Literary Analysis †Mr Van Gogh Essay

Owen Marshall’s ‘Mr Van Gogh’ addresses the inevitable issue of marginalisation of an individual. Through language features he influences the reader to reflect and consider action of the attitudes towards the socially marginalised. The social rejection of an individual is described through the voice of the town bully, and the cowardly acts of the narrator. Set in a small town in New Zealand it serves as a microcosm of contemporary society. Marshall presents a parable to educate the reader so they understand that there is only inclusion when there is exclusion. Marshall aims to influence the reader to take action and act in ways that challenge the universal social norms. Through the voice of the town bully Marshall presents the issue of Frank’s rejection. Marshall achieves this by emphasising the mockery demonstrated toward Frank. In, ‘†¦ a local turn to entertain the visitors. â€Å"Was he any good though, this Van Gogh bugger? †Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, Marshall uses direct speech from Mr Souness to tease Frank about his fondness of Van Gogh. Vincent Van Gogh is Frank’s passion, he admires him like nobody else. The rhetorical question that Souness derides Frank with is appropriate because it shows the reader colloquialism that Souness uses whilst he talks down to Frank. Frank is used as entertainment for the townspeople who sadistically take pleasure by ridiculing Frank’s devotion toward Van Gogh. This arouses guilt in the reader because it relates to the broader social context, showing the truth about society; Marshall uses representative characters to show that society must have â€Å"outcasts†. The reader realises that you can either be part of society or have individuality. The isolation of Frank is further evident in, ‘†¦ old bugger is holding up the democratic wishes of the town’, this shows the parallel relationship between Van Gogh and Frank through Marshall creating repetition in diction through the repetition of, ‘bugger’. Marshall used an extended metaphor, which further developed the character of Frank by relating him to Van Gogh, who was also marginalised. Ironically by calling Frank, ‘Mr Van Gogh’, the community are isolating him, destining him to follow Van Gogh’s fate – a misjudged genius dying alone, unrecognised in his ifetime for his work. The exclusion that Marshall created through the voice of the town bully is additionally seen through the acts of the bystanders in the community. The marginalisation of Frank is reflected through the cowardly acts of the narrator. The townspeople have no interest in standing up for Frank; he stands up for himself. In, ‘Mr Van Gogh was stand ing before the laughter with his arms outstretched like a cross’, the simile accentuates to the reader that Frank is derided, the town bully and his accompanies laugh at the fight he reluctantly devotes himself to. The Biblical allusion emphasises the use of the simile by connecting Frank to Jesus; this shows that Frank and Jesus have a parallel relationship – Frank is being used as a sacrifice for the entertainment of the townspeople, sacrificing himself by standing up for his hero, Van Gogh. The community proceeds to be spectators even if they believe the ridiculing is wrong; they convince themselves that the discrimination is not their business, highlighted in, ‘I went away from the fence without watching anymore’. Pontius Pilate walked away, ‘washed his hands’ of responsibility of Jesus’s crucifixion; the narrator relates because he sees Frank being used as a human sacrifice, yet he turns his back and walks away – not wanting to be part of the taunting acts, and too fearful for his own self worth if he stood up for Frank. Marshall elaborates to the reader the unwillingness to risk ourselves for others is human behaviour; such as following in the role of others. The community mirrors Souness; whereas Frank chooses to create his own path. By destroying Frank’s house Marshall symbolises the destruction of Frank’s individuality. Marshall shows the community is unconsciously making efforts to destroy any forms of individuality. In, ‘It rose like a phoenix in its own flames, and he wasn’t part of it anymore†¦ the colour, and purpose, and vision of Mr Van Gogh had gone out of himself and was there on the walls about us†, the listing of abstract nouns accentuates to the reader creating a link between Frank and Van Gogh – they both dedicated their lives to their passion. The relation to the mythical creature, phoenix, certify the resurrection of Frank; his soul is carried through his work, his house. This Classical allusion is used to demonstrate to the reader the symbolic aspects of the house, such as Frank’s originality. The simile in, ‘the house collapsed like an old elephant in the drought surrounded by so many enemies’, compares the townsfolk to scavengers – they are seen as cowards, only attacking when their prey seems weak. Marshall uses this because elephants symbolise sensitivity; the relation to an ‘elephant in drought’ underlines the vulnerability of the house whilst Frank is not present to protect his individuality. The author positions the reader to feel sympathy and horror about the destruction of the house, and evokes the sense of powerlessness within the reader because the majority overwhelms the individual. Marshall portrays to the reader that group mentality of the majority attempts to overwhelm individuality. Due to the concept of binary construction, society is predicated on inclusion and exclusion; in order to achieve a sense of community, marginalisation is inevitable and universal. Marshall’s short story makes the reader reflect about the hypocritical ways in which society works. There will always be Van Gogh as long as there are those who express their individuality; there will always be forms of exclusion through inclusion. In, ‘†¦ Souness kept laughing, †¦ rubbed his knuckles into his left eye because of the dust’, the Biblical allusion refers to the Book of Luke through, ‘dust’, emphasising the message, ‘Why point at the speck in your brother’s eye, when there is a plank in your own? First remove the plank from your own eye†¦ ’. Hypocrisy is shown by the townspeople judging others on their personal values, when they themselves have them. Marshall has caused the reader to realise the hypocrisy in their lives, the reader follows in majorities’ lead of society. Marshall causes the reader consider action by changing the ways they think about social marginalisation. It is important for young people to read this story to raise awareness of the reality of society; the social marginalisation in the story is an example of what happens in reality. People are laughed at for being different, however, they should be laughing because society is all the same.

Britannia Biscuit Research Paper Essay

Britannia -the ‘biscuit’ leader with a history-has withstood the tests of time. Part of the reason for its success has been its ability to resonate with the changes in consumer needs-needs that have varied significantly across its 100+ year epoch. With consumer democracy reaching new levels, the one common thread to emerge in recent times has been the shift in lifestyles and a corresponding awareness of health. People are increasingly becoming conscious of dietary care and its correlation to wellness and matching the new pace to their lives with improved nutritional and dietary habits. This new awareness has seen consumers seeking foods that complement their lifestyles while offering convenience, variety and economy, over and above health and nutrition. Britannia saw the writing on the wall. Its â€Å"Swasth Khao Tan Man Jagao† (Eat Healthy, Think Better) re-position directly addressed this new trend by promising the new generation a healthy and nutritious alternative – that was also delightful and tasty. Thus, the new logo was born, encapsulating the core essence of Britannia – healthy, nutritious, and optimistic and combining it with a delightful product range to offer variety and choice to consumers. INTRODUCTION TO THE INDUSTRY BISCUIT INDUSTRY IN INDIA – AN OVERVIEW âž ¢ Biscuit industry in India in the organized sector produces around 60% of the total production, the balance 40% being contributed by the unorganized bakeries. The industry consists of two large scale manufacturers, around 50 medium scale brands and small scale units ranging up to 2500 units in the country, as at 2000-01. The unorganized sector is estimated to have approximately 30,000 small & tiny bakeries across the country. âž ¢ The annual turnover of the organized sector of the biscuit manufacturers (as at 2001-02) is Rs. 4,350 crores. âž ¢ In terms of volume biscuit production by the organized segment in 2001-02 is estimated at 1.30 million tonnes. The major Brands of biscuits are – Britannia, Parle Bakeman, Priya Gold,Elite,Cremica, Dukes, Anupam, Horlicks, Craze, Nezone, besides various regional/State brands. âž ¢ Biscuit industry which was till then reserved in the SSI Sector, was unreserved in 1997-98, in accordance with the Govt. Policy, based on the recommendations of the Abid Hussain Committee. âž ¢ The annual production of biscuit in the organized sector, continues to be predominantly in the small and medium sale sector before and after de-reservation. The annual production was around 7.4 Lakh tonnes in 1997-98 in the next five years, biscuit production witnessed an annual growth of 10% to 12%, up to 1999-00. âž ¢ The annual Growth showed a decline of 3.5% in 2000-01, mainly due to 100% hike in Central Excise Duty (from 9% to 16%). Production in the year 2001-02 increased very marginally by 2.75% where in 2002-03 the growth is around 3%. âž ¢ The Union Budget for 2003-04 granted 50% reduction in the rate of Excise Duty on Biscuit i.e. from 16% to 8%. The Federation’s estimate for the current year indicates a growth of approximately 8% to 9%. âž ¢ However the average utilization of installed capacity by biscuit manufacturers in the country has been a dismal 60% over the last decade up to 2001-02. âž ¢ Though dereservation resulted in a few MNCs, i.e. Sara Lee, Kellogs SmithKline Beecham, Heinz etc entering the biscuit industry in India, most of them, with the exception of SmithKline Beecham (Horlicks Biscuits), have ceased production in the country. âž ¢ On the other hand, import of biscuits, especially in the high price segment has started from 1998-99, but however, the quantum of imports has not so far increased alarmingly and has remained at around 3.75% of the consumption of biscuits in the country in the year 2001-02. However, recent imports from china industries cheaper verities of biscuit, needs to be examined with cautions, especially in the context of the price as the low margin based domestic industry, which is operating at 60 % of the total installed capital. Exports of biscuits from India have been to the extent of 5.5% of the total production. Exports are expected to grow only in the year 2003-04 and beyond. âž ¢ Biscuit is a hygienically packaged nutritious snack food available at very competitive prices, volumes and different tastes. According to the NCAER Study, biscuit is predominantly consumed by people from the lower strata of society, particularly children in both rural and urban areas with an average monthly income of Rs. 750.00. âž ¢ Biscuit can he broadly categorized into the following segments: (Based on productions of 2000-01) Glucose 44% Marie 13% Cream 10% Crackers 13% Milk 12% Others 8%. âž ¢ . FBMI ( Federation of Biscuit Manufacturer’s of India ) is an association of all the biscuit manufacturers of India. Major players include Britannia, Parle, ITC, Priyagold, Windsor etc. âž ¢ In recognition of industry’s obligations towards the community, being a part of it, biscuit manufacturers supply biscuits to the social welfare agencies in all States for the benefit of school children, senior citizens and other needy sections of the society. FBMI ( Federation of Biscuit Manufacturer’s of India ) Members have always responded positively to our appeal as also by the Government, to rush truck loads of biscuits to the people affected by earthquakes, floods, famine etc. These members have also participated in supplying biscuits to the people of war ravaged Afghanistan and presently to the Iraqi people, under the aegis of the UN. âž ¢ As regards the consumption pattern is concerned. surveys and estimates by industry from time to time indicate the avera ge consumption scenario in the four Zones have been more or less close to each other, as below: 1. Northern States: 28% 2. Southern States: 24% 3. Western States: 25% 4. Eastern States: 23% [pic] âž ¢ Though India is considered as the third largest producer of Biscuits after USA and China, the per capita consumption of biscuits in our country is only 2.1 Kg., compared to more than 10 kg in the USA, UK and West European countries and above 4.25 kg in south cast Asian countries, Le. Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia etc. China has a per capita consumption of 1.90 kg, while in the case of Japan it is estimated at 7.5 kg. âž ¢ In view of the meager per capita consumption even as penetration of biscuits manufactured by the organised sector, into rural areas in India, has been very good during the last 10 years, as also in the metro and other cities, small towns etc. However, in spite of this, the industry has not been able to utilize about half of their installed capacities. âž ¢ Biscuit is a comparatively low margin food product in the PMCG (Packaged Mass Consumption Goods) sector. The commodity is also price sensitive, as a consequence of which, even when the Excise Duty was doubled on biscuits in 2000-01 biscuit manufacturers, including the major brands, were not able hike MRPs to the extend of the steep increase in the Duty. Taxation, both Central Excise Duty as also State Sales Tax, other miscellaneous levies i.e. turnover tax, local area tax, mandi taxes, purchase tax, Octroi etc., has been a major deterrent in the growth of the biscuit industry. The CII Study Report has identified Biscuit as one of the products that should treated as â€Å"Merit Good for the purpose of liberal tax policy both by the Centre and States. âž ¢ Besides lack of technology upgradation in manufacturing, packaging etc has also been a factor affecting our industry, along with inadequate financial credit and support particularly for the medium and small scale biscuit un its. âž ¢ On the other hand, the Government of India has identified food processing industries as a priority area to be encouraged for growth and development and created the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (which was till then a Dept in the Ministry of Agriculture), headed by an Ministry of State with Independent charge. âž ¢ Biscuit manufacturing as well as other bakery products like Bread etc are agro based industries, with the major inputs – wheat flour/atta sugar, milk vanaspati/vegetable oil etc all being agriculture produces. âž ¢ Industries such as Biscuit are also languishing as they are not able to achieve their potentials for higher production, in the absence of the concrete food Processing Industry Policy. FBMI in close coordination with other organizations and apex Chambers, initiated to urge the Govt of India to formulate a comprehensive Policy Document, for smooth growth and harmonious development of the industry. The Food Processing Industry Policy, which has been evolved as a result of various workshops, deliberations and representations by a large cross section of food processing industries, is yet to be finalized. It is hoped that the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GOI would initiate action for implementation of the Policy expeditiously. âž ¢ According to the production figures of members available upto the calendar year 2003, the total production was 625000 tonnes as against 475000 tonnes in the previous year. The production of biscuit for the last 11 years is as under: âž ¢ 1993 – 167750 1994 – 180526 1995 – 202567 1996 – 222371 1997 – 362000 1998 – 400000 1999 – 425000 2000 – 450000 2001 – 465000 2002 – 475000 2003 – 625000 Note: the production of members of FBMI consist of 50% (approx.) of the total production of biscuit in the organized sector. INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPANY HISTORY The story of one of India’s favourite brands reads almost like a fairy tale. Once upon a time, in 1892 to be precise, a biscuit company was started in a nondescript house in Calcutta (now Kolkata) with an initial investment of Rs. 295. The company we all know as Britannia today. The beginnings might have been humble-the dreams were anything but. By 1910, with the advent of electricity, Britannia mechanized its operations, and in 1921, it became the first company east of the Suez Canal to use imported gas ovens. Britannia’s business was flourishing. But, more importantly, Britannia was acquiring a reputation for quality and value. As a result, during the tragic World War II, the Government reposed its trust in Britannia by contracting it to supply large quantities of â€Å"service biscuits† to the armed forces. As time moved on, the biscuit market continued to grow†¦ and Britannia grew along with it. In 1975, the Britannia Biscuit Company took over the distribution of biscuits from Parry’s who till now distributed Britannia biscuits in India. In the subsequent public issue of 1978, Indian shareholding crossed 60%, firmly establishing the Indianness of the firm. The following year, Britannia Biscuit Company was re-christened Britannia Industries Limited (BIL). Four years later in 1983, it crossed the Rs. 100 crores revenue mark. On the operations front, the company was making equally dynamic strides. In 1992, it celebrated its Platinum Jubilee. In 1997, the company unveiled its new corporate identity – â€Å"Eat Healthy, Think Better† – and made its first foray into the dairy products market. In 1999, the â€Å"Britannia Khao, World Cup Jao† promotion further fortified the affinity consumers had with ‘Brand Britannia’. Britannia strode into the 21st Century as one of India’s biggest brands and the pre-eminent food brand of the country. It was equally recognised for its innovative approach to products and marketing: the Lagaan Match was voted India’s most successful promotional activity of the year 2001 while the delicious Britannia 50-50 Maska-Chaska became India’s most successful product launch. In 2002, Britannia’s New Business Division formed a joint venture with Fonterra, the world’s second largest Dairy Company, and Britannia New Zealand Foods Pvt. Ltd. was born. In recognition of its vision and accelerating graph, Forbes Global rated Britannia ‘One amongst the Top 200 Small Companies of the World’, and The Economic Times pegged Britannia India’s 2nd Most Trusted Brand. Today, more than a century after those tentative first steps, Britannia’s fairy tale is not only going strong but blazing new standards, and that miniscule initial Investment has grown by leaps and bounds to crores of rupees in wealth for Britannia’s shareholders. The company’s offerings are spread across the spectrum with products ranging from the healthy and economical Tiger biscuits to the more lifestyle-oriented Milkman Cheese. Having succeeded in garnering the trust of almost one-third of India’s one billion populations and a strong management at the helm means Britannia will continue to dream big on its path of innovation and quality. And millions of consumers will savour the results, happily ever after. HISTORY OF BISCUITS Sweet or salty. Soft or crunchy. Simple or exotic. Everybody loves munching on biscuits, but do they know how biscuits began? The history of biscuits can be traced back to a recipe created by the Roman chef Apicius, in which â€Å"a thick paste of fine wheat flour was boiled and spread out on a plate. When it had dried and hardened it was cut up and then fried until crisp, then served with honey and pepper.† The word ‘Biscuit’ is derived from the Latin words ‘Bis’ (meaning ‘twice’) and ‘Coctus’ (meaning cooked or baked). The word ‘Biscotti’ is also the generic term for cookies in Italian. Back then, biscuits were unleavened, hard and thin wafers which, because of their low water content, were ideal food to store. As people started to explore the globe, biscuits became the ideal traveling food since they stayed fresh for long periods. The seafaring age, thus, witnessed the boom of biscuits when these were sealed in airtight containers to last for months at a time. Hard track biscuits (earliest version of the biscotti and present-day crackers) were part of the staple diet of English and American sailors for many centuries. In fact, the countries which led this seafaring charge, such as those in Western Europe, are the ones where biscuits are most popular even today. Biscotti is said to have been a favorite of Christopher Columbus who discovered America! Making good biscuits is quite an art, and history bears testimony to that. During the 17th and 18th Centuries in Europe, baking was a carefully controlled profession, managed through a series of ‘guilds’ or professional associations. To become a baker, one had to complete years of apprenticeship – working through the ranks of apprentice, journeyman, and finally master baker. Not only this, the amount and quality of biscuits baked were also carefully monitored. The English, Scotch and Dutch immigrants originally brought the first cookies to the United States and they were called teacakes. They were often flavoured with nothing more than the finest butter, sometimes with the addition of a few drops of rose water. Cookies in America were also called by such names as â€Å"jumbles†, â€Å"plunkets† and â€Å"cry babies†. As technology improved during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the price of sugar and flour dropped. Chemical leavening agents, such as baking soda, became available and a profusion of cookie recipes occurred. This led to the development of manufactured cookies. Interestingly, as time has passed and despite more varieties becoming available, the essential ingredients of biscuits haven’t changed – like ‘soft’ wheat flour (which contains less protein than the flour used to bake bread) sugar, and fats, such as butter and oil. Today, though they are known by different names the world over, people agree on one thing – nothing beats the biscuit! Some interesting facts on the origin of other forms of biscuits: The recipe for oval shaped cookies (that are also known as boudoir biscuits, sponge biscuits, sponge fingers, Naples biscuits and Savoy biscuits) has changed little in 900 years and dates back to the house of Savoy in the 11th century France. Peter the Great of Russia seems to have enjoyed an oval-shaped cookie called â€Å"lady fingers† when visiting Louis XV of France. The macaroon – a small round cookie with crisp crust and a soft interior – seems to have originated in an Italian monastery in 1792 during the French Revolution. SPRING-uhr-lee, have been traditional Christmas cookies in Austria and Bavaria for centuries. They are made from a simple egg, flour and sugar dough and are usually rectangular in shape. These cookies are made with a leavening agent called ammonium carbonate and baking ammonia. The inspiration for fortune cookies dates back to the 12th & 13th Centuries, when Chinese soldiers slipped rice paper messages into moon cakes to help co-ordinate their defense against, Mongolian invaders. .

Careless Human Environmental Destruction

Careless Human Environmental Destruction For many reasons the human race could be called a blessing. Great advanced in technology, medicine and even the fact we are the most sophisticated species on the planet. Are we a gift to planet Earth, or far from it? With cast amounts of pollution and destruction of the planet, not to mention unthinkable acts of violence and hate that has been going on since the beginning of time. Are we really as sophisticated and important as we have led ourselves to believe? Are we any better than any other creature because we are more technologically advanced? Is the human race a blessing? Humans have destroyed and endangered more species on our planet than any other species or group, with our continuous pollution and lack of respect for out own environment. One area of the world affected by our careless habits is our coastlines and the marine habitats that vast amounts of species rely on. These particular areas of the world are being destroyed because humans don’t seem to care as long as they make a couple of dollars in the process. Oil spills like the one in the Prince William Sound on the coast of Alaska and Hawaiian sea turtles and their many troubles with humans are just some examples of human carelessness and the consequences that the environment, particularly marine wildlife incur, which often are fatal. I chose this particular subject because I find the ocean and it’s unique and rare inhabitants to be interesting. Every coastline has its one unique species and no two areas are the same. I wanted to learn more about how humans are destroying the habitats of these unique creatures. I found that all species are in someway being threatened by human dominance and carelessness. From the common flounder or sea star you can find when you walk across the beach to a rare fish like the coelacanth (prehistoric fish that was believed to be extinct until one was caught off the coat of Madagascar by a local commercial fisherman until in the 1950’s). The ocean can be a calm and loving but can easily turn into a vicious killer within seconds. All of these things are what I find so interesting about the ocean. I wanted to find out why people can continue to destroy it even though they know the effect of their actions. I guess some people are ignorant and just don’t care if they destroy the things that make our environment so beautiful. One example of our careless destruction of our environment is the Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast of Alaska in 1989. The Prince William Sound still shows signs of the oil spill tem years later. Most species have recovered since the spill, but many are still suffering. The Harbor Seal and herring are just two who are vital to the survival of all the species in the area. Herring are the main source of food for many species in the area, including humans. (Mitchell, p.98) â€Å"The ecosystem is gradually recovering from the spill,† says Molly McCammon, an Executive director of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, â€Å"but it will never be the same as it was twenty years ago.† The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council was founded to oversee the use of nine hundred million dollars to the area by the government after settling with the Exxon Company for one billion dollars in criminal and civil damages. One serious problem in the aftermath of Exxon Valdez is the decline of herring. (The table shows the chave in populations of Prince William Sound before and after the Exxon Valdez spill.)

Small bus assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Small bus assignment - Essay Example Thus, it can be said that founding Urban Decay is a next step after leaving Cisco Systems. The idea of Sandy Lerner turned into the opportunity with the fact that it was attractive to customers (multicolor appearance) as appeared in traditional times. Also, she managed to find a passionate teammate in her business, Wende Zomnir. The applicable root of opportunity in this case is the change of the one feature in already existing product. In the given case, the idea to add new colors in already existing cosmetics made this business successful in that time. The future for Urban Decay as an independent player is not clear, because the idea to use different colors in cosmetics seems to lose its actuality. Nevertheless, the nature of this opportunity has a potential to develop, because our world is full of colors. In addition, women want to use cosmetics to be unique and beautiful. So, current successful sale activity and depending on L’Oreal Cosmetics is a reasonable choice for this

Quantitative Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Quantitative Analysis - Research Paper Example of taste and preferences, time of the year, and economic changes among other factors and an understanding of occurrence of such seasonal factors and their effects on equilibrium price is necessary and is recommended. Times series analysis allows for identification of effects of trend and seasonality, that can then be separated in forecasting optimal price and is therefore necessary for effective planning and goal setting. Forecasted seasonality and trend informs on expected changes in optimal prices that can be used to retain customers and even attract new customers for a competitive market share. The analysis, based on an organization’s data or that of the industry’s average and the following equation, can forecast daily or weekly prices for unit commodities that the restaurant could sell. Comparative analysis of cost and revenues is another recommended quantitative best practice for the business. Two approaches inform profit maximization and their understanding and use in the business will ensure optimal profitability. The difference between total cost and total revenue defines obtained profits and can be used to define profitability (Korrapati, 2014). Understanding the maximum level profit that an entity can achieve is more important for efficient resource utilization and this identifies the concept of marginal returns. Profit is maximized when marginal cost equals marginal revenues. Data analysis on difference between unit cost of a product and its unit price is therefore necessary for understanding the point of equality. This, however, relies on other practices such as optimal pricing that could use time series and cost accounting into determination of unit cost. The following mathematical equation expresses to optimization point. The mathematical approach can also inform decisions on optimal prices given cost and production capacity. A restaurant has such capacity limitation to space and number of seats in the restaurant and with a known optimal number

Discuss religion and religious freedom in Somalia Essay

Discuss religion and religious freedom in Somalia - Essay Example The paper begins by explaining the meaning of religious freedom, and then goes ahead to explain religion and religious freedom in Somalia. Freedom of religion is the individuals right or freedom to hold whatever religious beliefs he or she believes to be the best for him/her. Religious freedom, also known as the freedom of worship, allows people to freely practice their religion as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of other people by practicing their preferred religion. Religious freedom is one of the basic human rights universally recognized. Somalia is a country found in the Horn of Africa; Somali borders Ethiopia to the West, the gulf of Eden to the north, Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, and Indian Ocean to the east. Somali is predominantly a Muslim country; majority of the Muslims in Somali are Sunni Muslims, according to the Pew research conducted in 2010, 99.8% of Somali people are Muslims (Pew Research Centre, n.p). But, there are also a few other religions in Somalia, although these other religions have very few followers; Christians are minority in Somalia and they constitute less than o.1% of the Somalia population. According to the Catholic diocese of Mogadishu estimates in 2004, there were less than 200 Catholics in Somalia in the year 2004 (The economist, 22/10/2009). The Mogadishu Catholic diocese is the only Catholic diocese in Somalia. Besides Muslim and the few Christians, there are religions in Somalia. According to the Pew Research conducted in 2010, the other religions in Somalia, in cluding Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism constitute less than 0.1% of the Somalia population (Pew Research Centre, n.p). For better explanation of Somali religion and religious freedom in Somalia, it is important to briefly look at the political situation in Somalia because religion and politics in Somalia are inseparable. This is because the constitution of Somalia

Losses jobs during the recession Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Losses jobs during the recession - Essay Example Daily there is rapid shedding of jobs. There is a very sharp fall of oil and crop prices. The most affected are the people who do not have a college degree. There is a fall in construction work, retail market in addition to hotel work. Home investors and home owners have suffered great losses that cannot be compared to the social security checks that renters and retirees depend on (Leonhardt, 2009). El Centro city in California State has been adversely affected by the great depression as referred by others. About 22.5 % of its population has suffered from the cruel hand of unemployment. El Centro has not only suffered from the brutality of recession but also from drought. Housing problem has also joined the two troubles the state has. House helps have not escaped the axe of unemployment. Many employers have opted to take their children who are very young to avoid having baby sitters. Those mothers that are no longer employed would rather do the house work than employ house maids. All these developing trends due to the recession are resulting to inequality. The great depression crashed the stock market. This affected the wealthy and the middle class families greatly. Additionally, more people lost jobs and more are on the verge of losing top and well-paying jobs. For example, the study by Leonhardt (2009) reveals that the recession affected the Wall Street employees and so a large percentage of them lost their jobs. In a bid reduce inequality, the Obama administration has taken a stem that franklin Roosevelt took during the 90s depression of increasing the taxes of the wealthy. Critics point out that increasing tax on the rich will only benefit one side, the poor. This step had enormous effects. The third key thing is very important because unlike during the great depression, students do not to leave school to work as labourers in different places. They will pursue education that will in turn help in curbing the loss of jobs during recess. As mentioned

Does flexibility in location and time affect behavior towards work Research Paper

Does flexibility in location and time affect behavior towards work - Research Paper Example The researcher clearly identifies the research problem before working on the research. He clearly states the problem and links the problem to the current way of doing things. In the title, â€Å"New ways of working: does flexibility in time and location of work change work behavior and affect business outcomes?† the researcher has here clearly indicated, using this title, that he intends to identify, if any, how flexibility in time and location of work changes the work behavior and affect business outcomes. Further, in the abstract, the researcher explains what he means by business outcomes, where he identifies business outcomes to be the productivity of a business. It is important to note that his identification of what business outcomes means breaks would be ambiguity in the statement and makes it easier for the reader to follow on the purpose of the research. Therefore, the question that lingers is whether it is easy to determine what the researcher intends research? Yes it is. The researcher intends to find out how the â€Å"New Ways of Working† which bring about the flexibility in the time and location of work affects the productivity of a business and the impacts it has on the work behavior. (Strauss, Kochan, & Ichnowiski, 2000) Literature Review The author has not literature review section, which in my view weakens the credibility of the research. Having literature review works to give legitimacy to what one is studying and connects it to previously done works. Such a connection would enable readers of the research document to figure out what previous researchers have suggested in their findings regarding a similar topic or a related one. With nothing to compare the research with or to derive scientific knowledge from this puts dents on the findings of this research because of the lack of a benchmark. That having been said, the researcher tried to use others findings in his references and in text citations e.g. â€Å"The Telework Trendlines 2009 [7] reported that the number of U.S. employees who worked remotely at least one day per month increased 39% in two years from approximately 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008.† Though this is worth mentioning, it cannot be used to replace the literature review sectio n (Merle, Schelvis, Groenesteijn, & Vink, 2012). Objective and hypothesis When it comes to the identification of the objectives and the hypotheses of the research, the researcher did a good job since it is very clear from the beginning what the research intends to achieve. The research question is â€Å"does flexibility in time and location of work change work behavior and affect business outcomes?† which is clear in the tile of the research and severally repeated throughout the research document. The hypothesis of the research has not been clearly stated though was indirectly alluded. â€Å"Expectations of these measures are often high, such as a reduction in operating costs and an increase of productivity.† Here the researcher is trying to give the general expectations of the research though he is not clearly stating what the hypothesis is. Ordinarily, the researcher would be expected to identify the research hypothesis

Evidence Base Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Evidence Base Practice - Essay Example Evidence based practice refers to straight utilization of the results of scientific research findings to professional practice (Wall, 2008). The adaptation of this method plays a milestone in the history of nursing because through evidence-based nursing practice, nursing will no longer be deemed as a practice based on instincts but will rather a practice backed up with scientific studies that imply steps and procedures that are evidently proven to be effective obtained from the actual phases of study. Embracing Innovations The application of evidence-based practice paves way for a more rational decision making. It presents a basis for a nursing action to be executed. Prior to its integration in the nursing process, nurses must first be completely aware regarding evidence-based practice and the importance of its use. A collaborative effort to solicit adoption of evidence-based practice is in effect presently (Wall, 2008). In a study by Chang et al. (2011), knowledge, skill perception and attitude of nurses regarding evidence-based practice were determined. The study involved nurses from two public hospitals in Singapore which garnered responses from three fourth of the staff census (Chang et. al., 2011). Most of the respondents claimed that they possess moderate skills in terms of research (Chang et. al., 2011). ... As always, with the introduction of change in the conventional methods, it is questioned and opposed by several views. The introduction of something new cannot be totally coined as innovation without challenges and barriers. In his book, Cody (2006) implied the aspect of subjectivity and individuality of the nursing process. He stated the â€Å"nurse-person process† wherein he emphasized that the practice itself cannot be guided by evidence alone. There are certain factors prior to that decision making, like values and principles (Cody, 2006). On the contrary, the study of Chang et al. (2011) focused on resolvable issues like inadequate resources for research. It will be an imperative for hospitals and facilities to establish well equipped libraries and to provide staff opportunities for enhancement of their research skills. The study reflected the positivity of nurses to do research; however, it also highlighted the awareness that there is not enough understanding of statisti cal knowledge in research (Chang, et al., 2011). Assimilation into Practice Evidence-based practice has become a dominant method of thinking in the past two decades (Wall, 2008). Several of the conventional methods used by nurses ten years ago are found to be not applicable anymore overtime due to a number of statistical and factual researches. If given adequate literature and source of valid researches, nurses can start integrating these studies into the practice (Chang, et al., 2011). The main key point in incorporation of evidence into practice is for the nurses to be adept in gathering and analyzing statistical data from researches. As a nurse the integration of evidence based nursing practices is important especially in

Innovation and Design Strategy Essay Example for Free

Innovation and Design Strategy Essay Samsung Electronics: Innovation and Design Strategy Introduction: The case study commences with the integration of innovative design and brand management by Samsung Electronics which started a new trend in the electronics industry. As discussed in the case, initially Samsung was not much popular and lacked design identity but later it relocated itself by: * Improvement in the product development processes * Increasing their investments in RD and product design i. e. RD globalization. * By adopting right innovation strategies. By mastering the less tangible, more intuitive qualities of superior design. By diversification of products and step by step or continual improvement. * Implementing Global localization strategy. * Achieving Vision of leading in digital convergence by using e-processes (electronic integration of processes by going online). All these methods were implemented by Samsung in order to improve its productivity and to gain competitive advantage over its competitors like LG Electronics, Sony, Apple Computer Inc. , etc. Despite this, Samsung is facing the challenge to stay ahead in competition in the near future. Consumer electronics industry is facing a tough competition and the need of the our is to optimize the R D costs, having relevant information regarding the IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) while design outsourcing and using appropriate product design followed by appropriate market strategy. Case Analysis: As mentioned in the case, the background of Samsung can be discussed in a tabular form: * Started by Byung-Chull Lee in 1939 as an exporter of agricultural products. I * Samsung Electronics established in 1969 followed by product diversification. I * Strategic Joint Ventures with NEC, Sanyo and Corning Glass work in 1970 | Brought 50% stake in Korea Semiconductor Inc. I * Acquisition of Korea Semiconductor Inc. in 1978 followed by the successful implementation of reverse engineered product design I * Vertical integration by developing their own ICs DRAMS(Dynamic Random Access Memories in 1985 Focus on qualitative growth than quantitative growth in 1990 | * Loosening of import restrictions by South Korean government I And Samsung achieved price competitiveness in 1991. | * In 1992, Samsung established R;D center in European markets. I * In 1994, Samsung established R;D center in US markets. I * In 1997, Samsung cuts its Korean and overseas workforces due to Asian Financial crises. I * In 1999, Samsung was regarded as worlds premiere consumer goods and services industry By Forbes. I * In 2000, Samsung embarked vision to convert itself into a Digital- e company. * Increased design staff and 2004 | * In 2005, Samsung increased its design budget by 20%-30% | * In 2006, Samsung registered 17,377 patents worldwide I * In 2007, Samsung held management, product design and investment in RD provided them advantages over its competitors. Hence, they improved step by step with the product iversification, Mergers and Acquisitions, vertical integration and implementation of new technology. They were aggressively involved in marketing and improving their brand image in the minds of their customers. The Samsungs learning and leveraging matrix can be explained as: Dedicated business units e. g. Informal technology transfer I New venture department or division, e. g. skunkworks( Investments in RDs) I Independent business unit, e. g. Predivestment or potential spinout I Direct integration or business team ( Vertical Integration by developing their own ICS) I High Low Leveraging existing competencies Innovation and product Design at Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics leading position was contributed by the enlisted factors: * Creative people in the organization which contributed in the development of technology. * Co-operation between the business partners throughout the supply chain * Firms ability in exploring end penetrating into the new markets * Speed of innovation and product development. Along with this Samsung also increased the investments in their RD centers. After doing the trend analysis for the Exhibit 3 which shows the Samsung RD udget and percentage sales, We arrive at the conclusion that the Samsungs R;D budget increased till the year 2007 linearly. But there is decline in the percentage of sales in the year 2007, which suggests that the Samsung will need to rethink this strategy. There is an urgent need to optimize the cost related to Samsungs RD expenditure to prevent the decline of sales in future. Samsung globalized their RD network worldwide to develop technologies which can be commercialized in the future. Basically the main idea behind the globalization of RD network is to: * Focus n innovation and generating new products for global market. * There is a huge scope of product improvement. * This provides an access to the emerging markets. * Leverages the market opportunity for the firm. User- Centric Design Philosophy Samsungs philosophy was to strike the balance between the reasons and feelings. This was done by them with the rationalization of the design of product by using geometric and technological parameters and enhancing the design to the product so that it can make the emotional connection with the user. Their global localization strategy helped them to become a top class consumer lectronics company. Marketing Samsung used electronic processes to achieve their vision of leading in digital convergence. The Convergence and integration between manufacturing, promotion ; distribution of electronics included releasing, promoting and marketing. This * Helped in product differentiation * Better value propositions or bundle of benefits to the customers. This graph shows net sales and operating profit of Samsung Electronics 2007 Samsung Electronics E-processes comprised of: The SCM, RD management and Customer management processes were ntegrated with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). ERP implementation provided them a wider access to the Samsung Electronics operations. This improved their overall processes and improved efficiency.

Heavy Metal Accumulation Within Urban Regions of China

Heavy Metal Accumulation Within Urban Regions of China Word Count: 1944 Introduction The adverse health effects associated with heavy metal accumulation within the body are well documented with problems leading to cardiovascular, nervous system, blood and bone diseases. Heavy metals can be easily transferred to human bodies directly through inhalation, ingestion, and absorption from the skin. The predominant pathway of ingestion is through the soil-crop system due to the accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural areas. This is quite prevalent in rural areas of China as waste water is recycled to tend crops which provide the food for the urban population. Alongside wastewater irrigation, solid waste disposal and sludge applications; vehicular exhaust and industrial activities are the major sources of soil contamination with heavy metals, resulting in an increased metal uptake by the food crops grown on such contaminated soils (Khan et al. 2008). In the urban environment itself, a wide range of toxic substances can be released during recycling and disposal in indust rial processes which cause environmental damage and threaten public health. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, and chromium are an important class of hazardous chemicals that can be released from out-dated industrial practices. Therefore a relationship exists with a high population density within China’s urban centres and heavy metal accumulation within the urban environments (soils, atmosphere and drinking water). Industry and economic activities are more concentrated in urban areas, and cities have become the geographic focus of resource consumption and chemical emissions, which cause many environmental problems (Luo et al. 2012). Heavy industries such as metal smelting, manufacturing, energy production, construction and the coal/fuel combustion techniques associated with the mentioned industries are usually localised within the urban centres of China. This is due to their close proximity to the large percentage of the urbanised population who commute to thei r workplaces, and also double up as consumers (and polluters). Because of this, industries release harmful pollutants as by-products into the atmosphere, or can infiltrate the drinking water, and/or affect soils within close proximity. Heavy metals in urban soils may come from various human activities such as vehicle exhaust, waste disposal, as well as coal and fuel combustion (Chen et al. 2005). A recent emergence is that of electronic waste recycling which is infamous for releasing heavy metals. Biophysical and Socioeconomic Background The cause for the environmental degradation which effects are now widely seen in China are by no means an issue that has sprung up overnight. Domestically, the modernisation drive of the Chinese government over the past 30 years has been the main contributor for the environmental degradation, in that the priority of urbanisation, industrialisation, and a stronger economy with the intent of increasing the standard of living for its citizens (reflected by higher consumption) has placed environmental concerns as inconsequential. Because of this, environmental policies over the past 30 years have been considerably lax or non-existent due to conflicting with economic targets. This deregulation by the environmental sector of the government has granted China unprecedented growth and surpass economic goals, but at great consequence to the environment with widespread pollution in all the major cities. Only recently has the Chinese government realised the magnitude of their actions on the envi ronment which have been revealed through recent studies. The first national soil pollution survey conducted between 2005 and 2013 by the Chinese government’s Environmental Protection Ministry showed that 16.1% of China’s soil and 19.4% of its arable land was contaminated with cadmium, nickel and arsenic (BBC, 2014). China’s rapid and extended period of industrial development with subsequent high pollutant emissions has left many regions with deteriorated land quality and soil pollution. Compared to the surveys conducted between 1986 and 1990, levels of inorganic materials were markedly higher. This has dire consequences for the food security of the Chinese people and both the global community, as China currently relies heavily on grain imports to satisfy the needs of its citizens. The Chinese government set the minimum arable land for food production just over 300 million acres, of which this recent study has shown their available arable land does not meet this minimum meaning that China lacks agricultural self-sufficiency (Pei, 2014). Reversal of the degradation is costly and generally avoided, thus the Chinese government is opting to invest in foreign land and agriculture. Many of the recent surveys and research conducted by the government has had loose affiliation with scientific bodies and subsequently distorted evidence with the intent to strengthen political and economic motives, while masking the true nature of the situation. As a result, initial conservative estimations made by the government are insufficient and by no means an accurate representation of the environmental issues facing China. Internationally, the demand for cheaper Chinese labour and consumables has only perpetuated and reinforced the economic drive and manufacturing capabilities of China over the past 30 years – with the environment suffering due to inadequate regulation, economic priorities and a lack of perception for wider issues such as environmental. Specifically, with the expansion of the global market and increased demand for electrical and electronic products (and their short lifespan), electronic waste has become one of the most rapidly growing problems pertaining to waste in the world. A great quantity of electronic waste originating from developed countries has been transferred to developing countries such as China, India, and some African countries where electronic waste is processed using less advanced technology. A wide range of toxic substances can be released during the recycling and disposal and cause environmental damage and threaten public health, especially those of heavy metal s (Zheng et al. 2013). Management Approaches in the Past It was in 1973 where the Chinese government held its first national conference on environmental protection. For the following 20 years, emphasis was placed on pollution control and prevention as the major cities faced industrial and pesticide pollution. Again in 1983 environmental protection was announced as one of the two basic state policies (the other being family planning, or notoriously known as the ‘one child policy’). However proper action to environmental impact has only occurred relatively recently (the mid to late 1990’s) marked by the issuing of the national strategy of sustainable development: ‘Ten strategic Policies for Environment and Development’ and in 1994 the publishing of ‘Agenda 21’. Subsequently, China has implemented a strategy of two fundamental transformations – the transition from a planned economic system to a socialistic market economic system (Wang 2010). Policies within the 1990’s focused mainly on point source control of pollution from industries, and heavily around catchment systems (due to the problem of contaminated water) in contrast to remediation of areas affected by pollution. As is still problematic today, government bodies responsible for the implementation are hindered by weak institutional capacities and generally lack experience in the new field of environmental management (Wang 2010) leading to confusion between local and central governments in relation to the arbitration of policies. Guidelines of environmental protection have been established through many separate rules and regulations authorised by different government entities at different phases adding to this disarray. Local governments also lacked the financial capacity to compensate residents in natural reserves causing conflict within the communities. Centralisation of this organisation appears to be an ongoing process. Similarly, it is all well and good announcing what is going to be done (albeit vag uely) but whether or not action is taken is another matter. Adding to this significance is that the Chinese government is both the regulator and polluter in many instances, and must realise this. Management Approaches at Present and for the Future Presently, the government has specific planned efforts to protect species and ecosystems and have greatly increased over the past decade, but effectiveness has not kept pace with degradation. Major problems exist such as low levels of staff training, inadequate funding and rampant commercial development. The central government’s large-scale payment for ecosystem services campaigns are remarkable in terms of funding and longevity but program effectiveness remains unclear due to a general lack of science based assessment and conflicting outcomes with positive results that meet program goals (Grumbine Xu 2013). The issue of heavy metal accumulation within soils (be it rural or urban) is not directly targeted with China’s environmental management plans of the future. Although management plans incorporate the cleaning up of industries and practices which will hopefully have flow down affects leading to the reduction of problematic pollution (namely, heavy metals). These new ly implemented, almost ‘ad hoc’ environmental standards may not be up to speed to match the ever increasing economic growth and continual urbanisation. Similarly, implementing policy is one thing, enforcing it is another. In rural areas, China did not begin to invest in water pollution control until 2008 with the Ministries of Environmental Protection and Agriculture expecting coverage of 10% of all villages by 2015. In 2012 and again in 2013, the State Council and Ministry of Environmental Protection issued new national policies and funding to strengthen water use and decrease pollution, but institutional reforms necessary for improved implementation have not been addressed (Grumbine Xu 2013). Reformation of current environmentally specific laws (water, biodiversity, conservation) and forging of legal management mandates between provinces and government bureaus within their specific areas, alongside encouraging more policy participation from citizens, non-government o rganisations and businesses is desirable. Some of these reforms go against current government norms, but international scholars believe that significant environmental degradation impacts (such as water scarcity or hazardous materials) will drive more cooperative institutional behaviour (Grumbine Xu 2013). There is little interdisciplinary framework to address the lack of policy connections within and across China’s social–ecological systems. At the national level, ministerial actions often lack coordination and officials often do not have the capacity to enforce regulations. There are disconnects between central and local decision making; at local levels, Beijing’s edicts are subject to behaviour where officials often act contrary to central government mandates resulting in poor policy implementation. With environmental problems now openly acknowledged but solutions still far off, and already-unprecedented urbanisation rates gaining speed. But there still are n o functional national-level regulations in place to guide the largest and most rapid urban expansion in world history (Grumbine Xu 2013). Conclusions and Recommendations After three decades of unconstrained economic growth, China’s social and ecological debts are coming due. The new Chinese leadership has a full agenda yet measured against broad adaptive capacity standards, thus the government remains weak at solving complex, cross-cutting problems. Experts are in agreement that open information exchange, government transparency, institutional coordination, public and private sector participation, iterative decision making and conflict resolution are critical to resolving environmental and social issues under 21st century conditions. These capacities may have little to do with supporting economic expansion under a command-and-control decision making system, but they are recommended repeatedly to solve governance problems in a world of decreasing resources and increasing uncertainty. China must realise that it is both the polluter and regulator so must mediate the two with particularly stronger enforcement of environmental concerns. Short term economic goals should not outweigh the long term importance of the environmental order. Soil is an important component of urban ecosystems, thus its quality must be recognised and integrated into environmental monitoring and management programs. Extensive investigations into urban soil contamination in China have been conducted in the last 25 years but prove inadequate. Given the importance of urban soils, future research should focus on making comprehensive assessments of urban soil quality for better city planning and the sustainable management of urban soil resources. Since metals and organic pollutants have been found many cities of China, these and other emerging contaminants should be included in a multi-compartmental environmental surveillance of urban areas. Biological indicators could be used such as plant, soil invertebrate and microbial assays leading to an improved assessment of soil quality than physico-chemical measurements alone. Attention should be paid towards semi- rural and peri-urban agriculture practices with potential to human health implications. In addition to routine urban soil surveys, a land use-based and environmental availability-based integrated risk assessment framework of pollutants for urban soils needs to be developed in China (Luo et al. 2012). References BBC news China, 18th April 2014, ‘Report: One fifth of China’s soil contaminated’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-27076645 Chen H, Zheng C, Tu C, Zhu Y, 1999, ‘Heavy metal pollution I soils in China: Status and countermeasures’, Ambio, Vol. 28, pp. 130-134 Chen TB, Zheng YM, Lei M, Huang ZC, Wu HT, Chen H, Fan KK, Yu K, Wu X and Tian QZ, 2005, ‘Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface soils of urban parks in Beijing, China’, Chemosphere, Vol. 60, pp. 542-551 Grumbine RE Xu J, 2013, ‘Recalibrating China’s environmental policy: The next 10 years’, Biological Conservation, Vol. 166, pp. 287-292 Khan S, Cao Q, Zheng YM, Huang YZ and Zhu YG, 2008, ‘Heath risks of heavy metals in contaminated soils and food crops irrigated with wastewater in Beijing, China’, Environmental Pollution, Vol. 152, pp. 686-692 Luo X, Shen Y, Zhu Y, Li X, 2012, ‘Trace metal contamination in urban soils of China’, Science of the Total Environment, pp. 17-30 Pei M, 18th April 2014, ‘China’s soil pollution: It’s much worse than you think’, Fortune Magazine, http://fortune.com/2014/04/18/chinas-soil-pollution-its-much-worse-than-you-think/ Wang L, 2010, ‘The changes of China’s environmental policies in the latest 30 years’, Procedia Environmental Sciences, Vol. 2, pp. 1206-1212 Zheng J, Chen K, Yan X, Chen S, Hu G, Peng X, Yuan J, Mai B, Yang Z, 2013, ‘Heavy metals in food, house dust, and water from an e-waste recycling area in South China and the potential risk to human health’, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Vol. 96, pp. 205-212

Robot Lobstrocities :: Technology Machines Papers

Robot Lobstrocities â€Å"Check this out,† Joseph Ayers, a biology professor at Northeastern University says as he turns on his laptop. The soundtrack from the 1975 film, "Jaws" plays in the background. On the screen is a grainy image of a moving creature lumbering towards a huge pile of bricks, easily maneuvering itself over them. The music reaches its climactic conclusion and a lethal claw dominates the screen. Fortunately it’s not a monster; it’s just a lobster. For Ayers, lobsters are fascinating creatures that has inhabited his life for most of his career. For more than a decade his team has worked on building a fully autonomous robotic lobster with the same behavioral patterns of the real thing. Funded largely by the US Navy, the hope is that it will one day be used for underwater mine detection as a less expensive and more efficient system to current methods. Hours were spent analyzing lobster behavior and its legs, claws, abdomen and tail movements. These observations were then converted into mathematical components, correlating the movements with the nerve signals that actuated them. In essence it makes a computer program act as the lobster’s brain. A big step from the field of artificial intelligence, the project is all about reverse engineering the biological functions nature has taken thousands of years to evolve and develop. â€Å"We’re probably one of the few laboratories in the world to get artificial muscles to work. To actually control a freely behaving robot. The other thing that’s different about our robot is that it really is controlled by the rules the nervous system works by, instead of the list of instructions to control the behavior, unlike AI based robots,† said Ayers. Starting out as a young biologist from California, Ayers is now one of forefront researchers of biomimetics, which takes ideas from nature and implements them into new technology. His project stemmed from his graduate days when he first studied the behavior of the lobster. Both sides of Ayer’s office are crammed with books on marine biology. It is a typical college professor’s office, except for the lobster claw mobile hanging from the ceiling. On the wall, a child’s drawing of lobster. A Superman comic book featuring, the Lobster Man. It’s obvious that Ayers has an affinity with these crustaceans. He admires their nervous system and adaptability to the sea. Their complex movements and ability to move on every surface of the sea floor.

Molieres Tartuffe Essay -- essays research papers

The Theme of Moliere’s Tartuffe: Reason vs. Passion Jean-Baptitste Poquelin Moliere’s Tartuffe, is undoubtedly a satirical comedy. In Moliere’s description of a satire, he was very direct as to the function and objectives of one are. The function is to correct men’s vices, using satire to ridicule them and expose them to public laughter (Moliere, p.14). Although this satire is making fun of many things in the church and organized religion, which is not the only objective Moliere had in mind. Tartuffe has many themes that reoccur through out the play. The time period, in which this play was written, was known as the Age of Reason. One of the main ideas and attitudes during this time was, reason must always control passion. Due to this attitude, one theme that constantly appears through the play, is the battle between reason and passion. In Act II, Scene 4, one of the major conflicts between reason and passion is played out. Valere confronts Mariane with the rumors he has heard about her marrying Tartuffe. Throughout this entire confrontation, they are letting their passions stop them from getting what they truly want, which is each other. Finally, Dorine brings about the reason that is needed in their situation. In lines 69-71, Dorine states,† If you ask me, both of you are as mad as mad can be. Do stop this nonsense, now. I’ve only let you squabble so long to see where it would get you.† Their passion is so strong; Valere and Mariane are blind to what the other is want...

Utah Family Center :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We chose to learn about, evaluate and present the Utah Family Center. The goals of this paper are; to explain the logistics of the program, to tie together what we learned with Epstein’s Framework, to describe the climate and those who typically utilize the center, and include some final concluding thoughts about the center. As a group, we referred to the Utah Family Center website, we visited and walked thru the center, and we talked to great lengths with the personnel. We were able to take pamphlets and we took digital pictures of the center to utilize in our group presentation. We worked together to write this report about the Utah Family Center. LOGISTICS   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Utah Family Center is located at 5192 Greenpine Drive (460 West) in Salt Lake City, Utah in the 84123 zip code. The telephone number is (801) 266-6166. The hours and days of operation are 9:00AM until 4:00PM Monday thru Friday. When special classes are offered, they are usually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30PM until 8:30PM. When one particular class is offered, it is on Saturdays. Their website is www.utahfamilycenter.org, and their e-mail address is info@utahfamilycenter.org. The Utah Family Center started small but increased in size once they received grant funding six years ago, and with the help of the PTA and the Utah Department of Education. They share office space with the Utah PTA Headquarters. This particular location is the statewide administrative center, and there are different branches of the Utah Family Center that they refer to as satellite centers. There are nine satellite centers, and they are located in Logan, Price, Kaysville, Monument Valley, downtown Salt Lake City, Tooele, Provo, St. George, and Ogden, Utah. The satellite centers range in size depending on the area they are in, as well as the times they are open. The statewide administrative center is equipped with a large boardroom upstairs (seats 40) and a small one downstairs (seats about 12).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The staffing consists of the Director, Barbara Smith, her secretary, a financial advisor, a counselor, other assistants, workshop teachers, and numerous PAT (Parents as Teachers). The Director manages the center. The classes are directed by nationally certified trainers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Utah Family Center is funded through repeated PIRC (Parent Information & Resource Centers) grants from the United States Department of Education Office of Innovation & Improvement. A PIRC grant is based on helping low performing schools that struggle, with the â€Å"No Child Left Behind† concept a main focus.

Project Report on Bamboo

Chapter-1 PREFACE A growth oriented Entrepreneur will always be in search of opportunities, which can generate income, enhance long-term value and command recognition and respect in the society. Looking at the present upbeat atmosphere in the NE Region for development of industry, thrust by Government of India for the development of environment friendly alternate resources and last but not the least, the spectacular progress made by China in the bamboo based industry – The KOTHARI group has decided to put up a unit in Guwahati to manufacture Bamboo Flooring, Board & related products.During the exploratory phase, we reviewed reports & journals published by forest department / NGOs on Bamboo resource in NE Region, visited & discussed with the Bamboo growers, met with machinery manufacturers in India & abroad, attended seminars, studied market for flooring and its development potential, consulted technocrats from India and abroad about the possibility of making flooring in India using India Bamboo. We received encouraging response and could feel the potential. Now we are determined to put up project and this report provides details on various aspects of the same.Chapter-II PROJECT AT A GLANCE PRODUCT : Bamboo Flooring & Bamboo Panel Boards. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Bamboo flooring/board is the newest and most revolutionary products in the flooring and interior decoration concept. The unique Bamboo grain provides an exotic oriental beauty to the interior of any room, and the high quality of Bamboo compared to wood guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment. Bamboo Flooring and Bamboo Board is also the most environment friendly construction material available.Although Bamboo looks and behaves like a superior hardwood, it is actual a grass. Unlike wood forests, which take decades to regenerate, the Bamboo groves only take a few years to renew themselves. As consumer (especially in developed markets such as North America, Europe and Japan) become increasingly environment c onscious, this has become a strong marketing aspect of Bamboo products. Bamboo’s natural versatility is suitable to a variety of environments. The finished product is all-around coated and protected against insects and fungus.It is suitable for all residential and commercial installations- in bedrooms, living room, kitchens, offices, schools and hospitals. PRODUCT FEATURES : Bamboo Flooring & Boards are made from 100% renewable resource, which saves precious timbers. Apart from this, it has so many salient features- Incredible tensile strength.Light weight . Excellent appearance. Harder and more stable than wood. Easy to install. Creates friendly atmosphere for Asthma & Allergy patients. Excellent insulator of heat/cold. Environment friendliness Water- resistant. Numerous uses. MARKET POTENTIAL : The demand for Bamboo Flooring & Bamboo Panels are expending from South- East Asian Countries to European and American markets.The international market for bamboo flooring is esti mated at Rs. 750 cores and it is expending at a rate of 50% p. a. Current trends in the interior decoration industry are ‘back to nature’ i. e. away from synthetics and towards more natural products such as wood / bamboo. Due to health reasons, wood/ bamboo floors are taking away the market share from carpets (bamboo floors are hypo-allergenic and as a consequence, do not suffer from dust mite infection like other floor coverings. In addition, wood sources are becoming increasingly depleted and the consumer is becoming environmentally conscious, the market for bamboo products has increased exponentially- for flooring, paneling, and a variety of products limited only by the imagination such as doors, frames, table tops, gift items, photo frames etc. Market response to Bamboo flooring is more than encouraging particularly for its look, strength and high-class protective coating. With support from international agencies and technical experts we are very optimistic about ac hieving quality standards.INDIAN SCENARIO: With booming construction activities, scope for interior decoration activities has increased substantially. Of late, growth in use of marble and granite is reducing as Interior decoration industry always looks for new products. There have been imports of wooden and laminated floors but prohibitive duties and resultant landed price is restricting growth of such alternative products. In the domestic market, the size of the organized flooring market has been estimated at Rs. 1500 crores for all type of flooring. As the supply creates its own demand nd if the Bamboo flooring can capture even 6-7 % of the market for flooring, it will mean a market of Rs. 100 Crores to being with and it is likely to grow at a rate of at least 15% per annum. Source: INBAR Report Our initial market survey has given has us all the reasons to be excited about huge potential not only for flooring but also for wall panels where there is absolutely no new product since last decade. Moreover, a product made in India will have better acceptability to larger cross section of price sensitive India consumers.PROPOSED CAPACITY : Bamboo Flooring / Panel 60000 Mtr2 / p. a. LOCATION : Export Promotion Industrial Park, Guwahati. CAPACITY UTILISATION : 1st Year 70% p. a. 2nd Year 80% p. a. 3rd year & onwards 90% p. a. COST OF PROJECT : (Estimated) (Rs. n Lakhs) (a) Land & Development 19. 68 (b) Building 51. 76 (c) Plant & Machinery 245. 52 (d) Misc. Fixed Assets 57. 10 (e) Preliminary Expense 0. 0 (f) Preoperative Expenses 49. 29 (g)Technical Know how & training 15. 91 (h) Margin for Working Capital 26. 07 (i) Contingencies 24. 81 MEANS OF FINANCE Contribution by the Promoters: Equity by promoters 97. 3 Grant from NEC 50. 00 Contribution by the Funding Agencies: (i) Technology Development Assistance from TIFAC 245. 00 (ii) Term Loan by Institution 98. 31 490. 44 Guarantee: Apart from above, Guarantee in favour of Government of India to the tune of Rs. 0 La cs for import of machines under EPCG Scheme at concessional Customs duty. Subsidies and other incentives of capital nature have not been considered while deciding means of finance. The same can be directly reimbursed of loan. PROFITABILITY The profitability projections are as follows: [III year / normal year of operation] (Rs. in Lakhs) Sales Proceeds 494. 0 Cost of Sales 338. 18 Gross Profit Before financial expenses 155. 92 Financial Expenses 34. 59 Depreciation 28. 53 Operating Profit 92. 0 Profit After Tax 91. 18 Note: Incentives such as transport subsidy etc. have not been considered in the cost of production. The same can be directly reimbursed (as and when due) to the lending institutions as per-payment of loans. This will improve working of the company substantially. Chapter –III INTRODUCTION Flooring plays a vital role in the total appearance of any house /shop / building, whereas, very little emphasis was given in improvement and innovation of flooring materi al in India.Since last few years the awareness about the importance of flooring has increased amongst Indian consumers and now there is a visible shift from conventional cemented or mosaic flooring to Granite, Marble, Italian Marble, and Glazed Ceramic Tiles etc. for many advantages over traditional flooring. Of late, due to ease in import, demand for wooden flooring and laminated flooring is also increasing. Since most of these products are imported hence higher cost and we are sure environmental awareness will always keep Bamboo flooring ahead of wooden flooring.There is huge market potential of Bamboo Flooring and Boards in India as well as abroad. As per the ‘Country Report India’ prepared by International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) on Bamboo Value-added industry, size of the domestic organized flooring market has been estimated at Rs. 1500 Crore for all types of premium flooring. Architects are of the opinion that since supply creates its own demand, it would be possible for Bamboo Flooring to capture 6-7 % of the market. This will result in a domestic market size of Rs. 100 Crore to begin with.Growth of the industry is estimated at 15% in the Indian market. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT AND USES World over Wooden Flooring is considered to be more up market compared to cement, marble, tiles etc. It enhances the warmth of any house and complements the decor of room. However with scarce timber resources and increasing environmental awareness people are shifting towards Bamboo Flooring, which is equally attractive and technically better than Wooden Flooring. The natural grains of Bamboo show up clearly and look very attractive. It looks very unique, elegant, and serene.The flooring is resistant to moisture, pressure, and scratch. It is flexible and lasts longer than wood. It also acts as sound and heat insulator. Bamboo flooring/board is the newest and most revolutionary product in the flooring and interior decoration industries. The uni que Bamboo grain provides an exotic oriental beauty to the interior of any room, and the high quality of Bamboo compared to wood guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment. Bamboo Flooring and bamboo board is also the most environmental friendly construction material available.Although Bamboo looks and behaves like a superior hardwood, Bamboo is actual grass-unlike wood forest, which take decades to regenerate, the Bamboo groves only take a few years to renew themselves. As consumers (especially in developed markets such as North America, Europe and Japan) have become increasingly environmentally conscious, this has become a strong marketing aspect of Bamboo. Bamboo’s natural versatility is suitable to a variety of environments. The finished product is all-around coated and protected against damp, insects, and fungus.It is suitable for all residential and commercial installations – in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, showrooms, hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, discotheques etc. Standard Bamboo flooring is manufactured as an all around tongue and groove board; a variety of sizes can be produced, the most popular being 900 mm X 90mm X 15mm, 600mm X 90mm X 15mm. Among the many possible lamination, the most common are protected with 3-layers of UV coating. COMPETING PRODUCTS Marble Granite Wooden Flooring Carpet PVC Flooring Ceramic Tiles Laminated Flooring ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO FLOORING ) Bamboo is harder than various species of wood. It is 25% harder than oak, 23% harder than Rock Maple. So it is more stable. Tensile strength of Bamboo is 28000 psi, which is even more than steel. ii) Bamboo floors are hypoallergenic and as a consequence, do not suffer from dust mite infection like other floor coverings. It creates friendly atmosphere for Asthma & Allergy patients. iii) It is an excellent insulator. So in cold climate it helps by keeping the room temperature warm, and in air-conditioned atmosphere, it helps in power saving by maintaining room temperature. v) Bamboo flooring is U. V. Coated, which is very hard, scratch resistant, moisture resistant. v) It is easy to maintain. It can be easily cleaned with vacuum cleaner. vi) It has got excellent appearance. vii) It is lightweight and easy to install. viii) Bamboo flooring are impregnated with chemicals which makes it termite proof. ix) It is made from 100% renewable resource, which saves precious timber. So it is environment friendly too. THE LOCATIONAL ADVANTAGES The proposed unit is to be set up in the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP), Amingaon ,Guwahati.We have considered different factors while selecting the site and found that there are various advantages of putting up the unit in Guwahati. Some of them are as under- a) Availability of raw as material: Due to high volume and low weight, any Bamboo related production has to be near the source. Major raw material, Bamboo is abundantly available in and around Guwahati. Bamboo can be procured from farmers in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Agartalla and North Bengal. b) Availability of Skilled Manpower: The local people of Assam have gained natural skill of Bamboo craft.They understand bamboo vary well. For these reasons, it will be much easier to train a local person. c) Availability of Land: This unit requires a converted shed of 8000 sq. ft. and additional space for storage utility and for future expansion. AIDC has confirmed availability of required land at EPIP, Amingaon. d) Availability of Utilities: Power: Uninterrupted power supply is available to all the units set up in EPIP. This will be an advantageous situation. Water: Water is also easily available. Steam:Steam will be required for manufacturing of Bamboo Flooring, which is planned to be produced by putting up a coal-fired boiler. Good quality coal is available from Meghalaya at a very economical price. e) Availability of Transport: EPIP, Amingaon is located adjacent to Guwahati dry port. All the dispatches to overseas market can be booked from there itself. Moreover, Guwahati is well connected by rain and road links with other parts of the country hence; transportation of finished product & raw material will have no difficulty at all. f) Subsidies & Incentives:Government of India & Governments of Assam is giving various incentives and concessions for the new unit put up in Assam such as Sales Tax exemption. Excise exemption, Income tax exemption, and various other subsidies. g) Infrastructure facility: Guwahati, the proposed location of the unit, is the capital city of Assam which has got all the required amenities such as schools, hotels, hospitals, colleges and other entertainment facilities. Chapter –IV RAW MATERIAL BAMBOO AN INTRODUCTION As the name suggest, the Bamboo Flooring are manufactured using Bamboo. Bamboo is an immensely useful and highly renewable natural resource.It has been used by people – most notable in Asia – since time immemorial, and its remarkable versatility as raw material is attested to in our day by a list of products which is as long as that of the 1,573 known bamboo species. From food, folder, fencing and fuel to flooring and furniture to flutes, fishing rods and even false teeth, bamboo products are used by an estimated 2. 5 billion people, or almost half of the world’s population. Although we in India are using Bamboo in various application but not much has been done for technical improvement of the manufacturing process of various products made by Bamboo.Comparatively a lot of research has been done in China to make better products. Value addition to Bamboo has been negligible in India. Bamboo, the world’s most useful plant, is a very large grass rather than a tree, yet has a timber-like quality when used as a construction material. It is the fastest growing plant in the world and certain species can reach heights of over 100 feet at rates of up to 5 centimeters per hour. It is harvested for commercial usage after three to five year s.This botanical cousin to rich and corn has over 1,000 species of varying sized and characteristics makes it amazingly versatile it may be used for building whole houses, furniture, cases, baskets, screens, farm tools, fishing rods, windmill blades, boat building, record needles, paper, kites, blowguns, polish, diesel fuel, scales, food, medicine, chopsticks, incense sticks, musical instruments, blinds, concrete reinforcement, plastic reinforcement, scaffolding, cables, both substitutes, piping, bike frames, various other structures and a host of other durable, useful, crafted items. Bamboo is also used for brewing beer.An Edison light bulb in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. has a bamboo filament, which is still capable of burning after more than a century. The bamboo cable-supported Min Bridge in Szechwan is over 1,000 years old. BAMBOO AND ITS USES China: In a remarkably short span of time, the bamboo sector in China has transformed technologically and structurally . The last decade has seen China emerge as a pioneer in bamboo utilization and a market leader offering a variety of new products and processing techniques. The latest development in China has been the usage of bamboo as a viable replacement for wood.Bamboo mat boards have been acknowledged as an excellent substitute for plywood. Rapid growth of the bamboo plywood industry has instilled a new vibrancy in the sector. Bamboo has also been used to substitute plastics, steel and cement in new application in construction of houses, and manufacturing of furniture and agricultural tools and implements with application of sophisticated design, knowledge and use of improved composite technologies. Bamboo has an important industrial role in paper & pulp manufacturing in China. With a large and expending market, China is the world leader in bamboo shoot production and consumption.Growth of significant scale in China bamboo sector has been possible through coordinated research and its applicati on, incentive regimes, provisioning of support services, changes in agro forestry practices, and the fostering of close linkages with markets. Other Southeast Asian Countries: In other Southeast countries, however, apart from Thailand, which now boasts of bamboo shoot export equivalent to that of China, there has been little or on progress. It is still only the rural poor who continue to be principal users of bamboo. In Bangladesh, 80-90 % of rural houses are constructed from bamboo, as are many rural dwellings in India.Philippines, Nepal and Thailand. South America: In South America, bamboo utilization is small compared to Asia, except in localized areas. A large bamboo specie – Guadua anaustifolia, has been used for a housing programme in Costa Rica through a large-scale internationally funded bamboo project. All Central American countries have shown interest in this project. South Africa: Bamboo is valued in Kenya for soil stabilization. It is used to some extent in constr uction and fuel. India: In India, the principal usage of bamboo is in the paper industry, as scaffolding in construction material or in the handicrafts sector.Among other uses, bamboo splits or wholes are used as a fencing material and for making various types of tool handles, ladders, and scaffolding. Splits as well as slivers types of tool handles, ladders, and scaffolding. Splits as well as slivers are used to make a wide range of products such as baskets, the core of incense-sticks, kites and toys, flutes and a large number of handicraft items. They are used to make cages for poultry, drying, packaging, and transport of grains. Bamboo slivers are woven into mats and used to manufacture mat boards. However there is very limited value addition that takes place on these products.Also, since there is no automation in the manufacturing process, the manually made products are often of non-standard sizes. The majority of these products are consumed and sold at the local market-level on ly. The bulk utilization of bamboo in industry is in the manufacture of paper & pulp. The 13. 47 million tones of bamboo harvested annual gets utilized industrially in paper mills, as scaffolding in fencing, for internal consumption in bamboo-growing householders, handicrafts and miscellaneous items like incense-sticks, ladders, ice-cream sticks, agricultural implements etc.Again, no reliable estimates of quantities are available for any of these items. The estimate of consumption in each of the above categories is based on primary information and on an analysis of the industry size and growth rates. Paper: The total production of paper in India is 205 million tones. Paper industry experts have indicates that 25% of the raw material requirement of the industry is currently met through bamboo. Hence, the quantity of wet bamboo required for this is 2. 5 million tones (4 kg of wet bamboo is needed to produce 1 kg of paper. )Internal Consumption: According to the survey among grower hou seholds in the NER, internal consumption for fencing, baskets, temporary structure, fishing rod etc. is 10% of the harvest. Of 13. 47 million tones, this translates to 1. 35 million tones approximately. Scaffolding: The value of scaffolding is 0. 1% to 0. 5% of the total value of the construction industry. The total value of the construction industry in India comprising the residential, commercial, industry and infrastructure segments is currently estimated as Rs. 292,000 crore. Assuming 0. 25% value of bamboo scaffolding in the residential and commercial segments and 0. % in industrial and infrastructure construction, the total value of bamboo used for scaffolding is Rs. 340 crore (for 3. 4 million tones-price of one tone of bamboo is Rs. 1000) Handicrafts: About 5. 9 million tones of bamboo is utilized in commercial consumption in the paper industry and for scaffolding purpose. Taking a ratio of 3. 2 for commercial to internal consumption and making of handicraft, etc. the figure arrived at is 3. 9 million tones. Of this, 1. 35 million tones are used for internal consumption, leaving a balance of 2. 55 million tones, which is used for handicraft.These include baskets for decorative as well as packaging purpose (for carrying fruits, vegetables and livestock, etc. ), sericulture trays, mats, wall coverings, and furniture items such as stool, chairs, tables etc. Miscellaneous: Bamboo is also used for incense-sticks, ice-cream sticks, toothpicks, chopsticks, agricultural props in field, implements and tools, ladders, lathis, walking-sticks, fishing rods, boat masts, bows and arrows, flag poles, paddles, kites, fire crackers, etc. Agrabatti (Incense-stick): About 1,000,000 million incense-sticks are produced annually.Since 1000 sticks weight 1 Kg, the weight of 1,000,000, million sticks is 1 million tones. The weight of bamboo in 1 million tones of incense-sticks amounts to 0. 33 million tones. To produce 1 Kg of bamboo sticks, for incense-sticks, 2 Kg of bamboo is needed. Thus 0. 67 million tones of bamboo is consumed by the incense-sticks industry. Ladder: The construction industry is currently valued at Rs. 292,000 crore, if 0. 02% is attributed to ladders used for construction the value of the ladder industry is in the reign of Rs. 58 crore which is equivalent to 0. 29 million tones of bamboo.As per Hindu custom, biers are used to carry the dead to the cremation ground. The death rate is currently 7. 8% which amounts to 7. 8 crore deaths per year. If bamboo biers are used in 5% of the cases, there would be a requirement of 400,000 bamboo annually, which is equivalent to 0. 08 million tones of bamboo (assuming 20 Kg bamboo per bier). The total bamboo consumed in ladder production is 0. 37 million tones. Other Application: Ice-cream sticks, chopsticks, toothpicks, agriculture props, implement and tool handles, walking sticks and lathis, boat masts and paddles as well as fishing rods, etc. onsume at least another 0. 93 million tones of bam boo annually. The total consumption of bamboo for miscellaneous purposes thus amounts to 1. 97 million tones. Illegal Exports: Of the total harvested quantity of 13. 47 million tones, 11. 77 million tones are used as described in the foregoing. The balance 1. 7 million tones could be attributed to the illegal trade between the NER and neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar). BAMBOO STOCK POSITION [1995 TO 2001] Experts suggest that 150 million tones of bamboo was available in the year 1995.There are limits to the regeneration of bamboo since it can be regenerated only to the extent of the harvesting that takes place. The growing stock of bamboo is 150 million tones, of which 2. 35 million tones harvested from private forest can be assumed to depleted every year from forest. The current net availability of bamboo is 133 million on as â€Å"as-is basis†. However, all of this is not in usable from. There are certain factors that have to be used to discount the quan tity of available bamboo. CHARACTERISTIC OF BAMBOO CULMSThickness of the culms: The culm of the bamboo is hollow in most cases and its wall thickness varies across species. Different species of bamboo have different wall thickness. A few species of bamboo, however, are solid. The general properties of the bamboo culm vary according to its anatomical, chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics Bamboo is particularly strong at the node where there is an inner disc called septum, which connects the outside walls, strengthening the stalk and separating it into compartments. Bamboo is widest at ground level, but is quite consistent in diameter throughout its length.Anatomical structure of the culms: The bamboo culm consists of two epidermal layers, the inner one is thicker and highly lignified while the outer one is covered by a cutinised layer with a wax coating. The outside portion of the culm wall is dense, containing about 5 percent silica. It has an exterior waterproof film o n the softer interior portion as well. The cells in the culm are axially oriented in the inter-nodal region and provide transverse interconnections in the nodal region. There are no radial cell elements and therefore, lateral movements of nutrients or liquids is greatly hindered.The internodes of almost all bamboo species have a culm wall of varying thickness surrounding a large cavity called a lacuna. The density of bamboo varies from 500 to 800 Kg/m3, depending on the moisture content. It increases progressively from the central to the peripheral parts of the culms. Chemical characteristics of the culms: The culm are consists of about 50% parenchyma, 40% fibar and 10% conducting tissues with some variation depending upon species. The major chemical constituents of a bamboo culm are cellulose; hemi cellulose and lignin while minor constituents are resins, tannins, waxes and inorganic salts.The chemical composition various with species, condition of growth, age, season, and part of the culm. The nodes contain less water-soluble extractives, pentosans and lignin but more cellulose than internodes. The silica content is high in the epidermis, very little in the nodes and none in the internodes. The nodal portion of a clum has tower hemi hemi cellulose content, but a higher content of extractives, pentosans, lignin and ash than the inter nodal portion. As a result the node is not elastic enough for splitting or for making strips and matting.Bamboo culms for weaving are therefore chosen from species that are easy to split and are not old enough to be brittle (preferably below two years). Physical characteristics of the culm: One aspect of the structure of bamboo is noteworthy: unlink wood it does it does not have any â€Å"rays† (the dark spots on the surface). Rays transport and store food, mostly sugar, but they weaken the material. Consequently, bamboo is stronger than wood, especially in shear. The wall thickness and length of the bamboo makes it natura lly durable. The basal portion is therefore more durable than the top.Bamboo possesses very high moisture content, which various with age and the season of felling. The moisture content also various from bottom to top and from the innermost layers to the periphery, and decreases with age. The shrinkage is related to wall thickness and culm diameter. Mechanical characteristics of culms: Bamboo is known for its high tensile strength. To reach its optimum strength there is an age of maturity for each species. In air-dry bamboos depending on the species, the moisture content various from 7 to 18%, specific gravity from 0. 428 to 0. 17, fiber stress at elastic limit from 16 to 120 N/mm2 modules of rapture from 33 to 160 N/mm2, modules of elasticity from 3 to 22kN/mm2 and compression strength parallel to grain from 26-78N/mm2. The Physiological Structure of Bamboo: The vegetative parts of a bamboo plant consist of roots, rhizome, culm, culm-sheaths, branches, and leaves. Roots: The profus e, fibrous roots from a dense network in the soil. Rhizome: The basal portion of the culm, which grows horizontally under the soil surface with short internodes, is called the rhizome. In its natural habitat, the bamboo plant grows from seeds or rhizomes.Unlink trees bamboo does not have a central trunk; the rhizomes provides the foundation. The extensive rhizome system stores the nutrients required for the plant’s rapid growth. The rhizome branches out from the root facilitate the vegetative propagation. This reproductive characteristic makes bamboo an â€Å"active spreading plant† which â€Å"unless inhibited will extend growth over a large area†. There are two types of rhizome system namely Sympodial and Monopodial. In the sympodial system, the apex of the rhizome gives rise to a shoot that grows into a culm, the woody stem of bamboo. These culms grow together as clump.In the monopodial system, the lateral bud from each internode develops into a clum or a rhi zome. As the apex of the rhizome grows horizontal to the ground at a distance from one another. Culm: A shoot of bamboo is usually hollow except at the nodes, which are often swollen. A young shoot is protected by a number of sheaths, which fall off as the shoot grows into a mature culm. In the hollow inner area, there are some horizontal partitions called diaphragms. On the outside these partitions have a ring around the culm. The diaphragm and the ring outside together from a node. Branches grow from these nodes.The part between two nodes is called an inter-node. The internodes of most bamboos are hollow, that is, they have a cavity. The wall of the culm is simply the clum wall. Chapter V MARKET POTENTIAL The Bamboo Flooring is becoming popular because of its better look and superior quality over other flooring materials. THE INDIAN SCENARIO The materials commonly used for flooring in India are Granite, Marble, Mosaic, Cemented floor etc. Since last few years, wooden flooring has also becoming popular in India. These different types of flooring are available in wide range of prices starting from Rs. 0 per sq. ft to Rs. 700 per sq. ft. The use of wooden is increasing particularly for application in offices & showrooms, banquet halls, discotheques, hotels, restaurants, conference rooms etc. There is a myth among the consumers that it is not suitable for Indian climate whereas wooden flooring is considered to be very convenient and it also helps in power saving particularly in the air-conditioned atmosphere. The consumers are required to be educated about the advantages of these flooring. Bamboo flooring has not yet been introduced in the Indian market.But considering its advantages over Wooden as well as bring shift from some of premium flooring presently available in the market. Bamboo flooring which is less expensive than other premium flooring is scratch & moisture resistant because of high quality U V Coating, there should be good demand for the product in India. As per the Country Report: India published by International Network for Bamboo And Rattan (INBAR) on Bamboo Value-added Industry, the total market for Bamboo flooring in India has been estimated at Rs. 200 Crores which is likely to grow at a rate of at least 15% per year.THE INTERNATIONAL SCENARIO There is an export potential, which can be realized for bamboo-based flooring. There is Rs. 750 Crores market for Bamboo flooring which is growing at a rate of 50% per annum. Indian companies can trap this growing demand. China is a major player in the filed of Bamboo flooring. They have been constantly researching on the manufacturing technique of Bamboo flooring & related products and hence they have an edge. However, for India companies, it will not be a problem to compete technically with China considering developed wood working industry in India.Moreover the species of Bamboo available in India are also considered better for manufacturing of Bamboo flooring because these are h arder than the species available in China. Chapter VI TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY TECHNICAL KNOWHOW Although not much been done in India respect to technicalities of Bamboo Flooring manufacturing. We feel Indian machinery manufacturers will have no difficulties in providing most of the machines by modifying there existing machines as per process requirement. Moreover, well-developed wood working machinery industry in India will be an additional advantages.All the basic machines required for this project are either readily available in India or needs little modification to make them suitable for this specific application only very few finishing machines are proposed to be imported from Taiwan/Europe. In 2001, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) established Cane & Bamboo Technology Center (CBTC) in Guwahati which helps in implementation of Bamboo & Cane related project, delivers technical assistance and arrange for training of man power required for this project.The U nited Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assisted â€Å"Cane and Bamboo Technical Up gradation and Networking Project†, covering the seven North Eastern States of India. The Cane and Bamboo Technology â€Å"Project† is a sub-programme of the large Technology Management Programme (TMP). The Development of Science and Technology, Government of India is the Executing Agency for the TMP. While the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the assigned Implementation Agency. The CBTC acts as the secretariat and coordination body of the Network and is the conduit for the network’s linkages.OBJECTIVES: The Cane and Bamboo Technological Up technologies and Networking Projects envisages the following as its major areas of interest: Identification, adaptation and dissemination of technologies for economic enhancement of craftspeople small entrepreneurs in the Cane and Bamboo Sector of North East India. Strengthening existing institutions by enhancing their networking capacities and linking them with specialized institution in India and abroad through the Cane and Bamboo Technology Center (CBTC).Enhancing access of craftspeople and small entrepreneurs to improved technology and knowledge thereby promoting employment opportunities and income generation ROLE OF THE CBTS: The CBTS is expected to play multiple roles, which constitute: Acting as a repository of information and technologies Playing out the role of a coordinator of sub-programme activities Being a vehicle for the sharing of information amongst resource and support institution, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and villagers. Acting as a platform for networking amongst constituent elements of the sectorPerforming as a catalyst to enhance the scale and depth of economic activity in the sector FOCUS AREAS: Generally speaking, the primary and secondary areas of focus are firstly, on promoting poverty eradication and sustainable livelihoods, and secondly on generation of sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities. The main focus areas are: The need to evolve and promote a better understanding of the sector Set agenda for coordinated R & D activities, strengthen institutions and agencies and create coordination mechanisms for the sectorReview the regulatory and access regime-in forest areas, for agro-forestry and at the household/homestead level Disseminate technologies and knowledge Provides support services for the sector MANUFACTURING PROCESS The process for manufacturing of Bamboo Flooring can be divided into three parts: 1. Making of Bamboo Strips: a) Straight, 4-5 years matured Bamboo is cross cut into the required length. b) Out-side knots are removed. c) Bamboo is put through a splitting machine to split the strips of required width. d) Inside knots and outside skin is removed. ) Strips are boiled and treated in a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide and boric acid to remove sugar, starch, mildew, and pests. f) Strips are put in Impregnation pla nt where chemicals are injected under high pressure to protect the same from insect/pest attack for lifelong. g) After open drying, the strips the same are further dried in a Kiln to bring down the moisture level to 8-10%. h) For giving darker brownish shade to final products, strips can be given Carbon treatment by putting the same under high heat/pressure causing coloration impregnated throughout the sticks. ) Each strip is then passed through Four-side planning machine to get accurate rectangular shape. 2. Making of Bamboo Board: After thorough sorting, i) Strips are cut into the required length in the sizing machine. i)Glue is applied in the Gluing machine. i) Glued strips are assembled together into rough board. i) These rough boards are given required pressure in Hot Press (specially designed for this process). i) Boards are put into a Chilling Press for something till the temperature comes down to normal. i) One surface of duly pressed boards is finished on Planing machine. . Making of Bamboo Parquets: a) The specific size of Bamboo boards is passed through a rip saw to make one side plain. b) The side tongue & groove is milled into the board. c) The board is passed through a cutting and shaping machine where the end tongue & groove is milled. d) The parquet is passed through a wide belt sander for the top sanding. e) UV Basecoat is sprayed on the bottom and side of the parquets to make it moisture resistant and then again through a roller coater for top coating of UV Basecoat. f) Painted parquet is passed through U. V. Curing machine for hardening of the chemical (coat). ) It is again passed through a wide belt sander for smoother sanding. h) The above process (e, f & g) is repeated again for better finishing. i) U. V. finishing coat is applied on the Parquets through Roller Coating machine. j) Parquets are passed through U. V. Curing machine for hardening. k) Each and every parquet is thoroughly inspected and the same is packed in the corrugated boxes . Process flow has been shown in the next Sheet. EFFLUENT TREATMENT There will not be any Water/Air/Sound pollution. It has been proposed to install. Dust collectors for the collection of Dust generated in the process.The Bamboo dust can later be used for manufacturing of Particle Board. Similarly Dust collector & Chimney will be installed with the coal boiler. AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIAL The major raw material required for this project is Bamboo, which is abundantly available of bamboo in India, particularly in North East Region. India has the second largest reserve of bamboo in the world out of which NE Region accounts for 54% In NE Region, apart from the Bamboo available in the forest, there is a tradition to grow bamboo in the homestead, garden, field barriers etc.AVAILABILITY OF MACHINERY Different machines required for the primary processing of bamboo are available in India. Other machine such as Strip Sizing Machine, Gluing Machine, Bamboo Board Joining Machine. One Side Pla ner, Rip-Saw etc. are available in India particularly for wood working however, the same can easily be modified to make them suitable for this specific application. Some important finishing machines such as Five Side Grinding Machine, Double end Cutting Machine, Wide Belt Sanders, U V Coating Machine etc. Are being proposed to be imported.Wherever possible, we have opted for the Indian machines so that after-sales services and spares can be made easily available as and when needed and it will also reduce the cost of the project and thereby reduces the financial burden. We are ensuring better machines without compromising the quality. Selection of the plant and machinery has been done considering different stages of manufacturing process and balancing the capacity. PROPOSED PLANT CAPACITY The manufacturing capacity of the proposed plant will be 60000 meter2 per annum. This is the minimum viable capacity. The same can be increased in shorter duration.It is unlikely for a new unit to a chieve maximum capacity utilization in the initial years of operation owing to various factors like stability in process coordination, training of working, supply of required quality of raw material and consumables etc. therefore, all the calculation have been made of 70%, 80%, 90% capacity utilization in 1st, 2nd, & 3rd year onward respectively. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS The Bamboo flooring are available in different styles, colours, finished and sizes, which are as under- A) styles: I Horizontal: Bamboo strips are joined horizontally. II. Vertical:Bamboo strips are joined vertically. B) Colours: Coffee 7 Natural There can be different shades from normal to dark brown. C) Finish: Matte & Glossy. Other finish such as semi-gloss, 65:35 Matte & Gloss etc. can also be made as per the market demands. D) Sizes: 900 mm X 90 mm X 15 mm. 600 mm X 90 mm X 15 mm 900 mm X 90 mm X 12 mm 600 mm X 90 mm X 12 mm These are the sizes commonly sold in the market but Parquets can be manufactured in diffe rent sizes and thickness. MAN POWER REQUIREMENT Total requirement of manpower can be broadly divided into two categories: 1. Technical Personnel:The technical personnel include engaged in production, maintenance, running of utilities and services facilities etc. These can further be categorized as: a) Factory Staffs b) Workers Chapter VII ECONOMIC VIABILITY h) Land & development: The plant is proposed be put up in Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP), Amingaon, guwahati, developed by AIDC. We have already approached AIDC for availability of land and they have assured us land as per our requirement on long-term lease (60 years). Various other expenses on site development such as land leveling, boundary wall, internal roads, etc. ave been considered while calculating the total cost of land and site development. The details of which are shown in the table below- h) Building: A covered shed of 8000 sq, ft. will be required for smooth operation of the plant. Apart from this, a semi pu cca shed will be required for preliminary Bamboo processing and space will be required for administration, storage, utilities etc. We have planned the layout for the building considering different areas of operation, safety regulation, provision for ventilation, free movements of men and material etc.The building construction cost has been estimated based on the offers received from local builders. The total cost of building is estimated at Rs. 51. 76 Lacs as explained in the Table below- c) Plant & Machinery: The selection of Plant & Machinery has been done based on the offers received from various machinery suppliers, their technical competitiveness, price, after-sale service simplicity of operation, efficiency of the machine, guarantee etc. The total cost of Imported & Indigenous Plant & machinery are shown in the Tables on the next sheet. d) Miscellaneous Fixed Assets:Apart from the main plant & machinery, various other equipment will be required such as Boiler, D. G. Set, Compr essor, material handling equipments, fire fighting equipments, furniture & fixtures, office equipments etc. We have worked out the requirements of such equipments, the details of which are as under: e) Preliminary & pre-operative expenses: This includes the expenses for company formation, interest during construction period, initial expenses on traveling, communication and other basic expenses during the pre-operation period. Total preliminary expenses are Rs. . 30 Lacs and preoperative expenses has been estimated at Rs. 49. 29 Lacs. f) Contingencies: Provision has been made towards contingencies in the total cost of project. The details of which is as under: g) Technical Know-how & Training: The total cost for Technical Know-how, Training of technical personnel & consultants’ fee has been estimated at Rs. 15. 91 Lacs. The detailed calculation has been shown in the next table. h) Margin money for working capital: The total requirement of working of capital is estimated at Rs. 6. 07 Lacs. The detailed calculation of requirement of Working capital has been shown in the next table. SOURSES OF FUNDS The total long-term fund requirement of the proposed unit is estimated to be Rs. 490. 44 Lacs, which is proposed to be financed as under: Subsidies & other incentives of capital nature have not been considered while deciding means of finance. The same can be directly reimbursed to the finding institutions towards repayment of loan. We seek equity participation from institutions for reducing interest outgo at least for a period of 3-5 years.The same can be brought back by the promoters at mutually agreed terms. TOTAL COST OF MANUFACTURING: It has been calculated by calculating cost of raw material, salary & wages, power & fuel, consumables, repair & maintenance, factory overheads etc. These calculations are based on certain assumption during the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd years & onwards of operation has been assumed to be 70%, 80%, & 90% respectively of the installed capac ity. The installed capacity of the proposed unit is estimated at 60000 meter2. the cost of various items has been calculated as per the prevailing rates in the market.Incentives such as transport subsidy, D. G. Set subsidy etc. have not been considered. The same can be directly reimbursed, as and when received, to the lending institutions as prepayment of loan. This will improve the working of the cost of manufacturing estimated for the next 10 years. RAW MATERIAL: Bamboo is the main raw material for making Flooring. We have worked out requirement of Bamboo after considering wastage. Farmer have to be educated to harvest our required quality of Bamboo which may take some time.It is therefore estimated that in the 1st year of operation we shall have higher wastage. Such wastage will gradually reduce. We shall have incentive scheme to encourage farmers for regular flow of homogeneous quality of Bamboo. This will lead to lower wastage, reduced cost of production and smooth operation on the machine. We assume after 3rd year we shall get advantage of regulated supply of Bamboo clums. CONSUMEABLE AND STORES: This includes Glue, U V coating material, various chemicals for pre processing of bamboo, packing material, stores & spares etc.Requirement of the same at 100% capacity utilization has been shown below: POWER: The total annual requirement of the proposed unit works out to 791900 KVA at installed capacity. Calculation of requirements of power and cost has been shown as under: FULE: The total annual requirement of Coal for running the boiler has been worked out at 1408 MT per annum at installed capacity. Calculation of requirements of Coal and cost has been shown as under: SALARY & WAGES: The requirements of Skilled, Semi skilled and unskilled labour has been orked out as per the production process and machine hours. The requirement of Technical & Supervisory personnel & their total Salary & Wages has been calculated in the Table on the next sheet. We have also es timated an annual increases of 5% in the Salary & Wages and have also provided for Fringe benefits @ 25% of Salary & Wages. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE: The repair and maintenance of the capital assets has been taken at 1%, 2%, & 3% of the total cost of fixed assets in the 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year & onwards respectively.FACTORY OVERHEADS: Overheads such as Rent and Taxes, Insurance, miscellaneous expenses have been considered on best judgment basis to make adequate provision in the total cost of production. These have been estimated at Rs. 13. 74 Lacs in the first year of operation. We have also made a provision of increase in this cost @ 10% per annum. ESTIMATE OF COST OF SALES, AND PROFITABILITY The estimate of cost of sales, realization & profitability for the next 10 years of operation has been shown as under: ADMINISTRSTIVE & SALES SALARY:The requirements of Administrative & Sales personnel & total Salary & Wages has been calculated as under: We have also estimated an annua l increase of 5% in the Salary & Wages and have also provided for Fringe benefits @ 25% of Salary & Wages. ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEADS: Adequate provision has been made for administrative overheads and estimated at Rs. 12. 83 in the subsequent years. SELLING OVERHEADS: Being a consumer product planned sales promotion and regular advertising will be essential apart from organizing sales meet and participation in fairs.Total sales expenses have been estimated at Rs. 33. 68 Lacs in the first year of operation. This includes 7% of sales realization of finished goods towards advertisement & publicity and balance towards miscellaneous sales expenses. A provision of an annual increase of expenses at 10% has been made in the subsequent years. PRODUCTION SALES REALISATION: Calculations of the sales realization are based on the prevailing selling price of the product in the international market. The details of sales realization at 100% capacity utilization are as under: INTEREST:Interest on term loans for capital investment and bank borrowing for working capital has been worked out as under: Working capital from Bank – 15. 00% Term loan from Financial Institution – 15. 00% Technology Development Assistance from TIFCA – 4% The details of repayment of term loan and interest thereon have been shown in the next two tables. FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS Various financial projections calculated for the proposed unit which confirm the economic viability of the project, are: . CASH FLOW STATEMENT: The cash estimates for 10 years are given in the table below- 2. BREAK-EVEN ANALYSIS The details working on break-even point has been shown in the table below: We have taken the figures of 3rd year of operation i. e. optimum year for the purpose of calculating break-even point. 3. UNIT COST OF PRODUCTION: Total Works Cost of Sales, Contributing & Net Contribution of each square meter/Square feet has been shown in the table below: 4. BALANCE SHEET: Project Balance Sheet for n ext 10 years of operation is as under: SWOT ANALYSISStrengths: Vast Bamboo source for commercial exploitation at competitive price. Local people with skill to make Bamboo handicraft will be suitable for this project. Same set of machines can produce other related products such as ceiling boards, door panels, wooden flooring etc. Weakness: There is no defined goal or policy for encouraging planned bamboo cultivation. Wastage will be higher in the initial phase. Farmers have to be educated for maintaining quality requirements. Opportunities: The usage of wood is on an increases but wood resources are declining in India.Moreover the Supreme Court has banned felling of timber in North East region resulting in closure of plywood units. Wood import can be reduced if Bamboo-based products. Threats: Bamboo Flooring industry is well established in China. Their product is already acceptable in the international market. We will have to compete with them in future. There can be shortage of part icular of Bamboo after flooring, which is likely to take place between 2003-2007. Poor infrastructure in the North East. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS Sensitivity Analysis gives an indication of how sensitive the project is to changes in certain assumptions.This analysis has been carried out to see how the profitability would change if there is certain change in the factor concerned. This sensitivity shows the effect of increases and reductions in raw material price, capacity utilization, selling price, publicity expenses and the profitability shows the impact of that particular factor. PEST ANALYSIS The following analysis gives an overview of the environment in which the Bamboo flooring industry will have to operate. We have analyzed the Political, Economic, Socio-cultural and Technological environment for the industry.POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT I Finished Product Even if Bamboo flooring is imported at ‘0’ duty from China, the landed cost is quite high compared to our proposed selli ng price. The local selling price in Nepal market is also quite high due to higher Bamboo procurement price to them. Hence we do not see any threat from imported Bamboo Flooring. We may however have to compete with the other Bamboo Flooring manufacturers in the country but that would also add to overall market growth and awareness of the product. II Import Duties on ConsumablesImport duty on consumables is also very high. The only consumable, which is required to be imported at the initial stage, is U V coating. Cost of U V Coating to the total cost of production is 3. 50% only (including duty), hence it will not significantly affect the profitability. III Other Levies Since this unit is being put up in Assam, products will be exempted from Sales tax & excise duty. Thus it will be at an advantageous position as compared to any other unit, which may come up in other parts of the country. IV Ban on falling of Trees Supreme Court of India banned felling of trees in NE Region.This will make wooden flooring a costly substitute. In the recent years, Government of India is giving all thrust for adding value and creating awareness about uses of Bamboo. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT I Disposable Income of the Population With the sustained growth in the GDP of approximately 5-6% in the last few years there has been a high rate of growth in the disposable income of the Indian households. The NCAER data reveals that the middle (annual household income between Rs. 62,000 and 86,000) and the high (annual household income higher than Rs. 6,000) income segments have growth at a compounded average growth rate of 13% and 17% respectively between 1989-90 and 1993-94. This increases demand for the luxury products. II Availability of Easy Housing Finance Housing finance has picked up substantially in India as the rate of interest for housing loan has been reduced substantial. It has gone down to as low as 10%. Moreover there are other income tax advantages too for the investment made in ho using. Hence the construction industry is bamboo. This will in turn boost demand for various products that obviously includes flooring material.As is evident from above Tables, India has about 157. 2 million households of which about 52 percent fall in the low income (upto Rs. 20. 000) category; a further 20 percent mane purchasing power of about Rs. 9,000 p. a. constitute another 12% of total. Conclusions drawn from the NCAER data is of great significance from the point of view of the purchasing power of the consumer. When compared with the data from the previous estimates it appears that the upper middle and high-income segment of the population has been growing faster. Since a major chunk of demand for this sector is expected to get larger in the near future.Within the upper middle and high-income segment, the rural households are growing at a far more impressive rate than their urban counterparts. Roughly about 137 million people belong to upper middle and high-income categories i. e. income of Rs. 34,500 p. a. This is a fairly large size indicating that the marketing of ‘niche’ products can be the promising area. II Lifestyle Changes With more and more workingwomen in the Indian families, there participation in decision making at home is increasing. Women are always expected to be connoisseur of rich test & beauty.Bamboo flooring being user friendly, easy to clean & maintain shall get attention of women and help shift from other flooring materials. The Indian families are on the lookout for alternate ways to do household chores. Also declining supply of household workers has led to demand for products, which required less maintenance. Bamboo flooring does not required mopping, cleaning etc. It can be easily cleaned with Vacuum Cleaner. This will have an impact on the mental makeup of women in particular & in the urbanized in general. III Health Consciousness Pollution is one of the main reasons for Asthma and Allergy.People with these disease s have started avoiding woolen / synthetic carpets because these diseases these carpets become the storehouse of dust mites, which aggravates their problem. Part of the market for carpet will definitely shift towards Bamboo flooring. TECHNOLOGICAL I Life Cycle Every product has lifecycle. With technological department everyday new products are introduced in the market, but customers prefer the product, which meets their requirement. Bamboo flooring, which looks better & makes one feel better will create its own niche market.Being a natural product, it is unlikely to loose its charm for long time to come. II New Development Manufacturing of Bamboo flooring is comparatively a new technology. There is likely to be continuous research on the subject and regular improvement in all aspects of manufacturing. The areas, which require attention, are a) Saving on wastage b) Further mechanization c) Better & economical coating material d) Alternative uses. This will result in better flooring a t a reasonable price. So it will further gear up to meet any challenge from any new products.