National Honor Society Essay

Being nominated to become a member of the National Honor Society is a highly prestigious honor, and I am very grateful to be a candidate. I have always strove to do the best that I can to achieve the highest grades possible and to stand out amongst my peers. Not only do I focus on my academics, but I strive to be an outstanding asset to the student body throughout my years here at East Clinton High School as well. Getting admitted into the National Honor Society has been one of my goals since I first arrived here at high school, and I have recognized the standards for entry into the organization. I understand that to become an official member of the society, I need to acquire and demonstrate four key characteristics of an ideal National Honor Society member: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. To my acknowledgment, there are no questionable incidents that could be used to challenge my selection into the National Honor Society. I sustain a high grade point average of 3. 8 while engaging in college preparatory classes such as College English, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, and – in a previous year – Biology 2. In addition to my current attending classes, I also take an online college math class that assists me in solving problems in real world situations. Education has been one of my first priorities since childhood, and I plan to further advance in my studies each day. I have in many ways shown my characteristic of scholarship. In addition to my scholastic achievements, I participate in various co-curricular activities that demonstrate my involvement with the school and community. I am a varsity athlete for the sports, tennis and track. This year I, along with my fellow tennis teammates were proud to present ourselves as the SBAAC League champions. In addition to that, we concluded the SBCN season with an undefeated title. It was my greatest pleasure to receive an SBAAC Scholar Athlete award from my tennis coach on the day of the awards ceremony. Spanish Club, headed by Mrs. Elizabeth De Leon, is a club that recognizes the Spanish culture and then incorporates the culture into entertaining service projects. I was one of several members to participate in a successful bake sale that raised just under 200 dollars. I was also a member of the Student Council my sophomore year, and together as an organization we successfully provided a wonderful homecoming for the student body. Above all, I was selected by my class advisor to represent the junior class as their Treasurer in the Prom Committee. As Treasurer, I am responsible for keeping track of as well as counting the incoming funds that are received from any fundraisers. In my spare time, I help raise money by volunteering to work at the concession stands for sporting events as well as any fundraiser that is active at the moment. I attend all Prom Committee meetings with an open mind and ready to formulate new ideas for the committee. Key Club, an international organization which provides service, is an organization I am proud to represent. I have pledged to uphold the objects of Key Club International since my freshman year to present day. I have participated in many service projects within Key Club. Some projects that I have aided in or with are the Ho Ho Shop, Sabina’s Historical Society Museum for Christmas around Sabina, and Highway Clean Up. Moreover, I was honored with the privilege to attend a leadership camp held by Kiwanis International in Ashley, Ohio. With the selection from my Key Club advisors, I was able to travel to a 3-day camp that was accompanied by inspiring students from other schools from all over south Ohio. There, I learned the principals of being a good leader, and also lead groups in assigned projects. At the camp, you were able to find inspired, motivated young adults who were kind and open-hearted. Being surrounded by peers who were comprised of excellent qualities enabled me to comfortably present myself and my character in an assertive manner. At school, I contribute my service by aiding teachers and students. As a junior, I offered to assist teachers with their work whether it may be grading papers or filing their documents. In addition, I was a library helper the first semester of this year. To conclude, my amount of service activity participation has demonstrated that the characteristic, ‘service’, is present. Taking on the position of Treasurer and a Student Council member are both examples of my leadership. However, I am a Yearbook Editor in School Publications as well. I am one of twelve yearbook editors that construct the contents of the yearbook. With such a position, it is imperative to attend events in which are in relation to what you were assigned. Being a part of the junior class fundraising and obtaining the position of Treasurer for Prom Committee is admirable. If being in Prom Committee has taught me anything, it is that you have set your priorities and acknowledge your responsibilities and to follow through with them. The Committee has taught me a great deal about being a leader.

Effects of Computer Essay

There is no doubt that technology has become a significant part of people’s lives nowadays. It has become a daily part of people’s routine whether it is at home or at the workplace. At this time, people, especially the young ones, are caught up with mobile phones, television sets, gaming consoles, music players, and other electronic gadgets. Many people cannot leave their houses without their mobile phones or music players. However, the technology that probably has the most effect on today’s society is the computer. Almost all households own a computer or a portable laptop, which is used for personal reasons. Throughout the world, companies utilize the computer to run their businesses. One of the effects that computers have made to society is the ability to communicate effortlessly. This is made possible through the use of other technologies including the Internet. People who are separated by long distances are now able to talk, send instant messages or emails with just a few clicks. There is no need to wait for days for a handwritten letter to arrive. People do not need to spend on long distance calls because computers would allow them to chat and view their loved ones over the Internet. Indeed, computers have crossed the gap that distance has made. â€Å"The ability to communicate across cultures, across national boundaries, relatively quickly, and with unfettered freedom of speech has forever changed the way in which people live† (Odom, 2004, p. 25). Computers did not only made communication between loved ones easier but also, it made communication among colleagues and workers much easier. A large amount of papers is saved everyday because employees do not have to print documents and letters all the time. Now that computers and networking are available, employees only need to send emails or instant messages for informal documents or exchange of information. The Internet also made possible for companies to manage their businesses overseas. This saves them the time, money, and effort when going to and from different work places. The most important effect that computer has brought to society is the ease of gathering information from the Internet. People do not have to go to libraries to research for their schoolwork or projects at work. They do not have to travel to places just to see what these places have to offer because the Internet has all the information about the world that they need. There is no excuse to be ignorant because even if the Internet is not available, there are compact discs in the market, which contains variety of information much like an encyclopedia. However, it is important to indicate that not everything is positive when it comes to computers’ effects on society. Research has shown that â€Å"a quarter of five-year-olds have Internet access in their bedroom and around half of teenagers had access in theirs, spending an average of 2. 2 hours a day on social networking sites† (Ager, 2009). The large amount of time they spend and the amount of exposure they have on computers and other technological devices is compromising their reading and communication skills, which may compromise their future as professional adults. Computers have proved to become very useful innovation in today’s society. One cannot imagine life at this time without the help of computers and the Internet. Its effects are not only felt inside the house but also at business sites and educational institutions, and almost everyone is affected by it either directly or indirectly. However, people should also realize that just like any other thing, relying too much on computers could also have its disadvantages. As such, while using the computer and other technologies is inevitable, people must also learn how to distance themselves from it and learn how to do simple things without the use of technology. References Ager, J. (2009, January 21). The new generation that’s growing in front of a screen. Retrieved January 22, 2009, from http://www. northantset. co. uk/news/The-new-generation-that39s-growing. 4896795. jp Odom, W. (2004). Computer Networking First-step. Indiana: Cisco Press.

Konseptong Papel

IBX pcworx 173 P. Ferma St. , Anuling Lejos 1, Mendez, Cavite Phone No. : 046-8611405 Mobile No. : 0907-1120262 E-mail: ibx. [email  protected] com Ref: CTG2013-02Date: 01/28/2013 To, Ms. Gina Villanueva Summer Breeze (Dencio’s Restaurant) Subject:Price Quotation for CCTV package and Installation Dear Sir/Madam Thank you for your interest in our services. Please review the following cost bellow of CCTV Cameras, DVR, Server Monitor and materials: PACKAGE |DESCRIPTION |PRICE | | | | | |Package A |600TVL PACKAGE | | | | | | | |1 set 4-Channel Stand Alone DVR H. 64 Hexaplex with RemoteView (Internet Ready), Remote | | | |Control and Mouse Compatibility | | | |4 units Camera (2-Dome 600TVL / 2-Bullet 600TVL) for Day and Night Vision. | | |1 unit – 1Terabyte hard disk drive (Seagate) | | | |80 meters Siamese Cable | | | |4 units CameraPower Adapter 12v | | | |19† LED Monitor | | | | | | | |Installation Fee and other accessories materials used in installation an d cabling are | | | |included in Package price. | | | | | | |PACKAGE PRICE: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Php 34,000. 00 | PACKAGE |DESCRIPTION |PRICE | | | | | |Package B |480TVL PACKAGE | | | | | | | |1 set 4-Channel Stand Alone DVR H. 264 Hexaplex with RemoteView (Internet Ready), Remote | | | |Control and Mouse Compatibility | | | |4 units Camera (2-Dome 600TVL / 2-Bullet 600TVL) for Day and Night Vision. | | |1 unit – 1Terabyte hard disk drive (Seagate) | | | |80 meters Siamese Cable | | | |4 units Camera Power Adapter 12v | | | |19† LED Monitor | | | | | | | |Installation Fee and other accessories / materials used in installation and cabling are | | | |included in Package price. | | | | | | | |PACKAGE PRICE: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Php 29,500. 00 | INCLUDED IN PACKAGES: 480TVL vs. 600TVL PREVIEW Product Deliver, Installation and Service Terms: 5 days from work order date.Payment Terms and Conditions: Taka 60% of quoted value should be paid along with work order and rest 40% should be paid at the date of job completion. GUARANTEE: One (1) year on the finishing works and workmanship from the date of completion excluding any damages or defects caused directly or indirectly by wrongful action of the purchaser, third parties, of Act of God, which include all fortuitous event. This guarantee is null and void unless all accounts due are paid in full. We hope to serve you for the best of your interest. Kindly confirm your acceptance by signing on the space provided below Thank you, Yours faithfully,Conforme: __________________ ___________________ Date: ______________

Symphony of Ludwig Van Beethoven Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Symphony of Ludwig Van Beethoven - Research Paper Example The sketchbook of Beethoven shows that some musical materials that were used in the symphony were written in 1811 (Nicholas 231). The symphony also came from other Beethoven’s pieces, while completion of the work on its own right shows some sense for future sketches for the symphony. The choral fantasy is basically a movement of piano concerto, which brings the vocal soloists and a chorus piano near the end of climax. In this symphony, theme is first sung by vocal forces and is played by instruments, thus making it highly reminiscent of the ninth symphony’s corresponding theme. Going further back, the theme of the choral fantasy’s earlier version has its origins from the song â€Å"Gegenliebe† which means, â€Å"Returned Love†, for high voice and piano that dates back to 1795. Scherzo’s theme was composed from fugue, which was written in 1815. The symphony’s vocal introduction part caused Beethoven to encounter very many difficulties. His friend, Anton Schindler said that his work on the fourth movement made Beethoven struggle than never before. The aim was finding out the most appropriate way of Schiller ode’s introduction. One day, he was able to get a version with the words of singing the immortal Schiller’s ode. Though he was very happy to get it, he did not retain it, but kept on writing other versions until he got its final form. This final form had the words, â€Å"O freude, nicht diese Tone, which translates into â€Å"not these sounds, oh dear friends†. ... Beethoven augmented each wind part with two players at the premiere. The woodwinds included piccolo, 2flutes, 2 oboes, 2clarinets, and 2 bassoons. Brass was composed of 2 horns, 2 trumpets, and 3 trombones. The fourth movement was sung in soprano solo, alto solo, tenor solo, baritone solo, SATB choir voices. Percussions were also used and comprised of timpani, bass drum, triangle and cymbals. Finally, his composition was accompanied by strings that included violins, viola, cellos and double basses. Form Beethoven’s symphony was in four movements: allegro, scherzo, Adagio and recitative movements. He changed the common classical symphonies patterns by placing scherzo prior to slow movements, instead of the vice versa (Hopkins 76). The first movement was in the form of sonata, which was accompanied by a stormy mood. His inspiration was felt in the opening theme, when pianissimo was played over string tremolos, to resemble orchestra sound. The theme showed clarity and power that drove the entire movement. On the other hand, the introduction employed relationships, from mediant to tonic, which distorts the key until it is played in the lowest register by the bassoon. Scherzo, the second movement, resembles the first movement in the opening theme. Written three times, its punctuation sounds like it is in a quadruple time when played with meter speed Hopkins 127). This movement made Beethoven to face various criticisms for failing to abide by standard forms of his composition. This movement has an internal structure that is very elaborate, making it a complete sonata. The third movement comprises of a lyrical slow movement in a variation form that is loose. Each variation pair then progressively elaborates the melody and rhythm. The fourth movement is a

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

English - Essay Example This paper is a critical evaluation of food insecurity in Nigeria, detailing the causes, effects as well as responses being made to solve the dilemma. Food Insecurity in Nigeria Nigeria is a West African country, where food insecurity has continued to compromise the health and lives of citizens especially children, who are most vulnerable. Statistics indicate that more than 40% of children in the country are suffering from chronic malnutrition, which is a major threat to the future of this generation (Omotor 2009). This is due to the fact that malnutrition is a common recipe for poor growth and development in children, which may lead to poor academic performance and intellectual development. It is sad to note that the government of Nigeria is doing little to rescue these children. One way of doing this would be to introduce a free feeding system in government schools, whereby these children would be provided at least with a single meal containing all the basic requirements of a balan ced diet. In this context, the government should observe what countries such as Ghana are dealing with malnutrition in school going children. Apparently, Ghana has already put the system to work, with the government allocating $347.4 million to the program, which will be running for 5 years (Alderman 2009). It is said that the government of Nigeria had plans to execute a similar program but it has been observed that such a plan was never implemented hence the high rate of malnutrition in children. It may be important to note that approximately 60% of Nigeria’s population is malnourished (Omotor 2009). Rural urban migration in Nigeria is also a problem, which has contributed significantly to food insecurity in the country. This is due to the fact that it encourages the movement of young and able bodied citizens from the rural areas, leaving the weak and the vulnerable people to engage in food production. It is important to note that, in order to realize viable food production, a farmer requires putting a lot of efforts in caring for the crops thus the need for manpower to perform activities such as weeding, spraying pesticides, harvesting among others. In this context, Nigerian farmers in the rural areas are faced with scarcity of human resources, which has resulted to an increase in wages demanded by manual laborers, who take advantage of the high demand for their services. Consequently, this has made it difficult for farmers to afford the costs, especially due to the poverty factor, such that they have developed a habit of skipping these important activities (Olayemi 2003). The government has played a major role in facilitating this problem due to the fact that it has neglected the rural areas by failing to improve social amenities and infrastructure, which has continued to discourage people, especially young school leavers, from settling in these areas. Lack of decentralization of resources and Corruption in the government have been identified as majo r contributing factors, which have slowed down development such that majority of roads especially in the rural areas are in total disrepair or absent all together. With impassable roads, it becomes difficult and expensive to transport farm products form producing areas to the markets, which combined with high fuel prices results to increased food

Women in Combat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Women in Combat - Essay Example Since that time female militaries has not provided a single occasion to question reasonability of their involvement in this field. First women enlisted in the military during World War I. Apparently, female soldiers proved their fighting efficiency: in World War II four hundred thousand military women served in the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, and Air force both in Europe and other states. Since that time female soldiers were took part in each military action conducted by the United States. In the beginning of 1990's women's roles in the Army once more became a subject for discussion. The intense interest to female soldiers was a result of their high-level performance during "Desert Storm" operation in Kuwait. Women's qualified work was highly commended by the Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney: "They did a bang up job.... They were every bit as professional as their male colleagues"2. The Secretary also forecasted further growth of women's role in combat actions as well as the growth in quantity of female soldiers. The war at the Persian Gulf is up to date one of the most successful military operations in the history of the United States, and women's role in that success was very substantial. The total number of women deployed for the war exceeded 41 thousand: female soldiers composed 7 percent of the U.S. Armed Forces involved into the conflict in the Persian Gulf: 26,000 Army, 3,700 Navy, 2,200 Marine, and 5,300 Air Force3. They served as aircraft pilots and were involved into carrying troops, food and equipment supplies; they successfully conducted reconnaissance missions; served as nurses on hospital ships and composed mobile medical units; they served on planes and helicopters. Women militaries directed artillery, drove trucks, served at prisoner-of-war facilities and in port security units. They played important role in military police units and served as perimeter guards at the same time accomplishing a lot of other tasks in communication, intelligence service, and administrative work. At the first glance it seems that all these services listed above do not necessarily presuppose engagement into combat. However, the war at the Persian Gulf was specific due to absence of a line between the actual fighting and non-combat missions. Therefore even units that were not supposed to participate in the combat directly were from time to time engaged into casual fights. As Major General Jeanne M. Holm, USAF (Ret.) remembers, "In the Gulf War there were no fixed positions or clear lines in the sand - Iraqi long-range artillery and especially the surface-to-surface missiles were unisex weapons that did not distinguish between combat and support troops"4. As a result five female soldiers were killed during the war and two were captured by Iraqi troops as prisoners of war. As a result, the Congress repealed the law prohibiting women from performing combat aircraft assignments. Simultaneously a Presidential Commission was established that investigated issues concerning the assignment of women in the US Armed Forces, namely pros and contras of allowing female soldiers obtaining several additional positions in the Army5. After the end of the Gulf War the number of

Legal System of UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Legal System of UK - Essay Example By the sixteenth century the legal profession in the UK had branched into two categories. The first one was barristers and the other is collective of attorneys and solicitors. The local "common law" was formulated by a specialised legal society known as the Inns of Court, in London. It was in these inns that through lectures and apprenticeship individuals were admitted to practise before the royal courts. With the passage of time these practitioners became sergeants who were considered as the most distinguished among the advocates. These dignitaries were later on appointed as royal judges. The "attorneys," who were authorised by the legislation initially, shared the life of the Inns with the "apprentices" in advocacy, till they acquired the title of barrister. (Branches of the Legal Profession, http://www.pravo.hr/_download/repository/ LEGAL_PROFESSION_IN_ENGLAND_08web.ppt, viewed on 9th April, 2009) In its ultimate growth the English legal profession resembled the European professions, particularly the northern France, where the parliaments (courts) were considered as corporate, and apprentices were trained like that of the Inns. Growth of the law was mainly through precedents based on the judgments of the courts, rather than through legislation. In England, senior practicing professionals were appointed as judges. Apart from this, the partition between barristers and solicitors eventually became more rigid in England. Moreover, England never acquired the profession of notaries and thus the whole burden of transactional work was carried out by the present solicitors with legal advice from the bar. David H. Goodchild, in his work on History of the English Legal Profession in Paris 1850-2000 says, ".in 1880 the picture had changed quite considerably by which time as a result of the Judicature Act 1873 all attorneys at law and solicitors had been merged into one single profession of "solicitor" and those practising abroad were listed under the somewhat charming section entitled "Solicitors practising in foreign parts". (Page 1, http://72.14.235.132/searchq= cache:dhmu KhIOD2YJ:fbls.org/pages/FR/ publications/assets/articles/ English_legal_profession.pdf+History+of+UK+legal+profession&cd=15&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in, viewed on 9th April, 2009) Change in Status of the Law Professionals Even before the Judicature Act 1873 the status of the solicitors has undergone radical changes. They became the legal advisors of the wealthy feudal and businessmen. In the year 1804 they acquired the monopoly of conveyancing, and just before the end of the 19th century they started dealing with divorce and admiralty cases and obtained the rights of audience in County Courts. The progress they earned since then was tremendous, and at present over 97000 solicitors practise all over UK. Many of them are practising in private firms and governmental bodies as legal advisors doing advocacies, drafting legal documents etc. However, they cannot appear in every court, whereas the barristers are entitled to have appearance in courts. More than 11500 barristers are engaged in practice in England and Wales, now. Some of them are in employed practice. They only represent their employers. Other

What I hope to gain from the MPA program at Metropolitan College of Essay

What I hope to gain from the MPA program at Metropolitan College of New York - Essay Example My work as a Counselor, Case Manager and Housing Specialist at organizations such as Help USA and Women In Need, has been deeply satisfying. My experience with the homeless has made me aware that there is a tremendous reserve of goodwill and monetary aid available in society, from both government and private sources, which can be directed towards the betterment of the economically underprivileged. It is the tragedy of our times that the full potential of these programs fails to reach the intended target, mainly because of poor implementation. This makes me determined to enhance my skills in leadership, management, marketing, finance and planning, so that I can significantly enhance my contribution to an organization, and become a more effective catalyst of constructive change. After more than a decade’s experience in the not-for-profit sector, the MPA Program at Metropolitan College of New York seems to be tailor-made for me! The program’s emphasis on policy research and implementation, strategic planning and analysis of financial costs, is just what I require to gain the theoretical knowledge which I can translate into practical organizational change at my workplace. I believe that my personal strengths, which include my love for working with people, my persuasive skills, assertiveness, and readiness to articulate problems, combined with the applied learning I gain from Metropolitan College of New York, will help me realize my goal of playing a part in the betterment of society. I am also confident that my twelve years as a working professional in the not-for-profit sector will be an asset to the classroom experience of my peers, and enable me to contribute positively to Metropolitan

American Labor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

American Labor - Essay Example Many western and European production oriented companies started reducing their operations in their native countries thus resulting in job cuts. As this trend continues unabated, concerns of increasing unemployment figures are being expressed by analysts. Countries like US, UK and Germany are considered to be the ones from where multinational companies have moved their operations eastward. It is widely believed that opening of economic policies results in mutual benefits for the trading nations, but when it is felt that jobs are being taken away from one country and handed over to another country, then it gives rise to a peculiar social sector problem. United States of America recently saw a political campaign, during which outsourcing and increasing unemployment figures were big issues. Therefore, it becomes all the more necessary for the US government to get to the depth of the issue and try to figure out an acceptable solution. If we take a look at look at the figures of US trade with China during the last 10 years (during the period 1999-2008), we find that the trade deficit has indeed widened between in favor of China (US Census Bureau, 2009). It is therefore quite clear that while on the one hand the Chinese dominance is increasing by leaps and bounds in the US market, the US exports to China have not been able to match the import figures. In fact, today China has literally become a talking point at all international forum. Besides some of the issues involving human rights, Tibet, Taiwan etc. the rapid progress made by the country on the trade and industry front has provided a leading edge to China. Supplies of cheaper goods to countries around the world, hazardous paints in toys etc. are also being discussed as the shortcomings arising out of China in the recent past. While the US seems to be facing a number of problems in the form of outsourcing and job losses, China is steadily making a progress in its economic standards. This gives rise to questions like, is the growth of China at the cost of other nations progress Is the Chinese cheap labor stealing jobs from their US counterparts Liberalization and the Aftereffect During the early years of liberalization China's fastest growing sectors were textiles, apparel, footwear, and toys. During the period between 1980 and 1998, this sector saw a growth of more than ten-fold from $4.3 billion to $53.5 billion (Lardy, 2003). But in recent years China seems to have become tech savvy as well. Now, the country is attracting the industries like consumer electronics, automobiles, computers and other information technology products from all across the world. Since the

Highlight the impact of containerisation on an international supply Essay

Highlight the impact of containerisation on an international supply chain - Essay Example This staggering figure constitutes of 15 percent of the global vehicle markets. The company generated net income of $2.8 billion on over $193 billion in revenues (Alden et al, 2006). General Motors procurement strategy General motors’ (GM’s) business operations are based on a sound procurement practice and basic business integrity. Officials responsible for procurement and supply chain make their procurement decisions solely on the basis of the credibility of the suppliers that offer GM the best value for goods and services that they require. They primarily avoid any actions that indicate that their purchasing decisions are improper or irrelevant consideration whether illegal, such as bribe or kickback, or technically legal such as favours, free entertainment, personal friendship or gifts. The global purchasing and supply chain of GM holds the responsibility of procuring all goods and services that are required by the company and its joint venture and alliance partners spread over all four business regions of the world. This operation involves the procurement of parts used in the production and manufacturing of vehicles as well as products and services that are utilised for the purpose of providing support to the development and production of those vehicles. Following this strategy has not only helped boost GM’s production all over the world, but has also helped their suppliers to do business in unprecedented volumes thereby providing them with an opportunity to expand their own operations across the world (GM, 2010). The new system of procurement and supply chain management in GM has been termed as â€Å"Centralized Decentralization† by the vice president. The basic idea behind this system as has been explained by the vice president is to centralize the procurement of individual components and materials in order to leverage the company’s buying power and scale (Supply chain digest, 2008). According to Ageshin (2001), General Motors has various characteristics that make it an ideal example of an e-procurement strategy following company and a great example of how e-procurement is reshaping U.S. manufacturing. The company has the ability to increase the volume of its sales through its e-procurement system up to $300billion-$500billion per year. This has always been a primary strategy adopted by the company in order to generate further cost savings associated with purchasing across the whole supply chain. The fact that, GM was very familiar with the advantages of electronic data interchanges with its suppliers and because of its dominant position in the supply chain industry, the company adopted e-procurement system very early. GM started pursuing the idea of e-procurement as early as 1999 with the help of its technology partners i2 Technologies and Commerce One who created a B2B trading community called TradeXchange. This e-procurement system that the company adopted led to quicker information flows and ex tensive information sharing across the supply chain. This has resulted in the significant improvement in the quality of planning and forecasting for the company and its suppliers thereby boosting their businesses. The Web-based form of e-procurement has increased product customization and developed build to-order capabilities at GM. General Motors’

Conversation Starter Essay Example for Free

Conversation Starter Essay Keeping pace with the rapidly growing health care industry has been a challenge for human resource (HR) professionals. Increasing health care costs, aging workforce primed for retirement over the next decade, and regulatory complexity will be prevalent challenges for human resources. (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Responding to the effects of health care reform, and counseling organizations on which actions to take are an unrelenting concern for management in human resources (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Health care providers are feeling the pressure as the industry moves to an accountable care model. With reimbursement contingent on patient satisfaction and safety, cost containment is more important than ever (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Providers are leaning on HR management to ensure their workforce is prepared to meet the challenges. Identifying and promoting talent within the organization, formal succession planning, and leadership programs can give organizations the advantage in an ever-changing industry (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Recruitment and retention of competent, skilled candidates that meet mandatory staffing ratios adds to the list of challenges HR professional will face (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Lacking qualified applicants to fill positions within the organization, human resources have turned to training and development to heighten the skills of current qualified workforce, while offering desirable salary and benefits packages to retain young workers (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Anticipated changes in demographics and social conditions will greatly influence the approach taken by HR professionals with the millions of individuals reaching retirement age. (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Many of these individuals in the workforce are not prepared financially for retirement; eliminating the chances for younger recruits to enter the profession (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Forecasted replacement needs will more than double the job openings  created by economic growth between 2008-2018 (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Knowing where the retirements will occur, and if there will be sufficient resources to replace them, will be the imposing challenge (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Human resource departments are engaged actively in employing and development of the strategies that will influence the health care industry. Reducing costs, improving patient care as well as safety, recruitment and retention of qualified applicants will be unfeasible for health care providers without active HR management in the organization. References Aberdeen Group. (2012). Aberdeen Group. Retrieved from http://htpp://blogs.aberdeengroup.com Minton-Eversole, T. (2011). Society For Human Resources Management. Retrieved from http://www.shrm.org

Analysis of Major Characters in Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Major Characters in Great Expectations Essay Pip is the main character of this story. The whole plot of the novel revolves around him and his metamorphosis into an adult from an immature adolescent.  1. Immature: pip was highly immature. This characteristic in him can be clearly seen in pg 59 where he says but when she was gone, I looked about me for a place to hide my face in and got behind one of the gates in the brewery lane and leaned my sleeve angst the wall there, and leaned my forehead on it and cried. As I cried, I kicked the wall and took a hard twist at my hair; so bitter were my feelings so sharp were the smart without a name that needed counteraction. Pip cries so much, suddenly begins to have such a low self esteem, why? Just because a girl came and commented that he had coarse hands, wore thick boots and called the knaves Jack. Instead of standing up for himself, pip simply cries. This goes to show how immature pip was.  Pips immaturity is also seen in his romantic idealism. Ever since his first meeting with beautiful Estella, he always thought of her in page 101 he says, often after dark, when I was pulling the bellows for Joe, and we were singing Old Clem, and the thought how we used to sing at Miss Haveshams would seem to show me Estellas face in the fire, with her pretty hair fluttering in the wind and her face scorning at me. Often at such a time I would look towards those panels of black night in the wall which the wooden windows then were, and would fancy that I saw her drawing her face away and would believe that she had come at last. In spite of Estella being so insulting he instantly falls for her, rather for her loo ks. This again shows the immaturity in pip. 2. Generous and sympathetic: pip was generous and sympathetic, a fact that can be seen in his numerous acts of kindness throughout the novel. In page ___ he sympathizes with Magwitch and helps him escape. A small boy going out of his way to help a wretched convict! This goes to show how sympathetic pip was.  Not just sympathetic, pip was large at heart. He was generous. This can be witnessed in page _____ where he secretly buys Herberts way into business. The third example to show that pip was generous is in page 137where he says, as I passed the church I felt a sublime compassion for the poor creatures who were destined to go there, Sunday after Sunday, all their lives thru and to lie obscurely at last among the low green mounds. I promised myself that I would do something for them one of these days and formed a plan in outline for bestowing a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding, a pint of ale and a gallon of condescension upon everybody in the village. 3. Had a great desire for self-improvement: pip always wanted to better himself, better his condition and better his status. This trait in him can be witnessed in page 66 where he tells Joe, and that there had been a beautiful young lady at miss Haveshams who was dreadfully proud and that she had said I was common, and that I wished I was not common, and that the lies had come of it somehow, though I didnt know how. Moreover his deep desire to improve in life, to be Uncommon is also seen in page 68 where he goes to one of his relatives, Biddy to get educated from her. He says, when I woke up the best step I could take towards making myself uncommon was to get out of Biddy everything she knew.  In page 164 he asks Herbert to correct his mannerisms if he found them un-gentlemanly. He says, I further mentioned that as I had been brought up a blacksmith in a country place, and knew very little of the ways of politeness, I would take it is a great kindness in him i.e. Herbert if he would give me a hint when ever he saw me going at a loss or going wrong.

Septic Arthritis and Reactive Arthritis Comparison

Septic Arthritis and Reactive Arthritis Comparison Septic infectious arthritis and reactive arthritis are two arthritic disorders that result from an infection. Though they both are related in their etiology and in their characteristic of causing arthritic joints, each of them are actually different in the way the infection triggers the condition. The main difference between the two conditions may be further clarified with the examination of the terminology used for each. Origin of Terminology Septic arthritis derives its name from the term sepsis which pertains to the systemic compromise due to the spread of infection  [1]  ; this is the reason why the term is at times used interchangeably with infectious arthritis. Reactive arthritis was previously known as Reiters Syndrome named after the late German physician Hans Conrad Julius Reiter who was instrumental in the identification and description of the condition.  [2]  The term Reiters syndrome has lost popularity due to the exposure of Reiters history as a Nazi party member during his prosecution in the Nuremberg trials as a war criminal because of his alleged participation in the forced human experimentations in the Buchenwald concentration camp; this urged a group of doctors to campaign for the renaming of term Reiters syndrome into reactive arthritis back in 1977.  [3]  The condition may also be known as arthritis urethritica, polyarteritis enterica, or venereal arthritis. (1) The term arthritis urethritic a was coined due to its tendency to occur after a genitourinary infection, (2) the term polyarteritis enterica was coined due to its tendency to affect multiple joints and its tendency to occur after a gastrointestinal infection, and (3) the term venereal arthritis was coined due to the tendency of the condition to occur after a known venereal disease infection. The main difference between reactive arthritis from septic arthritis is that septic arthritis caused by the infection of the joint. However, reactive arthritis is not caused by an infection to the joint itself, but is rather an autoimmune response in reaction to an infection on another part of the body. Each disorder will be discussed further in depth in this chapter. Overviews, Microbiology, and Prevalence Septic Arthritis Septic arthritis is an infection resulting in an arthritis characterized by purulent invasion and intense pain at the infected joint.  [4]  Aside from being interchangeable with the term infectious arthritis, this condition may also be known as suppurative arthritis due to its characteristic of producing purulent substances or pus, and may also be known as bacterial arthritis, even though the condition may at times be of fungal or viral origin instead of the commonly bacterial origin. The causative infectious agent in septic arthritis can spread to the joint from other previously infected areas of the body. The infection may sometimes only affect a single joint without affecting other parts of the body, but the infection may still spread to other body parts. Septic arthritis commonly affects the knee or wrist, and may also affect other joints such as the ankle, hip, elbow, shoulder, and shoulder. The infection infiltrates and damages the joint causing severe pain, suppuration, he at, and swelling. This severe form of arthritis also develops along with the sudden onset of fever, chills, and joint pain.  [5]  On the occasion that the sufferer of some forms of septic arthritis do not seek rapid medical attention for diagnosis and treatment, the joint may incur irreversible and permanent damage and in a period of days. Therefore, the situation should be regarded as a medical emergency. Gonococcal arthritis is the most prevalent form of septic arthritis in the United States  [6]  . This class of septic arthritis is less prevalent in other areas of the world such as Western Europe where it is presently uncommon. The causative organism behind this form of the condition is the gram-negative diplococcus bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae which was most likely spread to the joint systematically due to disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). This specific condition can be manifested as either arthritis-dermatitis syndrome which is a bacteremic infection accounting for sixty percent of gonococcal arthritis cases, or it can be manifested as an arthritic infection localized to a single joint which accounts for the remaining forty percent of cases.  [7]   Reactive Arthritis Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune condition caused by the bodys immune response to an infection. The causative infection is not located at the affected joint itself (cross-reactivity).  [8]  The triggering infection is usually or often already in remission by the time the patient presents with arthritic symptoms, thus making it difficult to ascertain the initial cause. Cultures taken from the synovial fluid of the joints affected by reactive arthritis will characteristically yield negative results indicating the cause is not a direct infection to the joint, but instead may be plausibly due to the over-stimulation of the autoimmune response or by the depositing of bacterial antigens in the joints by an unknown manner. Though the mechanism of reaction from the infection is still unknown, it is said that reactive arthritis often manifests within one to three weeks after a known infection. Microbiology of Arthritis The etiology of septic arthritis is commonly bacterial in naturemycobacterial, viral, and fungal arthritis occur in rare cases.  [9]  The pathogen responsible for septic arthritis must reach the synovial membrane of the joint. The micro-organisms are usually carried to the joint by the bloodstream from an infectious source such as wound infections and abscesses located elsewhere on the body, introduced by skin lesions or trauma that penetrates into the joint, or by extension of the infection from adjacent body tissue such adjacent soft tissue infections or bones suffering from an osteomyelitic condition. Being the most common cause of septic arthritis, there are various strains of bacteria that may be the culprit behind this condition. Staphylococcus aureus is the common causative pathogen in adults, while streptococci is the second-most likely causative pathogen in adults.  [10]  Neisseria gonorrhoea is the most prevalent causative microorganism in young adults, although thi s is now thought to be rare in Western Europe.  [11]  Moreover, Haemophilus influenzae was the most prevalent causative pathogen in children but is now declining in areas where haemophilus vaccinations have been introduced.  [12]  Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the most likely causative micro-organism among the elderly, the seriously ill, and users of intravenous drugs. Salmonella, brucella, and tuberculosis are the causative pathogens behind septic spinal arthritis.  [13]  Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is the bacterium responsible for endocarditis, has also been identified as a causative pathogen for septic arthritis in children who have suffered a penetrating wound directly to the joints.  [14]   Reactive arthritis may also be caused by bacterial infection. It is triggered by a recent preceding infection; the most common culprit in the United States would be the genital infection Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium known as Ureaplasma urealytium, which is a pathogen of the urinary tract, is also known to trigger the condition. The condition may also be triggered by bouts of gastrointestinal infection or food poisoning from Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter, which are all enteric bacteria genera.  [15]  The infection is not located in the ailing joint, and may no longer present elsewhere on the body by the time the reactive arthritis develops. Other microorganisms may still be behind a case reactive arthritis but the evidence indicating them to be the actual cause is still circumstantial.  [16]   Prevalence of Septic Arthritis and Reactive Arthritis Young children, older adults, and individuals with artificial joints are at greater risk than the general population to develop septic arthritis. Those with artificial joints may be infected with different organisms in comparison with the general population, and may present with slightly different symptoms.  [17]  In general, if an individual affected by septic arthritis seeks medical attention and treatment within a week after the first symptoms appear, they will most likely make a full recovery. On the other hand, individuals aged twenty to forty years of age are more likely to be affected by reactive arthritis. Men are more likely to be affected by the condition than women. Caucasian people are more likely to be affected than individuals of African-American descent; this is due to the frequent occurrence of the HLA-B27 gene within the white population.  [18]  Patients infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) also have an increased risk of developing this condit ion. Arthritis makes it extremely difficult for affected individuals to remain physically active as many individuals become bound to their homes. These individuals will increase their risk for obesity, depression, and heart disease due to their inactivity and anxiety from worsening disability.  [19]   The Immune Systems Role in Arthritis Septic arthritis and reactive arthritis are both conditions that involve the immune systems autoimmune response. However, septic arthritis is the result of the bodys normal immune response to an actual infection present at the ailing joint. On the other hand, reactive arthritis is the result of the immune systems abnormal immune response to what it believes is a present infection at the joint but is, however, absent or is an infection on a part of the body aside from the joint; this mistaken response which may be due to misinterpretation or oversensitivity is considered abnormal and is classified as an autoimmune disease. An overview of the human bodys immune system can better explain the mechanism by which these two conditions come into fruition. Overview of the Human Immune System The human immune system is an intricate defense system designed to specifically defend against the many different types of pathogens. Pathogens are any organism, usually a live organism, which can cause disease. Pathogens include bacteria which are single celled organisms capable of living outside the body, protozoa which are single celled organisms that live and are spread through water, pathogenic proteins which are multi-celled organisms that can only reproduce in another more complex living organism, fungi which are plant-like multi-celled organisms that take nutrition from other living organism such as plants and animals, viruses which are actually multi-celled organisms that invade and reproduce inside another microbial organism, and parasites which are full complex organisms which feed off the nutrients of another complex organisms and which tend to live in the intestinal tract or bloodstream of the human body. In theory any one of these organisms can cause septic arthritis or reactive arthritis, but parasites are very unlikely to cause these conditions and bacteria are the most prevalent culprit. In the event that a pathogen passes through the bodys outer physical barriers, such as mucus and the skin, and penetrates into the internal structures of the human body, the immune system kicks in.  [20]   The human bodys immune system response is composed of the non-specific response and the specific response. Non-specific response consists of the complement response, the interferon response, fever response, and the inflammatory response. The complement response is conducted by the activation of complement proteins which bind with pathogens with lipid layers, such as bacteria, to destroy their lipid layers allowing water to shift into the pathogen to drown them, or by the activation of macrophages which engulf the invading pathogen. Interferon response is conducted by a cell that has been infected with a virus. The infected cell produces a chemical protein known as interferon which will bind to uninfected cells preventing the virus from readily infecting them. The fever is conducted in response to toxin present in the body which may or may not be produced by bacteria; pyrogen, which is a chemical also known as Interleukin 1, is responsible for resetting and increasing the bodys temper ature and may cause gradual joint degeneration. Inflammatory response is the result of the release of histamines in response to tissue damage or infection; histamine is capable of causing capillary dilation which allows for greater capillary permeability, which in turn allows for white blood cells to gather at an infected site, for fluid to create inflammation and swelling at the site to create cushioning, and for an increase in temperature at the affected site. The inflammatory response and fever response are the main responses responsible for the signs and symptoms present during both septic arthritis and reactive arthritis. The human bodys specific immune response is mostly managed by the different types of leukocytes which are better known as white blood cells (WBCs). White blood cells can be classified as eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Eosinophils serve to produce interleukins which are chemicals that serve a vital role as immune system neurotransmitters that relay messages between the many different white blood cells to ensure that they work together and cooperate as an effective system against pathogens and to ensure that the immune system does not attack the bodys own cells. Macrophages are also known as phagocytes, meaning they are capable of conducting phagocytosis which is the process of engulfing, killing, and digesting of pathogens and cellular debris; after digestion, the degraded pathogen is turned in peptides which can act as antigens. The antigens produced by the macrophages are then carried by the macrophages into the lymph nodes where the helper T-cells utilize them to signal the B-cells to create antibodies. The last type of white blood cell is collectively called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes can be further subdivided into B-cells, NK cells, and T-cells. B-cells are responsible for creating immunoglobulin, or antibodies, that are specific to a certain pathogen as identified by their antigen. Antigens are protein peptides that exist on the outer surface of pathogens; these antigens are used to differentiate and identify cells and pathogens that are foreign to the host body. The helper T-cells who receive the antigen produced by the macrophage produce lymphokines which instruct the B-cells on the production of the specific antibody. When the B-cells produce the specific antibody, B plasma cells begin to create more copies of its own self to create more antibodies. These antibodies, when released into the bloodstream, will then proceed to bind with the antigens on the actual pathogens to signal the killer T-cells to attack these foreign organisms. The B-cells will also produce B memory cells, which are inactive B plasma cells. These inactive B memory cells last longer than their active B plasma cell counterparts, which last for about five to seven days; the presence of the B memory cells in the bloodstream allows them to respond faster to secondary exposures to the same pathogens in the future. Natural killer (NK) cells are cells that are activated by interferons, which interfere with virus replication, and chemicals produced by macrophages which have ingested a virus. Natural killer cells engulf virus pathogens to prevent them from reproducing until a killer T-cell is developed to kill the contained virus. T-cells are responsible for identifying and destroying specific pathogens and consist of helper T-cells, killer T-cells, memory T-cells, and suppressor T-cells. Helper T-cells receive antigens from macrophages which have ingested a pathogen and instruct the B-cells to produce antibodies which will in turn signal the killer T-cells. Killer T-cells are responsible for finding and destroying pathogens by injecting them with cytotoxins. Memory T-cells are derivatives of helper T-cells which circulate around the body and perform the same functions as their parent cells. Suppressor T-cells are responsible for slowing down and deactivating the immune response once the foreign o rganisms and pathogens have been eliminated. What Goes Wrong with the Immune Response Septic arthritis is really the result of the damage caused by the invading organisms and the normal immune response of the body to the infection in that specific joint or set of joints. In septic arthritis, the macrophages ingest a pathogen that has infected a joint. The macrophages then degrade the pathogen into antigens and relay them to the helper T-cells in the lymph nodes. The T-cells then create antibodies specific to the antigens on the pathogens. The inflammatory response also releases histamine which increases the blood flowing into the affected joint to cause swelling, redness, and pain, which in turn causes stiffness and difficulty moving in the joint to cause arthritic symptoms. Meanwhile, the invading organisms cause damage to the joints. Such damage incurred by the joints may be irreparable if medical attention is not immediately sought after. Suppuration which is the result of the white blood cells fight against the invading microorganisms may also contribute to the ar thritic condition. The fever response that triggers the release of pyrogen may also contribute to the degeneration of the joint. Although the exact etiology of the condition is still uncertain, unlike septic arthritis, reactive arthritis is caused by a faulty immune system response. The condition occurs in the absence and aftermath of an actual infection that is located in a part of the body aside from the affected joints. Two theories exist for the purpose of explanation. The first theory speculates that there are antigens deposited in the affected joint; the second theory speculates that the immune system has become faulty in detecting the actual presence or absence pathogens and creates an exaggerated immune response in the joints even though there is no infection or the infection is located elsewhere on the body. These theories causes the immune system to believe in a current infection and will release histamine and pyrogen to produce inflammation and fever. The inflammation will again cause the joint(s) to be stiff, painful, and immobileall of which are arthritic symptoms. The absence of an actual pathogen may mean that the inflammation and fever will last for an uncertain length of time but the absence of an actual pathogen will also mean that there is little to no actual damage to the affected joint. Distinguishing Characteristics There are over a hundred forms of arthritis, all of which involve some degree of inflammation, pain, and immobility of an affected joint.  [21]  The many different types are the result of several different causes and these causes may point towards what distinguishes each form of arthritis from the other. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is the most common presentation of arthritis; it can result from trauma to the joint, direct infection to the joint, daily wear and tear, muscle strain, fatigue, or simply from old age. Other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are attributed to autoimmune diseases. The main thing that differentiates septic arthritis and reactive arthritis from other types of arthritis is that they are mainly results of infection. This means that they will most likely present with fever. The main difference between reactive arthritis from septic arthritis is that the latter is when infection of the joint itself is the cause of the suppuration leading to the arthritis. However, reactive arthritis is not caused by an infection to the joint itself, but rather the inflammation is caused by an autoimmune response to an infection located on another part of the body; this is known as cross reactivity.  [22]  Septic arthritis will most likely affect an individual joint (monoarthritic) if only one joint is infected. Nonetheless, the possible systemic nature of reactive arthritis allows it to most likely affect several joints (polyarthritis). Septic arthritis will also most likely yield positive culture results and present with suppuration, unlike reactive arthritis which may not yield the same results due to the absence of an infection at the actual site of arthritic symptoms. Techniques and Research Diagnostic Techniques The diagnosis of arthritis in general is made through a clinical examination that is conducted by a duly licensed and qualified health professional, who may require other examinations such as blood tests and radiology to create a differential diagnosis for the suspected arthritis. However, radiographs (x-ray) and sonographs (ultrasound) are mostly used only to assess and monitor the severity and progression of the condition. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also an effective diagnostic tool. The history of the current disorder may guide diagnosis; some significant markers include: speed and time of onset, pattern and symmetry of joint involvement, aggravating and relieving factors, quality and severity of pain, and other systemic symptoms. An example of this is the use of pain patterns; for example, rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in pain and stiffness during mornings, but in comparison, osteoarthritis is usually aggravated after strenuous activities such as exercise. There is no diagnostic test to completely rule out septic arthritis; however, it should be considered whenever a patient presents with rapid onset of joint pain. Usually it only affects one joint (monoarthritis); however, several joints can be affected simultaneously in cases involving staphylococcus or gonococcus infections. The affected joints may present with pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often affecting joints in the limbs instead of deep joints such as the hips or shoulders. A fever of a bove 38.5 degrees Celsius and history of septic arthritis may also be indicative of the condition. The Gram stain can rule towards a septic arthritis diagnosis but cannot rule it out.  [23]  Gram stain and culture of fluid from the joint and blood test serums can also rule towards a positive diagnosis when yielding elevated neutrophils, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), and WBCs. Being a sort of systemic autoimmune disorder, reactive arthritis can be expected to cause polyarthritis which is a multiple joint arthritic condition. The affected joints may also present with pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Swabs taken from the urethra, cervix, stool, urine, or the throat can be cultured in an attempt to identify the causative organisms. Blood tests and synovial fluid cultures may also be done to reveal elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and CRP to support the diagnosis. A blood screening may be done to identify the presence of the gene HLA-B27, which is present in an estimated eighty percent of all patients suffering from reactive arthr itis.  [24]   Treatment Techniques Treatment for arthritis in general includes lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight control, physical therapy, orthopedic braces, and medications. The main goal of treatment for both septic and reactive arthritis is to identify and eradicate the causative pathogen with the appropriate antibiotics. In the meantime, the treatment is symptomatic. Medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDS, steroids, and analgesia can help decrease inflammation in the joint resulting in decreased pain and hampered joint damage.  [25]  Reactive arthritis may require immunosuppressant medications in addition to the above medications to reduce oversensitivity of the immune system. Extreme pain, redness, and swelling may require drainage by needle puncture to alleviate these signs of inflammation. Surgical replacement of the joints may also be needed in eroding types of arthritis such as certain strains of septic arthritis. Surgical debridement or arthrotomy is usually indicated for infections involvi ng prosthetic joints. Individuals for whom surgery is contraindicated will have to undergo long-term trial antibiotic therapy.  [26]   Analysis Septic arthritis and reactive arthritis are two arthritic conditions that result from the human immune systems response to infection. Septic arthritis is the result of an infection on the arthritic joint; if one joint is infected, only one joint shall be suffer arthritic symptoms. Reactive arthritis is the result of an exaggerated immune response to an infection that does not involve the arthritic joint; this condition may be systemic and may affect multiple joints. Septic arthritis and reactive arthritis may both be caused by any pathogen including bacteria, mycobacterium, virus, and fungi; however, bacterial infections are the most prevalent culprit. Since both septic arthritis and reactive arthritis are the result of an infection, what distinguishes them from most other forms of arthritis is that both of them may present with fever and some degree of suppuration in addition to the usual symptoms of inflammation which include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth at the joint. Septic arthritis will however prove to be the more destructive of the two conditions because it directly infects the joint and may cause permanent and irreversible damage. Since both of the conditions are the result of an infection, both of their treatments include antibiotics, which may usually be given intravenously, and medications that may deal with the symptoms of pain and inflammation may be given. Orthopedic bracing for support and surgical intervention for damaged joints may also be needed in certain cases.

Essay on The Redemption of King Lear -- King Lear essays

The Redemption of King Lear? Shakespeare’s play, King Lear is quite renowned and the folly of the ancient King is a great example of how not to handle family relationships. The question has been proposed if King Lear is redeemed when reunited with Cordelia. King Lear does achieve a kind of redemption when he is reunited with Cordelia in Acts IV and V of the tragedy. What kind of redemption he achieves is open to interpretation. In order to understand the King's redemption, it must be determined what the King is redeemed from. Once this sin is established, an analysis can be made as to when the King is redeemed, and how. I propose that King Lear's folly, for which he is later redeemed occurs in Act I scene 1. As an opening scene should, this scene sets up all the characters of the play. In this scene, Lear intends to divide his kingdom among his daughters based on their flattery in professing their love for him. This superficial nature is a flaw in the King's character. King Lear's oldest two daughters, Goneril and Regan, flatter the King to his liking, easily deceiving him. Cordelia, the young daughter prefers to "Love, and be silent."(892). The King is enraged at Cordelia's silence, even though in truth she loves the king more than her sisters. King Lear disowns Cordelia: Let it be so! Thy truth, then be thy dower! &... ...sp; And ask of thee forgiveness. So we'll live, And pray and sing and tell old tales, and laugh . . . The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? He that parts us shall bring a brand from heavens (959). Unfortunately the King's redemption is short for the ending of the play is in the true nature of a tragedy, and in fact epitomizes the genre.

How Controlled Burns Improve Forestry Essay -- Nature Environmental Wi

Thousands upon thousands of acres are lost in forest fires every year. We always hear about the dramatic losses caused by forest fires and are often concerned by them. There are so many horrible effects from fires and most of them affect so many people. Studies have shown that out of all of the different methods to decrease fire damage, prescribed burns are the most affective. Many people would argue that they are not as affective because they cause so many health problems. Although that is a very important view and may seem valid, those health issues are not as extreme as one might think. People should look at the majority of the benefits form prescribed burns and they will see how affective and important they are. Prevention is the key to society these days and is definitely an important factor in saving lives. If more lives can be saved as well as land and wildlife, prescribed burns may be the better way to go about forest fires. Although, prescribed burns are better for the environment in order to prevent drastic forest fires, severe damage to timber and extreme death of wildlife; some people feel it affects the health of a firefighter too much and it causes too many long term effects. It is so sad to see the horror of forest fires and how they corrupt our beautiful land. So much damage comes out of what started so small. At least 603 square miles of land were burned in the early stages of the Arizona fire only a couple of years ago (BBC 2). In a Colorado fire 2.3 million acres had been burned (BBC 3). That land could have been saved if the use of prescribed burns had been in the area. Mr. McGann from the forestry service told reporters that pine forests had become choked with underbr... ...News. â€Å"Arizona blazes become sea of fire.† BBC. 24, October 2012: Grelen, Harold E. May Burns Stimulate Growth of Longleaf Pine Seedlings. New Orleans: Southern Forest Experiment Station, 1978. Mitchell, Robert. Summary Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Rio Grande National Forest: Forest Service, 2009. Ower, Carolyn Louise. Changes in ponderosa pine seedling growth and soil nitrogen following prescribed burning and manual removal of the forest floor. Flagstaff: Northern Arizona University, 2005. Tobin, Mitch. â€Å"Wildlife refuge controlled burn opens smoothly.† Arizona Daily Star. 24, October 2011: Webb, James B. Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Rio Grande National Forest: Forest Service, 2009. How Controlled Burns Improve Forestry Essay -- Nature Environmental Wi Thousands upon thousands of acres are lost in forest fires every year. We always hear about the dramatic losses caused by forest fires and are often concerned by them. There are so many horrible effects from fires and most of them affect so many people. Studies have shown that out of all of the different methods to decrease fire damage, prescribed burns are the most affective. Many people would argue that they are not as affective because they cause so many health problems. Although that is a very important view and may seem valid, those health issues are not as extreme as one might think. People should look at the majority of the benefits form prescribed burns and they will see how affective and important they are. Prevention is the key to society these days and is definitely an important factor in saving lives. If more lives can be saved as well as land and wildlife, prescribed burns may be the better way to go about forest fires. Although, prescribed burns are better for the environment in order to prevent drastic forest fires, severe damage to timber and extreme death of wildlife; some people feel it affects the health of a firefighter too much and it causes too many long term effects. It is so sad to see the horror of forest fires and how they corrupt our beautiful land. So much damage comes out of what started so small. At least 603 square miles of land were burned in the early stages of the Arizona fire only a couple of years ago (BBC 2). In a Colorado fire 2.3 million acres had been burned (BBC 3). That land could have been saved if the use of prescribed burns had been in the area. Mr. McGann from the forestry service told reporters that pine forests had become choked with underbr... ...News. â€Å"Arizona blazes become sea of fire.† BBC. 24, October 2012: Grelen, Harold E. May Burns Stimulate Growth of Longleaf Pine Seedlings. New Orleans: Southern Forest Experiment Station, 1978. Mitchell, Robert. Summary Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Rio Grande National Forest: Forest Service, 2009. Ower, Carolyn Louise. Changes in ponderosa pine seedling growth and soil nitrogen following prescribed burning and manual removal of the forest floor. Flagstaff: Northern Arizona University, 2005. Tobin, Mitch. â€Å"Wildlife refuge controlled burn opens smoothly.† Arizona Daily Star. 24, October 2011: Webb, James B. Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Rio Grande National Forest: Forest Service, 2009.

The History of Computers :: Technology Technological Computers Essays

The History of Computers Most of usà ¤participate in this digital culture, whether by using an ATM card, composing and printing an office newsletter, calling a mail-order house on toll-free numberà ¤or shopping at a mega-mall where the inventory is replenished just in time. (Ceruzzi 1) In the Information Age of today society has become dependent on technology; every aspect of our lives have become centered on how fast and efficiently something can be accomplished. The use of computers aids our stride to becoming technologically advanced. But how did we as a society arrive at such a point? How did we end up becoming so reliant on computers? These questions will hopefully be answered by looking back at the history of computers to date. During the WWII, Eckert and Mauchly designed and built the ENIAC, an electronic calculator that computed firing tables for the U.S Army; it established the era of computing in the United States. After the War, the drum came about as the reliable, inexpensive but slow memory device. ERA sold the drum machines, advertising their dependability, large storage capacity and their high speed capabilities. Eckert and Mauchly in 1951 started the intrigue with computers with their UNIVAC, a computer with computing abilities; as time passed the UNIVAC became essentially important. During the 1960Ï€s, The Case 1107 provided the main computing facility for Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland Ohio in the United States (Walker). The UNIVAC was extremely large yet quiet; its front cabinets ranged from floor to ceiling. The central processor was capable of computing simple arithmetic equations. The Case 1107 was one of the first computers on Earth to provide access from remote locations both at other locations on the campus and as far afield as Erie, Pennsylvania (Walker). A transformation in circuit technology during the 60Ï€s, enabled the transitor to become reliable and cheap enough to serve as the basic circuit element for processors (Ceruzzi 49). By 1971, Intel had already released the world's first generally available DRAM chip and therefore, built the world's first single chip general purpose microprocessor. Two years later in 1973, IBM developed what is considered to be the first true sealed hard disk drive.

Islam and Terrorism Essay

Muslims, especially Arab Muslims, are said to have been consistently stereotyped in films, television programs, cartoons and even the news as terrorist animals, who have no regard for human life (Fisk 125). And as Robert Fisk would say, the more films he watched, the more cartoons he saw, the more editorials he read, the more fear of the despicable, fearful, alien Muslim seemed to be spreading (127). Thus the Muslims always portrayed as the sinister, evil, over-breeding and worthy of destruction (Fisk 127). Furthermore, as a result of this, media now has equated Islam with terror and fundamentalism, so that no matter where a bomb goes off in the world, the first suspects are always Muslims (Said 110). Said explains that both Israel and the United States identify fundamentalist Islam, a label which is often compressed into one word, â€Å"Islam† (111). Hence, the Islamic belief has been very much associated with terrorism. But then, does Islam really promote acts of terrorism? This paper hopes to delve into the Islamic teaching, specifically the concept of jihad, which is often pointed to be the main reason associating Islam with terrorism. The paper would also identify the intent of jihad as compared to that of terrorism. Finally, this paper aims to conclude that amidst the negative interpretations of jihad contained in the teaching of Islam, Islam does not intend to promote terrorism but aims for spiritual striving in a peaceful manner. Jihad Mohammed Abdul Malek, author of the book entitled A Study of the Qur’an: The Universal Guidance for Mankind, says that, Jihad is often a misunderstood concept of Islam (121). Malek says that, contrary to commonly held belief that jihad exhorts Muslims to expand Islam by violent means, jihad simply refers to a spiritual striving to attain nearness to Allah (121). Malek stresses that the doctrine of Jihad never encourages war or violence (121). He says that it is not a holy war against the non-believers as is commonly understood, which phrase was merely coined by the West in its struggle against the Muslims during the time of the Crusades, a war instigated by the Church for religious gain (Malek 122). Furthermore, he says that there are other words in Arabic which are more appropriate to use in a war situation if war was the principal purpose of Jihad (Malek 122). Examples of which are ‘harb’ which means war and ‘Ma’araka’ which means battle (Malek 122. ). The Qur’an could have used these instead of Jihad if the intention was the declaration of war (Malek 122). Malek quotes Haji Ibrahim Golightly, who explains thoroughly the question and purpose of ‘Jihad’. Golightly explains that Jihad means to strive or make an effort, usually in an Islamic context, so that anything which requires an effort to be made is Jihad and the person doing it is ‘mujahid’ (122). He says that media’s interpretation of jihad that it is fighting and killing in the name of Allah, is not true (Malek 122). He clarifies that said efforts are certainly in the name of Allah, but not in terms of fighting and killing, but instead involves activities such as making time in a busy schedule to study the Qur’an; going to ‘halal’ butcher rather than the closest or most convenient one; discussing Islam with both Muslims and non-Muslims and helping them to understand it better; studying ‘ayat’ or signs, both of Qur’an and in nature and science, in order to increase ‘ilm’, or knowledge; setting other Muslims a good example and showing non-Muslims the true way of Muslims (Malek 122). These, he says, are all examples of Jihad in daily life (Malek 122). Hence, Jihad, he explains, is the effort made not just against internal and external evils but also to live at peace with oneself and ones community, whether Muslim or non-Muslim (Malek 122). Malek further suggests that Jihad must be explained in the context of the Qur’anic verses in which it is used (Malek 122-123). Some of the typical verses based on the translation of Maulana Muhammad Ali’s book entitled ‘The Religion of Islam’, explains jihad in the context of the Qur’anic Verses (Malek 123). First, it provides that â€Å"(22:78) And strive hard ‘jahidu’ for Allah with endeavour which is right† (Malek 123). Ali explains that jihad implies that one should exert one’s self to the utmost ability, like moral, spiritual or political, for the cause of Allah and to establish Allah’s Deen, without resorting to war (Malek 123). Secondly, it provides that â€Å"(29:6) And whoever strives hard (jahada), he strives (yujahidu) only for his own soul, that is for his own benefit, for Allah is altogether independent of (His) creatures (Malek 123). These verses then, as explained by Malek, show that jihad is the spiritual striving to attain nearness to Allah, and the result of this jihad is stated to be Allah’s guidance for those striving his ways (123). It is a struggle to win unbelievers not of the sword but of Qur’an (Malek 123). In the verses cited, jihad is used in the general sense of striving hard, morally, spiritually, and in our day to day life, and implies a struggle in Allah’s ways to achieve an objective, without resorting to war (Malek 124). Malek also cites the definition of Jihad from the Muslimsonline. com, which basically means the striving and refers to the unceasing effort that an individual must make towards self-improvement and self-purification (123). It also refers to the duty of Muslims, at both individual and collective level to struggle against all forms of evil, corruption, injustice, tyranny and oppressions whether committed by Muslims and non-Muslims (Malek 123). Comparing then the purpose of Jihad, which aims for spiritual striving (Malek 121), terrorism, on the otherhand aims only to endanger human life and create an environment of fear and danger. Jihad, which in its origin is a peaceful religious exercise just like how other religions have, it is far from what terrorism aims to propagate. Certainly comparing jihad with what terrorism intends to accomplish, there is indeed a very big difference. Aside from this, the double standard which exists in society also tends to distort or generalize Muslim as terrorists. Fisk cites that once the culprits turn out to be Americans, the word ‘terrorism’ fades from the headlines and are then replaced into a word called ‘fanatics’ (128). This negative media has then an adverse effect on the daily lives of the Muslims (Fisk 129). Conclusion As can be seen from the verses taken in the context of the Qur’an which is the best source to interpret what jihad is, it teaches ‘spiritual striving’ (Malek 123) as opposed to what is projected in the media that often associates it. As explained by Malek, Islam could have used other Arabic words which specifically refer to war instead of the word ‘jihad’ if the intention was to propagate war (122). Furthermore, the phrase ‘holy war’ is of Western origin in history, which was the struggle against Muslims during that time of the Crusades (Malek 122). Terrorism on the otherhand, has no other intention but to create some disturbance and violence which are dangerous to human life. Indeed, this is not part of the Islamic teaching manifested in the Qur’an. Just like other religions, which have activities in order to exercise their basic freedom of religion, so does Islam have their own sets of activities which do not at all propagate war but through means which are peaceful. Islam as a religion being associated with terrorism thus often is a result of distorted views as opposed to what it really teaches. This is mainly due to the influence that media has to its viewers which, as we know is a very powerful medium when it comes projecting and presenting who are considered as terrorists and who are not. This does not mean however that we should tolerate acts of some Islamic groups which are with fault, but only means that there should also be some responsibility especially of persons belonging to the media, to report balanced news or feature shows without being biased or being prejudicial against a religion, sector or group. There must also be respect for other religions just like how the way the Western way of belief is respected. Explanation by those given by those knowledgeable in the interpretation of Qur’an, must also be given the chance to explain the Islamic belief and must be given a chance to also be presented to viewers. In that way, there would be a deeper understanding not only of other religions but of other cultures as well. Indeed, everyone of us is against terrorism because of the threat it brings to our daily lives. But this should not compromise respect for other religions as well. It is time that there should be a strong foreign policy toward Muslim countries (Saeed 131). There should also be some cooperation on the part of citizens of nations in reporting those responsible for terroristic acts. Only in this way, are we able to pinpoint the real perpetrators and bring them to justice. Reference Fisk, Robert. â€Å"The Media Stereotype Muslims as Terrorists. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 125-130. Malek, Mohammed. â€Å"The Islamic Doctrine of Jihad Does Not Advocate Violence. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 121-123. Saeed, Kazim. â€Å"Media Stereotypes Do Not Define the Image of Muslims. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 131 – 133. Said, Edward. â€Å"The Problem of Islamic Terrorism Is Overstated. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 110-111.

Discuss Hamlet’s attitude to death and the afterlife Essay

Discuss Hamlet’s attitude to death and the afterlife, giving an indication as to how both contemporary audience and modern audiences might view it. â€Å"Hamlet† deals with situations, which require a single-minded response. However, by the end of the twentieth century a large percentage of people were unfamiliar with church worship and words of the bible, which makes modern interpretation of it much more difficult which Elizabethan and Jacobean audience of Shakespeare’s time on the other hand had strong beliefs in religion, includes specifically the afterlife. Hamlet shares the views of the contemporary audience and we must therefore try to understand his religious perspectives in the way that contemporary audiences would have done. To the modern audience the religious ideas and beliefs of Hamlet may seem strange 1 â€Å"There is never an ideal production of Hamlet; any interpretation must limit. For our decade I think the play will be about the disillusionment which produces apathy of the will so deep that commitment to politics, to religion or to life is impossible†¦ Hamlet is always on the brink of action, but something inside him stops the final committed action. It is an emotion which can encounter in the youth today. † I agree with this statement but I think that it is Hamlet’s conscience that holds him back from killing Claudius rather than mere disillusionment. For the Shakespearean audience, a religious theme would have been established at the very beginning of â€Å"Hamlet† when the ghost fades â€Å"on the crowing of the clock† and Marcellus says: â€Å"Some say that ever ‘gainst that season comes Wherin our Savior’s birth is celebrated, This bird of dawning singeth all night long: And then, they say, no spirit dare stir abroad. The nights are wholesome, then no planets strike, No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, So hallow’d and so gracious is that time† No spirits are allowed to walk the earth in the day. â€Å"The Crowing of the cock† could also be a religious reference to St Peter’s denial of Christ before the crucifixion, all of which would have been readily understood by a less secular audience than a modern one. When Laertes discovers that Hamlet killed his father, Polonius, his reaction is in complete contrast to Hamlet’s when he discovers what happened to his father. Laertes is prepared to go to Hell to avenge his father’s death and is more concerned about getting his revenge than what happens to him. The final result of Laertes’ decisiveness is the death of Hamlet. Laertes gets his revenge, but at great cost. In a traditional revenge tragedy the search for revenge would predominantly lie with the hero of the play. However, Shakespeare makes Hamlet very aware of the consequences of his actions, which is why this is not the typical revenge tragedy that Jacobean audiences were familiar with. This is because Shakespeare wanted to show that Hamlet has a morality that rises above vengeance. Laertes takes on the role of the character who demands vengeance regardless of the consequences. Hamlet, as I have already suggested, is very much a thinker and considers the consequences of his actions. He procrastinates about taking revenge throughout the play and ironically it is Claudius who suggests the fencing match and the poisoned wine, which ultimately allows Hamlet to honour the Ghosts wishes and kill Claudius. When Hamlet’s father’s ghost first appears to him, he wonders whether or not to accept it at face value. This is because Shakespeare has acknowledged the church belief that no soul could ever return from the grave so all in reality were evil spirits or devils who are attempting to entrap mortals into their power. On first seeing the ghost Hamlet says: â€Å"Angels and ministers of grace defend us! Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn’d, Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell, Be thy intents wicked or charitable, Thou com’st in such questionable shape That I will speak to thee. I’ll call thee Hamlet†¦ â€Å"

Foreign Exchange of Ibbl

CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTORY PART †¢ Introduction †¢ Origin of the Report †¢ Scope of the Study †¢ Objective of the study †¢ Methodology †¢ Limitation of the study CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTORY PART 1. 1 Introduction: Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim countries in the World. The people of this country are deeply committed to Islamic way of life as enshrined in the Holy Quran and the sunnah. Naturally, it remains a deep cry in their hearts to fashion and design their economic lives in accordance with the precepts of Islam.The establishment of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited on March 13, 1983, is the true reflection of this inner urge of its people, which started functioning with effect from March 30, 1983, . It is committed to conduct all banking and investment activities based on interest free and profit-loss sharing system. In doing so, it has unveiled anew horizon and ushered in a new silver lining of hope towards materializing a long cherished drems of the pe ople of Bangladesh for doing their banking transactions in line with prescribed by Islam.With the active co-operation and participation of Islam Development Bank (IDB) and some other Islamic bank , financial institutions ,government bodies and eminent personalities of the Middle East and the Gulf countries , Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) has by now earned the unique position of a leading private commercial Bank in Bangladesh. 1 2 1. 2 Origin of the Report: Compliant with the rule of the BBA Program, it is mandatory for a student to intern in an organization, in order to be acquainted with the real practices.Banking business in today’s world is going rapidly. Bank deals with diversified work. Here, many things have to learn quickly which later helps to build career decision. So, I had selected Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited for the internship. The topic of my study is â€Å"Different Modes of Investment of IBBL on Mirpur Branch† 3 4 1. 3 Scope of the Study: BBA course curriculum necessitates for knowing the banking system of any bank. No economic standard can run without banking system or any other financial institutions.My study is ‘Different modes of investment of IBBL on Mirpir Branch’ is a relevant and core of Banking business. Without this concern bank cannot think of its business and existence. I have worked at Pallabi Branch of IBBL. The report covers brief overview of IBBL, its products services; the report covers brief overview of IBBL, its products services, operating activities financial position, performance analysis, different types of modes present situation, performance analysis and SWOT analysis of IBBL. 1. 4 Objectives of the study: The objectives of this report are: To know about Islamic banking system in Bangladesh. To know about different modes manufacturing of investment of Islami Bank Bangladesh limited. ? To study the performance of different modes of investment of Islami bank Bangladesh limited. ? To id entify the problem of Islami Bank Bangladesh limited. ? To make sngation. 5 1. 5 Methodology: This report has been prepared on the basis of experience gathered during the period of internship form 19th April to13thjun. Within this period I visited three department namely General Banking, Investment and Foreign Exchange departments. Section |Duration |Working Day | |General Banking |From /08/2011 to /08/2011 | | |Investment |From /08/2011 to /08/2011 | | |Foreign Exchange |From /08/2011 to /08/2011 | | A. Sources of Data: The report is prepared by using both primary and secondary data. ) Primary Sources: A lots of the required information came from primary sources. These sources are: o Face to face conversation with the officers: Officers of the general banking, Foreign Exchange & Investment Division of Mirpur Branch, Dhaka have been interviewed. o Practical desk work o Relevant file study as provided by the concerned officer o In depth study of selected cases. o Maintaining diary. i i) Secondary sources: Conceptual parts of the report have been collected by studying different literatures regarding credit appraisal system.Some of these secondary sources are: ? Different Circulars issued by the Head Office and Bangladesh Bank ? Different ‘Investment Manual’, published by IBBL. ? Annual Reports 2010 of IBBL. ? www. islamibankbd. com ? Newspaper information on several days ? Audit Reports. ? Relevant books, Newspapers and Journals. B. Analysis of Data: Some arithmetic and graphical tools are used in this report for analyzing the collected data and to classifying those to interpret them clearly. 6 1. 6 Limitations of the study: Islami banking system is different than the traditional banking system †¢ It is very difficult to analyze this issue without proper knowledge about Islamic banking and economy. †¢ As it is not conventional so it bears some complexity to understand. †¢ Some words are in Arabic terms that make it difficult. †¢ I t is time consuming to differentiate & understand interest & profit. CHAPTER-2 ORGANIZATIONAL PART †¢ Background †¢ Definition of Islamic Economy †¢ Islamic Banking †¢ History of Islamic Banking Goals & Objectives of Islami Banking †¢ Essential Features of an Islamic Bank †¢ Distinguishing Features of Islamic Banking against Commercial Banking †¢ Brief Description of the IBBL †¢ Mission †¢ Vision †¢ Aims and Objectives †¢ Functions of IBBL †¢ Structure of the organization CHAPTER-2 ORGANIZATIONAL PART 7 2. 1 Background: Islam is a complete way of life, and Allah’s Guidance extends into all areas of our lives. Islam has given detailed regulations for our economic life, which is balanced and fair.Muslims are to recognize that wealth, earnings, and material goods are the property of Allah and we are merely his trustees. The principles of Islam aim at establishing a just society wherein everyone will behave responsively and honestly. The Quaranic concept is based upon sovereignty of Allah overall. He is the source of income for human beings. The Almighty provides whatever man possesses to him. Allah is the sustainer of human beings, animals and other beings. It is his desire to whom he gives more and to whom he gives less. 2. 2 Definition of Islamic Economy: a) Islamic Economics is that branch of knowledge, which helps realize human well being through an allocation and distribution of scarce resource that is in conformity with Islamic teachings without unduly curbing individual freedom, or creating continued macro-economic and ecological imbalances- By Omar Chapra (b) Islamic Economics is the science of how man uses resources and means of production to study his worldly needs according to a predetermined code given by Allah in order to achieve the greatest equity- By Princes Muhammad Al-Faisal Saud. 2. 3 Islamic Banking:In the late seventies and early eighties, Muslim countries were awoken by the e mergence of Islami Bank which provided interest free banking facilities. There are currently more then 300 interst free institutions all over the world. Islami Bank now a days not only operate in almost Muslim countries but have extended their wings to the Western world to serve both Muslim and non Muslim countries. In case of Islami Banking the establishment of Mitghamar Local Savings Bank in 1963 is said to be a milestone for modern Islami Banking can nevertheless be traced back to the birth of Isalm.Definition of Islami Banking: An Islami Bank is a financial institution whose statutes, rules and regulations expressly state its commitment to the principles of Islamic Shariah and to the banning of the receipt and payment of interest on any of its operating. – According to OIC 2. 4 History of Islamic Banking: During Sumerian, Babylonian and Mesopotamian civilization, temples gave loans to states and individuals and accumulated much wealth prompting various councils to issue d ecrees. City of Mecca was complex and heterogeneous place, where clan and tribal community were involved in interest based loans.Prophet and his companions were to introduce Arabs to Islam. There is evidence to indicate that the development of Islami Banking started from the time of Prophet. Four revelations of Al-Quran specifically dealing with interest are milestone which later shaped the operational aspects of the Islami Banking system. There are numerous Hadiths relevant to banking which clearly prohibits Muslim from accepting or paying riba. The only known organized financial institution originated during prophet was the Baitul Mal, which involved in state income, expenditure and development purpose.Evidence indicates that the two sons of Chaliph Umar were given loans from Baitul Mal which they used on their way back to Madina for trading and consequently earned profit. Caliph declared it as Mudaraba and taken half profit for Baitul Mal against involved capital. 2. 5 Goals & Ob jectives of Islami Banking: (a) Establishment of an Interest frees financial system. (b) Ensuring justice to both suppliers of fund and user of fund. (c) Encouraging & patronizing entrepreneurship. (d) Creating employment. (e) Bridging up the gap between the surplus and deficit of fund. (f) Development of a healthy capital and money market. g) Providing various services and utilities to the public. (h) Development of standard of living. (i) Maintaining justice and equity at all level of transaction. (j) Swishing over to mass banking from class banking. (k) Alleviating Poverty through Zakat & profit sharing micro-finance. 2. 6 Essential Features of an Islamic Bank: a) Prohibition of Interest: The traditional capitalist banking system depends of interest for providing loans and pays interest for taking loans. The spread between these two interests is the source of its profit. But according to Islamic Shariah all types of interest is banned.So Islamic Bank does not carry on business of interest and it completely avoids the transaction of interest. b) Investment Based on Profit: After departing from interest, the alternative ways of income for Islamic Bank are investment and profit. Thus Islamic Bank gives up any transaction of interest and makes investments based on profit. Bank distributes its profit to its depositors and shareholders. c) Investing in Halal Business: Islamic Shariah has banned the business of haram goods. For example Islam not only forbids the drinking of alcohol but also banned any business of alcohol.Therefore Islamic Bank does not get any haram business and only do halal business. d) Halal Paths and Procedures: Islamic Shariah also reject any haram path or process any case of a halal business. Therefore Islamic Banking system only allows the halal path procedures of Halal business. 2. 7 Distinguishing Features of Islamic Banking against Commercial Banking: (a) Risk Sharing: †¢ No predetermined rate of return. †¢ Sharing end result o f the business. †¢ Mudaraba loss is entirely borne by the Shahib-al-Maal. (b) Emphasis on productivity not on credit worthiness: †¢ Dominant consideration no on collaterals. Emphasis on soundness of the project. (c) Moral Dimension: †¢ Islamic value oriented system. †¢ Full compliance of Shariah. †¢ No finance for wine/tobacco/casino/pork production or trading. (d) Equity: †¢ Justice to all parties. †¢ Riba is unjust. (e) Allocative efficiency: †¢ Productive of the project. †¢ Finance goes to high productive project even if credit worthiness is lower. (f) Stability of the Banking System: †¢ Mudaraba & Musharaka Mechanism ensures stability. (g)Growth: †¢ Promotes Innovation. †¢ Entrepreneurship Development. 2. 8 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE IBBL: Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world.The people of this country are deeply committed to Islamic way of life as enshrined in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Natu rally, it remains a deep cry in their hearts to fashion and design their economic lives in accordance with the precepts of Islam. The establishment of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited on March 13, 1983, is the true reflection of this inner urge of its people, which started functioning with effect from March 30, 1983. This Bank is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is committed to conduct all banking and investment activities on the basis of interest-free profit-loss sharing system.In doing so, it has unveiled a new horizon and ushered in a new silver lining of hope towards materializing a long cherished dream of the people of Bangladesh for doing their banking transactions in line with what is prescribed by Islam. With the active co-operation and participation of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and some other Islamic banks, financial institutions, government bodies and eminent personalities of the Middle East and the Gulf countries, Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has by now ea rned the unique position of a leading private commercial bank in Bangladesh. 2. 9 Mission:To establish Islamic Banking through the introduction of a welfare oriented banking system and also ensure equity and justice in the field of all economic activities, achieve balanced growth and equitable development through diversified investment operations particularly in the priority sectors and less development areas of the country. To encourage socio-economic enlistment and financial services to the low income community particularly in the rural areas. 2. 10 Vision: IBBL’s vision is to always strive to achieve superior financial performance, be considered a leading Islamic Bank by reputation and performance. The bank’s goal is to establish and maintain the modern banking techniques, to ensure the soundness and development of the financial system based on Islamic principles and to become the strong and efficient organization with highly motivated professionals, working for the benefit of people, based upon accountability, transparency and integrity in order to ensure the stability of financial systems. †¢ The bank will try to encourage savings in the form of direct investment. †¢ The bank will also try to encourage Investment particularly in projects which are more likely to lead to higher employment. 2. 1 Aims and Objectives: †¢ To conduct interest-free banking. †¢ To establish participatory banking instead of banking on debtor-creditor relationship. †¢ To invest on profit and risk sharing basis. †¢ To accept deposits on Mudaraba & Al-Wadeah basis. †¢ To establish a welfare-oriented banking system. †¢ To extend co-operation to the poor, the helpless and the low-income group for their economic enlistment. To play a vital role in human development and employment generation. †¢ To contribute towards balanced growth and development of the country through investment operations particularly in the less developed ar eas. To contribute in achieving the ultimate goal of Islamic economic system. 2. 12 Functions of IBBL: The IBBL’s has number of Functions, they are as follows: 1. General banking ? Account Opening Section ? M. S. B, M. S. S, Hajji Section ? P. O, T. D. R, D. D, T. T Section ? Cash Section ? Clearing House Section ? Transaction Entry Section 2. Foreign Exchange Section ? Activities for importer ? Activities for exporter ? Collecting and sending foreign remittance 3. Investment Section ? Activities for importer ? Activities for exporter ? Collecting and sending foreign remittance 2. 13 Organization Structure of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited: [pic] [pic] CHAPTER-3 MODES OF INVESTMENT IN IBBL †¢ Introduction †¢ Investment policy of IBBL †¢ Investment Strategy of IBBL †¢ Investment Modes of IBBL †¢ Mode wise investment †¢ Sector wise Analysis †¢ Special Investment Schemes of IBBL CHAPTER-3 MODES OF INVESTMENT IN IBBL 3. 1 Introduction: Islamic Bank does not invest in loans and fixed interest securities. It can invest in ordinary share only while interest based bank can invest in loans and different kinds of securities.Islami Bank establishes and participate projects with its client as a partner and bears the risk along with the client on a proportionate basis. Besides, other conventional banks sometimes finance projects but do not bear risk. Finally, the concept of Islamic Bank is to establish on egalitarian society based on principles of social justice and equity. Whereas traditional banks pay a fixed interest on savings, time deposit and grant loans with interest for any purpose. We have gathered the fact that investment management is the theme of IBBL. The bank takes deposits and invests the same based on the profit-loss sharing.Bank go for the investment mainly which are long term and profitable in nature. IBBL also give high concentration on the investment that will generate more employment. As investment is one of t he most priority areas for the IBBL, so it needs to cautious in investment decision. To ensure proper investment IBBL always go with in-depth study before making the investment. So in the next phases we are going to demonstrate the way IBBL follow the manage investment. 2 Investment policy of IBBL: Investment policy of Islamic Bank and non Islamic bank are fully different.The investment policies of Islami bank Bangladesh limited are given follows †¢ To invest fund strictly in accordance with the principles of Islamic Shariah. †¢ To diversify its investment portfolio by size of investment, by sectors (public & private), by economic purpose, by securities and by geographical area including industrial, commercial & agricultural. †¢ To ensure mutual benefit both for the Bank and the investment-client by professional appraisal of investment proposals, judicious sanction of investment, close and constant supervision and monitoring thereof. To make investment keeping the soc io-economic requirement of the country in view. †¢ To increase the number of potential investors by making participatory and productive investment. †¢ To finance various development schemes for poverty alleviation, income and employment generation with a view to accelerating sustainable socio-economic growth and upliftment of the society. †¢ To invest in the form of goods and commodities rather than give out cash money to the investment clients. †¢ To encourage social upliftment enterprises. †¢ To shun even highly profitable investment in fields forbidden under Islamic Shariah and are harmful for the society. The Bank extends investments under the principles of Bai-Murabaha, Bai-Muazzal, Hire Purchase under Shirkatul Meelk and Musharaka. The Bank is making sincere efforts to go for investment under Mudaraba principle in near future. 3. 3Investment Strategy of IBBL: Most of the cases investment strategy of Islamic Bank and interest-based bank are contradictor y. The investment strategies of Islami Bank Bangladesh limited are given below: ? To check exodus of investment clients. ? To induct new investment clients. ? To induct good investment clients of other Banks. To enhance existing limits of good investment clients. ? Extension of investment transport sector. ? Extension of investment to backward as well as forward linkage industries. ? Extension of investment to real Estate Sector. ? Extension of investment to Jute sector; particularly for trading and export purpose. ? Strengthening supervision, control and monitoring mechanism. ? Training and motivation of manpower to handle increased and diverse volume of investment s. ? To give due consideration to high risk, high return and low risk, low return investment proposals. Adaptation of modern technology 3. 4 Investment Modes of IBBL: IBBL invests its money in various sectors of the economy through different modes permitted by shariah and approved by the Bangladesh Band. The modes of inv estment are as follows: [pic] A. Bai-Mechanism (Trading mode): Bai-Murabaha: Bai- murabaha may be defined as a contract between a buyer and a seller under which the sells certain specific goods (permissible under Islamic shariah and the law of the land) to the buyer at a cost plus agreed profit payable in cash or on any fixed future data in lump sum or by installments.The marked up profit may be fixed in lump sum or in percentage of the cost price of the goods. Important features: ( It is permissible for the client to offer an order to purchase by the bank particular goods deciding its specification and committing him to buy same from the bank on murabaha, i. e. cost plus agreed upon profit. ( It is permissible to make the promise binding upon the client to purchase from the bank, that is, he is to satisfy the promise or to indemnify the damages caused by breaking the promise without excuse. It is also permissible to take cash / collateral security to guarantee the implementation of the promise or indemnify the damages. ( Stock availability of goods is a basic condition for signing a Bai-murabaha agreement. Therefore, the bank must purchase the goods as per specification of the client to acquire ownership of the same before signing the Bai-Murabaha agreement with the Client. ( After purchase of goods the Bank must bear the risk of goods until those are actually sold and delivered to the Client, i. e. after purchase of the goods by the Bank and before selling of those on Bai-Murabaha to the Client buyer, the bank bear the consequences of any damages or defects, unless there is an agreement with the Client releasing the bank of the defects, that means, if the goods are damaged, bank is liable, if the goods are defective, (a defect that is not included in the release) the Bank bears the responsibility. ( The Bank must deliver the specified Goods to the Client on specified date and at specified place of delivery as per Contract. ( The bank shall the goods at a hig her price (Cost + {profit) to earn profit.The cost of goods sold and profit markup therewith shall separately and clearly be mentioned in the Bai-Murabaha agreement. The profit Mark-up may be mentioned in lump sum or in percentage of the purchase/cost price of the goods. But, under no circumstance, the percentage of the profit shall have any relation with time or expressed in relation with time, such as per month, per annum etc. ( The price once fixed as per agreement and deferred cannot be further increased. ( It is permissible for the bank to authorize any third party to buy and receive the goods on Bank behalf.The authorization must be in a separated contract. Bai-Muajjal: Bai-Muajjal may be defined as a contract between a buyer and seller under which the seller sells certain specific goods permissible under Islamic Shariah and law of the country to the buyer at an agreed fixed price payable at a certain fixed future date in lump sum or within a fixed period by him as per order a nd specification of the buyer. Important feature: I. Bank is not bound to declare cost of goods and profit mark-up separately to the client. II. Spot delivery of the item and payment is deferred. III.The bank transfers ownership and possession of the goods to the client before receipt of sale price. IV. Client may offer an order to purchase by the bank any specified goods and committing himself to buy the same from the Bank on Bai-Muajjal mode. V. It is permissible to make the promise binding upon the client to purchase from the bank. That is, he is either to satisfy the promise or to indemnify damage caused by breaking the promised. VI. Cash /Collateral Security should be obtained to guarantee the implementation of the promise or to indemnify the damages. VII.Mortgage / Guarantee /Cash Security may be obtained before / at the time of signing the agreement. VIII. Stock and availability of goods is a pre- condition for Bai- Muajjal agreement. The responsibility of the bank is to purc hase the desired goods at the disposal of the client to acquire ownership of the same before singing the Bai-Muajjal agreement with the client. IX. The Bank after purchase of good must bear the risk of goods until those are actually delivered to the client. X. The Bank must deliver the specified goods to client on the specified date and at specified place of delivery as per contract.XI. The Bank may sell the goods at one agreed price, which will include both the cost price and the profit. XII. The price once fixed as per agreement and deferred cannot be further in increased. Bai-Salam: Bai-Salam may be defined as a contract between a buyer and a seller under which the seller in advance in the certain commodity/products permissible under Islamic Shariah and the law of the land to the Buyer at an agreed price payable on execution of the said contract and the commodity products to the buyer at a future time in exchange of an advance price fully paid on the spot.Importance Features: Bai -salam is mode of investment allowed by Islamic Shariah in which commodity/product can be sold without having the said commodity (ies)/product(s) either in existence or physical/constructive possession of the seller. If the commodity /product are ready for sale, Bai-Salam is not allowed in Shariah. Then sale may be done either in Bai-Muajjal mode of investment. Generally, Industrial and agricultural products are purchased /sold in advance under Bai-Salam mode of investment to infuse finance so that product is not hindered due to shortage of fund/cash.I. It is permissible to obtain collateral security from the seller client to secure the investment from any hazards vis non-supply of supply of commodity (ies)/product, supply of low quality commodity (ies)/ product(s) etc. II. It is also permissible to obtain mortgage and /or personal guarantee from a third party as security before the signing of the agreement or at the time of signing the agreement. III. Bai-salam on a particular comm odity (ies)/product(s) or on a product of a particular field or farm cannot be affected. IV.The seller (manufacture) client may be made agent of the bank to sell the goods delivered to the bank by him provided a separated agency agreement is excuted between the bank and the client (agent). B. Share mechanism: Mudaraba: It is a from partnership where one party provides the funds while the other provides the expertise, labor and necessary business activities. The first party is called the Sahib-al Mall and the letter referred to at the Mudarib. Any profits accrued are shared between the two parties on a pre- agreed basis, while capital loss in exclusively born by the partner providing the capital.Important features: i. Bank supplies capital as Sahib-Al-Mall and the client invest if in the business with his experience. ii. Administration and management is maintained by the client, iii. Profit is divided as per agreement. iv. Bank bears the actual loss alone, v. Client can not take anot her investment for that specific business without the permission of the Bank. Musharakah: The term â€Å"Shirkat† and Musharaka† have been derived from Arabic words â€Å"Shairkah† and â€Å"Sharika† The word shirkah means a partnership between more than one partner.Thus the word â€Å"Musharaka† and â€Å"Shirkat† means a partnership established between two or more partners for purpose of a commercial venture participated both in the capital and management where the profit may be shared between the partners as per agreed upon ratio and the loss. If any incurred, is to be borne by the partners at per capital/equity ratio. In this case of Investment, â€Å"Musharaka† meaning a partnership between the Bank and the Client for a particular business in which both the Bank and the Client provide capital at an agreed upon ratio and manage the business jointly.Share the rent as per agreed upon ratio and bear the loss, if any in proportion to t heir respective equity. Bank may move itself with the selected Client for conducting any Shariah permissible business under Musharaka mode. Important features: †¢ Bank and client both supply capital Unequally/equally †¢ Profit is divided as per agreement and actual loss is divided as per equity. †¢ Client will maintain all accounts properly bank or its agent may verify or audit it. †¢ Banks can advice the client in such a business in respect of the business. Investment client will normally run and manage the business. †¢ The Bank shall take part in the policy and decision making as well as overseeing (supervision and monitoring) the operations of the business of the Client. The Bank may appoint suitable personal(s) to run the manage the business and to maintain books of accounts of the business property. †¢ As the investment client shall manage the enterprise, the Bank may pay more share of profit to him than that of his proportionate capital contributi on. Loss, if any, shall be shared on the basis of capital ratio. C.Hire Purchase under Shirkatul Melk: Hire Purchase under Shirkatul Melk is a Special type of contract that has been developed through practice. Actually, it is a synthesis of three contacts: i. Shirkat ii. Ijarah and iii. Sale These may be defined as follows: i) Shirkatul Melk: Shirkat means partnership. Shirkatul Melk means share in ownership. When two or more persons supply equity, purchase an asset, own the same jointly, and share the benefit as per agreement and bear the loss in proportion to their respective equity, the contract is calledShirkatul Melk contract. ii) Ijarah:The term Ijarah has been derived from the Arabic words (Air) and (Ujrat) which means consideration, return, wages or rent. This is really the exchange value or consideration, return, wages, rent of service f an asset. Ijarah has been defined as a contract between two parties, the Hiree and Hirer where the Hirer enjoys or reaps a specific servic e or benefit against a specified consideration or rent from the asset owned by the Hiree. It is a hire agreement under which the Hiree to a Hirer against fixed rent or rentals hires out a certain asset for a specified period. iii) Sale:This is a sale contract between a buyer and a seller under which the ownership of certain goods or asset is transferred by seller to the buyer against agreed upon price paid / to be paid by the buyer. Thus, in Hire purchase under Shirkatul Melk mode both the Bank and the Client supply equity in equal or unequal proportion for purchase of an asset like land, building, and machinery, transport etc. Purchase the asset with that quit money, own the same jointly, share the benefit as per agreement and bear the loss in proportion their respective equity.The share, part of portion of the asset owned by the bank is hired out to the client partner for a fixed rent per unit of time for a fixed period. Lastly the bank sells and transfers the ownership of its sha re/part/portion to the client against payment of price fixed for the either gradually part by part or in lump sum within the hire period or after expire of the hire agreement. 3. 5 Mode wise investment: 3. 5. 1 Mode wise investment performance: The mode wise investment performance of IBBL overall and the selected area is outlined below: (Fig. are in million) Modes |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 | |Bai-Murabaha |23522. 92 |31138. 88 |41731. 48 |51822. 28 |59465. 08 |73833 | |HPSM |14131. 48 |18065. 10 |23344. 46 |30046. 89 |39399. 18 |50201 | | Bai-Muajjal |4965. 76 |5512. 13 |5735. 29 |5917. 18 |6921. 37 |6546 | |Purchase and Nego. 1865. 26 |1801. 33 |2416. 64 |3179. 81 |4846. 62 |11040 | |Quard-E-Hasana |1298. 19 |1765. 65 |1694. 32 |1966. 13 |1974. 20 |1955 | |Bai-Salam |407. 08 |610. 27 |807. 14 |641. 44 |905. 61 |1153 | |Mudaraba |52. 00 |103. 00 |102. 00 |50. 00 |50. 00 |50 | |Musharaka |37. 2 |12. 13 |27. 13 |20. 42 |12. 95 |143 | |Total |46279. 71 |59008. 49 |75858. 46 | 94644. 15 |113575. 01 |144921 | 3. 5. 2 Percentage of the mode wise investment for the years: (In Tk %) |Modes |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |Mean | |Bai-Murabaha |50. 83 |52. 77 |55. 01 |55. 34 |52. 5 |50. 95 |52. 875 | |HPSM |30. 53 |30. 62 |30. 78 |32. 09 |34. 69 |34. 64 |32. 225 | |Bai-Muajjal |10. 73 |9. 34 |7. 56 |6. 32 |6. 09 |4. 52 |7. 4267 | |Purchase & Nego. |4. 03 |3. 05 |3. 19 |3. 40 |4. 27 |7. 62 |4. 26 | |Quard-E-Hasana |2. 81 |2. 99 |2. 23 |2. 10 |1. 74 |1. 5 |2. 2033 | |Bai-Salam |. 88 |1. 04 |1. 06 |0. 68 |0. 80 |0. 79 |0. 875 | |Mudaraba |. 11 |. 17 |. 13 |0. 05 |0. 04 |0. 03 |0. 0883 | |Musharaka |. 08 |. 02 |. 04 |0. 02 |0. 01 |. 10 |0. 045 | 3. 5. 3 Division wise investment of IBBL for the years: (Amount in Tk) Division |2009 |2010 | |Dhaka |72637666426 |91473695824 | |Chittagong |19020120156 |25609818224 | |Khulna |8336566722 |12605186181 | |Rajshahi |10129510794 |11572609603 | |Barishal |990277259 |1077373472 | |Sylhet |2460929772 |2581926291 | |Total | 113575071129 |144920609595 | 3. 5. 4 Mode wise investment performance of Mirpur Branch: (In Lac Tk) Modes |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 (up to july 31 ) | |Bai-Murabaha |2551 |3432 |4521 |5072 |4815 | |HPSM |4821 |5906 |6627 |6531 |6155 | |Bai-Muajjal |243 |720 |857 |807 |797 | |QTDR |259 |139 |197 |211 |303 | |Musharaka |46 |00 |7 |7 |00 | |Baisalam |00 |78 |136 |133 |100 | |Others |94 |175 |337 |483 |499 | |Total |8014 |10450 |12682 |13244 |12669 | 3. 5. 5 Percentage of the mode wise investment of mirpur branch for the years: (In Tk %) |Modes |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008(up to july 31 )|Mean | |Bai-Murabaha |31. 83 |32. 84 |35. 65 |38. 30 |38. 00 |38. 54 | |HPSM |60. 16 |56. 52 |52. 26 |49. 31 |48. 58 |58. 22 | |Bai-Muajjal |3. 3 |6. 89 |6. 76 |6. 09 |6. 29 |6. 34 | |QTDR |3. 23 |1. 33 |1. 55 |1. 59 |2. 39 |2. 20 | |Musharaka |0. 57 |0. 00 |0. 06 |0. 05 |0. 00 |0. 15 | |Baisalam |0. 00 |0. 75 |1. 07 |1. 00 |0. 79 |0. 79 | |Others |1. 17 |1. 67 |2. 66 |3. 65 |3. 94 |2. 86 | 3. 5. Sector-wise investment performance of IBBL: (Amount in million Tk) |Year |Comm’l |Industrial |Agriculture |Real State |Transport |other |Total | |2005 |17534. 07 |19692. 68 |2350 |3581. 72 |1851. 32 |1270. 30 |46280. 61 | |2006 |20467. 76 |24480. 21 |2235. 29 |5204. 18 |2475. 11 |4144. 94 |59007. 49 | |2007 |26877. 02 |35593. 03 |3537. 17 |5785. 11 |2472. 46 |1593. 77 |75858. 56 | |2008 |29284. 21 |46063. 51 |6445. 67 |6813. 0 |2975. 12 |2061. 94 |93644. 15 | |2009 |28983. 80 |62642. 10 |5890 |8357. 80 |2722. 40 |4978. 97 |113575. 07 | |2010 |43877 |78788 |6485 |8588 |2656 |4527 |144921 | 3. 5. 7 Sector-wise investment performance of Pallabi Branch: Amount in Lac TK |Year |Comm’l |Industrial |Agriculture |Real State |Transport |Other | |2007 |2667 |1002 |000 |3404 398 |543 | |2008 |3520 |1790 |000 |4189 |393 |567 | |2009 |5385 |2582 |000 |3570 |376 |769 | |2010 |5132 |2591 |000 |4324 |401 |796 | |2008(up to july |4867 |2362 |000 |4196 |337 |907 | |31) | | | | | | | |Mean |4706. 4 |2253. 14 |0. 00 |4294. 47 |415. 64 |781. 53 | 3. 6 Sector wise Analysis: i) Analysis of investment under Commercial Sector:Graphical representation of investment under Commercial Sector is as follows: |Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 |Mean | |Mirpur |2667 |3520 |5385 |5132 |4867 |4269. 6 | From table and above graph we find that, the average investment in commercial sector is satisfactory. In 2006, 2007 total investment under commercial sector was too much favorable. It is so much good for the company. So overall the commercial investment of the bank is satisfactory. ii) Analysis of investment under Real Estate Sector:Graphical representation of investment under Real Estate Sector is as follows: |Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 |Mean | |Mirpur |3404 |4189 |3570 |4324 |4196 |4294. 47 | / From table and above graph we find that, the average investment under Real Estate Sector is Satisfactory.. It is so much good for the bank. So overall the Real Estate in vestment of the bank is satisfactory. iii) Analysis of investment under Transport Sector: Investment under Transport Sector is as follows: Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 |Mean | |Pallabi |398 |393 |376 |401 |337 |415. 64 | From table we find that, the average investment in transport sector is not satisfactory. It has declined in recent years. Where the attention is necessary by the bank. iv) Analysis of investment under Industrial Sector: Investment under the Sector is as follows: Industrial |Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 |Mean | |Pallabi |1002 |1790 |2582 |2591 |2362 |2253. 16 |From table we find that, the average investment in agricultural sector is increasing. In recent years the investment situation under this sector is satisfactory. v) Analysis of investment under Others Sector: Investment under Others Sector is as follows: |Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 |Mean | |Pallabi |543 |567 |769 |796 |907 |781. 53 | From table we find that, the average investment in o thers sector is the most satisfactory. The trend was then going to the upward since 2007. vi) Growth rate of total investment of Islami Bank Pallabi Branch: (Amount in â€Å"000†TK ) Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008(Upto July 31) | |Pallabi |851900 |1149725 |1431864 |1532342 |1461006 | Growth rate of Total credit shows the positive or negative tendency of people to collect their fund from the respective institutions. The higher the growth rate of total credits the best for the organization and its profitability. From the table mentioned above it is found that, the highest growth rate of total credit shows in 2008. It is so good for the organization. vii) Profit and Investment of several year of Pallabi Branch: Year |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008(upto july) | |Total Investment |851900 |1149725 |1431864 |1532342 |1461006 | |Investment Income |68058 |89288 |139411 |156624 |89834 | |Profit on IBG A/C |62187 |74987 |124616 |161790 |88554 | |Net Invst Income |130245 |164275 |264 027 |318414 |178388 | viii) Profit and Investment Ratio: Total Profit received on Investment Profit and investment ratio = ————————————* 100Total amount of investment Figures in 000 Tk |Branch |2007 |2008 |2009 |2010 |2008 |Mean | |Pallabi |15. 29 |14. 29 |18. 44 |20. 78 |9. 99 |17. 19 | Here in the above two graph we see that the profit and investment ratio of the IBBL is in average position. ix) Distribution of Investment by Sectors (Public & Private): (M= Million Taka) |Year |IF |Public Sector |Private Sector |Total | | | |% |Amount |% |Amount | |2008 |71912 |5 |3596 |95 |68317 |71912 | |2009 |86295 |5 |4315 |95 |81980 |86295 | |2010 |103554 |5 |5178 |95 |98376 |103554 | That investment distribution in private and public sector both are more effective for any country. But the Islami bank distributes the maximum investment in private sector because it earned comparatively more profit from private sector. x) Distribution of Investments by Areas (Rural & Urban): (Amount in Taka) Year |Rural |Urban |Total | | |% |Amount |% |Amount | | |2009 |8. 68 |9862235033 |91. 32 |103712836096 |113575071129 | |2010 |7. 86 |11386885036 |92. 14 |133533724559 |144920609595 | From the above table it is found that Islami bank invested the maximum money in urban area. Because maximum entrepreneur and business man stay in urban place. However maximum organization established in urban area. i) Distribution of Investments by Areas (Rural & Urban) of Pallabi Branch: Total investment of Pallabi branch is in Urban areas. There is no rural investment. xii) Distribution of Investments by sector(private & public) of Pallabi Branch: Total investment of Pallabi branch is in private sector there is no public sector investment. xiii) Distribution of country wise Investments of IBBL: |Year |Within Bangladesh |Foreign country |Total | | |% |Amount |% |Amount | | |2009 |100 |113575071129 |0. 0 |0000 |11357507112 9 | |2010 |100 |144920609595 |0. 00 |0000 |144920609595 | 3. 7 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. SPECIAL INVESTMENT SCHEMES OF IBBL: CHAPTER-4 SWOT Analysis †¢ Strength †¢ Weakness †¢ Opportunities †¢ Threats 4. 1. 2. 1. CHAPTER-4 SWOT Analysis 4. 1 SWOT Analysis of IBBL: SWOT Analysis is used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in a business. It is a methodology used to aid strategic planning that gained popularity during the 80’s. It involves specifying the objective of the business or project and identifying the internal and external factors. 4. 2 Strength:After analyzing the present market condition, IBBL got the following strengths, which will be favorable to us to launch our business. Honest and reliable employees: All of the employees of IBBL are honest and reliable. They are always devoted themselves to the works for better services. Better Quality of Services: The IBBL will run profitable business by pro viding first-rate banking services in a caring, upscale, professional environment. More funds for investment: For adequate financial ability they can provide loan to more investment clients. Appropriate Organizational Structure: IBBL has the appropriate organizational structure. Organizational structure will be developed by the local and foreign expertise. 4. 3 Weakness:The weaknesses of IBBL are as follows. Inaduquate Human Resource: IBBL does not have an adequate human resource management so that it has to encounter about their employees as well as recruitment. It does not develop HR department yet. So that it cannot properly train up to its employee and motivate its employees to give them reward. The ignorance of time value of money: According to Islami Shari’ah the interest should be prohibited. In another word Islami economy does not take the time value of money into consideration. So IBBL does not consider time value of money though our country does not follow Islami ec onomy. Slow velocity of investment:The velocity of investment of IBBL is very slow compared to other banks. It takes in excess of time while investing in a project. 4. 4 Opportunities: Looking at current marketing environment, the following opportunities of IBBL are being visible. More Market Share: As Islami banking is a growing type of business in Bangladesh, IBBL has a great opportunity to capture a large amount of market share. Many Islami banks are turning their faces towards conventional banking to capture market share, but IBBL will not compromise with its quality. It will maintain strictly Islami Shari’ah and will provide the best service to its clients to capture market share. More Market Growth:IBBL has the better HR than any other banks in Bangladesh. Their strategy making and implementing will ensuring to achieve a large amount of market growth. 4. 5 Threats: The following factors may occur as unfavorable phenomena for IBBL. Threat of New Entrants: New entrants to an industry impose several threats to existing competitors. New competitors can reduce the market share of all participants by dividing the â€Å"pie† into more pieces. They also may bring new technology or greater resources not available to present competitors and achieve a high market share position quickly to the detriment of all existing participants. So if any new entrants will be big threat for IBBL. Preference Diversity:Client’s preferences can be the most acute threat to any company. It can change any times. If the consumers think that they should prefer any other services rather that for the ultimate comfort, it could be the worst danger to IBBL. Political Unrest: Now-a-days political unrest becomes common phenomenon in a nation as well as the whole world. World is place of intense political unrest. So, political unrest can be harmful for IBBL. Financial Risk: Financial risk is the part of every business. Banks can increase the interest rate; insurance compan y can demand more premium or competitor can offer services in lower price. Economic Change: Changes in economic circumstances can be harmful for the IBBL.Personal income, savings, employment, and price level trends can have dramatic effects on the attractiveness of a firm's products or services in output markets not only final markets, but intermediate markets as well. CHAPTER-5 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS †¢ Analysis of finding problem †¢ Recommendations †¢ Conclusion †¢ Bibliography CHAPTER-5 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5. 1 Analysis of finding problem: I have identified some problems and limitations in Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited while working in Mirpur-10 branch. For these problems IBBL cannot provide best services to its customers as well as customers are not getting ultimate service from IBBL. These problems are given follows: ) Major Investment of IBBL is on commercial and Industrial sectors. ii) Minimum amount of investment is on agricultural sector. iii) IBBL always invest welfare oriented sectors. iv) Large portion of investment is invested by mode of Baimorabaha that is 53. 26%. v) Maximum amount of investment is in Dhaka division. vi) Total investment of IBBL is increasing gradually. vii) No Islami money market is available. Easily money transaction is not possible without the Interest based banking system. viii) No Islami money market is available. Easily money transaction is not possible for the Interest based banking system. ix) IBBL cannot syndicate the other conventional banks. ) Lack of proper supervision. xi) Lack of stable economic condition. xii) Lack of skilled manpower. xiii) Inadequate legal framework. xiv) Unfavorable business environment. xv) Lack of opportunities for profitable investment. xvi) Political unrest. xvii) Customer service is not so much well. xviii) There is no sufficient and high bandwidth Internet connection available in the bank. So, bank cannot ensure better service for all Customers outward city. xix) Some few desks use obstacle instruments and take a huge time to accomplish a particular task. xx) It lacks workforce in general banking section. Employees are not that much motivated to work due to excessive workloads. xi) People still confuse IBBL’s products to conventional banks. For example, people frequently call Mudaraba Special Savings (Pension) Scheme or MSS as DPS like conventional banks. xxii) In a beginning and ending day of the week, the flow of customer is so high so at time handling of the customer is so difficult and that show the lack of professional image. xxiii) The decoration system of the bank is not a planned way and the floor, furniture, other materials are not cleaned in a right way and every time so the working condition is not comfortable. xxiv) Sunday and Thursday is very gathering in account opening, cheque issue, cheque received and pay order. xv) Some purpose they provide cash loan to the clients, for example Hire Purchase under Shirkatu l Melk Real Estate 5. 2 Recommendations: Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has achieved outstanding success during last twenty six years, but competition is being increased simultaneously. Lots of banks are being opened and many banks are opening Islami banking division. To survive as number one position IBBL has to do lots of things. Some of these are suggested below: 1. IBBL should increase investment in agricultural sector because Bangladesh is an agricultural country. 2. IBBL should increase their investment in public sector because their maximum investment is in private sector. 3.Bangladesh is rural base country, So IBBL should increase their investment in rural area. 4. Operational cost should be minimized. 5. IBBL should try to improve the deposit investment ratio for higher productivity. 6. To decentralize the decision-making authority of the bank. 7. Modern method should be introduced for increasing management information system and accounting information system. 8. IBBL is al lowed to determine the rate of profit on deposits and advance. 9. The productivity of the bank may be raised by better funds management and portfolio management improving recycling of funds and developing other income from the business activities of the bank. 10. Purpose oriented training program. 11.Encouraging development of positive and cooperative relationship between management and trade union. 12. Better industrial relationships participatory decision-making etc, is needed to improve the high productivity for the bank. 13. They should improve their customer service. 14. The branch should introduce fully computerized system as soon as possible to reduce time, labor and cost. 15. A large office space should immediately be allocated for this branch. 16. To operate General Banking operations smoothly, some people should immediately be appointed. 17. A prime location should be selected and interior designer should be hired in decorating office. 18. Number of office assistants shoul d be increased. 19.Employees should be smooth behave with customer basically in account opening and convince them. Some other suggestions may be in brief: ? Awareness programs can be arranged for the clients to have a clear view of IBBL products. ? Authorized employees should be monitored to be available at their located divisions ? Branches need to be 100% automated ? Online service should be every where ? Client selection should be cautious ? Overdue should be regularly monitored and minimized ? The information should be available about the investment products and their costs of fund ? Bank documents should be easy and clear to the clients 5. 3 Conclusion: Once upon a time, most of the people didn’t understand interest-free banking system.They never thought that it is possible to provide banking facilities without interest but in passage of time, now it is clear that in Islam there as a banking procedure though profit / less sharing basis. In course of time problems have re duced but not delaminated. This bank is trying to operate their activities according to Islami Shariah. If the Govt. becomes conscious to solve these problems and the banker become cordial and cooperative, the problems may be reduced to a greater extent The Gradual and successful globalization of Islami Banking coupled with growing awareness of the people about its financial and social benefits makes it clear that the next century is going to be the century of Islami Banking. It would be very difficult for them to survive as a number one position, if their service qualities remain constant.Big clients are switching to other bank for this reason bank is losing huge market share. They should pay more attention to big clients. It is also true that maintain Shari’ah and pay special attention to particular person is very difficult. Innovative product should be launched by Islami bank Bangladesh limited such as credit card, investment in education sector to cope with present situat ion. This project will help IBBL to get advantage over others. Special training should be given to employees to develop their behavior. 5. 4 Bibliography: ———————– CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT DEPUTY EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTSENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS VICE PRESIDENTS ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Second Officer (Senior Principal Officer) Investment Department (Principal Officer) Foreign Exchange (Principal Officer) General Department (Principal Officer) Senior Officer Assistant Officer (Grade–II) Assistant Officer (Grade–I) Officer Senior Officer Officer Officer Probationary Officer Assistant Officer (Grade–II) Assistant Officer (Grade–I) Assistant Officer (Grade–II) Assistant Officer (Grade–I) Manager a) Bai-Murabaha b) Bai-Muajjal c) Bai-Salam d) Istishna’a a) Mudaraba b) Musharaka a) Hire Purchase b) Hire Purchase Under shirkatul Melk Bai- Me chanism Share Mechanism Ijara Mechanism