Determining The Profitability Of A Financial Institution - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 23 Words: 6807 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? CHAPTER 1 Rapid changes in financial service industries make it essential to determine the profitability of financial institution. Banks plays a key role in financial market of a country and for this ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very important to evaluate that bank operate in efficient manner also what are the factors which affect the profitability of banks. A bank generates profit from the differential between the level of interest it pays for deposits and other sources of funds, and the level of interest it charges in its lending activities. Historically, profitability from lending activities has been dependent on the needs and strengths of customers. In modern era, investors have demanded a more stable revenue stream and banks have therefore placed more emphasis on transaction fees, primarily loan fees but also included service charges on an array of deposit activities and other services (international banking, foreign exchange, insurance, investments, wire transfers, etc.). Lending activities provide the huge size of income to commercial banks. In the past 10 years banks have taken many measures to ensure that bank remain profitable while responding to increasingly changing market conditions. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Determining The Profitability Of A Financial Institution" essay for you Create order Financial sector of Pakistan structured on Scheduled and Unscheduled Banks. Scheduled Banks are regulated by the State Bank of Pakistanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Regulations, through different wings, and are subject to different SBP regulatory requirements such as capital and liquidity reserve requirements. The financial division analysts were projected à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“higher profitabilityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? in 2008. That projection made possible because State Bank of Pakistan has raised its discount rate in which the banks can invest to earn a good return. The rising lending rates contributed considerably to ensuring an increased profitability acknowledged by State bank of Pakistan. Factors that affect the profitability of Commercial Banks are both Endogenous and Exogenous. Endogenous factors are within the Control of Management such as quality of management and its policies, efficiency of management in generating revenues and controlling costs, bank capitalization and location. Exogenous factors are outside management control, especially macro economic indices such as Interest rates, Exchange rates, Inflation, and other regulatory and market constraints. The banking sector has been a source of stability for this country, because as you have seen in many countries, the banking sector has weakened and outright nationalization has taken place in some countries. However, the reforms that have taken place in Pakistan banking sector over the past 8 to 10 years have given stability and strength to this sector. There are some ratios, by which can measure the strength of a banking sector, and the most important amongst those ratios is Capital Adequacy; our countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s average capital adequacy 8 percent some banks have less or some banks have more. Macro stability taken some time to trickle down was not something that happens over a month or two, because macro stability causes improvement in the confidence and that improvement caused investment decisions to become positive. As Pakistan banking sector presented stable condition. The country was not very export-dependent either, which is why the global decrease in trade has not had a big impact on Pakistan. Pakistan has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency over a period of time and create a major surplus for agriculture. Banks in Pakistan over the last eight to ten years have been more selective in the client base, apart from the consumer side, because the consumer loans are only 14 percent of the total loans its much lower than other countries. Country had faced some problems in the consumer loans, especially those banks that had become too aggressive in this sector, but the rest whether ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s corporate or agriculture have remained stable. Growth of Banking Sector: Profitability of the banking sector has been breaking its own record year after year during this ongoing decade. The commercial banking sector in Pakistan regulated by the state bank of Pakistan. SBP introduced several structural changes. Beside higher standards of corporate governance at management and board level, the banks are adhering to SBP prudential regulations, consistent with BIS standards. 36 Commercial Banks (26 local banks and 10 foreign banks) of which 22 were listed on stock exchange. Many merger/acquisition took place. Asset of banking sector registered a increase to reach at Rs 3.7 trillion (2005) with annual growth rate of 15.2% that outpaced economic growth (2005-06) 85 % of banking sector are in private hands. 1.3 Earning And Profitability Strong earnings and profitability profile of banks reflects the ability to support present and future operations. More specifically, this determined the capacity to absorb losses, finance its expansion programs, pay dividend to its shareholders and build up adequate level of capital. There were many different indicators used to serve the purpose, the best and most widely used indicator return on assets (ROA). Earning demanded most visible in case of foreign banks in 1998. The stress on earnings and profitability was expected although the steps taken by the SBP to improve liquidity. Not only liquid assets to total assets ratio turn down sharply, earning assets to total assets also dropped. T-Bill portfolio of banks declined considerably, as that were less compensated. Banks reduced return on deposits to sustain their spread. The financial institutes were not able to contain the decline in ROA due to declining stock and remuneration of their earning assets. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW Research on the determinants of bank profitability has focused on the returns of bank assets and equity, and net interest rate margins. It has traditionally explored the impact on bank performance of bank-specific factors, such as risk, market power, and regulatory costs. Many researchers have focused on the impact of macroeconomic factors on bank performance and profitability. According to Flennery (2000) tested the hypothesis that market rate fluctuations adversely affect commercial bank profits. The finding have responded of revenue and cost of fund to market rate changes then determine whether regulators should take pains to stabilize market conditions. Market rate levels emerge as a prominent influence on intermediary costs and revenues, but the effects of market rate changes effectively cancel one another for most large banks. The research found significant sensitivity to interest rate and it was unstable over the time. By Brick (1994) estimated of market risk, interest rate risk, and foreign exchange risk continues to be unstable. The result of risk differed by bank type and period. As interest rate risk declines, foreign exchange increases; the result suggested that the market continues to reflect changes in the economic and regulatory situation of commercial banks in the pricing of bank stocks. The adverse impact of Interest Rate fluctuations on the profitability of Commercial Banks can be hedge with sound application of modern interest rate risk management theories and tools. Used accounting decompositions, as well as panel regressions, Al-Haschimi (2007) studied the determinants of bank net interest rate margins in 10 Sub Saharan African countries. Author found that credit risk and operating inefficiencies explain most of the variation in net interest margins across the region. Macroeconomic risk has only limited effects on net interest margins in the study. DemirgÃÆ' ¼ÃƒÆ' §-Kunt and Huizinga (1999) used bank level data for 80 countries for the periods 1988à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"95; analyze how bank characteristics and the overall banking environment affect both interest rate margins and bank returns. In considering both measures, this study provides a decomposition of the income effects of a number of determinants that affect depositor and borrower behavior, as opposed to that of shareholders. Results suggested that macroeconomic and regulatory conditions have a pronounced impact on margins and profitability. Lower market concentration ratios lead to lower margins or profits, while the effect of foreign ownership varies between industrialized and developing countries. Foreign banks have higher margins and profits compared to domestic banks in developing countries, while the opposite holds in developed countries. Hualan Cia and Weing (1992) studied on the effect of interest rate change on stock return and bank profitability, investigated the sensitivity of Canadian banks stock return and the profitability to change in interest rate. Used the data of Canadian banks on both the actual and unexpected change of different time series of interest rate indices, the short, intermediate and long term interest rate have significant negative correlation with bank stock return and profitability. The analysis showed through regression analysis by calculated the ratios of financial statements of banks. This measured the Canadian bank profitability against interest rate changes found that the net interest income and net income were not significantly related to change of interest rate. Flannery (1981) the study examined the relation between the interest rate sensitivity of common stock returns and the maturity composition of the firms nominal contracts. Used a sample of actively traded commercial banks and stock savings and loan associations, common stock returns are found to be correlated with interest rate changes. The co-movement of stock returns and interest rate changes positively related to the size of the maturity difference between the firms nominal assets and liabilities. Facts supported the hypothesis that the effect of nominal interest rate changes on common stock prices related to the maturity composition of a firms net nominal asset holding. For commercial bank and SL stocks, changes in interest rates were found to be significantly related to stock price movements. Also cross-sectional variation in the interest rate sensitivity measure was significantly related to the maturity mismatch of the bank assets and liabilities. Dependable with the nominal contracting hypothesis, the maturity composition of nominal contracts was found to be a significant factor affecting common stock returns. Coyne (1973) Commercial Bank Profitability by Function, The study was concerned with the cost, price and profit by function. It estimated the profit for real estate, installment, commercial and agricultural loans, and investments for banks stratified by size of deposit and the method, that was used to make that determination; the degree to which the average price (interest rate) by function known to the bank and, expressed by a sample period, whether it was equal to or greater than the cost of funds by function; and the degree to which the bank was able to determine its profit by function. The results of the surveyed were representative of the aggregate commercial banking community, the study concluded by the cost of funds estimates to average balance sheet for the Representative Bank of America (RBA).Raw data were obtained from the Federal Reserve Bank of Clevelands functional cost analysis of forty-one banks. Surveyed to the chief executive officer of 510 commercial banks provides insight into the manner in which commercial banks utilize. The author designed to provide a method of cost and profit calculation to the numerous small and medium-sized banks who indicated in response to the authors survey that the author knew little or nothing about the costs by function. The results of the investigation in general and the profitability of RBA in particular representative of the entire banking community, this study was provide help to individual banks as well as policy-making levels of state and national government where questions concerning matters such as usury laws and price (interest rate) controls appear to be taking a disproportionately large amount of time and effort to resolve. Goddard, Molyneux and Wilson (2004) determined the dynamic panel and cross-sectional regressions used to estimate growth and profit equations for a sample of commercial, savings, and co-operative banks from five major European Union countries during the mid-1990s. Methodologically unified the growth and profit strands in the previous empirical literature. Profit was an important prerequisite for future growth. High capital assets ratio tendency grow slowly in banking sector, and growth was connected to macroeconomic conditions. There were few systematic influences on bank growth. The resolution of profit appears higher for savings and co-operative banks than for commercial banks has attempted to unify the growth and profit strands in the literature by examining the performance of European banks during the 1990s. It reported univariate, bivariate, and multivariate versions of a two-equation model, which attempts to capture two-way causality between growth and profit while controlling for a range of other determinants of bank performance. The growth regressions suggested as banks became larger in relative terms, their growth performance tended to improve further. This pattern was strongest for commercial banks. Banks that sustained high capital-assets and liquidity ratios records low profitability. There was some evidence of a positive association between concentration and profitability, but little evidence of a link between bank-level x-inefficiency and profitability. While such patterns continue, concentration in European banking exhibited a natural tendency to increase. There was proof of positive perseverance of growth, although this tends to decline when additional control variables were included in the bivariate and multivariate growth models. The estimated coefficients on the covered profit term in the growth equations lend strong support to the notion that profit is an important sign to future growth. In the profit regressions, there was some variation in the estimated short-run between ownership types and countries. This reflected the fact that savings and co-operative banks are subject to various business and geographical restrictions that smother competition. The study favored th e SCP hypothesis of a positive association between concentration and profitability, but little apparent relationship between bank level inefficiency and profitability. In Latin America, Gelos (2006) studied the determinants of bank interest margins using bank and country level data. Author found that spreads are large because of relatively high interest rates because of macroeconomic risk, including from inflation, less efficient banks, and higher reserve requirements. In a study of United States banks for the period 1989à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"93, Angbazo (1997) found that net interest margins reflect primarily credit. In addition, there was evidence that net interest margins are positively related to core capital, non-interest bearing reserves, and management quality, but negatively related to liquidity risk. Ho and Saunders (1981) applied the model of to analyze the determinants of interest margins in six countries of the European Union and the US during the period 1988à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"95. Authors found that macroeconomic volatility and regulations have a significant impact on bank interest rate margins. The results also suggested an important trade-off between ensuring bank solvency, defined by high capital to asset ratios, and lowering the cost of financial services to consumers, as measured by low interest rate margins. Athanasoglou, Delis and Staikouras (2006) applied a dynamic panel data model to study the performance of Greek banks over the period 1985à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"2001, and find some profit persistence, a result that signal that the market structure not perfectly competitive. The results also showed that the profitability of Greek banks shaped by bank-specific factors and macroeconomic control variables, which were not under the direct control of bank management and industry formation, did not appear to significantly affect profitability. Athanasoglou (2008) studied the profitability behavior of the south eastern European banking industry over the period 1998à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"2002. The empirical result suggested that the enhancement of bank profitability in those countries requires new standards in risk management and operating efficiency, which, according to the evidence presented in the paper, crucially affect profits. A key result that effect market concentration was positive, while the picture regarding macroeconomic variables was mixed. A number of studies have emphasized the relation between macroeconomic variables and bank risk. Saunders and Allen (2004) surveyed on pro-cyclicality in operational, credit, and market risk exposures. Such cyclical effects mainly results from systematic risk originate from common macroeconomic influences or from interdependencies across firms as financial markets and institutions consolidate internationally. It ultimately exacerbates business cycle fluctuations due to adverse effects on bank lending capacity. Using equity returns data over the period 1973à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"2003, Allen and Bali (2004) examined the disastrous risk of financial institutions. Results suggested evidence of pro-cyclicality in both tragic and operational risk measurements, implying that macroeconomic, systematic, and environmental factors play a considerable role in determining the risk and returns of financial institutions. Pi and Timme (1993) investigated the relationship of concentration of decision management and control in one person on the cost efficiency level of the bank and return on assets. On the basis of the study found that the banks whose Chairman and CEO be same person had significantly less efficiency than those banks that possessed not similar governance structure and show that performance was affected by top management structure. Isik and Hassan (2003) estimated cost, allocate, technical, pure technical and scale efficiency of Turkish banking industry from 1988 to 1996. This study considered capital, loan able funds as bank short-term loans, long-term loans, risk adjustment off balance sheet items and other earning assets as output of bank. Thistle, McLeod and Conrad (1989) have found that (a) balance sheet composition depends on both the level and change in interest rates , (b) banks response to changes in interest rates in different, depending on whether rates are rising or falling. Authors determined the relation between banks portfolio of assets and liabilities and interest rate was stable. Several possible caused of instability. The econometric techniques employed allow for continuous change in the structure of the empirical model. The study found that the portfolio-interest rate relationship depends on the level of interest rates and exogenous assets, as well as their rate and direction of change Samy Ben Naceur (2005) investigated the impact of banks characteristics, financial structure and macroeconomic indicators on banks net interest margins and profitability in the Tunisian banking industry for the 1980-2000 periods. The study found individual bank characteristics explained a substantial part of the within-country variation in bank interest margins and profitability. High interest margin and profitability tend to be associated with banks that hold a relatively high amount of capital, and with large overheads. The study found that the inflation had a positive force for net interest margin; while economic growth has no incidence. Another factor was financial structure and its impact on banks interest margin and profitability; found that concentration be less beneficial to the Tunisian commercial banks than competition whereas for stock market development had a positive effect on bank profitability. This reflected the corresponding between bank and stock market growth. The study found that the disintermediation of the Tunisian financial system was favorable to the banking sector profitability. Some authors examined on banking of south European region, the determinants of bank interest margins adopt two alternative modeling frameworks used dealership approach and a micro-model of the banking-firm approach, study found bank as a dynamic dealer, setting interest rates on loans and deposits to balance the asymmetric arrival of loan demands and deposit supplies by Staikouras. The bank interest margins were shown to be fees charged by banks for the provision of liquidity. The alternative approach was the micro-model of the banking firm, the study found the banking firm in a static way, setting where demands and supplies of deposits and loans simultaneously clear both markets. Choi, Elyasiani and Kopecky (1992) estimated a multi-index model that considered market risk, interest sensitivity, and exchange rate risk of commercial bank stock returns. Dummy models were used to separate the period of pre- and post-October 1979 and to split the results attributable to money center banks from other banks. A significant exchange rate effect occurs for money center banks after October 1979, while interest sensitivity was stronger before October 1979. The exchange rate effect was attributing to raised hedge foreign loan exposure of money center banks. The bank profitability typically measured by the return on assets (ROA) and/or the return on equity, usually expressed as a function of internal and external determinants. Internal determinant factors that were mainly influenced by a bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s management decisions and policy objectives. Such profitability determinants are the level of liquidity, provisioning policy, capital adequacy, expenses management, and bank size. On the other hand, the external determinants, both industry and macroeconomic related, also known variables that reflect the economic and legal environments where the financial institution operates. By Bourke (1989) determined; Liquidity risk, arising from the possible inability of a bank to accommodate. Decreased in liabilities or to fund increases on the assetsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ side of the balance sheet, considered an important determinant of bank profitability. The loans market, especially credit to households and firms, risky and has a greater expected return than other bank assets, such as government securities. That expected a positive relationship between liquidity and profitability. Duca and McLaughlin (1990) studied that variations in bank profitability were largely attributable to variations in credit risk, since increased exposure to credit risk normally associated with decreased firm profitability. Miller and Noulas (1997) suggested that the more financial institutions are exposed to high risk loans, the higher the accumulation of unpaid loans and the lower the profitability. Even though leverage (capitalization) has been demonstrated to be important in explaining the performance of financial institutions, its impact on bank profitability was ambiguous. As lower capital ratios suggest a relatively risky position, one might expect a negative coefficient on this variable. Molyneux and Thornton (1992) observed a positive relationship, suggesting that high profits earned by firms be appropriated in the form of higher payroll expenditures paid to more productive human capital. It should be appealing to identify the dominant effect, in a developing banking environment like Malaysia. Authors used Bank size to capture potential economies or diseconomies of scale in the banking sector. The variable controls for cost differences and product and risk diversification according to the size of the financial institution. The first factor could lead to a positive relationship between size and bank profitability were significant economies of scale, while the second factor negative one was increased diversification leads to lower credit risk and lower returns. Berger, Hanweck, Humphery (1987) discussed that marginal cost savings can be achieved by increasing the size of the banking firm, especially as markets develop. Eichengreen and Gibson (2001) suggested that the effect of a growing bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s size on profitability may be positive up to a certain limit. Beyond the point, the effect of size was negative due to bureaucratic and other reasons. Bank profitability be sensitive to macroeconomic conditions despite the trend in the industry towards greater geographic diversification and larger use of financial engineering techniques to manage risk associated with business cycle forecasting. Generally, higher economic growth encourages bank to lend more and permits them to charge higher margins, as well as improving the quality of their assets. 2.1 The Determinants of Bank Performance: Studies on the determinants of bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest margin and profitability have focused on single country sides and a panel of countries. 2.1a Single country studies As most of the studies on bank performance are conducted in the US and emerging markets. Neeley and Wheelock (1997) explored the profitability of a sample of insured commercial banks in the US for the 1980-1995 periods. Authors found that bank performance positively related to the annual percentage changes in the stateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s per capita income. The main Studies on the determinants of bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance in emerging countries were carried out in Colombia Barajas et al. (1999) document significant effects of financial liberalization on bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest margins for the Colombian case. Although the overall spread has not declined after financial reform, the relevance of the different factors behind the bank spreads were affected by such measures. Another change linked with the liberalization process was the increase of the coefficient of loan quality after the liberalization. Afanasieff, Lhacer and Nakane (2002) make used of panel data techniques to uncover the main determinants of the bank interest spreads in Brazil. Ben Naceur and Goaied (2001) investigated the determinants of the Tunisian bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performances during the period 1980-1995. The research indicated that the best performing banks were those who had struggled to improve labor and capital productivity, maintained a high level of deposit accounts relative to their assets and had been able to reinforce their equity. Guru, Staunton and Balashanmugam (2002) attempted to identify the determinants of successful deposit banks in order to provide practical guide for improved profitability performance of these institutions. The study was based on a sample of 17 Malaysian commercial banks over the 1986-1995. The profitability determinants were divided in two main categories, internal determinants (liquidity, capital adequacy and expenses management) and the external determinants (ownership, firm size and external economic conditions). The finding of that study revealed that efficient expenses management was one of the most significant in explaining high bank profitability. Among the macro indicators, high interest ratio was associated with low bank profitability and inflation was found to have a positive effect on bank performance. 2.1b Panel country studies The panel country studies were focused on European companies and developed and developing countries. Molyneux and Thornton (1992) were the first to explore thoroughly the determinants of bank profitability on a set of countries. Authors used sample of 18 European countries during the 1986-1989. The finding represented a significant positive association between the return on equity and the level of interest rates in each country, bank concentration, and government ownership. Abreu and Mendes (2002) investigated the determinants of bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest margins and profitability for some European countries in the last decade. The authors reported that well capitalized banks face lower expected bankruptcy costs and advantages translate into better profitability. Although with a negative sign in all regressions, the unemployment rate was relevant in explaining bank profitability. Bashir (2000) examined the determinants of Islamic bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance across eight Middle Eastern countries for 1993-1998. A number of internal and external factors were used to predict profitability and efficiencies. Controlling for macroeconomic environment, financial market situation and taxation, the results showed that higher leverage and large loans to asset ratios, lead to higher profitability. The author reported in his study that foreign-owned banks are more profitable that the domestic. The result also found the evidence that taxation impacts negatively bank profitability. Final result of study was that macroeconomic setting and stock market development have a positive impact on profitability. DemerguÃÆ' §-Kunt and Huizingha (1999) examined the determinants of bank interest margins and profitability using a bank level data for 80 countries in the 1988- 1995 period. The set of variables included several factors accounting for bank characteristics, macroeconomic conditions, taxation, regulations, financial structure, and legal indicators. The study reported that a larger ratio of bank assets to GDP and a lower market concentration ratio lead to lower margins and profits. Foreign banks have higher margins and profits than domestic banks on developing countries, while the opposite prevail in developed countries. DemerguÃÆ' §-Kunt and Huizingha (2001) presented evidence on the impact of financial development and structure on bank profitability using bank level data for a large number of developed and developing countries over the 1990-1997 period. The study found that financial development has a very important impact on bank performance. It reported that higher bank development was related to lower bank performance. Stock market development on the other hand, leads to increased profits and margins for banks especially at lower levels of financial development, indicating complementarities between bank and stock market. CHAPTER 3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND HYPOTHESIS The interest rate assummed to be one of the most important factors that affect commercial banks profitability. The issue which deals in the study was the affect of market interest rate fluactuation has adversly related to commercial bank profitability. This thesis study bring opportunity to established a relationship between fluctuations in interest rates and the performance of commercial banks in Pakistan during the period of 2004- 2008. The main purpose of this study was to determine the implication of fluctuations in market interest rates on the profitability of commercial banks in Pakistan. This study provide à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"Major causes of interest rate fluctuations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"The extent to which commercial banks are set to manage interest rate related risks. Major causes of Interest Rate Fluctuation were unstable government Policies, Unstable Economic Environment, unavailability of long-term funds, Inflation. The factors that affect the commercial bank profitability were significant mismatch in the maturity profiles of Assets and Liabilities, Frequent Interest Rate Fluctuations, under capitalization of banks, Poor Collateral of credits. Pakistanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s financial sector included nationalized, foreign, and private banks; and Non-banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) which include Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Investment Banks, leasing companies, modarabas, and housing finance companies. Scheduled Banks know as also commercial bank regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan regulated through different wings, and subject to different SBP regulatory requirements such as capital and liquidity reserve requirements. Factors that affect the profitability of Commercial Banks are both Endogenous and Exogenous. Endogenous factors are within the Control of Management such as quality of management and its policies, efficiency of management in generating revenues and controlling costs, bank capitalization and location. Exogenous factors are outside management control, especially macro economic indices such as Interest rates, Exchange rates, Inflation, and other regulatory and market constraints. Interest rate comes under this category. 3.1 Discount rate: The discount rate is an interest rate a central bank of country charges depository institutes that borrow reserves from it. The rate of interest set by the State bank of Pakistan that member banks are charged when commercial bank borrow money through the SBP interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan. 3.2 Bank Profitability: A bank generates a profit from the differential between the level of interest it pays for deposits and some different source of funds, and the scale of interest accuse in its lending activities. Strong earnings and profitability profile of banks reflects the ability to support present and future operations, that determines the capacity to absorb losses, finance its expansion program, pay dividend to its shareholders and build up adequate level of capital. Although different indicators are used to serve the purpose, the best and most widely used indicator are return on assets (ROA), Net Income, and Net interest income. CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHOD The method used in the study was regression analysis through à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Curve linear regressionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? apply for determined discount rate fluctuation has adversely impact on bank profitability. This section provides information about sources of data, sample size, and discussion of variables. 4.1 Data Collection This study used data analysis from secondary source. The data of financial statements are taken from annual reports of commercial banks for 5 years 2004-2008. 4.2 Data Sample The total sample of commercial bank in Pakistan is 27 listed in Karachi stock exchange out of which the sample size of research was 12 Commercial Banks in Pakistan. The market discount rate is independent variable and net income, net interest income and return on assets are dependent variables which collected from annual reports during the sample period. 4.3 Regression Analysis and Curve Linear Regression Change in Net income ΆNIt = ÃŽÂ ± + ÃŽÂ ² ΆIt Here, ΆNIt is the change of net income for a bank, computed by (Nit-Nit-1)/Nit-1 (It) is discount rate. It indicate how capable the management of banks has been converting the bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s asset into net earnings. Return on Assets ROA = Net Income /Total assets This ratio indicate efficient  management  at using its assets to generate earnings. Change in Net interest income ΆNII = ÃŽÂ ± + ÃŽÂ ² ΆIt Here, ΆNIIt is the change of net income for a bank, computed by (Niit-Niit-1)/Niit-1 (It) is discount rate. The net interest margin measures how large spread between interest revenue and interest cost it can achieve by controlling the bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s earning asset. 4.4 Variables: 4.3a Dependent Variable: Return On Asset: Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s an indicator of profitability measurement of a bank or company.  ROA provide the idea  to how efficient  management is  at using its assets to generate earnings.  It Calculate by dividing a companys annual earnings by its total assets. ROA  explain what earnings were generated from invested capital (assets). The ROA figure provided an idea  how effectively the company can converted the money  into investment. The higher the ROA number, the better, because the bank is earning more money on less investment. Net Income: Net income represents the amount of money remaining after all costs, depreciation, interest, taxes, and other expenses have been deducted from a companys total sales. Net income also known as net profit, or net earnings. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s one of the most closely followed numbers a company can produce, and it plays a part in many other financial measures. Net income is not only a measure of company earned cash during a given period. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s also important to know that changes in accounting methods can influence net income figures, and in many cases these changes may have little to do with a companys actual operations. Changes in net income were used for much analysis. In general, when a bank or companys net income is negative or is fairly low, this could suggest a myriad of problems, ranging from inadequacies in customer or expense management to unfavorable accounting methods. Some institutes strive to minimize taxes and will therefore intentionally attempt to minimize their reported net income. Net interest Income: Net interest income is a financial measure for banks, calculated by the amount of money the bank receives from interest on assets (commercial loans, personal mortgages, etc) minus the amount of money the bank pays out for interest on liabilities (personal bank accounts, etc). The variable usually calculated for banks, this figure can also be calculated for other corporations, simply by subtracting the amount of interest paid on liabilities from the amount of interest earned from assets. 4.3b Independent Variable Interest rate In the study the discount rate was used as an interest rate which a central bank of country charges to depository institutes that borrow reserves from it. State Bank of Pakistan offered the discount rate to the commercial banks. CHAPTER 5 DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS The study included three indicators to measures of performance; return of assets (ROA), change in net income (NI), and change in net interest income (NII). ROA have been used to measured performance studies. ROA measures the profit earned per dollar of assets and reflect how well bank management use the bankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s real investments resources to generate profits while NI is focused on the profit earned on activities. Table 1 Variable Summary Dependent Variable Independent Variable ROA NI NII IR Number of Positive values 53 35 53 60 Number of Zeros 1 1 1 0 Number of Negative values 6 24 6 0 Number of (user missing) 0 0 0 0 Missing values (system missing) 0 0 0 0 The Curve linear regression procedure produces curve regression statistics and related plots for 11 different curve estimation regression models. Here variables appear to be related linearly, used a simple linear regression model. When variables were not linearly related, apply transforming data. When a transformation does not work, need a more complicated model. There be many models in the Curve Estimation procedure: linear, logarithmic, inverse, quadratic, cubic, power, compound, S-curve, logistic, growth, and exponential. The Curve Estimation routine in SPSS is a curve-fitting program to compare linear, logarithmic, inverse, quadratic, cubic, power, compound, S-curve, logistic, growth, and exponential models based on their relative goodness of fit for models where a dependent variable predicted by a single independent variable. This study has identified the profitability indicators that explain the variation in interest rate to evaluate the impact of interest rate on commercial bank profitability. This investigation has used the regression analysis through curve estimation. The model has been used in this study were Linear and Logarithmic regression to know the significance level of dependent variables in relation with independent variable. Linear model Y = b0 + (b1 * x) where b0 is the constant, b1 the regression coefficient for x, the independent variable. It required multivariate normality. The dependent variable related to the independent variable in a linear method. Here the interest rate was adversely related to three dependent variables. Logarithmic model Y = b0 + (b1 * ln(x)) where ln() is the natural log function. In the b0 is constant, b1 the regression coefficient for x, the independent variable. Through the log function the model tested the relation of interest rate and three dependent variables. 5.1 ANOVA Table 2 Sum of mean Square df Mean Square F Sig Linear ROA .001 1 .001 .325 .571 NI 7.762 1 7.762 .273 .603 NII .506 1 .506 3.063 .085 Logarithmic ROA .000 1 .000 .205 .653 NI 3.104 1 3.104 .109 .742 NII .666 1 .666 4.101 .047 In this table there are results of two equations Linear and Logarithmic in ANOVA analysis. The table contains two sets of equations, which represents the mean, frequency, and significance level of the variables. This table represented that Sig. (p value) = 0.047 As p 0.05 the predictors are significantly better than would be expected by chance. The regression line predicted by the independent variables explains a significant amount of the variance in the dependent variable. It would normally be reported in a similar trend to other ANOVAs: F (ROA, NI, NII) .325, .273, 3.063 were 0.05 F (ROA, NI, NII) .205, .109, 4.101 were 0.05 This shows that ROA, NI and NII are having insignificant result. The result proved that interest rate and Commercial bank profitability has adversely related to each other. ANOVA, Analysis of variance, a method of testing the null hypothesis that several group means are equal in the population, by comparing the sample variance estimated from the group means to that estimated within the groups. Table showed Sum of squares mean by the degrees of freedom it gives the Mean Square and F provided the significance value. It can see that the Regression explains significantly variance. It was based on the comparison of two estimate variances one representing the variance within groups, often referred to as error variance; and the other representing variance due to differences in-group means. If the two variances do not differ significantly, one can believe that all the group means come from the same sampling distribution of means and there was no reason to claim that the group means differ. However, the group means differ more than can be accounted for due to random error, there is reason to believe that were drawn from different sampling distributions of means. The larger F ratio, the greater is the difference between groups as compared to within group differences. An F- ratio equal to or less than one indicates that there is no significant difference between groups and the hypothesis is correct. The hypothesis was correct there was no significant level among independent variable with dependent variables. ANOVA procedure can be used correctly if the following condition: The dependent variables should be interval or ratio data type. The data used f ratios which interpreted the bank profitability. The population normally distributed and the variance is equal. 5.2: Coefficient Table 3 Unstandardize Coefficients Standardize coefficients t Sig B Std Error Beta Linear ROA .010 .018 .075 .570 .571 NI 1.050 2.007 .068 .523 .603 NII -.268 .153 -.224 -1.750 .085 Logarithmic ROA .003 .007 .059 .452 .653 NI .240 .728 .043 .330 .742 NII -.111 .055 -.257 -2.025 .047 The next part of the output, the Coefficients table, showed variables were individually significant predictors of dependent variable. Regression Coefficient measured how independent variable predicts the dependent variables. Here the interest rate predicts the ROA, NI, and NII. The table showed unstandardized Coefficient that provides the independent variables the regression equation. The Standardized Beta Coefficient column showed the contribution that an individual variable makes to the model. Here p 0.05 show significance of variable in the facts represent that dependent variables ROA, Net income and Net interest income had no significance level related to independent variable. Numerical value of the parameter estimated directly associated with an independent variable. The regression coefficient represents the amount of change in the dependent variable for a change in independent variable. In this study interest rate (discount rate) is independent variable and ROA, NI, NII are dependent variable. In regression coefficients are partial coefficient because each variable takes into account this represents the relationship of interest rate with ROA, Net Income and Net Interest Income. The facts represented that there was negative association between them. The coefficient is not limited in range, as it based on the degree of association and the scale unit of the independent variable. In linear regression, the size of the coefficient for each independent variable gives the size of the effect that variable is having on dependent variable, and the sign on the coefficient (positive or negative) gives the direction of the effect. In regression with a single independent variable, the coefficient tell how much the dependent variable is expected to increase (if the coefficient is positive) or decrease (if the coefficient is negative) when that independent variable increases by one. The result examined that as the interest rate raised it caused to decrease the level of return through the ratios. CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION The study determined that hypothesis was accepted interest rate fluctuation has adversely related with commercial bank profitability. The hypothesis tested by regression analysis of curve estimation through three dependent variables these are ROA, NI, NII and one Independent variable interest rate. The data used for analysis were from secondary source. Data taken from annual reports for the period 2004-2008 of commercial banks in Pakistan. As a result of the approved progress toward the relationship of interest rate and commercial bank profitability showed the association between them. The study examined that there was negative association between the interest rate and commercial bank profitability, as the causes of increasing interest rate was inflation. The study developed a framework for investigating through key ratios which showed the profitability of financial institutes that leads to more significant approach. Result proved the hypothesis. CHAPTER 7 IMPLICATION The analysis of the bank profitability against interest rate changes is important for investors, to measure Commercial bank profitability against interest rate risk. This study found the sensitivity of Commercial bank profitability to changes of interest rate. This investigation helped to increase the commitment of managers of commercial banks to hold sound interest rate management policies and minimize their exposure to interest rate risks. This study encouraged the policy makers and bank regulators to implement fiscal and monetary policy regime that will ensure interest rate stability.

Development of Media Conglomerates by the Example of the...

Development of Media Conglomerates by the example of the Walt Disney Corporation Within the last century the media industry in the United States was subject to a major change. Starting in the 1940ies, mainly evoked by the development of the television, the industry changed from the so called studio era1 to the television broadcasting era2. Through the development of television sets it became a lot cheaper for the Americans to watch television at home, than going out to a movie theater or auto theatre. Nevertheless there was still demand for movies, but competition had developed. Blockbusters were competing against the television program. Starting in the 1970ies cable, satellite, and video services became available. Additionally HBO†¦show more content†¦With the establishment of the park, Roy Disney added to the originating business fields of the company several new business sectors. Hotels, campgrounds, golf courses, and shopping villages were included within the park. Soon after the opening of this second park Roy Disney died and a team of the best empl oyees of the company took the business over. They did further developments at the park â€Å"Walt Disney World† and in 1982 the EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) Center was opened, which was a further add-on to the park. In the future several other parks were opened throughout the world (Tokyo in 1983, Paris in 1992) and all of them were continuously modernized and expanded. The new management founded the WED Enterprises (today Walt Disney Imagineering) in order to manage the theme park and vacation destination branch. During the Eighties the Walt Disney Channel was introduced and a new film label, the Touchstone Television was established to produce network and TV shows. According to the video trend in the industry the Walt Disney Company started to release classic animated films on video cassettes and published classics of their produced movies as Disney Sunday movies on television. To be able to become more profitable the management of the Walt Disney Co mpany started to open Disney Stores, in which merchandise products were sold. Soon after the first one was opened in 1988, numerous shops were opened across the world.5Show MoreRelatedPorter s 5 Forces Model1830 Words   |  8 Pagescompanies that could potentially steal market share in a specific industry or cause problems for the desired company. Because The Walt Disney Company is a conglomerate that spreads itself into many different industries, the threat of competition is higher than normal companies that focus primarily in a single industry. 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Fast forward nearly a century later The Walt Disney company is an empire and leading name in family entertainmentRead MoreWalt Disney Company Is Worth Investing1348 Words   |  6 PagesAs one of the largest multimedia companies in the world, The Walt Disney Company includes all aspects of American entertainment, including animation, music, production, and theme parks. Founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney, the business has grown from silent animations films to diversify into all aspects of the entertainment industry, primarily focusing on all interests of the typical American family. The company, since its founding, has proved to be a worthy investment on all standingsRead MoreCompetitive Strategy Including the Use of Porters Five Forces Model Bei ng Aplied on Carrefour Egypt1639 Words   |  7 Pagesdecades, the name Walt Disney has been preeminent in the field of family entertainment. 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Each of these divisions that Disney owns andRead MoreThe Media Of Walt Disney Company1923 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Walt Disney Company is the most numerous mass media in the world and an entertainment conglomerate with the mass media networks of assets affection, studio entertainment, parks and resorts, and consumer goods. The television of Walt Disney Company and assets of the mass media network include television ABC network and ten radio stations. Besides, Walt Disney s portfolio cable networks include ABC Family, Disney Channel, Toon Disney, and ESPN (80% of ownership) (Balio, 2009). Walt Disney s studiosRead MoreN07/3/Busmt/Hp2/Eng/Tz0/Xx/M+ Markscheme November 20077340 Words   |  30 Pagesstrategies used by Toyota. 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Down syndrome 4 Essay Example For Students

Down syndrome 4 Essay Introduction Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality. It is the most frequent form of mental retardation and is characterised by well-defined, distinctive phenotypic features and natural history. An error in cell development results in forty-seven chromosomes rather than the usual forty-six. There are three major types of Down syndrome. About ninety-five percent of individuals with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21. There is also Translocation and Mosaicism. Down syndrome can also be referred to as Mongolism, the condition is named for John Langdon Down. Down was the superintendent of an asylum for children with mental retardation in Surrey, England when he made the first distinction between children who were cretins and what he referred to as Mongoloids. Down based this unfortunate name on his notion that these children looked like people from Mongolia, who were thought then to have an arrested development. This ethnic insult came under fire in the 1960s from Asian genetic researchers, and the term was dropped from scientific use. Instead, the condition became Downs syndrome. In the 1970s, an American revision of scientific terms changed it simply to Down syndrome, while it still is called Downs in Europe. In the first part of the twentieth century, there was much speculation of the cause of Down syndrome. The first people to speculate that it might be due to chromosomal abnormalities were Waardenberg and Bleyer in the 1930s. But it wasnt until 1959 that Jerome Lejeune and Patricia Jacobs, working independently, first determined the cause to be trisomy of the 21st chromosome. Cases of Down syndrome due to translocation and mosaicism were described over the next three years. The estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births. Each year approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder. It is believed there are about 250,000 families in the United States who are affected by Down syndrome. Mode of Inheritance Although many theories have been developed, it is not known what actually causes Down syndrome. Some professionals believe that hormonal abnormalities (X-rays, viral infections, immunologic problems, or genetic predisposition) may be the cause of the improper cell division resulting in Down syndrome. It has been known for some time that the risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases with advancing age of the mother. For example the older the mother, the greater the possibility that she may have a child with Down syndrome. However, most babies with Down syndrome (more than 85 percent) are born to mothers younger than 35 years. Some investigators reported that older fathers may also be at an increased risk of having a child with this condition. It is well known that the extra chromosome in trisomy 21 could either originate in the mother or the father. Most often, however, the extra chromosome comes from the mother. In Down syndrome, 95 percent of all cases are caused by this event: one cell has two 21st chromosomes instead of one, so the resulting fertilised egg has three 21st chromosomes. Recent research has shown that in these cases, approximately 90 percent of the abnormal cells are the eggs. Three to four percent of all cases of trisomy 21 are due to Robertsonian Translocation. In this situation, two breaks occur in separate chromosomes, usually the 14th and 21st chromosomes. There is rearrangement of the genetic material so that some of the 14th chromosome is replaced by extra 21st chromosome. So while the number of chromosomes remain normal, there is a triplication of the 21st chromosome material. Some of these children may only have triplication of part of the 21st chromosome instead of the whole chromosome, which is called a partial trisomy 21. Translocations resulting in trisomy 21 may be inherited, so its important to check the chromosomes of the parents in these incidences to see if either may be a carrier. .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 , .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .postImageUrl , .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 , .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:hover , .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:visited , .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:active { border:0!important; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:active , .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7 .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uffdf39f7683e11f2fe2d1fc5cc1fead7:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Subject = European History Essay The remaining cases of trisomy 21 are due to mosaicism. These people have a mixture of cell lines, some of which have a normal set of chromosomes and others which have trisomy 21. In cellular mosaicism, the mixture is seen in different cells of the same type. In tissue mosaicism, one set of cells .

Movie and Book Reviews How to Write a Great Critique With Samples

If you have been asked to write a book or movie critique, there are some standard sections to look at. We can guide you through the process of writing an analysis worthy of the best marks, or you can buy a custom book review from us to save time. Contents How can I start a book or movie review essay? What our book/movie review service offers Key elements of the assignment What if my task requires me to combine the two? Personal Opinions vs Popular Critic Opinions Movie Review Sample on Topic Italian culture through a film analysis: Comparison and Contrast between Senso and Vincere Bonus Sample: 12 years a slave Movie Review When writing a movie or book critique, it is important to reflect your opinions of the piece and evaluate it to certain criteria. To review a book, it's needed to comment on what points made it great and enjoyable to read then compare it to similar books in its genre or prequels. Also, say why you would recommend it to someone and back this up with facts for every statement made. Related: 5 LESSONS A WRITER SHOULD LEARN FROM CINEMATIC ARTS - Infographics To review a movie, you should critique the core elements in your own way and describe the significant details like twists in the plot, characters that you empathized with. Also, it is needed to recommend the movie and for what reasons that are backed up with facts and quotes from the film. Should also say how it compares to other movies like prequels, or ones in the same genre and then give a personal opinion to whether it should have a sequel? How can I start a book or movie review essay? To start a book or movie review paper, you should read or watch the piece as many times as possible and take notes of all your first impressions. You can even collect verdicts from fellow students or friends to have more opinions from more than one source. This can be a lengthy process to obtain the best information so it's perfectly reasonable if you think it would be easier for someone to do my book report. Know the Background If the chosen book or movie is well researched, this will enable you to write a critique that will be interesting but also detailed in the right places. Thorough research will help make the review process easier as you will gain in-depth knowledge behind the chosen piece to write about. Here are some questions to help you write the critique faster and more detailed: Where is the film or book set? - Knowing this will give the reader a clear picture and visual imagery into the piece and save you time having to describe it later. Is it a sequel and what are the origins? - Such knowledge will benefit the reader if they do not already know the series or the history and will gain a better understanding of the piece. Does the book or movie fall into any genre? - Establishing this will help you compare it to other books or movies later on. Is it a famous author or director? - This will give out more background information which you can use to make comparisons in the review. Interesting or significant facts about the movie or book? - Presenting these associations well will build more interest in the reader and also give you extra points to write about. Is the plot riveting, any major twists? - Describing the most gripping elements without spoiling the piece for the reader will give you most interest and marks. Are the characters well developed or believable? - If you can write about main characters or actors, this will give you more content to compare and create further interest with the reader. Who is the target audience and does it have appeal to others? - This will help you analyze it faster and also gain more understanding to who will appreciate the piece. What our book/movie review service offers Here at Essay Service, we have many blogs and guides for free to help you achieve your best so the writing experience can go as smooth as possible. We have more to offer than the other essay writing services and take pride in providing the best possible solution to our clients. So order a custom essay from Essay Service to save your time from endless research and writing. We offer: Security and anonymity 24/7 Online help and support Guaranteed satisfaction Free essay samples to get inspiration Plagiarism free content Key elements of the assignment Some important sections to include are: Introduction - This is important to make it catchy as possible as you want your audience to be informed yet interested. Make sure you mention the title and author in the first paragraph too as this can frustrate readers not knowing who they are reading about. Main Body - This is where you should include the most descriptive details of the review like important points from the plot and thoughts and opinions on things like acting, cinematography, music, special effects, costumes, literary devices, main characters and author's style. Conclusion - Now at this point you can give your recommendations on the piece and back this up with reasons why. Also look at whether it changed your perception on a given topic, and can something be learned from it? What if my task requires me to combine the two? So it is possible to review a book and movie at the same time, this usually happens where the motion picture is based on the book. Also, you can be asked to review two different stories entirely which have a more subtle connection like director/author, moral or purpose. Let's look at the differences and similarities of a book review and a movie review: Movie Review Vs Book Review Similarities: Both need mentioning important points about the plot or storyline. Highlight the main characters and what makes them memorable. Compare the original storyline to the latter Any conventional styles from the director/author Do they share the same purpose of informing the audience in some way? Differences: Book Look at the literary devices used and what does the writing style say? Organization and structure do they play a vital part? The tone of the text or author have anything to add to the review? Are there any illustrations in the book or additional art that can be commented upon? There is less to see physically so it is important to look for subtle imagery within the text and review this. Movie Analyze the actors used and what they bring to the motion picture. The on screen cinematography needs to be criticized, for example, the set and lighting. Does the date of release have any significance to the movie and were there delays? Does the use of costumes fit the genre and period the movie is set in? Try to look for artistic visual references that a director might have put in, and not many people have spotted before. So a book or movie review must contain your opinions and thoughts about the chosen piece and also any recommendations. To become a professional critic you need to have evaluated many different kinds of works and publish them in various media. It is worth noting if any professional critics have reviewed your chosen work and keep in mind what they have said. Personal Opinions vs Popular Critic Opinions Famous critics usually write shorter reviews and use less technical language for the general public to understand. With that in mind, one must draw inspiration from the things they do well and the experiences that can help out with your assignment and become a credible critic. Here are some more questions to help with your book or movie review: Does the length have an impact on the piece? What suggestions can be added to improve it? The music is catchy and adds more depth or a wasted addition? What was the professional critic’s verdict compared to yours? Is the book or film counterpart better or worse and why? Movie Review Sample on Topic "Italian culture through a film analysis: Comparison and Contrast between Senso and Vincere" Italian cinematography goes an extra mile beyond offering entertainment to viewers and is espoused in demonstrating varied aspects of Italian history and culture through the scenes as they are played in movies in a creative manner that embodies aspects of neorealism, rich architectural value of Italy and the extended ideal of having to build stories on the enchanting ideals of music through operas. Majority of the Italian movies produced often do have their plot twists warring away from expressing the cultural ideals of Italy through the combinatory reflection of art and politics in extensive measure. Essentially the movies are tied around expounding on the revolutionary image of Italy through music during the Risorgimento era. Director’s Luchino Visconti and Marco Bellocchio are no exception to this ideal of Italian cinematography considering that the movies Senso and Vincere respectively embody varied aspects of film production with a touch and emphasis of Italian culture. T he underlying chapters are dedicated towards inferring on a comparative and contrasting analysis of these two films to demonstrate an existing relationship in Italian cinematography with art and Italian politics that defines the culture of Italy through a transitive period of several decades but still resonates to the foundational tenets of the nation. To get an understanding of Italian cinematography production in the mid Twentieth Century it is important that one gets the definition of neorealism as a style of film production. With neorealism, the plot of movies are usually tied around Italian stories of the poor and the struggling working class that in many situations involves non-professional actors with the set plays being done on location. Senso adopts this ideal of film production whereby the film is tied around explaining the Risorgimento fight that was focused on Italy’s unification as a nation thereby giving the movie a revolutionary touch. Similarly, a century later, Mussolini replicates a similar storyline in the production of Vincere which has a revolutionary touch to it. The movie title in itself embodies aspects of revolution as it is Italian for conquer and is focused on expounding on dictatorship in Italy under the Socialist party governance by inferring on the biopic of a leader’s marriage that is re flective of the overburdening trysts in the nation. Vincere is a classical release on the life of a hated leader which is brought to the big screen through adoption of a satirical glamorized aspect of horrific events of a leader that is hated by a majority of his people. Photo Credit: Movielala. The first encounter with the rich Italian culture is first introduced to us in Senso is presented through the first act that opens with an opera performance in La Fenice prior to the country receiving its freedom from the oppressive hold of the Austrian Empire. The opera in play is Il trovatore by Verdi whose chorus have a revolutionary touch that is focused on resisting the Austrians. Conversantly, the difference between the rich and poor is portrayed at this point by an array of anti-Austrian leaflets flying in the air to the distinct sitting positions in the opera while at the same time focused on women oppression by undermining and warning of their dressing code. It progressively transitions into expounding on the love life of Livia who is the Serpieri Countless. On the other hand, Vincere also embodies aspects of the opera and opens directly into inferring on the active life of Benito Mussolini in a horrific manner that is keen on explaining the secret life of the leader and rel ationship to Ida Dalser with an operatic touch. A great extend of Vincere’s production is build on using the operatic sound notes that include a clamoring swelling and swooping of the music throughout the movie. Reflectively, this style is categorical with the 1930’s Italian movie reels that are focused on propaganda from this era being juxtaposed in a masterful way with ideal scenes of victims holed in mental hospitals that is compared to the billowing and subsiding voices of the opera in the movie. Both movies go an extra mile of portraying the role and position of women in society in two different times with a comparative inference on their role in society not having changed much irrespective of the ideal that it is several decades later. Senso depicts the 19th Century perception of women in society as being baby carriers and chattels who were not allowed their democratic rights that gave rise to nationalism women who were keen on mapping a path for future women. In this case, Livia the countess is in many scenes of the movie left out when it comes to times of activities that are tied to both social and political proponents. Her life generally is planned for her as she arranged an aristocratic marriage to a man who is way older and in many instances is portrayed in a melodramatic way that depicts her as an infidel out to only satisfy her sexual desires by falling in love with Franz. Furthermore, Visconti depicts women in a demeaning manner by portraying them as prostitutes who men use as vessels of asserting their masculinity and ego as was the case of Franz who turned to prostitutes as a means of his own self-assertion. In Vincere’s case, the female sex is expressed through the character of Dalser who is subjugated by Mussolini before he ascends to power in that she sells all that in her possession so as to finance a Socialist newspaper that backs her lovers’ leadership ideals. The woman’s image is portrayed as being desperate for attention of males considering the need by Dalser to be reassured that she is loved. However, the movie has a unique way of connecting sex with the battle that emasculates to history making; the tense sexual images between the two lover transitions into an image of progressively marching soldiers thus creating a link between the troubled relationship and the situation at the battleground. Photo Credit: IMDb. The ideal of a classical score by Crivelli being utilized in Vincere coupled with aspects of authenticated period touch and the excellent acting, the movie closely borders to melodrama but the main character in the movie gives it an absolutely different feel. Bellochio cuts short the feeling of melodrama in the movie with the intensity he brings to the movie. Senso on the other hand is played as an agonized love story that is built on the backdrop of a wide pool of history whereby neorealism has been utilized in the most ideal of ways. In its production the styled grandeur of Italy is not left out in the selection and settling for sets for different scenes; realism is utilized in the film production and incorporated with aspects of melodrama to come up with an excellent piece that encompasses love and war in a mutually enriching proponents to come up with a great film. In the production of Senso, Italian architecture is not left out, setting incorporate ideals of lined streets with b alconies with people crammed all over the houses and an opera house in the town. The beauty of the Italian countryside is not left out in the depiction of architecture which goes to the extent of incorporating actual palazzos that brings out a rather soap opera feel to the whole movie when aspects of passion are expressed in the movie. In both movies, a romantic aspect is brought out in the most twisted of ways that can be imagined and also intertwined with conflicting position in the leadership of Italy as illustrated through the historical plot twist in the movies. The women in the films play an integral role and paint effectively the romantic role in twisted ways which if incorporated with the color use in the movie production give the movies a balanced feel between romance and war. The photography of soldiers together with the sound production is exemplary go to a greater extent of giving the movies a victorious and historical feel aspect. However, Vincere fails to connect with a modern day audience which did not grow up during the era of Mussolini for it comes out as pretty difficult in making a connection between his private life inferences to his rather dictatorial public persona. Works Cited Celli, Carlo and Marga Cottino-Jones. _A New Guide to Italian Cinema ._ New York : Palgrave Macmillan , 2007. Milicent, Marcus. ""Visconti's Senso The Risorgimento According to Gramsci"." Millabon, William. _Italian Film in the Light of Neorealism._ Princeton : Princeton University Press , 1986. 12-45. Thompson, Kristin and David Bordwell. _Film History: An Introduction ._ New York : McGraw-Hill , 2003.

History and Memory Essay Example

History and Memory Essay Example History and Memory Essay History and Memory Essay All individuals hate being lied to. We are always on a quest to find the truth. How do we discover what is real and what is illusion? We look for documented evidence of course, but this alone is not enough. We also need to discover eyewitness testimony and crave to find individuals whose memories will unlock the door to the mystery that lies before us. It is the memories of others that add substance to evidence, that fill in the blanks that cannot be captured on paper. Our legal system relies heavily on both memory and documented evidence, and so the two are inexplicably entwined. History needs memory, without it, we cannot create a whole picture. Mark Raphael Baker, a historian and writer discovered that History and Memory are inseparable in his search for the truth about the Holocaust, as shown in his biography The Fiftieth Gate. He needed both to make sense not only of his parents lives and that of the millions of Jewish people that died, but also his own. The documentary Nazi Hunters, produced by ________________ also reveals that any quest needs a combination of both History and Memory to forge an accurate image of past events. Wilfred Owen’s poem Dulce Et Decorum Est, provides a powerful and moving indictment against war captured in his personal and documented experiences. His poems are not just recorded histories but also memories and evidence of the destruction of the First World War. Without memory, we cannot paint an accurate picture of our past. Mark Baker discovers this on his journey back to Poland with his mother Genia and his father Yossl. On Mark’s journey to Wierzbnik, he is confronted by the graves of his grandmother and aunties whom he never knew. Joe, a cheerful 86 year old Holocaust survivor who originated from Hungary, who took â€Å"†¦only 30 minutes† to summaries his own personal history. His commentary had been based upon his memories, which were complimented by several historical facts. Certain comments made by Joe were quite surprising, due to their absence in historical writings, such as his repeated motto â€Å"Do not hate. † The impression and aura given out by him failed to express any excessive sorrow or grief. I don’t personally know how he manages to do such, after all the terrible experiences of human evil, being able to live such a joyful life. I would have every right to hate, but I do not hate†¦but I do remember†¦do not forget†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , these heart touching words of Joe presented the whole anticipated response with an unexpected twist. The prominence in his words was simply unbelievable, where hate was expected there had been mercy and gratefulness present. Keith Moer man, another Holocaust survivor from Holland had also encountered an unusual experience during the war period as retold his story on a German soldier offering him a lollipop while Keith had been on his way of getting water, â€Å"†¦but I wasn’t going to take a lolly from a German. † Keith added. Factual evidence tends to leave out little details, details such as the presence of kind German soldiers, or the peaceful feedback of the survivors. Its focus is based on the majority of the cases, which stated the cruelty of these soldiers, as 75% of Jews were killed during the Holocaust. There are points were memories-collective memories-can be used to validate the historical documents. The evidence for the existence of the ‘Underground’ can be verified by the mentioning of it by both Keith and Joe. Both determined to survive and live pass this horrifying war had fought against the Germans. Even the individual memories being so incredibly powerful in relation to the human feelings and emotions, on their own they continually encounter disbelief and skepticism. â€Å"†¦I doubted her†¦never believed her, that I only recognize suffering in numbers and lists and not in the laments and pleas of a human being†¦screaming for acknowledgment. † Mark Baker’s realization of how important and significant history is to the logical human brain doesn’t occur until the awareness of the truthfulness behind his own mother’s story. I can imagine how hurt Genia, his mother, must have felt by her own son mistrusting her memories, brings me back to my own occurrences of being mistrusted. It is impossible to prove anything without having proof in today’s society. Present generations believe in alleged ‘proven facts’, which tend to signify the major struggle in keeping these significant memories alive. Baker’s doubt in his own parents presents a good example of this. This then raises the question- If this already the case with the current generation, what will happen in the future. Will the knowledge of the past just simply fade away? Memories alone are not the perfect source of re-establishing the events of the past, as they are personal, enclosed to certain detail, inconsecutive at a frequent rate and lack logical progression. All, Joe, Keith and Yossl are exemplary examples of this. The failure of keeping a chronological order draws the chance of neglecting vital parts of the actual event. â€Å"It was cold, winter, we had winter boots on†¦Ã¢â‚¬ according to Yossl’s definite description of the terribly cold day, 27th October 1942. Although of the convinced assurance, the memory is proven incorrect by written recordings of the other Jews. It had been a hot autumn day, whose heat Yossl is incapable of recalling. The presence of confusion is evident in the attempt of educing memory. Who doesn’t experience this? I’ve had troubles with drawing onto my own memories at times. I would say human beings tend to link inner feelings and emotions with the surrounding environment-as did Yossl-happens to the best of us. Neither memories nor historical facts work independently of each other to retell the past. Hence a combination of personal experiences, memories and documented evidences are essential for establishing the most accurate and reliable representation of history.

Free Essays on Calvism

Reformation was a 16th century movement in western Europe that aimed at changing many teachings of the Roman Catholic church, which resulted in the establishment of the Protestant church. One church existed in Western Europe in the year 1500. The Roman Catholic Church. At the top was the Pope in Rome who literally governed everything. Three things greatly affected the reformation, the renaissance, men were beginning to dominate thought, The printing press, and last but not least the rise of powerful Nation-States with an all powerful monarch. One individual named Martin Luther got extremely angry at the churches selling of indulgences, he posted his 95 Theses at Wittenberg Castle, in which he criticized the selling of indulgences. Part of his anger was that the German money was going to Rome. Thanks to the printing press, the 95 theses was printed all over Germany, and eventually Europe. The reformation strengthened the middle class, Reformation encouraged the spread of education. In both Catholic and Protestant countries, the reformation strengthened the state at the expense of the church. Reformation also led to the colonization of North America, protestants in England were persecuted for their religious beliefs by Queen Mary. "Bloody Mary" murdered many protestants to prevent the growth of the protestant faith in England. This led to a group of Protestants called pilgrims, to make a pilgrimage to the new world, where they would be free to practice their religious belief without fear of persecution. Calvinists are not followers of John Calvin, but of his idea. Calvin's Protestant faith emphasizes the omnipotence of God and the salvation of the elect by God's grace alone, basically the theory of predestination. The "elected" are known as "saints" in the Calvinist faith. Calvin denied that human beings were capable of free will. Calvin also stated that the writings of the scriptures are to be taken literally. Following the history o... Free Essays on Calvism Free Essays on Calvism Reformation was a 16th century movement in western Europe that aimed at changing many teachings of the Roman Catholic church, which resulted in the establishment of the Protestant church. One church existed in Western Europe in the year 1500. The Roman Catholic Church. At the top was the Pope in Rome who literally governed everything. Three things greatly affected the reformation, the renaissance, men were beginning to dominate thought, The printing press, and last but not least the rise of powerful Nation-States with an all powerful monarch. One individual named Martin Luther got extremely angry at the churches selling of indulgences, he posted his 95 Theses at Wittenberg Castle, in which he criticized the selling of indulgences. Part of his anger was that the German money was going to Rome. Thanks to the printing press, the 95 theses was printed all over Germany, and eventually Europe. The reformation strengthened the middle class, Reformation encouraged the spread of education. In both Catholic and Protestant countries, the reformation strengthened the state at the expense of the church. Reformation also led to the colonization of North America, protestants in England were persecuted for their religious beliefs by Queen Mary. "Bloody Mary" murdered many protestants to prevent the growth of the protestant faith in England. This led to a group of Protestants called pilgrims, to make a pilgrimage to the new world, where they would be free to practice their religious belief without fear of persecution. Calvinists are not followers of John Calvin, but of his idea. Calvin's Protestant faith emphasizes the omnipotence of God and the salvation of the elect by God's grace alone, basically the theory of predestination. The "elected" are known as "saints" in the Calvinist faith. Calvin denied that human beings were capable of free will. Calvin also stated that the writings of the scriptures are to be taken literally. Following the history o...

I need 5 seperate one page weekly current events Article

I need 5 seperate one page weekly current events - Article Example This took place after his plea. After his prosecution, the federal government prosecutors had told a judge in New York about their exaggeration regarding the capabilities of the equipment found in the goods that he had previously been arrested for exporting. The judge has not made any efforts to change the judgment although the lawyers from both sides are continuing to press on the charges This is a complex case within which some banned actions can become legal after sometime. It shows how laws can shift from governing a certain activity to the providence of freedom. In this case, it moved from national security to freedom of internet for Iranians. A dilemma is thus presented regarding those who had been convicted of an action that has now become legal. In my opinion, they should be given consideration especially if it is later found that the activities in which they were involved were not as harmful as it had been earlier stated. The article focuses on the speech given by Governor Bobby Jindal on the significance of protecting liberty in the religious context. Majorly, he focused on some of the major attacks that have taken place against religious liberty citing especially the Obama administration. The speech was related to law in the sense that it talked about the rights of all American citizens as a whole and not the prerogative of a chosen few. This was mainly with the concern of people’s freedom. According to him, despite the diversity in belief shared by members of different denominations and faiths, every citizen still bears an intrinsic right to life, liberty and to pursue happiness. Instead of it bringing out a major difference, the diversity should be a foundation that forms the basis of law and foundation. It is thus an important aspect especially if people want to work together including the entrepreneurial spirit since they form the basis of

Teenage pregnancy in ireland Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Teenage pregnancy in ireland - Thesis Example The teenage pregnancy is a contentious issue in Ireland, and the problem is especially pronounced in County Louth which is one of smallest counties in Ireland with the highest rate of teenage pregnancies (Crisis Pregnancy Agency, 2007). Many society members view most cases of teenage pregnancy as a burden and a barrier to the achievement of the necessary education status and employment standards. However, there is also a growing acceptance of non-standard family models. This research will aim to explore the attitudes of the society toward teenage pregnancy. The literature review will comprehensively discuss the problem of teenage pregnancy, teenage birth rates in Ireland, risk factors and health risks of teenage pregnancies to provide the theoretical aspects of the research on teenage pregnancy as well as the society attitudes toward young mothers. According to Keller (2002), the rate of teenage pregnancies in both County Louth and Dublin is the same i.e. 6.8pc. However, the statisti cs from the 2002 research could be currently different due to the fact that the difference in the sizes of the two cities leads to a difference in the social norms. Being larger than County Lough, the teenage birth rates could be higher in Dublin because the sexual activities will be more rampant, the catholic culture will have less impact, and the multicultural impact is high. The 2010 statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicates that teenage pregnancy in Ireland has been reduced in significant levels and it led to birth of 2, 043 babies for the mothers under the age of 20 (CSO, 2010). This was a decline from the 2006 statistics, when 2352 cases represented 0.4% of the total births among women that year (Crisis Pregnancy Agency, 2007). Majority of the teenage births are noted among girl between eighteen to nineteen years old. For example,

Project management and strategic planning Essay Example for Free

Project management and strategic planning Essay Question: Language style: English (U.K.).   Write strategic planning and implementation steps involved in any project within IT department. Mention the Total quality management steps followed. What are the problems faced? Which problem solving and decision making methods would you suggest to be utilized? Explain. References: Any 2 Sources from the Internet, or Textbooks or journals. An organisation’s IT Strategic planning should combine some amount of tactical planning.   An IT department would require a strategic planning policy to ensure that the staff members and students can use the network on the campus as and when required.    As per the university requirements, all the schools should have a functional IT system, with certain criteria and specifications.   The IT planning would also help the school to share and receive technology from other schools and in this way be of immense help to the students. An IT Department should form a part and parcel of the education policy and processes of the educational institute.   It should be considered as a very important educational and information tool, for the students and staff members.   Let us now look at the actual strategic planning process and how it can be implemented in an educational institute. Strategic Planning is a process of making important decisions in the organisation so that a link between the present and the future trends is formed, choosing the organization’s goals, establishing the policies needed to meet specific objectives and recognising the means of assuring that policies are implemented in an appropriate manner. In a nutshell strategic plans are the â€Å"action plans† (Majdà ºchovà ¡, 2003 Strategic Initiatives, 2007). STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS: Considering an example of a Management institute with special reference to the project to be carried out in the IT department, the following detailing a manager in the unit will have to accomplish and organize (ICFAI). A Manager who is responsible for strategic planning would convert the intentions or objectives of the organisation concrete and measurable strategic plans, policies and budget allocations (Majdà ºchovà ¡, 2003 Strategic Initiatives, 2007). Step one: Defining the mission of the organization Based on the above work assignments, companies change their mission over a period of time to reflect changes in the external environment. The IT unit should address three important issues: What is the business supposed to do? Who are the customers? What goods or services does it offer? An IT department targets the various problems and issues, which are normally faced in a laboratory system of an organisation.   The IT department would provide services to the staff and the students and not merely provide goods alone to the audiences mentioned above (Kotler, 1999). Step two: Drawing up organizational objectives The strategic planning process in an IT department will broadly comprise of the following main objectives to be achieved.   This would help to determine the means of accomplishing the mission: Students online exams / reports / marks, Laptop management (Wi-Fi connection), Internet control, LAN Connections, PC Maintenance, AMC – annual maintenance contract, Software and hardware troubleshooting, UPS, Vendor management, Requisition and procurement of PCs, UPS etc, Intranet management, ERP package connectivity, and Server support  Ã‚   (Kotler, 1999 ICFAI) Step three: Assessing and Analysing SWOT The mangers need to analyse thoroughly the organisation’s current situation in order to develop an effective strategy to gain a competitive edge: Availability of KRA’s Availability of E-commerce technologies and processes Availability of skills in management of the supply chain or the vendor Management of Proprietary technology, superior technological skills, IP, Patents, and the issues concerned with them (Kotler, 1999 ICFAI) Step four: Formulating strategy Michael Porter has described three strategies which can help a firm / unit to gain competitive edge over others. Overall Cost Leadership: An IT firm has to consider the capital investment and access to it, the engineering skills required, intense supervision of labour, products designed for ease in manufacture, etc in order to achieve the its objectives (Kotler, 1999). Differentiation: The IT department may differentiate its products and services into technical and engineering support, strong capability in identifying the LAN, vendors, ERP, Wi-Fi, Internet, skills of the staff members needed, Intranet, etc (Kotler, 1999). Focus: All the above mentioned policies should be directed towards meeting the strategic target of fulfilling the staff’s and the student’s requirements (Kotler, 1999). Step five: Implementing strategy According to McKinsey et al, the best-managed companies exhibit the following 7 elements, known as â€Å"McKinsey 7-S framework for business success†. These include strategy, structure, and systems (known as ‘hardware to success†); and style, skills, staff and shared values (known as â€Å"software to success†) (Kotler, 1999 ICFAI). In an IT department, style refers to the common ways of thinking and behaving of the staff members.   Skills refer to the unique method of handling problems experienced by the organization, especially using creative solutions.   Staffing is the process of hiring, training and allocating the work by the department.   Shared values refer to the common guiding values shared by the staff members (ICFAI). During the implementation, the manager should constantly monitor the technology, staff, incentives/reward system, decision-making processes, structures and functions (ICFAI). IMPLEMENTING TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT This involves selecting the right staff members and using ensuring that the services are of high quality.   The process of TQM is continuous in the organisation so that quality of the organisation would improve (through having appropriate processes, products and services).   Feedback regarding customer satisfaction is gained, and accordingly improvements are made.   The company needs to gain an insight of how the user would be using the product.   Any shortcoming should be identified and modified, as and when needed.   Some of the steps in TQM include: Studying the current quality situation Defining the quality needs Planning for a quality control program initiated by the managers Having structures, functions and strategies for implementing the quality program Allocating and obtaining the resources Monitoring and evaluation of the quality control program (Hashmi, 2000) PROBLEMS FACED: The IT department may face several major problems in cases of IT resource troubleshooting, logistics management, customer satisfaction, changes in the vision of the organisation, leadership problems, incompetent human resources, adoption of new technologies, managing the IP, obsolete facilities, etc (ICFAI). One of the major problems faced by the organisation previously, was regarding the presence of viruses in various network systems.   This seemed a threat to the security of the network.   The organisation had to develop a policy to prevent entry and spread of such virus on its network system.   This ensured that all external connections including CD’s, pen drives, removable discs, etc, were thoroughly scanned so that any virus threat would be contained.   The users were also informed of the security measures that had to be followed whilst using the network.   A strong firewall was installed to ensure that all data entering and existing the network was thoroughly monitored.   In this way, the IT department effectively handled virus threats. A study was conducted in the Institute’s IT Department to determine the effectiveness and the efficiency of the IT department’s network system.   More than 100 individuals were interviewed, which included 80 students and 20 teachers.   It was found that when a definite plan was introduced since 2004, the quality of services provided by the IT department improved drastically.   About 75 % of the staff members and 65 % of the students agreed to this.   The IT personnel are conducting quality checks at various levels to ensure that the services are effective and can enable the organisation to achieve its goals. Services Provided Percent of Staff who felt that the services were good Percent of Staff who felt that the services were satisfactory Percent of Staff who felt that the services were poor Comments Internet 75 21 4 Internet services are very good with fast connectivity and lightning speeds Intranet 50 35 15 Intranet exists, but not updated regularly Messenger 25 13 63 Not utilised very often during instruction Mail 65 26 9 Utilised very frequently and beneficial to all the faculty members and students.   Each staff and student is given their own id and password Library 78 12 10 Services are limited (no of databases subscribed) College Database 50 24 26 Not updated for long Teleconference system 56 25 19 Although, the system is effective and very useful, frequent disruptions occur PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING METHODS: Group Decision making method may be useful in large and complex departments, as the decision adopted seem to be better. Delphi group technique brings a panel of experts together in order to identify the problem and develop solutions for them.   Responses are collected and averaged by the people coordinating the group. It is utilised more often to immediately solve acute problems faced by the unit.   Such problems are time consuming and expensive to solve.   Interacting groups is the most common form of group decision making, in which the members openly discuss the problem, develop ideas, argue about each of them, and choose the best alternative. Decision Tree is a complex instrument that helps the decision-maker to consider various alternative courses needed to solve the problem and select the most appropriate alternative. The decision-maker can implement and monitor the alternative (Kotler, 1999 ICFAI).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall, I do feel that from the efforts of the management of the organisation and from the IT department itself, an effective network system has been develop which is very useful for the students and the staff members.   This educational tool helps in education, instruction, and research and even in providing information to the general public.   Regular feedback should be taken from the users, administrators, etc, in order to determine if any modification is required for the IT System, and effectively introduced into the IT strategic plan.   Over, the last four years, incorporation of an IT plan has ensured a faster network, security, greater access, and increased support.   The IT department has also certain trouble shooting devices in place to handle any situation.   This has helped the organisation to achieve its objectives. References: Hashmi, K. (2000), Introduction and Implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM), [Online], Available: http://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c031008a.asp, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. ICFAI Introduction to management, ICFAI Center for Management research. ICFAI Project Management, ICFAI publication of management research.    Kotler, P. (1999), â€Å"Marketing Management: the Millennium edition,† 10th ed, Prentice Hall. Majdà ºchovà ¡, H. (2003), â€Å"Strategic Management For The Nonprofit Organizations†, Electronic Library of Scientific Literature, vol. 51, no. 3. http://www.sav.sk/journals/ekoncas/ekon2003_07.htm   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Strategic Initiatives Leading Transformative Change†, [Online], Available: http://www.strategicinitiatives.com/, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. The University of Colorado at Boulder (2002). â€Å"2002 Information Technology Strategic Planning Report.† [Online], Available: http://www.colorado.edu/ITplan/2002itsp.pdf, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. The University of Colorado at Boulder (2002). 2002 IT Strategic Vision, [Online], Available: http://www.colorado.edu/ITplan/vision.pdf, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. The University of Colorado at Boulder (2002). Current Situation (Trends), [Online], Available: http://www.colorado.edu/ITplan/trends.pdf, [Accessed: 2007, November