M2A1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

M2A1 - Essay Example Case study one: interpersonal conflict This interpersonal conflict scenario entails two employees of the same organization. The conflict arises from the struggle of promotion and power between the two employees. The cause of the conflict can be attributed to differences in goals, attitudes and values between the two employees. Rick has the informational power to influence the work of John. John relies on interim production reports from Rick in order to accurately prepare summary reports for the entire week. From their working relationship, the accuracy of Rick’s interim reports will influence the quality of output delivered by John to the inventory and marketing departments. The conflict is harmful to the organization since it has led to errors in the summary reports and may also lead to inefficiency of work since John will be forced to retrieve the interim production reports from the main frame computer that has a two day backlog of retrieval requests. The conflict will lead to poor working relationship and hinder teamwork in the organization. Eventually, the conflict will hinder the attainment of the organizational objectives. The conflict is shallow since it entails only two employees and no excessive harm has occurred to their overall jobs (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). ... pective position, but their individual differences such as need for power and status, and personality clashes have led to a conflict in their working relationship (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). The second step will entail creating urgency for the need to resolve the conflict through identifying the negative impacts of the conflict towards the attainment of organizational objectives (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). In this regard, the management will identify the errors in the interim production reports, the inaccuracies of the summary reports delivered to the inventory and marketing departments and associated delays in preparation of the summary reports. The third step is creating a favorable conflict resolution environment through enabling John and Rick to cooperate in their working relationship. In this case, Rick must accept blame for the errors in the interim production report and the rude communication to John. Accordingly, John and Rick must openly express their interests on the pro spective position and any negative emotions towards each other. The two employees must be prepared to engage in positive dialogue and offer feedback regards the conflict resolution process (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). The fourth step will entail will entail brainstorming for possible conflict resolution alternatives. In this case, the parties will highlight all possible solutions to the conflict. The parties must not avoid the conflict or engage in competition tactics since this will hinder interpersonal relationships and affect the working relationships (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). The brainstorming checklist must aim at enhancing cooperation, aligning the individual values and interests and minimizing struggles power and status between John and Rick. Possible solutions include

Adoption of Information and Communication Technology Essay Example for Free

Adoption of Information and Communication Technology Essay Abstract Nigerian banking industry has become highly ICT-based and is reaping the benefits of technological revolution as evidenced by its application in most of its operations. The objective of this paper was to determine if the Nigerian banks have failed or succeeded in the adoption and use of ICT (see table 2.1). An evaluation of the adoption and use of ICT infrastructures from the periods between years 2000 to 2008 indicated steady growth. It is presumed that as of today, the Nigerian banks may have attained their ICT potentials in their operations, though with some challenges. The paper concludes that the adoption of ICT has influenced the content and quality of banking operations. This paper recommends that investment in information and communication technology should form an important component in the overall strategy of banking operators to ensure effective operations. Keywords: Information, Communication, Technology, Banking Industry. INTRODUCTION Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the automation of processes, controls, and information production using computers, telecommunications, software and other gadget that ensure smooth and efficient running of activities. It is a term that largely covers the coupling of electronic technology for the information needs of a business at all levels. ICT has surpassed the role of support services or only electronic data processing; its fields of applications are slightly global and unlimited. Its devices especially the Internet and modern computer email facilities have further strengthened early modernizations like the telephone and fax. Other ICT devices include data recognition equipment, factory automation hardware and services, telecomputing and teleconferences using real time and online system (Adeoti, 2005). The application of information and communication technology concepts, techniques, policies and implementation strategies to banking services has become a subject of fundamental importance and concerns to all banks and indeed a prerequisite for local and global competitiveness. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) directly affects how managers decide, how they plan and what products and services are offered in the banking industry. It has continued to change the way banks and their corporate relationships are organized worldwide and the variety of innovative devices available to enhance the speed and quality of service delivery. Harold and Jeff (1995) contend that financial service providers should modify their traditional operating practices to remain viable in the 1990s and the decades that follow. They claim that the most significant shortcoming in the banking industry today is a wide spread failure on the part of senior management in banks to grasp the importance of technology and incorporate it into their strategic plans accordingly. Considering ICT to ensure banks survival, Woherem (2000) claimed that only banks that overhaul the whole of their payment and delivery systems and apply ICT to their operations are likely to survive and prosper in the new millennium. He advices banks to re-examine their service and delivery systems in order to properly position them within the framework of the dictates of the dynamism of information and communication technology. The banking industry has witnessed tremendous changes linked with the developments in ICT over the years. Nigerian banks have undergone changes in their operations since the consolidation process of 2005, when some banks were forced to merge with others to meet Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation fund necessary for operation. Until then, most of the banks operated paper based systems at inception and later adjusted at the dawn of ICT revolution. In recent times, ICT, which basically involves the use of electronic gadgets especially computers for storing, analyzing and distributing data, is having a dramatic influence on almost all aspects of individual lives and that of the national economy the banking sector inclusive. The increasing use of ICT has allowed for integration of different economic units in a spectacular way. This phenomenon is not only applicable to Nigeria but other economies of the world, though the level of their usage may differ. In Nigeria, ICT usage especially in the banking sector, has considerably improved, even though it may not have been as high as those observed for advanced countries (Adeoti, 2005; Adeyemi, 2006). The use of ICT in the banking sector became of interest to this study due to the significant role it plays in the economy. It helps in stimulating economic growth by directing funds to economic agents that need them for productive activities. This function is very vital for any economy that intends to experience meaningful growth because it makes arrangements that bring borrowers and lenders of financial resource together and more efficiently too than if they had to relate directly with one another (Adam, 2005; Ojo, 2007). In essence, the banking sector acts as a bridge that connects lenders and investors in the economy. The bank reforms (especially the recapitalization that specifies a minimum capital base of 25 billion naira for commercial banks), are pursued with a view to making the sector realize its objectives in advancing the economy (CBN, 2006). It is expected that the impact of these reforms will be enhanced with the use of ICT because it will create some form of competitive advantage and improve banking services through accuracy and efficiency in their transactions. In other words, it will change the nature of banks’ services in terms of quality which will culminate in greater service delivery and productivity. This is in tandem with the findings made by Adeoti (2005) that the use of information technology has the ability of improving the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturing industries. In fact, ICT has had an impact on the Banking Industry as its emergence allows banks to apply credit-scoring techniques to consumer credits, mortgages or credit cards. Hence, products that used to be highly dependent on the banks ´ evaluation of its customers have now become more standardized. Other examples of ICT impact on the Banking Industry include the increased process efficiency, which can reduce costs in banks. This has also produced changes in the structure of bank income. As a result of increased competition that has lowered margins in lending operations (the banks’ traditional business), banks have diversified their sources of income and rely increasingly on income from fees services rather than interest rate spreads. Fees charged for services include typical banking activities like payment transactions, safe custody and account administration. Data storage and retrieval is another wonderful innovation brought into the Banking Industry, where specialized software is engaged to create database to be manipulated by Database Management Software (DBMS). A single database created could be used for several purposes within the system in order to eliminate data redundancy. From the above discourse, this paper seeks to determine whether or not the adoption of ICT enhances the operations of Nigerian banks. To achieve this, the introductory part of this paper after defining what ICT is, clearly established that to remain viable in the current age as financial concerns, banks must adopt ICT. In the succeeding sections, the paper will review relevant literature and identify the types of ICT infrastructures used in Banks; the benefits and effects of ICT on banking industry will be discussed, after which an evaluation of its success or failure will be done; then, the conclusion and recommendations will be made. LITERATURE REVIEW The Concept of ICT and a Perspective in Nigerian Banks Technology can be referred to as the application of knowledge for the execution of a given task. It entails skills and processes necessary for carrying out activities (works) in a given context, while ICT encompasses computer systems, telecommunication, networks, and multimedia applications (Frenzel, 1996). It came into use in the late 1980’s replacing earlier terms like Electronic Data Processing (EDP), Management Information System (MIS), although the latter terms are still in use (Frenzel, 1996). ICT has transcended the role of support services or only electronic data processing; its fields of applications are somewhat global and unlimited. Its devices especially the Internet through the World Wide Web (www) and modern computer email facilities have further strengthened early innovations like the telephone and fax. Other ICT devices include data recognition equipment, factory automation hardware and services, tele-computing and teleconferences using real time and online system (Adeoti, 2005). It is a concept that is having a remarkable effect on almost entire aspects of the human endeavours. This connotes that it involves the application of principles to engage physical component in achieving an intended goal. The convergence of computer and telecommunication after about four decades of applying computers to routine data processing, mainly in information storage and retrieval, has created a new development where information has become the engine of growth around the world. This development has created catch-up opportunities for developing countries such as Nigeria to attain desired levels of development without necessarily ‘reinventing the wheels’ of economic growth. This new technology has brought far-reaching revolution in societies, which has tremendously transformed most business (banking) scenes (Ovia, 2005). With respects to the banks in Nigeria, the first established bank was in 1892 (then African Banking Corporation). However, there was no banking legislation until 1952 when three foreign banks (Bank of British West Africa, Barclays Bank, and British and French Bank) and two indigenous banks (National Bank of Nigeria and African Continental Bank) were established, with a total number of 40 branches (Iganiga, 1998). As at 1988, the Nigerian banking system consisted of the CBN, 42 commercial banks and 24 merchant banks (Iganiga, 1998; Adam, 2005). From 1970, the banking sector grew significantly in terms of number and coverage as a result of increase in economic activities. However, between 1970 and 1985, the growth of the sector was relatively slow due to predominant government regulations but the period 1986-2000 witnessed a phenomenal growth of the sector as a result of the financial deregulation policy, that is the Structural Adjustment Program-SAP of 1986 (Iganiga, 1998). This brought about the liberalization of bank licence leading to a rapid change in the sector. Some of the banks were characterized by paper oriented methods, rather than technological based systems and this resulted to slow pace of their operations vis-à  -vis their employees’ productivity cum general performance. The use of computers and other ICT gadgets in their operations were limited. This was one of the reasons adduced by Ojo (2007) as factors responsible for the Nigerian financial sector malaise. To mitigate the shocks experienced in the system, the Federal Government of Nigeria came up with the financial sector reforms through the CBN. The policy thrust on bank reforms encompasses the sum of the variations that occur in the direction of a comprehensive banking system. The bank reforms agenda, among others, specified a minimum capital base of 25 billion naira for the commercial banks that took effect in December, 2005 (Diamond Bank, 2005; CBN, 2006). This has reduced the number of commercial banks in Nigeria from 89 to 25, which was done via the processes of mergers, acquisition and the stock market (CBN, 2006; Ige, 2007). The major aim was to make Nigerian banks vibrant and resilient, clothed with efficiency and financial strength to absorb possible shocks, thereby instilling public confidence as well as global relevance (Soludo, 2004). ICT and Nigerian Banking Sector The revolution in ICT has made the banking sector changed from the traditional mode of operations to presumably better ways with technological innovation that improves efficiency. ICT can enhance efficiency via its use and in recent times banks have been encouraged by the rapid decline in the price of ICT gadgets. This has perhaps increased the bank level of ICT usage (Ovia, 2005).The increase might have also be attributable to business environment that became relatively flexible to accommodate new forms of technological change as a result of reforms in the country. Banking is becoming highly ICT-based and because of its inter-sectoral link, it appears to be reaping most of the benefits of revolution in technology, as can be seen by its application to almost all areas of its activities (Akinuli, 1999). It has broadened the scope of banking practices and changed the nature of banking as well as the competitive environment in which they operate. A broad opening has been experienced around the world for banks and they are currently taking due advantage of these innovations to provide improved customer services in the face of competition and faster services that enhance productivity (Akinuli, 1999; Ovia,2005). Technological advancement facilitates payments and creates convenient alternatives to cash and cheque for making transactions. Such new practices have led to the development of a truly global, seamless and Internet enabled 24-hour business of banking. ICT revolution both in terms of innovation rate, speedy operation, and cost per unit (portraying reduction in average total and marginal costs) has made a good number of banks embrace the use of ICT infrastructure in their operations (Akinuli, 1999). The technological innovation that is being witnessed currently in the Nigerian banking sector is possible of impacting on the banks’ mode of transactions especially in their payment systems. The payment systems are made feasible by ICT gadgets such as Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), Clearing House Automated Payments (CHAPs), Electronic Purse (E-PURSE), Automated Cheque Sorter (ACS) and Electronic and Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS), which have made transactions easy and convenient. This phenomenon is capable of bringing about speedy operations and enhanced productivity (Adeoti, 2005; Ovia, 2005). Though there may be little interruptions at times due to network failures, which may make customers unable to carry out transactions at that point in time. This little shortcoming is not in any way comparable to the days when banking halls were characterized by long queues mainly as a result of delays in the traditional banking operations. Now banks can provide comprehensive services to their customers by making them access their accounts via online services. These instruments have an edge over the traditional payment instruments because it is safer, more efficient, convenient and cost effective. Before the introduction of these ICT services in the banking industry, manual processing of documents were in use. The bankers were made to cope with this onerous task, and the process made business transactions minimal. Besides several hectic procedures, people had to contend with, banks’ customers were inevitably made to spend several hours in the congested banking halls in carrying out their transactions (Ovia, 2005). The present situation The ICT culture in Nigerian economy can be said to be on the increase. Nigeria is the largest Internet subscriber in Africa with about 100,000 Internet users as at 2000, which was estimated to have grossly increased (Balancing Act, 2007). It has also been observed that Nigeria’s telecommunication density had remarkably increased by more than 2,550% from 0.35% in 1992 to 9.3% in 2004, thereby greatly exceeding the International Telephone Union’s (ITU) benchmark of 1% (Ndukwe, 2005). This phenomenon has helped banks keep substantial information on-line which reduces the cost of marketing their products. Being a competitive tool, it enhances the creation of customized services, reduces the cost of operation, and improves productivity as well as profitability. More interestingly, almost all the banks in Nigeria have internet and on-line real time banking facilities which has improved the scope of Nigerian banking. It has aided transfer of funds from one location to another without any involvement of facial transactions thereby reducing the incidence of loss of funds to stealing and the likes. Another recent one is the telephone banking technology that allows customers to have transactions on their accounts by calling a particular telephone number, through voice activation, and using a tone pad. All of these improve the comfort of banking transactions. THE TYPES OF ICT SUBSTRUCTURES USED IN BANKS Ovia (2005) opined that ICT adoption will improves three critical domains which are efficiency, quality, and transparency in any organisation. Agboola (2001) discussed the dimensions in which automation in the banking industry manifest in Nigeria. They include: Bankers Automated Clearing Services: Automated Payment Systems, Automated Delivery Channels. In the analysis done by Alawode and Kaka (2008) on ICT infrastructures used in Nigerian banks between the periods of 2000 to 2008, found a proportionate increase in adoption and use. The specific ICT infrastructural use within year 2000 to year 2008 include Internet Access; Internal Network; SMS Alert; Substitution of Postal Mail; ICT Security Measures; Authentication and Automated Payment System. The tabular presentation of the ICT structures and the analysis are presented below. This analysis and other recent literature will form the basis for evaluation of ICT adoption success or otherwise, and informs its inclusion in this seminar paper. TABLE 2.1:SURVEY DATA OF SOME SELECTED BANKS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR UPTAKE IN SOME ICT INFRASTRUCTURES Serialnumbers| ICT infrastructures| Percentage of Nigeria Banks that use a particular ICT infrastructure within year2000 to year 2008.| | | 2000 – 2002| 2003 – 2005| 2006 – 2008| 1| Internet Access | 27%| 88%| 91%| 2| Internal Network| Wire based| 68%| 82%| 92%| | | Wireless| 08%| 19%| 28%| 3| SMS Alert| NIL| 22%| 98%| 4| Substitution of Postal mail | 18%| 38%| 88%| 5| ICT Security measures| 62%| 81%| 94%| 6| Authentication| 33%| 76%| 85%| 7| Automated PaymentSystem| 1%| 28%| 87%| Source: Alawode and Kaka (2008) Internet Access: An important indicator of the general uptake of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Banking Industry relates to the use and availability of Internet. Internet access is a precondition for e-Business, as this is the main channel for e-banking. The general availability of Internet allows for the analysis of overall ICT-readiness in the Banking Industry. The Table shows that 91% of Banks studied in Nigeria have access to the internet within year 2006 and 2008, While 27% and 88% from year 2000 to 2002 and from year 2003 to 2005 respectively. The drastic change that occurred from 27% to 88% from year 2000 to 2002 and from year 2003 to 2005 respectively was as the result of ICT awareness competitive products introduced by some the so called â€Å"new generation banks†. Virtually all other banks also braced up to satisfy their customers and there was general improvement in the services and products of Banking Industry. Use of Internal Network: The application of networks is a vital part of an effective ICT-enabled system, which is especially true in the case of banks with a branch network. Local Area Network (LAN) may also be seen as a basic indicator of the minimum infrastructure required to enable companies to conduct e-banking at a substantial level. Wire-based LAN is currently the dominating technology. The survey shows that 92% banks surveyed use wire-based LAN from year 2006 to 2008. The fact that LAN is a relatively low-tech and easily attainable ICT solution, would to some extent explain the wide coverage of this technology from year 2000 to 2008. Wireless LAN is a relatively new technology in the Banking Industry, and is used to permit bank employees to access network resources from nearly any convenient location. The fact that, wireless LAN is relatively new technology accounts for its low percentage uptake in Banking Industry. Use of SMS alert: Instant notification of transactions made was another innovation brought by ICT through the use of smart phone in conjunction with the internet facility in the Banking Industry. Virtually all banks studied in Nigeria use SMS-Alert, except some of the Micro-finance Banks. It was an ICT infrastructure that recorded no patronage between year 2000 and 2002. Substitution of postal mail: The Banking Industry is currently being renewed in many areas. One of these areas relate to the digitalization of formerly paper-based processes. Electronic mail is increasingly being applied for especially non-legal correspondence like account statements, marketing and sales. More than 80% banks surveyed have substituted electronic mail with old postal mail within year 2006 to 2008. This outcome shows that, efficiency gains from electronic mail are yet to be reaped and indicates that the Industry is a bit fragmented in its uptake of electronic mail as means of communication. ICT security measures: The security issue is of special concern in the Banking Industry, as banking is highly based on trust from its customers. Hence, the risk of hackers, denial of service attacks, technological failures, breach of privacy of customer information, and opportunities for fraud created by the anonymity of the parties to electronic transactions all have to be managed. Depending upon its nature and scope, a breach in security can seriously damage public confidence in the stability of a financial institution or of a nations entire banking system. Hence, by introducing the appropriate security measures and putting security concerns at ease, the BI might be able to attract the segments among consumers who previously were not inclined to use e-banking. Furthermore, it is also in the banks’ own interest to improve security, as digital fraud can be costly both in financial losses, and in terms of the damage it does to the brand of the bank in question. Authentication: The common concern among users of e-banking is related to the authentication of users and data connections. The use of digital signatures is not as common as PIN codes or encryption, and reason is the fact that digital signature is relatively new technology. The research even shows that none of the studied banks uses digital signature as the form of authentication, but the up-take in other types of authentication is generally high, up to 85% within the year 2006 and year 2008. Automated Payment System: Devices used in Automated Payment Systems include Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and Electronic Funds Transfer. ATM still ranked higher in its spread than Electronic Funds Transfer, Low rate of spread of this technology might be due to cost, fear of fraudulent practices and lack of facilities necessary for their operation. But generally speaking, the adoption of Automated Payment System increased dramatically. The table shows the increase from 28% to 87% within the range of 3-years. BENEFITS OF ICT ADOPTION ON BANKING INDUSTRY Many researchers have agreed on some benefits that accrue to ICT adoption and use in the banking industry. These include among others: Enhanced operational efficiency. The use of ICT in the banking industry enhances the operational efficiency of the banks (Madueme, 2009). For example, the use of SMS alert, an ICT infrastructure that recorded no patronage among Nigerian banks between year 2000 and 2002, has presently aided instant notification of transactions. Improved quality of service delivery. Many researchers (Ikechukwu, 2000; Madueme, 2009; Fenuga Oladejo, 2010) confirm that the application of ICT to banking operations has undoubtedly enhances the quality of customer service delivery in the banks. The uses of ICT-based payment systems such as Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and Electronic Funds Transfer have actually improved the service delivery of Nigerian banks to its customers. For example, a money transfer transaction that used to take me days to transact has been reduced to a matter of few minutes. For a case in point, last week, I sent money to my brother through UBA bank and before I got to the gate after the transaction, I got a call from him confirming that his account was credited through a message alert. Increase in customer satisfaction. This benefit derives from the one above. According to Fenuga and Oladejo (2010), the adoption and use of ICT in the banking industry has increased customers’ satisfaction due to improved quality of banking services. Referring to the above case of personal experience, it is unequivocal that customer satisfaction has markedly increased as a result of adoption and application of ICT in Nigerian banks. Improved profit performance. Another important benefit of the adoption and use of ICT in the banking industry has to do with improved profit margin. Many studies (Baba Harker, 1997; Ikechukwu. 2000; Madueme, 2009; and Oladejo Adereti, 2010) have shown significant and positive correlation between ICT adoption and profitability of organisations. Increase in market shares. When ICT is successfully adopted and applied to banking operations, the overall performance of the banks is improved and this manifest in the corresponding increase in market shares, profitability and other indicators of performance (Oladejo Adereti, 2010). Enhanced competitive advantage. Researches by Ikechukwu (2000) and Oladejo and Adereti, 2010 have lent credence to the fact that application of ICT to the operations of the banks has boosted their operational efficiency and brought about greater competitive advantage in the industry. EFFECTS OF ICT ON BANKING INDUSTRY Agboola (2001) studied the impact of computer automation on the banking services in Lagos and discovered that Electronic Banking has tremendously improved the services of some banks to their customers in Lagos. The study was however restricted to the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and concentrated on only six banks. He made a comparative analysis between the old and new generation banks and discovered variation in the rate of adoption of the automated devices. Aragba-Akpore (1998) wrote on the application of information technology in Nigerian banks and pointed out that ICT is becoming the backbone of banks’ services regeneration in Nigeria. He cited the Diamond Integrated Banking Services (DIBS) of Diamond Bank Limited and Electronic Smart Card Account (ESCA) of All States Bank Limited as efforts geared towards creating sophistication in the banking sector. Ovia (2000) discovered that banking in Nigeria has increasingly depended on the deployment of Information Communication Technology and that the ICT budget for banking is by far larger than that of any other industry in Nigeria. He contended that On-line system has facilitated Internet banking in Nigeria as evidenced in some of them launching websites. He found also that banks now offer customers the flexibility of operating an account in any branch irrespective of which branch the account is domiciled. Cashless transactions were made possible in our society of today. The mover of the economy (Banking Industry) is now well positioned to meet-up with the new challenges from the costumers, competitors and even from the nation’s economy with right tool in their hand to reach limitless point of success. The Industry is now growing on daily basis with respect to new innovations that are coming out in the world of technology. Evaluation The banking business in Nigeria today can be assessed as being highly ICT based. The analysis of Alawode and Kaka (2008) ICT infrastructures used in some selected banks between year 2000 to year 2008 as earlier presented in table 2.1 clearly indicate the steady growth of ICT application in Nigerian Banks. Internet access usage, for example, rose from 27% between years 2000-2002 to 91% between years 2006-2008. SMS Alert that was nonexistent between the periods of 2000-2002 rose from nowhere to 98% between years 2006-2008. Similarly, Automated Payment System that was barely 1% between years 2000-2002 rose dramatically to 28% in years 2003-2005 and sky rocketed to 87% between years 2006-2008. The research, which provided the above analysis, is over 5 years old now. Considering the rate of growth reported in the analysis, it is obvious that most of the infrastructures may have reached their full potential. Drawing from above background, one could reasonably accept Akinuli’s (1999) viewpoint when he observed then that it appears Nigerian banks were reaping most of the benefits of revolution in technology, as can be seen by its application to almost all areas of its activities. Adeoti (2005), Ovia (2005) and Osabuohein (2008) in separate remarks affirmed the fact that the technological innovation witnessed in Nigerian banking sector is possible of impacting on the bank’s mode of operations especially in their payment systems. It is indeed unequivocal to state that ICT adoption in Nigerian banks has broadened the scope of banking practices and changed the nature of banking as well as the competitive environment in which they operate. Such new practices have led to the development of a truly global, seamless and Internet enabled 24-hour business of banking. In summary, the adoption of ICT in Nigerian banks can be said to be a success though not without some challenges. Challenges The automation of banking operations is really posing challenges to the Consumers, the banks themselves and Regulatory/Supervisory authorities in Nigeria. Among the issues concerned are: Infrastructural deficiencies: It is obvious that the use of ICT in the banking industry require minimum level or basic infrastructure such as electricity, telecommunication and motorable roads. Yet all these remain great challenges even as they feature as manifestos in all political campaigns. Ineffectiveness of telecommunication service providers and epileptic supply of electricity have often times cost people to spend days suffering to recover trapped cards in ATMs. For example, there was a day my friend’s card got trapped for only God knows the reason, but on a Saturday when the banks staff could not be accessed to recover neither the card nor alternatively withdraws money at UBA Aliade road branch. He had to wait until Monday morning to recover his card. Whatever his purpose for wanting to access money must have been defeated. Consumer Awareness and capacity: A major challenge of ICT banking to many illiterate and semi-literate population of the country who reside in rural areas is lack of awareness of how the systems work and their inability to access the services which mostly exist in cities and high populated work areas or institutions. Access to ATM and GSM Telephones: There are inadequate banking facilities to cover for the growing population of Nigerians who can access the services. Many households are unable to afford terminals and all accessories required for operating in today’s banking system. The recent Federal government’s 60 billion naira telephone project for 10 million farmers (Olatunji, 2013) is one exemplification that majority of Nigerians are too poor to afford a telephone, a necessary accessory for accessing ICT banking services. Consumer Protection: Another major challenge of adoption of ICT is the absence of statutory or regulatory provisions to protect the consumer of the products/services. Fraud: So much fraud has been reported within and outside banks due to ICT adoption. The high exposure of the system to fraudsters, hackers and other criminally minded persons who could access, retrieve and utilize confidential information from the system if security measures are weak; to checkmate unauthorized intrusion is another challenge to the authorities. Systems Operational Risks: Bank IT rests on computers and telecommunications which could be susceptible to system failure, internal manipulations and inconsistent regulatory policies (Etim, 2000). Conclusion Concerns about ICT role in attaining effectiveness, efficiency and productivity were raised in the late 1980s. Since then a large number of studies have emerged both at the industry and firm level that have substantially improved our understanding of the relationship between ICT and firm performance. This paper has clearly defined what ICT is and presented a review of relevant literature to aid understanding of the historical antecedents or reforms that necessitated its adoption in Nigerian banks by assessing the benefits and effects, and the journey so far. The paper further evaluated the success of ICT adoption as well as addresses the challenges it has posed to banks, consumers of services and supervising authorities. The paper concludes that the adoption of ICT has influenced the content and quality of banking operations positively. From all indications, ICT presents great potential for business process reengineering of Nigerian Banks. It is imperative for bank management to intensify investment in ICT products to facilitate speed, convenience, and accurate services, or otherwise lose out to their competitors. Recommendation This paper recommends that investment in information and communication technology should form an important component in the overall strategy of banking operators to ensure effective performance. References Adam, J.A. (2005). Banking Sector Reforms: The Policy Challenges of Banks Consolidation in Nigeria. Selected Papers for 46th Annual Conference, Nigerian Economic Society, August 23-25. Adeoti, J.O (2005). Information Technology Investment in Nigerian Manufacturing Industry: The Progress So Far. Selected Papers for the 2004 Annual Conference, Ibadan: Nigerian Economic Society, 213-244. Adeyemi, K.S (2006). Banking Sector Consolidation in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges. Union Digest, 9(34) June (http://www.unionbankng.com/adeyemi.pdf). Agboola, A. A. (2006). 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Reforms in Development. The Reformers, 2(1), 4-16. Ikechukwu, G. (2000). Enhancing the Performance of Banking Operations through Appropriate Information Technology in Nigerian Banking Industry. Ibadan: Spectrum Books. Madueme, I. S. (2009). Impact of information technology on the ptofitability of commercial banks in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Common Market Studies, 6(12), 112-121. Ojo, J.A.T. (2007). Financial Sector Maladaptation, Resource Curse and Nigeria’s Development Dilemma. Public Lecture, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, January 25. Oladejo, M. O. and Adereti, A. S. (2010). Impact of information technology on the performance of microfinance institutions in Ogun state, Nigeria. International Journal of Economic Development Research and Investment, 1(1), 44-55. Olatunji, S. (2013). FG to give rural farmers N60bn cell phones. Punch, January 3, www.punching.com/business/business economy/fg-to-give rural-farmers-n60bn-cell-phones/ O sabuoheien, E. S. C. (2008). ICT and Nigerian Banks Reforms: Analysis of Anticipated Impacts in Selected Banks. Global Journal of Business Research, 2(2), 67-76. Ovia, J. (2000). From Banking Hall to E-Platform. Financial Standard, January 15. P. 6. Ovia, J. (2005), Enhancing the Efficiency of the Payment System in Nigeria. CBN Bullion, 29(1), 8-18. Soludo, C.C. (2004). Consolidating the Nigerian Banking Industry to Meet the Development Challenges of the 21st Century. An Address Delivered to the Special Meeting of the Bankers’ Committee, Abuja, July 6. Woherem, E. W. (2000). Information Technology in the Nigerian Banking Industry. Ibadan: Spectrum.

Business Plan For Livestock Fodder Company Marketing Essay

Business Plan For Livestock Fodder Company Marketing Essay The idea of the project was derived from market analysis, its demand and supply of camel fodder in Saudi Arabia. The problems which occurred in late 2007 in camel breed were main initiator of idea to develop and place new camel fodder in Saudi Arabia market. Due to contamination of fodder in 2007 which resulted in outrageous more than 2000 camel deaths the investigation was undertaken and the fodder was found to be stored in bad conditions and due to price efficiency, poor quality ingredients of camel fodder were used. We are aware of substances which were found in contaminated fodder. Designing the new product will consider following factors: Purpose of camel breeding (racing camels, beauty contests, general breed) possible nutrition differentiation Camel nutrition requirements Vitamins added value Storage solutions Packing solutions (vacuum packing) Contamination awareness Camel fodder preferences Price sensitivity Product competitiveness Product shape Quality sensitiveness Due to low labour and semi-products costs, production in Poland will give the competitive advantage based on price. Relatively high supply of ingredients in Poland which are essential to produce the fodder will be also advantageous. Our propositions of character of this project as follows: Establishing new brand which will cater for all kind of camel breeders. Opening site which will cover everything from production through packing and dispatch. Establishing supply chain and finding possible sub contractors. Subcontracting all operations to other companies in Poland. This will be less cost consuming and much faster in executing. Branding the product. Objectives Establishing fully working production line of Livestock fodder, prepared for transport Setting up good distribution channels and supply chain which will lead to cost effective and save  transportation to Saudi Arabia We would like to sustain reliable service to our customers In three years from the start we would like to meet 0,377% of total livestock feed demand of Saudi Arabia Which will account on average  sales 3459,4 Tones Per month This figure can be achieved when productivity of production line will be set  at 70 % In first year of operating, we would like to achieve 60%  of all sales contracted for few years ahead Mission Royal  Camel  seeks to  produce the lowest  acceptable price   and by providing the highest quality product and competitive features  as vacuum packaging which affects on much longer storage possibilities. We value our relationships with future customers and hope to communicate our appreciation to them through our outstanding, guaranteed product quality, personal service, and on-time delivery. Our commitment to our customers and the country of Saudi Arabia will be reflected through honest and responsible business. Keys to Success Due to low labour and semi-products costs, production in Poland will give the competitive advantage based on price. Relatively high supply of ingredients in Poland which are essential to produce the fodder will be also advantageous. Reliable and Motivated Hardworking Stuff Reasonably big financial backup will be also key to success as it will secure operational flexibility Well Developed Business network in Saudi Arabia will lead to fast and effective product introduction  in the  market Long term business relationship with suppliers and clients After establishing company in the market, possible product modification according to customer requirements. Developing good marketing strategy, finding new channels of communication with customers. Potential barriers Critical Paths and areas of Slack Products The Royal Camel  company intention is to produce  a fodder which is made from hay. Product Description Competitive Comparison Distinction  of product in competitive market. The product distinction will be based on price and packaging solutions. Customer in the moment of decision will chose product of a better quality. Our packaging will be main factor which will persuade customer of a great quality of the product. The other reason for customer to choose our product  will be  price.  The mix of price and quality will give competitive advantage we are looking for. Comparing to other products, our will not be as complicated notional wise. It is going to be cheaper and available to all customers.   Sales Literature As a part of marketing campaign, we are planning to prepare product brochures which will be presenting our company, supply chain and describing our products. Those brochures will be sent out to core players on the Saudi Arabian Market, to nutrition and big Camel Farms  to inform them about new solution. On the other hand, we will be trying to enter on the Saudi Arabian Market by articles in agricultural magazines and local press. We would like  also to have  also strong support of authorities in Saudi Arabia because at the moment the situation on the  livestock feed market is very close to monopolistic practices which are illegal and  brings also  lack of market balance and safety.    Technology The technology will be based mainly  on one Spanish company which is in the market for over 30 years in the market of industrial machinery. The production line will include the newest technology developed for this kind of product. (See Appendix 1) Dryer Bales grinders Fiber cooling line Milling line Pelleting line Control panels Dryers Project Organisation 8.1 Personell Plan 8.1.1 Management team People responsible for financial planning and all organizational issues 8.1.2 Supervisors   People responsible for  labours productivity during shifts 8.1.3 Secretary   Person responsible for appointments, researches, data gathering, communication and other office duties 8.1.4 Technicians   People responsible for proper line operation 8.1.5 Security   Whole object security 8.1.6 Labours   People responsible for production 8.1.7 Project Consultants Group of external specialists responsible for consultacy 8.2 Personell Plan- Finantial Summary According to Polish Standard pay rates, we have chosen satisfactory (but not very high) amounts. Nevertheless, we expect 10% rise every year as a performance bonus PROJECT CONSULTANTS ARE NOT TAKEN UNDER CONCIDERATION AS THEY ARE GOING TO BE HIRED ONLY FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS Personnel Plan Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Management team à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬33 600 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬36 960 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬40 656 Supervisors à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10 200 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬11 220 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬12 342 Secretary à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬6 600 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬7 260 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬7 986 Technicians à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬8 400 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬9 240 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10 164 Security à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬24 000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬26 400 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬29 040 Labours à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬24 000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬26 400 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬29 040 Total People 11 11 11 Total Payroll à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬106 800 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬117 480 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬129 228 Company Locations and Facilities The Location the Royal Camel Production Line is going to be based in Poland in small city called Pyzdry.   (52 ° 10 N  /  17 ° 41 E). We will need around: 3200 m2The reason why that particular city has been chosen is because of high amount of grass around the whole area. We were looking for compromise between the land price and richness of the green resources surrounding production line. Moreover we were trying to find places with networking. On the other hand, the choice of Poland because of  cheap labour and high amount of ingredients available. Facilities We expect following Facilities on the production site: 9.1 Production line: Packaging section Shredding section Dryers Cooling section Grinding Section Pelleting Section Pellet cooling section Structures and platforms Control Panel Electricity dispenser 9.2 Offices and canteens Canteen with kitchen Toilets Managers office Secretarys office Conference office Technician office.   9.3 Car Park for labours and gests Legal and contractual issues Risk Assesment SWOT ANALISYS 12.1 Strengths 12.1.1 The Price Value Correlation The main Strength and advantage of Royal Camel fodder will be based on desired correlation between high quality of the product  and low production cost. The price-Value Correlation will be achieved by two advantageous factors: The low production cost  will be achieved by low labour and semi-products costs, so production in Poland will give the competitive advantage based on price. Relatively high supply of ingredients in Poland which are essential to produce a reach and high quality  fodder 12.1.2 Possibilities of longer Storage Due to contamination of fodder in 2007 which resulted in outrageous more than 2000 camel deaths the investigation was undertaken and the fodder was found to be stored in bad conditions and due to price efficiency, poor quality ingredients of camel fodder were used. The final Products of royal Camel will be pellets and bales. Both of them, just after Pelleting and baling process will be packed in vacuum way. This will affect with longer storage possibilities due to lack of air which impacts on reducing the anaerobic and aerobic  bacterias evolution. 12.1.3 High Qualified workforce People responsible for production process will be high skilled and motivated due to innovatory motivation management strategy so we plan that no mistakes and failures will occur within production process. 12.1.4 Best Quality Machines Another very important advantage of business will be cooperation with World class specialists in area of production lines. The Spanish Company will cover whole production line design and  engineering. Moreover, they will take care about first two weeks of production period to  arrange all improvements in process and train people. 12.1.5 Multipurpose solution The last important Advantage of This production line offer is fact that while planning whole investment, we took under consideration other investments of Saudi Arabian Investors in Poland, so if there  was a lack of Horse Fodder For some reasons we will be able to fill the demand extemporaneously at camel fodder expense. 12.2 Weaknesses 12.2.1 Price Limitations The main weakness of Royal Camel base product will be fact that its recipe is limited because of its low price. It means that product will be reach but it wont be a Premium product. However this Problem can be easily overcame by implementing strategy which will allow stretching the brand and preparing the production line of expensive premium product. 12.3 Opportunities The idea of the business opportunity was derived from market analysis, its demand and supply of camel fodder in Saudi Arabia. The problems which occurred in late 2007 in camel breed were main initiator of idea to develop and place new camel fodder in Saudi Arabia market. Due to contamination of fodder in 2007 which resulted in outrageous more than 2000 camel deaths the investigation was undertaken and the fodder was found to be stored in bad conditions and due to price efficiency, poor quality ingredients of camel fodder were used. We are aware of substances which were found in contaminated fodder. Designing the new product will consider following factors: Purpose of camel breeding (racing camels, beauty contests, general breed) possible nutrition differentiation Camel nutrition requirements Vitamins added value Storage solutions Packing solutions (vacuum packing) Contamination awareness Camel fodder preferences Price sensitivity Product competitiveness Product shape Quality sensitiveness As an international company we would like to  share the market with competitors based on Saudi Arabia market and Producers from other countries. 12.4 Threths 12.4.1 To strong competition of ARASCO and sssssssss There are two core competitors on the Saudi Arabian Market. Both of them are well established companies which together  hold over 60% of the market. Nevertheless Royal Camel will be able to cover  0,377%  of the Arabian Livestock Market 12.4.2 Seasonal Fluctuations of Demand It is obvious that demand can change and fluctuate. Nevertheless, we would like to contract  orders onwards with customers Seasonal Fluctuations of ingredients  Price Occurrence The harvest period is between July and August so contracting will be done whole year onwards, nevertheless because of natural disasters like floods, dry weather, wind, the wheat prices can change but according to last years experience, the changes should not be higher than +, 10% 12.4.3 Technical Machines used in our project will be the best and most reliable  on the market, nevertheless, breakdowns are possible and we have to be aware that drops in production fluency are possible. Control of the implementation of the plan Startup Expenses Description Legal issues As a Legal Issues, we understand Lawyers expenses, opening new partnership, advisory etc. Insurance   The insurance of the company is very important  in case of fire, floods and all other unpredicted  threats Building costs of factory   The issue of building costs is counted with material (steel) and cost of assembly Building Cost of office   In case of savings, we have chosen the cheapest solutions (office containers) this solution mixes low costs with high functionality. Instead of building new offices, we will buy ready mobile premises which can be assembled into office Projects   All projects of architects: Factory project, Offices projects land development spatial development Web Design quality sample test Before sales, we will have to send around 20 samples of fodder and check its full specifications Assembly of the Production line   The service of assembling, creating and starting up the whole production line by the Spanish Company Production Line Machines: Shredding:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      Drying  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Cooling  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚   Grinding  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚   Pelleting  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pellets cooling  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      Structures and platforms   Packing Land:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Car park land  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Startup Expenses Summary Requirements Legal Issues à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬28 000 Insurance à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬3000 Building costs of factory (steel construction) à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2 200 000 Building Cost of office à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬19 000 Projects à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬4 300 Web Design à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1 000 quality sample test à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬700 Assembly of the Production line à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬232 000 building car park à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10 000 Total Start-up Expenses à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2 495 000

Hydroponics :: essays research papers

Hydroponics Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  NAME HERE and I became fascinated by hydroponics and the idea that one doesn't have to get their hands dirty to be a great gardener, and if your like us that's a good thing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The idea of hydroponics has been around since the pyramids where build, but in all these years it never seemed to catch on. It took about forty-six hundred years before the first scientist took a look at hydroponics and adapted it to grow crops, this was a professor at the University of California, and the result was a 25 foot tomato plant that had to be harvest by a ladder. Thus hydroponics was reborn and has been advancing ever since. Yet up to 5 years ago the home grower and generally the public didn't know about hydroponics. It was only being used by commercial growers. But now it has caught on, and resulted in this experiment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When thinking about hydroponics one must think about the applications of hydroponics. Not only dose hydroponics produce bigger, better, and more healthier plants than the traditional dirt, but it can also be greatly beneficial on things like submarines, space stations, off-shore oil rigs, or any where else where dirt is hard to come by.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During this experiment we'll be looking for which plant life well do best with hydroponics, by measuring which plant has grown the highest or bushiest. We also well be looking for green and healthy looking leaves on the plants. We have no idea what the results might be, so this should be an exciting experiment. Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Which form of plant life will thrive the most in a hydroponics enrichment. Will it be Tomatoes our fruit, Peas our vegetable, Tinkerbell flowers, or Beans a legume?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First we selected a suitable PVC pipe and cut it into a 4 foot long piece. Next we cut four holes into the pipe with a jigsaw. After that we drilled two holes for the brass tee's to fit into. Next we glued on the two caps. After that we drilled two holes, one for the bucket to rest on, and the other for the plastic hose to go into. Then we glued the 20mm pipe into one of the holes. After that we cut our 4 inch PVC pipe and glued the cap to it. Then we drilled two holes into the pipe, and inserted two brass nosles into the holes we just drilled. Now take the plastic hose and cut it into 4 piece. One piece is for draining, one is for sub reservoir, and two are to separate the sub

Aggression Theory

Physical violence is one of the types of violence that may be clearly explained theory. Physical violence entails: â€Å"choking, grabbing, hitting, hitting with weapons or objects, kicking, obliging a person to do something involuntarily, pulling, punching, pushing, scratching, shoving, slapping, etc.†Ã‚   (Do.., n.d.).Aggression Theory Explaining the Type of Violence ChosenExternally-stimulated Aggression is the school of Aggression Theory which can clearly explain physical violence. Externally-stimulated Aggression begins with the premise that aggression occurs because of â€Å"innate predispositions† as well as â€Å"external stimuli† (Smith, 1999).The external stimuli referred to here is technically known as â€Å"frustration† (Types, n.d.). Explaining further, let’s take the following example:Let’s look into my father’s motivation of fear, anxiety, and violence which all contributed largely to his â€Å"frustrations†. My f ather has always been a violent individual. He flares up over little â€Å"frustrations† like:1) when mother asks how utility bills are going to be paid this time;2) when my big brother complains about how small our house is;3) when my little sister asks him to help get something at the top of the closet;4) when I ask him not to hurt or yell at my mother etc.It all started when he resigned in 1983 as a city engineer and he puts up his own and went into private construction instead. This new business/job of his, however, is not helpful since it is irregular, unlike when he was working for the government where he receives a fixed monthly income.In fact, it is too irregular that he cannot even provide the family’s basic needs like food, school supplies, health insurance etc. Sometimes he has clients who would pay him to build their houses, swimming pools, renovate their homes, etc, however, most of the time he does not have anything to do, thus, most of the time he doesnà ¢â‚¬â„¢t have money.He gets â€Å"frustrated†, and depressed, then drinks, or proceeds to the casino to play poker and does not come home until early morning. He became an alcoholic, and he also became addicted to poker. He still gets contracts to build houses and other infrastructure projects but he only obliges to the most expensive ones.Because he is too picky, there were only a number of offers coming in then until no offers were coming in at all, which of course contributed largely to his â€Å"frustrations†. Even though large infrastructure projects were coming in then and the profits were a bit high, my father still cannot contribute to the family’s needs.This is because when he gets a contract, he tends to make a loan without even making sure if it is worth it. What happened was he earned but his debts were thrice his gains. He borrowed money from his friends but these were not enough to pay off everything.In the end, he was sued for bouncing checks. He was also sued by his friends. We lost some of our properties because of the aforementioned as well.Since then he became so â€Å"frustrated† and fearful, he would not come out of the room when he hears that some people knock over at our gate and then throws whatever he gets hold of, kicks whatever is available, or hit whomever is in the room with him.He feels that every time somebody comes over to visit, these people are either arresting officers who are going to invite him down to the police station for questioning or people whom he promised he’d pay back on that certain day.What he would do is to ask my mother to go outside and tell them he is not home (which makes me so scared since somebody might just hurt my mom for all her alibis or the people’s anger might be transferred to her and she would be the one to get hurt).This situation of ours became worse as days go by. He became so â€Å"frustrated† he would slap my mother when my mother refuses to giv e him money he would spend on poker, throw breakable things at us when he is too irritated with his problems, unleash his exceedingly big guard dogs inside the house to threaten us, and countless other violent acts.There are three basic conditions which bring forth anxiety (Franken, 1994). It could be: 1) Overstimulation, wherein information for a certain individual is overflowing; 2) Cognitive Incongruity, wherein an individual is having difficulty reconciling with some event; and 3) Response Unavailability, wherein a person does not know how to handle an excruciating situation (Franken, 1994).The three basic conditions aforementioned apply to my father. â€Å"Overstimulation† appears in this situation as the countless monetary problems which have too many details for him to handle. Cognitive Incongruity, on the other hand, emerges as the several cases with regards to bouncing checks and the debts he owes to other people.Response Unavailability, however, surfaces as the debt s he incurs every time he gets infrastructure projects or every time he needs it. Instead of working hard and saving, his only recourse is to borrow money which causes his downfall.This only shows as well that he does not know how to handle a difficult situation which is what exactly termed as Response Unavailability. And this increases his anxiety and â€Å"frustrations†.Reduction or Elimination of ViolenceFortunately, there are ways to reduce, if not totally eliminate violence as suggested by the Theory of Aggression utilized:It is important for my father, for example, to â€Å"focus on the other components of the frustrating stimulus than the frustration† (Dugan, 2004).Instead of losing control over the irrepressible and uncontainable occurrences or instead of believing that there is no way to solve the problem, he should be â€Å"self-certain† meaning not only knowing his strengths but both strengths and weaknesses since if that is the case then he would not be able to cope with any stressful incident in his life since a solution to a problem is only devised when he turns his anxiety into fear and then deal with the other components of the frustration that has been produced (Franken, 2004).ReferencesDo You Have A Problem With Violence? (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2007 from  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.daniel-sonkin.com/violence.htmlDugan, M.A. (2004). Aggression. Retrieved September 8, 2007 from  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/aggression/Franken, R. E. (1994). Human Motivation, 3rd ed. CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.Smith, A.K. (1999). Theories of Aggression. Retrieved September 8, 2007 from  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web3/Smith.htmlTypes of Aggression. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2007 fromhttp://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:q5ApqUItbrcJ:psych.fullerton.edu/navarick/aggression.ppt +theories+of+aggression&hl=tl&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=ph&client=firefox-a

Letter of Recommendation

I take immense pleasure in introducing one of my outstanding students†¦. whom I know for the past three years. I have taught him the courses of ‘Electrical machines’ , ‘Power Electronics’ , ‘Modelling of power system components’ and ‘Network theory’. This interaction with him provides me sufficient information to gauge and asses the intellectual capability and analytical skills that he has developed during his course . I would rank him among the top 1% of the students I have taught in my experience of 25 years.I find †¦.. to be hard working, diligent and sincere in his efforts and feel that his practical and logical approach of handling the problems presented should be brought to your notice. In him, I find the commitment desirous of a good student, meticulous with the right blend of aptitude, merit and determination. His clarity of thought combined with his analytical ability, supported by his excellent communication skil ls, brings out the intellectual independence in him.His ability to work with counter parts and even with his seniors is exemplary. With his pleasing manners, proficiency in communicating his ideas effectively, he has established an excellent rapport with his fellow students and the faculty. He has brilliant team leader skills and is competent of extracting the best out of his team members. He also has good teaching capabilities. He has attended various symposia held in the city, which suggests his keen interest in the latest technological advancements.Considering his motivation, perseverance and intelligence, I strongly believe that he will scale the highest peaks in his fields of interest. In view of all the above facts, I strongly recommend him, without any hesitation, for admission into your graduate program with possible financial assistance, and would like to recommend him to qualify as a teaching/research assistant in your university. Letter of Recommendation LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION I take great pleasure to recommend the candidature of Mr. XXXYYY for admission into the graduate program at your esteemed university. He has been a student in many of my classes during the academic years to and my interaction with him during this period had given me adequate scope to examine him intimately, as to judge his personality and scholastic capabilities. Having taught him , supervising him in laboratory, being his final year project mentor, I had an occasion to be in close association with him.I am glad to present this testimonial for your reference and I know he would do well if given the opportunity to continue his education. Mr. XXXYYY is intelligent, inquisitive and yearns to gain in-depth knowledge. He has an excellent ken of Analytical and Logical Skills, which he applies efficiently in problem solving. He is optimistic, communicates effectively while working as a part of team and has a strong work ethic. I found him very sincere, diligent and responsible towards his course work.He is equipped with the right level of self-confidence and maturity. When in times where the students were reluctant to take up real time projects during their final year, Mr. XXXYYY with his knowledge and experience on the Software, embedded systems design, manufacturing process & with his personal network connections for procuring components required for the project, encouraged and made six other teams to take up real time projects.More so, he and his team completed their final year project â€Å"Project Title† with excellence and won the Best Project of the Year Award from the university. Mr. XXXYYY’s proficiency in English is commendable. He has always maintained a good academic record in both theory and practical studies and has been a regular student in our institution. His organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills are highly developed. He maintains a good rapport with the faculty members and peers.Considering his per formance records and other activities, I place him in the top 5% in his class. He has shown the motivation, intelligence, preserving nature and analytical aptitude for graduate program. Considering his enthusiastic quest for knowledge and intellectual capabilities, I strongly advocate him for Master’s program in your honored university. I am confident that he would continue to be a promising and competitive student and would be capable of efficiently discharging his duties. I wish him a prosperous career ahead. Letter of Recommendation I take immense pleasure in introducing one of my outstanding students†¦. whom I know for the past three years. I have taught him the courses of ‘Electrical machines’ , ‘Power Electronics’ , ‘Modelling of power system components’ and ‘Network theory’. This interaction with him provides me sufficient information to gauge and asses the intellectual capability and analytical skills that he has developed during his course . I would rank him among the top 1% of the students I have taught in my experience of 25 years.I find †¦.. to be hard working, diligent and sincere in his efforts and feel that his practical and logical approach of handling the problems presented should be brought to your notice. In him, I find the commitment desirous of a good student, meticulous with the right blend of aptitude, merit and determination. His clarity of thought combined with his analytical ability, supported by his excellent communication skil ls, brings out the intellectual independence in him.His ability to work with counter parts and even with his seniors is exemplary. With his pleasing manners, proficiency in communicating his ideas effectively, he has established an excellent rapport with his fellow students and the faculty. He has brilliant team leader skills and is competent of extracting the best out of his team members. He also has good teaching capabilities. He has attended various symposia held in the city, which suggests his keen interest in the latest technological advancements.Considering his motivation, perseverance and intelligence, I strongly believe that he will scale the highest peaks in his fields of interest. In view of all the above facts, I strongly recommend him, without any hesitation, for admission into your graduate program with possible financial assistance, and would like to recommend him to qualify as a teaching/research assistant in your university.