917% | |34. 84%. |4. 174% |63. 9% | |40% |3. 844% |63. 915% | [pic] 21 Soneri Bank Limited ANALYSIS Soneri Banks has following interest rates and tax rates, which affect WACC in the same manner as it affects other commercial Banks. In 2009, it has interest rate of 12. 63% that has the cost of debt 8. 54% and the WACC is of 0. 37%. Variation in the interest rates brings following changes and hence proves our research. |INTEREST RATES |COD |WACC | |11. 60% |7. 84% |0. 35% | |12. 3% |8. 54% |0. 37% | |14. 60% |9. 87% |0. 43% | [pic] Tax rates posses the same affect. As tax rates increases, it has negative relation with the COD and WACC that proves the hypothesis H1 and H4 of our research as in 2009, the tax rate was 32. 34%, when it decrease, the COD increases which also increases WACC and again inversely proportional when Tax rate increase. TAX RATES |COD |WACC | |25% |9. 47% |0. 41% | |32. 34% |8. 54% |0. 37% | |40% |7. 57% |0. 33% | [pic] CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 1. Conclusion According to past related researches, there should be a suitable balance between debt and equity as it has effects on the risk and return of the shareholders of the bank. If there are reasonable proportions of debt and equity in the capital structure, it maximizes the shareholders wealth while minimizing the cost of capital and that could be considered as the optimal capital structure. Factors like Interest payment expected deductibility give prospect for value. If the tax deductibility is realized by the bank then stockholders get the expected benefit of the tax deduction. If firm finances through debt, then it has financial risk. And if through equity, then it has business risk. The cost of capital can affect capital structure that the taxes bring variation in the cost of capital and hence affect the capital structure of the banks. Cost of equity increases if the financial risk become high. The cost of equity and debt increases with the increase in debt. On after tax cost of debt, there is the greater the impact of interest deductibility, if the tax rate s higher. Weighted average cost of capital become low with the cost of capital high, if the debt capital increase in proportion. Cost of equity increases with the cost of debt. If the cost of components high the weighted average cost of capital increases and reason is that shareholder prefer to use of debt when expected value of tax benefit is attractive as compared to the added financial risk associated with the debt. The Demanded rate of increase in cost of debt and equity, effects on value of the expected increase in tax benefit of using more debt. Interest rate affects the cost of debt. It involves the risk components that have the probability of default on the debt. In this research, the main finding of the paper suggests that the commercial bank should focus on reducing the cost of capital that maximizes the profit. According to our findings, it is concluded that each banks has its policies of financing. Each bank takes decision of selecting capital structure for minimizing their cost, risk factor differently that occupies good financial position in market. Factors that have impact on cost of capital as well as on capital structure are tax rates, interest rates, dividends payout, risk of default and other like market fluctuation, corporate governance. These factors differently affect the cost of capital and capital structure of each commercial bank. Some banks agree that tax brings variation in the capital structure as the use of taxes decreases the cost of debt but some banks strongly disagree, like Islamic bank Meezan and Alfalah,. These Islamic banks have no such interest rate risk. Tax impacts on cost of capital increases cost of capital agrees by majority of commercial banks, and disagrees by some commercial banks. Dividend impacts on cost of capital increases cost of capital agrees by some banks, and disagrees by some banks. Interest rate brings effects on increase in cost of capital as the interest rate increases the cost of debt also increases but some banks strongly disagreed. Other factors like market fluctuation also influence interest rate to increase. And sometimes sudden increase in interest rates influence market. Due to this, all factors differently impact on cost of capital variation (increase and decrease) and capital structure decision making. We have estimated Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of commercial banks in order to find the effects of cost of capital and their factors on profit and capital structure decision making. We analyze from computing WACC with different assumptions that; †¢ The interest rates increases (decreases), it also increases (decreases) the cost of debt that results in the increase (decreases) in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses Ho and H3 is verify. †¢ The tax rates increases (decreases), it decreases (increases) the cost of debt that results in the decrease (increases) in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, hypotheses H1 and H4 is verify. The cost of capital improves the profit and capital structure decision making in which other factors also takes part to maximize the profit in the commercial banks. . Recommendations Cost of capital plays a central role in valuation, portfolio selection, and capital budgeting. Therefore, measuring and validating the cost of capital has been the subject of much research. †¢ For reducing cost of capital of bank, we recommend that proportion of debt plus equity financing is better although debt increa ses risk of default as most of the commercial banks prefer debt financing. Because, debt financing provides tax benefit under suitable market conditions and reduces WACC. †¢ Through equity financing banks give dividend which increases their reputation in market. In short, payment of dividend gives market position. And it is also important because in terms of financial ratios, equity financing shows bank more strong as compared to debt or liabilities. †¢ Adopt an optimal capital structure to improve shareholder value. Capital structure is part of a bank’s package of financial policies, which include dividend policy and amount of debt and equity claims issued which improves share holder wealth and reduces WACC. Conventional thinking in the area of finance has also assumed that a certain amount of debt in the capital structure is a good thing. Interest rates are high in Pakistan. The following reforms looked-for from the Government of Pakistan (GOP): †¢ Allow and encourage consideration of financial institutions to reduce disintegration in the financial sector. †¢ Strengthen legal and judicial reform laws to allow financial institutions to foreclose on guarantee to reduce risk in the case of unpaid loans without going through lengthy court proceedings. CHAPTER 7: AREA OF FURTHER STUDIES After performing this research we have concluded that the researches on the Weighted Average Cost of Capital in Banks are less or there is no proper research that has taken place for the Commercial Banks. There should be more researches on the factor that are affecting WACC in the commercial banks as its proper estimation maximizes profit. It is found with the help of weightage there is a huge impact on the cost of capital that may be a source of further studies for the commercial bank because proper weightage of debt and equity can improves or enhances the profit of commercial banks. The WACC affects the profit or Capital Structure decision making that has direct affect on the reputation of the commercial banks. CHAPTER 8: REFERENCES †¢ Nadeem A. Sheikh and Zongjun Wang, June 2010, International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, Vol. 1, No. 2, Financing Behavior of Textile Firms in Pakistan, pg 130-135 †¢ Khadka, H Bahadur,2006. Leverage and the Cost of Capital. The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies,Vol. III, No1: 85-91 †¢ Modigliani, F. and Miller, M. H. 1963. Corporate Income Taxes and the Cost of Capital: A Correction. American Economic Review: 433-443. †¢ Shubber, K. and Alzafiri, E. (2008). â€Å"Cost of capital of Islamic banking institutions: an empirical study of a special case†, International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, Vol. No. 1, pp. 10-19 †¢ Bruner, R. F. , Eades, K. M. , Harris, R. S. , Higgins, R. C. (1998). â€Å"Best practices in estimating the cost of capital: survey and synthesis†, Financial Practice and Education, Spring/Summer, pp. 13-28. †¢ Miller, R. A. (2006). â€Å"The weighted average cost of capital is not qu ite right†, The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, 49 (2009) 128–138 †¢ Jorgenson, Dale W. and Ralph Landau (1993). Tax Reform and the Cost of Capital – An International Comparison. Washington, D. C. : Brookings Institution. †¢ Fama, E. F. , and K. French, 1997, Industry costs of equity, Journal of Financial Economics 43, 153-193. †¢ Fama, E. F. , and K. French, 1999, The corporate cost of capital and the return on corporate investment, Journal of Finance 54, 1939-1967. †¢ John J. Pringle, the Capital Decision in Commercial Banks, the Journal of Finance, Vol. 29, No. 3 (Jun. , 1974), pp. 779-795 †¢ Richard Lambert*, Christian Leuz, Robert E. Verrecchia â€Å"Accounting Information, Disclosure, and the Cost of Capital† September 2005, Revised, August 2006 †¢ Barton, S. L. and P. J. Gordon (1987). ‘Corporate strategy: Useful perspective for the study of capital structure? Academy of Management Review, 12, pp. 67-75 †¢ Balakrishnan, S. and I. Fox (1993). ‘Asset specificity, firm heterogeneity, and capital structure’, Strategic Management Journal, 14(1), pp. 3-16. †¢ A. Seth (1990). ‘The impact of LBOs on strategic direction’, California Management Review, 32(1), pp. 30-43. †¢ Groth John C. , â€Å"Capital structure: Perspectives. † Management Decision 35:7 (1997): 552–561. †¢ John C. Groth, Professor, Texas A University, USA â€Å"Capital Structure: Implications†, 1997. †¢ Ross, Stephen A. , Randolph W. Westerfield, and Jeffrey Jaffe. Corporate Finance. 9th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill, 2010. †¢ Alan J. Auerbach, Wealth Maximization and the Cost of Capital, the Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 93, No. 3 (Aug. , 1979), pp. 433 †¢ John R. Graham, â€Å"Taxes and Corporate Finance: A Review†, the Review of Financial Studies, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Winter, 2003), pp. 1075-1129 †¢ Meziane Lasfer, Professor, Cass Business School, UK â€Å"Optimizing the Capital Structure: Finding the Right Balance between Debt and Equity†. †¢ William F. Coffin and Sean Collin, 2006, Techniques to lower the cost of capital in today’s volatile markets, CCG Investor Relations. Ali Murtaza, manager financial reporting and analysis, finance division, BANK ALFALAH LIMITED. †¢ Amir Ahmed, risk manager, Asst. vice president, Risk Management Unit, MEEZAN BANK. †¢ Aniel Victor, Asst. manager, Riak management, UBL FUNDS MANAGERS. †¢ Syed Ali Shabar, Branch Manager, MCB BANK LIMITED. †¢ Raza Abbas, Asst. vice president , Portfolio Management, HABIB BANK LIMITED. †¢ Aamir Maysorewala, customer service manager, ALLIED BANK LIMITED. †¢ Riazullah Khan, Assistant Vice President Manager, SONERI BANK. APPENDIX A Questionnaire NAME_________________________ DESIGNATION_________________ BANK__________________________ BRANCH_______________________ 1. Debt and equity are the sources of finance, through which source your bank finances their investment? a) Debt b) Equity c) Both 2. What is the impact of dividend payment on cost of capital as using equity is source of finance that will liable bank to pay dividend? a) Increase cost of capital b) Decrease cost of capital c) No impact on cost of capital 3. Tax shield also has an important factor in cost of capital, how tax impact on cost of capital? a) Increase cost of capital b) Decrease cost of capital ) No impact on cost of capital 4. Cost of capital has positive impact by using both sources of finance. [pic] 5. When bank finance through debt, it increase liabilities that also increase the risk factor of default. [pic] 6. Fluctuation in the interest rate affects Cost of Capital and also the Capital Structure of your banks. [pic] 7. As low dividend payout will affect the reputation of your ban k, is high dividend payout and dividend growth affect the capital structure decision? [pic] 8. Cost of capital occupies an important role in the financial management and in investment decision making in commercial banks. [pic] . Cost of capital affects the level of risk in commercial bank. [pic] 10. Taxes bring variation in the capital structure of commercial banks. [pic] 11. Reducti How to cite Revisiting Cost of Capital in Commercial Banks, Papers

Thr Japanese People Essays - Japanese Society, Dichotomies

Thr Japanese People The number of foreigners learning Japanese continuously increases each year. This therefore leads me to believe that these people must have an interest in Japan. However, it does make one wonder what images they have of Japan. Do these people really have a good and right image of Japan? I am acquainted with a few of these people and they claim their love of Japan is due to its fascinated with their own culture and heritage? The Japanese are amongst the easiest people to get along with, even if one does not understand them completely. Understanding the Japanese is one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome, however this should not deter anyone from trying to comprehend Japan and her people. The purpose of my essay then is to increase my readers understanding of Japan and its people, especially give their rather complex characteristics. Being part of a group is very important to the Japanese. As a starting point for my analysis of the Japanese I would like to discuss the balance between the individual and group within the Japanese culture. The human race is made up of individuals, but each is born and lives, for most part of his or her life within a group or community. Various societies differ greatly especially with respect to the emphasis placed on being an individual or being part of a community. This difference is obvious when comparing the Japanese to the Western culture as the Japanese would sacrifice the individual for the good of the group. This ideology extends beyond the group of the people's sacrifice for the common benefit of the country as this is seen as something to be proud of. As compared to the Westerners, the Japanese prefer to exist as a group. While Westerners put on a show of independence and individuality, most Japanese will be quit content to conform to their community in dress, conduct, lifestyle and even thoughts. This is all part of maintaining ?face?- originally a Chinese term but is of most importance to the community. The Japanese are constantly being reminded of how unique their culture, beliefs, customs and lifestyles are. The constant reminder is perpetuated by the government through references in government publication and hammered home by publication of literature devoted exclusively to the subject. Take for example Japanese that are banded together, this group is ranked according to its social position and disparity of age. Japanese have placed a high priority on rank even during the initial period. The notion of a ranking has strongly affected Japanese social life. Also we know that the honorific expressions are of the great importance to the Japanese language. The head of the household, regardless of age, occupies the highest se at; his retired father then retreats to a lower seat. Nowadays, age becomes a deciding factor only amongst individuals of similar status. In Japan, status also precedes gender. It is commonly known that Japanese women are nearly always ranked as inferiors. This is not because their gender is considered inferior, but because women seldom hold higher social status. Generally speaking, the Japanese that are born to a certain class behave in a certain way. Hence, in front of another these people are very aware of what the other party is thinking of them. Whilst Westerners are bold in their opinions and do not hesitate in expressing them, the Japanese tend to voice any opinions only after due consideration of another's feelings. It is said that the Japanese are very diplomatic but this also means that they do not give direct answers, a characteristic based on a long trading of avoiding unnecessary friction. The fact that the Japanese behave in this way especially when in contact with another can be partly explained by their homogeneity and long periods of isolation from the rest of the world. Japanese respects the harmony of nature. This is apparent in the architecture and style of their gardens. Another characteristic of the Japanese is to give back the some quantity as they receive. While I was in Japan, a friend explained this concept to me. He claims that despite the fact that most Japanese do not like to do this, they conform as it is a tradition

Double-Edged Sword Essays

Double-Edged Sword Essays Double-Edged Sword Paper Double-Edged Sword Paper The evolution of the world and its civilizations is galvanized by continual scientific and technological progress, which is brought about by the vast reservoir of knowledge that humankind has gained over the centuries in countless attempts to quench their insatiable thirst for the ultimate key that will unlock all the secrets of life. In the last few decades, men and women of science who are determined to fully unveil the mysteries of the universe were already able to take evolution to a whole new level- one that is closer to its culmination. They were able to discover the amazing ability of defying nature and manipulating those which holds the code to the individual characteristics of every living organism: genes. Genetic engineering, or gene manipulation, was once but a very popular element of science fictions and films; now, it has been lifted off the pages and television screens, and has become a reality that can actually help humanity overcome many of its imperfections. However, as this truth shows only a small part of the big picture, the capability of modifying the biological makeup of organisms has generated conflicting views from society. It is best to acknowledge the fact that while recent breakthroughs have presented us with unforeseen promises, they have, at the same time, given us complex predicaments. The educational film DNA: The Promise and the Price introduces the viewers to four immensely powerful molecular biology techniques that may just as well decide the world’s future. With genetic engineering still in its premature stage, only time can tell whether its potential to improve medical technologies- and, subsequently, human lives- outweighs all the socio-ethical, political, and health repercussions that come with it. Cloning, perhaps the most famous genetic engineering technology of this time, is the process of producing an organism that is genetically identical to its progenitor by vegetative reproduction or a laboratory technique. It holds several medical benefits that once existed only in dreams, books, and movies. For instance, human therapeutic cloning can provide genetically identical cells from embryonic tissues for regenerative medicine, as well as new, healthy tissues and organs that can be used for transplantation. As such, cloning technologies can actually contribute greatly in the research and development for genetic diseases, as well as serious diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes. The capability of generating artificial human cells can also lead to further improvements in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries and burn treatments. Human reproductive cloning, meanwhile, could allow infertile couples to have children with at least some of their DNA. People could even clone themselves to be able to create the â€Å"perfect descendant† for them, or even the loved ones that they have lost to ease the pain of bereavement. However, the main argument against cloning is the fact that it is unethical and morally repugnant to use a human clone to save a life. A clone, though artificially made, is still a life form just like any other human being. To produce and later kill it merely for the sake of our needs would therefore be tantamount to committing a sin. Also, early experiments are most likely to result in a number of clinical failures and lead to miscarriage, the necessity of dozens or even hundreds of abortions, or births of massively deformed offspring. But problems with regards to early experiments pale in comparison to the socio-ethical issues that would surely arise should cloning succeed in producing a healthy child, and become part of the repertoire of new reproductive technologies presently offered to those with sufficient funds. Worse, society would be at a lost as to how to treat human clones. Another product of years of extensive research in genetic engineering is gene therapy, which involves the treatment of a genetic disease through the insertion of normal or genetically altered genes into cells and tissues in order to repair damaged or replace missing genes. It is seen as a potential cure for genetic disorders such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, severe combined immunodeficiency, etc. Genes and artificial chromosomes can also be inserted into embryos in a process known as germ-line gene therapy. This could be used to cure genetic disorders, including behavioral disorders such as schizophrenia, or to insert genes which enhance intelligence or athletic performance. The benefits of these genetic changes would be passed on to later generations. Nevertheless, gene therapy is far from perfect; in fact, it has caused the death of many patients who wished to cure themselves of their genetic disorders. Viruses, while the carrier of choice in most gene therapy studies, unfortunately presents a variety of potential problems to the patient, such as toxicity and immune and inflammatory responses. This medical procedure also has several limitations, such as its short-lived nature, as well as the fact this treatment is most suitable only for diseases that resulted from mutations in a single gene. It would be extremely difficult for gene therapy to effectively treat some of the most commonly occurring multi-factorial disorders such as heart diseases and diabetes, which are caused by the combined effects of variations in may genes. The next technique discussed in the film, RNA interference, can be used as a means of silencing gene expression. This can be harnessed to allow specific inhibitions of the function of any chosen target genes, including those involved in causing diseases such as cervical cancer and hepatitis. However, like gene therapy, success is only more likely in those diseases with a simple genetic basis rather than in complex multi-gene disorders. Diseases involving sites where delivery of synthetic RNA is more straightforward will also be more likely to be effectively treated. Also, geneticists are still in the process of improving the RNA interference technique so that they can ensure the procedure’s ability to selectively target cancer cells without destroying any normal cells. The last, and perhaps the most amazing, genetic technology shown in the film is stem cell therapy. Since stem cells are capable of being differentiated into basically all types of cells, they offer so much promise in the development of medical treatments for a wide range of conditions, including heart and brain diseases. Much success and potential has been demonstrated from research using adult stem cells. For instance, many patients with heart diseases who have resorted to stem cell therapy have made great progress in that more of their heart tissues are contracting normally. However- and this is where the controversy lies- the differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells is broader than most adult stem cells. It divides more rapidly than adult stem cells, potentially making it easier to generate a larger number of cells for therapeutic means. As such, it is the most versatile stem cells which can be eventually used to create a new organ. As such, scientists are looking into the use of embryonic stem cells, which could possibly lead to the creation of artificial, healthy organs in a few decade’s time. But, there is a price to be paid: sacrificial lives, in the form of embryos. Harvesting of embryonic stem cells can result in the destruction of human embryos, and even if clone embryos are used, they still count as human lives. As such, it would be very difficult for society to be able to swallow and accept such an immoral way of saving lives, especially those who believe that the end does not justify the means. As can be see, the promise of genetically modifying humans to improve their well being and to treat debilitating illnesses are becoming a reality. By delving deeper into the world of genetics, newfound knowledge may also enable us to go so far as to engineer our own genetic blueprints- to enhance our physical attributes and mental capabilities; to choose the sex, hair and eye color, and even the personality of our children; and, maybe- just maybe- to create seemingly perfect human beings with superpowers. However, despite the enormous amount of development in the field, our moral understanding and awareness is still limited in scope. Our ethical values are still not capable of providing us with adequate tools needed to address the socio-ethical problems posed by advances in genetics. As science outpaces moral understanding, scientists and ethicists are pitted against one another in their struggle to stand by what they believe is for the greater good and to articulate their concerns. While as proponents argue that genetic engineering can prevent and cure more diseases, ethicists believe that the risks- particularly the sacrifice of human lives to save those of others, as well as the after effects of manipulating that which has been ordained by nature- far outweigh the benefits. Humans have the natural tendency to abuse, and as such, the consequential misuse of genetic technologies is but inevitable. For instance, designer babies may be the realization of parents’ dreams for their children to be the best of the best, but altering a baby’s genetic traits and manipulating our own nature may demean the uniqueness of each individual and can therefore undermine our humanity. Children may, in effect, become mere consumer goods for ambitious parents. Gene manipulation, which is seen as a manifestation of the human desire to play God, is capable of entailing horrible social consequences. Society might just be divided between genetically modified humans whose abilities are enhanced and normal humans who don’t possess the same superhuman qualities. Worse, those who are lacking the genetic advantage might just end up becoming the inferior beings, living in a dreadful society with a lot of unimaginable problems. A future driven by genetic revolution seemed bright and wonderful; however, if society fails to expand its moral awareness to cope with the ethical questions that comes with this scientific development, the forces of nature might just catch us off-guard and backlash with a vengeance that we couldn’t possibly escape from. From this, it is apparent that gene manipulation can be likened to a double-edged sword- a weapon lethal against enemies, but with a great risk: it can just as easily kill the one who wields it.

Charlemagne and the Battle of Roncevaux Pass

Charlemagne and the Battle of Roncevaux Pass Conflict: The Battle of Roncevaux Pass was part of Charlemagnes Iberian campaign of 778. Date: The Basque ambush at Roncevaux Pass is believed to have taken place on August 15, 778. Armies Commanders: Franks CharlemagneUnknown (large army) Basques Unknown (possibly Lupo II of Gascony)Unknown (guerilla raiding party) Battle Summary: Following a meeting of his court at Paderborn in 777, Charlemagne was enticed into invading northern Spain by Sulaiman Ibn Yakzan Ibn al-Arabi, wali of Barcelona and Girona. This was further encouraged by al-Arabis promise that the Upper March of Al Andalus would surrender quickly the Frankish army. Advancing south, Charlemagne entered Spain with two armies, one moving through the Pyrenees and another to the east passing through Catalonia. Traveling with the western army, Charlemagne quickly captured Pamplona and then proceeded on to the Upper March of Al Andalus capital, Zaragoza. Charlemagne arrived at Zaragoza expecting to find the citys governor, Hussain Ibn Yahya al Ansari, friendly to the Frankish cause. This proved not to be case as al Ansari refused to yield the city. Facing a hostile city and not finding the country to be as hospitable as al-Arabi had promised, Charlemagne entered into negotiations with al Ansari. In return for the Franks departure, Charlemagne was given a large sum of gold as well as several prisoners. While not ideal, this solution was acceptable as news had reached Charlemagne that Saxony was in revolt and he was needed to the north. Retracing its steps, Charlemagnes army marched back to Pamplona. While there, Charlemagne ordered the citys walls pulled down to prevent it from being used as a base for attacking his empire. This, along with his harsh treatment of the Basque people, turned the local inhabitants against him. On the evening of Saturday August 15, 778, while marching through Roncevaux Pass in the Pyrenees a large guerilla force of Basques sprung an ambush on the Frankish rearguard. Using their knowledge of the terrain, they decimated the Franks, plundered the baggage trains, and captured much of the gold received at Zaragoza. The soldiers of the rearguard fought valiantly, allowing the remainder of the army to escape. Among the casualties were several of Charlemagnes most important knights including Egginhard (Mayor of the Palace), Anselmus (Palatine Count), and Roland (Prefect of the March of Brittany). Aftermath Impact: Though defeated in 778, Charlemagnes armies returned to Spain in the 780s and fought there until his death, slowly extending Frankish control south. From the captured territory, Charlemagne created the Marca Hispanica to serve as a buffer province between his empire and the Muslims to the south. The Battle of Roncevaux Pass is also remembered as the inspiration for one of the oldest known works of French literature, the Song of Roland.

The Impact of Cinematography and Editing Options Movie Review

The Impact of Cinematography and Editing Options - Movie Review Example The paper will analyze the movie Wizard of Oz. Cinematography and editing options like color, focus, transitions, lighting, and camera shots influence the placement and movement of characters and props in the scene showing Dorothy leaving Kansas for Oz (Leroy, 1939). Black and white colors defined movies produced in the 1930s (Dirks, n.d). However, the movie Wizard of Oz was the first movie of the 1930s to depict multiple colors as seen in the camera shot below (Leroy, 1939). The above camera shot shows the lighting placed between the character and the foreground. Apparently, the cinematographer moved the rear light behind the plant and on the right side of the shot but in front of the main character. Additionally, there are two front lights positioned in front of this character. The left light is on the lower side while the right light is on the high side, which facilitates the highlight of Dorothy and the colored plant with no visible shadows. The cinematographer did the camera sho t with a backdrop shot of the black and white house on the background that defined immense creativity at the time. Indeed, the producers introduce the first color shot in the film when the main character opens the door to see Oz and the yellow brick road that leads to this destination (Leroy, 1939). The cinematographer relies on double exposed film to blur Dorothy’s image depicting a dream. The camera shot shown below shows a spiraling house with the main character on it defining the journey to Oz (Leroy, 1939).

Teachers expectations influence students Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Teachers expectations influence students - Essay Example r in his â€Å"Best Practices† presentation researchers Hoover and Kindsvetter state the outcomes of their research on student teacher relationship in the following words: Teachers, on the other hand, also have an intimate bond with their students. While instructing and mentoring them, they look up to their students to perform just as they have been taught and sometimes even more than that. Teachers often tend to establish expectations with their students. They usually take note of spending one to one time with each one of their students so that they develop their trust on them and get to know them better. Expectations, on a broader sense, may often prove to behave like a double edged sword. Whether the expectations have been made by the parents or the teachers of a child they have shown to have had both raising and lowering effects on the students’ outcomes. A positive outcome of expectations is often possible only when institutionally the expectations are raised at each stakeholder level which involves the management and the teachers as well. â€Å"... the literature on motivation and school performance in younger school children suggests that expectations shape the learning experience very powerfully. For example, classic studies in the psychology literature have found that merely stating an expectation results in enhanced performance, that higher expectations result in higher performance, and that persons with high expectations perform at a higher level than those with low expectations, even though their measured abilities are equal.† (Schilling, Schilling, 1999) "rise or fall to the level of expectation of their teachers.... When teachers believe in students, students believe in themselves. When those you respect think you can, YOU think you can" (as cited in bestonlineelementaryschools.com., 2010). Let us now bring into consideration the specific example of high school students with respect to the teachers’ expectations associated with them and also

Concepts and Theories of Entrepreneurship

Concepts and Theories of Entrepreneurship ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS (OMAN) 1 Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship Definition of Entrepreneur: The term entrepreneur is derived from the French verb ‘enterprenedre. It means to undertake. In the early 16th century, the Frenchmen who organized and led military expeditions were referred to as entrepreneurs. Around 1700A.D, the term was used for architects and contractors of public works. An entrepreneur is a person who undertakes and operates anew enterprise or venture and assumes some accountability for the inherent risks. A female entrepreneur is sometimes referred to an â€Å"entrepreneuse†. Entrepreneur is a person who creates and manages change by the recognition of opportunities (needs, wants, problems, and challenges) and develops people and manages resources to take advantage of the opportunity and creates a venture. The term entrepreneur was applied to business initially by the French economist, Cantillon, in the 18th century, to designate a dealer who purchases the means of production form combining them into marketable products. Concept of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is a process undertaken by an entrepreneur to augment his business interest. It is an exercise involving innovation and creativity that will go towards establishing his/her enterprise. One of the qualities of entrepreneurship is the ability to discover an investment opportunity and to organize an enterprise, thereby contributing to discover an investment growth. It involves taking of risks and making the necessary investments under conditions of uncertainty and innovating, planning, and taking decisions so as to increase production in agriculture, business and industry etc. Entrepreneurship is the composite skill, the resultant of a mix of many qualities and traits these include tangible factors as imagination, readiness to take risks. Ability to bring together and put to use other factors of production, capital, labor, land, and also tangible factors such as the ability to mobilize scientific and technological advances. Intrapreneurs: Of late a new breed of corporate entrepreneurs has come to the force in large organizations are called as â€Å"intrapreneurs†. They are entrepreneurs who catch hold of a new idea for a product, service, or process and work to bring this idea to fruition within the framework of the organization. Intrapreneurs with their innovations and dedicated effort are perceived as a valuable asset by the organization, inspiring others. He serves as a champion to others in the organization. In America, a number of intrapreneurs are leaving their jobs to start their own ventures. It is found that many are exceedingly successful in their new ventures and they are causing threat to the companies they left a few years ago. Difference between Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur: Difference Entrepreneur Intrapreneur 1. Dependency An entrepreneur is independent He is dependent on the entrepreneur. i.e., owner 2. Raising of funds They can raise fund required for the enterprise Funds are not raised 3. Risk He/She bears the risk involved I the business An intrapreneur does not fully bear the risk 4. Operations He/She operates from outside He/She operates from within the organization itself Distinction between an Entrepreneur and a Manager Factors Entrepreneur Manager 1. Motive The main motive is to start a venture by setting up an enterprise. He understands the venture for his personal gratification. The main motive of a manager is to render his services in an enterprise already set up by someone else 2. Status He is the owner of enterprise A manger is the servant in the enterprise owned by the entrepreneur 3. Risk bearing He being the owner of the enterprise assumes all risks and uncertainty involved in running the enterprise A manager as a servant does not bear any risk involved in the enterprise 4. Rewards The reward that he gets for bearing risks involved in the enterprise is profit which is highly uncertain A manager gets salary as reward for the services rendered by him in the enterprise, which is fixed and certain 5. Innovation He himself thinks over what and how to produce goods to meet then changing demands of the customers. Hence, he acts as an innovator also called a change agent Manager simply executes the plan prepared by the entrepreneur and translates the entrepreneurs ideas into practice 6. Qualifications He needs to possess qualities and qualification like high achievement, motive, originality in thinking, foresight, risk bearing ability and so on. On the contrary, manager needs to possess distinct qualification in terms of sound knowledge in management theory and practice. Difference between Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship Refers to a person Visualiser Creator Organizer Innovator Technician Initiator Decision maker Planner Leader Motivator Programmer Risk taker Communicator Administrator Refers to a process Vision Creation Organization Innovation Technology Initiative Decision Planning Leadership Motivation Action Risk taking Communication Administration Skills required for an Entrepreneur: 1. Technical skills: Written and oral communication Monitoring environment Technical Business Management Effective Interpersonal relationship Effective Listening Ability to organize Network Building Management Styles Coaching Being an effective team player 2. Business Management Skills Planning and goal setting Decision making Human Relations Marketing finance Accounting Management Control Negotiation Management growth 3. Personal entrepreneurial skills Self discipline Risk taking attitude Being creative Logical and analytical Persistent Visionary leader Ability to manage change Articulate Characteristics of an Entrepreneur: Mental ability consists of intelligence and creative thinking. An entrepreneur must be reasonably intelligent, and should have creative thinking and must be able to engage in the analysis of various problems and situations in order to deal with them. Clear Objectives: An entrepreneur should have clear objectives as to the exact nature of the goods to be produced and subsidiary activities to be undertaken. Business secrecy: An entrepreneur must be able to guard business secrets. Leakage of business secrets to trade competitors is a serious matter which should be carefully guarded against by an entrepreneur. Human relations ability: An entrepreneur must maintain good relations with his customers if he is to establish relations that will encourage them to continue to patronize his business. He must also maintain good relations with his employees if he is to motivate them to perform their jobs at a high level of efficiency. Communication ability: An entrepreneur who can effectively communicate with the customers, employees, suppliers and creditors will be more likely to succeed than the one who does not. Technical knowledge: An entrepreneur must have a reasonable level of technical knowledge. Other main characteristics Self confident and optimistic Able to take calculated risk Prepared to take risks Respond positively to challenges Flexible and able to adapt Knowledgeable of markets Versatile knowledge Able to get along well with others Independent minded Energetic and diligent Creative, need to achieve Dynamic leader Responsive to suggestions Take initiatives Resourceful and persevering Perceptive with foresight Responsive to criticism Ability to organize and administer efficiently Significance/importance of entrepreneurship: Economic Development: Entrepreneurship contributes to economic development of every country. It enables continual improvement of societies and their organizations entrepreneurship Developing personal relationships: Small businesses are well placed to build personal relationships with customers, employees and suppliers. Responding flexibility to problems and challenges Inventiveness and innovation: Small businesses are well positioned to introduce and develop new ideas. This is due to their owners not having to report or seek approval from anyone else. For Example, When Anitha Roddick set up The Body Shop; she developed a range of environmentally friendly cosmetics in unsophisticated packaging. Due to the innovation in the packaging style her products are considered to be No: 1 in terms of quality and package. It invigorates markets: The formation of new business leads to job creation and has a multiplying effect on the economy. It empowers citizens, generates innovation and changes mindsets. These changes have the potential to integrate developing countries into the global economy. Classification and Type of Entrepreneurs: 1. Innovative Entrepreneurs It is a type of entrepreneur, who launches new products, discovers new markets, establishes new methods of production and restructures the enterprise. He can work only when definite level of progress has been previously accomplished. They focus on revolutionalisation and development. It is characterized by aggressive assembling of information and the analysis of results derived from novel combination of factors. 2. Imitative Entrepreneurs: They adopt victorious innovations launched by the innovative entrepreneurs. They duplicate the technology and techniques innovated by others and they are suitable for underdeveloped countries. They are characterized by readiness to adopt successful innovations, by innovating entrepreneurs. They are adoptive and more flexible. 3. Fabian Entrepreneurs: They are exemplified by great caution and skepticism in experimenting any change in the organization. They imitate only in situations where it becomes necessary to do so. They imitate only in situations where it becomes necessary to do so. They are exhibited by precaution and skepticism in practicing any change they have neither the will to introduce new changes not any desire to adopt new methods, innovated by the most enterprising entrepreneurs. Dealings are determined by customs, religion, tradition and past practices. They are not much interested in taking risks or changes and they try to follow the beaten tack created by the footsteps of their predecessors. 4. Drone Entrepreneurs: They suffer losses, as they refuse to make any modifications in the existing production methods. They are exhibited by refusal to adopt and use opportunities to make changes in production. They are willing to suffer losses but they do not make changes in the production methods adopted by them. Also called as laggards because they continue in their traditional ways and in fields; their product loses its marketability soon. 5. Solo Entrepreneurs: They basically work alone and if required may recruit few people. 6. Active partners: They set up an enterprise as a joint venture and they actively take part in the activities of the organization. 7. Simply partners: They contribute funds, but are not involved in the operations of the enterprise. 8. Inventors: They are involved in the research and development and innovative activities. 9. Buyers: These entrepreneurs in order to reduce risk buy an already established and ongoing enterprise. 10. Life timers: They take business as primary part of their life. Family enterprise falls into this group of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs according to the type of business: 1. Business Entrepreneur: They are the individuals who conceive an idea for a new product or service and then create a business to materialize their idea into reality. They tap both production and marketing resources in their search to develop a new business opportunity. 2. Trading Entrepreneur: They are the one who undertakes trading activities and is not concerned with the manufacturing work. He identifies potential markets, simulates demand for his product line and creates a desire and interest among buyers to go in for his product. He is engaged in both domestic and overseas trade. 3. Industrial Entrepreneur: It is essentially a manufacturer who identifies the potential needs of customers and tailors a product or service to meet the marketing needs. He is a product-oriented man who starts in an industrial unit because of the possibility of making some new product. The entrepreneur has the ability to convert economic resources and technology into a considerably profitable venture. E.g., Electronic industry, textile units, machine tools and the like. 4. Corporate Entrepreneur: It is a person who demonstrates his innovative skill in organizing and managing corporate undertaking. A corporate undertaking is a form of business organization which is registered under some statute or Act which gives it a separate legal entity. 5. Agricultural Entrepreneur: They are those who undertake agricultural activities as raising and marketing of crops, fertilizers and other inputs of agriculture. They are motivated to raise agricultural through mechanization, irrigation and application of technologies for dry and agriculture products. Entrepreneurs in Technology: (Refer the Book) Technical Entrepreneur Non technical entrepreneur Professional Entrepreneur Entrepreneurs and motivation: (Refer the Book) Pure entrepreneur Induced entrepreneur Motivated entrepreneur Spontaneous entrepreneur Growth and Entrepreneurs: (Refer the Book) Growth entrepreneur Super growth entrepreneur Entrepreneur and stages of development: (Refer the Book) First generation entrepreneur Modern Entrepreneur Classical entrepreneur Entrepreneurial competencies: The characteristics possessed by an entrepreneur which result in superior performance are called Entrepreneurial competencies or traits. Knowledge, skill and motive are the components of competencies. These competencies can be developed and sharpened. These can be injected in human beings through education and training. Practice helps develop competencies. Thus it is rightly said that Entrepreneurs are made and not born. Some of the major entrepreneurial competencies are : a) The individuals capacity for the pursuit of effective personal entrepreneurial behavior b) The way that they design the organization to maximize the potential for effective entrepreneurial behaviour by all staff c) The way that they design the organization to enable it respond to, and indeed shape, the dynamics of the task structure and interdependencies confronting it d) The way that the entrepreneur shapes the capacity of the business to develop and innovate over time. e) The degree to which the above are pursued in a socially responsible way thus laying the ground for wider acceptance of entrepreneurial ways of doing things in business and society. f) Initiative: acting out of choice rather than compulsion, taking the lead rather than waiting for others to start. g) Sees and acts on opportunities. A mindset where one is trained to look for business opportunities from everyday experiences. h) Persistence A never say die attitude, not giving up easily, striving information seeking continuously until success is achieved. i) Knowing: Knowing who knows, consulting experts, reading relevant material and an overall openness to ideas and information. j) Concern for High Quality of Work k) Commitment to work Contract: Taking personal pains to complete a task as scheduled. l) Efficiency Orientation: concern for conservation of time, money and effort. m) Systematic Planning n) Problem solving o) Self confidence p) Assertiveness q) Persuasion r) Use of Influence Strategies s) Monitoring t) Concern for Employee welfare Entrepreneurial Development is a key to achieve overall economic development through higher level of industrial activity. Many studies have shown that entrepreneurs are made. Entrepreneurial development is a process in which persons are injected with motivational drives of achievement and in sight to tackle uncertain and risky situations especially in business undertakings. The process of entrepreneurial development focuses on training, education, reorientation and creation of conducive and healthy environment for the growth of enterprises. Entrepreneurial competence makes all the different to the rate of economic growth this call for the entrepreneurs potential inputs to boost the economic development of a country Functions of Entrepreneur Idea generation and scanning of the best suitable idea Determination of the business objectives Product analysis and market research Determination of form of ownership/organization Completion of promotional formalities Raising necessary funds Procuring machine and material Recruitment of men Undertaking the business operations Arthur H. Cole has given the following functions of Entrepreneur: Determination of objectives and change of those objectives as conditions required or made advantageous Development of the organization, including efficient relations with subordinates and all employees Securing adequate finance resources and maintaining good relations with the existing and potential investors Requisition of efficient technological equipment Development of a market for the products Maintenance of good relations with the public authorities and society at large Major functions of Entrepreneur Innovation Doing new things or the doing of things that are already being done in a new way. It includes new processes of production, introduction of new products, relation of new markets, discovery of a new and better form of industrial organization Risk bearing Making provisions for capital in order to enable the entrepreneur to reduce uncertainty in his plan of investment and expansion of the enterprise Organization and management of business so as to have leadership and control over it. MODULE 2 ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT ____________________________________________________________________ (Entrepreneurial Process, Entrepreneurial Environment, Institutional Support for small business in Oman) _____________________________________________________________________ Entrepreneurial Process: The process of entrepreneurship involves both analytical and creative activities. According to Pierce and Dunham, the entrepreneurial process takes place in four sequential steps: Step 1: Solo Phase During this step, the typical entrepreneur works alone. The first task for the entrepreneur is to clearly identify the entrepreneurial idea. Then, the idea is developed and subjected to three feasibility tests. Will the idea provide clearly identifiable benefits for customer or clients? Is the idea compatible with the organizations resources and overall strategy? Are the idea and its potential implementation compatible with the entrepreneurs personal character and skills? Step 2: Network Phase During this step the entrepreneur shares the idea with o0ther organizational members, seeking feedback and suggestions for improvement of the idea. Step 3: Bootlegging Phase During this step, the entrepreneur begins to form a project team and some levels of product prototype development outside the normal operational mode of the company. Step 4: Formal Team Phase During this step, the idea becomes a formal organizational venture with formal organizational support. Entrepreneurial Environment: It refers to the various facets within which big, medium, and small enterprises and others have to operate. Entrepreneurial environment is broadly classified into six important segments, namely: 1) Political environment 2) Economic environment 3) Social environment 4) Technological environment 5) Legal environment 6) Cultural environment. 1) Political environment: It affects the entrepreneurial growth and accelerates the process of economic activity. Law and order is of high priority, followed by Government policies in regard to the promotion of entrepreneurship, followed by incentives, encouragement and right institutional structure will go a long way in fostering entrepreneurship. 2) Economic environment: It encompasses a wide spectrum of items, namely, land, availability of raw material, skilled labour, infrastructure, machinery, capital and so on. Shortage of raw materials, inferior quality, high price resulting in high cost of production are bringing had name to the small industry. Without raw materials, no industry can run and no entrepreneurship would come up. The benefits of an improved and healthy market conditions in the environment of entrepreneurial growth are self-explanatory. 3. Social environment: It strongly affects the entrepreneurial behaviour which contributes to entrepreneurial growth. The social factors can be family background, kith and kin (relatives, friends and teachers), religion, social status, social mobility and social marginality. 4. Technological environment: It represents the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. The technological advancement has become a catalytic agent in the promotion of entrepreneurship growth of industrial and allied services and agriculture. Further, it brings cultural changes as well as the quality of life. The Knowledge Revolution has made it possible to routine processes a shift from the traditional manual control of conventional machinery for using the computer brain to operate the machinery. Computer software is an alternate way to reorganize traditional work processes, through application of overseeing knowledge aided by systematic, logical analysis. 5. Legal environment: Registration, licensing, pollution, location, acquisition, payment of wages and labour related laws, pollution and environmental rules, laws relating to organization, product, patent, resource and taxes. According to a recent study, there are over 150 legal requirements an entrepreneur has to take care off. 6. Cultural environment: Every organization has an invisible quality, certain style, and character, a way of doing things that may be more powerful than the dictates of any one person or a formal system. This invisible quality the corporate culture decides how effective the organization is in the marketplace. Max Weber emphasizes that cultural factors have a crippling effect on entrepreneurial growth. Culture consists of (i) tangible man made objects like furniture, buildings etc. (ii) intangible concepts like laws, morals, knowledge etc. (iii) values and behavior acceptable within the society. Institutional support for small businesses in Oman: Incentives: One of the incentives is the annual award of the Sultans Cup for Industry. In 1999, the five winners were the Oman Cement Company, Raysut Cement Company, Oman Flour Mills Company, in the top category, with Jotun Paints and Oman Filters Industry taking best factories awards in the second category. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Oman Cables Industry Company, Amiantit Oman and National Detergent Company from the first category, and Sadolin Paints and Al-Hassan Switchgear Factory from the second category. In 1998, the criteria for awarding His Majesty, the Sultans Cup were changed to take account of a companys Omanisation plan. Companies should not fall below the 35% target set for the industrial sector. Companies in the first category are those with over RO3 million invested. The Ministry evaluated 27 factories, taking into account a number of other criteria such as added value, the use of local raw material, percentage of exports, quality etc, as well as considering safety standards and environmental protection. Public /establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE): In 1993 the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) was created by Royal Decree giving a significant boost to industry by developing additional industrial estates and encouraging the private sector to participate in the industrialization of Oman. There are five industrial estates at present namely Rusayl, Sohar, Raysut, Nizwa and al-Buraimi, Sur. but more are being planned all over the country in towns like Khasab and Qalhat. PEIE has commissioned a consultant to prepare a feasibility study for these three new industrial estates. In April 2000, the Ministry announced that a study had been carried out to privatize the industrial estates, transforming them into public companies, but for the time being, the Government will continue to develop them and has allocated around RO200 million for the purpose. Rusayl: Rusayl was the first industrial estate in Oman, established in 1983, and becoming operational in 1985. It is situated about 45 kms from the Capital Area and the port of Mina Sultan Qaboos. It is close to Seeb Airport and easily accessible from the main road network. Amongst the many other services provided, an important feature is the nearby housing complex for over 1000 workers, complete with shops, supermarket, cinema, mosque, leisure centre and football pitch. Separate accommodation was recently constructed within the estate for female workers. There are 107 industries in operation on the Rusayl Estate and five more under construction, with over 40 projects being evaluated. The factories in operation are producing chemicals, electrical and building materials, paints, textiles and garments, computer stationery, aluminum products, car batteries, steel assemblies and poly products, amongst others. Sohar: Sohar Industrial Estate is situated 220 kms from Muscat and 180 kms from Dubai, linked to both by an international highway. Thanks to its strategic location it is attractive to potential investors. Apart from the major projects now being implemented there are 28 industries in production, 18 under construction and 44 projects coming up in the near future. Industries on the Sohar estate produce a wide range of products, such as foodstuffs, detergents, leather goods, furniture, toothpaste, ice cream, resins, glass, steel bars and engine oil. Potential products may include jewellery, roof cladding, baby food, sweets, sports shoes and polythene bags. Raysut: Inaugurated in 1992, the Raysut industrial estate is situated in Dhofar, 15 kms from Salalah, close to the sea and the new container port. The border with Yemen is only 200 kms away and will be approached by a new tarmac road across from Thumrait to al-Mazyounah, which is under construction. Port Salalah is ideally situated on the sea lanes connecting Europe, East Africa, Yemen and the Far East. A free zone has been established at al-Mazyounah which will make Raysut even more attractive as an entrepot destination. The industrial estate has been divided into zones so that any chemical pollution is kept well away from cleaner industries. There are five factories in operation, manufacturing school stationery, box files, ice, fish processing, frozen chickens, PVC pipes and steel fabrication. Nizwa: Nizwa Industrial Estate was inaugurated in 1994. It is situated 180 kms from Muscat and only 15 kms from Nizwa itself. Being the latest estate to be established, there are five pre-fabricated buildings for ceramic tiles, paper products and foodstuffs manufacture. Nine applications have been made for a plot on the Estate and these are currently being evaluated. The Estate is to be enlarged over the next Five-Year Plan. Future projects may include leather goods, novelties, military badges, pharmaceuticals, surgical gloves, chemicals and disinfectants. Al-Buraimi: During the 29th National Celebrations, the al-Buraimi Industrial Estate was officially opened. The Estate is 325 kms from Muscat but conveniently situated for the Gulf markets. There are three factories in operation. Sur: In addition to the Oman LNG project, a fertilizer plant is to be built at Qalhat near Sur with a capacity to produce 1.65 million tonnes of urea and 250,000 tonnes of excess ammonia per annum from natural gas for export. The preliminary work on the project arrangements has been completed and the major activity is to secure the finance needed through lenders and export credit agencies to supplement the equity capital of the partners in the project. Around RO375 million will be invested in the project. It is estimated that one trillion cubic feet of gas will be required for the project over a 20 year period. The plant will employ some 450 staff of whom about half will be Omanis during the initial operating period. Al Mazunah: Al Mazunah Free Zone commenced operations in November 1999 and is located in Omans southern region of Dhofar, close to the Yemen border. The Free Zone is located 260 kilometers from Salalah, 245 kilometers from Al Gaydah and 500 kilometers from Sayun, the two closest Yemeni cities. Given the nature of the Free Zone it lays outside the lit of Omans tax boundaries, and as such, businesses are able to enter Al Mazunah without visa or completing border procedures between Oman and Yemen. Indeed, Al Mazunah offers excellent opportunities to those wishing to trade goods through Oman into Yemen, or locate warehouse facilities. The Free Zone occupies 450 hectares which is divided into 100 plots ranging in size from 2,000 to 16,000 square meters. To date, 21 businesses and an exhibition area are in operation on the Free Zone. Sanad Programme: With the kind directions of H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, for the great importance of enhancing the role of Omani manpower in the development of the country and for the purpose of creating business opportunities for Omanis who are able to take interest in work, Sanad programme is established to work under the supervision of the Ministry of Manpower and execute the following duties: Objectives OF SANAD: Contributing to the employment of the natio Concepts and Theories of Entrepreneurship Concepts and Theories of Entrepreneurship ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS (OMAN) 1 Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship Definition of Entrepreneur: The term entrepreneur is derived from the French verb ‘enterprenedre. It means to undertake. In the early 16th century, the Frenchmen who organized and led military expeditions were referred to as entrepreneurs. Around 1700A.D, the term was used for architects and contractors of public works. An entrepreneur is a person who undertakes and operates anew enterprise or venture and assumes some accountability for the inherent risks. A female entrepreneur is sometimes referred to an â€Å"entrepreneuse†. Entrepreneur is a person who creates and manages change by the recognition of opportunities (needs, wants, problems, and challenges) and develops people and manages resources to take advantage of the opportunity and creates a venture. The term entrepreneur was applied to business initially by the French economist, Cantillon, in the 18th century, to designate a dealer who purchases the means of production form combining them into marketable products. Concept of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is a process undertaken by an entrepreneur to augment his business interest. It is an exercise involving innovation and creativity that will go towards establishing his/her enterprise. One of the qualities of entrepreneurship is the ability to discover an investment opportunity and to organize an enterprise, thereby contributing to discover an investment growth. It involves taking of risks and making the necessary investments under conditions of uncertainty and innovating, planning, and taking decisions so as to increase production in agriculture, business and industry etc. Entrepreneurship is the composite skill, the resultant of a mix of many qualities and traits these include tangible factors as imagination, readiness to take risks. Ability to bring together and put to use other factors of production, capital, labor, land, and also tangible factors such as the ability to mobilize scientific and technological advances. Intrapreneurs: Of late a new breed of corporate entrepreneurs has come to the force in large organizations are called as â€Å"intrapreneurs†. They are entrepreneurs who catch hold of a new idea for a product, service, or process and work to bring this idea to fruition within the framework of the organization. Intrapreneurs with their innovations and dedicated effort are perceived as a valuable asset by the organization, inspiring others. He serves as a champion to others in the organization. In America, a number of intrapreneurs are leaving their jobs to start their own ventures. It is found that many are exceedingly successful in their new ventures and they are causing threat to the companies they left a few years ago. Difference between Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur: Difference Entrepreneur Intrapreneur 1. Dependency An entrepreneur is independent He is dependent on the entrepreneur. i.e., owner 2. Raising of funds They can raise fund required for the enterprise Funds are not raised 3. Risk He/She bears the risk involved I the business An intrapreneur does not fully bear the risk 4. Operations He/She operates from outside He/She operates from within the organization itself Distinction between an Entrepreneur and a Manager Factors Entrepreneur Manager 1. Motive The main motive is to start a venture by setting up an enterprise. He understands the venture for his personal gratification. The main motive of a manager is to render his services in an enterprise already set up by someone else 2. Status He is the owner of enterprise A manger is the servant in the enterprise owned by the entrepreneur 3. Risk bearing He being the owner of the enterprise assumes all risks and uncertainty involved in running the enterprise A manager as a servant does not bear any risk involved in the enterprise 4. Rewards The reward that he gets for bearing risks involved in the enterprise is profit which is highly uncertain A manager gets salary as reward for the services rendered by him in the enterprise, which is fixed and certain 5. Innovation He himself thinks over what and how to produce goods to meet then changing demands of the customers. Hence, he acts as an innovator also called a change agent Manager simply executes the plan prepared by the entrepreneur and translates the entrepreneurs ideas into practice 6. Qualifications He needs to possess qualities and qualification like high achievement, motive, originality in thinking, foresight, risk bearing ability and so on. On the contrary, manager needs to possess distinct qualification in terms of sound knowledge in management theory and practice. Difference between Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship Refers to a person Visualiser Creator Organizer Innovator Technician Initiator Decision maker Planner Leader Motivator Programmer Risk taker Communicator Administrator Refers to a process Vision Creation Organization Innovation Technology Initiative Decision Planning Leadership Motivation Action Risk taking Communication Administration Skills required for an Entrepreneur: 1. Technical skills: Written and oral communication Monitoring environment Technical Business Management Effective Interpersonal relationship Effective Listening Ability to organize Network Building Management Styles Coaching Being an effective team player 2. Business Management Skills Planning and goal setting Decision making Human Relations Marketing finance Accounting Management Control Negotiation Management growth 3. Personal entrepreneurial skills Self discipline Risk taking attitude Being creative Logical and analytical Persistent Visionary leader Ability to manage change Articulate Characteristics of an Entrepreneur: Mental ability consists of intelligence and creative thinking. An entrepreneur must be reasonably intelligent, and should have creative thinking and must be able to engage in the analysis of various problems and situations in order to deal with them. Clear Objectives: An entrepreneur should have clear objectives as to the exact nature of the goods to be produced and subsidiary activities to be undertaken. Business secrecy: An entrepreneur must be able to guard business secrets. Leakage of business secrets to trade competitors is a serious matter which should be carefully guarded against by an entrepreneur. Human relations ability: An entrepreneur must maintain good relations with his customers if he is to establish relations that will encourage them to continue to patronize his business. He must also maintain good relations with his employees if he is to motivate them to perform their jobs at a high level of efficiency. Communication ability: An entrepreneur who can effectively communicate with the customers, employees, suppliers and creditors will be more likely to succeed than the one who does not. Technical knowledge: An entrepreneur must have a reasonable level of technical knowledge. Other main characteristics Self confident and optimistic Able to take calculated risk Prepared to take risks Respond positively to challenges Flexible and able to adapt Knowledgeable of markets Versatile knowledge Able to get along well with others Independent minded Energetic and diligent Creative, need to achieve Dynamic leader Responsive to suggestions Take initiatives Resourceful and persevering Perceptive with foresight Responsive to criticism Ability to organize and administer efficiently Significance/importance of entrepreneurship: Economic Development: Entrepreneurship contributes to economic development of every country. It enables continual improvement of societies and their organizations entrepreneurship Developing personal relationships: Small businesses are well placed to build personal relationships with customers, employees and suppliers. Responding flexibility to problems and challenges Inventiveness and innovation: Small businesses are well positioned to introduce and develop new ideas. This is due to their owners not having to report or seek approval from anyone else. For Example, When Anitha Roddick set up The Body Shop; she developed a range of environmentally friendly cosmetics in unsophisticated packaging. Due to the innovation in the packaging style her products are considered to be No: 1 in terms of quality and package. It invigorates markets: The formation of new business leads to job creation and has a multiplying effect on the economy. It empowers citizens, generates innovation and changes mindsets. These changes have the potential to integrate developing countries into the global economy. Classification and Type of Entrepreneurs: 1. Innovative Entrepreneurs It is a type of entrepreneur, who launches new products, discovers new markets, establishes new methods of production and restructures the enterprise. He can work only when definite level of progress has been previously accomplished. They focus on revolutionalisation and development. It is characterized by aggressive assembling of information and the analysis of results derived from novel combination of factors. 2. Imitative Entrepreneurs: They adopt victorious innovations launched by the innovative entrepreneurs. They duplicate the technology and techniques innovated by others and they are suitable for underdeveloped countries. They are characterized by readiness to adopt successful innovations, by innovating entrepreneurs. They are adoptive and more flexible. 3. Fabian Entrepreneurs: They are exemplified by great caution and skepticism in experimenting any change in the organization. They imitate only in situations where it becomes necessary to do so. They imitate only in situations where it becomes necessary to do so. They are exhibited by precaution and skepticism in practicing any change they have neither the will to introduce new changes not any desire to adopt new methods, innovated by the most enterprising entrepreneurs. Dealings are determined by customs, religion, tradition and past practices. They are not much interested in taking risks or changes and they try to follow the beaten tack created by the footsteps of their predecessors. 4. Drone Entrepreneurs: They suffer losses, as they refuse to make any modifications in the existing production methods. They are exhibited by refusal to adopt and use opportunities to make changes in production. They are willing to suffer losses but they do not make changes in the production methods adopted by them. Also called as laggards because they continue in their traditional ways and in fields; their product loses its marketability soon. 5. Solo Entrepreneurs: They basically work alone and if required may recruit few people. 6. Active partners: They set up an enterprise as a joint venture and they actively take part in the activities of the organization. 7. Simply partners: They contribute funds, but are not involved in the operations of the enterprise. 8. Inventors: They are involved in the research and development and innovative activities. 9. Buyers: These entrepreneurs in order to reduce risk buy an already established and ongoing enterprise. 10. Life timers: They take business as primary part of their life. Family enterprise falls into this group of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs according to the type of business: 1. Business Entrepreneur: They are the individuals who conceive an idea for a new product or service and then create a business to materialize their idea into reality. They tap both production and marketing resources in their search to develop a new business opportunity. 2. Trading Entrepreneur: They are the one who undertakes trading activities and is not concerned with the manufacturing work. He identifies potential markets, simulates demand for his product line and creates a desire and interest among buyers to go in for his product. He is engaged in both domestic and overseas trade. 3. Industrial Entrepreneur: It is essentially a manufacturer who identifies the potential needs of customers and tailors a product or service to meet the marketing needs. He is a product-oriented man who starts in an industrial unit because of the possibility of making some new product. The entrepreneur has the ability to convert economic resources and technology into a considerably profitable venture. E.g., Electronic industry, textile units, machine tools and the like. 4. Corporate Entrepreneur: It is a person who demonstrates his innovative skill in organizing and managing corporate undertaking. A corporate undertaking is a form of business organization which is registered under some statute or Act which gives it a separate legal entity. 5. Agricultural Entrepreneur: They are those who undertake agricultural activities as raising and marketing of crops, fertilizers and other inputs of agriculture. They are motivated to raise agricultural through mechanization, irrigation and application of technologies for dry and agriculture products. Entrepreneurs in Technology: (Refer the Book) Technical Entrepreneur Non technical entrepreneur Professional Entrepreneur Entrepreneurs and motivation: (Refer the Book) Pure entrepreneur Induced entrepreneur Motivated entrepreneur Spontaneous entrepreneur Growth and Entrepreneurs: (Refer the Book) Growth entrepreneur Super growth entrepreneur Entrepreneur and stages of development: (Refer the Book) First generation entrepreneur Modern Entrepreneur Classical entrepreneur Entrepreneurial competencies: The characteristics possessed by an entrepreneur which result in superior performance are called Entrepreneurial competencies or traits. Knowledge, skill and motive are the components of competencies. These competencies can be developed and sharpened. These can be injected in human beings through education and training. Practice helps develop competencies. Thus it is rightly said that Entrepreneurs are made and not born. Some of the major entrepreneurial competencies are : a) The individuals capacity for the pursuit of effective personal entrepreneurial behavior b) The way that they design the organization to maximize the potential for effective entrepreneurial behaviour by all staff c) The way that they design the organization to enable it respond to, and indeed shape, the dynamics of the task structure and interdependencies confronting it d) The way that the entrepreneur shapes the capacity of the business to develop and innovate over time. e) The degree to which the above are pursued in a socially responsible way thus laying the ground for wider acceptance of entrepreneurial ways of doing things in business and society. f) Initiative: acting out of choice rather than compulsion, taking the lead rather than waiting for others to start. g) Sees and acts on opportunities. A mindset where one is trained to look for business opportunities from everyday experiences. h) Persistence A never say die attitude, not giving up easily, striving information seeking continuously until success is achieved. i) Knowing: Knowing who knows, consulting experts, reading relevant material and an overall openness to ideas and information. j) Concern for High Quality of Work k) Commitment to work Contract: Taking personal pains to complete a task as scheduled. l) Efficiency Orientation: concern for conservation of time, money and effort. m) Systematic Planning n) Problem solving o) Self confidence p) Assertiveness q) Persuasion r) Use of Influence Strategies s) Monitoring t) Concern for Employee welfare Entrepreneurial Development is a key to achieve overall economic development through higher level of industrial activity. Many studies have shown that entrepreneurs are made. Entrepreneurial development is a process in which persons are injected with motivational drives of achievement and in sight to tackle uncertain and risky situations especially in business undertakings. The process of entrepreneurial development focuses on training, education, reorientation and creation of conducive and healthy environment for the growth of enterprises. Entrepreneurial competence makes all the different to the rate of economic growth this call for the entrepreneurs potential inputs to boost the economic development of a country Functions of Entrepreneur Idea generation and scanning of the best suitable idea Determination of the business objectives Product analysis and market research Determination of form of ownership/organization Completion of promotional formalities Raising necessary funds Procuring machine and material Recruitment of men Undertaking the business operations Arthur H. Cole has given the following functions of Entrepreneur: Determination of objectives and change of those objectives as conditions required or made advantageous Development of the organization, including efficient relations with subordinates and all employees Securing adequate finance resources and maintaining good relations with the existing and potential investors Requisition of efficient technological equipment Development of a market for the products Maintenance of good relations with the public authorities and society at large Major functions of Entrepreneur Innovation Doing new things or the doing of things that are already being done in a new way. It includes new processes of production, introduction of new products, relation of new markets, discovery of a new and better form of industrial organization Risk bearing Making provisions for capital in order to enable the entrepreneur to reduce uncertainty in his plan of investment and expansion of the enterprise Organization and management of business so as to have leadership and control over it. MODULE 2 ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT ____________________________________________________________________ (Entrepreneurial Process, Entrepreneurial Environment, Institutional Support for small business in Oman) _____________________________________________________________________ Entrepreneurial Process: The process of entrepreneurship involves both analytical and creative activities. According to Pierce and Dunham, the entrepreneurial process takes place in four sequential steps: Step 1: Solo Phase During this step, the typical entrepreneur works alone. The first task for the entrepreneur is to clearly identify the entrepreneurial idea. Then, the idea is developed and subjected to three feasibility tests. Will the idea provide clearly identifiable benefits for customer or clients? Is the idea compatible with the organizations resources and overall strategy? Are the idea and its potential implementation compatible with the entrepreneurs personal character and skills? Step 2: Network Phase During this step the entrepreneur shares the idea with o0ther organizational members, seeking feedback and suggestions for improvement of the idea. Step 3: Bootlegging Phase During this step, the entrepreneur begins to form a project team and some levels of product prototype development outside the normal operational mode of the company. Step 4: Formal Team Phase During this step, the idea becomes a formal organizational venture with formal organizational support. Entrepreneurial Environment: It refers to the various facets within which big, medium, and small enterprises and others have to operate. Entrepreneurial environment is broadly classified into six important segments, namely: 1) Political environment 2) Economic environment 3) Social environment 4) Technological environment 5) Legal environment 6) Cultural environment. 1) Political environment: It affects the entrepreneurial growth and accelerates the process of economic activity. Law and order is of high priority, followed by Government policies in regard to the promotion of entrepreneurship, followed by incentives, encouragement and right institutional structure will go a long way in fostering entrepreneurship. 2) Economic environment: It encompasses a wide spectrum of items, namely, land, availability of raw material, skilled labour, infrastructure, machinery, capital and so on. Shortage of raw materials, inferior quality, high price resulting in high cost of production are bringing had name to the small industry. Without raw materials, no industry can run and no entrepreneurship would come up. The benefits of an improved and healthy market conditions in the environment of entrepreneurial growth are self-explanatory. 3. Social environment: It strongly affects the entrepreneurial behaviour which contributes to entrepreneurial growth. The social factors can be family background, kith and kin (relatives, friends and teachers), religion, social status, social mobility and social marginality. 4. Technological environment: It represents the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. The technological advancement has become a catalytic agent in the promotion of entrepreneurship growth of industrial and allied services and agriculture. Further, it brings cultural changes as well as the quality of life. The Knowledge Revolution has made it possible to routine processes a shift from the traditional manual control of conventional machinery for using the computer brain to operate the machinery. Computer software is an alternate way to reorganize traditional work processes, through application of overseeing knowledge aided by systematic, logical analysis. 5. Legal environment: Registration, licensing, pollution, location, acquisition, payment of wages and labour related laws, pollution and environmental rules, laws relating to organization, product, patent, resource and taxes. According to a recent study, there are over 150 legal requirements an entrepreneur has to take care off. 6. Cultural environment: Every organization has an invisible quality, certain style, and character, a way of doing things that may be more powerful than the dictates of any one person or a formal system. This invisible quality the corporate culture decides how effective the organization is in the marketplace. Max Weber emphasizes that cultural factors have a crippling effect on entrepreneurial growth. Culture consists of (i) tangible man made objects like furniture, buildings etc. (ii) intangible concepts like laws, morals, knowledge etc. (iii) values and behavior acceptable within the society. Institutional support for small businesses in Oman: Incentives: One of the incentives is the annual award of the Sultans Cup for Industry. In 1999, the five winners were the Oman Cement Company, Raysut Cement Company, Oman Flour Mills Company, in the top category, with Jotun Paints and Oman Filters Industry taking best factories awards in the second category. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Oman Cables Industry Company, Amiantit Oman and National Detergent Company from the first category, and Sadolin Paints and Al-Hassan Switchgear Factory from the second category. In 1998, the criteria for awarding His Majesty, the Sultans Cup were changed to take account of a companys Omanisation plan. Companies should not fall below the 35% target set for the industrial sector. Companies in the first category are those with over RO3 million invested. The Ministry evaluated 27 factories, taking into account a number of other criteria such as added value, the use of local raw material, percentage of exports, quality etc, as well as considering safety standards and environmental protection. Public /establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE): In 1993 the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) was created by Royal Decree giving a significant boost to industry by developing additional industrial estates and encouraging the private sector to participate in the industrialization of Oman. There are five industrial estates at present namely Rusayl, Sohar, Raysut, Nizwa and al-Buraimi, Sur. but more are being planned all over the country in towns like Khasab and Qalhat. PEIE has commissioned a consultant to prepare a feasibility study for these three new industrial estates. In April 2000, the Ministry announced that a study had been carried out to privatize the industrial estates, transforming them into public companies, but for the time being, the Government will continue to develop them and has allocated around RO200 million for the purpose. Rusayl: Rusayl was the first industrial estate in Oman, established in 1983, and becoming operational in 1985. It is situated about 45 kms from the Capital Area and the port of Mina Sultan Qaboos. It is close to Seeb Airport and easily accessible from the main road network. Amongst the many other services provided, an important feature is the nearby housing complex for over 1000 workers, complete with shops, supermarket, cinema, mosque, leisure centre and football pitch. Separate accommodation was recently constructed within the estate for female workers. There are 107 industries in operation on the Rusayl Estate and five more under construction, with over 40 projects being evaluated. The factories in operation are producing chemicals, electrical and building materials, paints, textiles and garments, computer stationery, aluminum products, car batteries, steel assemblies and poly products, amongst others. Sohar: Sohar Industrial Estate is situated 220 kms from Muscat and 180 kms from Dubai, linked to both by an international highway. Thanks to its strategic location it is attractive to potential investors. Apart from the major projects now being implemented there are 28 industries in production, 18 under construction and 44 projects coming up in the near future. Industries on the Sohar estate produce a wide range of products, such as foodstuffs, detergents, leather goods, furniture, toothpaste, ice cream, resins, glass, steel bars and engine oil. Potential products may include jewellery, roof cladding, baby food, sweets, sports shoes and polythene bags. Raysut: Inaugurated in 1992, the Raysut industrial estate is situated in Dhofar, 15 kms from Salalah, close to the sea and the new container port. The border with Yemen is only 200 kms away and will be approached by a new tarmac road across from Thumrait to al-Mazyounah, which is under construction. Port Salalah is ideally situated on the sea lanes connecting Europe, East Africa, Yemen and the Far East. A free zone has been established at al-Mazyounah which will make Raysut even more attractive as an entrepot destination. The industrial estate has been divided into zones so that any chemical pollution is kept well away from cleaner industries. There are five factories in operation, manufacturing school stationery, box files, ice, fish processing, frozen chickens, PVC pipes and steel fabrication. Nizwa: Nizwa Industrial Estate was inaugurated in 1994. It is situated 180 kms from Muscat and only 15 kms from Nizwa itself. Being the latest estate to be established, there are five pre-fabricated buildings for ceramic tiles, paper products and foodstuffs manufacture. Nine applications have been made for a plot on the Estate and these are currently being evaluated. The Estate is to be enlarged over the next Five-Year Plan. Future projects may include leather goods, novelties, military badges, pharmaceuticals, surgical gloves, chemicals and disinfectants. Al-Buraimi: During the 29th National Celebrations, the al-Buraimi Industrial Estate was officially opened. The Estate is 325 kms from Muscat but conveniently situated for the Gulf markets. There are three factories in operation. Sur: In addition to the Oman LNG project, a fertilizer plant is to be built at Qalhat near Sur with a capacity to produce 1.65 million tonnes of urea and 250,000 tonnes of excess ammonia per annum from natural gas for export. The preliminary work on the project arrangements has been completed and the major activity is to secure the finance needed through lenders and export credit agencies to supplement the equity capital of the partners in the project. Around RO375 million will be invested in the project. It is estimated that one trillion cubic feet of gas will be required for the project over a 20 year period. The plant will employ some 450 staff of whom about half will be Omanis during the initial operating period. Al Mazunah: Al Mazunah Free Zone commenced operations in November 1999 and is located in Omans southern region of Dhofar, close to the Yemen border. The Free Zone is located 260 kilometers from Salalah, 245 kilometers from Al Gaydah and 500 kilometers from Sayun, the two closest Yemeni cities. Given the nature of the Free Zone it lays outside the lit of Omans tax boundaries, and as such, businesses are able to enter Al Mazunah without visa or completing border procedures between Oman and Yemen. Indeed, Al Mazunah offers excellent opportunities to those wishing to trade goods through Oman into Yemen, or locate warehouse facilities. The Free Zone occupies 450 hectares which is divided into 100 plots ranging in size from 2,000 to 16,000 square meters. To date, 21 businesses and an exhibition area are in operation on the Free Zone. Sanad Programme: With the kind directions of H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, for the great importance of enhancing the role of Omani manpower in the development of the country and for the purpose of creating business opportunities for Omanis who are able to take interest in work, Sanad programme is established to work under the supervision of the Ministry of Manpower and execute the following duties: Objectives OF SANAD: Contributing to the employment of the natio