Research Topics: Background Of The Study Samples

Research Proposal on the Impact of Non Banking Source of Finance on Profitability for Small and Medium Enterprise in Kenya

Impact of Non Banking Source of Finance on Profitability for Small and Medium Enterprise in Kenya Introduction The growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises are due to the influences of the competition in the domain of the local markets. The actions of the entrepreneurs in the issues of growth and expansion are divided into two opposing views. Many of the entrepreneurs are challenged in the different situations and the others are in the state of anxiety that definitely creates an impact on their businesses. Background of the Study and Problem Statement The small and medium sized enterprises clearly played an important role in the economies of their country. The SMEs are considered as one of the important sectors that drive in the economic growth. Therefore, many policy makers and economists set strong foundations of efficient network of the SMEs in their aim for the industrialization. The entrepreneurs and their behavior in managing their respective firms are expected to be resilient in providing the answers against the impact of the global economic uncertainties. Based on the background of the study, there are two problems identified. ·         What are the sources of fund of SMEs aside from the banks? ·         What is the impact of these sources in the profitability of the businesses? Research Aims and Objectives The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of non banking sources in the profitability of small and medium enterprises in Kenya. In order to administer the investigation of the study; there are objectives wherein the researcher/s can be focused on. First is to recognize the sources of funds of SMEs in Kenya. Second is to determine the entrepreneurial behaviors in the decision making, planning, and the control of the SMEs. Third is to determine the impact of these sources in the growth of SME in the country. And fourth is to give recommendations in order to strengthen the SMEs in Kenya. Research Questions There are questions that can help the study to gather the necessary information. <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	What are 	the sources of funds of SMEs in Kenya?</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	What are 	the entrepreneurial behaviors such as the decision making, and planning to 	control the SMEs?</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	What are 	the impacts of these sources in the growth of SME in the country?</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	How to 	strengthen the SMEs in Kenya?</li> Literature Review Through the different undesirable situations, the strategic alliances can be established in the growth of SME. The cooperative behavior of the entrepreneurs is the result of their cultural behavior in making their business profitable. The SME alliance is based strategically through the different forms of information whether positive or negative. In fact, the goals and purposes of the alliance among the entrepreneurs varied in differently but its structure is the agreement to establish a strong relationship between cooperating firms. The relationship founded in the SME plays an important role in the domestic business and even across the international borders. The alliance of the SME and the relationship between the entrepreneurs emphasizes the involvement of the leaders in the overall decision making and creating a strong industry (Weaver, Dickson, and Davies, 1996; Pistrui, 2002). In another deep sense, there are several studies that also recognize the relationship and the behavior of the entrepreneurs among their workers. The effectiveness of the entrepreneurs’ behavior can be assessed in two factors which are – first through the growing number of the employees or the continuous expansion of the business and both are because of the performance of the business throughout the years. In accordance to this fact, the age of the business within the industry, formal educations of the entrepreneurs and experiences, previous applied strategies, and environmental participation of the entrepreneurs are the other significant factors that may appear in the present behavior of the entrepreneur (Khalid, Farooq, and Raza, 2009). Methodology The applied method in the study is the comparative case study method. Through the use of the past literatures, the study can identify the information gaps which lies in the context small and medium size business. The past case studies discussed different variables that play essential roles in the decision making or planning strategies of the entrepreneurs. References: Khalid, G., Farooq, S., & Raza, S., (2009) Empirical Study of Employment Growth Rate in Small and Medium Enterprises, Journal of Managerial Sciences 2(2) [Online] Available at: http://www.qurtuba.edu.pk/jms/default_files/JMS/2_2/09_gulfam_khalid.pdf [Accessed 24 January 2011] Pistrui, D., (2002) Growth Intentions and Expansion Plans of New Entrepreneurs in Transforming Economies: An Investigation into Family Dynamics, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development. [Online] Available at: http://www.ecap.uab.es/secretaria/tesi/dp1de1.pdf [Accessed 24 January 2011]. Weaver, KM., Dickson, PH., & Davies, L., (1996) Entrepreneurial Orientation, Cooperation Behavior, and Perceived Outcomes among Small to Medium Sized Enterprises: An Exploratory Study of Norwegian Firms. [Online] Available at: http://www.sbaer.uca.edu/research/usasbe/1996/pdf/22.pdf [Accessed 24 January 2011].     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on the Impact of Non Banking Source of Finance on Profitability for Small and Medium Enterprise in Kenya

Impact of Non Banking Source of Finance on Profitability for Small and Medium Enterprise in Kenya Introduction The growth of the Small ...

State and Civil Society Relations: Constructing NGOs for Democratic Transformation in Uganda Research Proposal Paper

State and Civil Society Relations: Constructing NGOs for Democratic Transformation in Uganda Introduction In the continuous discussion pertaining to “human security” there is an emerging role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development of multidimensional peace-building activities. In the changing international environment in which local, regional, and global level actors and norms have accrued enhanced legitimacy, a new generation of multi-dimensional peace-building activities has developed aiding in the development of ethical norms, utilizing peacekeeping, traditional mediation, conflict resolution/ transformation, increasingly through transnational organizations and NGOs. Background and Problem Statement The re-emergence of ethonationalist and identity based conflicts, and to respond to urgent humanitarian crises. It is in this context that the peace-building role of NGOs in conflict and complex emergencies may be usefully located and assessed as part of a socio-political fabric engaged in sustainable approaches to ending conflict. Conflict resolution/transformation and peace-building approaches to understanding conflict and methodologies for addressing it are being utilized by NGOs. This is in conjunction with more formally constituted methods and actors, in order to stabilize local environments in a local, regional and global normative context, as well as in the context of an emerging global civil society. This may enhance the legitimacy of NGOs (and their regulation) and may also increase the effectiveness of peace-building in the international system. However, what is the main role of NGOs in order to build the peace especially in Uganda? Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to investigate the role of NGOs in peace-building and the process or reducing the conflicts in the society. In order to facilitate the investigation, there are objectives that need to be considered. First is to illustrate the critical points in the society that the NGOs should address in their peace-building program. Second is to recognize the previous actions done by the organization to maintain the peace in the society. And third is to explore the other possibilities or potentials that the NGOs can apply in the peace-building process.    Literature Review Part of NGOs approach in peace-building is with the perspective on conflict, and the methodology which is derived from it for solving conflict, is thought to remove the critical difficulties inherent in first generation peacemaking where the common argument is made that involvement is crippled by the intensity of the dispute, the resources or lack of that the third party has access to, and the type of issues at stake for the disputants. The application of the international system dictates those third parties or the NGOs to view their role as one of conflict management as opposed to resolution in order to bring about compromise through bilateral and trilateral negotiations. In response to the peace-building approaches, it has been argued that settlements need to be based upon just political orders which promote democracy and human rights, new norms, participatory governance structures, civil society, international tribunals, and truth commissions. Disarming, repatriating refugees, building a consensus for peace under the auspices of the UN, and moderate local political leadership play a role in this method. This is based on conflict resolution perspectives of conflict, and requires deep access into local environments, something that requires grassroots processes rather than top down approaches. NGOs can often provide this because of their unofficial and human security oriented focus. As actors of peace-building process, NGOs should focus on the injustices relating to human needs/security, humanitarian intervention, and human rights and the inflexible perceptions that states have held with respect to territorial sovereignty. NGOs have often been a low profile response to the exploitation of power by political entrepreneurs in domestic environments, and to intractable conflicts, economic inequality, and humanitarian abuses. The relationship of the NGOs in the society creates an emergence in the solving the needs and act in a much broader range of security issues, which makes the role of the NGOs complex. Providing a serious action on the impediment is a great start in the peace-building processes. Methodology The applied method in the study is the use of secondary information using the materials that are peculiar in the Non-Government Organizations. The context and reports pertaining the peace-building is important part of the study, therefore it is also essential that there are reviews on the activities regarding the peace-building of the NGOs in other countries. The collection of information is good source for the study to provide knowledge on the role of NGOs and thus, recommendations on how to strengthen their roles.        References: Bratton, M., (1994) Civil Society and Political Transition in Africa, Institute for Development Research (IDR), 11 (6) [Online] Available at: http://www.worlded.org/docs/Publications/idr/pdf/11-6.pdf [Accessed 21 January 2011] Mercer, C., (2002) NGOs, Civil Society and Democratization: A Critical Review of the Literature, Progress in Development Studies 2(1) [Online] Available at: http://www.radiodpb.org [Accessed 21 January 2011]. Richmond, O.P., (2001) Post Westphalian’ Peace-Building: The role of NGOs [Online] Available at: http://www.class.uidaho.edu/martin_archives/conflict_journal/ngo.htm [Accessed 21 January 2011]. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

State and Civil Society Relations: Constructing NGOs for Democratic Transformation in Uganda Research Proposal Paper

State and Civil Society Relations: Constructing NGOs for Democratic Transformation in Uganda Introduction In the continuous discussion ...

EVALUATION OF BRAILLE COMPETENCY AND USER SKILL EFFICIENCY OF TEACHERS RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Background of the Study In teaching and learning process, there are different internal and external factors that affect the learning skills of the students. An effective teacher is known to have the power to realize socially valued objectives agreed for teacher’s work including the work concerned with enabling students to teach (Campbell et al, 2004).  There are many ways to know if a teacher is effective or not. Effective teaching is intellectually demanding in that it requires the teacher to know, in a deep sense, the subject being taught. To teach effectively, the teacher needs to be able to think and problem-solve, to analyse a topic, to reflect upon what is an appropriate approach, to select key strategies and materials, and to organize and structure ideas, information, and tasks for students. None of these activities occurs in a vacuum (Eriksen, 1983). Effective teaching is socially challenging in that it takes place in the context of a department and institution which may have unexamined traditions and conflicting goals and values. Most important of all, effective teaching requires the teacher to consider what the students know, to communicate clearly to them, and to stimulate them to learn, think, communicate, and perhaps in their turn, to stimulate their teachers. In short, to teach effectively you must know your subject, know how your students learn, and how to teach. However, if the children that are complete in senses and functions well fail to complete the attendance in school, how much more the individuals who are physically disabled or unable to function well as a normal person? In order to promote the education among the children with mobility disorders such as visual impairment, many educators proposed that there should be a special treatment for those people. First, the institutions should address the mobility needs of the students in order to learning objectives of the universities.     The purpose of the study is to assess the Braille competency and user skill efficiency of teachers. This is done by analyzing data acquired from them through survey questionnaires that contain questions related with the topic.            Another purpose of the paper is to be able to determine the implications of Braille competency to students. The experiences of the school teachers to be surveyed for this study pertaining to Braille competency may provide some enlightenment on several implications.   Statement of the Problem This paper intends to the Braille competency and user skill efficiency of teachers by surveying several randomly chosen school teachers in the area.   Aims and Objectives The aim of the paper is to determine the Braille competency and user skill efficiency of teachers. This is in lieu to promote which approach is more advantageous for the school organizations. The reason for aligning the issue of the Braille competency and user skill efficiency of teachers with the schools, is because of the possible implications that each may uniquely provide for the public.               The following research questions are the problems explored: 1.         What are the implications of the Braille competency and user skill efficiency of teachers in the overall development of school?  2.         What are the views of school teachers regarding Braille system in teaching their students with visual impairment? 3.         Is the current level of teachers Braille knowledge and skill effective in teaching their students? Research Methodology and Techniques for Data collection Research requires an organized data gathering in order to pinpoint the research philosophies and theories that will be included in the research, the methodology of the research and the instruments of data interpretation. In this study, the Research Process “Onion” will be utilized so that the findings of the study can be thoroughly established. The inner part of the onion describes the methodology portion whereas the outer part discusses the strategies that can be utilized in interpreting the results of the findings. The descriptive research method uses observation and surveys. In this method, it is possible that the study would be cheap and quick. It could also suggest unanticipated hypotheses. Nonetheless, it would be very hard to rule out alternative explanations and especially infer causations. Thus, this study will use the descriptive approach. This descriptive type of research will utilize observations in the study.  To illustrate the descriptive type of research, Creswell (1994) will guide the researcher when he stated: Descriptive method of research is to gather information about the present existing condition.  The purpose of employing this method is to describe the nature of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause/s of particular phenomena. The researcher opted to use this kind of research considering the desire of the researcher to obtain first hand data from the respondents so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and recommendations for the study. The research described in this document is partly based on quantitative research methods. This permits a flexible and iterative approach. During data gathering the choice and design of methods are constantly modified, based on ongoing analysis. This allows investigation of important new issues and questions as they arise, and allows the investigators to drop unproductive areas of research from the original research plan.   References: Campbell, J. Kyriakides, L. Muijs, D. and Robinson, W. (2004). Assessing Teacher Effectiveness: Developing a Differentiated Model. New York, RoutledgeFalmer. Creswell, J.W. 1994, Research design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage. Eriksen, S. “Private Measures of Good Teaching.” Teaching of Psychology 10, n0. 3, 133-136.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

EVALUATION OF BRAILLE COMPETENCY AND USER SKILL EFFICIENCY OF TEACHERS RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Background of the Study In teaching and learning process, there are different internal and external factors that affect the learning sk...

Research Proposal for Masters Studies on Motivation and Its Impact on Job Performance

Title             The title for the proposed study is Motivation and Its Impact on Job Performance.   Background of the Study/Literature Review Motivation at work has been an accepted area of literature for a long time, particularly from the 1930s and on wards (Lee-Ross 2002). Motivation is defined as the process of gratifying the internal needs of individuals via actions and behaviours. It focuses on the complexity of mental and physical drives, joint with the environment which makes the people perform the way they do. Robert Dubin described motivation as the force which moves the person to action, and enables him to continue in the course of action that has already been initiated (cited in Kumar & Sharma 2001). Therefore, without motivation, employee or worker will not contribute to the success of performance of the organization (Agrawal 1995). Employee needs the skills, knowledge and capabilities in order to acquire the results according to the requirements of the organization. However, it is also vital for them to have the will to achieve the said results. The degree of motivation of the employees is connected to their level of commitment towards their work and determination to work based on high standards (Pergamon Flexible Learning 2005).   Aims and Objectives             The main aim of the study is to investigate how motivation can influence job performance of employees. In line with this, the following are the specific objectives of the study: ·         to assess the importance of motivation in an organization; ·         to evaluate the different factors which motivates employees; ·         to analyse how motivation can enhance job performance; and ·         to recommend actions and strategies to be implemented in order to sustain motivation inside the working environment.   Methodology Descriptive method will be used in the study. According to Creswell (1994) it can help in order to show the different facts that are connected with the nature of the status of the current problem or condition as it happens at the time of the study. This is the reason why, it is considered as one of the most applied methodology in most studies. Furthermore, it will also be helpful in order to offer logical use in the studies which focus on dissemination of information, at the same time, it can help in order to investigate based on normative standards. It will be helpful in order to focus on the practices which exist, beliefs and processes that are currently going on and the effects that are being felt and experienced, together with the trends that re currently developing (Best, 1907). The target population will be 200 employees from different sectors and industries. They will be chosen via random selection process. The researcher will first ask for the consent of the companies then the consent of the individual respondents. They will be informed about the nature of the study, and its significance. Survey questionnaire will be used in order to gather primary data from the respondents. Likert scales will be used, where in the respondents will be asked to rate the level of their agreements towards the statements given. This will also be advantageous because it will make filling up questionnaire a lot easier and faster. The equivalent weights of the answers are:    Range                                Interpretation 4.50 – 5.00                             Strongly Agree 3.50 – 4. 49                Agree 2.50 – 3.49                             Uncertain 1.50 – 2.49                             Disagree 0.00 – 1.49                             Strongly Disagree     All of the data will be evaluated with the use of SPSS software. Thus, in order to come up with the results and findings of the study, frequency, percentage and weighted mean will be calculated. The following are the formulas to be used: 1.      Percentage – will be calculated in order to determine the magnitude of the responses to the questionnaire (Research Methods Knowledge Base, n.d.).   2.      Weighted Mean   References Agrawal, P K 1995, Motivation and Indian Bureaucracy, M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. Best, J. W. (1970). Research in Education, 2nd Ed. Englewood Cliffs. N.J.: Prentice Hall, Inc. Creswell, J.W. (1994). Research design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage. DuBin, A 2008, Essentials of Management, Cengage Learning. Kumar, A & Sharma, R 2001, Personnel Management Theory and Practice, Atlantic Publishers & Distri. Lee-Ross, D 2002, ‘An Exploratory Study of Work Motivation Among Private and Public Sector Hospital Chefs in Australia’, Journal of Management Development, vol. 21, no. 8, pp. 576 – 588.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal for Masters Studies on Motivation and Its Impact on Job Performance

Title The title for the proposed study is Motivation and Its Impact on Job Performance. Background of the Study/Literat...

Research Proposal on The Commodification of Culture of Africa, Oceania and the Americas in the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York

The Commodification of Culture of Africa, Oceania and the Americas in the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York     Background of the Study Commodification is a process in which something enters freely or is coerced into a relationship of exchange, a transaction enabled by an instrument of payment within a relatively short period of time (Ganahl). Commodification assumes that language is primarily a mode of verbal exchange and interaction, and the parties in this exchange identify themselves as owners. Commodification transforms relationships formerly untainted by commerce, into commercial relationships, relationships of buying and selling. “Commodification” is a term that only came into currency in 1977, but expresses a concept fundamental to Marx’s understanding of the way capitalism develops. An example of commodification would be the commercialization of scientific and cultural activities through the increasing pressure conveyed through “funding mechanisms” to orient activity towards serving commercial rather than human interests. Or the professionalization of amateur sports and services, to a point when playing a “game” involves working out at 5 a.m., and your teenage neighbor needs a degree in early childhood development and a salary before she will be allowed to baby-sit.     Culture itself has become an endangered species of experience; it is under assault. An omnipresent economic apparatus has emerged that involves mass production and mass merchandising that actively intrudes upon the cultural process, it expropriates it, denatures it and destroys it. When a new piece of culture develops out of a real community it is instantly appropriated by our economy and turned into a commodity. It is a process of commodification in which the cultural process is turned into a product and the apparatus for exploitation has grown to be very sophisticated.   This phenomenon is apparently prevalent in museums.  Museums are institutions where material accounts of culture and tradition are kept.  With these establishments charging fees for viewing and conducting auctions, the commodification of culture is placed in process. In this manner, these chambers of culture embrace a corporate identity. Although corporate identity is widely recognized as an important management tool, there is little understanding of its application in arts organizations (McLean, Abstract).  In an exploratory study of McLean about the corporate identity of museums, she concluded that not only do museums too narrowly conceive of the concept of corporate identity, but that the nature of museums within an arts context compounds the problems encountered when defining and building identity.   In this light, one must take note of the Frankfurt School’s ‘critical theory’ of the commodification of culture, which offers the assumption that commerce preys on creativity and renders it banal (Calcutt). But such singular emphasis on continuity misses what’s different about today. While the commodification of culture occurs as before (it is traceable all the way back to the marriage of art and the market, and the divorce of art from the church), today it is offset by the inverse process – the culturalization of commodities. It is not just that cultural production is an increasingly significant aspect of commodity production in general. More significantly, commodities in general are drafted into the system of symbols and signifying practices defined as culture. Entry is made by means of branding. Branding is the process through which commodities in general are invested with cultural connotations and meanings, which in turn means that branding expresses not the commodification of culture, but its opposite the culturalization of commodities.   The Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York City, has a presence of more than 11,000 objects of varied materials and types from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands, and North, Central, and South America, which is overseen by a single curatorial department (Introduction to Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas). Representing four millennia of greatly diverse cultural traditions, the department’s holdings range from ritual sculpture and monuments of wood and stone to gold and silver ornaments, masks, costumes, and other textiles. At one end of the department’s vast chronological range are archaeological American objects from 2000 B.C.E.; at the other are African and Pacific works from our own time. Strengths of the collection include decorative and ceremonial objects from the Court of Benin in Nigeria; sculpture from West and Central Africa; sculpture in wood from New Guinea and the island groups of Melanesia and Polynesia; and objects of gold, ceramic, and stone from the Pre-Columbian cultures of Mexico and Central and South America.   Methodology In this study, the researcher intends to provide an investigation on the institution where remnants of cultures dwell, museums. It seeks to identify the level of commodification of African, Oceania and South American culture in the Metropolitan Museum of the Arts in New York. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following questions:   1.                            What is the level of significance, in its respective cultures, of the artifacts included in the African, Oceania, and the Americas collection? (a sampling) 2.                            How often does the museums African, Oceania, and the Americas’ section present itself for exhibition? 3.                            To what extent of the African, Oceania, and the Americas collection are being auctioned? 4.                            Is there a significant relationship between the level of cultural significance of the artifacts in the African, Oceania and the Americas collection and the commodification methods employed by the museum?   This study will use the descriptive approach. This descriptive type of research will utilize interviews and observation in this study. The general population of this study will be the resident curators and other employees in the Metropolitan Museum of the Arts in addition to general gallery visitors. Their responses in the interview to be conducted by the researcher shall be the primary source of data. The secondary sources of data will come from published articles from social science journals, theses and related studies on culture and the effects of its commodification.   List of Sources Bennett, Tony. The Birth Of The Museum :History, Theory, Politics. London: Routledge, 1995.   Kaplan, E.S. Museums And The Making Of “Ourselves”: The Role Of Objects In National Identity. London: Leicester University Press, 1994.   Kavagnah, Gaynor. The Museums Profession: Internal And External Relations. Leicester [Eng.]: Leicester University Press, 1991.   Walsh, Kevin. The Representation Of The Past :Museums And Heritage In The Post-Modern World. London: Routledge,1992.     Miles, Roger and Lauro Zavala. Towards The Museum Of The Future :New European Perspectives. London: Routledge, 1994.   Hooper-Greenhill, Eilean. Museum and their Visitors. London: Routledge, 1994.   Duncan, Carol. Civilizing Rituals: Inside Public Art Museums. London: Routledge, 1995.   Wong, Kokkeong. Media And Culture In Singapore :A Theory Of Controlled Commodification. Cresskill, N.J.: Hampton Press, 2001.   Hallam, Elizabeth and Brian Street. Cultural Encounters: Representing Otherness. London: Routledge, 2000.   Ganal, Reiner. Free Markets: Language, Commodification, and Art. Public Culture. Volume 13, Number 1. Duke University Press. (Winter 2001).   McLean, Fiona. Corporate Identity in Museums: An Exploratory Study. Accessed March 04, 2003. <http://www.hec.ca/ijam/116.htm>   Calcutt, Andrew. Couontercultural Corporations. Spiked. June 27, 2001. Accessed March 04, 2003. <http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/00000002D154.htm>   The Metropolitan Museum of Art on New York. Introduction to Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Accessed March 04, 2003. <http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/department.asp?dep=5>   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on The Commodification of Culture of Africa, Oceania and the Americas in the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York

The Commodification of Culture of Africa, Oceania and the Americas in the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York Background of the St...

Research Proposal on The Impact of the Euro on Banking in the UK Before and After its Introduction

The Impact of the Euro on Banking in the UK  Before and After its Introduction               Introduction This paper presents the research proposal on the impact of the Euro to the United Kingdom (UK). Specifically, this research, will discuss the effects of the Euro on banking in the UK before and after its introduction. This research proposal includes the presentation of the topic, the background of the study, the proposed objective of the study, statement of the problem, scope and limitation, overview of the methodologies to be used, and the significance of this study.   Background of the Study             The parameters of the workings of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) have been largely laid down in the Treaty of Maastricht, which was ratified in 1993 by all European Union (EU) members. The most notable feature of EMU is the introduction of the single currency, the euro, which in contrast to its predecessor, the ecru, is an autonomous currency rather than a composite currency (Krakow, 1999). On 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole legal tender in circulation in all countries forming part of the European Union (EU) with the exception of Sweden, Denmark and the UK (Misfit, 2003). The introduction of a single currency requires the existence of a single monetary authority to manage it and conduct the common monetary and exchange rate policy. The euro is managed by the European Central Bank (EBB), which maintains price stability in the euro area. Besides conducting the monetary policy of EMU, the EBB is also responsible for the implementation of exchange rate policy, which is formulated by the Council of Ministers. Specifically, EMU and the single currency prevent exchange rate turbulence within the unified market and reduce economic uncertainty for the consumer and business through the elimination of exchange rate uncertainties. Furthermore, transaction costs in trade activities are reduced and price transparency across EMU participants is enhanced, thus contributing to greater competition for the benefit of the consumer. These factors benefit individual consumers and producers, as well as the entrenchment of a favorable and stable economic environment within which trade flourishes (Krakow, 1999). Large and small companies trading into the euro zone from other countries outside it now face new business risks as a result of EMU. Successive waves of mergers and acquisitions affect banks and their corporate customers as a result of EMU. In the longer term the nature and role of corporate banking are likely to be transformed. Some of these potential changes can only be described as revolutionary (Newsletter Interactive, 2001).   Many businesses in the UK, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as throughout Central and Eastern Europe, have yet to appreciate how fundamentally the euro could affect their operations (Newsletter Interactive, 2001).   Objectives of the Study             The primary objective of this study is to investigate as to what extent the introduction of the Euro affects UK’s economy. For this study, the focus will be its impact on the banking sector before and during the implementation of the Euro. Literature suggests that since EMU introduces the Euro, a series of acquisitions has taken place, and has negatively affected banks from countries outside the Euro. With this, the researcher will examine how the UK banking sector is coping with the challenges posed by countries under the Euro. The researcher will conduct an interview to address these objectives.               Statement of the Problem             This study will attempt to answer the following questions: 1. What are the major effects of the Euro on banking in non-Euro countries, specifically The UK? 2. How is the UK banking sector responding to the increasing competition brought about by the Euro?   Scope and Limitation             This study will only cover the discussion and examination of the impact of the Euro on banking in the UK. The outcome of this study will be limited only to the data gathered from books and journals on the effect of the Euro to the European economies and from the primary data gathered from the result of the interview that will be conducted by the researcher. Overview of the Methodology             For this study, primary research and secondary research will be used. Primary research will be conducted by interviewing UK bank managers. Here, the interviews will be used to provide qualitative insights into the data collected. The secondary sources of data will come from published articles from Business journals, books and related studies on banking and the Euro.             For this research design, the researcher will gather data, collate published studies from different local and foreign universities and articles from books journals; and make a content analysis of the collected documentary and verbal material.  Afterwards, the researcher will summarize all the information, make a conclusion based on the null hypotheses posited and provide insightful recommendations based on the findings.   References: Krakow, G. (1999) EMU and the introduction of the Euro: macroeconomic implications for the Cypriot economy. Available at [www.centralbank.gov.cy]. Accessed [06/10/03]. Levene, P. (1999) London’s role as financial center tied to Euro. American City Business Journals Inc. Available at [charlotte.bizjournals.com]. Accessed [06/10/03].   Mifsud, A. (2003) EURO: The Impact on the Financial Services Sector. Speech delivered in the Institute of Financial Services Malta Presentation of Banking Certificates and Diplomas. University of Malta. Available at [www.ifsmalta.org]. Accessed [06/10/03]. Strategic Focus on The Impact of EMU on Corporate Banks and their Customers 2001 Newsletter Interactive Ltd. Informal. Available at [www.newsletterinteractive.com]. Accessed [06/10/03].       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on The Impact of the Euro on Banking in the UK Before and After its Introduction

The Impact of the Euro on Banking in the UK Before and After its Introduction Introduction This paper presents the resea...

Re-Outsourcing of SAP HR/HCM Administration and Application Management for Multinational Companies (MNC) in Recession Research Proposal

Re-Outsourcing of SAP HR/HCM Administration and Application Management for multinational companies (MNC) in recession   Introduction Human Resources (HR) or Human Capital Management (HCM) administration prescribes structures, policies and processes rather than outputs or outcomes. The fundamentals of HR/HCM administration center the core functions that include recruiting/hiring, time management, benefits and payroll administration and laws/policies compliances. In MNCs these HR/HCM Business Functions can only be carried out due to the amount of Data, by using ERP Software such as SAP on a single system, known as a single global instance. Application Management deals with the on-going and continuous adaptation and modification of such global system, mainly for Payroll but also for other SAP HR components, be it due to constant legal changes in the countries of operation, mainly in Social Insurance and Tax and due to company driven modifications, for example for increased reporting and company policies. Background of the Study In the past MNCs used to have the tendencies to outsource these business functions either within the company to Offshore Shared Service Centers or to third party providers with different contractual models dependent on the specification of the service provided. The business cases were mainly driven by cost cutting philosophy which should have caused greater corporate profitability but also to add direct or indirect value to the firm that could probably result in superior individual and organizational performance. Multinational organizations used to jump into the bandwagon of HR offshoring, but this business model becomes in the light of a longer recession phase in Europe and the USA more and more questionable, as salaries and wages in the headquarter countries as well as in other countries which used to have a higher salary and wage level are stagnating and on the other side are increasing in the off-shore countries. In case of outsourcing to a vendor, a recalculation of the business cases could also prove that re-outsourcing could result in higher profitability, as this is shown that many multinationals are constantly trying to reduce the contractual rates of the service provided when the contract is due. The former trend to outsource or to establish on-site outsourcing, non-core HR activities, mostly HR functions, to vendors or service providers which are either generalists or specialists deems to be not more beneficial to MNCs instead insourcing or re-outsourcing can be the better solution. Problem Statement In gaining the speed and flexibility needed to compete in the global business environment, MNCs are obliged to reduce large capital expenditures on non-core functions not leaving them to vendors or integrate in corporate shared Service Centers. As such, the companies need not to invest capital in maintaining and upgrading their HR administration systems and infrastructure. Re-outsourcing core HR functions also enables to keep the knowledge in the country and can lead to higher attrition of employees and HR Personnel and finally leading to higher quality of the Service. In this proposal, there are two interrelated problems that should be considered: ·         Why re-outsource? ·         How to facilitate the human resource outsourcing towards the success of MNCs? Answers to these questions will generally direct to analyze the underlying business model with regard to KPIs and business figures while still maintaining the competitive advantage and not losing business knowledge of the in-country HR Functions. Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to investigate the factors that might influence the implementation of HRO in the organization and application management for the MNCs. In order to administer the collection of necessary information, there are three objectives that should be considered. First is to determine the strategies in implementing the human resource outsourcing. Second is to determine the perceptions of the organizational leaders and human resource manager in adopting the HRO. Third is to recognize the benefits and drawbacks of HRO in the organization. Literature Review The pressure to reduce HR costs through outsourcing fits wonderfully well with the drive of HR to become more strategic: Move out transactional work–backroom work, if you will–to allow more attention and time to be devoted to front office work (addressing issues that have greater long-term influence on business performance) (Hussin, et al., 2006). Outsourcing firms have multiplied to absorb the transferred work and to make a business of it. HR outsourcing is a big business, in the -to- billion per year range. Despite the occasional horror story that causes a company to “back-source,” there are no indications that this is a fad that will pass (Stopper, 2005). In fact, what began as a large-company phenomenon is now becoming more commonplace among mid-size and smaller companies as they see less risk in the experience of the early adopters. HR outsourcing is having a number of positive effects. As companies enter outsourcing negotiations, they come with a greater understanding of the mission of the firm and its core business. They also come with greater clarity around the true and total costs of HR and what priorities to assign various HR activities. Once under contract, there is much more emphasis on measuring results, on doing work that needs to be done versus work that is nice to do, on doing work right the first time without the fits and starts, the fuzzy requirements that are often the bane of an HR professional’s life. Within the outsourcing firm, functional areas of HR become revenue and profit-producing activities rather than overhead costs. The backroom becomes a business with real customers and incentives to grow. Those who have transferred to outsourcing firms report their satisfaction with having responsibility for client relationships, with the fast pace, with being paid on results, as well as in application manager (Kim & Kim, 2008). They like dealing with multiple customers. As internal HR professionals, they knew a lot about one company, not much about the market. In the outsourcing firm, they know more about the market although not as much about a given company (Khanna & Randolph, 2005). Methodology The applied method in the study is the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The primary information can be taken from survey and interview. And the secondary information is used to gather the information needed in the study to support the findings of the primary research. Through the use of the academic contexts or books, journals, investigative reports, and other industry reports pertaining in the application of HRO; the study can deliver the literature gaps and might identify the factors that influence in the implementation of HRO. On the other hand, the survey is used to demonstrate the perception of the manager and business leaders in the application of HRO towards the achievement of organizational objectives.  References: Hussin, H., Ismail, Z., Suhaimi, M.A., & Karim, N.A.,(2006) Examining Factors Influencing IT Outsourcing Success in Malaysian Organizations, 17th Australasian Conference on Information Systems IT Outsourcing in Malaysia [Online] Available at: <http://eprints.utm.my/5544/1/zurainismail06_EFIOS.pdf> [Accessed 11 August 2011]. Khanna, S., & Randolph, J., (2005) An HR Planning Model for Outsourcing, Human Resource Planning, 28(4):37+ Kim, G-M., Kim, E.S., (2008) An Exploratory Study of Factors Influencing ASP (Application Service Provider) Success, The Journal of Computer Information Systems Stopper, W.G., (2005) Outsourcing’s Effect on HR Leadership Development, Human Resource Planning, 28(4): 11+   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Re-Outsourcing of SAP HR/HCM Administration and Application Management for Multinational Companies (MNC) in Recession Research Proposal

Re-Outsourcing of SAP HR/HCM Administration and Application Management for multinational companies (MNC) in recession Introduction ...

RESEARCH PROPOSAL ON PERIMETER OF REALEAUX CURVES: ITS RELATION TO THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF A GIVEN CIRCLE

PERIMETER OF REALEAUX CURVES: ITS RELATION TO THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF A GIVEN CIRCLE                                                 INTRODUCTION Barbier theorem states that all shapes of constant width D have the same perimeter pi D. The width of a convex figure in a certain direction is the distance between two supporting lines perpendicular to that direction. A straight line is called supporting a convex figure if they have at least one common point and the figure lies in one side from the line. In any direction there are two supporting lines. Shapes of constant width are convex figures that have the same width in any direction. The circle has this property. Barbier theorem also states that all curves of constant width of width w have the same perimeter .  This time around I wish to determine if there is a possibility to construct a Reuleaux Curves of constant width from equilateral triangle, extended length of equilateral triangle, irregular triangle and any polygon with an odd number of sides. On the other hand, I wish to present that their perimeter has something to do with the circumference of a given circle.      Background of the Study         The concept of Reuleaux triangle was a very interesting geometric figure, one which was discovered in a roundabout way. The topic was, “Why are manhole covers round?” There were plenty of theories offered, his favorite being, “Because the hole is round.” Kunkel, P. knows a few things about manholes, having spent time crawling into them. He always knew that he would not have to worry about dropping the cover into the hole. Since it is circular, it needs an opening as wide as its diameter. But the hole, also circular, has a seat with a slightly smaller diameter. A regular polygon would not have that property. Someone mentioned this advantage in the newsgroup. In reply, another person described this figure: Construct an equilateral triangle. On each vertex, center a compass, and draw an arc the short distance between the other two vertices. The perimeter will be three nonconcentric arcs. This is a reuleaux triangle. It is not a circle, but, like a circle, it has constant width, no matter how it is oriented. It is not difficult to see this property, but you should prove it. Kunkel, P. (1997) made some sketches of the reuleaux and discovered some other interesting properties. It can roll uphill, in a manner of speaking. Notice that as it rolls, its height is constant, but the height of its centroid changes. If it had mass, the centroid would be the center of mass. Imagine that it is standing on one vertex, so that the centroid is at its highest, and imagine that the surface is very slightly inclined. If it moves forward one sixth turn, the centroid will fall. So although the surface rises, the reuleaux is actually falling.         It occurred to me that the figure had constant width and constant height. It should be possible to inscribe one into a square and to turn it freely. I did a sketch to simulate this. Click on the image. As it turned within the square, something looked very familiar about it. It looked a lot like those diagrams for the Wankel rotary engine. I did a Web search, and, sure enough, that is the shape used for the rotor in the engine. That was when I found out what to call it. A guy can learn a lot on the Web. The square drill bit was not my idea either. Notice that as the reuleaux turns inside the square, its trace nearly fills the entire square. It was noticed that this shape might be used to drill square (actually squares) holes, and in fact someone did manufacture a drill bit base on this concept. It is not just a simple matter of fitting a bit into a drill though. It required a more complex mechanism. Animate that last applet and watch the motion of the centroid. For every rotation of the reuleaux, the centroid makes three revolutions in the opposite direction, and its path is not circular. Your next assignment is to design a mechanism that would make it work.   The reuleaux turns inside the square because the square is formed by two pairs of parallel lines, equally spaced. However, you do not see why they should have to intersect at right angles. Open it again and deform the square. It tilts over into the shape of an oblique rhombus. It is still possible to inscribe a reuleaux and to rotate it. You will see some interesting contortions in the centroid locus as you change the rhombus. As a reuleaux is inscribed between a pair of parallel lines and rotates between them, is there ever a time when no vertices touch the lines? One vertex? Two Vertices? All three vertices?           If a vertex of the reuleaux can touch a vertex of the rhombus, what can you say about the acute angle of the rhombus? The shape of the centroid locus is not a single ellipse. It is comprised of parts from four ellipses. To understand this better, see the Sliding Triangle page. Even without understanding the shape of the centroid locus, you should be able to prove that it has four symmetries. Can you prove this and can you define the symmetries?   When I say that the reuleaux is inscribed in a rhombus, I mean that it touches every side, but crosses none of them. Is it possible to inscribe and rotate a reuleaux in any polygon other than a rhombus? He saved the toughest one for last. Is it possible to design a special road for the reuleaux? I want it to be able to roll along without feeling any bumps, so the centroid would have to trace a level line as the road rises and falls. This one is not easy at all. Remember, it does not have a constant radius, so if the rotational velocity is constant, the horizontal velocity will vary. I tried parametrizing x and y as functions of the rotation angle. What I got was an enormous integral which stumped Derive, Mathematical, and me. Sometimes he just feel like being difficult.                 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM This paper intends to show that the circumference of a given circle is equal to the perimeter of a Realeaux curves based on: 1. The equilateral triangle 2.The extended length of equilateral triangle 3.The irregular triangle 4.The Realeaux curves based on pentagon 5.The Realeaux polygon with an odd number of sides SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The result of this study will be a significant contribution to the development of constant width. This area of research is another interesting topic in Geometry which may later be found significant and applicable in other fields.   SCOPE This paper deals only on finding the perimeter of Reuleaux curves related to circles.   METHODOLOGY           This research is based on the article “Reuleaux Triangle and Constant Width Curves” by Eric W. Wesstien and “Constant Width Shape” by Alexander Bogolmony. Basic concepts and definitions were presented. New terms were defined and examples were given. Results formulated were proven and illustrated.     Concepts and Definitions  Centroid – Center of a Circle Diameter – The diameter of a circle is the distance from a point on the circle to a point Radians away, and is the maximum distance from one point on a circle to another. The diameter of a sphere is the maximum distance between two antipodal points on the surface of the sphere. If r is the radius of a circle or sphere, then . The ratio of the circumference C of a circle or great circle of a sphere to the diameter d is pi, Circumference - The perimeter of a circle. For radius r or diameter ,                                       where is pi. Curve of Constant Width – Curves which, when rotated in a square, make contact with all four sides. Such curves are sometimes also known as rollers. The “width” of a closed convex curve is defined as the distance between parallel lines bounding it (“supporting lines”). Every curve of constant width is convex. Curves of constant width have the same “width” regardless of their orientation between the parallel lines. In fact, they also share the same perimeter (Barbier’s theorem). Examples include the circle (with largest area), and Reuleaux triangle (with smallest area) but there are an infinite number. A curve of constant width can be used in a special drill chuck to cut square “holes.” A generalization gives solids of constant width. These do not have the same surface area for a given width, but their shadows are curves of constant width with the same width. Equilateral Triangle – A triangle with equal sides. Reuleaux Triangle – A curve of constant width constructed by drawing arcs from each polygon vertex of an equilateral triangle between the other two vertices. The Reuleaux triangle has the smallest area for a given width of any curve of constant width. Reuleaux Polygon – A curvilinear polygon built up of circular arcs. The Reuleaux polygon is a generalization of the Reuleaux triangle and, for an odd number of sides, is a curve of constant width (Gray 1997).   Analysis               In order to show that the circumference of a given circle is related to the perimeter of a Reuleaux curves in different polygons, we let, the perimeter of a reuleaux triangle be equal to p with one side of a given equilateral triangle is 1. Then, we also let the circumference of a circle be C= 2pr where r=1.                         Suppose a given equilateral triangle has s= 1, then the perimeter of a reuleaux triangle becomes p i.e.                                               P of reuleaux D=sp                                               P of reuleaux D= (1)p                                               P of reuleaux D= p   We also try to compute for the perimeter of a circle with r=1 i.e.                                               C= 2pr                                               C= 2p(1)                                                         C= 2p            Suppose we have an equilateral triangle placed inside the circle in which one of its vertex is in the center of the given circle. i.e.                                                                                                         Where r= 1   The illustration shows that the computed Circumference is equal to 2p. But pertaining to the perimeter of the minor arc, the perimeter of minor arc was p/2.   In connection to the illustration above, the reuleaux triangle with s= 1 shows that the possible perimeter of the reuleaux triangle is p. However an equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle with s=1 will give a possible minor arc perimeter value of p/3.   The study also aims to identify the relationship of a reuleaux triangle to a given circle.   From previous studies, if the triangle has side-length 1, the perimeter of the constructed reuleaux triangle was p.                Consider the illustration below:         Suppose r=1, then the circumference of each circle was C=2p where r=1. The illustration reveals p= C/2 for r=1. However, the equation becomes: Perimeter of reuleaux D = C/2             Meaning to say, the perimeter of reuleaux D is equivalent to one-half of the circumference of each ⊙ as illustrated by the figure above. Therefore the perimeter of all Reuleaux D is ½ of circumference of the given ⊙“ rÎÂ. Thus, it is also evident to say that “ reuleaux n-gon where n= odd #, the perimeter is always p “ r=1.             The study also discovered that the circumference of a given reuleaux polygon becomes closer to 2p as the # of sides increases up to infinity. The smallest perimeter of a reuleaux is p.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

RESEARCH PROPOSAL ON PERIMETER OF REALEAUX CURVES: ITS RELATION TO THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF A GIVEN CIRCLE

PERIMETER OF REALEAUX CURVES: ITS RELATION TO THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF A GIVEN CIRCLE I...