Corporate finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Corporate finance - Essay Example The important role of SMBs is evident when the economies of the developing nations are considered. SMBs contribute greatly to the gross domestic product in a country, entrepreneurial skill development, generation of employment and innovation to many developing economies. In light of this, the paper will critically analyze the various sources of financing for small and medium scale businesses Due to the good impact of SMBs in the economy of a country, support schemes and programs have been put forth in institutions by some of the developed and developing countries so as to support them (Prasad, C. 2004). This support includes offering loans, expert counseling on the types of credit so as to avoid credit risk, advice and legal assistance on exports by the government of the United States of America through small business administration. For instance, in the late 80s the Nigerian Government established the Entrepreneur Development Programme through the National Directorate of Employment, the objective of this policy was to reduce unemployment level through providing an opportunity for individuals to acquire entrepreneur skills. Further they would be able to secure loans for themselves so that they can start their own small and medium scale enterprises (Dinesh, 2003). Another case was in Mexico whereby the Mexican Development Fund was established so as to provide an arrangem ent of finance to aid agricultural activities. Despite such efforts, investigations reveal that the SMBs are still facing major challenges. Some of the SMBs cannot easily access funds thus posing a major threat to their existence in terms of growth and survival. Ekpenyong and Nyong (1992) states that in some countries like Ghana for example, financial schemes have been launched. They include Micro-finance, venture capitalist trust, and small loan centers among others. Others are export development, Investment Funds and

GM Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

GM Research - Essay Example Research studies also show that this plant is capable of preventing lipid accumulation in the body thereby helping in weight loss. Natural Garcinia has a certain concentration of the active chemical. However, with the accelerating percentage of people turning towards Garcinia for easy weight loss has been the main focus of genetic engineers. The rind of the fruit was used to make medicinal extracts. Genetic engineers have modified the plant such that the active chemical is now produced in the rind as well as in the endosperm (pulp) of the fruit Trials were conducted on animals (rabbits). No serious condition was noticed in animal trials. Mild ocular irritation occurred when the extract was given in the right eye (Ohia et al,2002), however no literature so far suggest that the extract causes any health problems in humans. Traditionally the agriculture industry has been the best supporter and beneficiary from innovative technology. Interbreeding and natural selection of plant traits have been a common method to grow naturally modified crops for better yield and plant characters. However, the same technique in the laboratory has been developed paving way for the much debated genetically modified crops. Genetically modified crops are not only important to science and researchers but are of immense importance to the farmers as well. The growth projection of GMO’s is directly proportional to the profits of farmers growing the GMO’s. Contrary to the most common perception that growth of genetically modied organisms or plants are anti-democratic in nature, studies and surveys have established that growing these GMO’s are in fact much more beneficial than growing the ordinary forms of the same crop or plants.†In countries where farmers are allowed to grow GM crops, they increasingl y choose to do so. In 2010, 15.4 million farmers in 29 countries cultivated GM crops† (James,2010). Growing Garcinia Cambogia will

External Influences on Building Design

External Influences on Building Design Many people don’t realise how hard it can be to design something. Especially building, this is why architect’s job isn’t easy. The massing and overall design of the building is influenced by number of different factors and how important they are differs for each design. I would like to highlight the most important ones, and highlight which one of them cross reference quite often.       As Richard Rogers said â€Å"form follows profit, and this is aesthetic principle of our times†, unfortunately this is main factor impacting the design and all the other processes in architecture. Although it’s not the only one. Other example is often on the very beginning of the project – the site. Size configuration, topography this has huge impact on design. Sometimes we can change slightly topography, but site shape would be more of an issue. Often in extreme cases this becomes the asset of finalised project, like it happened in Tokyo project â€Å"A life with large opening† often called â€Å"gap house† designed by ONDESIGN. Next factor is often one of the most influential in good and also in the bad way. These are and include number of people, starting from client all the way to neighbourhood, which sometimes influences the design. Probably one of most important stakeholders is user/client, they often provide driving force for the design. As they may be personally involved in process of design and then construction. Possibly the best example of this could be STAMP HOUSE designed by Charles Wright Architects. This project in was directed and influence by various factor of which the most challenging was client, that desired carbon neutral, off-grid architectural statement that would be: â€Å"new face of tropical architecture†. Effectively this particular project was as highly influenced by client’s introduction of environmental design. Final design was to minimalize impact on environment (as client requested), so that ecosystem around it would not be affected. Therefore architect’s had to work very closely with experts and various organisations. Effectively this lead to zero carbon project that is level 5 cyclone proof and therefore classed as a cyclone shelter, additionally it’s flood proof and wouldn’t suffer from any natural disaster as it uses on sight solar panels and rain water collected in 25000 litres tank that is also located on the site. Another very influential stakeholders are neighbours and community groups. They often effect not only design but also whether building will be completed or not. Good example could be found in Manchester where public was picketing construction of new Manchester Metropolitan University campus building, the site chosen by MMU has previously been picketed by same group of people and that was probably what caused investment to fail. This time it was different partially due to professional manner of architect’s, MMU and local government. Although as many people claim the main role in this case was played by another influential and sometimes critical factor – economic status. As the economic crisis emerged rate of investment started drastically falling down, MMU used this fact to gain planning permission for Birley Fields proposal and convince authorities and residents. This just reinforces and relates back to famous Rogers quote â€Å"Form follows profit, is the aesthetic principle of our times†. This briefly mentioned local government as they are stakeholder representing local and public interests. They are often main body that appoints people to ensure, that building at it final stage is safe to use. Which obviously needs to be considered and included during design stage. Unfortunately not everything could be predicted like 9/11 terrorist attack. Although government and designers with engin eers do their very best to prevent similar disasters from happening. This includes meeting and exciding building regulations, fire regulations and many more. These also relatively strongly influences the design. Number of people work to make sure building is safe the most important and influential of which is engineer or team of engineers. They do all the hard calculations, and this is what they have done in case of WTC. Architects and engineers jointly admitted that they designed World Trade Center to withstand air plane collision. Although it was impossible for building to handle this with so intense fire inside it. This leads me to another factor that strongly influences design that makes it possible and functional. Even greatest building on the earth without sufficient services and structure to support it – is a disaster. This is why engineer and sometimes ME engineer effect design. Often especially in big projects architect and structural engineer work in collaboration to create final design. This is evolution from the sentence said by Louis Sullivan about his new Wainwright Building – â€Å"form follows function†. Even if architect and engineer work close together they are often limited by construction methods and processes, like it almost happened with Beetham Tower in Manchester. The design caused a lot of dispute on how and whether it would be possible to safely construct four-metre cantilever which is definite land mark in Manchester’s skyline. Frank Lloyd Wright found similar problem when he proposed Mile High Illinois which was proposed in 1956 and never been built, simply because construction methods wouldn’t allow it then and possibly even now it cou ld be challenging to construct this proposed building. Although this shouldn’t be a reason not to design it there are number of projects that has been designed and either not build or changed during construction because this coordination between architect and engineer wasn’t successful. Similar cooperation would be good between ME engineer and architects. Although services that ME is taking care of often are not of particularly important at the design stage and therefore sometimes they tend to be pushed to blank box where they should be placed or they not even included at all. Unfortunately this is often not enough place and highly effects aesthetics of interior. This wasn’t case in Pompidou Centre in Paris where all the services are on the external faà §ade and therefore services engineer strongly effected or actually created the appearance of this building. This innovative design created very industrial appearance, also its good place to realise how many serv ices and work goes into parts of building that are usually hidden. Possibly hiding all this causes people to think anyone can build a building and call it   architecture – and this is incorrect. Another influencing factor is definitely sustainability. This factor is more and more often mentioned in client’s requirements as its good for PR. Although due to global warming and heat island effect more and more government’s and authorities include some form of sustainability in their building regulations. And therefore it’s definitely outside of architect’s influence. Although sometimes this as well as other restrictions allow great designs to be created and to emerge, similarly like it was with Pompidou Centre with services, they allowed it to be great building. Often sustainability of the building doesn’t cause huge effect on the design, although it has to be considered from the start. Another strongly influential factor that I would like to mention is time. As we know ‘time is money’ this is wha t Benjamin Franklin said, and it’s still valid. Different people need quick design for number of different reasons. No matter of reason this influences the design. It may be that because architect need to finish design very quickly and he can’t refine all the. It could be that someone works really well under pressure and therefore final design may come out brilliantly. In most cases where time is important factor client decide to use unconventional building process called ‘Design and Build’ this means that construction starts as soon as architect creates rough shape. That causes that some of the details can’t be changed as they may already been built. This isn’t something new, it’s happening for long time, one of best examples is Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, this Roman Catholic basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudà ­, construction started in 1882, this is 122 years ago, and it’s still not finished. This wouldn’t be possible without this construction method, and hopefully if finished in 2028 as current estimates show it would be definitely one of the longest construction processes in the history. As visible on photo above it’s not surprising, because as its being build, the attention to the details and the beauty of construction is at the highest possible level. Other influential factor that in my opinion is fundamental is the function. The role of architect is to find the solution for many, sometimes very hard problems. This is what in my opinion defines good architect. It’s not only how ‘pretty’ the building is, or how tall, it’s about how well architect or even designer thought about potential issues and how he solved it. Otherwise building is just – a shed. Functional but without thought putted into it, althought because â€Å"form follows function† or at least it should, the design supposed to reinforce the function, an d definitely not to go against it. This is what many people claim that has happened in case of Vitra Fire Station designed by Zaha Hadid, even though she is great architect, specific to her design style. As many people claim, the sculptural fanciness of designer caused building to be not functional as fire station and had to be handed over, and now it’s â€Å"used for exhibitions and events and continues to be one of the highlights on the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein.† And I’m not disputing fact that it’s obviously architectural highlight of the area. Although it’s definitely in its design more suitable for exhibition area rather than fire station, because in case of fire it was hard for fire engine quickly leave, to the extent that some people called it dangerous. And therefore I think it’s important to create great designs, but not to forget about primary needs of the place, even factory or storage buildings could be architectural statement not only a building. There are many, many more factors that affect architectural designs all over the planet. Some more and other less, it all depends on client , and situation that the building is being build, however definitely most important and most influential is function followed by site, money and the client. References: Shoebox dwelling. 23 Oct 2012. House in a Gap. [Online]. Available at:  http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/10/23/house-in-a-gap/ [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Ondesign. Unknown. A life with large opening. [Online]. Available at:  http://www.ondesign.co.jp/english/works/062/#workTitle [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Oxford Dictionaries. Unknown. Oxford English Dictionary – stakeholder. [Online]. Available at:  http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/stakeholder [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014]   Charles Wright Architects, Unknown. Stamp house publication. [Online]. Available at:  ww.wrightarchitects.com.au/projects-2/contact/stamp-house/ [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Manchester Evening News, 26 Feb 2011, Revealed: New plans for Manchester Metropolitan University’s new Hulme campus. [Online]. Available at:  www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Manchester Metropolitan University. Unknown. Birley Fields campus publication. [Online]. Available at:  www.mmu.ac.uk/birleyfields [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] 9/11 Blogger. 21 Feb 2007. What the World Trade Center Building Designers Said: Before and After 9/11. [Online]. Available at:  http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/february2007/210207designers.htm [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] History, 25 Jan 2001. Unknown. 911 Facts with Hero and Victim – interview with Frank DeMartini. [Video online] Available at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl1GfcD3KZ0 [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] World Trade Center. n.d. [Image online] Available at:  http://www.photosup.biz/img/world-trade-center-new-york.html [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Beetham Tower. n.d. [Image online] Available at:  http://www.cityadvisor.info/[emailprotected] [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Wainwright Building. n.d. [Image online] Available at:  http://www.essential-architecture.com/STYLE/STY-Sullivanesque.htm [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Frank Lloyd Wrights mile-high building. n.d. [Image online] Available at:  http://www.wbez.org/blog/john-r-schmidt/2011-08-25/frank-lloyd-wrights-mile-high-building-90793 [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Gagnon, B. 20 Sep 2009. Sagrada Familia 01. [Image online] Available at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sagrada_Familia_01.jpg [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014]   SBA73. 21 Feb 2011. Sagrada Familia nave roof detail. [Image online] Available at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sagrada_Familia_nave_roof_detail.jpg [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Zaha Hadid. Unknown. Vitra Fire Station Publication. [Online]. Available at:  http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/vitra-fire-station [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Anniina Koivu. 11 Jun 2013. Happy Birthday Fire Station. [Onilne]. Available at:  http://www.vitra.com/en-gb/magazine/details/184799 [Accessed: 22 Mar 2014] Form follows profit1200921975

Big City Dangers :: Environmental Pollution Essays

Big City Dangers Since the industrial revolution the world has witnessed the rapid expansion of its metropolises. For years humans have been flocking to these urban centers in search of jobs, commodities, entertainment and other phenomena that can commonly be found in cities. With this grand, not so new invention which most of us exploit, one must wonder what negative effects city living might have on our health. When populations of animals are clustered together certain dangers arise that threaten the well being of each organism. Notably in China, Japan, India and the United States which contain extensive cities humans battle the health risks that come along them. One such well-known city in the USA which has documented and studied the biological threats to its inhabitants is New York City. A press release from the Department of Health is not necessary to let New Yorkers know that their home is hazardous to their health. Walking along any street in Manhattan the average observer can smell car fumes in the air, see the filth in the gutters and occasionally witness a purse-snatching. The potential for catching communicable diseases or being injured in some way is severely heightened in concentrated populations like New York. Some of the alleged pollution problems are water contamination, excessive noise and the presence of smog. Several diseases have spread throughout the city in recent years including the flu, West Nile Virus and meningitis. Another biological contaminant that has been found in NYC recently is Anthrax. This substance being sent through the postal system and other crimes endanger the well being of the citizens of this famous city. Anything from a car accident to an intentional murder or shooting can cause an unnatural death. Additionally, freak occur rences like terrorist attacks can kill or infect populations of people like those in New York City. These factors increase the likelihood that residents of a city will contract a particular disease, suffer from an environmentally caused illness, die in an accident or be the victim of a violent crime. Dangers associated with cities threaten the most basic biological feature that urban, suburban and country humans possess, life. Air pollution is one of the most noticeable and common complaints of people in an urban setting. On a hot day one can see the contaminated cloud-like structures hanging over a bustling metropolis.

Independence Day: India Essay

Good Morning! Respected chief guest our principal, teachers and my dear friends we have assembled here to celebrate the 65th anniversary of our Independence Day. As a citizen of India, I am so proud to talk to you about, my mother land. On the night of August 14, 1947, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru rose to make a maiden speech in New Delhi, â€Å"When the world sleeps, India will wake to life and freedom.† And now, this day 15th August of every year is a golden day engraved in the history of the world. We got freedom on this date and it is a day worth a celebration.. On this day our first thoughts go to the architect of this freedom, the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It was he who emphasized the need to observe human values in conducting the affairs of the country. He taught us Ahimsa and Non-violence We shall never allow that torch of his values to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest. Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom who, without praise or reward, have served India even unto death. We regard these martyrs who laid their precious lives for our sake.. And now 65 years later, we stand here today, and so much has changed. India is the largest democratic country in the world. But are we very successful in using our freedom in the right manner? If so, why are there so many bomb blasts, bribery cases, corruption charges? We have strayed from the Gandhian philosophy and his path of development. Well my dear friends, what can a student do at this juncture? Should we go and catch the terrorists? Should we fight against the corrupted politicians? No, we are not expected to do all these things. We will have our own day. Before that, let us do our duty of preparing ourselves to be well-educated citizens of tomorrow. Let us do our duty sincerely and study hard to achieve a goal.. Let us get rid of illiteracy and take India to a bright future. We are citizens of a great country on the verge of bold advance, and we have to live up to that high standard. On 15 august 1947, new hope came into being, a vision long cherished materialized. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed! Jai Hind !

Power Shifts in Queen Kong

The poem presents the reader with a power shift from male to female but could also highlight that the story is not simply restricted too male perspective. In this light, Duffy is, like in ‘Mrs. Midas', highlighting how certain members of society are exploited and how, despite popular belief, women often have control over men. This is reinforced when Queen Kong states how he is â€Å"my (her) little man†. This reveals her affection towards the man but also significantly displays his physical inferiority.The use of the possessive pronoun â€Å"my' again possibly reveals her care for the man but also possibly signifies her ownership of the man and thus shows how she is control. Duffy use of humor is also apparent throughout this poem. This is evident when the people in the village do not hear because they are â€Å"used to strangers†-The image of a gorilla walking the streets and no one noticing is completely absurd. There is a further element of humor when Queen Ko ng states how she is â€Å"especially fond of pastrami on rye†.Here, Duffy is straining the Bohemian lifestyle. This comic effect is also conveyed in stanza 7 when Queen Kong states â€Å"l was discreet, prowled those trees in darkness†. Additionally the notion of her going shopping without anyone noticing adds to the absurdity of the idea and the image of a huge gorilla walking through a shop adds to comical effect Duffy is trying to create. The annalistic instincts and desires of Queen Kong are notable on several occasions In the poem. The long nights In the heat† reveal her physical reaction and emphasizes her annalistic behavior in that It Is her natural Instinct to mate. The way Queen Kong explicitly reveals how she â€Å"put the tip of (her) tongue to the grape of his flesh† again emphasizes her annalistic behavior with the alliteration stressing how they went straight to having sex. This accentuates the Idea that It was lust and not romance that bro ught them to have sex. Queen Kong Just using the man to satisfy her own desires -control that she has over concept reinforced by the Idea that she was â€Å"lonely'- Italicized stressing her desperation? The control and superiority of queen Kong Is again apparent In stanza 9 â€Å"l picked him up Like a chocolate from the top layer† – whilst the simile portrays the man as desirable and metaphorically tasty, ultimately he has no control. This concept Is developed when queen Kong refers to the helicopters as â€Å"dragonflies†.This metaphor reveals the extent of her power and physicality. Moreover, It can be connected to the threat made earlier on In the poem that she â€Å"could swat his plane from the sky Like a gnat†- effective In disclosing her control and how he Is physically Inferior. -shift of power from male to female- male's often use their physical strength as a threat and In that way are normally superior to women. Power Shifts in Queen Kong By nekton highlight that the story is not simply restricted to a male perspective.In this light, instincts and desires of Queen Kong are notable on several occasions in the poem. â€Å"The long nights in the heat† reveal her physical reaction and emphasizes her annalistic behavior in that it is her natural instinct to mate. The way Queen Kong straight to having sex. This accentuates the idea that it was lust and not romance desires -control that she has over concept reinforced by the idea that she was â€Å"lonely'- italicized stressing her desperation?The control and superiority of queen Kong is again apparent in stanza 9 â€Å"l picked him up like a chocolate from the top ultimately he has no control. This concept is developed when queen Kong refers to physicality. Moreover, it can be connected to the threat made earlier on in the poem that she â€Å"could swat his plane from the sky like a gnat†- effective in disclosing her control and how he is physically inferior. -shift of power from male to female- male's often use their physical strength as a threat and in that way are normally superior to