Credit card Essay

1.0 Background of credit cards The general-purpose credit card was born in 1966 by the Bank of America. Today, Master card and Visa are the well-known international credit card companies in Europe and their cards are accepted in more than 24 million outlets worldwide. Credit cards work to make attractive revenues to credit card companies, banks and retail sales. Nowadays, credit cards have such high interest that they are no longer attractive to purchases the unnecessary items. Credit cards are primarily seems to be used on important events to avoid indebtedness. The used of credit cards started up with individual firms, like oil companies as well as hotel chains, began to issue them to their customers. At first, these cards were just involves between the merchants who offer these cards to their customers and it had been proved to be a major way of ensuring customer loyalty. Later on, the companies began to accept each other’s cards to expand the uses of credit cards. The first bank issued credit card was the Charge-it, which came up in 1946. The card was introduced by John Biggins and was issued by the Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn in New York. In this, the merchants could deposit the sales slips into the bank and it would in turn get it from the customers. Then, in 1950s, the Diners Club credit card was issued. The card was invented by Frank McNamara, who was the founder of Diner’s Club. MasterCard was then been introduced in 1959, these cardholders no longer had to make the full payment on or before the due date, it gave customers greater flexibility in managing their money. In Australia, the first credit card was issued in 1974. It is known as a Bankcard, was a shared brand credit card and was issued by the Australia financial institutions, and functioned only in limited locations such as Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands. The card soon caught the fancy of the entire region and dominated the credit card market in Australia, during the late 1980’s. A report shows that Bankcards were applied by around 2.3million users in Australia and accepted by 350,000 establishments in 2004. Besides that, the earlier cards were made from metal coins, plates, as well as celluloid, fiber and paper. These days however they are mostly made of plastic.  The usefulness of credit cards and charge cards is actually similar but the only different is the credit balances due date and the amount have to be pay. A charge card is actually a type of credit card that require you to pay your total balance in full at the end of each billing cycle instead of making payment on the lowest limit of the total balances. The cardholders won’t pay any interest on a charge card balance because they are not allowed to carry a balance beyond the due date. However, they’ll face a late fee if their full balance didn’t paid by the due date, the late fee could be a flat fee or a percentage of their balance. A charge card is typically issued by one company these days, America Express such as Amex’ Zync, Green, Gold, and Platinum cards. A credit card, on the other hand, allows you to have a revolving balance that you can pay off over a period of time. Credit cards also have a late fee that’s charged when the cardholders didn’t make their minimum payment by the due date. So nowadays, people are preferred to use credit cards more than charge cards because of the due date and the amount that must pay on due date. However, credit cards may cause more terrible debts than the charge cards. 2.0 Related information 2.1 Types of credit cards There’s two types of credit cards which are variable payment cards (VPC) and fixed repayment card. The VPC is a credit card which allows users to make purchases of variable sizes but limited to the credit limit imposed by the company. The fixed repayment cards allow users access to one month’s credit but with settlement of a minimum payment, say, 15% of the balance. 2.2 Advantages of credit cards and charge cards 2.2.1 Provide a means of obtaining credit The financial institutions which provides credit cards and charge cards products is actually issue credit or loan to the cardholders because when the customers spend money by using credit cards or charge cards, they can enjoy the goods and services first before they really have to pay for it,  which means that they can buy the goods and services by credit but not cash. Although credit means that owe to the financial institution but as long as customers able to pay before the due date, it is a very convenience way to shopping with the credit cards and charge cards. 2.2.2 Interest free credit is given from a week to 4 weeks Financial institutions actually didn’t charge interest on credit to the credit card holders and charge card holders during the first 4 weeks after they spend on it, so customers may spend as much as they want within their credit card or charge card’s limit without making any burden to themselves. But the most important is they have to remember to pay the credit within the first 4 weeks, or else interest on credit will be charge by the financial institution. 2.2.3 Easier to use as payment than cheques Credit cards and charge cards are easier to use as payment than cheques because they are just a small and flat plastic cards which can easily keep in wallet compared to the cheques that need to bring along the cheque book to make payment. Cheque book is very inconvenience to bring along especially without bringing a bag, it have to be hold on hand and it can be dirty, folded and wet easily, once its messy, most probably it will be return by the financial institution after make payment by cheques. Credit cards and charge cards can be dirty too but it can be wiped by tissue or cloth easily and even if its wet also not a problem to continue use it to make payment. 2.2.4 Cardholders can also withdraw cash over the counter or from an ATM Credit cards and charge cards not only can be function on the credit card machine such as MBF machine, it also can be use to withdraw cash over the counter in the financial institution or from an ATM. Although the financial institution will charge the cardholders on withdraw cash by using the credit cards or charge cards, but when the cardholders need cash for emergency case especially during midnight, it can be easily withdraw cash from an ATM. 2.2.5 Global acceptance Cardholders can enjoy goods and services by using credit cards and charge  cards in any countries because it is acceptable in global. It will be very convenience especially during travel or a business trip, cardholders don’t have to look for foreign currency exchange, all they need is just a credit card or charge card will do. Even when they really need cash at overseas, they can withdraw cash through an ATM or over the counter, so they don’t have to scare any robbery when they take out their cash in an unfamiliar countries. 2.2.6 Easy bill payments and earn reward points Cardholders are able to make their bill payments through online banking savings account, by cash or cheque at the financial institution branches, standing instruction and Cash Deposit Machines ( CDM ) or Cheque Deposit Machines ( QDM ) easily. They just have to pay it monthly and when they spent money using the credit cards and charge cards, they will earn reward points which can be used to redeem gifts from the financial institution. So some people might think that if they spent money by cash or cheque, they get nothing extra like the reward points but if they spent money by using credit cards or charge cards they might get extra gifts, it will be more worth than spending by cash or cheque. 2.2.7 Discount on other cooperate stores Some stores will cooperate with the financial institutions, so they will give discount to the specific financial institution’s cardholders when they spend on their stores by using their credit cards or charge cards, this will encourage the cardholders to spend more on their stores to get more discount. For example, Hong Leong Bank provides GSC-Hong Leong Credit Card, the ultimate movie card. The cardholders can enjoy 50% discounts up to RM100, subsequently up to 10% discounts on movie tickets purchase at all of the GSC outlets. 2.2.8 Provide 0% interest installment plan Some of the financial institution will provide 0% interest installment plan which the cardholders can purchase from those specific stores. For example, HSBC bank provide 0% interest installment plan for their credit card holders to purchase goods and services from a lot of shops such as Canon, Gintell, SASA Cosmetic and so on. That means the cardholders who don’t have enough budget also can enjoy the goods and services through the interest free installment plan without any guarantor needed. 2.3 Requirements to apply  credit cards and charge cards There are several requirements to apply credit cards and charge cards which are minimum age, minimum annual income and latest salary slips or relevant documents. At least 18 years old and above for the supplementary and between 21 to 65 years old for principal to apply credit cards and charge cards, this is required by every financial institutions in Malaysia. For the minimum annual income, it depends on financial institutions, they have different requirements on different types of cards. For example, CIMB required RM 24,000 per annum to apply the classic card, RM 30,000 per annum to apply the gold card and RM 60,000 per annum to apply the platinum card. For the charge cards, Maybank provides three types of charge cards only. The American Express Personal Card required RM 30,000 per annum, American Express Gold Card required RM 48,000 and The Platinum Card required RM 190,000 per annum to apply it. 3.0 Current issues of product 3.1 Addicted in using credit cards and charge cards will lead to debt disaster Most of the cardholders will become addicted in spending by using credit cards and charge cards because of at the moment they use the cards they actually don’t have to pay for what they purchases, at least they get to enjoy first before they really need to pay for it. Besides that, purchases with cards and cash have the different feeling, purchases with cash will be not willing to pay for it due to consumers have a clear picture that their cash is really flowing out from their pocket while purchases with cards won’t really feel about that because when you’re not looking at your money flowing out, you won’t feel that it’s actually already been spent by credit. So, this kind of bad habit will make cardholders overspend without realize especially to the shopaholics, therefore it will lead to financial difficulties. There’s still a lot of Malaysian suffering from the credit cards’ debts, some of them just able to pay the lowest limit of th eir debts every month due to the high interest rate charged, it is quite similar to loan sharks as they just able to pay back the interest of credits every month and became a burden which they unable to bear. 3.2 High interest rate of credits Most of the financial institutions in Malaysia offered tiered interest as per Bank Negara Malaysia credit card interest rate structure. The tiered interest rate structure rewards those cardholders who willing to pay their credit card bills in time. For those who pay credit card bills in time for every month in a year will only be charged 13.5% per annum for the interest rate, those who pay credit card bills in time for at least 10 months in a year will be charged higher interest rate than pay in every month which are 16% per annum, while those who pay credit card bills in time for less than 9 months in a year will be punished on the interest rate charged with 17.5% per annum which are the highest interest rate charged in Malaysia. So, for those who pay every month consecutively for a year will get to enjoy a lower interest rate on the 13th month compared to those who didn’t pay the bills every month consecutively for a year. However, some financial institutions offer a lower interest rate. For example, Affin Bank credit card offer 9.99% per annum on the interest rate of credit card bills and AMEX gold credit card is only 9% per annum. So, cardholders will have to choose wisely before they apply the credit cards. Normally financial institutions only require cardholders to pay the lowest limit every month which is 5% or RM50 depends on whichever higher of the total outstanding balance of their credit card bills. But they will have to take a long time to clear all the outstanding balance without any new spending if they only make lowest limit payment. Apart from the high interest rate, cardholders are also subjected to finance charges which will be imposed from the day the transaction is posted to the card account if they just make partial payment or less than that on or before the payment due date. Cardholders will have to make full payments every month consecutively to avoid the finance charges and also get to enjoy the interest free credit for retail transactions for 20 days on retail transactions but it’s not including the cash advance, balance transfer and installment payment plan programs. Even the cardholders didn’t make payment on or before the due date, they also subjected to late payment charges minimum of RM5 or 1% of total outstanding balance, whichever is higher, and  it will be up to RM50. 3.3 Declared bankrupt due to credit card debts There are 41 of the Malaysian declared bankrupt every day on average and most of the reason is because of the credit card debts. The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations ( FOMCA ) had discovered that most of those who declared bankrupt due to credit card debts were below 40 years old because of their poor financial management, they didn’t think wisely on what they’ve spent and don’t care about the consequences they need to face for the rest of their life. It is very tough to face financial difficulties too early in life and they are actually not mature enough to manage on their financial. For those cardholders who always overspend and unable to make full payment on the credit card bills, the outstanding balances will still remaining and it will become more and more expensive due to the high interest rate charged by the issuers. Usually most of the credit card debts are from the moderate income group because the financial institution only issue credit cards to those who earn at least RM 24,000 per annum, so if they didn’t settle the full payment every month, they will have to suffer from the high interest rate charged and unable to settle the credit card bills easily especially for those who owned more than one credit cards unless they stop spending by using the credit cards and they will need around 2 years to settle the outstanding balances. 3.4 Insecure in using credit cards and charge cards Nowadays there are many cases on the fraud of credit cards due to the technological advances such as exists of hackers, insecure websites during payment and so on. Some of the consumers rather use cash instead of credit cards if they lack of information on credit cards protection. The fraudsters are always creative on thinking a new way to steal the information of the cardholders. The credit card phone activation scam is to cheat the owner of the cardholders’ in order to ask them call a number to activate their new credit cards from their own home number, after the card is activated, the card can be used fraudulently. Just a phone call and the legitimate credit card owner will become a pitiful victim that have to pay the amount from spending that doesn’t recognize which may lead the victim to bankrupt. Some of the credit card scammers might steal or trick the cardholders to tell them the security code and then make purchases over the internet or the telephone. Once they know the credit card’s PIN, they could get cash advances from any of the ATM using a duplicated credit card where the legitimate cardholders’ details have been copied into the magnetic strip of another card. The most popular credit card fraud is use credit card numbers to online purchases in unknown websites which we not sure whether it is a secure website or not. Most of the cardholders didn’t check the safety of making payment with their credit card numbers during online purchases, it is a very dangerous case that will loss a large amount for the careless consequences. In addition, fraudsters also targeting the cardholders through email links and attachments. Once they click on the links or open the attachments they reveal themselves to computer viruses that can detect their keystrokes when they log on to their accounts. 3.5 Teenagers struggle to get control of credit card debt Recent laws designed to prevent young adults from running into credit card debt, it seems teenagers haven’t been doing enough on their own to find debt relief. Parents who want their teenagers to learn to use credit responsibly and effectively often try to train them by giving them a credit card of their own, co-signed by one of the parent and for only a low credit limit. Most teenagers still, however, struggle with some aspects of credit card management, including paying them on time. Few of the teenagers know how to properly manage their accounts, but most of them failed to do so. According to a study entitled Financial Literacy and Credit Cards: A Multi Campus Survey, published in the International Journal of Business and Social Science, about 36 percent of teenagers have two or more credit cards in their name. The report said, just 9.4 percent of those polled said they pay their balances off in full at the end of every month and very few actually knew the cost of their acc ount. Only 14.6 percent of them knew the interest rate on their card, while 24.3 percent and 29.2 percent claimed knowledge of their late payment and over-balance penalty fees, respectively. Altogether,  only about 10 percent said they knew all three. They pay little attention to interest rates, terms, and card features. The card they choose may set them up for failure right from the start. In addition, many young people are not adequately educated about credit cards and debt. They may know that you have to pay the money back, but they may not be prepared to understand the effect of high interest rates, minimum payments and the devastating effect that late payments can cause. And when most young people have relatively low-paying or part-time jobs, it can become difficult to keep up with credit card payments. There are some reasons teenagers struggle with credit cards. The first reason is teenagers don’t make enough money. Teenagers often have a very narrow scope of the world and of financial matters in particular. For example, they often simply don’t see that they won’t be able to pay off the expensive new sound system for their car on their Rm150 a week part time job. They also get sucked in by the minimum payment offer and don’t really consider how much interest they will be paying in the longer term. Besides that, teenagers believe that their parents will rescue them. Teenagers may not admit it, but they need their parents to get them out of trouble. Often, these young adults will spend their credit card limit foolishly because they believe that if they really can’t pay it their parents will step in and rescue them, as most parents lend a helping hand when their child is in trouble. Also, they may believe that their parents will fix their damaged credit history if they end up with a poor credit score later. 4.0 Recommendations / Suggestions / Opinions 4.1 The ways of using credit cards and charge cards intelligently 4.1.1 Choose wisely When selecting a credit card, be aware of all of the interest rate and repayment options. Compare different cards based on your needs and your ability to pay all purchases in full. There are several things that need to be consider wisely which are a low annual percentage rate (APR), which will reduce the interest you have to repay, the interest calculation method which can change how much interest you pay, low or no annual fees, which issuers might charge, all other charges such as late payment fees, transaction fees, over the limit fees and others which can add to the total cost of your charges, credit limits for cardholders should be low, and the services and  features such as cash rebates, frequent flyer miles, extended warranties, convenience checks. 4.1.2 Don’t spend more than you can afford to pay on a monthly basis You can make wise decisions about purchasing items you need versus those you simply want. We’ve all used the word â€Å"need† to describe something we really just wanted badly. Using your credit card responsibly and recognize which things you really need and which you just want. Responsible use of your credit cards will help you establish a solid credit rating and avoid financial problems. 4.1.3 Keep track of your spending It is important to monitor more often than once per month when you receive your statement of credit cards. You should check your account online frequently, save receipts and keep accurate records, consider signing up for balance notices and billing statement notifications from your credit card provider. 4.1.4 Keep an accurate record of the following in case your card is lost or stolen Keep the important informations in a secure and safe place at home such as account number, issuer’s name, phone number, and photo copy of the front and back of the card. 4.1.5 Don’t apply for credit that you don’t need Although your first few credit card accounts build and improve your credit score, there’s a point when acquiring more will reduce your score. Where that point is, no one knows, but generally, two or three cards are all you need. You should say â€Å"no, thanks† when the cashier offers 10% off your purchase in exchange for filling out the store’s credit application. In my opinion, store credit cards aren’t necessary and the interest rates are horrendous, unless there’s some overriding benefit that will offset the ding in your credit- like getting Rm500 off a Rm2000 refrigerator. 4.2 The ways to reduce credit card debts 4.2.1 Hide your credit cards The first step is to hide your credit cards in a place where you could access them in an absolute emergency, but that they’d be very difficult to find. For example, put them in a little box way in the back up in the attic, freeze them in a big chunk of ice, or hide them in the back of the cupboard at your mother’s house. Make sure it’s somewhere where you can’t easily  access them. Then, go to every online account where you use a credit card regularly and delete your credit card numbers there. For example, Amazon, PayPal, and World of War craft. Make sure that you’re not forgetting anything. If you absolutely must retain a service, use a debit card number instead of a credit card number. Why should you do this? Your credit card balances need to go down, but not up and the biggest step in doing that is to break yourself of the habit of using them without a connection to the real money you’re spending. That means going back to using cash, che cks, and debit cards. If you don’t actually have the money, you’re not spending it. 4.2.2 Write a budget plan To start reducing your credit card you need to work out where you’ve been going wrong and ensure you do not continue to mount up further debt. You can start by writing down a list of all your monthly incomings such as wages, dividends from shares or interest from savings and so on. Following this, write a list of all your regular outgoings such as mortgage or rent payments, personal loans, council rates, utility, phone and internet bills, fuel and vehicle maintenance, insurance, health and groceries. Besides that, don’t forget to you include other aspects of your life such as entertainment, eating out and clothes shopping. Once you have these figures you can calculate your monthly cash flow by adding up your total incomings and subtracting your total outgoings. Hopefully your incomings will exceed your outgoings leaving you with positive monthly cash flow. However, if you find your outgoings exceed your incomings you have negative cash flow and are pushing yourself furt her into debt each month. Next, search through your expenses for areas where you could cut back. Maybe you are eating out too often or treating yourself to more new clothes or shoes than you really need. You need some nice treats to look forward to but make a budget for non-essentials and entertainment and stick to it. You can then use the spare cash flow each month towards paying off your debts. 4.2.3 Figure out what you owe and what the interest rates are The next step is to dig out the most recent statements for all of your credit card bills and determine exactly how much you owe and what the interest rates on each of the bills is. This information should be easily found on your most recent statement, but if you’re having difficulty finding the information, call up your credit card  provider and get that information. You should be making a list of all of these: credit card name/type, current balance, and interest rate. This helps when you develop a plan, you can use this master list to figure out which credit card to pay first. 4.2.4 For teenagers’ problem, it’s still up to the parent If parents want their children to have good spending habits and resist the temptation that can come with having a credit card, it’s up to parents to educate them. Teenagers need to know the benefits of having a card and the devastating consequences that can come from misuse. As parents, they need to sit down with their sons or daughters before they head off on their own. Discuss the reasons why it’s important to have a credit card and credit history. Also, parents should help teenagers find a good credit card so they don’t end up signing up for the first one they come across. Once teenagers obtain a card, make a purchase and walk them through the process of making the monthly payment. Either by check or electronically so they know what to expect and are familiar with the process. Finally, go over the ground rules. Parents should explain exactly what the credit card should be used for and who is responsible for the payments. If parents take the time to educate tee nagers at a young age so they can establish credit in a responsible manner, they will be in a position to hit the ground running with a solid credit history and have established sound financial habits going forward. 4.3 The ways to solve unsecured credit cards Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in other ways. For example, someone may use your card number without your knowledge. It’s not always possible to prevent credit or charge card fraud from happening. But there are a few steps you can take to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers and minimize the possibility. The best way to deal with credit card fraud is to avoid the crime altogether. Internet commerce is one of the most common places where credit card fraud occurs. Do research on the site and only give out your credit card if the transaction is secure and the vendor is reputable. To verify a site is secure, before using, check out the â€Å"security  or encryption† software used to see if is reliable. If you are unsure of a vendor, look for a physical address and be wary of temporary addresses, such as PO box es. Cardholder has to be cautious when responding to special, unsolicited email offers and to avoid overseas vendors. Besides that, by keeping a list of all your credit cards and account information will help you to avoid uncertain problems. If you notice anything suspicious, refer to your handy list, and call the authorities immediately. To prevent credit card and charge card fraud, don’t lend your card to anyone or leave it lying around. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total. Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope. Give out your account number over the phone unless you’re making the call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau. 5.0 Conclusion As a conclusion, we can know more related information about credit cards and charge cards. By using credit card can make consumers more convenient yet troublesome. All are stated in advantages and disadvantages of credit cards and charge card’s part. Besides that , we have found out some current issue about credit card and charge card such as article about high interest rate of credit card, debt disaster and bankruptcy all these related articles. To solve these current issues and problems of credit card and charge card, we have recommended some ways such as how to use credit card intelligently, ways to solve unsecure credit card and ways to reduce credit card debts. Therefore, we should use credit card wisely to prevent the misuse and overuse of credit card. 6.0 References Internet The New York Times Company. ( 2012 ). The Difference Between Charge Card and Credit Card. Retrieved from http://credit.about.com/od/creditcardbasics/a/Charge-Card-vs-Credit-Card.htm. Maybank. ( 2011 ). Identity Theft. Retrieved from http://www.maybank2u.com.my/mbb_info/m2u/public/personalDetail04.do?channelId=CRD-Cards&cntTypeId=0&cntKey=CRD08.12&programId=CRD08-Utilities&chCatId=/mbb/Personal/CRD-Cards. Maybank. ( 2011 ). American Express Personal Card. Retrieved from http://www.maybank2u.com.my/mbb_info/m2u/public/personalDetail04.do?channelId=CRD-Cards&cntTypeId=0&cntKey=CRD02.01&programId=CRD02-ChargeCards&chCatId=/mbb/Personal/CRD-Cards. CIMB Group. ( 2012 ). CIMB Bank Credit Card. Retrieved from http://www.cimbbank.com.my/index.php?ch=cb_per_ca&pg=cb_per_ca_prod&ac=2&tpt=cimb_bank#. HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad. ( 2012 ). 0% Interest Installment Plan. Retrieved from http://www.hsbc.com.my/1/2/personal-banking/credit-cards/smart-privileges/0-installment-plan/household-and-furniture. Hong Leong Bank Berhad. GSC-Hong Leong Gold & Platinum Credit Card. Retrieved from http://www.hlb.com.my/pfs/cc/ccgsc_fb.jsp?flag=ccgsc. Golden Screen Cinemas. ( 2012 ). GSC-Hong Leong Credit Card – The Ultimate Movie Card. Retrieved from http://www.gsc.com.my/gsceonbankcard/Default.aspx. Lawyerment.com. ( 2012 ). Shocking reasons why Malaysians are living beyond their means. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from http://www.lawyerment.com.my/boards/article-Malaysia_Business_Consumer_Bankruptcy_Law-1650.htm?Page=20. 1-million-dollar-blog.com. ( 2012 ). Credit Card Interest Rate, Charges & Debt Calculator. Retrieved January 18, 2011 from http://1-million-dollar-blog.com/credit-card-interest-rate-charges-debt-calculator/. The New York Times Company. ( 2012 ). Credit Card Fraud – Credit Card Phone Activation Scam. Retrieved from http://banking.about.com/od/securityandsafety/a/creditcardfraud.htm. Free Malaysia Today – Free and Independent. ( 2012 ). Nearly 50% of credit card holders gone bankrupt under 30. Retrieved from http://archive.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/news/general/3216-nearly-50-of-credit-card-holders-gone-bankrupt-under-30. Debtmerica, LLC. ( 2012 ). College kids struggle to ge t control of credit card debt. Retrieved from http://debtmerica.com/industry-news/11-credit-cards/1171-college-kids-struggle-to-get-control-of-credit-card-debt. Debtmerica, LLC ( 2012 ). Consumers doing a better job making payments on time. Retrieved from http://debtmerica.com/industry-news/11-credit-cards/1168-consumers-doing-a-be

Human Anatomy Essay

1.Dependent Variable: plasma levels of glucose, ketones, insulin, and glucagon 2.Independent Variable: food and beverage intake 3.Controlled Variables: physical activity, caffeine and alcohol intake, gender, age, BMI 4.Why were physical activity and caffeine and alcohol intake the controlled variables? 5.What type of assay was used to measure plasma glucose and ketone levels? 6.What type of assay was used to measure plasma insulin and glucagon levels? 1.When was plasma glucose concentration highest? If values are similar for several time points (within a few points of each other), then give range of times when plasma glucose concentration was highest. 2.When was plasma glucose concentration lowest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma glucose concentration was lowest. 3.When was plasma ketone concentration highest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma ketone concentration was highest. 4.When was plasma ketone concentration lowest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma ketone concentration was lowest. 1.When was plasma insulin concentration highest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma insulin concentration was highest. 2.When was plasma insulin concentration lowest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma insulin concentration was lowest. 3.When was plasma glucagon concentration highest? If values are similar for  several time points, then give range of times when plasma glucagon concentration was highest. 4.When was plasma glucagon concentration lowest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma glucagon concentration was lowest. 5.When was plasma insulin/glucagon concentration highest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma insulin/glucagon concentration was highest. 6.When was plasma insulin/glucagon concentration lowest? If values are similar for several time points, then give range of times when plasma insulin/glucagon concentration was lowest. Discussion 1.Explain how insulin changed plasma glucose concentration over the course of the experiment. 2.Explain how glucagon changed plasma glucose concentration over the course of the experiment. 3.Explain what caused the change in plasma ketone concentration over the course of the experiment. 4.Explain how negative feedback caused the changes in plasma insulin concentration observed during the experiment. 5.Explain how negative feedback caused the changes in plasma glucagon concentration observed during the experiment. 6.The insulin/glucagon ratio changed over the course of the experiment indicating changes in glucose storage and changes in ability to increase blood glucose concentration via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. State  when glucose storage capability was highest and why. 7.State when glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis were highest and why. 8.Explain how a high blood ketone level helps the body conserve blood glucose. It means that you body is capable of burning a significant amount of fat and you can dispel it in your urine.Most people rely on glucose in the blood for energy. Insulin is a hormone that takes up glucose into cells where it can be burned or stored for later use. 9.Restate your predictions that were correct and give the data from your experiment that supports them. Restate your predictions that were not correct and correct them, giving the data from your experiment that supports the correction. Application 1.During exercise, epinephrine and norepinephrine are released from the adrenal medulla. Epinephrine and norepinephrine have the same effect on plasma glucose levels as glucagon. Explain how epinephrine and norepinephrine affect plasma glucose and why this is important during exercise. 2.The symptoms of diabetes mellitus include high plasma glucose levels and ketoacidosis (blood pH decreases due to increasing levels of ketones). Explain how diabetes causes these symptoms.

Othello Plot Analysis

Bynum ENG 201-02 22 April 2013 The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice: Plot Analysis Title: The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice Type:Play/Tragedy Author:William Shakespeare Theme:Jealousy is the theme. From the beginning to the very end of this play, every major conflict was caused because of jealousy. If it was not for the envy of one’s job, wife or money, many deaths could have been averted. Exposition:In this play, the author must identify the relationships and previous conflicts between the characters, and background on each major character.In The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice, Shakespeare identifies the relationship between the characters in the beginning of the play with a character list which included the character’s name, title and relationship to whomever. The conflicts between characters where emphasized in the characters words to one another or in the character’s aside. Protagonist:Othello, The Moor of Venice, is the Protagonist. Besid e the obvious, Othello is the main character in this play because all conflict surrounds him.Being the odd one out by being of skin color, having such a high social class standing, and being one of the best warriors all around causes him to be the center of attention. Antagonist:Iago, the Moor’s ensign, is the Antagonist. In everything Iago did, he was conniving and manipulative. He stepped on any and every one to make his underlying plan work. Every move he made was for his own gratification. He was sincere to none, not even his own wife. Major Conflict:Othello and Desdemona marry against many people’s wishes and it angers quite a few people.As Iago is manipulating Othello into believing that his wife Desdemona has been betraying him in his bed, Granziano and Lodovico (kinsman of Brabanzio, Desdemona’s Father and Senator of Venice) come to bare news of the Duke of Venice. The news stated for Othello to return home and his lieutenant, Michael Cassio, to take his place in power. Misconception causes Othello to strike Desdemona and in a turn of events, leads to the slaughter of Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo and many more. Conflicts:(1) Man vs. Man: In Act 4 takes place a sword fight between Roderigo and Cassio.Bother were tricked by Iago to fight one another in the dark. Resulting in Roderigo’s death. (2) Man vs. Nature: In Act 3, Iago planned to have Othello listen in on a conversation between himself and Cassio. Iago led Othello to believe the conversation between Cassio and him was about Desdemona, although it was really about Bianca. It just so happened that Bianca barged into the scene with the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona. Iago had no idea, it would play out to his advantage but it just so happened it did. (3) Man vs.Self: After Othello kills Desdemona, it is discovered that Desdemona was in fact faithful to him and never lied. He then cries and explains his sorrow. Inciting Incident:Iago was passed by for the position o f Lieutenant by, his good comrade, Othello and it was given to Cassio. Also hearing that Othello took his wife to bed, Iago develops a grudge against him. Iago conceives a plan involving a sting of lies and misconception in a pursuit to take down Othello and Cassio. Major Dramatic Question:Will Iago’s true intentions ever be discovered?Crisis:Once again, by Iago’s lies, Roderigo and Cassio were tricked into fighting each other in the dark. Neither one knowing whom they were fighting. Riderigo was murdered and this led to the imprisonment of Bianca, Cassio’s mistress. Climax: Othello, still under misconception that Desdemona is unfaithful, kills her. Emilia, Iago’s wife, enters and call for help. In attempt to find the truth or the reason behind this killing, Iago starts to be revealed. Othello comes to the realization that he has been misled and weeps for his dead wife.A commotion breaks out and Iago kills his wife Emilia. Resolution:After Iago is discove red of his devious ways, Lodovico orders Othello back to Venice, places Granziano as his heir and puts Montano in charge of Iagos execution. In the end, Othello kills himself. Emotional Satisfaction: Othello was a very interesting play. The fact that it was a tragic love story caught my attention the most. Although written so many years ago, the story line can very much relate to situations in today’s relationships.

Human Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Human Communication - Essay Example However, as time passed, we human beings learned and developed language and speech to convey our thoughts and feelings with one another. We use communication to understand each other and maintain our social relationship with family, friends, society, and the rest of the world. We communicate to know what is happening around us. We interact and build connections with our fellow human beings to develop the world and our civilization. So how does human communication happen? Let me simplify it this way. Humans communicate by transmitting messages to one another – from sender to receiver. Intrapersonal communication refers to the process of communication that occurs in the mind of a person while interpersonal communication is the process of conveying one’s thoughts, ideas, and feelings in the form of speech toward another person or groups of people. The communication process is more like what we are doing now. I am sending the information, while you receive the message. Howe ver, one must also note that alien communication uses another form of communication called telepathy. In telepathic communication, aliens transfer their own thoughts to another being without the use of normal sensory channels. In this process, an alien sender can transfer his thoughts to another receiver using only the mind. ... Language, being a communication tool, consists of shared symbols, sounds, and gestures that is understandable to a group or community. You see, in our world, we do not share a common language with everybody. This is because we come from different social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds which make up the differences in cultures around the world. Interestingly, the earth is made up of 1,500 different cultures as identified in the Encyclopedia of World Cultures. We use the term intercultural communication in reference to the interaction between people of different cultural backgrounds. Cultural differences around the world do not only arise because we are made up of national states –for instance, we refer to Chinese culture in the country of China. We may also speak of other cultural groups that are distinguishable over a longer period of time such as male culture, teenage culture or working class culture. According the communication scholar Jens Alwood, the cultural difference s between groups of these types are often just as great as or even greater than those that exist between national cultures. The importance of intercultural communication has been greatly recognized because we have become increasingly globalized due to the unprecedented advancement of our technology, transportation, and communication. As such, acquiring intercultural communication skills is important to avoid misunderstanding and mistakes when dealing with people from other cultural groups. To deal with our differences, communication scholars have categorized an individual’s intercultural communicative competence based on knowledge, motivation, and skills.

What are the principal powers available to the courts in connection Essay

What are the principal powers available to the courts in connection with the interpretation and application of statutory legislation - Essay Example The Courts have the power to declare a law void if it goes against the spirit of the Constitution of the supreme law of the land prevailing in the country. It has the power to nullify the effect of the law if it goes beyond the boundaries and parameters set forth to enact laws. The Courts have to keep an eye with the way the legislation is passing laws since it keeps checks and balances on the laws which are enacted in the Parliament, and the authority to decide on that is solely with the Juduciary. The Courts have to decide on the applicability of any law. This is the greatest power which it possesses being a wing of the State. The Court has been granted the duty and the responsibility to guard the spirit of the law in its right perspective. Let us now analyse the two main duties of the courts: 1. Power to make the law 2. Power to apply the law The above are the two basic powers which the courts possess. The Judiciary is assigned the duty to apply the law as it stands out to be in cases which it gets for referral from the people. It has the power to decide a case based on the basis of the law which has been passed by the legislation. The courts go through each and every aspect of the law and try to come up with the correct interpretation which lies in the process of making the law as well. Interpretation is the first part of making law, and we shall now discuss the different schools of interpretation which exists in Judiciary today. Literal Rule: â€Å"The literal rule of sta tutory interpretation should be the first rule applied by judges. Under the literal rule, the words of the statute are given their natural or ordinary meaning and applied without the judge seeking to put a gloss on the words or seek to make sense of the statute.†( http://e-lawresources.co.uk/Literal-rule.php) Literal rule is the way of interpretation where the Courts try to analyse the law with respect to its strict wording. According to this rule, the law is understood by the judges from the literal meaning of the word. The judges do not apply their own opinion or thoughts and read the law as it is given in the code form. One of the major advantages of this form of interpretation is that law is made by the court on the basis of the meaning of the word, so there is no chance of cheating since the meaning of the word cannot be changed from it is in the dictionary. It promotes transparency as well as upholds the Legislature as the supreme authority in making the laws, even thoug h the courts have a stake in the way the law is applied. However, the disadvantage of this form of interpretation is that sometimes the word can have inherently two meanings, or it may have been put to avoid a mischief, which the courts will not take into account when they interpret the law with accordance to the literal rule of interpretation. Golden Rule: â€Å"The golden rule is that the words of a statute must prima facie be given their ordinary meaning. It is yet another rule of construction that when the words of the statute are clear, plain and unambiguous, then the courts are bound to give effect to that meaning, irrespective of the consequences. It is said that the words themselves best declare the intention of the law-giver."( http://cssonline.forummotion.com/t1735-golden-rule-of-interpretation) In the case of Maumsell v. Olins, (1975) AC 373, Lord Simon formulated the exception to the "golden rule" required by technical words, or words of art, as follows : "(The 'golden rule') is sometimes put. (sic) that in statutes dealing with ordinary people, in their everyday lives, the language is presumed to be used in its primary ordinary sense unless this stultified the purpose of the statute or otherwise

Battle of Okinawa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Battle of Okinawa - Research Paper Example a period of 80 days, the â€Å"Typhoon of Steele† as it was referred to, raged on as the Allied Forces made headway in the battle to make Japan surrender. The attack itself took place on April 1, 1945. The Americans had sent in two United States Marine and Army Divisions to land via amphibious vehicle on the island of Okinawa. The Japanese troops were thought to number at least 150,000 covering ground, air, and naval troops. 10th U.S. Army Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. was in command of the Allied troops that consisted of III Amphibious Corps and XXIV Army Corps. Even though the Allied Forces had sent a formidable troop assignment to the island, the Japanese still felt that the war was going to end with them as the victors. After all, the Japanese were fighting on their home territory, 350 miles from the Japanese homeland. However the Americans had other plans for this battle as they pulverized the island of Kyushu. The Japanese by this point knew that the battle was lost and yet they soldiered on. The Japanese soldiers fought based upon honour and military logic. But the bombings of the American planes coming from the Marianas Islands would soon conquer Japan. Truth be told, there was too much land coverage in Okinawa for the troops that were first sent to cover. Thanks to the Army, the new 6th Marine Division, the war became a winnable battle for the Americans. Eric Hammel, noted Pacific War historian recounted the battle as follows: Coming to put their defense arrangement to the test was the Tenth Army. The new 6th Marine Division (1st Provisional Marine Brigade plus the 29th Marines and attachments) would land over the northernmost beaches on the western side of Okinawa a little south of the islands midpoint. It was to strike across the island, then turn north to pacify a little more than half of Okinawa on its own. To the right, the 1st Marine Division was also to strike across the island, then become part of the Tenth Army reserve.

Understanding Human Behaviour Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Understanding Human Behaviour - Assignment Example y ponders over the areas on which the service users need to work on in order to avoid misdiagnoses and also focuses on the ways that should be adopted by psychiatrists in order to understand the disability and mental health of the individuals. Also it discusses the problems that are faced by the health departments in the introduction of certain programmes because of the criticism of the service users. In this research essay I would focus on the notion that the massive power of the psychiatrists in the process of the diagnosis is something that has implications on the patients and this is something that should be given more importance. For the purpose of my research I have used many literature reviews. Psychiatric diagnosis refers to the process whereby the psychiatrist (or psychologist) is responsible for the identification and the labelling of a particular disease. One of the main purposes of this diagnosis is to help people and guide them through the entire treatment procedure. Lately, it has been felt that the diagnosis has had many different implications on the individuals concerned. According to Reich (1981) psychiatric diagnosis is a very important process because it can have varied effects on the patients. While some may be happy with the results of the diagnosis, others might not feel the same way. One implication of the procedure of the diagnosis is that the people who are diagnosed may have to suffer from unintended implications. For instance, the perceptions of the others might change towards the patient if he/she is labelled with a mental disorder. People may not want to interact with such patients. Reich (1981) argues that the main reason for this behaviour is the re sult of the institutionalized attitudes of the people and the society as a whole towards people who suffer from mental disorders and learning disabilities. The above mentioned effects may occur due to the attitudes of the people and the society to the mental people. There are, however,

CLEOPATRA IV BIOGRAPHY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CLEOPATRA IV BIOGRAPHY - Essay Example Cleopatra was the last of the line of Ptolemaic dynasty. â€Å"She originally shared power with her father Ptolemy XII and later with her brothers Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV, whom she also married, but eventually gained sole rule† (Jones, 2006). During this time period in ancient Egypt, the pharaohs were considered to be linked to divine sources in the gods and goddesses of the ancient religions; it is common knowledge that Cleopatra VII identified herself with Isis. In the current research investigation, a brief biography of Cleopatra is given, including her association with the early Roman empire through Mark Antony, her achievements and contemporary effects of the times, and her famous death by the suicide poison of an asp. Cleopatra became queen at a very young age, being only eighteen when she ascended to her high position, and because according to the laws and customs of the time, a female ruler had to have a brother or son as a person of interest in their high court, she had to be married to her brother. Such arrangements were not all that uncommon in royal monarchies of ancient times, as they were often based on complicated systems of bloodline purity and genetics understanding, which led to some amount of intermarriage and often, in one of the unfortuante side effects of such a system, inbreeding. Cleopatra, however, was in no way dominated in her relationship to Ptolemy XII, as he was only twelve years old and she was eighteen. Instead, she effectively took power and control on her own. â€Å"Cleopatra dropped Ptolemy XIII name from all administrative documents and she had her own portrait and name placed on legal tender, ignoring her brother’s claim of co-regent† (Charveau, 1997). This shows the seeds of ambition being very deep in Cleopatra in terms of internal control. In terms of external control, however, in her mid-life and until her death,

Climate change Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8250 words

Climate change - Dissertation Example Climate change is the biggest environmental problem that the world is facing today. High-intensity storms and hurricanes are hitting the United States and Australia, ice sheets in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are rapidly melting and severe droughts in Indonesia have resulted in fires razing the nation’s forests to the ground. Apart from direct destructive impacts to the environment, global warming also poses a threat to human health. Increasing amounts of rainfall will give rise to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Despite the overwhelmingly negative effects of climate change, current trends still reflect rising levels of temperature. Out of the 20 hottest years on the planet, 19 occurred from 1980 until the present. According to NASA, 2005 was the warmest year recorded for over a century (Gutro, 2006). Human activity is the primary cause of this drastic increase in the world’s temperature. The burning of fossil fuels to meet the energy demands of households, businesses, and industries is number one on the list of greenhouse gas emissions. The world’s total energy consumption is directly proportional to population levels. Simply put, the more people there are, more of world’s resources are utilized. Sustainable development is key to ensure future generations’ survival. The Kyoto Protocol aims to provide a solution the pressing problem of climate change. The United Kingdom being one of the signatories has committed to reducing carbon emissions significantly by the year 2010 (Wikipedia, 2006). ... Increasing amounts of rainfall will give rise to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Despite the overwhelming negative effects of climate change, current trends still reflect rising levels of temperature. Out of the 20 hottest years of the planet, 19 occurred from 1980 until the present.ivAccording to NASA, 2005 was the warmest year recorded for over a century (Gutro, 2006)v. Human activity is the primary cause of this drastic increase of the world's temperature. The burning of fossil fuels to meet the energy demands of households, businesses and industries is number one on the list of greenhouse gas emissions. The world's total energy consumption is directly proportional to population levels. Simply put, the more people there are, more of world's resources are utilized. Sustainable development is key to ensure future generations' survival. The Kyoto Protocol aims to provide a solution the pressing problem of climate change. The United Kingdom, being one of the signatories, has committed to reduce carbon emissions significantly by the year 2010 (Wikipedia, 2006)vi. This has given rise to several policies that the government has authored in order to meet the set target. This paper focuses on energy efficiency and the introduction of renewable energy as two of the solutions that the United Kingdom's construction sector have given attention to. The effectiveness of regulations in place will be studied to see if these would be adequate to significantly decrease the country's carbon emissions. Emerging insights from adaptive and community-based resource management suggest that building resilience into both human and ecological systems is an effective way to cope with environmental change characterized by future surprises or unknowable risks. We

Product Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Product Marketing - Assignment Example The report also aims at ensuring that Howden Joinery identifies problems facing it thus becoming very innovative a thing that will ensure that old customers are retained with new customers joining the company. The study looks at the basic fundamental in new product development. For the implementation of a good and improved new product development process the report offers the main elements which include; anchoring the innovative process with top management in the company, splitting the innovation process in two distinct part assigning responsibilities to each, establishing a link between technological and business strategy, developing communication of the strategy to all employees in the company, corporate marketing, among others. New product development (NPD) attempts to describe the whole process that involves bringing a new service or product in the market. (Ulrich and Eppinger, 2004) The new product development process involves; Most companies will view new product development as the most important stage in producing and marketing its products within the entire life cycle management process used in the market share expansion and growth. Ulrich and Eppinger (2004) argues that new products occur in various categories with some being new to the company , others are new to the market while others create new markets. Some concepts in new product process are slight modifications of those in existence when contrasted against a different measure; however some new product development processes are purely inventions from the companies. These new product development processes are; Idea Screening Howden Joinery should carry out idea screening with an aim of doing away with those ideas that are not worthwhile. This will save the company from allocating resources to such concepts. The company should evaluate whether its customers will benefit from the given product, this they can do by conducting a thorough research on the customer's tastes and references. (Ulrich and Eppinger, 2004) The company should assess the technical feasibility in the manufacturing of a given product. Here Howden Joinery will need to know the raw materials needed in production, their availability, and the cost of buying, transporting and processing. After which they will assess the marketability of the product. Lastly, the screeners should carry out a research as to whether their product will earn them some profit; this will incorporate the total cost of production labour and the selling price for the manufactured product. In evaluating the existing process it is important for the company to perform an Evaluation of the current development process. (Michael, 2004) Such an evaluation may touch on specific areas that need improvement. Examination can be in terms of both the performance and means applied. Howden joinery will discover the unemployed activities, streamlining opportunities and executing ones in order to trim down the general time of the cycle (Michael, 2004) Business Analysis According to Michael, (2004) Howden Joinery should carry out a business analysis so as to help in knowing the financial position of the business. This can be done through estimating the likely price tag of its products based upon the feedback from the customers and the

Coca Cola Essay Example for Free

Coca Cola Essay Historically, many companies and corporations have received recognition for their growth and success over time. However, although praised, discoveries of controversial issues lead consumers to question various companies’ ethics and operations. Coca-Cola, or simple coke, has existed for over a century, originating in Atlanta, Georgia in 1892, and eventually expanding and providing drinks internationally. Today, the company produces concentrate, which then sells to Coke licensed bottlers internationally; and ultimately ending up sold to retail stores and vending machines for consumers to purchase. Along with the regular â€Å"coke†, the company has also been able to produce other cola branded drinks including water, energy drinks and coffee. The most common of all, Diet Coke; others include Caffeine-Free Cola, Diet Coke Caffeine-Free, Coke Cherry, Coke Zero and Coke Vanilla. All of which could be found in over 200 countries within the year 2013, with consumers drinking at the least 1.8 million servings each day, according to the book, Citizen Coke: An Environmental and Political History of the Coke Company (Elmore p. 717). However, while extremely popular and high in demand, the Coke Company has faced much controversial issues from the public in India throughout its years of growth. Out of every country that Coke operates in, India has the fastest growing market (KillerCoke). From the start of production in 1999 to present day, Coke has spent $2 billion and will continue to spend an addition $5 billion in India. According to the article Coke rejigs bottling arm management, Coke has a plan to pursue expansion for the following few years (until 2020) in India with the plan to double their revenues to $200 billion (TOI). India is among the top seven markets globally for Coke, the CEO of Hindustan Coke stated â€Å"we have made significant investments in the marketplace and as we get ready to further accelerate growth, it is very important to develop a high quality talent pipelines. This team will work closely with Coke India to achieve our 2020 vision.† Part of their expansion was focused on a plan t in Mehdiganj, India. The emerging markets with Coke like India and China will result in about 60% of the incremental sales volume growth (TOI). According to the book Business and its Environment, 80 percent of the world’s population lives in emerging markets countries, and 90 percent of the world’s population growth will be in these countries over the next 30 years (Baron p.477) The start of production for a few of their bottlers in India has raised issues because of  Coke’s use of the water supply of nearby villages. Amit Srivastaba, of the India Resource Center, a center that works to support movements against corporate globalization in India said, Three communities in India — Plachimada in Kerala, Wada in Maharashtra and Mehdiganj in Uttar Pradesh — are experiencing severe water shortages as a result of Cokes mining of the majority of the common groundwater resources around its facilities (KillerCoke).† One of their issues comes from its production in Mehdiganj, near Varanasi, India, that has been in operation since 1999, and has been the center of attention in many surrounding villages since 2003 and especially after Coke announced that they are planning to expand by $25 million. In August of 2012, according to the article Coke Abandons Expansion Plans in India Because of Water, the company halted their plans to expand in Mehdiganj because of a delay in a no-objection certificate and locals becoming concerned about environmental dangers (The Wire). Organizations such as the India Resource Center and others who organize protests increase the awareness of issues, and therefore private regulation have been made an alternative to government regulations. As a result, the strategy Coke had all along failed to see through when the locals did not approve of their actions. If Coke does not have an affective nonmarket strategy in place for their activities in other countries, major opportunities can close when issues of any kind arise. A nonmarket strategy is important to avoid government regulations and to keeping the company’s opportunities open. Aside from the government, the company’s opportunities can also be controlled by private politics such as protests, public criticism, interest groups as well as public sentiment towards the company. (Baron p.31). The other factor that can affect opportunities is moral concerns, which Coke seems to be going through this issue right now. Coke should formulate a policy that oversees the use of water in India, which is the major concern of groups in private politics. Interest groups that are in play from the surrounding villages in India include: anti-coke nongovernmental activist groups, Varanasi-based activist, environmentalist, politicians, farmers and the villagers that have created lives in sur rounding areas. Leading from within these interest groups is The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board; a statutory organization entrusted to implement Environmental Laws and rules within the jurisdiction of the state  of Uttar Pradesh, India (UPPCB). The Control Board had found that Coke violated a number of conditions of its license that had to do with the use of water. The company had not yet obtained clearance for the extraction of groundwater from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), a government agency that monitors and regulates the process in water-stressed areas (The economic Times). But Coke had some objections to these accusations. According to Coke, a Central Ground Water Authority report from 2012 stated that the reduction of groundwater in the area was not due to their company. According to the article UP pollution board shuts down Cokes Varanasi unit, the maker of sprite said in a statement that the plant in Mehdiganj has complied with regulatory approvals and applicable laws in India (The Economic Times). Despite these statements, according to the Central Ground Water Authority, the groundwater in Mehdiganj has gone from â€Å"safe† back in 1999 when Coke got back into operating in India to â€Å"critical† in 2009. The closure order by the Central Ground Water Authority stated that Coke increased its production capacity from 20,000 cases to 36,000 cases a day without the board’s permission. Similar to this problem was one in 2004, when one of the 68 Coke plant in Plachimada, Kerala was shut down over accusations that the operation led to the reduction of groundwater (see Exhibit #1). The company faces legislation holding it liable for $47 million in damages (The Economic Times). Initially, Coke had looked beneficial for the local economy, but then the regulations and protesters hit the company as a result from the critically low levels of water. Although this may have halted the company’s expansion plan of $25 million into Varanasi, Coke is seeking permission from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to expand into Mehdiganj. With authorization, they will increase productivity by opening a second bottling line. However, the struggle continues as the recent closure has already inspired other protest to start, starting problems down the company’s future operations in their bottling factories. Over 10 years ago, a protest by farmers and anti-globalization activist successfully launched a â€Å"Quit India† campaign in order to stop Coke’s expansion into Varanasi. Many villages are saying big companies like Coke are coming into India and using their drinking water, even when levels are critically low for basic living consumption (see Exhibit #2). According to  the article Coke has a bottler of a headache in India; the level of water for the villagers became even lower as Coke proceeds to operate in India. Amar Signh Rathor, a farmer in the village Mehdiganj, has noticed the continuous decline of water levels by simply observing his own well. Within three years, the water level below his water table has fallen by over 18 meters. Most of the population of Mehdiganj (approximately 10,000 people) blamed Coke for the shocking decrease in their water supply (Sydney Morning Herald P.13). The plant that is to blame is at the edge of the village. A villager named Shakuntala Devi said, â€Å"If the Coke plant isn’t closed it will be impossible to live here (Sydney Morning Herald P.13).† Coke violates human rights for the people of India by taking their water and in the process they damage the environment. According to the article Coke’s Crimes in India, they are draining a vast majority of groundwater from farms and turning farming communities into virtual desserts. These farmers livelihood that have been destroyed have resulted in a increase of suicide, and everyday for many years now, there are protests of some sort, big or small, against Coke’s abuse in India (KillerCoke). On November 24, 2004, a protest outside of the Mehdiganj plant broke out and quickly turned violent. Multiple villagers had attempted to break the barrier of the police in order to reach Coke property, resulting in a defensive attack in return from the police. Organizers stated that there were approximately 2,000 people – mainly woman and youth – who took part in the protest, although Coke reported a much smaller number. This was the first of many protests to start, even though they were at a smaller scale. In this protest alone, two hundred villagers were reportedly arrested during the brawl (Sydney Morning Herald P.13). According to the article Indian villagers want Coke plant shut amid water fears, later in June of 2007, four hundred people marched and rallied at the Varanasi district magistrates (DM) office, demanding that the Coke bottling plant in Mehdiganj be shut down effective immediately. Within the four hundred, included people from twenty different villages, all of who submitted a letter to the district magistrate, Vina Kumari Meena, drawing attention to the water shortage and pollution of groundwater and land caused  by Coke’s operation. The letter demanded that the operation be shut down (Monitoring South Asia). Due to the severity of the situation, the director of The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) declared the water issues in India as â€Å"dark zoned†. A dark zone category infers that ground water resources are over-exploited, and more than 85 percent of the total recharging of ground water resources is being extracted, which resulted in all new underground installations being approved by the government (BBC Monitoring South Asia). Accusations of unethical acts against the environment can lead to nongovernmental organizations forming, which affect the organization in question by mobilizing people to work for causes. â€Å"These groups have been instrumental in advancing the causes of environmental protection, health and safety protection for consumers, and civil and human rights (Baron p.75).† The lead of the campaign Lok Semiti (People’s Committee), a nongovernmental organization that is against Coke, Nandlal Master, said When people themselves do not have enough water to meet their basic water needs, why should Coke be allowed to siphon hundreds of thousands of liters of water every day (BBC Monitoring South Asia)? But the issues with Coke go beyond the use of water and its reduction impacting a majority of the villages. Coke provides waste product from their operation to farmers as fertilizers for their crops. A BBC study found that the fertilizer contains toxic chemicals, stating, â€Å"Dangerous levels of the known carcinogen cadmium have been found in the sludge produced from the plant in the southern state of Kerala (BBC news).† Face the Facts, an investigative journalism for BBC, sent presenter, John Waite, to further investigate the allegations. Part of the investigation consisted of sending a sludge sample to the University of Exeter in the UK, and the results were very alarming. The test revealed that the sludge was a useless fertilizer that contained the toxic metals cadmium and lead. David Santillo, a senior scientist at the university’s lab, affirmed that the levels of cadmium and lead have not only contaminated that sludge provided to the farmers, but the entire water supply as well. The levels are  way above those approved by the World Health Organization. Britain’s leading poison expert, professor John Henry, said, The results have devastating consequences for those living near the areas where this waste has been dumped and for the thousands who depend on crops produced in these fields (BBC News). The professor is correct to assume these consequences because cadmium is a poison that can accumulate in the kidneys and with repeat exposure it can cause kidney failure. Lead is also dangerous, and more to children than to anyone else. Even at low levels, lead can cause mental retardation and even anemia, a blood deficiency (BBC News). The professor also explains that with the levels of chemicals in the water, pregnant women in the villages in India consuming from the farm’s goods can fall vulnerable to miscarriages, stillbirths and premature births. After these alarming results, more test where conducted on the soft drinks. In the year 2003, the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE), a non-for-profit and nongovernmental organization based in New Delhi, India, tested 12 cold soft drinks (Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, Mirinda Orang, Mirinda Lemon, Blue Pepsi, 7-Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Thumbs Up and of course Coke). The article, Pepsi, Coke contain pesticides: CSE, based in India was the one to write about the cold drinks, which included 2 big companies, Pepsi and Coke. Both companies failed health standards when both drinks tested positive for pesticides. The tests from three samples of each of these Pepsi and Coke brand drinks that was conducted by the Pollution Monitoring Laboratory (PML) of the Centre of Science and Environment showed that the samples contained residues of four very toxic pesticides and insecticides: lindane, DDT, malathion and chlorpyrifos. These four pesticides are known to cause cancer, damage the nervous and reproductive system, and severely damage the immune system (Rediff) . These tests were conducted in the year 2003 from April to August with samples from across the city. The samples from Coke were found to contain pesticides that exceeded global standards by 30 times the limit at 0.0150 mg/l, with the EEC limit of total pesticides being at 0.0005 mg/l. Coke defended its position by saying their plants use a multiple barrier system to remove potential contaminants and unwanted natural substances including  iron, sulfur, heavy metals as well as pesticides, â€Å"Our products in India are safe and are tested regularly to ensure that they meet the same rigorous standards we maintain across the world (Rediff).† But despite these statements the citizens of India seem to believe the Centre of Science and Environment, as sales have been impacted in the so-called safe and high-quality drink and investors from the company in India have lost confidence (Coke India). Looking at the nonmarket issue cycle, Coke is way past the issue identification, interest group formation, legislation, and has now reached the Administration phase in India (see Exhibit #3). The issues were identified soon after they got back into India in 1999. Villagers, farmers and environmentalist noticed the problem, starting many groups interested in the closure of these factories, sparking the many protests stated above. Legislations already started within the Indian Parliament banning Coke drinks from its cafeterias. Amit Srivastaba, of the India Resource Center, stated that the ban came as a result of tests by the Indian government and private laboratories, which found high concentrations of pesticides and insecticides in the cola drinks (Indian Resource Center). If Coke wants to prevent their company from becoming the next Enron in the ethical sense, they need to take the right action now before they sink too low in unethical actions and laws of the government that are way out of their control start to enforce legislations. Enron was a energy company that was found out to be engaging in unethical marketing malpractices including; misrepresentation of reports regarding the financial position of the organization in order to continue from benefiting from the investments provided by the stakeholders, a false energy crisis to gain more money from investors and finally, executives of the company embezzled money from unsuspecting investors which led to the bankruptcy of the company. Coke’s name is a global brand that can definitely work its way out of the unethical characteristics in the communities of the countries it operates in by simply providing the same quality of goods around the world. So far, Coke’s way of handling the issues in India has been very questionable. Their strategy thus far is to globalize their company no  matter the cost, ethically and environmentally. Protesters from many interest groups have eliminated many opportunities for Coke and have been attacking the company for over exploitation and pollution of water that is already dangerously low. Interestingly, Coke responds with public relations scams, deceptive statements and points out awards of how they are corporate socially responsible (KillerCoke). The article Coke’s crimes in India further expands by saying that Coke stated, For four consecutive years, Coke plants in India have won the prestigious Golden Peacock Environment Management Award for environmental practices from the Institute of Directors, which grants the award in association with the World Environment Foundation. Similar remarks were made in late 2005 when the company claimed to be recognized for being a ‘Water Efficient Unit’ by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) (KillerCoke). Coke continued on with their misleading information in 2007 at two Canadian college campuses about their activities in India and Colombia. Coke bragged that The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI), described as an Indian-based nonprofit research organization, had begun an assessment of our companys water resource management practices in India (KillerCoke). TERI is a respected Dehli-based nongovernmental organization with deep experience in sustainability issues, and Coke falsely stated they were working closely with them on their water management. However, Coke already began to make social responsibility a top priority by investing in new innovations and plant processes to help make more improvement moving forward. The Coke webpage of the UK indicates that outside of their plants they attempt to replenish more than 100 percent of the water that they use by creating rainwater harvesting structures, restoring ponds, and leading interventions that focus on improving water efficiency, a mong other things. And by 2012 they met their goal and exceeded it to 110 percent of water replenished throughout India (Coke UK). From the article Villagers to Coke: Go away; In India, foes claim company is depleting water supply, a Coke spokesman stated the shortage of monsoons in India from June to October is to blame for water depletion affecting India’s agriculture. Harry Ott, the director of Cokes Global Center for Water Excellence said, If the monsoons are good, these problems dont come up.† Today in mehdiganj â€Å"the land around  Cokes plant looks lush. Fields brim with mustard plants, potatoes, peppers, wheat and rice (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).† But the struggle continues as people focus more on the bad rather than the good. Coke like many other businesses focuses on the profitable side of their operation, without realizing the environmental damages it can cause to surrounding communities. When Coke is looking into the future of the company, it is looking to double their revenues more than working on a nonmarket strategy that will prevent interest groups from the communities they operate in to question the company’s morals. Doubling their revenues further proves that Coke, being the number one beverage company in the world, has some money to play with. In Kala Dera, protests are starting because of the lack in Coke’s corporate social responsibility, leading back to the use of water and the damage being done to the communities around it. In 2010, shareholders at a meeting taking place in Duluth, Georgia, were told by Amit Srivastaba of the India Resource center, â€Å"It is only a matter of time before the Coke company will be held financially and criminally liable for their operations in water-stressed areas in India.† He continued by stating â€Å"The company management is being seriously derelict in its duties by not acknowledging the real exten t of the liabilities Coke has incurred and continues to incur in India (KillerCoke).† By investing a few million dollars a year of the billions of earnings they have reached ever since the late nineteenth century when the company first got started, they will be showing the shareholders that Coke is doing something to get on the right track. Coke could start with compensation of the crops that farmers lost when they initially started to operate in India, and also assure the farmers that Coke is investing in new innovations to solve the water issue so it will not be a problem in the long-run. Also, Coke could invest into the education in India by opening new schools; increase awareness of diseases through nongovernmental programs, as well as investing in the communities in which their bottling factories reside. With the issues out for the public to read about, it should be an incentive for the company to not continue down this horrific path in developing countries. Other things Coke should considering doing for the sake of their image is stepping up in community service, donations focused to help clean up the streets that their distributors travel in, donations to nongovernment organization, show the public that  they are actually working to stop the shortage and contamination of water without spreading lies of what they are actually doing. One way to do is by continuing their activities so far to stop the shortage of water and further help the environment by planting trees. The article Trees Reduce Air Pollution mentions that trees can help with the gas pollutants from the factories by absorbing them through the pours in the leaf surface (DNR). Furthermore, the company can look to work with the nongovernmental organization TERI in efforts to better sustainability of water resources, instead of just talking about doing it because in the end actions speak louder than words. Bibliography Coke rejigs bottling arm management. The Times of India (TOI). (September 24, 2013 Tuesday ): 425 words. LexisNexis Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2014/12/15.Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board. June 5, 2014 UP pollution board shuts down Cokes Varanasi unit. The Economic Times. (June 19, 2014 Thursday ): 430 words. LexisNexis Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2014/12/15. Coke has a bottler of a headache in India. Sydney Morning Herald (Australia). (February 17, 2005 Thursday ): 1181 words. LexisNexis Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2014/12/15. Indian villagers want Coke plant shut amid water fears. BBC Monitoring South Asia Political Supplied by BBC Worldwide Monitoring. (June 7, 2007 Thursday ): 622 words. LexisNexis Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2014/12/15. June 7, 2007 Thursday Villagers to Coke: Go away; In India, foes claim company is depleting water supply . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (May 29, 2005 Sunday ): 1908 words. LexisNexis Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2014/12/15. UP Pollution Control Board, Lucknow (UP Pollution Control Board, Lucknow). Was Accessed http://www.uppcb.com/ â€Å"Indian Resource Center. PRESS: Groundwater Levels Continue Downward Spiral Around Coke Plant.† March 11, 2010. Was Accessed http://www.indiaresource.org/news/2010/1001.html India Resource Center. Coke Mehdiganj The Issues. March 7, 2013. http://www.indiaresource.org/campaigns/coke/2013/mehdiganjfact.html Ray Rogers. â€Å"Coke’s Crimes in India.† Campaign to Stop Killer Coke | Cokes Crimes in India. Killer Coke. Was Accessed http://killercoke.org/crimes_india.php Was Accessed http://www.cseindia.org/ â€Å"Pepsi, Coke contain pesticides: CSE.† Was Accessed. http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/aug/05pepsicoke.htm Coke India. Was Accessed http://www.Cokeindia.com/factsmyths/varanasi.html Coke India. Was Accessed http://www.Cokeindia.com â€Å"Easy Guide to Understanding ENRON Scandal Summary.† (Enron Scandal Summary). 2013 Was Accessed http://finance.laws.com/enron-scandal-summary â€Å"Coca‑Colas water is used responsibly in its operations in India : FAQ (Coke GB).† 2010. Was Accessed http://www.Coke.co.uk/faq/community/responsible-Coke-water-use-in-operations-in-india.html â€Å"Trees Reduce Air Pollution.† Was Accessed http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/publications/urban2.html Mosendz, Polly. â€Å"Coke Abandons Expansion Plans in India Because of Water.† August 26, 2014. Was Accessed http://www.thewire.com/business/2014/08/Coke-abandons-india-production-expansion/379128/ Elmore, J Bartow. 2013, Citizen Coke: An Environmental and Political History of the Coke Company. P. 717 Baron, David P. Business and Its Environment. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education, 2012. 784. Print.

Banning the use of cell phones Essay Example for Free

Banning the use of cell phones Essay TITLE: Why banning the use of cell phones while driving should be mandatory nationwide. 1a.General purpose: To highlight the mis-use of hand-held cell phones whilst driving. 1b.Specific purpose: To reduce road fatalities; by persuading the Government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines to implement a law banning motorists from using cell phones on all roads (major and minor roads) in non-emergencies cases. 1c.Central Idea: Using a cell phone can distract motorists, leading them to taking their eyes off the road or to lose their concentration whilst driving which involves teens. Main Points: mis-use of hand-held cell phones road fatalities mandatory intervention Summarize the Key Points of Introduction 1. Cell phones can be useful in many situations. However they are now being mis-used in non-emergencies cases such as making or receiving regular standard calls, texting and being on others social network sites whilst driving. 2. Road fatalities have increased resulting from poor driving by motorists especially teens whilst they are on their cell phones. Many motorist, pedestrians and animals have been killed or seriously injured due motorist distractions. 3. The Government should implement a law banning motorist from using cell phones on all roads (major and minor roads) throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines as a means of reducing road fatalities Conclusion Cell phones have been around for over 30years and are now accessible to a range of people; they can be a valuable communication device. However, when used inappropriately, this can lead to road collisions and fatality. References * In 2006, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group Http//:ven.wikipedia .org/wiki/texting- while-driving In 2006 article American Automobile Association International Telecommunication Union (NTSB) Why banning the use of cell phones while driving should be mandatory nationwide. I will be highlighting why banning the use of a cell phones whilst driving should be mandatory throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. I will be focusing on situations where the cell phone is being used for non- emergencies when driving. Cellular phones were first introduced into civilian life and the market place around the mid- 1980s. Before this period it was used mainly in the military and in some businesses. Over the years, there has been dramatic growth in the use cell phones. Today cell phones are available to everyone around the world regardless of their age or status. The indiscriminate use of hand held cell phones by persons while driving has resulted in many fatal accidents in recent years and as such is a compelling reason for Parliament to enact legislated to address this precautious situation by banning the use of cell phones while driving in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. It well established that in attentive caused by some forms of distraction is the most common cause of vehicle accidents, engaging in a conversation on a cell phone while driving is a serious distraction in the sense that people lose focus being so imbibed in the conversation that they become totally loss to the surrounding activities. It may be arguable that accidents caused by cell phone use are far less than those caused by other forms of distractions but that is not important in considering whether a total ban should be placed on the use of cell phone while driving. What is of utmost importance is the safety o the general public; it is not of prime necessity to use a cell phone while driving. A driver may be better advised to pull over at the side of road, stop and use his or her cell phone whether be in to dial a number or to receive an incoming call or text messages which is becoming more popular in today technology world. According to Liberty Mutual Insurance Group 2006 conducted a survey of more than 90 teen from twenty six high schools across United States. The result showed that 37% of students considering texting to be  Ã¢â‚¬Å"very† or â€Å"extremely† distracting. A study by the America Automobile Association discovered that 46% of teens admitted to being distracted behind the wheel because of texting. This distracting is alarming The risk of crashing while texting because reading or sending a text diverts the drivers eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds—the same as driving the length of a football field, blind, at 55 mph. The International Telecommunication Union states that â€Å"texting, making calls, and other interaction with in-vehicle information and communication systems while driving is a serious source of driver distraction and increases the risk of traffic accidents increases by 23 times. While celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey have campaigned against texting while driving, there are reports that the message has not been getting through to teenagers. Perhaps the force and might of government authority might be able to get through to them. The practice has been viewed by many people and authorities as dangerous. It has also been ruled as the cause of some motor -vehicle accidents, and in some places has been outlawed or restricted. Is there any reason why my country St. Vincent and the Grenadines cannot emulate such a restriction? Cell phones have become a valuable devise for communicating with others. However, there are situations where it can be said that they are being misused. This would include texting whilst driving, receiving or sending calls and accessing face-book/Twitter and instant messaging on whatever social networks. I will make mention of how texting, using face book and using twitter could endanger the life of the driver, animals, passengers and/or other motorist and pedestrians on the road. (Road collisions and fatality). It is so sad that one’s life have to end just like that or turn into a vegetable because of someone else careless mistake and their future dreams are scattered. The use of cell phone while driving should not be allowed to continue unabsorbed in any civilized society where human life is valued at the highest. Laws should not only be enacted but they must be enforced and the punishment shall be such as to deter would be offenders. Therefore they must not only penalties but penalties should be rather serious and fitting the  offence of using a cell phone while driving. Cell phones have been around for over approximately 30years and are now accessible to a range of people; they can be a valuable communication device. However, when used inappropriately, this can lead to road collisions and fatality.

The Effects Of Infrastructural Facilities

The Effects Of Infrastructural Facilities Infrastructure are the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons. Large infrastructure projects generally stimulate demand for nearby real estate .these infrastructural projects usually create abundance of jobs as well as follow on demand for goods and services. They also provide a more effective use and connectivity of the available economic resources and the resulting increase in economy activity from new and more disposable income will in turn typically boost. Economic growth, thats why people will want to purchase or rent residential estate in location within close proximity to major works, Major infrastructure project can take many forms and often include transport, infrastructure improvement such as link roads, railway line extension, new bridges and major freeways. Other projects could be new shopping malls and commercial precincts, new power stations, improve communication facilities industrial areas and business parks, new hospital, school and universities. These can all have an impact property values and demand for residential properties. It is also worthy to note that the quality and quantity of infrastructure available in a given place societies is the yardstick for measuring the general level of development of that area and a major determinants of property development and their respective value trends. The provision or not of these facilities can positively development affect the rate of property development in a given area and this in turn can improve the property value due to the corresponding boost on economics activities achieved through the better accessibility (road) or the higher degree of convenience from the use of these infrastructural facilities. 1.2 Statement of Problem The infrastructure of a city is a major determinant on the demand of houses. One of the major problems affecting housing demand in Lokoja. The poor infrastructure provision in the study area affects the rate of housing Demand in the area, this is because people will only buy or rent houses in areas were the infrastructure provision is sustainably available,this will help to enhance the livability in the community. The poor infrastructure provision in Adankolo is a major determinant on the decrease in the rate of housing demands in the study area. Those who are living in the study area have no choice because they cannot afford the rent in other livable towns . Housing is an enclosed component or structure that has services which support the comfort and existence of human living. These services or facilities are numerous some of which include; kitchen, toilet, refuse disposals, good road networks, electricity, telecommunication and others. Ogedengbe and Oyedele, (2006) carried a research on effects of waste disposal on property values, similarly Robet in his work The Effects of Road Infrastructure on Property Values emphasized more on just road as a facility affecting demandvalues, Whereas many other facilities affect values of residential properties. This now poses a gap between these previous empirical studies hence there is need to reconsider many other facilities as they affect housing demand and housing demand of residential properties. 1.3 Aim and Objectives The aim of this study is to ascertain the effects of infrastructural facilities on housing demand in Lokoja metropolis. OBJECTIVES To identify the various infrastructure available in the study area. To examine the adequacy of infrastructural facilities provision on the residential properties in the study area To recommend possible solution to the problems of housing in the study area. 1.4 Scope of the study This research work intends to determine the effects of infrastructural facilities on housing demand in Lokoja. It is limited to Lokoja metropolis alone with particular emphasis on two areas namely; peace community ganaja village and Adankolo for comparative analysis. 1.5 Justification Although challenges surrounding life and human wants are limited and endless, however these study focuses on the effects of infrastructural facilities on housing demand in Lokoja. And this particular studywill serve as a guide to the following. Urban and regional planners and other allied professionals such as builders, architect, engineers, and others in their various field of activities .for example, these study would give the city managers the ideas of important of infrastructural facilities in there different areas. It serves as a tool to all researchers in the field particularly in the study area.(Lokoja) 1.6 The Study Area Lokoja, Nigeria is located at 7.80236 [latitude in decimal degrees], 6.743 [longitude in decimal degrees] at an elevation/altitude of meters. The average elevation of Lokoja, Nigeria is 55 meters.Lokoja is also a Local Government Area of Kogi State with an area of 3180 km ² and a population of 195,261 at the 2006 census. It is bounded by the Niger in the north and east upstream from the capital until the border with Kwara State, and includes the city of Lokoja. The postal code of the area is 260.The original site of Lokoja, is a 1,349-foot- (411-metre-) high mass of oolitic iron ore. The town has a hydroelectric power generating plant. It is situated on the local highway between Kabba and Ayangbe and has ferry service across the Niger River. Formerly the capital of Kabba province, Lokoja was part of Kwara from 1967 to 1991, when it became the capital of the newly formed state of Kogi. CLIMATE Climate: The site has a tropical climate that comprises of two season namely dry and wet seasons. The wet seasons starts from the month of April and ends in October, while the dry season starts from November and continues till March. The two seasons are affected by the south-westerly winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean and north-easterly winds which come from the Sahara Desert. Another weather phenomenon (micro climate) is associated with the presence of inselbergs. This feature exerts an influence on local weather greater than their size. Rainfall: Rainfall data obtained from the Department of Meteorological Services Lokoja for 25 years (1989- 2005) reveals that the maximum daily rainfall figures of Lokoja town are as follows: Humidity and Temperature: The highest temperatures in the study area always tend to occur at the end of the dry season close to the spring equinox. Thus March has the highest temperature of about 34.5 c, while the lowest temperature occur in the middle of the dry season in December/January, when outgoing radiation is encouraged by low humidity, clear skies and longer nights. The temperature at this time falls as low as 22.8 c. In the dry season there is a decrease in relative humidity from south to north in the study area caused by the higher elevation in the north. In the rainy season, this variation disappears and associated with the high relative humidity is an extensive cloud cover over the region. ECONOMY Agriculture is main stay in Lokoja area economy, various crops are widely grown in the area which includes; coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cashews, groundnuts, maize, cassava, yam, rice and melon.The state is home to the largest iron and steel industry in Nigeria known as Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. One of the largest cement factories in Africa, the Obajana Cement Factory . MAP OF NIGERIA DEPICTING STUDY AREA Limitation of the Study The major problem in the field of study is language barrier and through these, the researcher that did not understand their language (respondents) will find it difficult to express his mind freely to those that did not understand English language which is the general language in Nigeria, among the respondents. Another problem is illiteracy among the respondents; because some of the respondent finds it difficult to fill questionnaire which is the main information needed from them for the completion of the project. Lastly regardless of these limitations, data collected are sufficient enough to reach the research objectives. 1.8 Definition of Terms Infrastructures It can be generally defined as the set of interconnected structural elements that provide framework supporting an entire structure of development The term typically refers to the technical structures that support a society, such as roads, bridges, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunications, and so forth, and can be defined as the physical components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to enable, sustain, or enhance societal living conditions The terms housing demand and housing needs are often confused. There are Some key differences between housing demand and housing needs that must beclarified. The meaning assigned to both terms is erroneously similar in manydocuments. The following statement is extracted from the study of housing- Demand models published by the Housing Branch in Hong Kong which asserts that: Housing needs Housing needs is defined as the number of existing ornew households requiring adequate housing. Anadequately housed household is one that lives in selfcontained living quarters made of permanent material.(Liu, Wu, et al. 1996) They also proffer a workable definition of housing demand, viz: Housing demand Housing demand is defined as the number of householdsactually seeking accommodation. In the public sector,demand is assumed to be equal to housing needs. In theprivate sector, demand is constrained by affordability. Facility may refer to: An installation, contrivance, or other things which facilitates something; a place for doing something: Literature Review Infrastructure has been variously defined, according to William Merish and Catherine Brown described infrastructure as the systematic framework which underpins a communitys ability to fulfill its mission of providing a basis of its citizen to productive and to nurture social equity.Omuojine(1997) described it as the stock of fixed capital assets in a country for example Road, railways, Airports, Hospitals, Waterway, power stations, water works, and telecommunication network. It serves as slender threads that weaves together human want and value with those of the environment.Literally, it refers to fixed facilities or installation traditionally provided by public sector. Omuojine (1997) classified it as followed. Transportation including road, railway, airports, seaports and water way. Water supply including water works and Dams Electricity including power stations Telecommunication including postal, telephone, telex, fax, mile services. Health including Hospital, maternity home, and health centers. Sanitation and solid waste disposal. Drainage and Embankments. Infrastructures have certain characteristics viz. Requires large lump sum investment. Entails considerable economic of scale which results in monopolies. Has a high level of externalities both positives and negatives. Intermediate input characteristics. Possess important networks effects. Posses difficulties in cost recovery. While these characteristics have generally remained true, the exact character trait will depends on whether it is urban, rural or inter rural. Infrastructure or trunk and feeder type of fixed/ moving facilities, or the operator of the facility i.e. Whether public or private, central/ state, local Government agencies. Infrastructures include the aggregate of all facilities that enables a society to function effectively, by providing the physical facilities, which moves people, goods, commodities, water, waste, Electricity, road, sewerage and information infrastructure provides an enabling environment for growth and enhanced quality of life.PojuOnibokun (1985) infrastructure is therefore; universally regarded as the engine that drives the city. The linkage between the economy activities and infrastructure continue to grow stronger and more critical as an economic activity becomes increasingly more complicated and global in scope. Lawal (1997). Through the provision of urban infrastruct ure is tradition all the presence of government, the growing difficulties and limitation of public finance and the reality of the wide gap between the demand and supply of infrastructures services with all its pervasive effect inevitably compel urban authorities to look to the private sector and community. Based organization (cbos) for partnership. Babawale (2004) infrastructure is generally poor in developing countries. Although it differs widely among countries and sectors. In Nigeria for instance most households and private companies get electricity form private generating sets because of power holding of Nigeria unreliability. This imposed extra cost on companies and environmental effects on neighbors. There is no water supply in most cities and therefore no waste disposal system. HOUSING DEMAND Housing demand is defined as the housing need people backed up with the purchasing power or the ability and willingness to pay. According to You (1993). As quoted in Olufemi(1993), housing demand could be expressed in term of purchasing power, a function of income, family size, location and tradition etc. Housing demand is different from need. It is only when the need (desire) is backed up with price or rent that we talk of effective demand.According to Robinson (1979), there are three main component of housing demand and these are. From new households, demand from movers between tenure group and demand from existing household within a particular tenure groups. The author also noted that renting is an important feature of demand. This is because the majority of household who could not build or purchase their own home often result to renting. Demand for housing differs from place to place across the socio- economic groups. For instant demand in the city differs from that of the rural areas. Demand also differs among high, medium, and low income groups. Housing demand also changes with time and with social and economic situations. In Nigeria for instance there is a noticeable change in the demand for different type of units. As income and building technology changes. There has been gradually change from the demand for row housing or face to face tenement to more modern housing types such as self contain and flats apartment as well as duplexes. Generally,housing market or sub market of the low income group demonstrates a great diversity of demand, which result from two major factors (UNCHS, 1996) first is there disposal income and the second is how much they are prepared to spend on housing. The amount of money they are willing to spend on housing is in turn determined by the type of accommodation available, the location, s ize, and quality of the houses in terms of infrastructure and services available, and the level of security offered. The demand for housing is a reflection of the ability of household to pay for them. Thus, an examination of households, income and prices of housing unit provides a basis for accessing housing demand, an assessment of the housing demand situation in Nigeria by the UNCHS (1993) reveals that the different income groups are confined to different options. Generally, the poor economic situation in Nigeria during and in the post. Structure adjustment program (SAP) period has affected the purchasing power of the majority. Although household income have risen, in numerical terms, by a factor of about five since 1987, the purchasing power has declined by a factor of about eight(UNCHS,1993). It is therefore observed that the household income of the lowest income group are too low to allow them to exercise any effective demand for formal housing in the open market consequently, majority of the low income household cannot afford any form of formal housing without subsidy. Thus they resort to sur vival outside the formal housing market. For this group the UNCHS (1993) observed that. the present 20% of the household do not earn enough to participate in formal housing market in the urban area. They resort to various informal housing arrangements for themselves. This arrangement includes the setting -up of shanty dwellings of their own on land belonging to them(squatting), renting shanty dwelling, colonization of uncompleted multiples storey buildings, occupation of vacant spaces in public buildings at night,etc. BASIC CONCEPT OF HOUSING. Housing is an empirical word as Salau (1990) has written The confusion of given an exact meaning of definition to housing is perhaps due to the multi-dimensional nature of housing itself Agboola (1998) stated that Housing involves series of processes by which resources such as land, labour, finance and building materials are combine to produce new housing. It involves also the upgrading of existing housing to the demanders .He explained further that housing particular delivery system encompasses the process that allocates housing unit to households in particular country and that housing delivery is stimulated and sustained by the demand and supply mechanism this of course,means that in a free market economy like Nigeria, the forces of demand and supply for housing stock, may determine what stocks come into the housing delivery market and who among the demander get what from the market?. According to Baurue (1981), Housing is the provision of all forms of infrastructures for a conducive living environment whereas habitable and standard houses bythe residential or commercial or any other forms of building properly arranged in a statutorily planned area meeting all the forms of planning rules and ordinances in housings.World health Organization (WHO). Defined housing as a residential environment which includes in addition to the physical structures. The main uses for shelter, all necessary services, facilities, equipment and devices needed or desire for physical or social wellbeing of the family and individuals. Ayeni(1984) defines housing as not only referring to the shelter provided by the structure but also the lot on which the shelter stands and the services provided to the lots such as waterand energy supply, waste disposal, drainage, fire and police protection and kick lighter (1986)defined the term housing in its entire ramification to refer to more than just a dwelling but also included all that is within and surrounds thedwelling. Salau(1990) transcends the physical dimensions of shelter and include the general environment within which the structure is located and the availability of essentialsocial services and infrastructural facilities, which ultimately ensure the satisfaction of the population. National housing policy (1991), housing forms an important part of peoples life and it is rather inseparable from them as it provides the users of occupiers shelters, security, privacy, prestige and a means of self-expression. It is a basic need as everyone requires a shelter, which for most people means a home that, is a permanent base in which the greater part of time is spent. Ozo (1987), asserted that a house must be a home;that is , a resting place in which to try to fulfill the fundamental purpose of human society,namely a secure , rewarding, happy or atleast a reliable life.to the individual family,a house as both a shelter and symbols of physical protection and psychological identity of economic valueand a foundation for security and self respect.Olotuali (1997) stated that housing provides the framework of meeting mans need for shelterand it is all encompassing phenomenon of the creation of the environment, in which man grows and lives and grows.Bourne (1981)summed housing up as a physical entity, a good artifact, an economic good, a capital stockand a statue symbol all at once.Madge(1968) assorted that housing is an important element in all capital formation and the largest single component in total building of any nation. According to Omole(2001), housing is more than a mere shelter in its proper definition , housing can be defined as a residential environment which man uses for shelter and the environment of the structure needed or design for his physical and mental health as well as the social being. Ozo (1987), a house is certainly the bulkiest, the most difficult to move and most durable consumer good. In view of the enormous resources requiredin acquiring housing (since it can hardly be purchase out of ones income in less developed countries). It is true measure of the social- economic statues of a society. Looking at the definitions above .therefore a good housing or shelter development of a group of people and a nation at large. A well determined settlement equally determined the productivity and consumption ration as well as economic, moral and welfare terms of the people or nation. THE NIGERIAN HOUSING MARKET The Nigerian housing market is highly untapped and undeveloped despite lot of opportunities that abound in the sector (Akeju 2007). This is basically due to many reasons amongst which includes. Lack of finance Government policy Lack of infrastructural development High level of poverty. There is continuous increase in the average price of house due to increase in cost of building materials and inflation in the economy. This has highly contributed to the upward trend in the house trend in the house price which has significantly affected the number of unit of houses constructed annually. The Government efforts at addressing the problem have not been successful due to its unsustainable approach of providing houses to the people, the houses are grossly inadequate and unaffordable by the larger proportion of the masses for which they are meant for. There are efforts by the private individuals to help in alleviating these housing problems. The bulk of the housing problems is prevalent in urban cities, but there are lot of un occupied and dilapidated houses in the rural areas to urban centers for greener pastures. Most individual that are involved in property development build for their own uses or are home owners, while the few ones involves in building for commercial purposes, build shops and space to let for offices because if the high rental income accruing from such commercial properties. The residential developments in most cases are illegal, informal and untitled. This is due to long, undue delay to title registration and laxity in enforcing development control regulations by the official of the urban and regional planning department (Fasakin and Ogunmakin 2006). Private sectors contribution toward alleviating this housing problems has been I the form of individual efforts, cooperative societies or association, corporate bodies, estate agents, nongovernmental organization / charity organization and foreign investors, their contributions toward alleviating housing problems in Nigeria are briefly discussed below. INDIVIDUALS This represent the greatest source of contribution from the private sector in most urban centers where the housing problem is very prevalent , a greater proportion of the population dwells in residential houses built by private individuals. These individual financed the project through their personal savings, borrowing from family, friends and lenders or cooperative movements. It can be categorically stated that number of housing unit built by individual have been very substantial when compared with other source of constructing houses. (2) COOPERATIVE BODIES The idea of cooperatives housing have started long time ago when individual planning to own a house seek help from relative, in town, neighbors and friends (Wahab 1988). This concept has been successfully tested and certified in countries like Italy, United Kingdom, Zambia, Sweden and Philippines (Daramola, 2006). It is suited to meet the need of low income earner who constitutes the vast majority of Nigerians. The member of the cooperative are able to enjoy housing loan for the construction of their own housing unit. (3) CORPORATE BODIES. The federal government of Nigeria has realized that they cannot solve the housing problem alone. Has involved the cooperate bodies to contributes their own goals towards the achieving the objectives of housing for all. It was evident that most of the companies have totally neglect for housing needs of their workers. These consequently made the Government come to the rescue of the workers. These consequently made the Government come to the rescue of the workers through the promulgation of employee housing scheme (special provision). Decree 54 of 1979, thus compelling any employer of 500 employees to provide minimum housing of 50 units of which 75% should available for non-executive staff. (4) ESTATE DEVELOPER / AGENTS The private developer or estate agents activities were concentrated in Lagos in 1990 and they play significant roles in the development of the Nigeria housing market (Efin. A and Finmark trust,2010), they ensure adequate shelter is provided to meet the demand of the increasing number of people having housing need. They often employ various finance techniques such as turnkey, pre-letting and joint finance to construct housing unit for the people (Nubi 2000). (5) NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION. In recent year there is increasing trends by non-governmental organization and voluntary organization such as religion bodies to contribute their own effort at addressing the housing problems faced by the people in both rural and urban cities. They assist resetting displaced people having housing problem as a result of natural disaster like war, flood, famine, earthquakes, and etc. (6) FOREIGN PARTNERS / INVESTORS. The government through its various development policies has attempted to encourage foreign investors in the housing market. This is usually in the form of foreign partnership with the local estate developers.These provided more capital base for the estate company, thus making them to be involved in large capital based project. The company are usually handling Government housing project which are capital intensive and required more technical expertise and knowledge. THE ECONOMICS OF HOUSING Housing as a product is regarded as a commodity with an exchange value, according to Angel et.al (1992), housing is viewed as a commodity with an exchange value rather than as goods to be produced and allocated outside the market place. Hence the housing sector is composed as a vast set of exchange relations, driven by supply and demand forces which permit all part of the sector despite the existence of apparently distinctive sub markets. (Agunbiade 1993). The units in the standing stock to be traded in the market have a contribution of attributes and qualities, which determines their selling prices. Such attributes include age and durability of structures, total floor space, structural design and internal layout, location accessibility, ancillary services present, security, aesthetics and the general environmental condition. These attributes distinguish one unit from the other. Thus the structural condition of units and the flow of services they yield determine the value of housing unit in the market. According to Robinson (1979) there are two measure of value in the housing market, these are rent and price. Rent is the payment made for a flow of housing services received over a specific period of time while price is the capital value associated with a particular unit of stockin the ordinary sense, we could argue that the value of housing unit (V) is equalto its price (P) i.e. V = P . However in some cases, the different between the exchange value and the actual value is refers to as subsidy, which is often, paid by Government or corporate bodies to their employees. Thus, subsidy could be regarded as a distortion to the actual market determined price or rent of a housing unit. Housing need, supply and housing price in an economy involved complex processes that are influenced by social and economic force. The understanding of the nature and attributes of the demand and supply of housing is therefore important in any housing study. However, before we address the issue of need, demand, supply and price. It is ideal to consider the characteristics of housing as a product 2.5 ROLE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES ON DEVELOPMENT Ratchiffe (1995) classical rent theory conceptualizes that general improvement in access routes (Roads) have positive effect on the areas land values; Boyce and Allen (1974) in Denver studied the impact of accessibility and amenities on property values. They selected several study areas then applied six (6) criteria encompassing accessibility, amenities and property characteristics and used regression analysis to investigate 24,082 property transactions. They identified a positive impact of infrastructural facilities on property values. Stopper and Meybury (1971) claimed that the relevance of transportations facilities in influencing urban growth and development is reflected in most North. American and Europeans town which shows a growth pattern derived largely from transactional routes. Abouchar (1977) investigated the impact of a subway on property value on Toronto, he studies the metropolitan Toronto subway system through on analysis of the operations of welfare criteria with the basic objective of distinguishing the impact of the subway on property value (demand and price) by looking at year to year relative percentage changes in property values in and out of the subway corridor. However, his analysis concluded that the subway had no effect on the property value in the subway area. The validity of findings and conclusion are questionable as the study did not fulfill the requirement of a before and after approach because the analysis of the property market was concluded in 1992 the date the subway began its operation. Abdulateef (1997) observed a positive impact of road transportation and communication on land use development and property values, the provision of infrastructural facilities in any socio economic unit whether a nation, region or community could have either a positive or negative impact on property value. For instance, the provision of an incinerator in a residential district will have a negative effect on the value of the properties in that area while the provision of infrastructural facilities like good roads network, water and electricity supply, drainage system, good refuse collection treatment and disposal system etc enhances values to unpre cedented level just as the inadequacy or lack or these facilities adversely affect value as a paradox. 2.6 IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES MANAGEMENT AGENCIES IN NIGERIA The prominent public agencies for the provision and management of the infrastructural facilities in Nigeria are: Power holding company of Nigeria Plc. In charge of electricity generation, distribution and supply to consumers (PHCN) Nigeria telecommunications limited (NITEL) State water corporation State waste management boards Federal road maintenance agencies (FEMA) Nigerian communications commission (NCC) Federal air