Consumer Intention to Purchase Family Takaful - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 14 Words: 4139 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/02/15 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Family Essay Did you like this example? ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to define consumer intention to purchase family takaful in Pakistan. This study accepted the descriptive survey research design utilized convenient sampling technique to pick a sample size of 180. A closed ended structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Consumer Intention to Purchase Family Takaful" essay for you Create order Data was analyzed using for Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The findings on consumer intention to purchase family takaful revealed the existence of a positive relationship between all independent variables. This study concludes that there exists a statistically significant relationship between consumer intention to purchase family takaful options as compared to other conventional insurance products. This study also accomplishes that the teachings of Islam, particularly on riba (interest) significantly influence customers’ choice of Takaful. Most customers who use Takaful are doing so in compliance to Shariah principle on riba. Similarly, most customers who choose Takaful are doing so in compliance to Islamic teaching on brotherhood and cooperate risk, rather than other fundamentals as provided by conventional insurance firms. The study recommends that management at Takaful should put mechanisms in place to enhance current customers, and potential customers’ knowledge on Takaful benefits, options, risks, in addition to how Takaful principles work. There is also need to enhance awareness of customers’ perception that Takaful is only an Islamic insurance entity. This study mentions that to enhance uptake of Takaful, management at Takaful of Pakistan should device mechanisms for positive Takaful price perception at the market place, and to potential customers’. There is also need to improve competitive pricing of Takaful insurance premiums to be in line with what other conventional insurance firms are offering on the market. Finally, this study commends that management at Takaful of Pakistan should grow mechanisms of reaching out to other religious groups outside Islam. To successfully compete and develop a wide pool of heterogeneous clients, the organization should reach Christians that are the majority on the components of insurance options that Takaful is very competitive compared to conventional insurance. 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background of the study: Protection has been depicted as the monetary establishment that encourages money related dangers exchange from people to a pooled gathering of dangers through contracts by two-party contracts (Archer, 2009). The historical backdrop of protection comprised of the improvement of the cutting edge business of protection against dangers, particularly in regards to freight, property, demise, car crashes, restorative treatment. In some sense, we can say that protection goes back to early human culture. The idea of protection hence implies co-task among a gathering of individuals to proportionally promise one another. It implies offering surety to one another or holding obligation to help each other in the event of unforeseen or unfavorable mishaps or occasions that cant be met fiscally by any one individual independently (Taylor, 2010). We are aware of two sorts of economies in human social orders: common or non-money related economies (utilizing deal exchange with no brought together or i nstitutionalized arrangement of budgetary instruments) fiscal economies (with business sectors, cash, monetary instruments, etc). Protection in the previous case involves assertions of shared guide. In the event that one familys home gets obliterated, the neighbors are resolved to help modify it. Storage facilities encapsulated another early type of protection to reimburse against starvations. These sorts of protection have made due to the present day in nations or regions where a cutting edge cash economy with its money related instruments isnt far reaching. The idea of protection along these lines implies co-task among a gathering of individuals to proportionally promise one another. It implies offering surety to one another or holding duty to help each other if there should arise an occurrence of unforeseen or troublesome mishaps or occasions that cant be met monetarily by any one individual independently (Taylor, 2010). It is by large trusted that the historical backdrop of protection started with marine protection in the fourteenth century. It was imagined as an answer for the issue of ocean theft shield from misfortunes because of the likelihood of ship soaking in high waters. Both conveyed huge money related hazard. Protection served to ensure against these other such money related dangers. Anyway as opposed to the general conviction, we discover endeavors to alleviate danger of misfortune in high waters in Chinese Babylonian civic establishments a few thousand years previously Hazarat Essa (May harmony arrive). The Hammurabi cod e recorded such practices of Babylonians around 1750 BC. Greeks Romans made Kind Societies which were prior types of life medical coverage. First such realized contract was issued in 1437 AD. Comparative establishments were accessible for welfare of overall population exchanging brotherhoods in Islamic Societies. Going ahead, customary protection in its present structures was presented in Genoa in fourteenth Century. First known book on protection was written in 1488 AD by Pedro de Santerna, which was distributed in 1552 AD. London being focal point of worldwide exchange had consistently expanding interest for Marine protection in seventeenth century. Mr. Edward Lloyd set up a cafà © where send proprietor, dealership commanders would generally visit. The cafà © before long turned into a wellspring of dependable delivery news a gathering place for gatherings wishing to safeguard cargoes those prepared to guarantee such endeavors. The Lloyd of London today is a perusing commercial center for various sorts of protection despite the fact that it works uniquely in contrast to an insurance agency. 1.2. Pakistan Insurance Overview: Security in Pakistan is figured out how under the protection Ordinance, 2000. In the past couple for years, it need changed under a making Whats more fast creating business segment that is ordinarily divided under three segments: additional security, general insurance also restorative scope. The legislature from claiming Pakistan set up those section from claiming protection Previously, April 1948 Concerning illustration a department of the service of Commerce; those side of the point for this division may be will manage undertakings distinguished with the security benefits of the business. Out of the 54% that Pakistans organization a piece includes of the national GDP, protection, close by transport, stockpiling, interchanges Furthermore store include 24% of the section. Crucial issue, to example, money sufficiency, fiscal revealing, dangerous on charge avoidance Furthermore prudential focuses from claiming restriction Also gauges (Abdullah et al. , 2012). Actually, we discover that security might have been especially an standard in the times from claiming Allama Shami (may Allah be fulfilled by him). Vendors were acclimated for paying additional aggregate in schedule costs to those transportation of their results abroad. This additional whole of cash might have been arranged Sakara. Sakara intimates insurance Furthermore security. Those move down arrangements guaranteed should conform to whatever adversity on their cargo same time afloat against these premiums. This might have been marine insurance previously, genuine living. Allama Shami Reported the demonstration for this sort from claiming insurance impressible. He used the statement Sokrah for security. Since that run through ulema need declared insurance as impressible in islam. The standard protection operator contract is a commutative contract which incorporates a couple ills due to its states. These ills are: Riba (Interest) Qimar / Maysir (Gambling) Gharar (Uncertainty) 1.3. Pakistan Takaful Overview: Takaful every so often deciphered Concerning illustration solidarity alternately regular certification will be an co-agent course of action from claiming reimbursement rate alternately repayment Assuming that there ought to emerge a event of misfortune, sort program out as an islamic alternately sharia steady choice as opposed should standard protection, which Takaful defenders accept holds unthinkable riba (usury) gharar (over those Main vulnerability). Takaful is never again acknowledged Similarly as An forte item, yet it need moved at getting to be Concerning illustration a standout amongst the benefits of the business that add to the headway of the economy (Sheriff Shaairi, 2013). Takaful must shed its picture barely in an imitator, supporter alternately impersonator about universal insurance. Takaful administrators, including those fiscal get-togethers will which they have a place, must view secret word takaful as such an alternate offering from claiming security things. Done this, we oblige those right initiatives, gurus notwithstanding, with set the right tone arm starting with the senior organization that takaful must offer specific favorable circumstances exceedingly regarded Toward every last bit. Its impact must most recent Furthermore huge. This is especially thereabouts On our framework, the place takaful will be fighting following to one another (for the insurance benefits of the business. Takaful might have been primary act Eventually Toms perusing the Bedouin intrinsic since those pre-Islamic time Furthermore after the fact those preparation might have been supported toward the Prophet (pbuh) (Jaffer i. N. , 2010). Muslim theory masters distinguished that those reason about imparted obligation (in the plan of aquila Concerning illustration rehearsed between Muslims for mecca Medina) created the skeleton from claiming basic security. It might have been an arranging for the muslim Bedouin from At whatever terrible event along their enterprise should arise through those uncertain roads Also seaways. Every last bit vendors incorporate need aid consent with help one another (by helping a particular measure from claiming save in the recent past they begin their trade dare (Abu Hassan, 2014). Because from claiming protection, Thus Similarly as with benefits of the business banks, standard supposition won, Also with an concurred upon Around muslim researchers over those leg itimacy about takaful the wrongness from claiming universal protection, those development for Islamizing the contemporary insurance business started around the mid-1970s. On 1976 a fatwah might have been issued Eventually Toms perusing those higher chamber for saudi arabia for islamic model from claiming insurance. Those global islamic Fiqh Academy, jeddah of the association for islamic participation Moreover asserted takaful Likewise an bona fide sort from claiming business done 1985. The islamic protection scope of sudanese started Concerning illustration the vital takaful association in 1979. Eventually Toms perusing those mid-1990s there were seven takaful associations clinched alongside Sudan, Dubai, saudi Arabia, bahrain jordan. 1.4. Growth of Takaful / Insurance Industry: The vital Takaful might have been started done Malaysia on 1984, which is person quite a while after Malaysia fabricating up its initial islamic bank (Laldin, 2008). Takaful need aggravated some stunning advancement since its prologue of the reality more than thirty quite some time goes. Its 1% bit of the in general industry for 1990 is right now around 15%. Net commitments have produced 9% yearly since 2010. These would accomplishments that we all in all ought to on make satisfied with. Primary islamic protection (Takaful) association might have been set up for 1979 for Sudanese. More associations Previously, Different bit of the islamic reality were constructed up over after the fact a considerable length of time. Previously, 1984, the initially verifiably talking theory might have been built in Malaysia on oversee those Takaful industry. Improvement for Takaful, same time keeping with in the focuses of restriction constrained Toward Shariah, without Hosting Re-Takaful organization s on overhaul those all breaking point of the industry might have been endless. In this possibility to get to 1997 asean Re-Takaful universal might have been set up. In 2003, a ijtima for ulema about Pakistan might have been hung looking into Jamia Dar ul Uloom Karachi on inspected suitability from claiming Takaful. Previously, Pakistan, there were 51 protection organizations [7 catastrophe protection, 39 all protection, Also 5 Takaful], for a profit volume from claiming PKR876 billion (US$9 billion roughly), preceding those complete about December 2015 (SBP, 2015). As stated by SBP, assets from claiming security section have seemed stable development, with a center from claiming 15%, more than 2009-15 periods. On 2012 alone, the favorable circumstances increase Eventually Toms perusing 19%. A premium including dependent upon PKR234 billion (USD2. 34 Billion) might have been assembled Furthermore ensures including dependent upon PKR 89 billion (USD 890 Million) were enrolled supported amid 2015. Premiums, what’s more what’s more claims, need showed up continuing improvement (middle) about 16% Furthermore 9% independently amid the examination time allotment (2009-15). This region need similarly included with national exchequer a measure of PKR 5 billion similarly as pay charge amid those run through for 2015. Benefit for worth stayed 19% over 2015 same time five-year working roe might have been 15%. Those measures about security section will be over 3% for gdp (9/271), showing up enormous possibility yet to a chance to be capitalized10. Protection operator organizations need aid guided Eventually Toms perusing protection operator agencies mandatory 2000. There were 5 Takaful associations working in Pakistan with favorable element volume of PKR16 billion When those complete of December 2015. Amid this year, the premium assembled included up to PKR9 billion Furthermore cases enrolled/endorsed included dependent upon PKR3 billion. Takaful business will be regulated through organizations statute 1984, insurance mandatory 2000; Takaful organizations standards over 2,800 doctor look assignments led from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 2012. The compass for Takaful stream might have been practically 2% of the insurance part previously, Pakistan Similarly as toward December 2015. 1.5. Takaful sector in Pakistan: In 2005, Government of Pakistan issued first since forever Takaful Rues to manage the Takaful Operators. In 2006 first Takaful Company was built up. In 2007 Pak-Qatar Family Takaful was issued permit to be the principal Family Takaful Company of the Country. Takaful is a network pooling framework dependent on the standards of fraternity shared help thus members contribute in a store to enable the individuals who to require it most in the midst of monetary troubles. The aggregate reserve reason for existing is to pad every individual part who is consented to mutually accepted the danger of that network against any mishap or misfortune which the network confront the effect might be troublesome or notwithstanding destroying if the solitary weight were not spread over the whole gathering (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2004); (Clark Fisher, 2013); (Mushtaq Hussain Tisman Pasha, 2011). Takaful isnt ongoing innovation, truth be told, its references is accessible in the Holy Quran Sunnah. The reference is regarding the heavenly instruction for fraternity common solidarity which is actually a big motivator for Takaful. Coordinate with each other in issues if nobility devotion. (Surah Maida: 2) Muslims are sibling to each other. (Surah Hujarat: 10) The adherents, in their warmth benevolence sensitivity to one another, resemble the body, in the event that one of its organs endure grumbles, the whole body reacts with sleep deprivation fever. (Hadith Muslim: 4685). 1.6. Takaful Rules 2005: Takaful Rules, 2005 since notice of the Takaful Rules, 2005, as at to-date three general takaful two family takaful administrators have been issued licenses a few applications are being handled. To expel the various down to earth issues not sufficiently tended to in the current takaful guidelines featured by experts, takaful administrators shariah researchers every once in a while, the selected specialists of SECP are settling revisions at the appointed time, the changed rendition of Takaful Rules would be submitted to the Federal Government for warning. Takaful Rules dont enable customary safety net providers to execute takaful business by means of window task until September 2010. Be that as it may, to enhance the entrance level, the central government has consented to give traditional back up plans a chance to execute takaful business. 1.7. Models of Takaful industry: The aggravator store purpose behind existing will be should cushion each distinct a piece who may be consented should together anticipated the peril for that system against whatever incident or adversity which the organize face the impact could be trouble sameness or regardless pulverizing On those specific weight were not spread over those entirety gathering (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2004); (Clark Fisher, 2013); (Mushtaq Hussain Also Tisman Pasha, 2011). Different models need aid before long over Different parts of the reality. The model used clinched alongside Pakistan is known as Wakala-Waqf model. This is an change In the Wakala model the place the pool is confined as An waqf. Waqf will be juristic distinctive clinched alongside Shariah, whose ownership rest for allah (SWT) Furthermore no other single person might ensure it proprietorship. Eventually Toms perusing settling on An Wqaf sure abnormalities seen Eventually Toms perusing ulema are wiped crazy from the Wakala hint at. Thos e moguls correct off the bat might aggravate An Waqf Pool In this way concerning illustration to begin those Takaful Activities. Since they needed been the ones will develop this Waqf they would know as the Waqif, same time the obligation for Waqf may be traded to allah omnipotent. People are skilled benefit Eventually Toms perusing it to their peril assuagement purposes resulting should acquiring a enlistment about this Waqf Pool which will be legally alluded should Similarly as the Participants Takaful store or PTF. The Shareholders from that point formalize certain conditions for the waqf which will shape the premise of its tasks. In light of the Fiqh administering these conditions are made a decision to be as powerful legitimate as though they would have been spread out by the Shariah itself. This implies the Waqif, by ethicalness of its lawful position, can in this manner stipulate that monetary advantages may just be given to these who add to the Waqf Pool. The relationship of the member the Waqf then again is just a relationship of a Taburru. The commitments paid by the members are perceived as Taburru at not as Waqf, in truth turns into the property of the Waqf. This is much the same as the philanthropy we provide for some other Waqf; the philanthropy given isnt considered as Waqf yet essentially as a gift. This implies the members quickly lose their privilege of proprietorship, in this manner the laws relating Zakat even the Inheritance law wont make a difference here. As referenced befo re, these commitments turn into the property of the Waqf with prompt impact in this way profits by it should accord the conditions authorized by the Waqif, for example, using these commitments for the installments of cases, for instance subsequently, it is the Waqf Pool which makes up for the members misfortune not the Takaful Operator. The assets accessible in the Waqf Pool are put resources into Shariah Compliant business roads. Any benefits acknowledged from these ventures are come back to the Waqf from that point. 1.8. Problem Statement: Those Takaful benefits of the business are seen as a engaging business to Pakistan Whats more there need aid immense improvement open entryways to the insurance Takaful ventures. Previously, supporting those prerequisites of the economy. Pakistan, constantly an islamic nation, need in the continuous previous seen those consume from claiming Takaful, nonetheless, elements that prompt this consume Furthermore not low recurrence gazed under alternately archived. The greater part investigations, concerning illustration referenced above, vivaciously focused around islamic nations, alternately south asian countries such as malaysia. This examination thusly, takes a gander should fill this gap toward inspecting how Takaful customer intention on value, informal, Trust, Agent / Wakalah Consultancy constantly Religious influences consume for Takaful in Pakistan. Customer purposeful will be prescribed as a focus thought to whatever business accomplishment it delicately might be seen that there are various progenitor about customer point need been delineated ponder in the previous composing in the purchaser exploration Furthermore pushing examination (Anderson Also Sullivan, 1993; Saeed et al. , 2011). Costs need aid those entirety of trade that being those charge or in return that the customers compelling reason will pay for those thing alternately administrations (Kotler Keller, 2012; Lew Sulaiman, 2014). Specialist/Wakalah consultancy. Agenize clinched alongside Takaful may be known as Wakalah. Wakalah will be designated toward those Takaful directors Wakalah will try over similarly as An delegate for those Takaful shares of the organization of the customer. Wakalah may be legitimate will get a portion charge or out. Expenditure will be paid starting with the Takaful promise toward those parts. The costs need aid charges similarly as a settled entirety or rate which subject to those concurred extent on the assention profits (Arifin, Yazid, Hussin, 2014). Trust At the greater part is said clinched alongside done imply with an insistence that a customer have towards the organization he/she obtained, those trust in the business master as much Similarly as his/her guarantee, words, acceptability to keeping dependent upon relationship the capacity to depend upon the exchange partner (Che Mohd Salleh et al., 2013; Yu Also Tseng, 2016). Continuously Religious is portrayed Concerning illustration a particular plan about certainty alternately love, or energy will which someone credits unique significance, Also utilization Likewise a manual for issues of carry on with (Archer, 2009). Customer objective is fundamental as analyzed show that An satisfied customer will confer their knowledge to other individuals, they spread a OK verbal this temper Moreover will cut down the liability for drawing Previously, new customers for the baffled customer they will enactment the opposite lifestyle need those opposite sway (W. Andersen et al. , 1997). Should ponder those degree from claiming takaful for Pakistan, Takaful model need taken unmistakable caliber done overall Whats more as for now, those model is, no doubt set up clinched alongside non-Islamic countries excessively. Clinched alongside at whatever case, elements that overhaul consume about Takaful to non-Islamic countries isnt the greater part around inquired around Also archived. Khattak what’s more (Rehman, 2010) inspect over Pakistan looking into shopper devotion. In that capacity, it is hard with inform what variables Might make ascribed of the consume what’s more achievement for Takaful in countries like Pakistan. Takaful need not been made Toward Muslims just, in any case rather non-Muslims also blacks. 1.9. Research Objectives: Identify factors that can lead to the customer intention in family Takaful in Pakistan. Word of mouth influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan. Price influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan. Being Religious influences customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan. Agent / wakalah consultancy influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan. Trust influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan. 1.10. Research Questions: What are the critical possible factors that can lead to the customer intention in family Takaful in Pakistan? How does word of mouth influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan? How does price influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan? How does being religious influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan? How do agent / wakalah consultancy influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan? How does trust influence customer choice of family Takaful in Pakistan? 1.11. Scope of the study: This examination concentrated on variables impacting client decision of Family Takaful by looking at informal, value, trust, specialist wakalah consultancy being religious. This investigation was led in Pakistan. Family Takaful members were the respondents of the investigation. The investigation was be constrained to the way that most Takaful member are Muslims, in any case, to relieve this test, the examination intentionally looked for non-Islamic Takaful member to partake in the examination. 2. Literature Review 2.1. Utilization of goal conducts hypotheses to anticipate aim towards family takaful: Numerous studies have perceived the significance of goal conduct hypotheses in endeavors to comprehend anticipate sketchy volitional conduct (Thompson Panayiotopoulos, 1999); (Bhattacherjee, 2000); (Armitage, 2005); (Al Maghrabi Dennis, 2011); (Jin Kang, 2011); (Chun Chun, 2012); (Amin, 2012). These examinations in any case, presently cant seem to inspect the impacts of goal conduct speculations inside the family takaful setting. All things considered, this exploration stretches out the expectation conduct speculations to the family takaful setting with an end goal to comprehend the elements that inspire purchasers to take an interest in family takaful. A few hypotheses, in particular the hypothesis of contemplated activity (TRA), hypothesis of arranged conduct (TPB), disposition self influence?efficacy demonstrate (ASE), deteriorated hypothesis of arranged conduct (DTPB) has been utilized before in endeavors to comprehend or foresee sketchy volitional conduct. The creators at that point abridge the hypothesis in every viewpoint, give instances of its application look at the convenience of these speculations in estimating buyer goal to take an interest in family takaful. 2.2. The Theory of Reasoned Action: The hypothesis of contemplated activity (TRA) display depends on three develops to be specific social expectation, mentality abstract standard. Frame of mind, otherwise called social conviction, comprise of convictions about the result of the conduct the assessment of the result while abstract standards, otherwise called regulating convictions, are convictions about others thought on the predetermined conduct inspiration to go along towards the conduct (Fishbein Ajzen, 1975). In their particular totals, conduct convictions deliver a great or troublesome frame of mind toward the conduct while standardizing convictions result in apparent social strain to play out the conduct. The TRA likewise considers that conduct aim is a quick predecessor to conduct. Fundamentally, social expectation is convictions about the probability of playing out a specific conduct will prompt an explicit result (Fishbein, 1980); (Fishbein Ajzen, 1975). To shows, in foreseeing singular goal to take an interest in family takaful, convictions that investment into family takaful is great ready to shield him from hazard shape a social conviction influence frame of mind of the individual while convictions that family companions need him to take an interest in family takaful he need to act like what his family companions need him to do frame a regulating conviction influence emotional standard of the person. TRA has been broadly utilized in decide aim conduct (Thompson et al., 1994; Chang, 1998 ;( Dabholkar B.a.,2001); (Arshia Mohsin, 2012); (Velasquez et al., 2012). On account of monetary service, Omar Frimpong (2007), Omar (2007), (Fauziah et al., 2008), Amin Chong (2011), Amin et al. (2011),Echchabi Olaniyi (2012) in addition Amin (2012) has adjusted TRA in recognizing aim towards financial service. In this way, adjusting TRA in understanding goal to take part in family takaful appeared justified.

Essay about Cultural Interview - 1193 Words

Interview with Maria Mexican culture is colorful and rich, enriched with pride and heritage. Family values and strong moral constitution have sustained the culture for hundreds of years. I have had the pleasure to interact and consort with the Mexican culture most of my life in the business that Im in. Dedication and hard work are the stables that bound the stigma of the Mexican culture. Being that I truly honor the culture I have chosen a friend of mine that I work with to perform my interview upon. My interviewee is Maria Dimas; she was born in Cancun Mexico but has lived most of her life in the United States. Maria and I eat lunch together almost every day in the cafeteria where we work. I asked her a few weeks ago if she would be†¦show more content†¦She didnt really seem to understand the question but replied I just want to fit in and be accepted. Which, personally, I didnt quite understand the question myself; who is to say which culture is normative and which one would it be. I asked her if she had any recommendations on how to effectively communicate with people of other cultures. She replied that she just treats everyone as she would like to be treated, to just be herself and treat everyone the same. We discussed her answer and I agree that there doesnt have to be ways on how to interact with people of different cultures. People are people and most just want to be treated with respect. I moved onto the list of questions that I formulated earlier in the semester. I began by asking her what value her culture hold in high esteem. She replied that family values are it in my opinion; we are nothing without our families. She went on to explain that all through her life that she had been taught to value family above all others. Secondly, I asked her what she thought could be done about racism and prejudice. It took her a minute to reply, she said she wasnt really sure what could be done. She said we need to just treat each other with kindness and respect. She didnt seem to think that there is a solution; that people will always fear what they dont understand and so there will always be racism in some form. I have to agree with her on this point justShow MoreRelatedMy Interview With Cultural Competence Essay1185 Words   |  5 PagesHeritage From the Purnell Model for cultural competence, I started my interview with overview and heritage. According to Purnell it is defined as includes concepts related to the country of origin, current residence, the effects of the topography of the country of origin and current residence, economics, politics, reasons for emigration, educational status, and occupations (Purnell, 2002). I began my interview with my Mexican friend, Diego Pina. In my interview I learned that Diego is was born inRead MoreCultural Interview Is An Indispensable Element Of One s Professional Success Essay1672 Words   |  7 Pagesremarkable importance in terms of succeeding in cultural brokering. Subsequently, the analysis of the answers given during the cultural interview would be particularly helpful in terms of understanding the interrelations between the received information and the theories/concepts discussed in class. In addition, the received data may also serve as a practical illustration of the diffe rences between the Personal and Group identities. Finally, the interview has largely changed my personal perspective andRead MoreCultural Interview : Cultural Informant Interview1477 Words   |  6 PagesCultural Informant Interview My cultural informant was a friend who I have known for about six and a half years, Lisa. Lisa’s sister, Liya, and I became close friends during my freshman year of college. Liya, two other girls, and I became roommates from sophomore year through senior year. Lisa is a year younger than me, so I met her during my sophomore year. Liya and Lisa were international students from Ethiopia, so they often spent holidays and breaks with my family and I. The three of us becameRead MoreCultural Interview Essay1426 Words   |  6 PagesCULTURAL INTERVIEW My cultural interview was with a coworker, 28 years of age and of Hispanic descent. While conducting the interview I learned a lot about the Hispanic culture. Many Hispanics like to be called Latino (a). Some do not like to be referred to as Mexican when they are from other countries other than Mexico. Hispanics also use slang within their culture just like African Americans. Within the culture the male is the dominant figure in the household. All the decisions thatRead MoreCultural Analysis / International Interviews1547 Words   |  7 PagesCultural Analysis/ International Interviews Culture describes the values and morals behind the interactions and different ways people go about living. Growing up I was fortunate enough to experience cultural differences within my friend group and throughout travels. I have seen cultural differences between continents, cultural differences in regions of the same continent, same country, and even cultural differences within the same city. Culture can describe any size group and any location. For exampleRead MoreCulture : Cultural Lifestyle Interview975 Words   |  4 PagesCultural Lifestyle Interview Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what does righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with and unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15, NIV) . Was Paul merely stating that we should not communicate or associate with unbelievers who do not have the same beliefs as Christians? Absolutely not! What Paul was literally stating isRead MoreCultural Identity Interview and Analysis1917 Words   |  8 PagesCultural Identity Interview and Analysis Student Axia College of University of Phoenix INS 205 Introduction to World Cultures and Social Environments Instructor Date Cultural Identity Interview and Analysis An interview with a member of the Mexican American community was conducted on December 1st, 2007. This research will provide a summary of that interview; particularly, it will include a description of the rules, norms, traditions, and values of Mexican American culture. The researchRead MoreInternational Expo : Cultural Interview1553 Words   |  7 PagesInternational Expo: Cultural Interview In an effort to better understand the multitude of countries represented at OSU, I chose the International Expo was chosen for convenience and the variety of cultures it showcased. Specifically, I chose to look into the Chinese culture and interviewed a friend of mine from China. We had decided to go to the International Expo together and since we had become friends a year ago, my initial impressions of her and her culture were not from the expo. Since we hadRead MoreReflection Of A Cultural Interview With Rheannas Culture1118 Words   |  5 PagesI chose my friend, Rheanna Lynn Esparza, as my interviewee for my cultural interview. While I was interviewing Rheanna, I used the same questions I answered about myself during my cultural diorama presentation. During the interview, I was able to grasp a better understanding of Rheannas culture while allowing her to develop a better understanding of her own culture and family history. Rheanna identifies with the ethnic groups Latino, European, and Native American. Her father is Latino, her motherRead MoreCross Cultural Interview: Interview of an African-American Woman929 Words   |  4 PagesAs I entered the home to conduct my interview, I was immediately greeted by very soft spoken female. She’s a 42 yrs old African American female, who’s married with two children. She migrated from the south 30 years ago along with her mother and sister. She’s currently working for the Department of Education as a substitute teacher with aspiration of becoming a child psychologist. The subject was eager to be interviewed. She thought it would be great to sure her views and perspectives of her culture

Gandhi Vs. Hitler s Life - 1007 Words

GANDHI VS. HITLER In history class, there was a topic I found quite intriguing and interesting. The topic at hand was how Gandhi and Hitler shared many similarities. I doubted this at first. It was a puzzling thought overall. After some research and analysis it became apparent that, indeed, they were quite similar. One of their most common feature was the fact that they lead thousands of people to make their vision a reality. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a pacifist. He is a well-known icon of peace. How can a pacifist such as Gandhi be comparable to a man such as Adolf Hitler? Well Gandhi and Hitler both lead millions of people to follow their beliefs. While they had different methods of leading, they were leaders†¦show more content†¦With his battle against the segregation, Gandhi founded a political movement, the Natal Indian congress. The belief in non-violent civil protest was brought into a political stand point. When Gandhi returned to India in 1916, he continued to develop his practice of non-violent civil disobedience. The Non-Violent Civil Disobedience Act consisted of him leading peaceful strikes and protests all of which led to his world-wide fame. After gaining popularity throughout the world, Gandhi quickly became known for his pacifist ways and was referred to as ‘Great soul.’ On March 10th 1922, Gandhi was arrested for his inspiration of mass civil disobedience against the British. This shocked me, I didn’t think that Gandhi would have ever been arrested or anything due to the fact that he was a pacifist. However, Gandhi did not only get arrested but once he was released he continued his peaceful protests and continued spreading his message. When the British put a tax on salt he led a 250-mile march to the sea to collect his own salt, which was his form of peaceful rebellion or protest. Once the British found out just how much of a political influence he was, Gandhi became a quick target. There was a total of six as sassination attempts against his life. The British saw him as a threat. They wanted him to stop fighting for the independence of India. It is surprising with the knowledge we have now about Gandhi and his positive influence, that anyone

Teen Pregnancy Jamie Knowles - 2047 Words

Teen Pregnancy Jamie Knowles Social Problems Instructor Tammy Nemeth June 21, 2015 There are several situations that teenagers get themselves into that can lead to many things including teen pregnancy. Many teenagers do not understand the risks and responsibilities that are involved with having sex. Teenagers are growing up in a society in which they see their peers, TV shows, movies, music, and magazines often giving the message that premarital sex and teen are common, accepted, and at times expected, behaviors. Many people blame the increase of teen pregnancy on the lack of education that isn’t available to our teenagers. Some say it’s the schools responsibility to provide that education and others say it is the parent’s responsibility. But, what it really boils down to be is that parents are not sure when they should start educating their children about sex and they fear it may encourage sexual activity. There is no right or wrong age to start talking about sex to your children and the risk and responsibilities that come along with having sex. Sex education can help kids understand certain things about their body and can help them feel positive about their bodies. Starting the conversation about sex at a younger age and continuing that conversation as the child grows is the best sex education strategy a parent can have. It lets parents avoid giving one big, and very uncomfortable talk when the child becomes a teenager. When a parent has the â€Å"sexShow MoreRelatedIn sight to Coach Carter Film7710 Words   |  31 Pagesentertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music. This film has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for violence, sexual content, language, teen partying some drug material. ABOUT THE STORY Playing high school basketball takes more than skill, perseverance, discipline and teamwork – especially when you play for Coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson). Just to step on Carter’s court takes

Hotel Rwanda Free Essays

After seeing the footage that Jack Daglish shot of Interamwe soldiers murdering innocent Tutsis, Paul hopes that the footage will be sent out and encourage people to stop these terrible acts of violence. However, that is not the type of world we live in. Unfortunately, we live in a world where if people are content with their lives, then they do not care about the struggles that other people are facing. We will write a custom essay sample on Hotel Rwanda or any similar topic only for you Order Now We say that man is a choosing animal, however most of the time we only choose to do things based on how it will affect us. We have the ability to help other people out who are struggling, but instead we choose to live in a Teflon cocoon. When we are living in a Teflon cocoon, we are denying that we as humans can do something to stop other humans from suffering. In this case, human beings were denying that they could go out and help the Tutsis who were being persecuted in Rwanda. People were only caring about getting on with their own lives and not helping out others who really needed other people to be there for them. When Daglish says, â€Å"I think if people see this footage they’ll say, ‘Oh my God that’s horrible,’ and then go on eating their dinners,† this is a precise example of people living in Teflon cocoons. It has somehow gotten in our human nature that we should only worry about our own well-being and not care about others who are in danger. Human beings around the world are not living in the web of human relations. They are mainly living inside their own separate Teflon cocoons not worried about the world outside their city or town. If we want to thrive as human beings, we must take responsibility to help each other out in times of need. If we would do that, we would be truly living in the web of human relations. Even Paul is not fully living in the web of human relations in the beginning of the movie. At first, he is only worried about saving his immediate family. He then branches out to help save all of his family and eventually his neighbors. Then when gets back to his hotel, he breaks completely out of his Teflon cocoon and comes to the aid of all Tutsis. The people depended on Paul to let them stay in his hotel as a kind of refugee camp. People around the world lost sight of their moral ecology because they did not believe it would benefit themselves to help the people in Rwanda. We as human beings need to realize that we are interdependent on each other. Not only should we depend on other people, but they should depend on us as well. When people are living inside of Teflon cocoons, they only worry about either depending on themselves, or depending on others but not letting others depend on them. Paul only realized that he must break out of his Teflon cocoon when a time of emergency showed up. Unfortunately, that is what it takes for most people to believe in the true meaning of interdependence. If only most of the world would realize what the word means before a time of emergency hit, we could live in a much more peaceful earth and have faith in our fellow human beings. I do not believe our world will ever come to that stage, but we should at least try and break out of our Teflon cocoons and start showing others that we are there for them. Maybe then a domino effect will happen and everyone will realize that we are all there for each other. How to cite Hotel Rwanda, Essay examples Hotel Rwanda Free Essays Roberto Cutout. It was released into the United States on December 22, 2004, but it released elsewhere in the world throughout 2005. The three main stars of the movie were Don Cheated, who plays Paul Reassigning the hotel manager, Sophie Conned, who plays Titian Reassigning, Pall’s wife, and Nick Molten who plays Colonel Oliver, the United Nations peacekeeper. We will write a custom essay sample on Hotel Rwanda or any similar topic only for you Order Now I watched this movie about a week ago on July 27th with a few of my friends who are also taking this course. The movie is not part of a series, but it is based on a true story. It is inspired by the novel An Ordinary Man by Paul Reassigning and Hotel Rwanda: Bringing the True Story of an African Hero to Film by Keri Pearson and Terry George. In Rwanda, there are two main ethnic groups, the Tutsis and the Huts , who are constantly fighting for power and control of Rwanda. Genocide constantly cleanses Rwanda streets as people turn away in fear. Paul Reassigning is a hotel manager for the Hotel Des Mille Isoclines in Kigali, Rwanda. He being a Hut helps his family and other people they know, most Tutsis like his wife, take refuge from the Hut army in his hotel. Before they even reach the hotel, they get taken by the Huts and Paul has to pay General Beginning one hundred thousand Francs to spare the lives of his Tutsis friends that first took shelter in their home and another ten thousand Francs for his wife and kids’ lives. As they try to settle the few amounts of people they have in the hotel already plus the current guests, the Red Cross and other Huts and Tutsis arrive at the hotel taking refuge adding the total from one hundred to over eight hundred Rwanda. As the genocide increases, the Europeans staying at the hotel are flown out of Rwanda by the United Nations and sent back home to avoid the danger. Paul tries to get help from the Belgians and the French after the fighting grows, but the countries refuse to get themselves caught up in Rwanda problems. The U. N. Sakes a list of refugees able to leave the country and attempt to take them on trucks across the border, but Tutsis rebels ambush the trucks forcing them to return to the hotel. Paul and his family later get to escape to a U. N. Refugee camp where they find Titan’s nieces, but her brother and sister-in-law nowhere to be found. They end up crossing past the rebel nine and drive to their new home in Tanzania, away from the war. In ten years, one million Rwanda, both Hut and Tutsis, were left for dead because of the genocide and hatred between these two ethnic groups. Which I believe is an unreasonably irrational thing to happen all due to hatred between human beings. The characters in â€Å"Hotel Rwanda† are based on real people and events that actually happened in Rwanda during the sass. Paul Reassigning was a real person that actually took care of hundreds of people in his hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. The people played in the film were accurate as to the real situation in the sass. The dates in the film were also right. Some online people, mostly Rwanda, say that the movie does not tell the story of the genocide correctly as it happened. These sources are not official since they are only people of Rwanda that live there and claim they fully and correctly know the story of the genocide and what happened with Paul Reassigning and his family. The events in the film were based on true events that happened in Rwanda during the sass, ending in 1994. â€Å"Hotel Rwanda† was mainly filmed on the spot in Kigali, Rwanda and Johannesburg, South Africa. The Hotel Des Mille Isoclines set was filmed in South Africa, but the original Hotel Des Mille Isoclines is located in Kigali, Rwanda. The scenes showing the city streets and most fighting scenes are shot in Kigali. The camp scenes along with some road scenes were filmed in South Africa. These locations were shown very accurately since they filmed part of the movie in the actual city where the movie takes place. The movie was filmed during 2004 and it released on December 22, 2004. The wardrobes of the people shown in the film are accurately represented like the Huts, Tutsis, and militias wore during the sass in Rwanda. The ears and clothes of the people were portrayed very well as to how they were back then. The producers did a great Job of showing the time period during the movie Just by the clothes the actors wore. All around this movie was accurately shot and shown as the real actual thing. â€Å"Hotel Rwanda† was a very dampening movie because of the killing of innocent people and children, but it was very good. The actors were great, especially Don Cheated, playing Paul Reassigning, the most important role in the movie. The strongest points in the movie were how real they represented and filmed the Unicode as well as the emotions in the characters throughout each scene. The weakest point in the movie, I believe, is the ending where it ends with the Russianness on the road after they got off the bus. I was curious why they didn’t show the rest of their Journey to their new home in Tanzania and what happens after they get there. Which is most likely due to the length of the movie, which is understandable. It was kind of like a cliff hanger for me, so I did not really like the ending as much as I expected I would. I also enjoyed how the movie rose to a great lima and then stayed at a climax for a while until it dived towards the end once the family reached the U. N. Camp. The movie really kept me on â€Å"the edge of my seat† throughout the whole thing . After watching â€Å"Hotel Rwanda†, I was well aware of what happened with the Hut and Tutsis genocide. I did not realize how much damage was caused in Just one hundred days of the killings. The movie would have been better if it continued on about the Russianness’ lives in Tanzania and how they managed to survive. I would definitely recommend â€Å"Hotel Rwanda† to anyone that enjoys watching historic events that keep you on the edge of your seat. How to cite Hotel Rwanda, Papers Hotel Rwanda Free Essays Textual Analysis: Hotel Rwanda (Terry George, 2004) The horrible evidence of what Kant variously called the wickedness, corruption and perversity of the human heart is, unfortunately, not encountered only in memory, it is also met with among our current experiences. We are daily obliged to witness fresh atrocities as ethnic and racial hatreds seek to express themselves in the annihilation of their proponents’ enemies. Copjec, 1996;9) The above quote effectively demonstrates that debates on evil are not only still suitable for the issues emerging in a post-modern world, but are perhaps more suitable than ever before. We will write a custom essay sample on Hotel Rwanda or any similar topic only for you Order Now The film which I will be discussing, Hotel Rwanda (2004), relates the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a man who sheltered over a thousand refugees in the hotel he managed during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The film is useful as a focus point for the discussion of evil since the situation surrounding the events that took place during those months are often referred to in terms of evil – not only on the part of the Hutu militia that perpetrated the atrocities, but also of the international community and the UN in particular, which did not intervene to stop the massacre – and it would be useful to analyse a couple of key points in this film more closely. After World War II, it was believed that the genocide perpetrated by the Nazis would never be allowed to happen again, but events in Yugoslavia and Rwanda, to name but two examples, have proven that the potential for acts of evil of this magnitude to occur are not specific to one culture or even to a place in time, but are expressions of – to use the words of Immanuel Kant – ‘a natural propensity to evil’ (1960;20) that is embedded in the human race. It might therefore prove useful to turn to psychoanalysis for a partial explanation with regards to how it is possible for people to change their behaviour in such radical ways, readily adopting new moral maxims that often oppose their previously adopted ones. According to Freud, when in a group situation, ‘the individual gives up his ego ideal and substitutes for it the group ideal as embodied in the leader’ The other members of the group are, according to this theory, ‘carried away with the rest by ‘suggestion’, that is to say, by means of identification’ (1921;161-162). According to this theory, the group – small or large – surrenders its free will to that of the leader, which makes them less likely to make their own moral judgements with regards to their actions and more likely to blindly follow the leader as well as the other members of their group. The issues of identity and legitimisation are also crucial to understanding how the Hutus felt justified in brutally murdering their former friends and neighbours. As is explained in the film, tensions between Tutsis and Hutus were virtually nonexistent prior to the arrival of the Belgian colonists. The two ethnic groups are actually very similar – they speak the same language, inhabit the same areas and follow the same traditions†¦It was the Belgian colonists who saw Hutus and Tutsis as ‘distinct entities, and even produced identity cards classifying people according to their ethnicity’ (BBC News Website). In other words, there were no violent issues of ethnic di fference until the Tutsis were made – to use the definition provided by Richard Kearney – into â€Å"aliens†. For Kearney, this term refers to ‘that experience of alterity associated with selection†¦or sometimes with suspicion’ (2000;101). He goes on to say that ‘Aliens proliferate where anxieties loom as to who we are and how we demarcate ourselves from others (who are not us)’ (2000;102). This means that, in order to legitimise their own identity, groups must necessarily create a group of ‘aliens’ with whom they can misidentify. The tendency to use members of this group as scapegoats and perceive them as threats is clearly demonstrated in the build-up to the Rwanda massacre. As the economic situation in the country worsened, Tutsis were used to divert anger from the Hutu government. Subsequently, when the airplane carrying the Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down, the incident was used to make Hutus feel as if they were under attack. As one Hutu – who actively took part in the massacre – later relates; ‘Because the RPF were blamed for the death of President Habyarimana, we thought that they had started with the high-ranking officials and that they were going to end up doing the same to us ordinary people’ (BBC News Website). In other words, ‘When faced with a threatening outsider, the best mode of defence becomes attack’ (Kearney, 2000;104). The other side of evil as portrayed in the film, however, is the international community’s failure to act. The UN soldiers in Rwanda are portrayed as good people who have their hands tied, yet their refusal to go against their orders is portrayed almost as cowardice in that they are failing to ‘do what is right’ and use their weapons in order to save lives. In a scene where the UN convoy – transporting refugees from the hotel to a secure camp – gets stopped at a militia roadblock, the refugees’ lives are in dire peril, and the fact that the soldiers will not shoot the Hutus that are about to kill unarmed men, women and children stands for what is now widely thought of as shameful unwillingness of the Western nations to recognise and stop the genocide. The outcome of this particular scene is that the UN soldiers do not use their weapons but most of the refugees are saved by the belatedly arrived local police force. The outcome of the lack of intervention from Western nations was the death of an estimated 1 million people. The crucial question for the purpose of this paper is whether the actions of those soldiers were evil. It could be argued that if they had used their guns against their explicit orders, many lives could have been saved, but it could also be said, on the other hand, that this act would have give the hostile militias a justification to kill the UN soldiers as well, which would have saved even fewer lives. In determining the evil nature of actions or people, should we consider first and foremost the intention or the consequence of action? It might prove useful at this point to outline a practical definition of morals in contrast to ethics in relation to this particular example. I would argue that morals are result-orientated whilst ethics in the true Kantian sense are interested solely in the consistent obedience of the law, a maxim which once adopted by an individual must be followed for its own sake, regardless of consequence or relative circumstances. Whilst morals must consider a situation in light not only of the law, but also taking into account the surrounding circumstances and possible outcomes, ethics dictate that anything short of upholding the law for the law’s sake is evil. Within this framework it is then possible to argue that the soldier’s actions were ethical but not moral. While it would have been impossible for them not to consider the outcome of their action, we could conclude that their decision to uphold the law overrode their need to help the refugees. Operating under a law that dictated that they would not use their weapons to protect the refugees, going against that would be – in Kantian terms – evil, as they would be breaking the law, and even if countless lives were saved as a result of that, Kant’s unforgiving sense of ethics would not spare them in the least, for the outcome of actions simply does not feature in his theoretical framework. By choosing to uphold the law the soldiers fulfil another crucial requirement of Kantian ethical behaviour (or as he calls it, the ‘moral law’); the categorical imperative. In stating that one should never act except in such a way that they should will that their maxim should become universal law, Kant established that the most important factor of his ethics is consistency, as no double standards can be tolerated. It would seem reasonable to assume that the moral maxim of the soldiers in question is that violence without due procedure and full backing of the law is never justifiable. With that in mind, it could be argued that they would be happy to see that moral maxim adopted as universal law, since a world in which this maxim was universally adopted would most probably not have seen the Rwanda genocide taking place. BIBLIOGRAPHY Copjec, J. (1996) (Ed. ) Radical Evil, Varso Books Freud, S. (1991) Civilization, Society and Religions: ‘Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego’, ‘Future of an Illusion’ and ‘Civilization and its Discontents’ (The Penguin Freud Library) Penguin Books Kant, I. 1960) Religion Within the Limits of Reason Alone, New York, Harper Collins Torchbooks, Australia Kearney, R. (2000) ‘Others and Aliens: Between Good and Evil’, in: Geddes, J. (Ed. ) Evil After Postmodernism: Histories, Narratives, and Ethics, Routledge Singer, P. (2004) The President of Good and Evil: Taking George W. Bush Seriously, London, Granta Books ‘Taken Over By Satan’ http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/progr ammes/panorama/3582011. stm Accessed on 14/03/2006 ‘Rwanda: How the genocide happened’ http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/world/africa/1288230. stm Accessed on 17/03/2006 How to cite Hotel Rwanda, Papers

Coco Cola Internal Analysis Free Essays

Internal Analysis Coca-Cola is the world’s largest drinks company, with giant and strong advantages of global competitiveness, brand image has been popularity, in the market share high. Coca-Cola offers a unique combination of organizational and physical resources that support it’s favorable operating results. Strengths – The highest scores for the company’s strengths include the high ability of innovation, research, and development. We will write a custom essay sample on Coco Cola Internal Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now Coca-Cola has created a strong brand for itself in the drinking industry, and provides a competitive advantage over other players in the market. They use the unique flavor and price strategy to attract more customers. Weaknesses – Coke contains caffeine and other components, this is a slightly bad places that compared with other health drinks, such as milk. And it easys to cause fat. And it’s a large organization, not easy to manage, and less use of celebrity advertising, decrease attraction. Our Industry overview The definition for soft drink industry includes manufacturing non-alcoholic, carbonated beverages, mineral waters and concentrates and syrups for the manufacture of carbonated beverages. The world’s top 10 soft drink companies by market share (2009) are Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Sunstory, Dr Pepper Snapple, Red Bull, Danone, Kirin, Asahi Breweries, Ito En. Internal Threats With regard to the bargaining power of buyers, it must be noted that there exists a low switching cost. This will give consumers more bargaining power. However, on the other hand, the limited alternative goods will lower buyers’ bargaining power. The last force indicator to estimate the degree of internal competition is the bargaining power of suppliers. Obviously, there are plenty of substitutes for sugar, one of the main ingredients in manufacturing beverage concentrates and syrups. In addition, various materials are also available for packaging. Under these circumstances, suppliers in the soft drink industry have less bargaining power. The Coca? Cola Company is the world’s leading beverage manufacturing company. It possesses a strong brand name and brand portfolio. It operates in more than 200 countries and markets with more than 500 brands and 3,500 beverage products. Coca-Cola’s market leadership and industry-leading brands provide an exceptional competitive advantage and in turn enhance its bargaining power. Above all, operation activities, marketing activities are critical for success in our industry. How to cite Coco Cola Internal Analysis, Papers

Trust Formation in Multinational Teams †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Trust Formation in Multinational Teams. Answer: Introduction The following paper discusses on the various aspects of the communication problems that are faced when one communicates with the people different form ones own culture. Culture is a phenomenon that is present all over the world and has a huge impact on the minds of the people across the world. In these days, the businesses are expanding and the scope for working outside ones own country is constantly increasing. This reflects the fact that people have to go outside their countries to do their work and when they meet the native people of that place, they have to mix with their culture. The chosen culture for this paper is the American culture that focuses mostly on the aspect of individualism that has a stark contrast with that of the individualism that is followed in the Asian countries. This has to be discussed by argument in comparing with the contrasted culture. The global companies are expanding their markets all over the world so it is extremely important for them to apply the cross-cultural communication management in their companies (Carbaugh 2013). This has become a subject of the strategic importance. There are various sorts of communication procedures in this modern era. Due to the advancements in technology, some important communication technologies have been invented apart from verbal communication. These are noted to be the online communication processes by using the internet (Carbaugh 2013). Almost every company has a diverse workforce these days so they must develop a cross-cultural communication tools for their employees. This gives them the opportunities to see, speak and observe how the people from different cultures communicate in this modern business environment (Cavusgil et al. 2014). In an organization where the cross-cultural communication has been developed, it reflects the fact that they have to deal with diverse business customs, beliefs and communication strategies. These kinds of communication strategies involve language differences, high and low context cultures, nonverbal differences and power distance effects (Mennen, Schaeffler and Docherty 2012). When a person from an Asian country like Japan flies to America for fixing some business deals, he has to deal with people who do not understand their language nor do they have any similarity with the culture that they follow. He is definitely not accustomed with the cultural norms in America. This is why he may face various problems in dealing with them. High and Low context cultures The importance of the high and low context cultures is very important because this interprets the thoughts, reactions and behaviors of the employees in different contrasting cultures (Croucher et al. 2012). High and low context business cultures are completely different in their approach. The high context businesses are generally the ones that build on trust. Trust is the most important part in this culture and this is followed generally in Middle East, Asian and African countries. The business communication strategies in the high context culture is very much collectivist in nature and thrives for interpersonal relationships between the employees (Chaney and Martin 2013). The employees belonging to this sort of culture want to meet and communicate with the persons they are making the business deals with. Then there are better chances of the effective decision making. The people indulging in the low context business cultures belong to the American and European business management backgrounds and they are motivated by the individualistic approach. The business dealings are direct in this culture (DeVito 2015). Language differences There are several barriers in this modern day business context. One of the most important barriers is the language difference between them (Tenzer, Pudelko and Harzing 2014). An example can be given that a person has gone to Japan from America and he has to make some business dealings with one of the largest companies there. The main problem is that he is not comfortable with speaking the Japanese language properly. So, he is very concerned on how to make the business deal successfully. This is why it is of utmost importance for the global organizations to hire employees with proficiency in languages other than English and his mother language. This will give an added advantage to their profile (Richmond, McCroskey and Powell 2012). The two ways of nonverbal communication are gestures and eye contacts. The methods of eye contact in terms of communication are regarded as benchmarks for honesty and straightforwardness (Burgoon, Guerrero and Floyd 2016). It is a considered to be a good sign in the US but in some Asian and Middle Eastern countries, it is regarded as a sigh of rudeness and aggression. The companies have to train their employees on how to handle the unwanted situations by a proper communication. The American workers wave their hands or point their fingers to gesture about some important things. Individualism and Collectivism The two other exponents of this cultural difference lies in the ideas of the individualism and collectivism. In this paper the home culture has been chosen as the collectivist culture and the other culture is the individualist culture that is seen in the Western countries (Hamamura 2012). The people who go there for work purposes face a lot of new things there. This is because they belong to a culture where group success for the people is more important than the individual achievements. They are raised in such a culture where the group has to be supported because of they want to achieve larger societal goals but the culture they have been working at present presents a culture where individual achievements are looked upon as one of the most important things. The needs and successes of one are focused more than the other things (Hamamura 2012). They face certain circumstances where his colleagues may be attracted towards self-success and they are less bothered about the collectivist ap proaches in the organization or in the society. Some of the most important things in the cultural dimensions model created by Hofstede include Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV), Masculinity vs Femininity (MAS) management, Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), Long term Orientation versus Short Term Normative Orientation (LTO), Indulgence versus Restraint (IND) (Taras, Steel and Kirkman, 2012). The people have to face some important communication barriers when they get to meet the people of the contrasting culture. They tend to communicate with them like their own people but somehow they are restrained from doing so. Though cultural diversity is one of the main things to obtain success in the workplace, those certain barriers prevent them from doing so. Language barriers It is a common trait that the people are becoming more indulgent in going to the other countries that may follow the complete contrasting cultures than that of them. This is also a factor that if the people go to the Western countries, they face this language problem most of the times (McCarthy et al. 2013). Most of the people from the Asian community have English as their second language but in their workplaces, English is the first language in most of the cases. This is also to say that the employees who may belong to the same country but in another region, use different words to communicate with the same meaning. This is very important in the case of the organizations and the HR managers have to make remedies for solving this problem (McCarthy et al. 2013). In the professional areas, difference in gender is another important thing that has to be dealt with strict execution (DuBrin 2013). These things happen when the amount of the male and female employees in an organization is disproportionate. As the individualist culture is all about achieving the self-success, the female employees want to dominate the male employees and the vice versa. This communication gap restrains the organizational success (DuBrin 2013) Dos and Donts When the guests from the individualist culture try to assimilate into the contrasting collectivist culture, the host persons must try to listen and respond to their queries. Do Dont The host people should always listen to what the guests have to say with attention. They should try to help the guests. They should never just listen to the guests in a casual manner and avoid them. The host people should take the opportunity to help the guests as this gives a good impression about their culture and their own personalities. The hosts should not also insult or discourage them as he is from a different culture. Another option for communication in this modern era is the online communication which they should also keep in mind and follow some basic courtesy when interacting with guests from the selected culture in this global environment (Chen 2013). Do Dont The host people should always answer the queries through social media and emails. The host people should not delete or discard the things the emails of the people from the contrasting culture (Chen 2013). The emails that are sent for professional communication , should be dealt with priority as their impression is very valuable (Chen 2013). They should not avoid or ignore the guests in the online platforms since everyone has the right to take part in it. Conclusion This paper can be concluded by saying that communication is a very integral part of the professional field. As this world has become a global village in the recent years, the need for people to globalize is very urgent. If the people stay within the constraints of the traditional society and its values, they will lag behind. This is definitely not what one wants. The barriers are communication is very much present in this scenario. This will prevent them to interact with the people from other cultures. The people from the host culture should always treat nicely with the people from the guest culture. This will help to create a better working environment and cultural balance. References Burgoon, J.K., Guerrero, L.K. and Floyd, K., 2016.Nonverbal communication. Routledge. Carbaugh, D., 2013.Cultural communication and intercultural contact. Routledge. Cavusgil, S.T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J.R., Rammal, H.G. and Rose, E.L., 2014.International business management. Pearson Australia. Chaney, L. and Martin, J., 2013.Intercultural business communication. Pearson Higher Ed. Chen, W., 2013. Internet use, online communication, and ties in Americans networks.Social science computer review,31(4), pp.404-423. Croucher, S.M., Bruno, A., McGrath, P., Adams, C., McGahan, C., Suits, A. and Huckins, A., 2012. Conflict styles and highlow context cultures: A cross-cultural extension.Communication Research Reports,29(1), pp.64-73. DeVito, J.A., 2015.The interpersonal communication book. Pearson. DuBrin, A.J., 2013.Human relations for career and personal success: Concepts, Applications, and Skills. Pearson Higher Ed. Hamamura, T., 2012. Are cultures becoming individualistic? A cross-temporal comparison of individualismcollectivism in the United States and Japan.Personality and Social Psychology Review,16(1), pp.3-24. McCarthy, J., Cassidy, I., Graham, M.M. and Tuohy, D., 2013. Conversations through barriers of language and interpretation.British journal of nursing,22(6), pp.335-339. Mennen, I., Schaeffler, F. and Docherty, G., 2012. Cross-language differences in fundamental frequency range: A comparison of English and German a.The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America,131(3), pp.2249-2260. Richmond, V.P., McCroskey, J.C. and Powell, L., 2012.Organizational communication for survival. Pearson Higher Ed. Taras, V., Steel, P. and Kirkman, B.L., 2012. Improving national cultural indices using a longitudinal meta-analysis of Hofstede's dimensions.Journal of World Business,47(3), pp.329-341. Tenzer, H., Pudelko, M. and Harzing, A.W., 2014. The impact of language barriers on trust formation in multinational teams.Journal of International Business Studies,45(5), pp.508-535.

Capital Reconstruction free essay sample

The act of placing a company into voluntary liquidation and then selling its assets to another company with the same name and same stockholders, but with a larger capital base. It is the  complete  overhaul of the  capital  of a distressed company  to save it from  liquidation. The object of it is to enable the company to continue as a going concern by the removal of the burden of immediate debt, the attraction of additional  capital  and the creation of a viable financial structure. Definition:- The reconstruction of  capital, which is also known as  capital  reconstruction, is defined as the plans made by  a company  for the restructuring of its capital  base. Capital  reconstruction involves major  alterations  in the  capital  base of  a company. It is related to the term  capital  restructuring. OR A company gains the agreement of its shareholders and creditors to vary the rights of its members and creditors, by altering the capital structure in a way that allows the existing company to continue in business. Types of Capital Reconstruction:- There are two types of  capital  reconstruction. These are splits and  consolidations. Split is an easy  principle  to understand. 1. Splits:- Under the principle of splits,  a company  basically splits its  capital  base. For instance,  a company  may split its base of  capital  by issuing two new  shares  for every  one share  held by the shareholder. For example, if the company has 50, 000, 000  shares  at its disposal, it can split its base of  capital  to 100, 000, 000  shares. Capital  reconstruction may or may not include a return on  capital. 2. Consolidations:- On the other hand,  consolidations  are the opposite of splits. In the above example, the company split its 50, 000, 000  shares  into 100, 000, 000  shares. In the case of consolidations, however, the company may consolidate the 100, 000, 000 ordinary  shares  at its disposal into 50, 000, 000 ordinary  shares  by giving shareholders only one new shares  for every two  shares  they hold. The process of re-engineering the capital base of a company could be done internally or externally. Internal construction is a process where capital is reconstructed within the existing shareholder, while external is where capital is reconstructed among the existing and prospective shareholders. Accounting for Capital  Reconstruction Rationale for Capital Reconstruction To eliminate 3 issues that prevent a distressed company from recovering 1. Negative retained earnings * Companies with accumulated losses are not allowed to pay dividends. One reason is that it prevents the shareholders from withdrawing money and leaving the debt holders high and dry. * This discourages potential investors from investing in the company. * The company will find it difficult to obtain debt financing as well. 2. Overdue interest and debt * Distressed companies are cash strapped. Needing to pay interest puts burden on the company, and prevents it from committing necessary capital to turn around the business. The debt and interest also results in high gearing and low interest coverage ratios, which again prevents the company from obtaining additional debt financing. 3. Overdue dividends on cumulative preference shares * Same reasons as per debt, since preference shares are essentially debt. Types of Entity Construction Schemes (accounting speak) 1. Capital reduction 2. Re construction 3. Liquidation via a new company Capital Reduction Scheme This addresses the 1st point above. A capital reduction scheme essentially recognizes the loss that the equity holders have incurred by adjusting equity reserve accounts. A company * Resets any negative retained earnings account by offsetting it with equity reserve accounts (e. g. share premium account first, followed by share capital account) * Writes off any unpaid share capital by reducing the value of its share capital and restating as fully paid shares. * Writes off share capital not backed by available assets (e. g. reducing intangibles and share capital) Since this would allow equity holders to pay themselves dividends again, court approval is typically required so as to take into account the interests of other stakeholders (e. . debt holders). Reconstruction Schemes This addresses the 2nd and 3rd points above. This involves the company * Writing off overdue debt interest and restructuring debt to have lower interest and extended maturity * Writing off cumulative preference shares dividend owed * Writing off amounts owed to suppliers * Issuing new shares (crediting equity reserves) to the previous debt holders, preference shares holders, suppli ers for accepting to restructure the debts. Essentially debt holders convert to being equity holders, possibly retaining  a lower debt amount. This allows them to recover their funds through the company’s recovery, as opposed to not recovering their funds when the company collapses. Liquidation via a New Company This involves: * Selling assets to another company * Using the proceeds to pay down remaining debts, and liquidating the business. * Profit recognized is based on proceeds less carrying costs of remaining net assets. * The buyer of the assets will still recognize Goodwill based on the fair value of the assets bought. Any of a range of financing transactions aimed at significantly altering the shape of a firms liabilities (cf. ecapitalization; reconstructing). There are three basic ways in which this can happen: increases/decreases in the amount of equity, increases/decreases in debt, and lengthening/shortening debt maturities (cf. buy-out; debt-equity swap; going private; highly-leveraged transaction; refunding; stock repurchase plan). In a capital reconstruction, or capital reorganization, a company gains th e agreement of its shareholders and creditors to vary the rights of its members and creditors, by altering the capital structure in away that allows the existing company to continue in business. Many large companies, including Marconi, attempted to solve problems related to interest payment and principal repayments by converting debt into equity in 2001/2. Reasons for Capital Reconstruction There are a number of reasons why a restructuring may be necessary: ? The company may have become too highly geared and a solution may be to issue equity in place of debt capital. ? The existing capital structure may have become over-complicated with perhaps too many classes of shareholder with different rights to each class. They can be consolidated into one or two classes, but care must be taken to ensure that the relative voting strength remains in the same proportion. ? Capital with prior rights may carry a high fixed dividend which then gives a misleading impression of the company, or preference shareholders may have control of the company. In such cases the structure should be reorganized into a more convenient nature. ? The company may decide to replace preference shares with debentures in order to reduce the corporation tax on the company’s shares. Reasons for Capital Reorganization There are a number of reasons why capital reorganization may be necessary: (a) The company may be at risk of insolvency, due to poor profitability, overtrading or other problems related to cash management. (b) The company may have become too highly geared and a solution may be to issue equity in place of debt capital. (c) The existing capital structure may have become over-complicated with, perhaps, too many classes of shareholder with different rights to each class; they can be consolidated into one or two classes, but care must be taken to ensure that the relative voting strength remains in the same proportion. d) Capital with prior rights may carry a high fixed dividend, which then gives a misleading impression of the company, or preference shareholders may have control of the company. In such cases the structure should be reorganized into a more convenient form. (e) The company may decide to replace preference shares with debentures to reduce corporation tax. If a company needs t o undertake a capital reconstruction because it is short of cash, it is likely to need to raise new capital and make changes in the capital structure that allow it to defer or reduce payments to lenders and creditors. Additional finance may come from existing shareholders or from a bank, generally in the form of equity finance, although some may be in the form of loan stock. Those providing such finance will require profit and cash flow forecasts to show how the business can be turned round and provide a good return for their additional money. In such cases it is wise to maintain the income position of a particular class under the scheme as far as possible. Often more income will be offered as an incentive to the holders of a particular security to agree to the capital restructuring. Different classes of creditors are ranked in order of priority for payment in the event of a liquidation. The order is: _ creditors with fixed charges (for example, bank loans secured on specific fixed assets); _ preferred creditors including employees and tax creditors; _ creditors with floating charges over the assets (generally the current assets of the business) that crystallize on liquidation; _ unsecured creditors, including trade creditors; _ shareholders. Some creditors can have a fixed charge on an asset, with a floating charge over a group of assets for the balance of their loan. This is known as a fixed and floater. A bank that has made a loan secured by shares or other financial securities which have fallen in value since the loan was made could be in this position. Each class must have its claims satisfied completely before any money is available to pay the next class. Depending on the assets tat are likely to be available, this may mean that some classes of creditors can expect nothing in the event of a liquidation, and have an interest in agreeing proposals that will keep the company in operation. Different kinds of creditors have different income objectives and attitudes to risk. It may be possible to devise changes in the capital structure that leave all classes better off than they would be in a liquidation. For example, loan stock holders may be willing to convert some of their loan stock into ordinary shares and have payment of interest deferred if the interest rate on their stock is increased. Trade creditors may be willing to wait for payment if they are paid interest, and may be prepared to exchange part of what they are owed for loan stock. Ordinary shareholders may be willing to have the nominal value of their shares reduced and to subscribe for new shares. Secured lenders may have little to lose in pressing for a winding up (provided there are sufficient assets for them to be paid what they are owed) and may have to be paid in full as part of any reconstruction. A reconstruction scheme must treat all parties fairly and not favor one group over others. The outcome of the scheme should be more beneficial to all classes of creditors than if the company goes into liquidation. If it is not, the class of creditors that does not stand to benefit from the reconstruction may press for the winding up of the company. The increased benefits to creditors (and investors) from the reconstruction scheme can be shown by comparing the liquidation value of the firm and the situation of different classes of creditors in a liquidation with the estimated future results arising from the reconstruction scheme. Each class of creditors must agree to the reconstruction proposals by a 75 per cent majority at a separate class meeting. Given this agreement, the company can apply to the court for approval, after which the reconstruction becomes binding on all parties. Principles of Capital Reconstruction There are a number of points of principle in the design of a scheme of reconstruction. (a)  Firstly, if the company is having problems it is likely to require more finance which may come from either existing shareholders or a bank, generally in the form of equity finance, although some may be in  the form of  loan stock. This new equity may replace existing share capital, or may have a different nominal value to it. Those providing such finance will require profit and cash flow forecasts to show how the business can be turned round and provide a good return for their additional money. In such cases it is wise to maintain the income position of a particular class under the scheme as far as it is  possible. Often more income will be offered as an incentive to the  holders of a particular security to agree to the capital restructuring. (b)  In addition, a reconstruction scheme must treat all parties fairly, and not favor one group over others. The outcome of the scheme should be more beneficial to creditors than if the company went into liquidation, or they may press for the winding-up of the company. Often this is avoided by including in the  scheme provision for paying off the company’s debts in full. The increased benefits to creditors (and investors) from the reconstruction scheme can be shown by comparing the liquidation value of the firm with the estimated future results arising from the reconstruction scheme. (c)  The company must also take account of fixed charges (e. g. a mortgage on a factory) on assets of the business used as security for loans. These charges mean that the creditor is â€Å"secured† and thus entitled to first claim in the process of liquidation (if there are insufficient funds, the creditor becomes unsecured for the balance of the loan unpaid). The charges mean that such creditors may have less incentive to keep the business afloat. Second charges are when the lender has the prior claim on the surplus from the sale of a secured asset after the prior claim has been met. (d)  In addition, the company may have to consider the existence of floating charges over  the assets (generally the current assets of the business which are continually turned over during trading) that crystallize on liquidation thus providing the charge owner with prior call on the funds realized from these assets. Similarly to above, such creditors may have less incentive to keep a business afloat, unless it can be shown that it would be financially beneficial to them to do so. You may also find in practice that certain creditors can have a fixed charge on an asset, with a floating charge over a group of assets for the balance of their loan – this is known as a fixed and floater. Practical Study – Bahria Town Paint Factory amp; Awami Villas Factory:-

Would I Have Quit free essay sample

When you go camping on a weekend trip, you never realize how many luxuries you brought with you such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. Once you run out of everything, no more food, clothes are all torn and dirty, you head out and leave, right? Well that’s not the story in the year 1776, when General George Washington was leading the rebel army into the Revolutionary War. He and his inexperienced militia set up a winter camp at a place called Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, but just a few miles away was General Howe who was in charge of the British army in Philadelphia. While the British army is healthy and warm, the rebel army is freezing to death with no clothing and very little food. Most of the men have only enlisted for six to nine months. The only thing is, a question remains; should I reenlist? For the sake of my well being and health, I shall not reenlist due to three main reasons; illness, lack of basic needs, and the difficulties I’ll face if I reenlist. We will write a custom essay sample on Would I Have Quit? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page By February 1, 1778, about half of the 8000 soldiers who enlisted were ill because of the flu or smallpox. 1800 to 2500 are the death estimates due to illness during encampment. (Doc. A) Soon enough, half of the soldiers will be wiped out by the end of this harsh winter. My chances for surviving are not very high because of the lack of clothing during the harsh winter, the tiny,dirty huts, and the nasty food; all these factors give me a better chance of becoming very ill and dying. All the fatigues that have hit Valley Forge have made many people grow sickly and as for me, I wouldn’t want to be around wheezing, coughing men. (Doc. C) The basic needs that everyone should have a chance to endure are found nowhere near Valley Forge. There is nasty food of only grose water mixed with flour. Vomit and smoke is at every corner of the camp making it hard to even take a small breath without letting in the rotting smell of vomit and harsh smoke. (Doc. C) There is barely any clothing for us to wear and the shelters are just a bunch of small spread out huts housing eight to ten cold,hungry men. Because of these conditions, I will most likely get sick and die or I will grow too sick to train for the war or even fight so there’s no point in even reenlisting. The melancholy sound of people chanting â€Å"No meat! , no meat! †, would make me shudder and wonder, what would we eat?

Performance Appraisal System free essay sample

Performance Appraisal System Antronette S. Hancock Axia College of University of Phoenix A performance appraisal system is a very important part of any successful organization. Both employees and organizational management and leaders benefit from a well-structured performance appraisal system. These systems offer feedback and rewards to employees who perform well, while at the same time holding employees accountable for their performance. The following report will describe the purpose, benefits, and elements of a good performance appraisal system, and outline a unique performace appraisal system for a human service organization. The purpose of a performance appraisal system is to provide an evaluation and feedback on an employees performance. Most organizations perform appraisals yearly and may call the appraisal by other terms-such as a review. Even if appraisals are performed annually, management should have weekly consultations or meetings with staff to ensure each employee is kept up-to-date with policies and each employee knows what is expected of him or her. We will write a custom essay sample on Performance Appraisal System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A manager should not wait until the end of a year to let an employee know that there has been a performance problem for the last eight months. Problems should be addressed as they arise to prevent any surprises during the appraisal process. The evaluation portion of an appraisal system is normally performed by management. During this portion, management evaluates an employees performance to determine if there are any areas that need improvement. Ideally, all employees should be meeting or exceeding organizational standards. If an employee is not meeting standards, or has not met standards at some point within the previous year, his or her appraisal may have suggestions for improvement or there may be other consequences as a result of poor performace. The feedback portion of an appraisal system normally takes place between management and the employee who is being appraised. According to Caruth and Humphreys, appraisals should be formalized according to organizational procedure (2008). Feedback should be conducted in a private setting to ensure that the information being passed on is confidential. The manager should thoroughly explain the employees appraisal and encourage the employee to ask questions. The manager should also be attentive to what the employee says so the the employee does not feel like his or her comments or concerns are not important. From an employee viewpoint, the purpose of a performace appraisal is very different than that of the organization. According to Cash, the employee wants to know four things: what do you want me to do, how well have I done it, how can I improve my performance, and reward me for doing well (1993). These are the questions and expectations an employees need to know in order to perform his or her job well. Managers should make sure employees are aware of expectations each and every day while working. From the organizational viewpoint, one of the main purposes of an employee appraisal system is accountability. Employees need to be held accountable for their performance at all times. A good appraisal system outlines each employees responsibilities and performance rates to show accountability. This is especially important in organizations that have areas with overlapping responsibilities. Each employee needs to know specifically what he or she is held accountable for. There are many benefits of a good performance appraisal system. One of the benefits is that the appraisal process allows managers to have one-on-one time with employees that they may not get to have on a daily basis. Another benefit is that any existing problems can be addressed and, hopefully, solutions can be made so that the problem can be corrected. Appraisals also encourage employees to perform better in the future so that the next appraisal will be positive. Consider the following unique appraisal system for a human service organization. Each employee will be evaluated yearly. The evaluation will be based on three areas: work performance, attendance, and innovation. Work performace will acquire the biggest portion of the appraisal score because there are many factors involved. Work performance will be based on organizational standards, accuracy rates, timeliness standards, and customer satisfaction. Attendance scores will be based on the employees attendance history for the previous year. And Innovation scores will be given based on any ideas the employee has come up with to improve organizational processes or cut organizational costs. Once the scores are determined, a final appraisal score is given to the employee. Employees can compare these scores from year to year to see if his or her performance is acceptable for the organization. Employee appraisal systems are very beneficial for both employees and the organization. Appraisals provide feedback to employees concerning their performance and also holds each employee accountable.

Learn 10 Facts About Sochi Russia

Learn 10 Facts About Sochi Russia Sochi is a resort city located in the Russian Federal Subject of Krasnodar Krai. It is north of Russias border with Georgia along the Black Sea near the Caucasus Mountains. Greater Sochi stretches 90 miles (145 km) along the sea and is considered one of the longest cities in Europe. The City of Sochi covers a total area of 1,352 square miles (3,502 sq km). Geographic Facts About Sochi The following is a list of the ten most important geographic facts to know about Sochi, Russia: 1) Sochi has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times when the area was inhabited by the Zygii people. From the 6th to the 11th centuries though, Sochi belonged to Georgias kingdoms of Egrisi and Abkhazia. 2) After the 15th century, the region making up Sochi was known as Ubykhia and was controlled by local mountaineer clans. In 1829,  however, the coastline region was ceded to Russia after the Caucasian and Russo-Turkish Wars. 3) In 1838, Russia founded the Fort of Alexandria (which was renamed Navaginsky) at the mouth of the Sochi River. In 1864, the final battle of the Caucasian War took place and on March 25 a new fort Dakhovsky was established where Navaginsky had been. 4) Throughout the early 1900s, Sochi grew as a popular Russian resort city and in 1914, it was granted municipal rights. Sochis popularity grew further during Joseph Stalins control of Russia as Sochi as he had a vacation home, or dacha, built in the city. Since its founding, Sochi has also been the served as the location where various treaties have been signed. 5) As of 2002, Sochi had a population of 334,282 people and a population density of 200 people per square mile (95 per sq km). 6) Sochis topography is varied. The city itself lies along the Black Sea and is at a lower elevation than surrounding areas. However, it is not flat and has clear views of the Caucasus Mountains. 7) The climate of Sochi is considered humid subtropical at its lower elevations and its winter low temperatures rarely dip below freezing for long periods. The average January temperature in Sochi is 43 °F (6 °C). Sochis summers are warm and temperatures range from 77 °F to 82 °F (25 °C-28 °C). Sochis receives about 59 inches (1,500 mm) of precipitation yearly. 8) Sochi is known for its various vegetation types (many of which are palms), parks, monuments and extravagant architecture. Around two million people travel to Greater Sochi during the summer months. 9) In addition to its status as a resort city, Sochi is known for its sports facilities. For example, tennis schools in the city have trained such athletes as Maria Sharapova and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. 10) Due to its popularity among tourists, historic characteristics, sports venues and proximity to the Caucasus Mountains, the International Olympic Committee selected Sochi as the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics on July 4, 2007. Sources: Wikipedia. Sochi. Wikipedia- the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sochi