Self Esteem And Body Among Students Studying At...

To Study Self- Esteem and Body -Esteem among Students studying in Professional and Non-Professional courses Dr. Nadeem Luqman and Supriya Srivastava Self-esteem reflects a persons overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Psychologists usually regard self-esteem as an enduring personality characteristics, it has become the third most frequently occurring theme in psychological literature. Self-esteem has been defined as the â€Å"level of global regard one has for self†(Harter,1993), or how well a person â€Å"prizes, value, approves, or likes† him or herself (Blascovish Tomaka,1991),Self-esteem is all about how much people value them, the pride they feel in themselves, and how worth while they feel. Self-esteem is all about how much people value them, the pride they feel in themselves, it is important because feeling good about yourself can affect how you act. Similarly, body image reflects how close a person’s actual shape is to their ideal shape (Furnham, Badim, Snead, 2002), body-esteem refers to the similarity between actual and perceived ideal body shape. Everyone has body-esteem and it has strong emotional overtones based on his experience in life. Body-esteem is a multidimensional self-attitude toward one’s body, particularly its size, shape and aesthetics. It refers to person’s evaluations and affective experiences regardingShow MoreRelatedImpact Of Curricular Activities On Employment Opportunities1746 Words   |  7 Pagesactivities. Additionally, examining how the marketing sector has changed over the last 5 years in comparison to the recession. LABOUR MARKET The Office of National Statistics (ONS) (Oct 2015) shows how the labour market has recognized the interaction among workers and employees; additionally employers are looking to hire the best candidates who compete for the best job satisfaction. The current employment rate is at 73.6%, which indicates employers are considering recruiting candidates who have set skillsRead MoreStatement of Purpose23848 Words   |  96 Pages..................................... 8 I. Social Sciences ........................................................................................................................ 8 Education: Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL)—non-native English Speaker .................................................................................................................................... 8 Environmental Studies ....................................................................Read MoreEmotional Contagion And Its Effects3090 Words   |   13 PagesIntroduction Social influence has intrigued many psychologists since the 1940’s. However, there has been a lack of interest in studying emotional contagion, and therefore, has not received adequate defining, lacks significant empirical research, and theoretical models explaining emotional contagion are dearth. Emotional contagion is defined by Sullins (1991) as, â€Å"The process by which individuals seem to ‘catch’ the mood of others around them.† This definition lacks clarity in what is happening onRead MoreCert Ed Module 5 Curriculum Design for Inclusive Practice Essay2154 Words   |  9 Pages There are numerous definitions of curriculum, and the concept has evolved over the years, influenced by the political, economic and social environment at the time. It has its origins in the running/chariot tracks of Greece. It was, literally, a course. In Latin curriculum was a racing chariot; currere was to run. A useful starting point for us here might be the definition of fered by John Kerr and taken up by Vic Kelly in his standard work on the subject. Kerr 9quoted in Kelly 1883,10) defines curriculumRead MoreComputer Engineering Ethics4002 Words   |  17 Pages2.1 Learning Outcomes At the end of this class the course participant should be able to: ï‚ · Identify some contributors to social and professional issues and relate their achievements to the knowledge area ï‚ · Contrast between ethical and legal issues ï‚ · Contrast between a patent, a trademark, and a copyright ï‚ · Identify some ways of credentialing a person to practice computer engineering ï‚ · Describe issues that contrast risk issues with safety issues ï‚ · Identify some issues in computer engineeringRead MoreEFFECT OF PEER PRESSURE OF STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL5933 Words   |  24 Pagespressure may or may not want to belong to these groups. They may also recognize dissociative groups with which they would not wish to associate, and thus they behave adversely concerning that groups behaviors. (Kellie B. Gormly, Peer Pressure -- for students and adults -- can be positive, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 18, 2013.) Peer pressure exists for all ages. Three-year-old Timmy insists that his mother take him to the store right away and buy him the latest fad toy because his friends have itRead MoreHigh School Student Essay20272 Words   |  82 PagesStudents Chapter 3 Learner Diversity: Differences in Today’s Students Chapter 4 Changes in American Society: Their Influences on Today’s Schools ISBN: 0-536-29980-3 Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, Second Edition, by Donald Kauchak and Paul Eggen Published by Prentice-Hall/Merrill. Copyright  © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN: 0-536-29980-3 Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, Second Edition, by Donald Kauchak and Paul Eggen Published by Prentice-Hall/MerrillRead MoreEffect of laziness to academic performance5596 Words   |  23 Pagesmanagement can result from the lack of knowledge the teachers have about the effect of their voice in their pupils. A voice and body that appeared uncontrolled can often lead to uninvited chatter and ‘irritating misbehavior’. The aim of this study is to perform voice evaluation in teachers with or without voice symptoms, vocal qualities, and the reaction of the students towards the clarity of the teachers’ voice. To our teachers, voice is a useful tool and it must be healthy and sustainable throughoutRead MoreEarly Marriage4549 Words   |  19 Pagessocial and cultural institution and as the most common milieu for bearing and rearing children, profoundly shapes sexual behaviours and practices. It is undeniable that early marriage is a controversial yet h ot topic that gets the attention of the professionals across many fields such as economy, psychology and sociology. The age at first marriage variegates across the globe. Being married before the age of 18 has been a social norm in third world countries [refer to Appendix A]. The percentage of womenRead MorePsychosocial Factors as Determinants of Students’ Achievement in Senior Secondary School Mathematics12067 Words   |  49 PagesDETERMINANTS OF STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS BY Adekoya Emmanuel Olusegun Abstract This study investigated the influence of psychosocial factors on the achievement secondary school students in mathematics. The variables that were addressed include test anxiety, locus of control, self concept, motivation, study habit and peer influence. The population for the study included all Senior Secondary School 2 (SSS 2) students in Ogun State. Two hundred (200) SS 2 students were

Nuclear Weapons And The Atomic Bomb Project - 1394 Words

A nuclear weapon is one that possess enormous destruction power derived from nuclear fission which is either a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay that eventually lead to a massive release of a large amount of energy. Throughout history many nuclear weapons have been developed and used. Over time a simple scientific discovery has manifested itself into a massive and destructive yet very important piece of history that has greatly affected the world today. The thought to start using the powers of nuclear reaction to create nuclear weapons began during the 1930’s when the United States, United Kingdom and Canada came together during World War II. They were using and piecing together new scientific understandings to being working on a way to counteract the alleged German atomic bomb project, this plan was known as the Manhattan Project. The Nuclear Weapon Archive states: â€Å"Despite its official founding in August, the Manhattan Project really began on September 17, 1942 when Col. Leslie Richard Groves was notified at 10:30 a.m. by Gen. Brehon Somervell that his assignment overseas had been cancelled. Groves, an experienced manager who had just overseen the colossal construction of the Pentagon, seized immediate and decisive control. In just two days he resolved issues that had dragged on for months under Compton. On September 18 Groves ordered the purchase of 1250 tons of high quality Belgian Congo uranium ore stored on Staten Island, and the next day purchased 52000Show MoreRelatedThe Manhattan Project Essay example1381 Words   |  6 Pagesthreatening to build an atomic weapon, created a secret project to develop the technology first. Under the codename, the Manhattan Project, leading scientists carried out top secret research on fission and the technology needed to create the first atomic bomb. The immediate impact of the Manhattan Project wa s the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan, ending the war in the Pacific. However, more important influences of this project can be seen following the detonation of the first bombs. The emergence ofRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb1094 Words   |  5 PagesThere are many scientists and nations that can be accredited to helping create the atomic bomb. The idea of the atomic bomb with atoms and fission was not conceived overnight. The scientist from Ernest Rutherford who is from New Zealand to German, British, Japanese, and other scientist from across the globe all contributed to nuclear physics and research on the atom. Most who worked on the famous Manhattan Project were from other countries. The Republic of science was not an actual institution butRead MoreNuclear Weapons And The World War II1145 Words   |  5 PagesNuclear weapons were a crucial aspect throughout the history of the Cold War. Scientific and military development in the early 20th Century had demonstrated the potentia l of atoms and other properties to create large-scale nuclear weapons. The developments of the arms race within the context of World War I and World War II further led to the emergence of nuclear weapons for combat. Countries such as the United States, USSR, and Britain also sought to create effective nuclear weapons. SubsequentlyRead MoreNuclear Warfare Is The Use Of Nuclear Weapons As A Military1204 Words   |  5 PagesNuclear warfare is the use of nuclear weapons as a military strategy against enemies. Nuclear weapons or atomic weapons are bombs or missiles that use nuclear energy to explode and are considered the most powerful and destructive weapon ever created. The U.S. was the first country to build an atomic bomb in 1945 after Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President Roosevelt, concerned about efforts in Nazi Germany to purify uranium-235 and create an atomic bomb. For this reason, the U.S. began The ManhattanRead More Atomic Bomb Essay1536 Words   |  7 Pagesthe fir st Atomic Bomb in history was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Soon after, on August 14, 1945, the Japanese abruptly surrendered, abandoning their ancient customs regarding honor in war. The fact that only two bombs were able to bring an entire country to its knees is a true testament to the awesome power they held. There is nothing in modern warfare that can compete with the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;AtRead MoreUSSR Will Get a Bomb, It Just Matters if US Can Hold Them Off1498 Words   |  6 Pagesget a bomb, it just matters if US can hold tehm off Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) should have shared limited information on the Manhattan Project with the Soviet Union (USSR) in order to bolster the integrity of their momentary coalition, promote international scientific collaboration, as well as prevent the eventual possibility of a nuclear armaments race. By the end of WWII Soviets spies had so deeply infiltrated the Manhattan Project that the possibility of keeping atomic weapons underRead MoreThe Manhattan Project During World War II1563 Words   |  7 PagesManhattan Project The Manhattan Project started during World War II in 1940. The war was between the two opposite military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Many new weapons were manufactured during this war era. Two of these weapons happen to be â€Å"Little Boy† and â€Å"Fat Man.† These two weapons are nuclear atomic bombs, and they also ended World War II. The Manhattan Project was responsible in manufacturing these weapons. Therefore, the United States (U.S.) benefited from the Manhattan Project by usingRead More Nuclear Power: Is it necessary? Essay993 Words   |  4 Pages Nuclear Power: Is it Necessary? In its attempts to harness the power of the atom, mankind has itself in the possession of weapons with unbelievable, destructive power. Nations now have the ability to destroy entire cities from hundreds of miles away, in only minutes. These weapons are nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons cost the citizens of the United States billions of dollars in taxes each year, the testing and maintenance of these weapons pose serious health risks, and the actual need for theseRead More2017. Nuclear Weapons: A Very Short Introduction Review.1644 Words   |  7 Pages2017 Nuclear Weapons: A Very Short Introduction Review The first use of nuclear weaponry in warfare occurred on the morning of August 6, 1945 when the United States dropped the atomic bomb known as â€Å"Little Boy† on Hiroshima, Japan. The result was devastating, demonstrating the true power of nuclear warfare. Since the incident, the world has been left fearing the possible calamity of another nuclear war. Joseph Siracusa’s Nuclear Weapons: A Very Short Introduction explains aspects of nuclear weaponryRead MoreNuclear Weapons And Its Impact On The World1702 Words   |  7 Pagestechnology and nation destroying weapons were not far off. With the threat of the Germans creating Wonder Weapons which could win them the war and the world we enlisted the help of defected German scientists and Americas greatest minds scientifically and military alike. With the fear of losing hundreds of thousands of troops in japan we used the first atomic bombs setting a new world standard for warfare and changing the way our nation was viewed . The deadly effects this weapon would cause shook the world

Online Test For Cognitive Or Intelligence Tests Essay Sample free essay sample

Online trials for cognitive or mental betterment intents are really made to assist analyse a person’s behavioural capablenesss and restrictions as an person. Likely. the said trials are created to do appraisals on a person’s existent behaviour. With the presented trial in the undermentioned site [ hypertext transfer protocol: //www. essaywriters. net/sys/index. php? rate=20 A ; order=143033 ] . intelligence and emotional stableness are viewed as primary affairs of felicity among human persons today. Intelligibly. this peculiar affair is observed as a major portion with which people are able to estimate how much they are supposed to cover with the different state of affairss that they are confronting in their lives. Harmonizing to the article authored by Adrian Furnham entitled â€Å"TRAIT EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND HAPPINESS† . personality and societal apprehension as to how it really relates to the determinations and the reactions of the people has a strong connexion that links them together as primary identifiers of why and how people are supposed to be happy with their lives. We will write a custom essay sample on Online Test For Cognitive Or Intelligence Tests Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Their emotional being is likely a factor that needs to be considered in footings of their being able to confront their life victoriously with happiness even though they are confronting different problems. Consequently. the connexion between emotional intelligence and felicity is strongly pictured through the consequences of such on-line trials as mentioned within the preliminary treatment presented above. Surely. placing human capablenesss through such trials had been probably connoted as an effectual manner to understand human behaviour. It could be observed that such trials were besides utilised to see how much a individual is really able to manage the different problems that he is faced with in his life. His apprehension of himself appears to be one of the most of import issues that is considered faithfully strong in footings of one covering with his ain personal issues that related to his relationship to the society as an person. Mention: Furnham. Adrian. Social Behavior and Personality. 2003. TRAIT EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND HAPPINESS. hypertext transfer protocol: //findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_200301/ai_n9209294. ( February 29. 2008 ) . Online Cognitive Psychology Test ( Thinking Quiz ) . hypertext transfer protocol: //www. helpself. com/thinker. htm. ( February 29. 2008 ) .

The Parable of the Sadhu

The story revolves around the extent to which a group can bear responsibility over individual’s welfare and well-being. It also raises ethical questions relating to an individual and the ethics of an organization. The case study is a narration of Bowen McCoy story on an expedition to hike the highest mountain in the world, The Himalayas. McCoy spends substantial amount of time hiking the mountain that cross cuts the plains of Nepal.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Parable of the Sadhu specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As the journey continued to be challenging, he meets an Indian cleric considered holy by the citizenry. His name is Sadhu. The holy many had insufficient clothing to cover him from the whims of extreme cold and he was struggling to survive. Noticing the needs of Sadhu, McCoy and his fellow hikers provides him with clothing to keep him from the adverse effect of the cold. They also give him food and some warm drinks to gain the lost warmth (Ciulla, 2003). Filled with empathy, members of the group volunteered to take the holy man down the mountain to a nearby village. Nonetheless, they leave him and continue with their expedition up the mountain. They rationalized their action by saying that the man would distract their focus and objective of ascending to the peak of the mountain. McCoy admits that he did not know what had happened to Sadhu raising the moral question of how individuals should act in dilemma typical of genuine ethical issue (Ciulla, 2003). As such, the case study responds to the questions about addressing ethical dilemmas and crises. He recognizes that if the group had gone down the slopes, they could have shifted their focus from the organizational objectives. Can an individual therefore act in a way that contravenes the objectives of an organization when responding to ethical dilemma? Should individual ethics reflect the ethics held by an organization ? Ciulla (2003) asserts that the parable of Sadhu provides insights on how to deal with ethical dilemmas when caught between organizational and personal morals. Power is the ability to influence others to increase the chances of achievement of specific goals. Besides, power reflects control and access to resources and gives those who wield power an upper hand over the rest of the population. It is therefore imperative to notice that nature of power is in itself an indication of self-interests. Humans use power as a means to attain their self-goals and objectives. As indicated by Machiavelli, human beings are in endless competition to fulfill their urge for power, as a means to their ends. Since human beings struggle for power, many ethical issues emerge regarding the use of power and means through which people acquire power. While we consider that power allows the control of resources and access to other aspects of life, power clashes with ethics as it belittle the struggles of subj ects of power.Advertising Looking for essay on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Plato’s story about the â€Å"ring of Gyges† illuminates on the human need to acquire power and act, as they would wish. Despite calls to act in a just way, human natural instincts dictate that they act in the way that best fulfills their desires. Upon finding the invincible ring, Annas (1981) says that Gyges who was priory a humble servant acts contrary to the expectations of the people by conspiring with the queen to kill the king for him to ascend to the throne. Hence, human beings act in just ways only when they have no power. This is the only way that justice is possible. In the same way, human nature according Machiavelli is short, brutal and nasty and as such, people will act to make the best out of it. Competition fills human nature and thus, it is only within the context of law that people can control their egoistic ne eds and act nobly. Centralization of power is therefore the best way to avoid acts of impunity and misdeeds since if every individual was powerful, the world would be lawless as people attempt to outdo each other and control them (Ciulla, 2003). In lieu of the fact that all actions by human beings reflect self-interests, it is imperative for leaders to act within the framework of their respective organizations (Ciulla, 2003). Ciulla (2003) says that leaders are bound by organizational ethics that control their character and conduct. As such, leaders act in line with the objectives of an organization as opposed to self-interests. Nonetheless, when outside the context of the organizations, self-interests prevail making the ‘Republic’ to control human beings through law. References Annas, J. (1981). An introduction to Plato’s Republic. Oxford: Clarendon Press Ciulla, B. (2003).The Ethics of Leadership. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Thompson-Wadsworth Publishers. This essay on The Parable of the Sadhu was written and submitted by user MaryJaneWatson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Remebering Essay of First Bike Ride free essay sample

Looking back on those days when I use to sit inside my house while everyone else was outside playing on their bikes, skateboards, rollerblading, I was so jealous that It wasn’t me on the skateboard or the bike; although there came one day that it was me on the bike. I was helping out my pastor at the church on a Saturday and he decided to let me and the rest of the guys come over to his house when we were through. When we got there the pastor’s son Josh was asking us if we all wanted to go outside? So everyone agreed including me, but what he forgot to mention is that we would be riding bikes. So I wouldn’t look stupid I spoke up and said: â€Å"Um Josh I don’t know how to ride a bike. † As I stood there with a mortified look on my face waiting for him to laugh at me but instead Josh said: â€Å"For real? Well I guess we can teach it really quick? † I was shocked because He was the better person who didn’t laugh at me although my other friends were looking at me apprehensively. We will write a custom essay sample on Remebering Essay of First Bike Ride or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Josh then stepped back into the garage and pulled out a bike and I had begun to feel nervous and scared. It was the feeling I got when I first rode a rollercoaster my stomach began to get butterflies inside and I wasn’t relaxed at all. Josh began to speak and said: â€Å"Before three o’ clock today, I will teach how to ride a bike without anyone’s help†. With him telling me that it boosted my confidence level up by a little amount. Now after him telling me this he began the bike riding lesson. â€Å" Louis the first thing to learn about riding a bike is balance, so put both feet on the pedal while I push† I felt like a little kid but I was most afraid of the other guys laughing at me while he was teaching. Then when I looked around I noticed that the only people around was Josh, his older sister, and myself. Whenever riding a bike this is the speed it usually is, but on a hill that’s when bike riding is fun! † Josh said. As I was riding the bike it was like I was taking my first baby steps to being able to walk. Although I couldn’t do it by myself I felt as If I have accomplished something for today. It was great! † As I was riding the bike and peddling it began to get to difficult. I was two blocks away from where I started at. So Josh finally notices how far I have gone and yells: â€Å"Louis stop! † I then yelled: â€Å"I don’t know how! Josh how do I stop? †, â€Å"he said: â€Å"Louis use the hand brakes! I had no clue what that was and where it was until a light hinted in my head and told me that it was on handles. I then I pressed it lightly and noticed I began to slow down, but what I didn’t see is that I was running into a tree. So I shifted the direction in less that two seconds and avoided the front of my body from being injured. I was then happy because I didn’t break a single bone in my body and nothing hurt. Shortly I look at my leg and see that I have scraped the back end of my leg from the tree. Right when I began to notice this scratch is when everything began to start hurting. As I hurried back to the house, I noticed that the rest of the guys were playing basketball, so instead I just went inside and asked Mr. Callahan if he had any band aids anywhere, which he did. So I went into the restroom, washed the cut off with water, and then carefully placed it onto the cut. I was very upset that I couldn’t engage in the activity with the rest of the guys, but I did learn something from all of this. People make mistakes, and the purpose of them is to learn from them in life. Because when it comes right down to it, no one is perfect; it is how we are different which is what makes life fascinating.

Marie Antoinette essays

Marie Antoinette essays Marie Antoinette was immature, brazenly self-indulgent, impetuous and wholly unprepared for the role history cast for her. Her sad attempts to consummate her marriage read like bedroom farce, and she did little to quell the rumors of her increasingly dangerous liaisons. Bolstered by the staged receptions that she mistook for papular approval, she was out of touch with the nations economic troubles, the social and political climate of prorevolutionary France, and eventually retreated from both her husband and the public behind a wall of courtiers and into a world of opulent fantasy ( Lever 6). On November the second of 1755, the Empress Maria Theresa gave birth to her fifteen child, a daughter named Maria Antonia. Austria was at the time enjoying a brief period of prosperity and peace, but the chastening celebration was shadowed by the terrible earthquake which devastated three quarters of the town of Lisbon and prevented Maria Antonias godfather, the King of Portugal, from attending the ceremony. In later years the tragedy of Lisbon was often referred to as the first portent of disaster in a life which began under the happiest of auspieces in the midst of a loving and united family (Haslip 10). As Maria Theresas youngest daughter with seven older sisters to be married off before her, Maria Antonia seemed destined to a quiet, uneventful life as the wife of one of the innumerable Wittelsbach or Hapsburg cousins. But typhus and smallpox, hose two fatal diseases of the eighteen century, carried off two of her sisters within a year, leaving a third, the most beautiful of all, as an invalid. By 1767, when Maria Antonia was twelve years old, she had become a candidate for the richest matrimonial prize in Europe, to be offered to the grandson of the King of France ( Haslip 13). Ten years had gone since the Westminster Convention signed between England and Prussia had caused a diplomatic revolution, changing the ...

In what way would winning the CA, state lottery ticket makes you bad Essay

In what way would winning the CA, state lottery ticket makes you bad - Essay Example But the responsibility of dealing with a lot of money can be as stressful as managing little. This is even harder for a person who is suddenly find themselves plunged from modest financial ground to extreme wealth. Just to show how hard it can to deal with a lot of money, consider the advice given to a young South African entrepreneur. Kunene was one of the 10 finalists of the South African Breweries Kick Start Business Competition for his business, Mind Trix Media (specializing in web development and design, development of mobile applications, printing and marketing) and met a number of motivational entrepreneurs, including Virgin Atlantic’s Richard Branson. Kunene says one of the most important pieces of advice he got was to see a psychologist once he got his first million (Tshabalala 23). A lot of money affects one’s psychology. They might start seeing themselves as better than everyone else. On the other hand, friends might start to feel their friend (the one who has the lottery) is acting different. They might be right, but they might also be wrong, seeing what they want to see out of envy. Either way, this is how money separates friends. Further, if a college student wins good fortune in lottery, they might start to think that they are now already successful, that they do not need college education anymore. Besides, they might argue, we have successful college dropouts in Bill Gates, Richard Branson and who would forget Steve Jobs. What they might not see is that these people dropped out of college with concrete visions of where they wanted to do with their lives, where they wanted to be. Of course, it took some risk. But they left college to work toward that vision. Another thing about these famously rich college dropouts is that they have worked hard for what they have or, in the case of Steve Jobs, had. That is the other problem about lottery money; it comes easy. And I like to think that people tend to be more protective over what

Critically assess the changing relationships between TNCs and nation Essay - 1

Critically assess the changing relationships between TNCs and nation states, comparing their respective roles, objectives, flexibility and power - Essay Example In a recent attempt, globalization has been described as â€Å"a process that encompasses the causes, course, and consequences of transnational and trans-cultural integration of human and non-human activities† (Al-Rodhan and Stoudmann, 2006). Information technology (IT) has played a very important role in the globalization of economies across the world. Improvements in information technology from the early 90’s and the growth of disruptive internet technology, computer hardware and software have made it easier for both business enterprises and common people to access information. It has turned the world into a small global village. Improvements in technology have brought down the cost of doing business by all sectors of the economy and contributed in their efficiency gain. Information technology has made it easier for companies to restructure their business practices by modifying their inventory management system and â€Å"just-in-time† production technologies. Nation states have been described as a state which has the basic function of creating a cultural self-identity based on the strength of its national identity. It has been argued that the very creation of the nation state is a type of an invention that signifies a combination of nation and a state. A nation state is connected in terms of its nationality, social and cultural aspects and a strongly organized political system that works in best interest of the nation. The role of the nation state has changed considerably in the era of globalization. In the modern era, the role of the nation state has changed from that of a chief political organization. In the present times they are adapting themselves to become the singular units that can meet the needs of its local people at a time when world economies are integrating strongly. In a research that has been conducted by Zhou (2011) it has been highlighted that sovereignty of nation state has become more complex, conditional and

Course Work Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Course Work - Coursework Example Due to this reason, it becomes paramount for a paralegal working in a criminal law firm to be versed in various legal doctrines associated with criminal law. One of these doctrines is the doctrine of disclosure. In criminal trial, the prosecution is under a duty to disclose all material evidence that it intends to use in the trial of the defendant to aid in the defense. The defendant is supposed to be provided with evidence that is with the prosecution, even though, the defendant will not use it as long as it will help in the defense. To disclose entails the process through which the defendant can find out about the prosecution’s case. It can be through getting the statements made by the prosecution witness as well as examining the evidence of the prosecution. The doctrine of disclosure was developed in the case of Brady vs. Maryland [1963] which is commonly referred to as the Brady rule. The Brady rule asserts that a prosecution is not to suppress evidence upon the request by the accused as this goes against the due process. In addition, the defendant in a criminal case is required to outline the certain evidence to be used in the defense. Within the law firm, it is upon the paraleg al to ensure that the doctrine of disclosure works effectively. This is due to a paralegal’s task of drafting documents as well as interviewing clients. A paralegal should, therefore, ensure that the rules of disclosure have been followed since they are carried out administrative work in a law firm (Emanuel, 2007). Qn2: A search warrant is a court order issued by a magistrate or a judge to a legal enforcement officer directing them to conduct a search to a person, a vehicle or a location for purposes of finding evidence in a criminal suit. When any evidence is found in conducting the search, the police officer is required to confiscate it. A search incidental to arrest does not require an issuance of the warrant. A law enforcement officer does not

A Report On Olympic Games

A Report On Olympic Games Every four years, millions of people turn their attention to one city where Olympic Games take place. Almost all major cities compete for the right to be the host city of the next Olympic Games. It is highly competitive competition as Olympics bring attention and spectators which provide huge revenue to the host city. However, for the host city Olympic Games begin much earlier as it takes years to prepare and organize such project. It is clear that no city in the world can host Olympics next day after being chosen. Further, this essay will observe election procedure of the host city and state main requirements of the IOC for the host city. In 1999 the new host city election procedure was confirmed by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). According to this procedure, the cities are checked for the appropriateness of the basic technical requirements. Then the cities which are passed through IOC Executive Board become candidate cities and permitted to pass to bidding process. During this process IOC Evaluation Commission visits and inspects all candidate cities. Eventually at the IOC session the host city will be chosen (John E. Findling: 265). The host city election procedure is complicated due to heavy responsibility which lies down on shoulders of both host city and the IOC. To prevent any kind of mistakes during Olympic Games the IOC has several technical requirements such as: Transport concept. Environmental conditions. Accommodation. Experience from the past sport events. Sport venues. Finance. (Factsheet. Host city election facts and figures. (www.olympic.org). Leicesters transport concept includes transport systems within the city, East Midlands Airport and the Railway station. Special departments regulate the Leicesters traffic situation. Different IT systems and CCTV cameras provide a real time picture of the traffic situation within the Leicester. Digital Car Park Signs give all the information about available car park spaces throughout the city centre. In addition, there is a â€Å"Star Trak† information system which provides â€Å"next bus† information via signs at bus stops (Leicester City Council. Transport and streets). All these technologies support efficient traffic flow and ensure safety for both pedestrians and drivers. Visitors will find these facilities useful for them. However, the main problem is that how spectators from every corner of the world will come to the Leicester. The city is served by single railway station and East Midlands Airport which in addition works for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Moreove r, East Midlands serves domestic and European destinations with only few flights to holiday resorts (UK Airport Guide. East Midlands Airport). This means that more railway stations and international airport are needed to meet all the quests. In contrast, Beijing spent more than $4bn to build a new airport terminal and extra subway lines (Bristow M. BBC news). Apart from this, nearly  £80m will be spent to improve Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network in London. In addition, London will invest more than  £900 million to East London Line which will link the Olympic Park with the city. Line will connect with the DLR, Jubilee and District line and the North London Line (London 2012.Transport). In fact, even more developed cities than Leicester are forced to improve their transport systems due to Olympic Games. The second criterion of the IOC is the environmental condition of the future Olympic city. This requirement can be fully satisfied by Leicester as it became Britains first â€Å"Environment city† in 1990 and was among twelve cities which took part in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (Leicester City Council. Environment and planning). Since then Leicester keeps high standards of environmental conditions. For example, Leicester City Council uses the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), which helps to conserve environmental standards. As well as the EMAS, Leicester City Councils Environmental Policy plays vital role in maintaining and improving high environmental conditions in the city. The targets of this policy are reduction of carbon footprint, prevention of pollution, protection of trees and natural environment and promotion of using renewable energy. Throughout this policy Leicester City Council encourages the public to protect environment where possible (Leices ter City Council. Environment and planning). Furthermore, Leicester city achieved significant results in recycling of wastes. In partnership with Biffa Leicester the city of Leicester created the â€Å"Ball Mill† recycling facility which can recycle more than 70% of household waste from landfill. By this facility Leicester can recycle and compost nearly 33% of all wastes in the city (Leicester City Council. Environment and planning). Taking in consideration all these facts Leicester can be proud of their environmental condition, whereas Beijing invested nearly $20.5bn over the past 10 years to improve environmental situation during the preparations for Olympic Games (Bristow M. BBC News). Further, this essay will observe housing facilities where visitors can reside during Olympics. It goes without saying that the host city meets thousands of tourists coming for Olympic Games. In 2008, Beijing registered almost 382,000 overseas visitors. Organizers expected to meet 500,000 visitors, but visa controls decreased that number (www.2008gamesbeijing.com). Therefore Leicester should have enough rooms to reside between 300,000 400.000 tourists. According to Leicester City Council there are nearly 26 hotels with more than 2000 rooms in Leicester. In addition, partnership with University of Leicester can provide additional 3096 rooms (Leicester City Council. Environment and planning. 2012 Preparation camps). As a result, there are more than 5200 rooms in total available for upcoming visitors. Of course it is not enough to reside more than 300,000 tourists, therefore more accommodation facilities should be build. For example, London offers 100,000 hotel rooms and nearly 30,000 beds in student accommodations to welcome all the visitors during Games (London 2012. accommodat ion). Experience of organising sport events is important as well as other technical requirements. Leicester has hosted Special Olympics GB Summer Games two times (Leicester City Council. Sports and fitness). 2700 athletes from 19 UK regions took part in 21 sports during Special Olympics 2009 (Special Olympics 2009). Actually, this is invaluable experience, but organisation of Olympic Games requires the hosting of 26 sports with more than 300,000 participants including athletes and spectators (London 2012. Games). In previous paragraphs this essay mentioned different features of the Leicester except sport venues which are directly connected with Olympic Games. There are might be hundreds of hotels, railway stations and airports in the host city, but without appropriate sport facilities the city will not host Olympics. Leicester has different sport venues, including Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium, Braunstone Leisure Centre and sport facilities of Leicester Grammar School. These venues contain modern facilities for badminton, tae-kwon-do, swimming, basketball and etc. However all of them have been already offered as pre-gaming training camps for athletes coming to London 2012 Olympic Games (Leicester City Council. 2012 Preparation camps). In comparison, Beijing has built 12 new stadiums which required $1.9bn (Bristow M. BBC News). As well as Beijing, London is building completely new Olympic Park which will contain nine sport venues including Olympic Stadium, the Aquatic Centre, the VeloPark and etc (London 2012. Venues). After all, it is clear that present sport facilities of the Leicester should be improved by financial support. Financial part of the Olympic project plays significant role in organising Olympic Games. The major cities like Beijing and Athens have spent $40bn and $16bn respectively to host Olympics. Apart from this, London has already invested $22.6bn for 2012 Olympic Games (Bristow M. BBC News). In contrast, according to Leicester City Council budget of Leicester in 2008/09 was  £779,788,900. In other words, Leicester should find more funding to host Olympic Games. Finally, I think that Leicester does not have clear disadvantages in contrast with other cities. However it will take more time and investments to host Olympics in Leicester than in Beijing or London. References: Findling J. E. Pelle D. K. (2004:265). Encyclopedia of modern Olympic movement. Westport: Greenwood Press. Extracted 01/02/2010 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=QmXi_-Jujj0Cprintsec=frontcoverdq=encyclopedia+of+modern+Olympic+movementhl=rucd=1#v=onepageq=f=false Bristow M. BBC News, Beijing. 31/07/2008. Extracted 29/01/2010 from, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7523235.stm Extracted 29/01/2010 www.multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_repert_1191.pdf Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/transport-traffic/transport-systems/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/transport-traffic/transport-systems/digital-car-park-signs/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://airport-maps.co.uk/uk-airport-directory/east-midlands-airport/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.london2012.com/making-it-happen/transport/index.php Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/ep/the-environment/environment-city/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/ep/the-environment/environmental-policy/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/ep/the-environment/recycling/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://2008gamesbeijing.com/beijing-has-652-million-visitors-for-the-olympics/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/ep/planning/plansandpolicy/hotels-information/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/lc/sports-services/news-update-2007/2012camps/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.london2012.com/visiting/accommodation/index.php Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/lc/sports-services/news-update-2007/special-olympics-2009/ Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.sol2009.com/home/sports.html Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-sports/index.php Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.london2012.com/games/venues/index.php Extracted 29/01/2010 http://www.leicester.gov.uk/accounts/accounts0809.pdf Extracted 29/01/2010

Comparing and Contrasting Euclidean, Spherical, and Hyperbolic Geometri

When it comes to Euclidean Geometry, Spherical Geometry and Hyperbolic Geometry there are many similarities and differences among them. For example, what may be true for Euclidean Geometry may not be true for Spherical or Hyperbolic Geometry. Many instances exist where something is true for one or two geometries but not the other geometry. However, sometimes a property is true for all three geometries. These points bring us to the purpose of this paper. This paper is an opportunity for me to demonstrate my growing understanding about Euclidean Geometry, Spherical Geometry, and Hyperbolic Geometry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first issue that I will focus on is the definition of a straight line on all of these surfaces. For a Euclidean plane the definition of a â€Å"straight line† is a line that can be traced by a point that travels at a constant direction. When I say constant direction I mean that any portion of this line can move along the rest of this line without leaving it. In other words, a â€Å"straight line† is a line with zero curvature or zero deviation. Zero curvature can be determined by using the following symmetries. These symmetries include: reflection-in-the-line symmetry, reflection-perpendicular-to-the-line symmetry, half-turn symmetry, rigid-motion-along-itself symmetry, central symmetry or point symmetry, and similarity or self-similarity â€Å"quasi symmetry.† So, if a line on a Euclidean plane satisfies all of the above conditions we can say it is a straight line. I have included my homework assignment of my definition of a straight line for a Euclidean plane so that one can see why I have stated this to be my definition. My definition for a straight line on a sphere is very similar to that on a Euclidean Plane with a few minor adjustments. My definition of a straight line on a sphere is one that satisfies the following Symmetries. These symmetries include: reflection-through-itself symmetry, reflection-perpendicular-to-itself symmetry, half-turn symmetry, rigid-motion-along-itself symmetry, and central symmetry. If we find that a line on a sphere satisfies all of the above condition, then that line is straight on a sphere. I have included my homework assignment for straightness on a sphere so that one can see why a straight line on a sphere must satisfy these conditions. Finally, I need to give my definition of a straight line on a hyperbolic... ...h other along a third line, l. Then to consider the geometric figure that is formed by the three lines and look for the symmetries of that geometric figure. Then we were asked what we could say about the lines r and r’. I have provided my notes that include an outline to this proof for all three surfaces so that one can see the conclusions that we made as a class. We found that on a Euclidean plane parallel transported lines do not intersect and are equidistant. For a hyperbolic plane we found that parallel transported lines diverge in both directions. Finally for a sphere we found that parallel transported lines always intersect.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Using all the above material, we can see that there are many different similarities and differences when looking at a Euclidean Geometry, Spherical Geometry, and Hyperbolic Geometry. Using my artifacts will help one understand many of my conclusions about these three surfaces. This essay was an excellent opportunity to reflect on my growing understanding of these three surfaces. I hope you, the reader, can benefit from my conclusions and gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences of these three surfaces.

Many Films Have a Bad Influence on Young People. What Is Your View? Essay

Everyone needs entertainment to refresh their minds and get relaxed after everyday chores. The most common way people usually use to entertain themselves is to watch a Movie. Movies are entertaining but some movies can have a negative impact on the audience esp. youth. Youngsters are immature and easily susceptible to any perception. In this era where movies are the part of our daily life and youth mostly watch it on almost every weekend can cause a great impact on their mindset. Youth love to watch movies but indirectly many of those movies are a bad influenced on them. Like in cartoon movies the characters do things those are impossible in real life and are supernatural and little kids get admired by those characters and they think that they can also do all those things. Today’s teenagers the real youth are greatly influenced by such movies like by watching action or gangsters type of films they may lead themselves in committing crimes and killing people that is illegal and that may cause themselves into great trouble. The violence and bloodshed in these movies make them think more about violence and extremism. By following their favorite actor they started doing everything they do and those acts, which are dislike by the society. Their favorite actor might take drugs, alcohol and smoke in the movie so the young people begin smoking too or they may think they’ll leave a cool impression on the society by doing all this. They also follow their lifestyle like what they wear, what they eat and so on and they get influence of their culture. So it’s a bad impact on our culture and lifestyle. These movies can also damage our faith and lead us to the wrong path. Young people also begin to do dangerous stunts that may harm them or sometimes may take their lives as well. They get indulge in bad companies and torture others by different means. Films also affect their way of speaking and attitude towards others. They adapt abusive languages and make themselves violent. And maintain this kind of bad behavior towards everyone. This may decrease their social status. It’s not wrong to say that many films do have bad influence on the young people and make them superstitious but there are many films which have a positive effect on youth. Like there are many educational and inspirational films out there that gives us a lesson and we have a lot to learn from those films. That will not only guides us to the right way but will also help us to be a good citizen and raise our social status.

The 3 Biggest Changes to Revolutionize Trucking

The 3 Biggest Changes to Revolutionize Trucking The waves of innovation hitting every industry on the planet certainly aren’t missing truckers on the road- check out these changes rounded up by the experts at EveryTruckJob.com and make sure you and your rig aren’t falling behind the times! 1. Going MobileNew apps for hourly driving logs, route mapping, inventory tracking, and dispatcher communication make being on the road more streamlined and connected than ever. Going paperless (or reducing the amount of physical documents you need) by fitting  your paperwork on a device in your pocket will save you time, make record-keeping tidier, and keep your supervisor in the loops.2. Anti-Collision SoftwareThis may not be as easy to put on your truck as downloading a tracker from the app store, but new software (like Bendix Wingman) that alerts drivers to a potential collision is saving lives, keeping insurance costs down, and reducing repairs. Routes are becoming safer and faster, each and every day.3. Integration of Socia l MediaDrivers now have an opportunity to check in with family and friends, notify other drivers about traffic accidents, or give delivery updates on the fly thanks to social media integration. You can use Twitter to pass on safety alerts, share food or mechanic recommendations, or even connect with prospective clients! Just make sure you’re not tweeting and driving- no RT is that important.A tech-savvy driver can be an indispensable asset for any company trying to keep up with the speedy pace of the technological revolution. Stay on top of the resources available to you in the era of smart technology and you’ll have a competitive edge that’s hard to beat!How The Trucking Industry is Rapidly ChangingRead More at www.everytruckjob.com

Teleological Argument Essay

Teleological Argument Essay Teleological Argument Essay The Teleological Argument for the existence of God is positioned firmly on fairly solid ground. However, this solid ground may have a few splinters. The basis of the argument relies on the intricate nature of the universe and the life that inhabits this Earth, claiming that since everything that is around us works in such a complex, organized, and nearly perfect manner, there must be an intelligent designer behind these works of nature. The first three premises state that human artifacts have purpose, or intelligent design, and that nature resembles these artifacts by having organization and function, only significantly more intricate than human artifacts. It is supported even within science by looking at how delicate life is, and that even if something as small as the size of neurons and protons were not the exact proportion as they are, life would be impossible. Some argue this thesis in accordance to Darwinian evolution, saying that there is no intelligent design, but rather a ran dom process of trial and error. This can be negated, as the book explains, by suggesting evolution’s trial and error to be the design. I can accept this rebuttal. What I have a problem with most is how the Teleological Argument can explain something like extinction, specifically the annihilation of dinosaurs. An intelligent designer would not make an entire group of inhabitants for this planet, a group that took a lot of time, organization, and even evolution to come into existence, just to

China's financial reform Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

China's financial reform - Essay Example The economic theory argues that the financial repression minimize the increase and efficiency risk. Thus, this report provides interpretations for reforms experiences understanding on economy and industry and the financial industry. Though, the financial systems have not yet get completed. It is because, even though the free markets now determine the product prices, the production market factors get heavily distorted. In this case, the Chinese financial liberalization is important in the financial reforms even in many other developing countries. The reform period has experienced a rapid financial activity growth. Thirty years ago, the industry of finance was close to non-existence (Huang 384). Now, China has wide financial institutions range, from security companies to banks. The useful measure that determines the financial progress is the money supply proportion to GDP. Researchers argue that the financial systems affect the economic development of a country. Thus, theoretically, the financial sector has a basic relationship with economic development. For this reason, the financial reforms that get carried out in China aims to improve the economic development in China and its economic relationship with other countries. Economists have argued that the main role of the financial sector in the economic development is to stimulate the economic growth through providing various important functions like setting and clearing of payments. Levine summarized the five main financial systems (Levine 105). They include; exerting corporate governance and monitoring investment; to control trading; to pool and, mobilize savings; management of risk and easing the goods and services exchange. Given that the sector of finance gives such basic services important for economic growth sustainability, many economists says that the financial reforms have a significant role economy. Thus,

Polymers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Polymers - Essay Example Glycogen also is used for long term energy energy storage, but only animals. Animals can hydrolyze this polymer to obtain glucose. Starch and glycogen have many hydrogen and oxygen rich functional groups which make them reactive with water, during the hydration and condensation processes which created and store energy within the body. Cellulose has a different king of bond between monomers, forming linear polymers that are cross-linked by hydrogen bonds with other linear chains. Cellulose is the principal structural molecule in the cell walls of plants and algae. Animals cannot hydrolyze this polymer to obtain glucose without the help of intestinal bacteria, it is referred to as fiber. Another characteristic of monosaccharides is that they can act as mild reducing agents. This is because the aldehydo group that is present can be oxidized to form a carboxylic acid group, or in the presence of a base, a carboxylate ion group. Fructose can also act as a reducing sugar, even though it has a ketone group instead of an aldehyde group. Under basic conditions, the fructose molecules can, essentially, have the location of the carbonyl bond switched to convert them into a glucose molecule. This occurs in a number of steps involving removing hydrogens from the #1-C and its oxygen and moving them to the #2-C and its oxygen. Glucose is heated with Benedict's reagent (CuSO4, NaOH, a... Glucose is heated with Benedict's reagent (CuSO4, NaOH, and tartaric acid) to form a brick red precipitate. Sucrose does not react under these conditions. Fructose does form a red precipitate with Benedict's reagent. Carbohydrates that contain aldehydes or a-hydroxymethyl ketones can be oxidized by Cu(II) ion and are classified as reducing sugars. They reduce the Cu(II) ion to Cu(I). - Relate the behaviour of the amino acids / proteins under test to their structural characteristics. Biuret Test for Proteins: Biuret reagent is a light blue solution which turns purple when mixed with a solution containing protein. The purple color is formed when copper ions in the biuret reagent react with the peptide bonds of the polypeptide chains to form a complex. Because amino acids contain a free amino group, they are readily detected with ninhydrin reagent which reacts with free amino groups to form a purple or violet colored substance. Ninhydrin reagent can also be used to detect proteins, but the proteins must be heated or digested to hydrolyze the protein into free amino acids. - Relate the behaviour of the lipids under test to their structural characteristics. In lipids carbon and hydrogen predominate because there is very little oxygen which makes them more of less hydrophobic. Diverse types of lipids have different roles including energy storage and structural and metabolic functions. Fats are polymers of fatty acids (usually three) and one glycerol molecule, formed by dehydration reactions, and are called triglycerides or triacylglycerided. Fats are tremendous sources of energy and can store approximately 2 times better than polysaccharides. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbons, and

Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Wal-Mart Coursework

Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Wal-Mart - Coursework Example Wal-Mart is known for its price leadership strategy and strives to provide customers with quality products and services at the cheapest possible price which is in tune with its famous strategy of ‘Every Day Low Price’ (Popularly referred as EDLP). The strategy of low price is in turn aligned with Sam Walton’s strategy of helping people save money. Wal-Mart presently provides goods at the cheapest possible price and has positioned itself as a price leader in the mind of the customers.Against the backdrop of this bold positioning strategy lies an efficient and technology-driven logistics management which has provided the firm with advantages like cost reduction to an extent that it is able to provide the best quality products at the cheapest price in the market. Logistics form the USP of Wal-Mart. Its supply chain initiatives involving the latest technology like RFID, cross-docking aided by an efficient integration of all its business processes using Enterprise Reso urce Planning have created benchmarks for the company. The efficiency of logistics management of the firm could be analyzed from the fact that its logistics management model has become the benchmark in the global retail and logistics industry. The distribution centers of Wal-Mart which are the backbone of its supply chain management strategy are considered to be the most advanced technologically. Presently Wal-Mart has more than 40 regional centers for distribution with each center spreading over one million square feet on an average.

Aalto university Essay Example for Free

Aalto university Essay Student reports serve as an important source of information for potential outgoing exchange students in regards to the various exchange programs available to GSOM students. An individual’s study abroad experience is as unique as the exchange programs provided by GSOM. As every report will be available for viewing at the GSOM website, these contributions will aid in the decision-making process for future outgoing exchange students. The topics below are meant as an aid only. Students are encouraged to use their imagination, while remaining as specific and detailed as possible. The use of pictures, articles from different sources or any other materials that would contribute to the report would be of great use to these reports. Please send your reports and any other supporting materials to GSOM International Office by e-mail [emailprotected] pu. ru FOR REGISTRATION: Skvorcova Ekaterina Your host university: Aalto University School of Business Your study program at GSOM: Master in Corporate Finance Your level and year (for ex. : bachelor, 3rd yr. ): 2nd year Master The semester and year that you studied abroad: Fall 2012. See more:  First Poem for You Essay BEFORE DEPARTURE WHAT DO YOU WISH THAT YOU HAD KNOWN BEFORE LEAVING FOR YOUR HOST SCHOOL? INVITATION/VISAS Firstly I received a letter from my host university, it offered me to fill an application form with approximate choice of courses. Then I was offered to book an accommodation and only after it Aalto University sent me an invitation for visa. It was worth asking them to scan it, because by post it took 3 months. The cost of visa is 250â‚ ¬, it’s called a permission for living, it was done in 3 weeks. For this permission one needs valid  passport, 4 photos, insurance and an invitation from Aalto University. AFTER ARRIVAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES Helsinki Assosiation of Business students is known for its reliability. They’re called ‘buddies’. They organize plenty of programs for incoming students – picking-up service, parties, travels and so one. I really liked Walrush Day, Sport Days and some parties orgabized by KYY Assosiation. INTERNATIONAL INTRO WEEK? Unfortunately my permission for living was giving to me from 8th of September, but an Orientation Day was held the day before. I heard, that Orientation program took a few days or one weekend, where all incoming students had possibility to know the University, city center and each other. CULTURE SHOCK My host University were really helpful, every professor or coordinator were eager to help with every problem. As for culture shock, it was not so severe, because our nordic cultures are similar somehow. CAMPUS FACILITIES Comparable with GSOM facilities, the building is not so pretty, but all the services are the same – Wi-Fi access, computer access, library. It was not necessary to bring your own computer. ACADEMICS COURSES Every semester consists from 2 parts – for example, fall semester, the 1st part – from 10th of September till 22th of October, the 2nd part – till 15th of December. Before the beginning of each part a student have some time to choose courses, definitely, it’s worth not wasting your time and register for them in the very first day of registration. Needles to say, one should read carefully the description of the courses and priority of students, I was rejected to registration of two courses, because one of them was only for CEMS and another for finnish students as priority audience. Finally I passed 4 courses: New Product Development, Behavioral Finance and Decision Making, Management and Strategy Making, and Spanish Business Communication. In general the workload is not heavier comparable with GSOM, but it depends on the courses and teacher’s methods. TEACHING The style of teaching is not dramatically different from GSOM one, the material is covered sometimes more deeply, speed is lower. Quality of teaching is perfect, class participation is obligatory. Style of teaching is mixed with seminars, lectures, a lot of group projects. EXAMS I’ve taken 3 common exams and 1 book exam. If you have less time, it’s better to pass a book one, moreover you have 3 chances to pass them. CORPORATE CONTACT AND INTERNSHIPS Was there a strong corporate presence at your host university? Were you able to use the host schools career services and were there any internship opportunities? LANGUAGE COURSES If your exchange period is less than half a year it’s not worth studying Finnish, because it’s quite complicated. But Aalto University offers a lot of other opportunities for you with foreign languages such as Spanish,  German, French mostly with native speakers in a very interactive mode. HOUSING FACILITIES One of the first steps in filling the documents was choosing my accommodation. Aalto is a partner with HOAS which offers different kinds of accommodation for incoming students, you can choose whatever you want. I’ve chosen a room in 5 km from University, almost in the Center (5 min by train), it costs 390â‚ ¬ per month. COSTS/EXPENSES †¢ accommodation 390â‚ ¬ per month †¢ textbooks everything you can find in a library †¢ local transportation (buses, trains) 22â‚ ¬ per month. †¢ food/groceries (is this more or less RUR than in St. Petersburg? ) 200â‚ ¬ per month †¢ entertainment – very expensive BANKING If your stay in Helsinki is less than 2 years it’s not worth to open up a bank account, because in this case it would be not free, you can easily use your Russian bank account, everywhere you can pay using it. Finnish people use cash very rarely, so it’s not worth taking a lot of cash, just for the case when something is wrong with your bank account. STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES There is a health care insurance for all students who buy a student card, I’ve never used it. It costs 50â‚ ¬. SOCIAL EVENTS I’ve noticed that mostly exchangers associate mostly with domestic students rather than with others. It’s good to join KYY Association, they offer a lot of entertainment. SPORTS/RECREATION Unisport (gym + group trainings) is the best way to keep fit here, it’s not so expensive for students (42â‚ ¬ per 3 months) STUDY TOURS/FIELD TRIPS Excursions are not mandatory, their duration depends on the place. It’s good to know that everything is twice more expensive. WHAT TO BRING Laptop, camera, sleeping bag (for trips). GENERAL IMPRESSIONS The school is really worth visiting with all of their facilities, exchange students are crazy that’s why your stay will be unforgettable, but as for me Finland is not so friendly. REPORT CARD On a scale from 1- 5 (with 5 being best, 3 being acceptable) rate your host university on: 3 Academic value of your stay: 4 The experience in general: 4 Are you willing to give us permission to list your e-mail address at the end of this report so that students can contact you if they have questions? [emailprotected] ru.

Free College Essays - Chaos in The Sound and the Fury :: Sound and the Fury Essays

The Sound and the Fury - Chaos A key theme in William Faulkner’s novel The Sound and the Fury is the deterioration of the Compson family. May Brown focuses on this theme and explains that Quentin is the best character to relate the story of a family torn apart by† helplessness, perversion, and selfishness.† In his section, there is a paradoxical mixture of order and chaos which portrays the crumbling world that is the core of this novel. The most important element in Quentin’s section is his obsession with time. To Quentin. time is torturous and destructive. He blames time for his loss of Caddy to sin and hence for his own suffering. Quentin becomes obsessed with avoiding time and attempts to avoid all implements which tell time. When he realizes that he has about as much chance of escaping time as stopping Caddy from losing her virginity, he tries to defeat time by destroying himself Therefore, at the end of his section, he commits suicide. Another significant element to look at in Quentin’s section is his imagery. For one, â€Å"the mirror† constantly creeps up in Quentin’s mind and is a symbol of Quentin’s inability to look at Caddy’s marriage directly. Moreover, Quentin always sees Caddy as â€Å" confined â€Å"in the mirror because this is his illusion of her childhood purity. He cannot accept that she has crossed the threshold into maturity. Doors are another important image in Quentin’s section. They portray Caddy’s actual entry into the world of maturity - a notion which Quentin refuses to accept. Water, as well, is alluded to often. It represents Quentin’s understanding of the knowledge of good and evil which he constantly tries to deny and his obsessions with sex and mortality. It is in water that Quentin finally decides to take his own life. Throughout Quentin’s section there are a number of grammatical errors, unfinished sentences, fragmented thoughts, and repeated phrases. These intentional â€Å"mistakes† are an essential part of Quentin’s narrative. They help depict Quentin’s madness and the confused state which he is in on the day of his suicide. We see from his thoughts and memories that he has become just as cynical and fatalistic as his alcoholic father who says, no battle is ever won.

Impact of Micro Enterprise Loan of Developments of Micro Enterprises in Bangladesh

Table of Contents 1Introduction:6 1. 1Objectives:6 1. 2Scope of the Study:7 1. 3Methodology and Data Collection:8 1. 4Limitations:11 2Institute of Microfinance (InM)13 2. 1Vision:13 2. 2Mission:13 2. 3Governance:14 2. 4Governing Body14 2. 5Current Governing Body of InM14 2. 6General Body15 2. 7Activities of the Institution:16 2. 8Research:16 2. 9Trainings:17 3Evaluation and Development of Microfinance Sector:20 4The Microfinance Sector In Bangladesh:25 4. 1The Microfinance Regulation:26 4. 2The Microfinance Institutions:28 4. 3Microfinance Delivery Mechanism:29 4. 4Microfinance Products:30 Trends and Growth of Microfinance Program of MFIs:35 5. 1Employment and Gender35 5. 2Membership in MFI-NGOs37 5. 3Trends in Lending Behavior39 5. 4Intensity in Number of Loans:41 5. 5Loans Disbursement:41 5. 6Average Size of Loans Disbursed:41 5. 7Recovery Rate:42 5. 8Loans Outstanding:44 5. 9Trends in Savings Mobilization46 5. 10Net Savings per Member:46 5. 11Savings withdrawal Rate:49 5. 12Financ ing of Loans: Loan Revolving Fund50 6Microenterprise in Bangladesh54 6. 1Definition of Microenterprise:54 6. 2Role of Microenterprise in the Present Context of Economy:55 Microenterprise Loan Demand Side Analysis59 7. 1Education:59 7. 2Sources of Finances:59 7. 3Number of Employees or Labor:60 7. 4Business Plan:61 7. 5Governmental Aids and Regulations:61 7. 6Financial Institutions:61 8Microenterprise Loan Supply Side Analysis64 8. 1Major Providers of Microenterprise Loan:69 8. 1. 1Bangladesh Extensions Education Services:69 8. 1. 2Objectives69 8. 1. 3Achievement70 8. 2BURO Bangladesh72 8. 3Grameen Bank:73 8. 3. 1Eligibility:74 8. 3. 2Terms and conditions:74 8. 3. 3Sectors covered:74 8. 3. 4Overview of microenterprise loan of Grameen Bank74 8. ASA Bangladesh:76 8. 4. 1Small Business Loan Program:76 8. 4. 2Small Entreprenuer Lending:76 9Impact of Microenterprise loan on Income generation78 9. 1Impact of Microcredit lending on the revenue of the microenterprises:78 9. 1. 1Hypothesis:78 9. 1. 2Model:78 9. 1. 3Analysis:78 9. 1. 4Findings:79 9. 2Impact of Loan Amount on the Microenterprise Revenue:80 9. 2. 1Hypothesis:80 9. 2. 2Model:80 9. 2. 3Analysis:80 9. 2. 4Findings:81 9. 3Impact of Training on the revenue of the microenterprises:82 9. 3. 1Hypothesis:82 9. 3. 2Model:82 9. 3. 3Analysis:82 9. 3. 4Findings:84 10Case Study:86 0. 1Success Story86 10. 2Failure Story91 11Conclusion and Recommendations:97 List of Tables and Figures: Table 1: Staff Strength and Growth of MFI-NGOs35 Table 2: Growth of Membership38 Table 3: Borrower and Member Ratio (%)39 Table 4: Average Loan Size (Tk)41 Table 5: Loan Portfolio Quality through recovery Rate41 Table 6: Loan Portfolio Quality – Overdue in Loans Outstanding42 Table 7: Loan Performance through Outstanding Loan Size (Tk. )43 Table 8: Net Savings Performance46 Table 9: Savings Withdrawal Rate (%)48 Table 10: Distribution of Cumulative Loan Fund by Sources50 Table 11: Sources of Finance of Microenterprises58 Table 12: Distribution of Loan by Stated Purpose:63 Table 13: Change in the Distribution of Loan by Stated Purpose:64 Table 14: Micro Enterprise Loan in Various Sectors (July 2008-June 2009) by BEES71 Table 15: Loan Disbursements by BURO72 Table 16: Microenterprise Loan by GB73 Table 17: Loan Disbursed to Male Borrower by GB74 Table 18: Loan Disbursed to Female Borrower by GB74 Figure 1: Percent distribution of Staff of MFI-NGOs by gender 200935 Figure 2: Percent distribution of Staff of MFI-NGOs by gender 200835 Figure 3: Trend in Credit Staff of MFI-NGOs36 Figure 4: Percent Distribution of Membership in MFI-NGOs by Rural and Urban Areas in 200936 Figure 5: Percent Distribution of Membership in MFI-NGOs by Rural and Urban Areas in 200836 Figure 6: Trend in Membership by Location of MFI-NGOs37 Figure 7: Distribution of Growth of Membership37 Figure 8: Loan Outstanding43 Figure 9: Loans Outstanding Per Borrower by Gender44 Figure 10: Loans Outstanding Per Borrower by Location45 Figure 11: Trends in Net Savings per Member by Gender46 Figure 12: Trends in Net Savings per Member by Location47 Figure 13: Percent Distribution of Loans by Stated Purposes in 200965 Figure 14: Percent Distribution of Loans by Stated Purposes in 200865 Figure 15: Percent Distribution of Loans by Stated Purposes in 200766 Figure 16: Percent Distribution of Loans by Stated Purposes in 200666 Figure 17: Trend of Microenterprise Loan Along with Total Loan:67 Figure 18: Microenterprise Loan as Percentage of Total Loan:68 Introduction: The magnitude of micro-entrepreneurial activities plays a decisive role in the economic development of the rural livelihoods, especially in third world countries. Micro-entrepreneurship has always been considered as a proven instrument to fight poverty in an effective manner. As a consequence, poverty alleviation through rural centric microentrepreneurship development has been focused for more than the last thirty five years in Bangladesh. This development of micro-credit programs and micro-enterprise in Bangladesh has emerged as a major strategy for the alleviation of poverty and unemployment that continue to pose problems to the economic and social development in the country. Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have adopted several approaches and strategies to overcome these issues. Relying on peer pressure from borrower group members rather than on collateral for repayment, micro-credit operation in Bangladesh has been a sustained success story, efficiently recycling lending resources with increasing disbursements, high recovery and a low rate of late payment, making a significant contribution to micro-enterprises with income and employment generation, and private sector enterprise development. The objective of the study is to examine the impact of micro-credit on micro enterprises and provide an overall analysis of the micro credit program in Bangladesh and their role in developing microenterprises in Bangladesh. The micro-credit programs have been developed with the aims of the provision of credit to the poor and the development of micro-enterprises through rural women, with the ultimate goal of the alleviation of poverty in the country. Objectives: The main concern of the study is to develop a clear understanding about the role of microfinance institutions in developing microenterprises in Bangladesh. So, the study mainly focuses on the microenterprises & microfinance institutions of Bangladesh and how the MFIs are functioning to develop the microenterprise of Bangladesh. To find out this the paper will look into the various aspects of the microenterprise and microenterprise loans and the providers of such loan. This study will try to fulfill the following objectives. 1. To have an overview of the history of microfinance in Bangladesh: Under this objective I will try to gain understanding about different development phases through which the microfinance sector of Bangladesh has reached to current position. . To develop a clear insight about the microfinance sector of the Bangladesh: In this part I will focus on various institutional frameworks of microfinance sector, its rules and regulation, microfinance mechanism and various institutions working in this sector. 3. To analyze the recent development of the microfinance sector of Bangladesh: This part of the study will focus on the recent development of microfinance sector based on data from 2007-2009. The part will try to reveal recent status of microfinance sector by evaluating various aspects. 4. To study the market and reveal the actual demand scenario for microenterprise loan. An overview of the demand scenario of the microenterprise loan will be presented in this part, this will focus on the sources of microenterprise capital to have demand scenario of microenterprise loan. 5. To investigate the current supply scenario of the microenterprise loan: By analyzing previous and current data a brief scenario of the supply condition of microenterprise loan will be made in this part. A study on the major providers of microenterprise loan will also e done. 6. To exhibit the impact of microenterprise loan on the income of the borrower: A statistical analysis will be made to find out the impact of microenterprise loan on the borrowers income and consumption. Scope of the Study: As the title of the study suggests, the study will evolve around the microfinance sector of the Bangladesh as well as their role in providing finance to microenterprises. So, it can be said that it will cover the whole microfinance sector of Bangladesh with emphasis on microenterprise loan. A thorough analysis will basically cover * The emergence and development of microfinance sector in Bangladesh * Its various aspect, rules & regulation * Procedure and mechanism for providing microfinance * Recent development, present scenario and trend in microfinance * Sector wise comparisons on various aspects * Opportunities for development * Major providers of microfinance and their role in providing microenterprises loan, * Demand side and supply side analysis of microenterprise loan * Impact of microenterprise loan on the income and consumption of the microenterprise owners. * Case study Methodology and Data Collection: Both the qualitative and quantitative analysis will be done in the study. For selecting methodology I divided the whole report into six major parts. Each part will grow depending on different methodology. In the following part I will describe the methodology for each part independently. Part 1: Analysis of the Microfinance sector of Bangladesh This part will totally done by analyzing secondary data. In the first segment of the part the history of microfinance will be described and a brief overview of the development of microfinance sector from the beginning to the 21st century will be made. In this segment I will mainly focus on the four development phase of microfinance sector namely action research phase in the 1970s, micro credit development phase in the 1980s, consolidation phase in the 1990s and expansion phase from 2000 onwards. In the next segment I will describe the microfinance sector with an overall description about the microfinance regulation, the microfinance Institutions, microfinance delivery mechanism and microfinance products. In the last and final segment of this part I will show the trend analysis of the microfinance sector for the last three years. I will use extensive table, charts and graphs to explain the trends that were prevailing in the sector. I will cover the following areas in the trend analysis part; employment and gender, membership in MFI-NGOs, trends in lending behavior, trends in savings mobilization, financing of loans, loan revolving fund etc. Part 2: Microenterprises in Bangladesh This part is also depended totally on secondary sources of data. The central point of this part is microenterprises in Bangladesh. Here I will provide the definition of microenterprise in Bangladesh and the role of microenterprises in present economic context. Part 3: Demand Side Analysis This part will use primary data to collect information about the demand side of the microenterprise loan that is owner of microenterprises. For the analysis data are collected from the primary sources. For the study 120 owner of micro enterprises are selected from different areas of Bangladesh. Out of these 120 businessmen 30 are collected from Dhaka City, 30 from Chandpur and Comilla District, 30 from Chittagong City and 30 from Sylhet city. The businesses which have capital up to $10,000 are selected for this study. For better analysis of true picture of micro enterprises, businesses that are started within 5 years are selected. Most of the selected businesses are grosser shop (50), readymade garments shop (30), big poultry shops (10), libraries and educational shops (30). Data are collected by two ways – questionnaire and personal interview. Part 4: Supply Side Analysis Secondary information from various printed materials i. e. publications and websites are used to collect data for this part. In this part I will provide segment wise microfinance distribution by the MFIs of Bangladesh for the last three years. I will also provide the trend of microenterprise loan and changes in the amount of loan disbursed by the MFIs from year to year. In this part I will also provide information about the big four institute of microenterprise loan providers with a descriptive analysis of their microenterprise loan scheme. Part 5: Impact Analysis of Microenterprise Loan These parts will analysis the impact of microenterprise loan on the income and consumption of the borrower. For the analysis I will use Ordinary Leas Square Method for analyzing impact. The data will be collected from the survey data provided by Institute of Microfinance to me for this purpose. In the data set I have information about both the borrower and non borrower of microenterprise loan. So I have decided to define models for impact assessment. Effect of Borrowing: In the first model I want to use Income from the microenterprise as a dependent variable and starting assets of the microenterprise (i. e. land, building etc. & borrower or non-borrower as dependent variable to find out whether the borrower has more capacity to generate more income. Hypothesis: H1= Borrower of microenterprise loan are able to generate more income than non-borrower H0= Borrower of microenterprise loan are not able to generate more income than non-borrower Model: Ii =? + ? 1li + ? 2ei + ? 3bi + ? 4oi + ? 5bri Here, I= Income from the Microenterprise l = Land e = Equipment b = Buildings o = Others assets br = Borrower or Non-borrower (dummy variable) Effect of Loan Amount: On the other hand I also want to find out is the amount of microenterprise loan effect the income of the borrowers. For this I want to use income from microenterprise as dependent variable and starting assets and amount of loan s independent variable. Hypothesis: H1 = Loan amount has a positive effect on borrower’s income H0 = Loan amount has a negative effect on borrower’s income Model: Ii =? + ? 1li + ? 2ei + ? 3bi + ? 4oi + ? 5 lni Here, I= Income from the Microenterprise l = Land e = Equipment b = Buildings o = Other assets ln =Borrowed amount Effect of Training: To find ou t if training has any impact on the earnings of the microenterprise owners I here develop a model where I tried to figure out the relationship between training and income of the microenterprises. In this purpose I used the same model used for loan amount but I include one more independent variable that is training (dummy yes or no). Hypothesis: H1 = Training has positive effect on borrower’s income H0 = Training has negative effect on borrower’s income Model: Ii =? + ? 1li + ? 2ei + ? 3bi + ? 4oi + ? 5 lni + ? 6 ti Here, I= Income from the Microenterprise l = Land e = Equipment b = Buildings o = Other assets ln =Borrowed amount t = Training (dummy) Part 6: Case Study: In this part I will describe two successful and two unsuccessful case of microenterprise loan. I will provide will brief description of the project and reasons for success or failure will be provided. Limitations: Paucity of resources and lack of capacity were the main limitations for the study. However, restricted by these limitations I have tried to give my best effort to prepare the report. Overview of the Organization ————————————————- Institute of Microfinance (InM) Institute of Microfinance (InM) is a non-profit organization established primarily for meeting research and training needs of national as well as global microcredit programs. It endeavors to enhance and improve the microfinance-related research and training climate particularly in Bangladesh. The Institute is contemplating a transition to a much broader center of excellence in the area of microfinance, enterprise development, poverty reduction and allied areas at the national and international levels through collaborative approach to research, knowledge management, training and education, and participation of reputed institutions and scholars in its programs. The Institute’s main focus is on developing itself as a center of excellence with emphasis on research, training, academic and knowledge management. However, research is the most prominent among all the activities and its research activity centers around microfinance, poverty and development issues. InM was initiated and promoted by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), and is now registered as an independent non-profit institution under the Societies Registration Act 1860. InM is currently funded mainly by UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) through its Promoting Financial Services for Poverty Reduction Program (PROSPER). InM is responsible for developing overall capacity in the microfinance sector and to achieve knowledge creation, management and dissemination in the area of microfinance and poverty. In addition to expanding the research, training and consultancy services for microfinance practitioners, PROSPER has been providing assistance to enable microfinance institutions to access demanded training and consultancy services from accredited providers. InM is also committed to support interested institutions to offer long-term microfinance courses. Vision: Towards establishing a poverty free world, InM sees itself as a frontline center of excellence in knowledge creation and management. Mission: Firstly, InM will contribute to the capacity building of the microfinance sector in Bangladesh through training and academic programs for human resource development, conducting research studies and dissemination of findings, regular dissemination of new knowledge and technology, for the benefits of the sector. Secondly, the institute should emerge as a center of excellence in microfinance, poverty, enterprise development, and other allied areas at the national and international levels through building network with microfinance institutions, sector stakeholders, reputed researchers, thinkers and professionals, and exchange of ideas and experiences. Governance: Institute is governed by a two-tier–Governing Body and General Body–governance system. The basic governance lies with the Governing Body. It comprises of seven members, including the Executive Director of the Institute as an ex-officio member. The General Body is the Institute’s highest authority. It is responsible for the overall policy guidance and direction for efficient functioning of the Institute. Total number of members of the General Body is 8, including 7 (seven) members of the Governing Body. Governing Body The Institute is governed by a two-tier–governance structure-Governing Body and General Body. The basic governance lies with the Governing Body. It comprises of seven (7) members, including the Executive Director of the Institute as an ex-officio member. Current Governing Body of InM Chairman Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh, and Member of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) Members Dr. Iqbal Mahmud Professor Emeritus Chemical Engineering Department Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) Dr. Quazi Mesbahuddin Ahmed Managing Director Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Ms. Rasheda K. Choudhury Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh, and Executive Director Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Dr. Pratima Paul-Majumder Senior Research Fellow Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr. Toufic Ahmad Choudhury Director General Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) Dr. Md. Mosleh Uddin Sadeque Executive Director (Interim) Institute of Microfinance (InM) General Body The General Body is the Institute’s highest authority. It is responsible for the overall policy guidance and direction for efficient functioning of the Institute. Total members of the General Body is thirteen (13) including seven (7) members of the Governing Body. Other members of the General Body are as follows: Mr. Khondkar Ibrahim Khaled Chairman Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) Professor A. K. M. Nurun Nabi Department of Population Sciences University of Dhaka Dr. Jadab Chandra Saha Former Managing Director Bangladesh Krishi Bank Ms. Parveen Mahmud President Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) Dr. M. A. Hakim Professor & Chairman Department of Business Administration University of Development Alternative (UODA) Dr. Jashim Uddin General Manager (Administration) Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Activities of the Institution: The Institute has a plan to work with three divisions: Research and Knowledge Management * Education and Training * Administration and Accounts Research: Research is the most prominent among the InM activities. The major focus of its research is on microfinance, poverty, and development issues. InM conducts research studies independently and/or jointly with distinguished researchers and institutions from home and abroad. The underlying objective of the research agenda is to ge t insights into the problems of poverty and development and also to assess the impact of different interventions. On-going Research Projects Multiple Memberships (Overlapping) in Microcredit Program. * Strategic Behavior of NGOs/MFIs in Bangladesh * Health and Nutrition among the Beneficiaries of Microfinance Institutions (MFI) in Rural Bangladesh. * Microinsurance, Poverty and Vulnerability in Bangladesh (Phase-I) * Searching for an Explanation of Differences in Poverty Levels and Trends at Sub-National Levels. * Understanding the Poverty and Resource Dichotomy- An Inquiry into the Livelihood of any Backward Community in Resource-Rich Areas of Bangladesh. * Access to Financial Services (Phase -1) Poverty Alleviation through Enhanced Usage of Migrant Remittance * Assessment of the Impact of PKSF Interventions on Sustainability of Partner Organizations (POs) * Impact of Microcredit on agricultural Farm Performance and food security in Bangladesh. * Internal Female Migration in Rural Bangladesh: An Effective Household Coping Strategy. * Differentiated Corporate Governance and MFI Performance in Bangladesh. * Poverty Dynamics in Rural Areas of Bangladesh: Phase-I * Designing Appropriate Microinsurance Products for the Low Income Households Completed Research Projects Baseline Study of Food Security for Vulnerable Group Development and Ultra Poor Beneficiaries Project (Sponsored by PKSF) * Identification of Appropriate Micro Insurance Approach for Ultra Poor of Bangladesh. (Sponsored by UNDP) * Urban Microfinance in Bangladesh * Monga in Greater Rangpur: Intensity, Coping, Vulnerability, and the Impact of Mitigating Strategies. * Impact of Cash for Work Program under PRIME in Lalmonirhat Districtct. (PKSF & InM) * Overlapping in Microcredit Programs in Patrail Union, Tangail. PKSF & InM) * Impact of PRIME Interventions on Monga Mitigation in Greater Rangpur Region: PhaseI Trainings: There is a growing demand to expand the InM's activities to support training progr ams to build the capacity of the MFIs so that practitioners can make tangible efforts towards building a sustainable microfinance sector. The institute intends to embark upon providing training to the development practitioners, journalists, editors, senior executives of different MFIs, policymakers, regulators, government officials and international agencies. In addition, it will act as a facilitator in capacity building of the existing training institutions. InM has a future plan to organize training programs for the participants even from outside Bangladesh. InM wants to put special thrust on-need-based training that requires customized, standard and integrated training modules for the training programs. Furthermore, the institute is mandated to play active role to capacity building of the institutions in the microfinance sector in Bangladesh. Module Development: InM has taken initiative to prepare standardized training module for the MFIs as per suggestions of the training expert committee. InM wants to put special thrust on training rather than prototype training which needs customized, standard and integrated training module for the training courses. Initially the following modules are developed by InM. * Microfinance Operations and Management. * Basic Book Keeping and Accounting Management for MFIs. * Improving Participatory Managerial Skills and Management Style. * Monitoring and Evaluation of Microfinance Program. Legal Regulatory System and Governance. Training Conducted by InM * March 27-31, 2011: Pilot Training Program on Microfinance Operations and Management with PMUK * February 07-11, 2011: Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation training at ELD, Thailand * December 5-15, 2010: Training of Master Trainers’ with AIT, Thailand * July 25-29, 2010: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) * May 9-20, 2010: Training program for offic ials of Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) * March 8, 2010: Training on Effective Time Management March 7-11, 2010: Basic Book Keeping and Accounting Management at UDDIPAN, Dhaka * February 8, 2010: Pilot Training on Microfinance Operations and Management (MOM) at CDF * January 24-28, 2010: Pilot Training Program on Basic Book Keeping and Accounting Management for MFIs with BRAC * January 17-21, 2010: Pilot Training Program on Basic Book Keeping and Accounting Management for MFIs with YPSA * January 10-14, 2010: Pilot Training Program on Basic Book Keeping and Accounting Management for MFIs with CDF * October 25-29, 2009: TOT on Basic Book Keeping and Accounting Management for MFIs * October 11-15, 2009: PRA Training for Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) / JICA Participants: * August 16-20, 2009: TOT for Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) / JICA Participants * July 19 – 29, 2009: TOT on Microfinance Operation and Management for Service Providers * December 26-28, 2006: Training prog ram titled â€Å"Poverty, Microfinance and Development† for Journalists of both Newspapers and Electronic Media. Evaluation and Development of the Microfinance Sector in Bangladesh ————————————————- Evaluation and Development of Microfinance Sector: The development of MFIs took place in several distinct phases over the last four decades. Micro credit was developed in the 1970s as a response to the relief and rehabilitation needs of post- independent Bangladesh when the government and private initiatives were focused on restoring livelihoods through income generating activities. The development of the microfinance sector has undergone four distinct phases in the past four decades: I. Action research phase in the 1970s II. Micro credit development phase in the 1980s III. Consolidation phase in the 1990s IV. Expansion phase from 2000 onwards In the 1970s, development organizations including local and international NGOs were involved in relief and rehabilitation. In addition to community development, health, literacy, agricultural sector development programs and food relief programs, some initiated income generation activities to help the landless poor, particularly women earn supplemental income. A major constraint faced by the population was the lack of access to capital for investment in income generating activities, so few could actually start enterprises. In the mid 70s, Grameen Bank initiated its ‘Jobra' experiment using the solidarity group-based credit delivery system using peer pressure and group guarantee to ensure timely repayment. The project achieved a high rate of success and it was formalized as Grameen Bank, with a special license obtained from the Bangladesh Bank. Grameen Bank remains the only bank with a poverty alleviation bank license. The license is of particular note as it allows Grameen as a licensed and regulated bank to mobilize savings legally, from members and non-members. Also in the 1970's, the Bangladesh Bank initiated the Dheki Rin Prokolpa in collaboration iwth an NGO Swanirvar Bangladesh. Several other NGOs were also trying out various micro credit mechanisms and soon micro credit programs became a part of every social development NGO, even if it was not a major part of the program. The 1980s is known as the period of microfinance program development. The success of Grameen Bank began to motivate social development NGOs to expand their economic development programs, with a particular emphasis on microcredit. The availability of donor grants resulted in the creation of revolving loan funds to make loans to NGO members for various income generating activities. NGOs began to expand their micro credit programs and some like ASA took a decision to shift focus from social and community development work to minimalist micro credit intermediation. In the 1990's, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) was established as the promoted apex wholesaler financed with government funds and the World Bank. As a result, NGOs providing financial services had the benefit of relatively low cost refinancing along with technical assistance to enhance their institutional infrastructure and management information systems to expand outreach, improve efficiency and increase self- sufficiency to reduce dependence on grant funds. The first NGO to achieve full operational self- sufficiency and financial self-sufficiency was ASA. In the late 1990s, ASA was able to move away from donor grants and operate its microcredit portfolio through earned income, savings, and equity converted from the grants received previously. ASA became the largest borrower of PKSF funds and was eligible for loans from commercial banks. Soon other NGOs like BRAC and Proshika began to scale up their micro credit programs, although their continued focus in their social and community development programs delayed their targets for financial self-sufficiency. Towards the end of 1990, the microfinance sector was well established with the â€Å"Big Four† namely, Grameen Bank, ASA, BRAC and Proshika who in turn promoted smaller NGOs providing refinancing as well as technical support in their respective development methodology and microfinance practices. Although the vast majority of NGOs adopted the Grameen style of group lending and focused on rural areas, there were some new initiatives. For instance, in the early 90s, an NGO named Shakti Foundation took on the challenge of providing microfinance services to urban women living in the Dhaka slums who had limited literacy and numeracy skills and no permanent address, as slum evictions were common. The NGO Asharai promoted a savings based self-help group model of microfinance combined with community development services for tribal communities in the northwest part of Bangladesh. RDRS, an integrated service provider focused on micro credit initiatives along with agricultural interventions to increase the food sustainability of the drought affected population in the northern villages of Rangpur and Dinajpur districts. BURO Tangail, with its centre in the highly productive town of Tangail, started with a modified Grameen type methodology, but used action research and piloting of products to develop a range of credit and savings products, including flexible savings and term deposits. TMSS based in Bogra started with an integrated community development approach, using micro credit as a means to ensure sustainable development of the rural economy with a focus on social forestry, water resource management, agricultural and livestock management, fisheries and health, and now has grown into one of the top 10 MFIs in the country. Safe Save, a pilot project that took on the legal framework of a savings and credit cooperative started as a Lilliputian provider amongst the giants; however, has attained international fame for its success in innovating a savings based individual lending model in urban Dhaka, in contrast to the dominant Bangladeshi model of a credit-led group- based lending model for rural clients. The fourth phase was one of professionalization and expansion of microfinance portfolios, and moving towards commercialized funds to enhance sustainability. In the late 1990s, with the increasing threat of declining donor funds NGOs began to experience the need to enhance management capacity and develop action plans to access loans in order to expand outreach to attain scale and sustainability. In the last decade a number of NGOs have experienced tremendous expansion, with at least a dozen succeeding in reaching over one million clients. Bilateral donors and international development agencies have contributed significantly to this growth in the sector by providing technical assistance support, financing technical support and institutional development and sponsoring training within and outside the country to introduce the sector to international experiences. PKSF and a number of commercial banks have contributed to the expansion and outreach by refinancing microfinance portfolios to respond to increasing need for loan funds from existing and new customers. The support of action research and pilot testing of new products has added rigor and vitality to the sector. Expansion of microfinance portfolios has continued to the end of the 1990s and many MFIs are still experiencing high rates of growth with continued availability of commercial funds, increasing income from the loan portfolio, and member savings. The current phase is formalization and transformation. The larger and medium sized NGOs will prepare to transform into formal financial institutions in accordance with the newly established Microfinance Regulatory Authority Act, with the objective of integrating into the formal financial sector to gain access to additional sources of capital and equity as well as mobilize savings from the public. Smaller NGOs that are unable to transform due to low levels of equity and inadequate scale or performance may consider mergers to consolidate portfolios and combine their strengths to overcome weaknesses. Many of the smaller MFIs that have not been able to attain the adequate levels of sustainability and retain a committed customer base in competitive markets may be forced out of business. The sector will be faced with some new challenges, including intensified competition in some of the rural and urban markets where market saturation is already evident, and innovating mechanisms to service the markets that remain unbanked, including the extreme poor or â€Å"hard core poor† and the populations in remote areas that remain beyond the reach of either the formal banks or NGO MFIs. The Microfinance Sector of Bangladesh ————————————————- The Microfinance Sector In Bangladesh: The microfinance sector in Bangladesh consists of the following stakeholders who are categorized as the micro, micro and macro levels. The micro level consists of the existing clientele and the potential target client group who remain unserved or underserved. The micro level also consists of the different kinds of providers, including the formal, semi-formal and informal providers such as moneylenders, pawnbrokers and rotating credit and savings associations. The micro-level consists of the financing partners, including donors, refinancing partners, development finance institutions, multilateral and bilateral aid agencies, commercial banks, specialized banks, development banks, as well as government agencies. Private investors are new comers in the micro-level providing equity and capital to MFIs. The micro level also includes technical support providers including training institutions, networking institutions, microfinance associations, rating agencies, audit firms, consulting firms, independent consultants and academic or research institutions. The macro level consists of the regulatory bodies including the Central Bank or Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance. A principal player within the macro level is the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) which governs and supervises the NGO microfinance providers, including local and international NGOs with programs in Bangladesh. About 62 percent of the borrowers live below the poverty line. The vast majority of these clients do not have physical collateral to secure loans and need alternative collateral mechanisms. The 2005 World Bank report states that a total of 9. 6 million households are being served by MFIs. The total number of clients served by microfinance sector is approximately 24. 25 million with effective coverage to about 17. 32 million clients showing a substantial gap between demand and supply. Microfinance institutions, including Grameen Bank, collectively service more than 60 percent of the demand, with Grameen serving about 20 percent of the total. Women constitute 90 percent of the clientele. Average loan sizes are around Tk. 4000 (US$60). In 2006, micro credit loans constituted about 44 percent of the total disbursements in the credit sector. The microfinance providers are primarily MF NGO and a few non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and one specialized microfinance bank, namely Grameen Bank. Some of the ministries or divisions of the Government of Bangladesh support large micro credit projects and some of the commercial banks have established windows for microfinance loans. Microfinance NGOs cover the largest share of the microfinance market. A report published by the Micro credit Regulatory Authority (MRA) reveals that up to June 30, 2006, states that the volume of loans outstanding for the 651 major NGO- MFIs is US $1105. 86 million and CDF's statistics for 2006 show that up to December 2006, cumulative disbursement of 611 major MFIs was approximately US$8,171. 71 million. Grameen Bank is the only MFI with a specialized bank license. The MF NGOs are led by three very large organizations namely ASA, BRAC and Proshika which represent 94% of the total sector, in terms of numbers and more than 73% of the savings. The remaining part of the sector is comprised of 332 small & very small organizations. The Government of Bangladesh is a major stakeholder. The Microfinance Regulation: Most of the NGOs providing financial services were established as development organizations, and registered as LNGOs or INGOs. Most of the microfinance portfolios were grown on grant funds from foreign sources. With the increasing inflow of external resources, the government concerned with transparency and accountability created the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) in 1991. NGOAB played the role of the primary regulator of the development NGOs supported by foreign funds, providing microfinance services in the country. The fact that MFIs remained unregulated for the past four decades has had an impact on their substantial growth in outreach and sustainability as well as promoted innovation. However, as the sector has acquired significant scale particularly in terms of deposits there is a concern regarding depositor security and the interests of poor clients. They can easily be exploited by microfinance providers, especially as many providers are motivated more by the potential for profit rather than to achieve social development objective. Recent reform measures include the reformation of previous acts creating the Micro Credit Regulatory Authority Act 2006, building on the revious acts such as the Societies Registration Act 1860 (the same as in India) Companies Act 1913, Trusts Act 1882, Charitable and Religious Trust Act 1920 and Cooperative Societies Ordinance 1984 that have created the regulatory framework for the industry in the past. The Bangladesh Bank in coordination with NGOAB and in consu ltation with the microfinance NGOs represented by CDF and PKSF have established the Microfinance Regulatory Authority and created the Micro Credit Regulatory Authority Act 2006. All NGOs providing micro credit have to register with both the NGOAB if they are receiving foreign funds as well as the Microfinance Regulatory Authority if they wish to continue providing financial services. In time it is expected that all MFIs will apply for license, and be formalized and integrated into the formal financial sector. There are some in the industry who feel that it is essential to have a regulatory framework to protect the sustainability of the sector, foster innovation and nurture growth, and most importantly to protect the interests of the clients while there are others who fear that regulation could strangulate growth and innovation. The MRA Act requires all MFIs to register with the MRA in order to operate legally in the country in the provision of microfinance services. The MRA will issue and cancel licenses for micro finance operators, oversee, supervise and facilitate the entire range of activities of MFIs. The MRA will establish a depositor's insurance fund to ensure safety of the depositors and to secure all MFI deposits. All MFIs will be required to maintain a reserve fund which cannot be spent without prior permission of the authority. MFIs will not be allowed to take deposits from persons other than their members (i. e. no mobilization of deposits from the public who are not members of the MFI). MFIs that deviate from the norms will be subject to punishment of not more than one year of imprisonment or a fine of not more than Tk. 500,000 (US$ 7143). Furthermore, the MRA will keep a watch over the MFIs in Bangladesh in order to safe guard the interests of microfinance clients, as well as ensure the protection of microfinance customers against overpricing. Price setting will be judged by the government in keeping with guidelines and regulatory provisions. Resources will be allocated from the commercial banks and formal financial sector to meet the demand for micro credit. The MRA will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation of performance. The Act is a fairly recent intervention in a sector that has grown and developed and come of age over a period of four decades. It will take time for the stakeholders to get accustomed to the new regulatory framework and in turn for the regulatory authority to work out the existing areas of weakness or gaps in the Act and in the systems that are being established for registration, appraisal, licensing, monitoring and supervision. The present framework is a starting point. There will be modifications and amendments in the future. At present the legal frameworks do not include the option of a microfinance bank, as there is a fear of possible financial mismanagement resulting from limited controlling capacity of the newly formed MRA; however, in future this option may be provided based on the demand from MFIs for this particular legal framework and the capacity of the MRA to license and supervise these entities. Another critical concern is the exclusion of foreign microfinance institutions that are promoted by international NGOs. Local MFIs are concerned that these provides will have an unfair advantage as they will have continued access to financial resources from external sources which could result in negative competition. Domestic MFIs feel strongly that the MRA should establish a policy that monitors the cash flow into foreign MFIs and closely monitors their expansion strategies. Although insurance is an essential product to provide a social safety net to protect vulnerable populations from the impact of death, disease and other shocks and emergencies, the MRA has not included microinsurance as part of the products of MFIs. Insurance is a specialized financial product and is not within the purview of the Central Bank. At present, micro insurance products offered by both insurance providers and microfinance institutions are inadequate to meet the needs of microfinance customers. The sector will have to focus its efforts on action research and pilot testing with the government contributing to providing a social safety net for the vulnerable segments of the population. The Microfinance Institutions: The first generation MFIs that emerged in the 1970s had an explicit social agenda and their focus was on poor segments of the population particularly women. The geographic focus was primarily in the rural areas, but as migration created urban poverty, microcredit programs began to shift their focus to urban lending programs. While some NGOs offer an integrated development approach, including some community development, most NGOs have transformed into microcredit focused NGOs. MFIs are categorized into four major groups, including NGO MFIs, which constitute the large proportion of MFIs, commercial banks with microfinance windows, and government line ministries that have promoted micro credit projects and programs. There is one specialized microfinance bank, namely Grameen Bank. The Grameen Bank established in 1983 under a special law with the initial support from the Bangladesh Bank is the only MFI that has been awarded a license to operate as a specialized bank for microfinance. All the other MFIs are NGOs that are registered with the NGOAB and now with the MRA. The MFIs including Grameen Bank include the Big Four that have outreach to over 3 million clients. A handful of large MFIs reach over 1 million clients. Another 20 odd MFIs are categorized as medium sized institutions with outreach to less than 100,000 clients. The rest are small and very small MFIs, with about 20,000 clients. The smallest have less than 5000 borrowers. Most of these institutions operate in the rural areas, although several of the larger institutions are now lending in both rural and urban areas. A few institutions specialize in urban microfinance. The Government promoted micro credit programs are substantially large. About thirteen ministries and fifteen divisions of the government of Bangladesh deal with microfinance activities with a cumulative disbursement of US$1238 million at the end of December 2006. The government programs are less efficient with recovery rates of about 84 percent as compared to the NGOs that have repayment rates over 90 percent. The 2005 World Bank Report indicates that a total of 9. 6 million (out of 14. million households) or 37 percent of all households in the country are currently served by microfinance services. The â€Å"Big Four† – Grameen, ASA, BRAC and Proshika – collectively account for 86 percent of the 14. 3 million active borrowers. Collectively they have more than US$1249 million in loans outstanding and over US$402 million in savings. Microfinance Delivery Mechanism: Bangladeshi MFIs are best known for large-scale provision of microfinance services to the poor women using non-traditional collateral mechanisms. With more than 90 percent of clients being rural women, MFIs have demonstrated repayment rates of over 90 percent in comparison with the formal banking sector. The average loan size of MFIs is around Taka 4000 (US$60). Microcredit is provided to poor or low income households through groups. Loan contracts are made in the name of individuals, but the group is an essential mechanism in the delivery and recovery process. Depending on the provider, the group performs different functions, including providing a cost-effective mechanism for client screening, loan appraisal, disbursement, collection, monitoring, supervision and the mechanism for delivering non-financial services. Some MFIs are now making loans to individuals as in formal banking practices, without requiring membership in a group. The main feature of Bangladeshi microfinance is the provision of loans without demanding traditional collateral as security. The solidarity group concept is embedded in the social structure of Bangladesh which consists of closely knit groups at the village level who in the absence of external mechanisms provide essential social safety net for poor households. More importantly, the Bangladesh group model was developed according to the principles of group solidarity. An MFI organizes a joint liability group of up to 5 members who then form peer pressure groups of as many as 30 individuals or 6 joint-liability groups. The primary use of the group in the Bangladesh microfinance model is to offer alternative collateral mechanisms for the target client group that is unable to offer physical collateral to secure loans. Solidarity groups† provide group guarantee by using joint liability and peer pressure principles to enforce repayment from individuals within the group. In almost all the microfinance models, loans are further secured through the collection of compulsory savings that are deposited in a loan s ecurity deposit account. The loan security deposit helps when joint-liability and group guarantee mechanisms either are inadequate or fail. Microfinance Products: The traditional microfinance loan product is usually called the â€Å"General Loan. † This is a small loan with a ceiling that is under US$100 (at present the average loan size is US$60). Loan ceilings are based on the expressed demand from members as well as the fund availability the MFI to meet the demand for loans. When members reach the maximum loan size, they have the option of applying for a larger enterprise loan if the MFI offers this product at different rates and repayment terms and conditions, or has to consider moving to another provider that offers the desired product. The General Loan is provided in cycles of up to 12 months with about 45 monthly installments consisting of equal amounts of principal and interest. Loan installments are calculated based on the average household income of the target client group, allowing the vast majority of clients to repay without undue stress; however, most clients find repayment during the early years a struggle given their lack of adequate income and financial management capacity, and clients taking larger loans can also find installments difficult to handle if household income is not sufficient to manage essential expenditures. Interest charged by MFIs varies and is calculated on a flat or declining basis depending on the operational efficiency, cost of funds, inflation and other factors specific to the institution such as fees to cover non-financial inputs to the business or social development services. Upon the successful repayment of a loan, the client is eligible to apply for a larger loan in the next cycle, where the ceiling is increased automatically by Tk. 500 (US$7). Currently, loan ceilings for the General Loan are as high as Tk. 50,000 (US$700). Clients can borrow as much as they want within the ceiling of their loan cycle. In principle there is no pressure for clients to borrow the maximum amount and can opt to take smaller amounts based on their need and their repayment capacity. In case of arrears MFIs have policies regarding penalties. In case of default, the client is closely monitored and there is some grace period to recover outstanding amounts over the subsequent installments. In case of a loan default, the MFI follows its recovery procedures, depending on the terms and conditions specified in the loan contract. In the case of collecting bad debt, the first step is to work with the group members of the joint- liability group to analyze the reasons for default in consultation with the client and the family and identify options for recouping the loan outstanding. The next step is to discuss the situation with the larger peer group to identify the best strategy to recoup the loan. Depending on the situation, either the client will take responsibility to repay the entire amount or in other cases, the group members will help by contributing from the group fund to repay the outstanding amount to keep the group in good standing with the MFI. In situations where the client is not at fault, and the reasons for default is due to death, illness or business failure due to external factors, the interest may be waived, the entire loan may be rescheduled or even waived and covered by the loan loss reserve fund of the MFI. As microfinance loans increase in size, the exposure to risk inhibits group guarantee through the group fund as a reliable or viable means of recovering losses. Therefore, in the case of larger loans, a client is eligible for larger micro enterprise loans, but must maintain membership in the group and comply with all the group requirements, including regular meetings, compulsory deposits, and deposits in the voluntary savings account. Although the group must continue to assist in the collection of bad debt, the loans are secured through the loan security deposit of the individual client as well as the attachment of secondary assets that the client can liquidate if faced by income loss causing repayment problems. In a few cases, such as ASA, loans are being made to individuals outside the group mechanism to attract a different target group of clients, including men and women with established microenterprises who are not interested in group mechanisms but are interested in borrowing from an MFI as they are not eligible for commercial bank loans. The General and Micro Enterprise Loans are generally provided for many different purposes including investment in business activities including investment in productive assets such as agricultural land, equipment, machinery, electricity connection and inventory. Microfinance clients can obtain sector programme loans for micro enterprise development in areas such as trading, service sector, food production, poultry, livestock, agriculture, sericulture, fisheries and social forestry. Some NGOs offer clients enterprise development training, technical assistance for specific sub-sectors as well as marketing inputs. General loans are provided for any profitable and socially acceptable income enerating activities such as: rural trading; rural transport; paddy husking; food processing; small shops and restaurants, etc. Although diversion of loans for household consumption needs is not encouraged, there is an understanding that money is fungible, and what is important is that income levels w ithin the household enable a client to repay her installments regularly and continue to remain a customer in good standing. General loans usually range between USD$15 and USD$160. Members are eligible to apply for larger amounts once they have repaid their outstanding loan in full and as per the terms and conditions specified in the loan contract. The micro-enterprise loans are larger than general loans, and can be borrowed both at the group level and also as individuals directly, but with more rigorous credit appraisal including a thorough household and business appraisal to assess risk and potential for repayment. The clients are usually graduates who have successfully repaid several general loans and are committed to transforming small income generating activities into sustainable micro enterprises that will provide the primary income for the household. Some MFIs offer agricultural loan products that have different terms and conditions for repayment depending on the agricultural cycle. Repayments are made with monthly installments of interest and a payment of the principle amount in one or more installments depending on the cash flow of the household. MFIs also offer loans for other purposes, including asset creation, housing improvement, house construction, purchase of homestead land, as well as education of children. Several MFIs offer loans for repair of their homes, upgrading and in some cases actual construction of home or purchase of homestead land. Bangladesh Bank now offers house-building loans to MFIs at the rate of 1 percent per annum to finance the demand for housing loans from MFI clients. The average loan size is typically USD$310. In addition to these productive or investment loans MFIs also provide other loans for emergencies, disaster mitigation, sanitary latrines and tube wells. Due to the fact that Bangladesh is often affected by natural disasters including floods and typhoons, MFIs often provide emergency loans and disaster loans to help clients cope with the loss of income and assets as a result of a disaster. Typical microfinance loan products 1. General Loan 2. Micro enterprise Loan 3. Agricultural Loan (for cultivation purposes) 4. Housing Loan or House Improvement Loan 5. Education loan 6. Emergency or Disaster Loan 7. Tube well loan 8. Sanitary latrine loan ————————————————- ————————————————- Trends and Growth of Microfinance Programs of MFIs Trends and Growth of Microfinance Program of MFIs: The previous chapter dealt basically with the overall development of the microfinance sector. This chapter presents the overall trends and growth of the sector using panel data of 126 MFI-NGOs. These MFI-NGOs, however, have mobilized around 82 percent of the members mobilized by total MFI-NGOs of the country. GB is not included among these MFI-NGOs. The use of such panel data enables to clearly understand the growth and efficiency of the MFI-NGOs in the given period. Employment and Gender MFI-NGOs have not only contributed to providing financial services but also contributed to the generation of employment. Over the past four years, 2006 through 2009, there has been remarkable growth (Table) in employment creation by the MFI-NGOs. The panel data show, these 126 MFI-NGOs created some 31,505 new employments. The increasing trend in employment creation was observed from 2006 to 2008 while a slight decrease was taken place in 2009. A negative annual growth rate of total staff in 2009 was 0. 60 percent which was drastically lower compared to positive 2. 54 percent growth in 2008 and 27. 15 percent in 2007. Over a period of four years, 2006 through 2009, the growth was around 30 percent. There is a positive relationship between program expansion and number of staff employment. Credit staffs constitute a major share of total staff. The share of credit staff in total staff was around 62 percent in 2009 while no significant change was observed from 2008. On the other hand, the other staff contributed to around 38 percent of total staff resulting a slight increase in 2009 over 2008. Table [ 1 ]: Staff Strength and Growth of MFI-NGOs Figure [ 1 ]: Percent distribution of Staff of MFI-NGOs by gender 2009 Figure [ 2 ]: Percent distribution of Staff of MFI-NGOs by gender 2008 Women empowerment has been one of the major objectives of MFIs. Although this is reflected in mobilization of female members, it is not reflected in emale employment. Only around 26 percent of total staff and around 16 percent of total credit staff were female in 2009. Although the total number of female staff increased but the growth rate declined. This is evident from Figure 2. 1. 3. This may have happened because of longer hours of work, adverse geographical condition and overall, the psyc hology of the employers. Still the growth of female staff was higher compared to the growth of male staff in 2009. The growth of female staff was 6. 63 percent compared to a negative 2. 89 percent growth of male staff in 2009. The distribution of staff of MFI-NGOs by gender has been presented in Figure. However, recruitment of local level field female staff has probably contributed to higher female employment, which indirectly stimulated women empowerment. Figure 3: Trend in Credit Staff of MFI-NGOs Membership in MFI-NGOs Figure [ 4 ]: Percent Distribution of Membership in MFI-NGOs by Rural and Urban Areas in 2009 Figure [ 5 ]: Percent Distribution of Membership in MFI-NGOs by Rural and Urban Areas in 2008 MFIs initially started their programs in rural areas. Over time, they expanded their programs to urban areas too. Microfinance in Bangladesh is synonymous to credit for landless and asset less rural poor. As such the preeminence of rural members is quite natural in the overall microcredit members mobilized. On the other hand, the magnanimity of female members in the overall membership is very usual, as microcredit as a poverty alleviation tool has taken women empowerment as one of its agenda from the very on set. A total of 22,734,381 members were mobilized up to 2009. Among them, the share of rural areas was 88. 59 percent in 2009 (Figure) compared to 89. 33 percent in 2008 (Figure). There has been an increasing trend in membership mobilization in rural areas up to 2008 since 2006 (Figure), but it decreased in 2009 by around 6 percentage point. In urban areas, the total number of members was increasing at a decreasing rate. As are evident from Table 2. , the number of female members in rural areas decreased for the first time in 2009 by around 2 percentage point compared to 2008. But over the period, 2006 to 2009, female members in the rural areas achieved a growth of around 32 percent. Figure [ 6 ]: Trend in Membership by Location of MFI-NGOs Figure [ 7 ]: Distribution of Growth of Me mbership The annual growth of rural female member was 1. 62 percent in 2009 compared to 2. 99 percent in 2008 and 12. 39 percent in 2007. The annual decrease in the number of male members in rural areas was 877,271 in 2009 from 2008 with a deceasing rate of around 26 percent. Over the period, 2006 through 2009, the rate declined by around 21 percent. An opposite scenario was seen in the growth of male members in urban areas. In this year the growth rate of male membership got rid of 1 percent negative growth of 2008 and recorded 1 percent positive growth. In 2007 male membership had 13 percent positive growth. Interestingly, some 1,257,210 members were declined in rural areas, while the number grew by 37,589 in urban areas resulting decrease of overall 1,219,621 members in 2009 compared to 2008. Over the period from 2006 to 2009, the overall growth of membership was around 20 percent and at the same time the growth of female and male members was around 30 percent and 20 (negative) percent respectively. The trend on the membership is also shown in Figure. Table [ 2 ]: Growth of Membership Trends in Lending Behavior The scenario of the sector is also possible to see through important program data, such as, amount of members' savings or group savings, total (or cumulative) number of borrowers provided loans (inclusive of repeat loans) ever, current number of borrowers, amount of cumulative loans disbursed, amount of loans outstanding with the borrowers, and amount of revolving loan funds. Borrower-Member Ratio: All the members at a given point of time may not be borrowers, and even everyone may not borrow. This is reflected in borrower-member ratio. As the panel data (Table 2. 3. 1) showed that in 2009 MFIs could provide loans to 70. 42 percent of the members compared to 74. 20 percent in 2007 and 78. 80 percent in 2007. This declining trend throws a big question to the microfinance industry about its progression with the given mandate of reaching the poor with financial services for poverty alleviation. As expected, borrower-member ratio is higher for the female than the male members. Around 73 percent of the female members had borrowed in 2009 while the percentage was around 77 in 2008 and about 83 percent in both 2007 and 2006. The higher ratio for female could be happened due to perceived financial discipline and less mobility of female. After showing a continuous increasing trend in the borrower- member ratio for male members from around 54 percent in 2006 to around 61 percent in 2008, and again it declined to around 56 percent in 2009. The borrower-member ratio for female members was around 17 percent higher than that of male members in 2009 and the trend continued also in all the years under consideration. It could be the mobility of the male borrowers that makes MFIs conservative in lending to them. Table [ 3 ]: Borrower and Member Ratio (%) There is, however, not much difference exists in borrower-member ratio in rural and urban areas. But a decreasing trend was observed in the borrower-member ratio in both the rural and urban areas. Such trend may be attributed to market saturation, mobility of members in the credit market, or the process of consolidation of the MFIs. Plausible causes need to be investigated. Intensity in Number of Loans: It is reflected in the ratio of cumulative borrowers and current borrowers. Cumulative borrowers are essentially the number of loans taken. Current borrowers represent active members. As such, the ratio of cumulative borrowers and current borrowers will give us a trend in the intensity of number of loans per borrower. The cumulative number of borrowers of 126 MFI-NGOs till 2009 was 39,536,838, higher by around 12 percent than the 2008 level, and around 53 percent higher than the 2006 level. As expected, the number of current borrowers was less than the cumulative borrowers. The number o