Independent Music Labels and Their impact on theMusic Industry Essay

Independent Music Labels and Their impact on theMusic Industry - Essay Example In recent times – fortunately or unfortunately we don’t know whether to call it a boon or a bane, there has been a sudden splurge of new private music companies which have given the existing scenario a total make-over by branding themselves on a different plane altogether. Besides the four major recording companies –i.e. Warner, Universal, Sony BMG and EMI, there are what are called â€Å"Indie† labels. The most common or widely used description of â€Å"independent† labels is that they are not connected with any major or corporate label. Such labels give more freedom and control, than what is allowed by major labels. They also extend support on the business aspect of music, though not on a very large scale. Independent labels face a downside in the fact that they lack the finance needed to make an artist or album popular. They are not capable of good advertisements or promotions for artists or albums. Most of these small labels are run by musicians from their home or garage. If it becomes a success, eventually it is taken over by a major label. The current scenario is pretty clear, both consumers and artists have spectacular opportunities from digital download technologies, as long as the artists are fairly compensated and major labels don’t interfere with it. Obviously, technology is changing the face of the Music industry.

Masonry Oven and Pizza Essay Example for Free

Masonry Oven and Pizza Essay Pizza is oven-baked flat bread usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings. The modern pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, and the dish has since become popular in many parts of the world. Pizza can be baked in an oven with stone bricks above the heat source, an electric deck oven, a conveyor belt oven or, in the case of more expensive restaurants, a wood- or coal-fired brick oven. On deck ovens, pizza can be slid into the oven on a long paddle, called a peel, and baked directly on the hot bricks or baked on a screen (a round metal grate, typically aluminum). When made at home, it can be baked on a pizza stone in a regular oven to reproduce the effect of a brick oven. Another option is grilled pizza, in which the crust is baked directly on a barbecue grill. Greek pizza, like Chicago-style pizza, is baked in a pan rather than directly on the bricks of the pizza oven. There are several rules to be obligatory followed for making a pizza. The dough should contain flour, natural yeast (brewer’s yeast allowed), salt and water. No kind of fat permitted. The diameter of pizza should not exceed 30 cm. The dough should be made by hands or by means of certified mixers preventing it from overheating. Pizza should be rolled out by hands only. All other methods including rolling-pin application are forbidden. Pizza should be baked in the immediate bottom of the oven. Neither frying pans nor baking trays permitted; the oven should be bricked and lined with fireproof materials similar to the volcanic rock. The oven should be burned with natural wood. The temperature in the oven should not be less than 400 Â °C. Pizza should be thoroughly baked but not over dried; its edges should be high, gentle but crispy at the same time. Pizza is an emerging fast food in Indian urban areas. American pizza chains Dominos Pizza and Pizza Hut opened their first outlets in India in 1996. Domestic pizza brands include Smokin Joes and Pizza Corner. Pizza is probably the most delicious meal I ever had. Every time I have pizza I create memories. There’s always laughter, talking, and just having fun when I eat this meal. Every time I eat pizza I always have a good time. I love when the crust is soft and hot, it’s just wonderful. The sweet warm sauce is just mouthwatering. There’s nothing better than the cheesy, gooey cheese in your mouth. Pizza might be greasy and unhealthy but it sure is affordable. This meal is just one of akind.

The Appendix to Frederick Douglass Narrative Essay -- Narrative of th

O th sin th white folks `mitted when they made th bible lie. You're lucky that my people Are stronger than yo' evil, Or yo' ass, would `a got the heave-ho. Ice Cube, The Predator Frederick Douglass certainly knew that his narrative might be taken by many of his readers as a conscious rejection of Christian faith. Accordingly, he informs his readers that the inclusion of an Appendix at the end of his tale should be seen as an attempt to "remove the liability of such misapprehension" from their thoughts. Such an act implies that the Appendix owes its existence to factors lying outside of the narrative, and, indeed, Douglass often utilizes the Appendix to pre-empt criticism by railing against his accusers: Dark and terrible as is this picture, I hold it to be strictly true of the overwhelming mass of professed Christians in America. They strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Could anything be more true of our churches? They would be shocked at the proposition of fellowshipping a sheep-stealer, and at the same time they hug to their communion a man-stealer, and brand me with being an infidel, if I find fault with them for it. (Douglass, 328.) This reveals the self-conscious relation of Appendix to main text, it's very inclusion highlighting the need Douglass felt to clarify his religious convictions. Such a necessity is indicative of a self-conscious struggle within Narrative of the Life to maintain a coherent "voice" while simultaneously conforming to prescribed notions of slave-narrative form. Abolitionist rhetoric, also, brought pressure to bear upon Douglass' approach, his patrons always a factor in the formulation of so overtly political a text. Douglass' mentor, William Lloyd Garrison, and Wendell Phil... ...arrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. Boston: Anti-Slavery Office, 1845. Henry Louis Gates, ed. The Classic Slave Narratives. New York: Mentor, 1987. Eric J. Sundquist, ed. Frederick Douglass: New Literary and Historical Essays. New York, Cambridge University Press, 1990. Donald B. Gibson. Faith, Doubt and Apostasy. Waldo E. Martin, Jnr. The Mind of Frederick Douglass. University of North Carolina Press, 1984. William Loser Katy. Breaking the Chains: African-American Slave Resistance. New York: Atheneum, 1990. James Brewer Stewart. Holy Warriors: the Abolitionists and American Slavery. New York: Hill and Wang,1976. Henry Louis Gates.The Signifying Monkey. New York: Oxford University Press,1988. Gates. The Trope of the Talking Book. David Van Leer. Reading Slavery: The Anxiety of Ethnicity in Douglass' Narrative.

Illustrate to audiences Essay

This is the scene in which the confrontation between Maggie and Hobson in takes place in the living room. Prior to this scene Maggie has informed Hobson that she is â€Å"Going to marry Willie†. Hobson does not want Maggie to get married but he doesn’t mind Vickey and Alice getting married because they are of less use around the shop and home. Hobson does not want Maggie to get a husband because he is selfish. Maggie is the daughter that is the most businesslike and helps him with the shop regularly. If Maggie were to marry, Hobson would have to do some proper work in the shop. This scene starts with Maggie speaking to Hobson saying â€Å"You and l’ull be straight with one another, father. I’m not a fool and you’re not a fool, and things may as well be put in their places as left untidy†. Here Maggie is very direct in speaking and this is signposting to the audience that there is going to be a confrontation.  Hobson replies with indignation by saying â€Å"You can’t have Willie Mossop. Why, lass, his father was a workhouse brat†. This is an example of the class differences again as Hobson is a shopkeeper and Willie is one of the working class. Willie had come from a poor background and the penniless poor like his father were taken to these workhouses and put to ‘use’. To this Maggie replies â€Å"It’s news to me we’re snobs in Salford. This line would have been humorous to audiences of the past and present because Salford has always been a working town. Hobson is here concerned about his image within the community and about what his friends will think of him in the Moonrakers. Hobson illustrates these thoughts when he says â€Å"I’d be the laughing-stock of the place if I allowed it. I won’t have it, Maggie†. Hobson then tries to justify his stance by adding â€Å"It’s hardly decent at your time of life†. One aspect in which audiences of the past would react differently to audiences of the present is when Hobson says â€Å"It’s hardly decent at your time of life† (Maggie is only 30). However, at the time this book was written people married an awful lot younger, mainly because the average life expectancy back then was a lot younger. Whereas in our days people marry at this age and older still. Therefore, audiences of past and present would react differently. An audience of the past may have thought this comment was amusing, however, an audience of the present may not think it was such a big deal and may also look on it from Maggie’s point of view as a demoralizing comment. However, Hobson’s selfish snobbish ways would make audiences of both past and present want Maggie to marry Willie just to spite Hobson for his pathetic behaviour. An audience of the past would have found Maggie’s next line â€Å"And now I’ll tell you my terms† amusing because it is an example of role reversal because in those days the man was the master and was in charge and he was the one who laid down the terms and rules.  Maggie then goes on to state her terms, telling her father how much she believes her and Willie should be paid. To this Hobson replies, â€Å"Do you think I’m made of brass?† – brass is colloquialism for money. This line would have been amusing to an audience of the past because this is how the people in the streets in that area spoke like and they would be able to associate to it. A present audience may also have found this line amusing, however, some may not have understood it. Hobson tries to reassert his authority by shouting â€Å"I’ll show you what I propose, Maggie†. He then lifts up the trap door and shouts â€Å"Will Mossop!† He then unbuckles his belt and says to Maggie â€Å"I cannot leather you, my lass. You’re female, and exempt, but I can leather him†. Audiences of the present would be quite shocked by this behaviour as it is not a part of modern, civilized society any more. Such violence is frowned upon in our day. However, in the past, audiences would have been familiar with the term a good leathering, it would have been a regular occurrence. Therefore, they may have found this amusing rather than shocking. Hobson continues to try to assert his authority when he says to Willie â€Å"You’ve fallen on misfortune. Love’s led you astray†. He then says, â€Å"I don’t bear Malice, but we must beat the love from your body†. However, this backfires on Hobson when Willie says â€Å"You’ll not beat love in me†. Audiences of the past would have enjoyed this repliance because it is the little man against the boss and in those days the boss had all authority. Willie goes on to aggravate Hobson even more when he says â€Å"I’m none wanting thy Maggie, it’s her that’s after me, but I’ll tell you this, Mr Hobson: If you touch me with that belt, I’ll take her quick, aye, and stick to her like glue†. Again, audiences of the past would have enjoyed this because it is the little man against the all-powerful boss. Present audiences would have enjoyed this too because it would have illustrated Willies determination and independence. After being struck with the belt by Hobson for his remarks, Willie then says to Maggie out of rage â€Å"I’ve none kissed you yet. I shirked before. But, by gum, I’ll kiss you now†. He then kisses Maggie, not with passion but with temper. Audiences of past and present would have enjoyed this part because it is a bit of romantic comedy and Willie is standing up to Hobson, who doesn’t know what to do next. Also, from this scene, audiences of past and present would have observed that Maggie and Willie are sensible, practical and have a mature way of thinking. These characters would make Hobson’s anti-social behaviour more noticeable to the audiences. Finally, carrying on in his new found self-confidence, Willie adds â€Å"And if Mr Hobson raises up that strap again, I’ll do more. I’ll walk straight out of shop with thee and us two ‘ull set up for ourselves. Audiences of the past and present would have enjoyed this scene because not only is Hobson shocked by what Willie has said (Hobson stands in amazed indecision) but Willie is also shocked by the confidence he showed when he stood up to Hobson. Scene Four  The final section of the play I will examine is Act Three, pages 44 – 47.  This section follows on from a scene in which Hobson, drunk from a night in the Moonrakers, fell down a pub cellar and woke up to find he had received a fine for trespassing. Upon this charge Hobson goes to Maggie’s house on her wedding day, in the hope of some help from her.  In this section the roles of Maggie and Hobson are totally reversed. In this scene, Maggie is instead the one who is in charge, while Hobson has to take a more reserved, subservient stance; as he feels that his future is in her hands. This scene begins with a knock on the door and Hobson shouting â€Å"Are you in, Maggie?† Vickey, Maggie’s sister proclaims, â€Å"It’s father!† in a terrified voice. Albert, who is Vickey’s fianc, then adds â€Å"Oh, Lord†, whereas Maggie simply says, â€Å"What’s the matter? Are you afraid of him?† This would inform the audience that there may be a confrontational moment ahead.  Maggie soon takes charge of the situation by telling everybody, except Willie to go into the bedroom and that she’ll shout them before he’s gone. To this order Vickey then says â€Å"But we don’t want-â€Å", to which Maggie interrupts â€Å"Is this your house or mine?† and Vickey answers, â€Å"It’s your cellar†. Maggie then replies by saying â€Å"And I’m in charge of it†. Both audiences of the past and of the present would have found Vickey’s line amusing where she gets back at Maggie by illustrating the stark contrast of a house to a cellar. They also would have been amused by the fact that Maggie reasserts herself (I’m in charge of it) although she says to Willie you’re gaffer here whilst ordering him to sit down. Hobson is then invited in by Willie, who is now in the role of the master of the house. Audiences of the past and the present would have found it amusing when Maggie says, â€Å"You can sit down for five minutes, father. That sofa ‘ull bear your weight†. This line would also illustrate to audiences that Maggie is not threatened by Hobson and makes light of his arrival.  Maggie again shows that she is in charge when Willie says to Hobson â€Å"A piece of pork pie† and Hobson replies groaningly â€Å"Pork pie!† To this reply, Maggie pulls Hobson up sharply by saying â€Å"You’ll be sociable now you’re here, I hope†. Audiences of the past would have appreciated this amusing line because Maggie is pulling her father up sharp and she is in control in a commanding authority. Maggie’s authority is further displayed when she says to Hobson â€Å"Happen a piece of wedding cake ‘ull do you good†. Eating the cake Hobson shudders saying â€Å"It’s sweet† to which Maggie replies â€Å"That’s natural in cake†. Audiences of the past and present would have found this humorous because Hobson enjoys a drink, and being an alcoholic he cannot tolerate sweet things. This is made even more amusing when Maggie pushes the cake towards him and says, â€Å"Then there’s your cake, and you can eat it†, to which Hobson pushes the cake away but Maggie pushes it back again, giving Hobson no choice but to eat it, to which Hobson replies â€Å"You’re a hard woman† as he eats the cake and, as illustrated in the film Maggie watches over him as he eats it. This scene where Maggie forces Hobson to eat the cake would have been amusing to audiences past and present as well as viewed as something significant to all audiences as Maggie has already said â€Å"I’ve a wish to see my father sitting at my table eating my wedding cake on my wedding-day. Conclusion Harold Brighouse’s play Hobson’s Choice is a valuable document of what English society was like in 1915 (when it was written) and 1880 (when it takes place). I believe the play provides us with an important and useful insight to what society was like in those days in Britain as it provides us with an insight into the varying classes of people, how they were treated and their attitudes towards others. In Hobson’s Choice, Maggie, the daughter of Hobson, marries against her fathers wishes much to Hobson’s discomfort and dismay. There are similar themes such as this in modern society today, which are in some ways related to this theme illustrated in Hobson’s Choice. For example, members of families sometimes run away from home in the hope of being with someone who they would otherwise not be able to be with under their parents influence, or to simply escape from a home in which they feel much discomfort in. Also, just like in Hobson’s Choice, children in modern society today marry against their parent’s wishes in order to be with someone. I think audiences of the past and the present would have reacted similar and would have found the play humorous as it shows the underdog or the person who had nothing, Willie winning against someone who had everything, a shop owner and a pillar of society, Hobson. In Hobson’s Choice, Willie was a member of the poorer people and it was obvious that there was a barrier between him, who worked in a cellar, and those such as Hobson who owned the shop. However, today this barrier between the rich and the poor still exists more than ever, so it is clear that some things haven’t changed. I personally enjoyed Hobson’s Choice as I found it amusing throughout and it was an interesting and enjoyable story the way it illustrated what Salford was like in those days and how people were treated according to their class. My favourite parts of the story were probably when Willie stood up to Hobson under Maggie’s watchful eye and walked out of the shop with her, much to Hobson’s amazement, and when Maggie told Willie that he was the man for her and he sat down complete shock and amazement. If I was in the audience I would have enjoyed these parts because they are some of the most amusing parts of the play, mainly because of the way Willie acts. For example, it is amusing when Willie is shocked by the prospect of marriage and he sits down mopping his brow and says in a shocked voice, â€Å"I’m feeling queer-like† – this is highly amusing as the poor man is taken back. In the play Maggie comes across as the strongest character and somebody whom feminists within today’s society would be able to identify. Although in the era when the play set Maggie would have been a very unusual character. The character I would be most sympathetic with in the play would be Willie. This is because he is controlled throughout the play and he was the one who seemed to receive the most punishment, such as when Hobson tries to strike him with a belt for taking up with Maggie, even though he did not do the taking up. However, he would be the character I admire the most because of the way he didn’t give under the pressure of Hobson and stuck by Maggie.

Different styles of leadership Essay

Marianne and Betsy do have different styles of leadership. Betsy is the more authority compliance manager and as well a little middle of the road off management. Marianne is more of country club management and as well as middle of the road. From experience with those management style. I think Betsy should focus more on what her direct manager wants. If your relatively new to a company, it would be very bad to rock the boat. I don’t think she should continue to follow the same leadership style because quite frankly it’s not working. However she should totally abandon her authority leadership style. Honestly Marianne and Betsy are at a point where they desperate need to work together to get the main goal in the right perspective. Marianne should become move of an authority compliant manager by giving her friendship with Bridget and Suzanne just a little separation. Betsy also needs to learn how to be more of a middle of the road team player management. She can’t rely on being too bossy, especially when her own boss tells her she is bossy that’s a very bad sign. Betsy and Marianne can work together if they both come to an understanding. Betsy is more in a jam then Marianne. Betsy works under Marianne and Betsy is a fairly new employee. If Betsy resist Marianne and goes to senior management it could possible jeopardize her employment. Furthermore Marianne has the majority vote amongst the staff. Betsy might have to loosen up her rings and join more of the middle of the road management or either takes some tips into the country club management.

Small Business Environment in Kenya

Small Business Environment in Kenya Introduction Geographically, Kenya lies to the East of Uganda, to the Northern Part of Tanzania and to the West of Somalia. The country enjoys access to the Indian Ocean which it majorly uses for its imports and exports although comprehensively it covers an area of 592,909 square kilometers (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005, 33).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Small Business Environment in Kenya specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The country has a total population of approximately 38.6 million according to recent 2010 statistics (World Bank 2010, 46). Predominantly, the country is agricultural, with its major exports being Tea and horticultural produce (like flowers) which it majorly exports to Europe. Kenya has experienced a relatively peaceful political environment since its independence in 1963 with its major democratic hallmark being the peaceful transition of power from its longtime serving president Dani el Moi to Mwai Kibaki in 2002 (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005, 68). However, in the eve of the elections of 2007/2008, the country experienced both political and social tensions which also spilled over to the economic progress and backtracked on the country’s gains in economic development which stood at nearly 7% per annum (Business Daily Africa 2008, 52). The country later adopted a political settlement that now sees the Sub Saharan nation under the leadership of a Prime minister and a President. This situation has led to a rejuvenation of economic and infrastructural changes that have especially been boosted by the country’s adoption of a new constitution in August 2010 (World Bank 2010, 50). At present, prudent economic policies have been effected and the country now experiences tremendous infrastructural changes and a decrease in unemployment levels. The country also has most of its organizations and businesses centralized at the nation’s headquarte rs, Nairobi (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005, 97). The country’s leadership has in the past laid proper groundwork for creating an investment friendly atmosphere with economists projecting that the country could achieve economic growths at the rate of 8% per annum by the year 2025 (African Development Bank 2010, 74).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Central Bank of Kenya is currently undertaking stable fiscal and monetary policies that have ensured a stable monetary policy in the past few years. Kenya being strategically located in the wider East African region because of its seaport (Mombasa); it has a strategic economic importance in the region (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005, 54). This study seeks to evaluate the small business environment in the region with a careful analysis of the pros and cons the country faces with regards to Sma ll businesses. This study will also provide recommendations on how the country can improve its cons and take advantage of its pros to boost the growth of Small businesses Infrastructure The government of Kenya is currently involved in improving the country’s infrastructure to ensure current facilities in the country are working in an efficient manner. Such efforts are currently aimed at rehabilitating, improving, maintaining, and upgrading existing roads, airports, seaports and other infrastructural facilities. Airports Kenya currently has a well developed international and domestic air transport network that at least covers the entire strategic locations of the country. International airports are located in three cities while domestic airports (for small aircrafts) are located in two cities: Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Kisumu’s airport (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005, 52). For areas that are inaccessible by road, the country has more than 150 airstrip s scattered all over the country to provide access to remote locations (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005). These airports and airstrips are strategically located to provide goods and services to most businesses in the country. Seaports Kenya majorly has one seaport in Mombasa which serves a major economic role for both micro and macro economic business entities. This seaport is termed as one of the most modern in Africa with its strategic importance extended to serving other landlocked countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005, 45). The seaport serves a major strategic role in small businesses because most goods and raw materials dock at the port, after which they are transported countrywide.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Small Business Environment in Kenya specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Roads Kenya has a relatively good road network serving most of its major tow ns. However, the country’s road networks in remote locations where many small businesses thrive are relatively poor with a huge majority of them being murram. Nonetheless, the country’s major highways are known to account for more than 70% of the total freight transported in the country. The cost of transporting freight is advantageously negotiable and most often cheap (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005). In this regard, small business owners are able to transport their goods and raw materials in virtually all corners of the country. Notably, the country’s infrastructure is used to transport large freight including oil and other goods to the country’s neighbors. This carriageway is known as the Northern Corridor (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005). Railway Kenya’s railway network is not as advanced as it should be because the rail infrastructure at present is the same rail network used during the colonial period. However, most of the co untry’s rail network covers major commercial centers. On a positive light, the country’s rail network seeks to gain from reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s infrastructure in the coming few years due to massive transport reforms to be undertaken by the Ministry of Transport. Telecommunication Most small businesses in Kenya thrive from a good telecommunication network. Currently, Kenya is served by four GSM service providers with a relatively strong coverage across the country. In addition, more than 80 internet service providers are currently operating in the country through cut throat competition that has tremendously reduced the costs of telecommunication (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005).. Electricity Electricity in Kenya is majorly created through hydropower and distributed in 250 volts 50 cycles single phase (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005). The government is currently engaged in encouraging the private sector to involve itself in th e production of more electricity because virtually all small business and large business entities rely on power for most of their operations.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Power is however generated through the country’s main electric generating parastatal, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN) but it is distributed through another State parastatal, Kenya Power and Lightning Company (KPLC) (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005). Water And Sanitation Water is majorly supplied by authorized water agents and local authorities (such as municipals and councils). Most councils and municipalities in major commercial centers are engaged in the provision of basic sewage and sanitation services for business entities. However, due to the proliferation of small business entities and indeed the population, most of Kenya’s councils and municipalities are currently seeking to increase their water supply and expand their sewage services to meet the demand. Investments Policies, Laws And Regulations For Small Businesses The Kenyan government is currently aiming at increasing the confidence of both local and foreign investors to increase their investments in the country. A great part of this effort has been through a revision of existing laws and procedures of setting up small businesses in Kenya. Currently, the private sector contributes a greater part of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). One of the government’s main strategies to induce both local and foreign investors is to sell most of its stakes to them. In this manner, the government has initiated a diversification from public sector investments to private sector investments. The kinds of investments earmarked for privatization include some of the largest to the smallest state corporations (Kenya Investments Authority 2010, 232). This trend is projected to create more business opportunities for investors. In addition, laws, policies and regulations are quickly being explained and eased through the investment promotion centre (www.investmentkenya.com) which assists both local and foreign investors in setting up businesses in the country. The s ervice has of late been upgraded to meet the modern needs of businesspersons in the country (Kenya High Commission 2010, 17). Application procedures and approvals are currently being facilitated through the medium as well. Kenyan laws currently allow for the setting up of small businesses in form of partnerships, private companies, joint ventures and public companies. This provides many local and foreign investors with a wide selection of alternatives on the type of businesses the may wish to undertake. The Kenyan Foreign investment act currently governs and safeguards all types of legal investments by Foreigners and undergoes periodic reviews which keep existing laws relevant with the changing business environment. For instance, there was a previous requirement that if foreign investors wished to set up business in the country, they had to apply for a Certificate of Approval so that they may be able to repatriate capital and profits (Exports Processing Zones Authority 2005). This p rovision is no longer there; which means that investors do not have a limit to foreign participation in local businesses, in terms of equity input or otherwise. The government currently wishes to adopt more business friendly rules and policies. These new regulations are expected to further streamline licensing and other application procedures while also increasing the degree of transparency and accountability in providing the same business provisions (Claasen 2010, 2). Information is therefore expected to be easily available to investors, including the procedures and legislation governing small businesses in the country. Investment Opportunities For Small Businesses There are currently many investment opportunities for small businesses as outlined by the Kenyan government. These opportunities are outlines as follows: Information Communication Technology (ICT) ICT is a fast growing sector in the Kenyan economy and many small business owners are bound to gain from the increased ICT ad option in the country. Such opportunities present themselves in form of software development, telecommunication services, E marketing and the likes (Sudan 2010, 67). Such opportunities are complimented by the huge human resource pool of skilled, English speaking, human resource experts who graduate from Kenyan universities each year. Commercial Dairy Farming Currently, the government is undertaking preliminary studies to asses the feasibility of privatizing most of its Artificial Insemination (AI) services. The same opportunity still exists in dipping services as a major dairy subsector (which has in the past been undertaken by the government). Clinical services are also being privatized by the government and this also presents an opportunity for more private sector participation. Tourism Since the government has extensively undertaken major strides in marketing the country as a topnotch tourist destination in Africa, increased tourist figures are expected to boost small businesses that make local artifacts for sale to tourists. Other kinds of businesses expected to grow in this sector include tour agencies, tourist cafeterias, hotels, catering industries and the likes. Other Other small business opportunities exist in the agricultural sector, textile industry, food industry, education sectors, agribusiness, manufacturing sectors and transport sectors (Kinyanjui 2000, 15) Technological Environment Many countries with regard to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have gained from technological changes that set off in the 1990s (Hill 1987, 5). However, in Kenya, technological changes have not impacted small businesses very positively. Many local investors are not well versed with new technologies and this has led to a lot of confusion regarding the incorporation of technology in day to day business operations. In fact, most businessmen and investors who are strategically positioned to gain from technological changes are interestingly unaware of it, whereas inves tors who are aware of it, lack adequate access to technology but in some cases it is too expensive (King 2002, 67). Foreign investors have therefore in the past been better placed to gain from technological changes. Kenya and most Sub-Saharan countries have often found immense difficulty in using technology to integrate the activities of small businesses with potential investors, both locally and internationally (Wanjohi 2008, 5). The situation is further worsened by the wide technological rift between business men in rural areas and those in urban centers. Technological development in rural Kenya is also hampered because there is limited access to electricity among other social amenities that make internet connectivity available. Access to information is therefore hampered in this sense and small businesses in rural Kenya are isolated from existing networks that can provide the break through most small businesses in rural Kenya need for growth and prosperity. Technological changes in Kenya therefore do not seem to help entrepreneurs in rural Kenya at all. Credit Availability Small businesses the world over, have been identified to suffer from limited access to capital. In turn the alternatives in technology are greatly limited due to a lack or insufficient credit. For example, many small businesses have been observed to use inappropriate technology because they cannot afford the cost of using the right technology (IFC 2009, 65). Sometimes, even when credit is readily available, some investors may be forced to compromise their freedom in choosing the right purchasing equipments because of stringent regulations in lending. The constraining nature of the Kenyan credit market has therefore forced many small investors to seek alternative ways of financing like self funding and seeking funds from friends and relatives. In addition, the limited access to long term financing methods has forced many businesses to contend with short term methods of financing which are often expensive (Muteti 2005, 27). Other types of financial challenges many small businesses in Kenya face include high banking costs, high interest rates and exorbitant fees in borrowing funds. The year 2008, brought this issue to fore because most of the country’s small business investors were hoodwinked into joining pyramid schemes that never bore fruit. However, from the whole scam, it was evidently cleat that many people were desperate for a lending mechanism that enabled them to pay back borrowed money in small interest rates. Investment Protection Agreements The government has made specific legislations in its constitution to safeguard both local and foreign investors against unforeseen business calamities. One such guarantee is the protection against expropriation of businesses or private properties which is often undertaken by governments for public interest. In case such an eventuality occurs, the law guarantees investors compensation. Another such guarantee is the repatriation of profits and interests under the Foreign Investment Protection Act which allows foreign investors to repatriate their profits after tax (including retained moneys which have not been capitalized) (Kenya Investments Authority 2010, 112). In the same regard, they can also repatriate any interest payments associated with borrowed loans. Also, Kenya is a member of the World Bank Multilateral investments Guarantee Agency which safeguards businessmen from risks of a non commercial nature (Kenya Investments Authority 2010, 16). Investment Promotion Centre Investment promotion centre was established through an act of parliament to assist micro and macro businesses to operate in the country. This body helps small businesses facilitate their licensing requirements before they commence business and also support the promotion of local investments in both local and international stages (Kenya Investments Authority 2010). The body works closely with relevant government ministries a nd most notably the Ministry for local government in establishment of local businesses to assist investors procure licenses and required permits for business. Currently, the body assists small business investors in obtaining licenses within six months or less. Small businesses are not governed by any equity ceiling, although foreign investors are required to partner with local investors when undertaking small businesses in the country (Kenya Investments Authority 2010). With regards to business opportunities created from government privatization of its departments, the Investment promotion centre can assist small businesses acquire businesses within four weeks upon availability of the necessary documentations (Kenya Investments Authority 2010). Recommendation Kenya has a favorably good business environment for small businesses to thrive. However, since small businesses thrive majorly in remote commercial areas, it is important that the government expand the infrastructure in the rur al areas to support the growth of small businesses. Such developments can be facilitated through private-public partnerships which are expected to hasten such developments. Also, a great deal of the country’s small businesses is concentrated in major commercial centers of the country, thereby disproportionately growing small businesses. The government should therefore provide more incentives for growth of small businesses in rural areas which account for a greater majority of the country’s population. This can be achieved through a reduction of taxes or a reduction of land rates as a factor of production. Licensing has also notably been more bureaucratic than it should be. Considering most nations have achieved fast and more efficient ways of licensing, it is important that the country also follow the same precedent (Organization for Economic Cooperation 2010, 3). Some licensing requirements are noted to take more than six months before being processes, meaning that th e system needs to be automated to increase the speed of such processes. Some of the country’s laws regarding foreign investments also backtrack on the country’s quest to improve foreign investments in the country. For example, the legal requirement that foreign investors ought to partner with local investors in owning agricultural land or setting up small business is retrogressive. Such laws are therefore redundant and should be changed through increased pressures by the business community in improving the business landscape of the country. Conclusion Kenya is a major economic hub of the wider East African region. Its business environment is supported by the government’s commitment to change existing and archaic policies that have previously stunted the economic growth. When compared to other countries of its peers, Kenya is firmly on the path to growth prosperity especially boosted by small business development. The growth of small business is especially expect ed to thrive from the government’s review of existing policies, growth of the ICT and tourism sectors plus an improvement in the country’s infrastructure. The country is therefore expected to substantially grow from increased investor confidence and an upsurge of business opportunities across major economic sectors. That said, Kenya provides a good business environment for the growth of small businesses. Reference List African Development Bank. 2010. African economic outlook, volume 1. New York: OECD Publishing. Business Daily Africa. 2008. Kenya loses Grip on Business reforms, March 4, www.businessdailyafrica.com/-/539552/655052/-/584plu/-/index.html . Claasen, Mario. 2010. Social Accountability in Africa. Practioners Experiences and  Lessons. Johannesburg: African Books Collective. Exports Processing Zones Authority. 2005. Doing Business in Kenya. Nairobi: International Research Network. Hill, Thomas. 1987. Small Business Production/Operations Management. Nairobi: Macmillan Education Ltd. IFC. 2009. Press Releases and Features: Doing business in Kenya, September 9, www.ifc.org/ifcext/media.nsf//DB2010_Kenya_Sep09 . Kenya High Commission. 2010. Doing Business in Kenya, June 10, www.kenyahighcommission.net//doing-business-in-kenya.html . Kenya Investments Authority. 2010. Kenya Investments Authority: Home, March 10, www.investmentkenya.com/. King, McGrath. 2002. Globalization, Enterprise and Knowledge. Oxford: Symposium. Kinyanjui, Maina. 2000. Tapping Opportunities In Enterprise Clusters In Kenya: The  Case Of Enterprises In Ziwani And Kigandaini. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi. Muteti, James. 2005. SMEs in Kenya. Nairobi: The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Organization for Economic Cooperation. 2010. Perspectives on Global  Development 2010: Shifting Wealth. New York: OECD Publishing. Sudan, Randeep. 2010. The Global Opportunity in IT-Based Services: Assessing and  Enhancing Country Comp etitiveness. London: World Bank Publications. Wanjohi, Mugure. 2008. Factors Affecting The Growth Of Mses In Rural Areas Of  Kenya: A Case Of ICT Firms In Kiserian Township, Kajiado District of Kenya. Nairobi: Longhorn Publishers. World Bank. 2010. Doing Business in Kenya 2010, January 20,  psdblog.worldbank.org//doing-business-in-kenya-2010.html .

Management by Objectives Essays

Management by Objectives Essays Management by Objectives Essay Management by Objectives Essay Why should organizations engage in HR Planning? Why do some organizations require relatively complex and comprehensive HR planning systems than do others? Discuss. Planning means looking ahead and chalking out the future courses of actions to be followed. The ongoing process of systematic planning to achieve optimum use of an organizations most valuable asset is human resources department. The objective of human resource (HR) planning is to ensure the best fit between employees and jobs, while avoiding manpower shortages or surpluses. The three key elements of the HR planning process are forecasting labor demand, analyzing present labor supply, and balancing projected labor demand and supply. Management by Objectives (MBO) method involves setting specific measurable goals with each employee and then periodically reviewing the progress made. Advantages: 1. It sets objectives that are quantifiable and measurable. 2. It includes the employee participation in objective-setting process. 3. It also involves employee’s active participation in developing the action plan. . It provides an opportunity for manager and employee to discuss progress and modify objectives when necessary. Disadvantages: 1. It is time consuming. 2. It may result in a tug-of-war or to and fro discussions between manager and employee for setting the objectives, action plan etc. Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) is an appraisal method that combines the benefits of narrative critical incidents and quantitative ratings. Advantages: 1. It is a relatively more accurate method of measure. 2. It has very clear defined standards. 3. It helps in providing specific constructive feedback to employees. 4. It is independent of dimensions and a consistent method for appraisal. 5. It is developed through active participation of both managers and job incumbents. 6. It has a greater chance of acceptance as both managers and incumbents are involved in its development. Disadvantages: 1. It takes considerable time and commitment to develop. 2. There are separate forms that have to be developed for different jobs. Q3. Explain the emerging trends in Human Resource Management and discuss the importance of technology on human resource function. Illustrate your answer with examples. Q4. Why should organizations engage in HR Planning? Why do some organizations require relatively complex and comprehensive HR planning systems than do others? Discuss. Planning means looking ahead and chalking out the future courses of actions to be followed. The ongoing process of systematic planning to achieve optimum use of an organizations most valuable asset is human resources department. The objective of human resource (HR) planning is to ensure the best fit between employees and jobs, while avoiding manpower shortages or surpluses. The three key elements of the HR planning process are forecasting labor demand, analyzing present labor supply, and balancing projected labor demand and supply. Management by Objectives (MBO) method involves setting specific measurable goals with each employee and then periodically reviewing the progress made. Advantages: 1. It sets objectives that are quantifiable and measurable. 2. It includes the employee participation in objective-setting process. 3. It also involves employee’s active participation in developing the action plan. 4. It provides an opportunity for manager and employee to discuss progress and modify objectives when necessary. Disadvantages: 1. It is time consuming. 2. It may result in a tug-of-war or to and fro discussions between manager and employee for setting the objectives, action plan etc. Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) is an appraisal method that combines the benefits of narrative critical incidents and quantitative ratings. Advantages: 1. It is a relatively more accurate method of measure. 2. It has very clear defined standards. 3. It helps in providing specific constructive feedback to employees. 4. It is independent of dimensions and a consistent method for appraisal. 5. It is developed through active participation of both managers and job incumbents. 6. It has a greater chance of acceptance as both managers and incumbents are involved in its development. Disadvantages: 1. It takes considerable time and commitment to develop. . There are separate forms that have to be developed for different jobs. Q3. Explain the emerging trends in Human Resource Management and discuss the importance of technology on human resource function. Illustrate your answer with examples. Q4. Why should organizations engage in HR Planning? Why do some organizations require relatively complex and comprehensive HR planning systems than do others? Discuss. Planning means looking ahead and chalking out the future courses of actions to be followed. The ongoing process of systematic planning to achieve optimum use of an organizations most valuable asset is human resources department. The objective of human resource (HR) planning is to ensure the best fit between employees and jobs, while avoiding manpower shortages or surpluses. The three key elements of the HR planning process are forecasting labor demand, analyzing present labor supply, and balancing projected labor demand and supply. Management by Objectives (MBO) method involves setting specific measurable goals with each employee and then periodically reviewing the progress made. Advantages: 1. It sets objectives that are quantifiable and measurable. 2. It includes the employee participation in objective-setting process. 3. It also involves employee’s active participation in developing the action plan. 4. It provides an opportunity for manager and employee to discuss progress and modify objectives when necessary. Disadvantages: 1. It is time consuming. 2. It may result in a tug-of-war or to and fro discussions between manager and employee for setting the objectives, action plan etc. Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) is an appraisal method that combines the benefits of narrative critical incidents and quantitative ratings. Advantages: 1. It is a relatively more accurate method of measure. 2. It has very clear defined standards. 3. It helps in providing specific constructive feedback to employees. 4. It is independent of dimensions and a consistent method for appraisal. 5. It is developed through active participation of both managers and job incumbents. 6. It has a greater chance of acceptance as both managers and incumbents are involved in its development. Disadvantages: 1. It takes considerable time and commitment to develop. 2. There are separate forms that have to be developed for different jobs. Q3. Explain the emerging trends in Human Resource Management and discuss the importance of technology on human resource function. Illustrate your answer with examples. Q4. Why should organizations engage in HR Planning? Why do some organizations require relatively complex and comprehensive HR planning systems than do others? Discuss. Planning means looking ahead and chalking out the future courses of actions to be followed. The ongoing process of systematic planning to achieve optimum use of an organizations most valuable asset is human resources department. The objective of human resource (HR) planning is to ensure the best fit between employees and jobs, while avoiding manpower shortages or surpluses. The three key elements of the HR planning process are forecasting labor demand, analyzing present labor supply, and balancing projected labor demand and supply.