Davis Humanics Case Essay

To: From: CC: Date: Re: DH Board of Directors Henry G Young James Barry 9/12/2010 CRM System In understanding that generally that all choices re: capital speculations depended on the ROI (Return On Investment) strategy. I soliciting the Board from Director to please observe my appended laid out advantages and cost of usage for the CRM System. While the consequences of my plot benefits are determined with a most dire outcome imaginable premise, I would demand that the Board take a gander at the drawn out addition for the organization which isn't just comprehensive of the monetary profits. DH utilization of the ROI technique can be controlled to suit those against or in any event, for this framework so this ought not be the main strategy utilized for this venture. The figures in the joined advantage and worth proposition shows that the task will cost generally $1,000,000. 00 †$2,000,000. 00 just to secure the CRM framework and another $1,000,000. 00 for all execution, up-preparing , upkeep, and so forth. There are such huge numbers of different techniques that might be utilized whether it is a restitution period or net present worth or a net present worth and recompense period joined, the Board is urged to explore or engage future conversations on this issue until we can go to some understanding and push ahead. Meanwhile the organization is developing as are our customers acquisitions. DH brought $2 billion in deals to a close with our 1000 representatives utilizing an immersed framework a year ago. A CRM framework this year would loan to proficiency, improved client/customer fulfillment and position in the commercial center. Henry Young Project Team Leader 1

Personal Framework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Individual Framework - Assignment Example On the off chance that whereby the patient can't react to the medical caretaker, the guardians or family members are entitled for the reaction. At whatever point there is a mind boggling circumstance concerning a specific customer, increasingly serious consideration and additional assets is required. This empowers the medical attendants and key partners personality the most fitting class of nursing for the patients care pondering nature variables, customer and the medical caretaker. Each expert has their desires in the field of specialization. In the nursing practice, I have a few desires included, which will empower me convey the most ideal result to the patients. Concerning the three-factor system: customer, attendant and condition factors, different nurses’ desires can be sketched out which help nurture in settling on compelling choices. The customer factors are affected by intricacy, consistency and danger of negative results from the customer. Any medical attendant can co nvey to a customer who is less intricate increasingly unsurprising and has okay of negative results. The more mind boggling the circumstance is, the more interview is required to convey adequately. As a future medical attendant, I hope to have the option to have independent practice in nursing and information, which will control me to manage intricacy of a customer along these lines setting up viable consideration and dealing with the wellbeing state of this kind of a customer. I additionally hope to have the option to convey to customers with the end goal that they can understand unsurprising changes in their wellbeing conditions to recognize their future consideration prerequisites. With respect to nursing factors I foresee to have the option to offer sheltered and moral consideration to the patients through authority, dynamic and through abilities got from basic reasoning. I anticipate have the option to apply the information and decide when and where to apply the associate and t hinking about the vital assets for discussion. As a medical attendant, I ought to have the option to perceive my ability and practice by being an aptitude in the field of nursing. Most medical caretakers upgrade their capability and information through continue in instruction and experience which isn't the situation as a rule coz this doesn't generally imply that that u will gain a basic ability like most capable attendants. One can turn into a specialist in the nursing practice inside their own nursing class. It is anticipated from me that I will have the option to have time and assets for successful meeting to give the best to the customers by having the option to give the central consultative outcomes. Considering nature factors, which are practice supporters, counsel assets and soundness of condition, I anticipate that these assets should be steady in my dynamic. Nature should likewise be increasingly steady for high extent of medical attendants and numerous interview assets, wh ich will be progressively powerful for me as a medical attendant to convey best to my customers. With devotion and practice in the nursing practice, I will be in a situation to accomplish objectives and destinations. The objective of seeking after the nursing practice will be to give protected, able and moral consideration to my customers or patients. As a medical caretaker, I am responsible for the training. I might have the option to accomplish the above objective through responsibility to creating and applying the training standard by determination, basic abilities

December and January Holiday Office Hours COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

December and January Holiday Office Hours COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog The next two weeks the University and SIPA will be recognizing a number of holidays.   Below is important information regarding our office hours.   We are keeping very busy as the January 5th deadline approaches but if you contact us on any of the following dates you can expect a short delay due to office closures. Thursday, December 23:   Office will close at 1:00 PM Friday, December 24:   Office closed for the day Monday, December 27:   Office closed for the day Thursday, December 30:   Office will close at 1:00 PM Friday, December 31:   Office closed for the day Monday, January 3:   Office closed for the day

Hero Honda Financial Analysis - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 678 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/09/15 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? Investment Decisions Analysis Company: Hero Honda Motors Ltd. Balance sheet | | | | | | | | |YEAR |Mar’ 10 |Mar’ 09 |Mar’ 08 |Mar’ 07 |Mar’ 06 | | | |Fixed assets | |Gross block |2,750. 98 |2,516. 27 |1,938. 78 |1,800. 63 |1,471. 97 | |Less : revaluation reserve |- |- |- |- |- | |Less : accumulated depreciation |1,092. 20 |942. 56 |782. 52 |635. 10 |522. 60 | |Net block |1,658. 78 |1,573. 71 |1,156. 6 |1,165. 53 |949. 37 | |Capital work-in-progress |48. 14 |120. 54 |408. 49 |189. 92 |44. 19 | |Investments |3,925. 71 |3,368. 75 |2,566. 82 |1,973. 87 |2,061. 89 | |Net current assets | |Current assets, loans advances |2,890. 46 |1,022. 14 |942. 00 |914. 65 |822. 6 | |Less : current liabilities provisions |4,992. 04 |2,205. 90 |1,955. 33 |1,608. 74 |1,682. 90 | |Total net current assets |-2,101. 58 |-1,183. 76 |-1,013. 33 |-694. 09 |-860. 34 | |Miscellaneous expenses not written |- |- |- |- |- | |Total |3,531. 05 |3,879. 24 |3,118. 24 |2 ,635. 23 |2,195. 11 | Fixed / Intangible Assets and Depreciation/Amortisation Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost of acquisition is inclusive of freight , duties, taxes, and other incidental expenses. Depriciation is charged on a pro-rate basis at the straight line method prescribed in schedule XIV to the companies act, 1956. Assets covered under employee benefit scheme are amortised over a period of five years. Assets costing upto Rs. 5000 each are fully depreciated in the year of purchase. Intangible assets, comprising of expenditure on model fee etc. , incurred are amortised on a straight line method over a period of five years. Lease hold land has been amortised over the period of lease. Interpretations Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Hero Honda Financial Analysis" essay for you Create order The Gross block is increasing every year and there’s no revaluation as the revaluation reserve is zero. Moreover, the FAs are stated at cost. Hence, the company is investing in FA every year. Hence, we can say that the company is growing continuously. In 2009, FA purchase = Gross block of 2009 – Gross block of 2008 = INR 234. 71 cr Investments Current investments are stated at lower of cost and fair value computed categorywise. Long-term investments are stated at cost less provision for permanent diminuition, if any. Net cash used in investing activity (2009): INR 844. 59 cr Interpretation Hero Honda Motors has been continuously increasing its investment every year. Hence, it is benefitting its shareholder through capital gains and not through dividends. Inventories Stores and spares and loose tools are stated at cost or under. Raw materials and components, finished goods and work in progress are valued at cost or net realisable value, whichever is lower. The basis of determining cost for various categories of inventories are as follows:- Stores and spares, loose tools, raw materials and components – Weighted average cost Materials in transit Actual cost Work in progress and finished goods Material cost plus appropriate share of labour, manufacturing overheads and excise duty Provisions and Contingent Liabilities Provision involving substantial degree of estimation in measurement are recognized when there is present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that there will be an out flow of resources. Contingent liabilities are not recognized but are disclosed in the notes. Working capital management and Liquidity Ratios The company has been able to effectively control the recievable and inventories enabling it to continue to operate on negative working capital. Key indicators of profitability : 09-10 08-09 Inventory Period 10. 6 11. 0 Operating Cycle 13. 3 16. 9 Cash Cycle -17. 0 -13. 1 Current Ratio 0. 45 0. 51 Acid Test Ratio 0. 26 0. 30 The average of inventory, recievables and payables has been taken into consideration of inventory period, operating and cash cycle. 1. Current ratio Current Ratio = CA/ CL = 3. 19 Interpretation 1. For every one Rupee of CL the company has CA worth Rs. 3. 19. 2. Hence, from the operational point of view, the safety margin is 68. 65% ie. Firm will be able to meet its current obligations even with a 68. 75% decline in the value of its CAs. 3. Hence, short term lenders will feel more safe and secured with PRIL. 2. Acid test/ Quick ratio Quick ratio = (Current Assets – Inventory – Prepaid expenses)/ Current Liabilities = 1. 45 Interpretation An ATR of 1 is considered satisfactory. Hence, PRIL has a good liquidity position. 3. Inventory Turnover ratio ITR = COGS/ Avg finished goods inventory = 3. 77 Inventory Period = 12/ITR = 3. 18 Interpretation 1. Lower average inventory 2. Finished goods are stored for a period of 3. 18 months before they are sold. 3. Since, the ITR is not that high, the company is required to maintain high liquidity ratios (which the company actually does). 4. Long term assets to Total assets ratio LTA/ TA = 0. 46 Interpretation 1. The majority of assets of the company are short term or current assets. 2. This is good for the company as the company has a low ITR and hence is required to maintain high CA to meet its CL.

American Puritanism And American Romanticism - 1146 Words

The way people viewed the world changed significantly between the time of American Puritanism and American Romanticism. American Puritans believed in a flawless society based on the core beliefs of the Church. As presented in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, American Puritans feared challenging the social norm because it would essentially lead to possessing a corrupt society. American Romanticism ideas differed from American Puritanism beliefs. Romanticists emphasized the power of individuals and believed in valuing feeling and intuition over reason. As opposed to American Puritans, Romanticists believed in seeking nature and objecting the artificiality of civilization. American Romanticism literary works impact society because it enforces the importance of human imagination, the importance of seeking nature, and the importance of valuing feeling over reason. American Romanticist ideas were widely expressed through poetry and short stories. Literary works such as Rip Van Winkle b y Washington Irving, â€Å"Thanatopsis† by William Cullen Bryant, The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving, The Pit and the Pendulum by Edgar Allen Poe, The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe, and â€Å"The First Snowfall† by James Russell Lowell are examples of American Romanticism stories in which have a significant impact on society. Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle exemplifies the significance of seeking unspoiled nature. Rip Van Winkle’s wife is presented as a mean individual and often times exposesShow MoreRelatedA Romantic View Of Hester Prynne Essay1316 Words   |  6 Pagesand simplicity of nature are at the foundation of American Romanticism. Essays such as Thoreau’s Walden and Emerson’s â€Å"Self-Reliance† call on humans to look inward and avoid conformity in order to find meaning and purpose in life. Nathaniel Hawthorne is also sympathetic to these ideals, but in The Scarlet Letter, he conveys them in the format o f a novel where one of his main characters, Hester Prynne, is surrounded by rigid and unforgiving Puritanism in seventeenth century Boston. Through Hester’sRead More Comparing Romanticism in Plymouth Plantation, Birthmark, and Rappaccinis Daughter1140 Words   |  5 Pages   Ã‚     Puritanism and Romanticism differ in style, religious references, and plot content. Puritanism began to flourish with strict God-fearing Calvinists who had fled to America to escape religious persecution in Europe. With writers such as William Bradford and Edward Taylor, Puritan literature focuses on Gods role in the lives of the people and adopts a simple religious style of writing. Romanticism was introduced to Americans in the nineteenth century, delivering a fresh literary and artisticRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter1187 Words   |  5 PagesPuritanism in Red Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter shows the early view of Puritanism by concentrating on sin, guilt, and its effects on society. Nathaniel Hawthorne conveyed a dark and romantic style of writing in â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†, impacting the society by focusing on the concepts of romanticism. The Scarlet Letter is considered a classic book and is still read today. Nathaniel Hathorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts on July 4, 1804. He was the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth ClarkRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Scarlet Letter 1628 Words   |  7 Pagescaptured by native American Indians on his way to New England and held in captivity for two years, escaped and entered the town of Boston. After learning of what Hester had done, Chillingworth poses as a doctor and vows to discover the identity of Hester s partner in sin. Hester agrees to keep his true identity a secret, too. Each character in the book represents one or more philosophies including Romanticism, Reason, and Puritanism that one could adhere to in life. Romanticism focuses on theRead MoreAmerican Literary Styles Of The Film Of All The Movies Directed By Tim Burton1051 Words   |  5 Pagesand blood galore has always been a repeated pattern in all of his films: Frankenweenie, Edward Scissorhands, and now Sleepy Hollow. Using costumes, tools and language, Sleepy Hollow reflects each of the three American literary styles of Puritanism, Rationalism, and Romanticism. Puritanism was shown a lot during the movie. In almost all the scenes involving Ichabod’s father, the Judge, or the towns’ people of Sleepy Hollow they defined what a true Puritan was by their behavior, along with whatRead MoreThe Influence of Puritanism on American Literature1234 Words   |  5 Pageswhich is popularly known as American Puritanism. A dominant factor in American life, Puritanism was one of the most enduring and shaping influences in American thought and American literature. Without true understanding of Puritanism, there would be no real understanding of American literature and American culture. ¡Ã‚ °Puritanism had spoken for the preeminence of the individual, for freedom from oppressive governments, and for the value of learning and education. It led Americans to examine their beliefsRead MoreRomanticism And Nathaniel Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter1461 Words   |  6 PagesRomanticism and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter Literary Romanticism was a literary movement that started in Europe toward the late 1700’s and reached America in the early 19th century just in time for its peak years. Originally sparked by the Industrial Revolution, it was a response to the political and social conditions of the time as well as a challenge to the new type of scientific exploration and rationalization of everyday life. Writing that was grand and inspired great feeling andRead MoreRomanticism in the Scarlet Letter Essay852 Words   |  4 PagesRomanticism is categorized as â€Å"a preference for simplicity and naturalness, a love of plain feelings and truth to common place reality, especially as found in natural scenes†. 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The Romantic period in literature followed the industrial revolution in Europe, andRead MoreWhat Did The First Puritan Settlers?1605 Words   |  7 Pagespure and paradise was different than those of the Native Americans; the Puritans wanted to â€Å"civilize† the land that was already occupied by Native Americans. But because of the influence of their religion, the Puritans believed it was meant for them. Lydia Maria Child wrote Hobomok, a novel about an English settler named Mary who gets married to a Native American named Hobomok, during the 1820s when Romanticism was thriving. Romanticism in literature began in the early 19th century and it incorporated

Mercury Effect on Seed Germination Free Essays

MERCURY EFFECT ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF Capsicum annuum SEEDS NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Hons. ) TECHNOLOGY AND PLANTATION MANAGEMENT FACULTY OF PLANTATION AND AGROTECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA JULY 2012 MERCURY EFFECT ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF Capsicum annuum SEEDS NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN Final Year Project Report Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Hons. ) Technology and Plantation Management In the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology Universiti Teknologi MARA JULY 2012 DECLARATION This Final Year Project is a partial fulfilment of the requirements for a degree of Bachelor of Science (Hons. We will write a custom essay sample on Mercury Effect on Seed Germination or any similar topic only for you Order Now ) Technology and Plantation Management, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA. It is entirely my own work and has not been submitted to any other University or higher education institution, or for any other academic award in this University. Where use has been made of the work of other people it has been fully acknowledged and fully referenced. I hereby assign all and every rights in the copyright to this Work to the Universiti Teknologi MARA (â€Å"UiTM†), which henceforth shall be the owner of copyright in this Work and that, any reproduction or use in any form or by any means whatsoever is prohibited without a written consent of UiTM. Candidate’s signature: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Date: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN Name: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. I hereby declare that I have checked this project and in my opinion, this project is adequate in terms of scope and quality for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science (Hons. ) Technology and Plantation Management, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA. Signature: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ DR. TSAN FUI YING Name of Supervisor: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. SENIOR LECTURER Position: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Date: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Alhamdulliah and praise be to Allah for the guidance and blessing, I was able to complete this final year pr oject. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr Tsan Fui Ying, for her guidance, advice, encouragement, good criticisms and also for he r patience in guiding me throughout final year project. My special thanks from the bottom of my heart go to my parent s and my siblings for their understanding and support during my study in UiTM. Lastly, I would also like to express my special thanks to all my friends who were directly or indirectly involved in giving their ideas, advice, criticism, and moral support throughout the project. Thank you very much. NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ii iii iv v vi vii viii ix DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ABSTRACT ABSTRAK CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background Of Capsicum annuum 1. 2 Value Of Capsicum annuum 1. 3 Background of the heavy metal 1. 4 Seed germination and growth 1. 5 1. 6 1. 7 1. 8 Problem Statement Objective Of Study Significance Of Study Scope Of Study 1 2 4 4 5 6 6 6 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Source of heavy metal 2. 2 Inhibition of seed germination Environmental effect 2. 3 7 9 12 3 MATERIAL AND METHOD 3. 1 Location of study . 2 Test Material 3. 3 Experimental Procedure 3. 4 Data collection 3. 5 Experimental design 3. 6 Statistical analysis 3. 7 Work schedule 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 17 5 CONCLUSION 20 21 24 34 CITED REFERENCES APPENDICES CURRICULUM VITAE iv LIST OF FIGURES Figure Caption Page 4. 1 Germination of C. annuum seeds after treatment with HgCl2 17 4. 2 Seed germination at the 10th day with HgCl2 treatment at 25mg/l 18 v LIST OF TABLES Table Caption 1. 1 Raw chili peppers (C. annum), nutrient value per 100 g 3. 1 Work schedule for the study on germination and growth of C. nnuum after application of HgCl2 at various concentrations Germination and growth of C. annuum after treatment withHgCl2 4. 1 Page vi 3 16 18 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS UiTM Universiti Teknologi MARA Hg Mercury HgCl 2 Mercury chloride mg/l milligram per liter cm Centimeter vii ABSTRACT Mercury Effect on Germination and Growth of Capsicum annuum Seeds A study was carried out to determine the germination and growth of Capsicum annuum after application of mercury chloride (HgCl2) at various concentrations. This study was conducted at Laboratory A603, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam. A total of 600 C. annuum seeds were used in this study. A total of 5 different concentration s of HgCl2 (0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/l) were applied in this study. The treatments were carried out by means of applying the chemical to the seeds on paper towel in Petri dishes. The application volume was 2 ml per Petri dish at alternate days unless the paper towel was still moist with the previous application of solution. The data in terms of seed germination and growth, included length of radical and plumule, were recorded. This study was based on Complete Randominized Design (CRD) with 5 replicates for each treatment. All the data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and treatment means were compared using Tukey’s Simultaneous Test. The germination and growth of C. annuum was significantly affected by the concentration of the heavy metal under study, especially with concentration ? 50 mg/l. Radical growth was found more sensitive to the presence and concentration of HgCl 2 as compared to plumule with this fruit vegetable species. viii ABSTRAK Kesan Merkuri terhadap Percambahan dan Pertumbuhan Biji Benih Capsicum annuum Satu kajian telah dijalankan untuk menentukan percambahan dan pertumbuhan biji benih Capsicum annuum selepas aplikasi merkuri klorida (HgCl2) pada kepekatan yang berbeza. Kajian ini telah dijalankan di Makmal A603, Fakulti Perladangan dan Agroteknologi, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam. Sebayak 600 biji benih telah digunakan dalam kajian ini. Sebanyak 5 kepekatan HgCl2 (0 (kawalan), 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/l) telah digunakan dalam kajian ini. Rawatan ke atas biji benih adalah dengan menggunakan bahan kimia pada biji benih yang diletakkan di atas tuala kertas dalam piring Petri. Isipadu aplikasi ialah 2 ml bagi setiap piring Petri dan rawatan diulang pada selang 2 hari kecuali tuala kertas masih lembap dengan larutan sebelumnya. Data mengenai percambahan biji benih dan pertumbuhan, termasuk panjang akar dan pucuk, dicatatkan. Kajian ini dijalankan berdasarkan Rekabentuk Rambang Lengkap (CRD) dengan 5 kali pengulangan bagi setiap rawatan. Semua data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) dan purata rawatan dibandingkan dengan menggunakan Tukey’s Simultaneous Test. Percambahan dan pertumbuhan C. annuum dipengaruhi dengan ketaranya oleh kepekatan logam berat yang dikaji, terutamanya pada kepekatan ? 0 mg/l. Pertumbuhan akar didapati lebih sensitif kepada kehadiran dan kepekatan HgCl2 berbanding dengan pucuk untuk spesis sayuran buah ini. ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background of Capsicum Capsicum annuum is a member of the family Solanaceae and a class of Dicotyledons. It is commonly known as Chili. Capsicum contains high amount of nutritive value such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), A, B-complex and E along with minerals like molybdenum, manganese, folate, potassium and thiamine. Capsicum contains seven times more vitamin C than orange (Simone et al. , 1997). Capsicum terminology is quite confusing, the terminology is synonymously used for â€Å"chilli pepper† plants called such as pepper, chili, chile, chilli, aji, paprika and Capsicum. There are thought to be 25-30 Capsicum species with five different names, such as C. annuum L. , C. frustescens Mill. , C. baccatum L. , C. chinense and C. pubescens Ruiz and Pavon, which have been domesticated and currently cultivated (Csillery, 2006). Capsicum is the most widespread and widely cultivated species in subtropics and temperate countries (Belletti et al. , 1998). The scientific classification of C. nnuum is as below: 1 Kingdom : Plantae – Plants Class : Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons Subclass : Asteridae Order : Solanales Family : Solanaceae – Potato family Genus : Capsicum L. – Pepper Species : Capsicum annuum L. – cayenne pepper Although the species name annuum means â€Å"annual† (from Latin annus â€Å"year†), the plant is not an annu al and in the absence of winter frosts, it can survive several seasons and grow into large perennial shrub. The si ngle flowers are of off-white (sometimes purplish) color while the stem is densely branched and the plant can grow up to 60 centimeter tall. The fruit is berry which may be green, yellow and red when ripe. While the species can tolerate most climates, C. annuum is especially productive in warm and dry climates (Anonymous, 2012b). 1. 2 Value of capsicum Capsicums have their own benefits and values to human beings. As we know, capsicums are used in cooking and also as medicines. Capsicum is an indispensable spice used as basic ingredient in a great variety of cuisine all over the world. It is also used as flavoring, colorant and adds tang and taste to the otherwise insipid food. Moreover, Capsicum species are employed whole 2 r ground and alone or in combination with other flavorings agents, primarily in the pickles, stewed or barbeques (Ravishankar et al. , 2003). Table 1. 1: Raw chili peppers (C. annum), nutrient value per 100 g Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 40 Kcal 2% Carbohydrates 8. 81 g 7% Protein 1. 87 g 3% Total Fat 0. 44 g 2% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 1. 5 g 3% Vitamins Folates 23 mcg 6% Niacin 1. 244 mg 8% Pantothenic acid 0. 201 mg 4% Pyridoxine 0. 506 mg 39% Riboflavin 0. 086 mg 6. 5% Thiamin 0. 72 mg 6% Vitamin A 952 IU 32% Vitamin C 143. 7 mg 240% Vitamin E 0. 69 mg 4. % Vitamin K 14 mcg 11. 5% Electrolytes Sodium 9 mg 0. 5% Potassium 322 mg 7% Minerals Calcium 14 mg 1. 5 % Copper 0. 129 mg 14% Iron 1. 03 mg 13% Magnesium 23 mg 6% Manganese 0. 187 mg 8% Phosphorus 43 mg 6% Selenium 0. 5 mcg 1% Zinc 0. 26 mg 2% Phyto-nutrients Carotene-? 534 mcg -Carotene-? 36 mcg -Cryptoxanthin-? 40 mcg -Lutein-zeaxanthin 709 mcg -Source: USDA National Nutrient data base (Anonymous, 2012a) 3 1. 3 Background of heavy metal According to Thomine et al. (2000), metals such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) are necessary as co-factors for many enzymatic reactions. Some metals, such as zinc (Zn), play important structural roles in proteins. Furthermore, metal cations have recently been shown to be involved in signaling in animals and plants. According to Ghavri and Singh (2010) in terms of stabilizing contaminated sites, a lower metal concentration in stem is preferred in order to prevent metal from entering into ecosystem. However, plants also need to control against excessive accumulation of essential cations and toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd2+), lead, mercury, and arsenic. When taken up in excessive quantities, these elements are transferred in the food chain where they may have adverse effects on the health of humans and animals. Heavy metals can enter the food chain via plant uptake (Chayed, 2009). According to Mami (2011) from Guilan University, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran, heavy metals have recently received the attention of researchers all over the world, mainly due to also their harmful effect on plant. 1. 4 Seed germination and growth According to the seed physiologists, germination is defined as the emergence of the radical through the seed coat. Basic requirements for germination include water, gases, temperature and moisture availability. 4 According to Vera et al. (2010), exposure to heat and to low pH promotes germination and reduces time to germinate, which indicates that germination is related to passage of fire and to soil pH. Germination is also correlated with wet and cold conditions and dormancy can be classified as being the physiological type. In addition, it well known that temperature, light conditions, nitrates or hormonal treatment may also affect germination. In an experiment conducted by Koger et al. 2004), Caperonia palustris seeds from naturally dehisced with predominant dark gray color were exposed to pre chilling in attempts to break any dormancy mechanism imposed on seed kept at room temperature. Results showed that pre chilling did not release dormancy. Seed germinated with fluctuating 12-h light/dark and constant dark conditions. Seed germination test using buffer solutions of pH 4 to 10 recorded germ ination of 31 to 62% over a pH range from 4 to 10. Heavy metals may also affect seed germination, mainly believed to be attributed to toxicity effects. They can be hazardous because they cannot be estroyed or despoiled but they are bioaccumulated. 1. 5 Problem statement Capsicum annuum is a kind of fruit vegetable most commonly consumed and its production is of concerned. Like other crops, Capsicum needs to control against excessive accumulation of essential cations and toxic heavy metals for seed development and production. The heavy metals may cause a negative effect to the seed germination and growth. 5 1. 6 Objective of study The experiment was conducted by considering the objectives of study as below: 1. To determine the mercury effect on germination of C. nnuum seeds. 2. To identify the mercury effect on subsequent initial seedling growth of C. annuum after seed germination. 1. 7 Significance of study This study is important to observe and determine the mercury effect on germi nation and growth of C. annuum seeds. The result from this study is hoped to provide information on germination and growth of C. annuum seeds as affected by mercury concentration in soil, e. g. ex-mining soils. 1. 8 Scope of Study The experiment conducted to identify the concentration of mercury that may affect germination and growth of C. nnuum seeds involved the seed extraction from fruits, seed treatment with mercury chloride (HgCl2), seed germination recording, measurement of length of radical and plumule, data analysis and report writing. 6 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Source of heavy metal There are many sources of heavy metals in soil including natural sources e. g. soil parent material, volcanic eruptions, marine aerosols, and forest fires; agricultural sources e. g. fertilizers, sewage sludge, pesticides and irrigation water; energy and fuel production sources e. g. emissions from power stations; mining and smelting e. . tailing, smelting, refining and transportation (R eichman, 2002). It is generally accepted that heavy metal contamination can not only result in adverse effects on various parameters relating to plant quality and yield, but also cause changes in the size, composition and activity of the soil microbial community (Giller et al. , 1998). Heavy metals might accumulate in the food chains, with risks for the health of animals and humans, which are less sensitive to metal toxicity than plants, but they are capable of concentrating heavy metal in certain tissues and organs (Peralta et al. 2001). The influence of metals on development and reproduction of plants can be firstly quantified by determining the germination traits of seeds and growth performance of seedling. In the presence of high concentrations of some heavy metals, most plant species performe the reduction of seed germination and seedling growth (Patra and Sharma, 2000). 7 The high metal contents suggest the potential for heavy metal accumulation and phytotoxicity for crops gro wn in soils receiving the metal enriched sewage sludge. Hence, it will limit its application on land, because of the stringent regulations for land application of heavy metals i n the form of sewage (Wong et al. , 2001). The high heavy metal contents might pose a toxic effect to plants and cause heavy metal accumulation in plant tissues (Wong et al. , 2001). Many of those who performed short-term laboratory studies also discuss ed their results in relation to existing regulations for heavy metals in soils, or the possible effect of the agricultural use of metal-contaminated products such as sewage sludge, animal manures and fungicides (Giller et al. 1998). The distribution of heavy metals in the organs of plants is not homogenous; it depends on the species and the element (Kozanecka et al. , 2002). The application of cow dung in wasteland soil not only provided nutrients for plant growth, but also stabilized the metal in the soil and reduced metal toxicity to the plant (Ghavri and Singh, 2010). According to Longman (2006), mercury is a he avy silver white poisonous metal that is liquid at ordinary temperature and it is a chemical element symbol is Hg. It is a pervasive pollutant that accumulates in organisms and is highly toxic. Elemental mercury is efficiently transported as a gas around the 8 globe, and even remote areas show evidence of mercury pollution originating from industrial sources such as power plants (Morel et al. , 1998). Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is of significant concern as an environmental pollutant since mercury is not very phototoxic in normally occurring concentrations. In polluted regions, mercury is a non -degradable toxic heavy metal pollutant when it is accumulated by plants. The information is scare about its uptake mechanism and growth inhibition. There are a wide range of sources that emit mercury to the atmosphere. Approximately half of the atmospheric budget of vapor-phase mercury is attributed to anthropogenic sources and half to natural source (Nriagu, 1989) The accumulation of mercury in terrestrial plants increases with increasing soil mercury concentration. Soil type has considerable influence on this process, i. e. high organic matter content will decrease uptake. Generally, the highest concentrations of mercury are found at the roots, but translocation to other organs occurs. In contrast to higher plants, mosses are known to take up mercury via atmospheric deposition (Boening, 2000). The characterization of mercury uptake showed that mercury binding is dependent on initial pH, agitation speed, amount of dosage and also the interaction between pH and contact time (Ling, 2010). 2. 2 Inhibition of seed germination According to Longman (2006), seed is a small, hard object produced by plants, from which a new plant of the same kind grows. Poor quality seeds suffer from following problems of low germination percentage, poor 9 emergence, poor survival, and poor adaptability to site, susceptible to disease and pests, poor growth, and low productivity (Anonymous, 2011a). The characteristics of good seeds are well ripened, healthy and true to type, pure and free from inert materials and weed seeds, viable and have good germination capacity, uniform in its texture, structure and appearance, and free from damage and should not be broken and inflected by pests and diseases (Anonymous, 2011a). Seed germination is defined as the emergence and development from seed embryo of those essential structures, which are indicative of the ability of seed to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions (Anonymous, 2011a). Seeds need to be handled carefully to avoid damage to the embryo. Rough handling at threshing time can result in a lower percentage of germination. Actual tests are made at intervals to insure a good percentage of germination. Many seeds will germinate in a week or two or three weeks, but some seeds may take weeks or even years until barriers to germination are removed (Butterfield, 1967). Although seeds are rather similar in structure and in the same taxonomic family, their germination patterns are quite different (McDonald, 2011). Seeds exist in a state of dormancy, absorbing oxygen, giving off carbon dioxide, and slowly using up their stored food reserves during germination (Rindels, 1996). Every viable seed has the potential to become a plant. For this to happen, the seed must germinate, and for germination to occur, a seed 10 essentially needs water (during absorption and subsequent stages of growth), oxygen (for respiration) and temperature adequate for metabolism and growth. Some seeds also require light and therefore must be on the soil surface in order to germinate, and not buried beneath the soil surface (McDonald, 2011). A general statement was made that percent of germination or p ercent of viable seeds of Rumex scutatus drop over time as a result of exposure to environmental conditions (Yilmaz and Aksoy, 2007). Some seeds have certain chemicals inside them to which prevent their germination, while some seeds may not have well developed embryo and require storage for a few weeks before germination can take place (Anonymous, 2011a). Some seeds present deep physiological dormancy with a very low germination percentage and they need a long time to start germination (Vera et al. , 2010). Heavy metals of Zn and ZnO particles were observed to have significant inhibition on seed germination and root growth (El-Temsah and Joner, 2010). The decrease in the value of germination percentage and germination index of the seed caused by the increased amount of metallic compound indicates that at a lower concentration, the contaminant posed little or no harm on the seed viability but in higher level, germination is retarded (Jaja and Odoemena, 2004). In the presence of heavy metals at certain concentrations, the radical of Arabidopsis thaliana protruded from testa, but the embryo growth was arrested beyond the point (Li et al. 2005). Although the seed coat provides some protection from metal stress prior to germination, it will eventually 11 crack or become more permeable upon germination. The current literature suggests that seed germination is affected by metals in two ways. Firstly, by their general toxicity, and secondly are by their inhibition of water uptake (Kranner and C olville, 2011). The seed injury caused by organic mercurials to cereals was characterized by abnormal germination. The primary effect of mercury could possibly be on the embryo itself, and effects on the endosperm were of secondary importance (Patra and Sharma, 2000). . 3 Environmental effect Salinity reduced germination percentage and also delayed the germination rate as the salt level was increased. The germination rate, germination index and coefficient of velocity of germination of forage sorghums decreased under salinity treatments. The germination percentage was a maximum in distilled water, but decreased with increasing salinity (Siti Aishah et al. , 2010). The pH of soil plays a great role in the speciation and bio-availability of heavy metals thus; the maximum allowable con centrations in soil vary with soil (Luo et al. , 2011). The percentage germination was low at acidic as well as alkaline conditions in both the sets of scarified and unscarified Solanum nigrum seeds. It was observed that neutral pH plays in an important role in increasing germination (Suthar et al. , 2009). 12 Erica australis had increased seed germination in response to factors related to passage of fire and low pH (Vera et al. , 2010). Caperonia palustris seed germination was less than 32% at pH 4 and 10. High seed germination over a broad pH range indicated that pH may not be a limiting factor for germination in most soils (Koger et al. , 2004). The addition of lime caused a significant increase in soil pH providing an alkaline buffering capacity against heavy metal availability for the acid loamy soil while without liming the acidic soil may cause a lowering of the alkalinity of sludge resulting in a higher availability of heavy metals (Wong et al. , 2001). 13 CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 3. 1 Location of the study This study was conducted at Laboratory A603, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor. 3. 2 Test material Capsicum annuum fully ripe fruits were purchased from local market and a total of 600 seeds were extracted from the fruits. The seeds were cleaned with running tap water, pat dried with paper towel and air dried for two days prior to experimentation. 3. 3 Experiment procedure 3. 3. 1 Sterilization of seed Seeds were rinsed with 10% Chlorox followed by 3 times rinsing with distilled water. 3. 3. 2 Treatment Seeds were germinated in enclosed Petri dishes on paper towel containing HgCl2 solutions at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg/l respectively. The paper towel was moistened with 2 ml of the respective HgCl 2 solution before the seeds were placed on the paper towel for germination test. The paper towel was applied with 2 ml of the 14 espective mercury solution at alternate days unless the paper towel was still found moist with the previous application of solution. 3. 4 Data collection The germination/emergence of the seedling (radical and plumule) was recorded for a period of 10 days. Then, the length of the radical (primary root) and plumule (primary shoot) was measured at two days after germination. The other abnor mal morphology, growth and development of seedlings were also recorded. 3. 5 Experimental design The experiment was based on completely randomized design (CRD) as it is the most commonly used design for laboratory research. This experiment was arranged in a CRD as a single factor experiment with 5 replicates. There were 20 seeds in each replicate. 3. 6 Statistical analysis Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and treatment means were compared using Tukey’s Simultaneous Test. Germination percentage was transformed to arc-sine value before ANOVA. 3. 7 Work schedule This study was conducted starting from January 2011 until July 2011 (Table 3. 1). It involved extraction and cleaning of seeds, air drying of seeds, sterilization procedure, and treatment with HgCl2, data collection and data 15 analysis. At the end of this study, project report was presented orally and the written final report was submitted. Table 3. 1: Work schedule for the study on germination and growth of C. annuum after application of HgCl2 at various concentrations Weeks activities 2 Collection of material / / 8 10 / 12 14 / / / Data collection 6 / Treatment 4 Data analysis Oral presentation / Submission of report / 16 CHAPTER 4 RESULTS Figure 4. 1 indicates the germination of C. annuum seeds treated with varying concentrations of HgCl2. Capsicum annuum seed germination was significantly affected by treatment with HgCl2 up to 100 mg/l (Figures 4. and 4. 2; Table 4. 1; Appendices A and B). Seeds treated ? 50 mg/l HgCl 2 showed significantly lower germination percentage and germination index as compared to the control seeds treated with distilled water and those treated with lower HgCl 2 at 25 mg/l. This trend was visible from 4 days after germination onwards until end of the study period of 10 days. Figure 4. 1: Germination of C. annuum seeds after treatment with HgCl2 17 Figure 4. 2: Seed germination at the 10th day with HgCl2 treatment at 25mg/l Table 4. 1: Germination and growth of C. annuum after treatment withHgCl2 HgCl2 mg/l) Germination % Germination index Length of radical (cm) Length of plumule (cm) 0 100 ±0 a 5. 41 ±0. 84 a 1. 75 ±0. 11 a 0. 77 ±0. 07 a 25 95 ±6. 12 a 5. 38 ±0. 59 a 1. 23 ±0. 07 b 0. 70 ±0. 06 ab 50 56 ±9. 62 b 3. 08 ±0. 73 b 0. 95 ±0. 08 c 0. 58 ±0. 11 b 75 49 ±6. 52 b 3. 16 ±0. 66 b 0. 61 ±0. 02 d 0. 36 ±0. 01 c 100 28 ±9. 08 c 1. 90 ±0. 54 b 0. 47 ±0. 02 e 0. 33 ±0. 11 c Means with the same letter within the same column are not significantly different at 5% level of significance All HgCl2 treatments ranging from 25 – 100 mg/l as studied resulted in significant inhibition of radical growth (Table 4. ; Appendi ces B and C). Growth inhibition of 18 radical increased significantly and simultaneously with increasing Hg Cl 2 concentration indicating that radical was very sensitive to this heavy metal. Based on Table 4. 1, plumule growth of C. annuum seeds was also affected significantly by the HgCl2 treatment (Appendices B and D). Plumule growth was less sensitive to this heavy metal; only those treated at higher rates of 75 and 100 mg/l showed significantly the greatest inhibition effects. Heavy metal of mercury was found to affect the germination and growth of C. nnuum seeds. Based on the results, mercury at 50 mg/l was found to retard seed germination in terms of germination percentage and germination index. This concentration of mercury also affected development of radical and plumule in terms of length of the organs. Toxicity caused by the under study heavy metal at concentration of 50 mg/l was presumed to result in obvious reduced seed germination and inhibition of growth of seedlings of C. annuum. 19 CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION Seed germination and growth of C. annuum seedlings were affected with H gCl2 at 50 mg/l. Reduced seed germination and inhibition of seedling growth were recorded with this treatment and higher concentration of HgCl2. The seeds of this fruit vegetable can be concluded to be sensitive to mercury contamination. 20 CITED REFERENCES Anonymous. (2012a). Chili peppers nutrition facts. Retrieved 20 May 2012, from http://www. nutrition-and-you. com/chili-peppers. html Anonymous. (2012b). PLANTS Profile Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum cayenne pepper Retrieved 20 May 2012, from http://plants. usda. gov/java/profile? symbol=CAAN4 Anonymous. (2011a). Seed technology. Retrieved 21 September 2011, from http://ifs. nic. in/rt/main/courses/seed_tech. pdf Belletti, P. , Marzachi, C. Lanteri, S. (1998). Flow cytometric measurement of nuclear DNA content in Capsicum (Solanaceae). Plant Systematic and Evolution 209: 85-91. Boening, D. W. (2000). Ecological effects, transport, and fate of mercury: a general review. Chemosphere 40:1335-1351. Butterfield, H. M. , (1967). Seed germination. California Horticultural Society Journal 28(2):1-9. Retrived 20 May 2012 from http://www. calhortsociety. org/ Bulletins/journal-articles/seed-germination. html Chayed, N. F. (2009). Determination of Heavy Metal Uptake by Acacia magnium Grown in Ex-mining Area in Kg Gajah, Perak. Universiti Teknologi MARA. Csillery G. (2006) Pepper taxonomy and the botanical description of the species, Acta Argon Hung. 5: 151-166. El-Temsah, Y. S. , Joner, E. J. (2010). Impact of Fe and Ag nanoparticles on seed germination and differences in bioavailability during exposure in aqueous suspension and soil. Environmental Toxicology DOI 10. 1002/tox. Ghavri, S. V. , Singh, R. P. (2010). Phytotranslocation of Fe by biodiesel plant Jatropha curcas L. grown on iron rich wasteland soil. Braz. J. Physiol. 22(4): 235243. Giller, K. E. , Witter, E. , McGrath, S. P. (1998). Toxicity of heavy metals to microorganisms and microbial processes in agricultural soils: A review. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 30(10/11): 1389-1414. Jaja, T, E. , Odoemena, C. S. I. (2004). Effect of Pb, Cu and Fe compounds on the germination and early seedling growth of tomato varieties. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Mgt. 8(2): 51-53. 21 Koger, C. H. , Reddy, K. N. , Poston, D. H. (2004). Factors affecting seed germination, seedling emergence, and survival of texasweed (Caperonia palustris). Weed Science 52: 989-995. Kozanecka, T. , Chojnicki, J. , Kwasowski, W. (2002). Content of heavy metals in plant from pollution-free regions. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 11(4): 395-399. Kranner, I. , Colville, L. (2011). Metals and seeds: Biochemical and molecular implications and their significance for seed germination. Environmental and Experinmental Botany. 72(1): 93-105 Li, W. , Khan, M. A. , Yamaguchi, S. Kamiya, Y. (2005). Effect of heavy metal on seed germination and early seedling growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Growth Regulation 46: 45-50. Ling, T. , Fangke, Y. , Jun, R. (2010). Effect of mercury to seed germination, coleoptile growth and root elongation of four vegetable. Research Journal of Phytochemistry 4(4): 225-233. Longman (2006). Dictionary of Comtemporary English. Pearson Education Limited: 1950. Luo, C. , Liu, C. , Wang, Y. , Liu, X. , Li, F. , Zhang, G. , Li, X. (2011). Heavy metal contamination in soils and vegetables near an e-waste processing site, south China. Journal of Hazardous Materials 186(1): 481-490. Mami, Y. , Ahmadi, G. , Shahmoradi, M. , Gorbani, H. R. (2011). Influence of different concentration of heavy metals on the seed germination and growth of tomato. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 5(6): 420-426. McDonald, M. B. 2011). Physiology of Seed Germination. Retrieved 23 November 2011, from http://seedbiology. osu. edu/HCS631_files/4A%20Seed%20germination. pdf Morel, F. M. , Kraepiel, A. M. , Amyot, M. , (1998). The chemical cycle and accumulation of mercury. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 29: 54-566. Nriagu, J. O. (1989). A global assessment of natural sources of atmospheric trace metals. Na ture 338: 47-49. Patra, M. , Sharma, A. (2000). Mercury toxicity in plant. The Botanical Review 66(3): 379-422. Peralta, J. R. , Gardea-Torresdey, J. L. , Tiemann, K. J. , Gomez, E. , Arteaga, S. , Rascon, E. Parsons, J. G. (2000). Study of the effect of heavy metal on seed germination and plant growth on alfalfa plant (Medicago sativa) grown in solid media. Proceeding of the 2000 Conference on Harzardous Waste Research: 135-140. 22 Ravishankar, G. A. , Suresh, B. , Giridhar, P. , Rao, S. R. and Johnson, T. S. (2003). Biotechnological studies on Capsicum for metabolite production and plant improvement. In: Amit Krishna, D. E. , (ed. ). Capsicum: The genus Capsicum. Harwood Academic Publishers, UK,: 96-128. Reichman, S. M. (2002). The Responses of Plants to Metal Toxicity: A review focusing on Copper, Manganese and Zinc. Australian Minerals Energy Environment Foundation, Victoria, Australia: 1-54. Rindels, S. (1996). Successful seed germination. Horticulture and Home Pest News IC-475(2), Iowa State University. Retrived from http://www. ipm. iastate. edu/ipm/ hortnews/1996/2-9-1996/seed. html Simone, A. H. , Simone, E. H. , Eitenmiller, R. R. , Mills, N. R. , Green, N. R. , (1997). Ascorbic acid and provitamin a contents in usually colored bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L. ). Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 10(4): 299-311. Siti Aishah, H. , Saberi, A. R. , Halim, R. A. , Zaharah, A. R. (2010). Salinity effects on germination of forage sorghums. Journal of Agronomy 9(4): 169-174. Suthar, A. C. , Naik, V. R. , Mulani, R. M. (2009). Seed and seed germination in Solanum nigrum Linn. American-Eurasian J. Agric. Environ. Sci. 5(2): 179-183. Thomine, S. , Wang, R. , Ward, J. M. , Crawford, N. M. , Schroeder, J. I. (2000). Cadmium and iron transport by members of a plant metal transporter family in Arabidopsis with homology to Nramp genes. PNAS 99(9): 4991-4996. Vera, D. T. , Martin, R. P. , Oliva, S. R. (2010). Effect of chemical and physical treatment on seed germination of Erica australis. Ann. Bot. Fennici 47: 353-360. Wong, J. W. C. , Lai, K. M. D. , Su. S. Fang, M. (2001). Availability of heavy metals for Brassica chinensis grown in an acidic loamy soil amended with domestic and industrial sewage sludge. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 128:339-353. Yilmaz, D. D. , Aksoy, A. (2007). Physiological effects of different environmental conditions on the seed germination of Rumex scutatus L. (Polygonaceae). Erciyes Universitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 23(1-2): 24-29. 23 APPENDIX A Germination of C. annuum seeds HgCl2 (mg/l) 0 25 50 75 100 Replicate 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 2 2 3 7 5 8 6 7 4 5 7 5 2 3 3 2 6 3 4 5 2 3 3 2 2 1 24 4 7 8 5 9 6 6 6 5 5 4 2 6 4 3 1 2 3 5 3 2 4 4 1 4 Period (days) 6 5 6 4 4 4 4 4 6 6 3 3 5 2 3 1 1 5 1 1 2 8 4 2 3 1 1 3 2 2 2 5 3 2 10 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 APPENDIX B ANOVA Sum of Squares df Mean Square germination Between Groups Within Groups G. I Length of radical Length of plumule Total Between Groups Within Groups Total Between Groups Within Groups Total Between Groups Within G roups Total 12408. 834 4 3102. 208 707. 247 20 F Sig. 35. 362 13116. 081 48. 100 9. 246 57. 346 5. 203 .091 5. 294 .758 .130 .888 25 24 4 20 24 4 20 24 4 20 24 12. 025 .462 87. 726 . 000 26. 011 . 000 1. 301 286. 374 . 000 .005 .190 .007 29. 159 . 00 Multiple Comparisons Tukey HSD Dependent Variable (I) treatment (J) treatment germination 0 25 50 75 100 25 0 50 75 100 50 0 25 75 100 75 0 25 50 100 100 0 25 50 75 95% Confidence Interval Mean Difference (I-J) Std. Error Sig. 9. 72566 3. 76098 . 111 Lower Bound Upper Bound -1. 5286 20. 9799 3. 76098 . 000 30. 2341 52. 7426 3. 76098 . 000 34. 3137 56. 8222 3. 76098 . 000 47. 0576 69. 5661 -9. 72566 3. 76098 . 111 -20. 9799 1. 5286 41. 48839 * 45. 56795 * 58. 31190 * 31. 76273 * 3. 76098 . 000 20. 5085 43. 0170 35. 84229 * 3. 76098 . 000 24. 5880 47. 0965 48. 58623 * 3. 76098 . 000 37. 3320 59. 8405 -41. 48839 * . 76098 . 000 -52. 7426 -30. 2341 -31. 76273 * 3. 76098 . 000 -43. 0170 -20. 5085 4. 07956 3. 76098 . 812 -7. 1747 15. 3338 16. 82351 * 3. 76098 . 002 5. 5693 28. 0778 -45. 56795 * 3. 76098 . 000 -56. 8222 -34. 3137 -35. 84229 * 3. 76098 . 000 -47. 0965 -24. 5880 -4. 07956 3. 76098 . 812 -15. 3338 7. 1747 12. 74395 * 3. 76098 . 022 1. 4897 23. 9982 -58. 31190 * 3. 76098 . 000 -69. 5661 -47. 0576 -48. 58623 * 3. 76098 . 000 -59. 8405 -37. 3320 -16. 82351 * 3. 76098 . 002 -28. 0778 -5. 5693 -12. 74395 * 3. 76098 . 022 -23. 9982 -1. 4897 26 Multiple Comparisons Tukey HSD 95% Confidence Interval Mean Difference (I-J) Dependent Variable (I) treatment (J) treatment G. I 0 25 .03500 .43003 1. 000 -1. 2518 1. 3218 50 2. 33000 * .43003 . 000 1. 0432 3. 6168 2. 25333 * .43003 . 000 .9665 3. 5401 3. 51167 * .43003 . 000 2. 2249 4. 7985 0 -. 03500 .43003 1. 000 -1. 3218 1. 2518 50 2. 29500* .43003 . 000 1. 0082 3. 5818 75 2. 21833 * .43003 . 000 .9315 3. 5051 3. 47667 * .43003 . 000 2. 1899 4. 7635 -2. 33000 * .43003 . 000 -3. 6168 -1. 0432 -2. 29500 * .43003 . 000 -3. 5818 -1. 0082 75 -. 07667 .43003 1. 000 -1. 3635 1. 2101 100 1. 18167 .43003 . 082 -. 1051 2. 4685 0 -2. 25333 * .43003 . 000 -3. 5401 -. 9665 25 -2. 21833* .43003 . 000 How to cite Mercury Effect on Seed Germination, Papers

Social Media and Multinational Corporations †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Social Media and Multinational Corporations. Answer: Introduction This essay presents the role of social media to make improvement in some specified areas such as knowledge sharing, building social capital, supporting innovation, and aiding problem-solving regarding the multinational companies in Singapore. The social media and knowledge management plays an imperative role to enhance the growth of the company as well as to make the favorable image in the market. The following points are included in the social media and knowledge management: Knowledge is an important element of the organization resource, which is effective to operate the business together with obtaining the favorable outcome in long-term. Knowledge can be determined as a foundation of organizations competitive benefit and one of the crucial drivers of an organizations value. An organizational benefit is enhanced by the firms capability to develop and share information (Chiao, et al., 2013). At the same time, the knowledge sharing is also beneficial to gain the social capital as well as the intellectual capital. Companies use social capital theory to discover and evaluate the importance of online interaction. In addition, it can also be said that the knowledge is created by one individual or organization and frequently shared by the other members of the organization. Additionally, once an organization has shared the knowledge among the employees then it can create the inspiration among the workforce to make new knowledge. The knowledge is enhanced by the social media that enabled the company to directly communicate with the customers in the virtual environment (Ferraris, et al., 2017). Moreover, an organization can share their ideas and knowledge regarding products and services to the customers. The social media also support to share knowledge to the workforce to aware the employees from the new ideas of organizations. Workforces are a significant asset to the firm because it is work as an IC (intellectual capital), which can be effective to enhance the growth of an organization in long-term (Forbes, 2014). For instance: AIBI International has used the social media tools to share their new ideas regarding roles and responsibilities. At the same time, it also uses the Facebook and Twitter to share the new ideas regarding the product and services of the company to successfully resolve the product and services issues. Social media and building social capital The social media is an imperative part of the organization because it supports to enhance the social capital in an appropriate manner. In the ventures, social capital can be necessary to survive the individuals and small groups along with completing any kind of basic needs. For example, Ayam Brand organization gives their contribution in the innovation within the organization to complete the goal through social capital expenditure. There are some significant ways by which an organization can collect the social capital like community member, offering significant resources to the community such as information regarding the company, and make friendily environment within the community. At the same time, it can be said that social capital cannot be easily collected by these sources, therefore, an organization can use the social media to cover a large number of population in less time and cost (Forbes, 2015). In addition to this, it can be said that the social media is used to influence the community as well as customers, and employees to contribute to social capital. Additionally, it can also be said that the social capital can also be collected by friends, community and being trustworthy because it will be effective to successfully accomplish the task of an organization. Moreover, it can also be said that an organization can collect the social capital by using the blogs. Thus, it will be appropriate to offers the appropriate information and techniques to easily communicate with the community as well as the consumers to meet the task of an organization. Along with this, the social capital can be important for the organization because it helps to spread the awareness regarding the product and services of the company in less time. It will also be supportive to make a positive image in the market along with develop a robust relationship with consumers in long-run (Hislop, 2013).For example, BreadTalk organization uses social media tools to attract more customers to collect the social capital at the same time it also defines the community who are interested to contribute to the social capital. Social media and supporting innovation A social media plays a crucial role in an organization to promote the innovation in long-run. It will also supportive to spread the awareness reading the product and services of the company. At the same time, the social media can supports to inform about the creativity of company to the existing and new customers in less time and cost (Zhao, et al., 2014). The following ways are significant to develop the awareness regarding new products and services: The crowd sourcing is significant for the organization because it helps to collect the alternative solution regarding the core issues, which will support to resolve the issues in an appropriate manner (Holsapple, 2013). By using the open innovation, organization enabled the employees as well as customers to give their own viable solutions and inventions. As result, it will improve the performance of company in long-term An organization can use the crowd sourcing and open innovation network to permit the people for work together in a massive scale. At the same time, it can also be said that social media can support to collect the additional wisdom and creativity from different areas. It is also supportive to enhance the customers loyalty and brand image in the market (Huang, et al., 2013). Social media and aiding problem-solving The social media plays a significant role to occupy the fraudulent activities, therefore, the company has needed to aware of the digital crime. Further, if an organization can introduce the information regarding the product and services on the internet, then it cannot be controlled by the organization along with used by any individual that creates the possibility to create the risk. In addition, it can be said that an organization can face more time at the time of aiding problem-solving, which can be inappropriate for the organization. Moreover, it can be said that an organization can use the social media to solve their each issue in an effective manner in less time and cost (Jones, et al., 2013).For example, Bee Cheng Hiang organization can utilize the social media to aiding problem-solving in an appropriate manner. At the same time, it will also supportive to make secure the confidential data along with the performance of the company in long-term. There are different kinds of risk that may be faced by the organization in the implementation of social media such as collection, protection, and security. The organization has needed to accomplish the regulatory needs by gathering, operating, handling, and storing the data. The organization network is supportive to secure the confidential data of clients along with other information of the organization. In addition, an organization can also help the social media users in case they share their confidential information from others. The company can need to protect the upcoming threat regarding the confidential data of clients (Lee, et al., 2014). Moreover, In Singapore, the government has made different industry regulation regarding the culture, industry, and geography. Singapore has made more than 1000 rules and regulations to successfully deal with the compliance of their clients. The industry regulation has used to deal with their electronic communication issues in an appropriate manner. The rules are categorized by the advertising requirements, recordkeeping, and control of workforces. In addition, it can also be said that an organization has also offered the proof compliance to the regulators together with responding the request of e-discovery. Additionally, it can be said that missteps could decline the value of share price and outcomes from the supervisory body. Furthermore, the social media plays a significant role in obtaining the competitive benefit but at the same time, it can decline the productivity of employees (Lee, et al., 2013). Moreover, information of the company that will be delivered on the internet should be based on the real-time, in case an organization cannot deliver the actual information about the company. Consequently, it will decline the image of the company as well as the growth and investor confidence in long-term. In addition, it can be said that an organization has needed to make strategies before the beginning of any work. It can be supportive for the executive due to enhancing the productivity and ROI of an organization (Murphy, et al., 2013). Benefits of social media The social media is supportive to enhance the productivity as well as the image in the long term. Additionally, it can be said that the social media can support to influence a large number of consumers in less time (Yin, et al., 2015). The following points show certain benefits of the social media for the Singapore companies: The content of the organization that will be delivered on the internet can be significant due to make a favorable image in the customer mind. The social media tools are only a ways by which an organization make content and brand voice for the company. It can be significant to make the robust relationship with customers as well as spread the awareness regarding the goods and services (Park, et al., 2015). For example, an organization has launched its product first time in the marketplace then they could use the social media tools like Twitter and Facebook to create awareness about the product in an appropriate manner. An organization can also improve the loyalty of brand in the market in less time by using the social media tools. Additionally, an organization can use some significant social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Snap chat, Instagram, and linked to make a positive relationship with customers along with discussing the problems of product to make a brand loyalty (Perri, et al., 2013). Each post of the company on social media can provide an additional opportunity to the organization. Additionally, in case, the organization is able to present their content in an effective manner then they can create a more opportunity in long-term. It will also support to address new customers together with retaining existing customers and make a robust relationship with them. Each Post, blog, video, and image of the company can provide an opportunity to the customers for reaction and each reaction can show the site visit and conversion. In addition to this, it can be said that each reaction of customers cannot be a favor to the company but the favorable comment can increase the probability of the success of product and services. For example, Aspial Corporation uses many social media tools to attract a large number of consumers in less time and cost (Schaltegger, et al., 2017). Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that the social media tools are significant to improve the performance of MNCs organization. Additionally, it can also be summarized that organization can use different social media tools to meet the objectives appropriately. Finally, it can be concluded that the social media plays a significant role to improve these areas such as knowledge sharing, building social capital, supporting innovation, and aiding problem-solving regarding the multinational companies in Singapore. Besides this, an organization should use modern technologies and digital marketing techniques to overcome the issues of the company in an appropriate manner. Further, an organization should provide the training and development method to the employees of the organization due to using the social media techniques in an appropriate manner. Moreover, an organization should use the social media strategy to overcome the issues of social media tools in an effective manner. Additionally, an organization can use the social media audit to know the actual reaction of customers, which can be supportive to overcome the issue in an efficient manner. References Chiao, Y. C., Ying, K. P. (2013). Network effect and subsidiary autonomy in multinational corporations: An investigation of Taiwanese subsidiaries.International Business Review,22(4), 652-662. Ferraris, A., Ferraris, A., Santoro, G., Santoro, G., Dezi, L., Dezi, L. (2017). How MNCs subsidiaries may improve their innovative performance? The role of external sources and knowledge management capabilities.Journal of Knowledge Management,21(3), 540-552. Forbes (2014) The Top 10 Benefits Of Social Media Marketing. [Online] available at:https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/08/11/the-top-10-benefits-of-social-media-marketing/#354790c91f80(Accessed: 30 September, 2017). Forbes (2015) Protect Your Firm From The 12 Risks of Social Media Marketing.[Online] available at:https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannabelbey/2015/05/21/protect-your-firm-from-the-13-risks-of-social-media/#76c7ad14331e(Accessed: 30 September, 2017). Hislop, D. (2013).Knowledge management in organizations: A critical introduction. USA: Oxford University Press. Holsapple, C. (Ed.). (2013).Handbook on knowledge management 1: Knowledge matters(Vol. 1). USA: Springer Science Business Media. Huang, M. C., Chiu, Y. P., Lu, T. C. (2013). Knowledge governance mechanisms and repatriate's knowledge sharing: the mediating roles of motivation and opportunity.Journal of Knowledge Management,17(5), 677-694. Jones, G., Sallis, E. (2013).Knowledge management in education: Enhancing learning education. UK: Routledge. Lee, L. Y., Kartika, N. (2014). The influence of individual, family, and social capital factors on expatriate adjustment and performance: The moderating effect of psychology contract and organizational support.Expert Systems with Applications,41(11), 5483-5494. Lee, L. Y., Veasna, S., Wu, W. Y. (2013). The effects of social support and transformational leadership on expatriate adjustment and performance: The moderating roles of socialization experience and cultural intelligence.Career Development International,18(4), 377-415. Murphy, P. E., Schlegelmilch, B. B. (2013). Corporate social responsibility and corporate social irresponsibility: Introduction to a special topic section.Journal of Business Research,66(10), 1807-1813. Park, B. I., Ghauri, P. N. (2015). Determinants influencing CSR practices in small and medium-sized MNE subsidiaries: A stakeholder perspective.Journal of World Business,50(1), 192-204. Perri, A., Andersson, U., Nell, P. C., Santangelo, G. D. (2013). Balancing the trade-off between learning prospects and spillover risks: MNC subsidiaries vertical linkage patterns in developed countries.Journal of World Business,48(4), 503-514. Schaltegger, S., Wagner, M. (Eds.). (2017).Managing the business case for sustainability: The integration of social, environmental and economic performance. UK: Routledge. Yin, J., Feng, J., Wang, Y. (2015). Social media and multinational corporations corporate social responsibility in China: The case of ConocoPhillips oil spill incident.IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication,58(2), 135-153. Zhao, M., Park, S. H., Zhou, N. (2014). MNC strategy and social adaptation in emerging markets.Journal of International Business Studies,45(7), 842-861.a

Best Food Superstores

Executive Summary The â€Å"Best Food Superstores† has grown from a single grocery store to a leading superstore. These superstores offer the best selection, value and quality services. Mainly dealing in food substances, the stores have recorded sales above $42.5 million. The â€Å"Best Food Superstores† has risen to become a multibillion-dollar retailer and cooperation. Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Best Food Superstores specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is now regarded as one of the largest food retailers in the world. The â€Å"superstores† employ approximately 57, 000 associates in more than 335 different stores, manufacturing –plants, offices and distribution centres. Despite the prosperities the business is enjoying in the food market, there are several challenges that limit its profit margins. Among the limiting factors is the cost incurred by the business to offset en ergy bills (Miner, 2008). Background The â€Å"Superstores† low energy plan begun in the year 2000 when the management of the stores coined a new project which brought together representatives from different stores. This also included:- sister divisions, leading suppliers of the superstores ventilation as well as the heating and cooling equipment managers. The aim of the project was to come up with a list of implementation techniques and ideas on indoor environment, quality air, energy conservation and efficiency. The project’s mission was to ensure that the criteria put in place by the â€Å"superstores† would lead to energy costs reduction and improved profit margins. Furthermore, it was intended to enhance the stores’ competitiveness (Kerin, 2010). Statement of Problem Average families visit these superstores approximately three times a week. As the families purchase food staffs, they are not bothered by the amount it costs the stores to maintain the butter, fruits, beef, ice cream and grocery containers at the ideal temperatures. Behind these shelves of chilled meat, fresh produces and refrigerated coolers are the electric bills. These bills are a representation of one of the most significant costs in the food industry. Now that food superstores operate at profit margins that are miniscule, savings on such electric bills can easily translate into remarkable improvements in the long run. In a typical food store, money saving techniques and the implementation of a new energy equipment can ensure that the profits from the stores are increased over a given period of time. The energy saving equipments includes individual systems such as building controls, lights and freezer cases. The management of the â€Å"Best Food Superstores† settled for a different approach in dealing with this energy issue. Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The business designed a plan that would ensure that the â€Å"superstores† utilized less energy while at the same time, are environmental friendly. The organization hoped that by cutting down on energy costs, it would significantly increase the stores competitiveness and improve its profit margins (Kerin, 2010). Situation Analysis The â€Å"superstores† were designed in such a way that the installed prototype consumed approximately 25 percent less electricity compared to other designs in the business. To highlight this, the store adopted a new brand, â€Å" The Low Energy Superstore†. The use of ‘LESS’ to reduce the store’s energy consumptions translated to an annual savings approximated at about 8, 000, 000 kWh. The review and designs managed to successfully deliver a 30 percent energy saving. The retail superstores that installed natural light systems registered a significant increase in sales as this ensured that people no longer lingered and visited the stores more often than the customers in the traditional establishments. In such stores, lights were designed to focus on the stores’ products rather than the floors and ceilings. In addition, there were subtle designed features which enabled the customers to distinguish the departments easily resulting to a less stressful environment (Miner, 2008). SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis of the plan is as follows; its strength is that the concept of the plan was to result in a significant cut on costs while at the same time enhance sales. The management was in full support of the projected thus it received full backing from all departments. The weakness of this plan was that the implementation had to take into consideration the impact of the project to the adjoining residential neighborhoods in terms of the noise from the shoppers and delivery trucks, as well as storm water runoff. The opportunities before the plan were the already well establishe d patterns that ensured easy access to the site. The main threat of the designed plan was that some of the senior management did not fully trust that the plan will be effective (Kerin, 2010). Analysis of Alternatives In addition to the use of ‘LESS’, the â€Å"superstores† could, as well, make use of fewer space heaters. Furthermore, waste heat coming from refrigerators can be utilized to provide direct heating to the store and preheat hot water domestically. During winter, burners lit using natural gas may be used to supplement the free sources of heat. The savings should not only be concentrated on the inside of the store but also the outside. The ‘lot Stop’ and ‘parking lots’ are other areas outside the stores where the designs could also be applied. The lighting on the parking lots and the streets may be designed in such a way that less watts of about 150 watt bulbs could be used instead of the normal 400 watt bulbs (Kerin, 2010).Ad vertising We will write a custom case study sample on Best Food Superstores specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Recommendation The design should not just cover the conservation of energy but also, waste material. The material from the renovation and construction of the stores, especially during the plan implementation period, can be put into other use instead of being disposed. Such measures include the use of strawboard substrate in place of particle board. Implementation or Action Plan The â€Å"Best Food Superstores† design enabled the firm to operate comfortably with the innovations geared towards saving on its energy consumption. The design introduced equipments like; natural lightings such as sky lights, the use of anti-fogging glass on cooler cases, rain water management and water conservation indoors. These innovations, put together, created a conducive and pleasant environment for consumers to shop. In the long run, the stores saved money. Based on its results, the plan was easily approved by the local authority. This innovation increased the stores’ capital costs while cutting down on the operation costs. After the plan, the design became a standard procedure for the new stores. The features included in the ‘LESS’ such as the automatic dimmers and skylights, reduced reliance fluorescents, cooler doors that were energy efficient and chillers, were implemented during renovations and construction of new structures in the business (Kerin, 2010). The adapted, ‘LESS’, technology ensured that the business was cost effective. This was after offsetting the initial installation costs. The design was implemented in all the chain superstores globally and has remained as the sole the trade mark of â€Å"Best Food Superstores†. References Kerin, R. (2010). Marketing. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Miner, B. (2008). Food Stores: State Market Index. New York, NY: MarketRes earch.comAdvertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This case study on Best Food Superstores was written and submitted by user Triston I. 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.

Women in the French Revolution essays

Women in the French Revolution essays The French Revolution of 1789 was a time of change for many people of France. In particular, the women of the revolutionary period participated in diverse activities which included protesting high food prices and joining women's societies and clubs. Women were deemed dependent upon the men in their lives because they were passive citizens and the harsh economic conditions of the time period resulted in a multitude of suffering for them. The women of the French Revolution agreed with the basic universal goals of the French Revolution. After the Revolution, women sought to achieve economic as well as familial equality. Yet, basic principles spawned by the revolution continually crushed any attempts made by women to attain their goals. As seen in Susan Voilquins memoir, A Daughter of the People, and Jeanne Bouviers, My Memoirs, both post-revolutionary writers valued the change in society, but were unable to overcome the hardships placed upon them early on and improve the quality of thei r lives. The economic conditions in post revolutionary years helped fuel women to seek to change their living status. The women wanted to be able to seek opportunities to improve their lives and their sense of self worth. The heightened demand placed on their families increased the strain their families were already experiencing as a result of the food shortages. For example, Voilquin describes the poverty that struck her family after her father lost his business as a, longtime acquaintance, [that] came once again to knock at our door. She goes on to describe poverty as a woeful visitor [that] weighed above all on my mother, who shouldered the greater part of the burden. (Voilquin, 101) In order to feed their families, women were pushed into the workforce. Bouvier began work at the age of eleven in order to help her mother provide for her family. She describes the actions taken in her situation as though it were the...

Human Rights Act 1998 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Human Rights Act 1998 - Essay Example However, the Government also declared that there was no intention to provide a basis for striking down any portion of it. Nevertheless, the judiciary has been empowered to rescind secondary legislation that does not comply with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights.2 Exceptions to this principle arise when the parent statute does not permit such repealing. Legislation has to be interpreted, to the extent possible, in a manner that renders it compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. This is the purport of Section 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998. However, Section 4 of this Act states that if the court concludes that such interpretation is not possible, then a formal declaration of incompatibility can be made by the court. 3 The law does not undergo a change, nor does the litigant win a case, on account of a declaration of incompatibility. However, such declaration should result in a dialogue with the Government, which in turn could result in the law b eing changed appropriately. The Human Rights Act 1998 provides an expeditious procedure for revising legislation, if there is a declaration of incompatibility. This is as per the provisions of Section 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998. ... However, they also permit the courts to undertake constitutional review, and this is akin to the powers made available to the Supreme Court of the United States of America. There are several important facts that are to be taken into consideration. 6 The first of these is that all final declarations of incompatibility either have been addressed by the Government of the UK or are in the process of being resolved. Despite delay in some instances, there is not a single instance, wherein the Government has ignored an issue or declared that it would not remedy it. This makes it politically impossible to challenge the courts in the UK. In addition, the Human Rights Act 1998 involves the latent additional legal cost of an application to the European Court of Human Rights. 7 Another important fact to be considered is that the courts consider Section 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 to consist of an interpretive duty that is very strong and which constitutes the principal remedy for the violatio n of rights under this Act. This has reduced the reliance of the courts on Section 4 declarations of the Human Rights Act 1998, which constitutes the primary structural vehicle of the legislature. In addition, the courts have effectively made Parliament to comply with the rights provided by the Convention. Moreover, the courts have interpreted Section 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 that transcends the rewriting of statutes.8 This has rendered it a unique technique for safeguarding rights under the Human Rights Act 1998. In addition, Section 3(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998, declares that to the extent possible, all legislation must be interpreted and given effect in a manner that is compatible with the rights provided by the Convention. It is important to realise that the rights provided

China And The Keynesian Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

China And The Keynesian Theory - Essay Example For purposes of regulating their markets, the majority of states were able to adopt the principles contained in the Keynesian theory. This principle advocate for the intervention of the government, in the economic system of the state. China is one of the countries that advocated for the use of the concepts of the Keynesian theory, for purposes of controlling its national economy. This is until 1978, with the market reforms of Deng Xiaoping, in China. This is because of the failures of the Keynesian theory to protect the market economies of the majority of the developed states. This includes the United States. These countries were only able to experience economic growth, during the 1950s, to the 1960s. However, after the 1960s, the economies of these countries began to collapse, experiencing an increase in unemployment, and stagflation. This made economic experts, and policy formulators to demand a new economic system. Neo-liberalism was a preferable theoretical framework, and it advo cates for a minimum intervention by the government, in the economic affairs of the state. Deng Xiaoping supported neo-liberalism, and he led this movement in China, and this is through the market reforms that he had begun in the country. Furthermore, his visit to the United States in 1979 was in a bid to understand the manner in which a neo-liberal state was able to function. The United States was one of the leading neo-liberal states, and its economy was improving because of the adoption of the principles of neo-liberalism.

Development of Electronic Government Policy

Development of Electronic Government Policy 1. INTRODUCTION This paper discusses policy implementation in order to explain the development of electronic government policy in the Local Government in Great Britain. In order to do this, the paper firstly provides a brief description of electronic government. This is followed by a discussion of policy implementations and its relevance in local government to e-government, as well as the analysis of the key features and roles of implementation. Finally, the paper discusses British effort to implement e-government at the local level. 2. E-GOVERNMENT E-government is a notion that has revolutionised bureaucracy and the way governments function in the twenty first century. E-Government is an approach dealing with the development of online services such as e-tax. E-government is also responsible for many innovations and improvements in the early years such as e-transportation and e-health. There are clear associations between the goals of the modernisation agenda and that of the electronic government agenda. For example, within an expected national policy for electronic government in England, the term electronic government is currently described as â€Å"exploiting the power of information and communications technology to help transform the accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of public services, and to help revitalise the relationship between customers and citizens and public bodies who work on their behalf† (Local Government Association 2002:XXX). 3. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND ITS RELEVANCE It has been claimed that the implementation of local e-government is perhaps the most diverse and complex change programme ever undertaken by local government (The Economist 2006). The process touches all public services, from social services to housing and from education to street cleansing, and every single department of local government. As a plan for change, it entails innovations in structures, processes, working practices and corporate cultures. Therefore, it has an effect on everybody who is a part of the local government including elected members, staff, citizens and local businesses. Furthermore, local electronic government is not just a matter for local authorities, as it extends to a wide range of other local agencies. This necessitates the general partnership and successful management. The transformation from plan to implementation entails the organisation of capital, and current effort in processual studies of change have accentuated on the administration of organisational politics and the implementation of power. Resources not only include money, staff time and technological infrastructure, but also leadership, relevant skills and competencies (McLoughlin Cornford 2006). 4. KEY FEATURES AND ROLES The attainment of e-government is of strategic importance for local governments. According to Murray (2005), the key features for implementing electronic government are informatics planning, informatics management, informatics development, customer chain, internal value chain, supply chain and electronic community. Informatics planning considers information audit and standardisation, process mapping and design, authority strategy and modernisation, informatics strategy, risk assessment and cost–benefit analysis. Informatics management considers the management matters that are important for the execution of the electronic government agenda, including electronic championing, the form of electronic government organisation and the nature of any benchmarking exercise conducted or planned. Informatics development reflects on the existence of a clear plan for improvement. It does this by reflection on resource matters and whether an audit of appropriate skills had been performed. Key enablers for sustaining the customer chain consist of customer relationship management, the state of the citizen WWW site, examination of whether electronic democracy has been considered and what attention has been paid to the provision of the full range of future access mechanisms and channels. Internal value chain refers to the state of the current information systems. In regards to information systems architecture the apprehension is with the integration and interoperability of information systems as well as the integration with external standards and systems. Considering IT architecture, the significant technology enablers are knowledge management, document management, content management and intranets. Enablers for the supply chain contain the existence of any extranets, evidence of tale working and plans for the implementation of electronic procurement. Electronic community pays attention to the degree to which stakeholders have provided advice on electronic service delivery as well as the form of business planning employed and the existence of any form of electronic community strategy. 5. IMPLEMENTATION OF E-GOVERNMENT IN BRITAIN The current e-government strategy in Britain is based upon e-government targets set in the 1999 Modernising Government White Paper. At the heart of this strategy is the belief that government services should be available continuously and not just during conventional working hours. Consequently, the White Paper established targets that 50 per cent of dealings with the public sector should be capable of electronic delivery by 2005 and 100 per cent by 2008 (Cabinet Office 1999). These targets were revised by a subsequent strategy statement from the newly created OeE to involve 50 per cent by 2002 and 100 per cent by 2005 (Office of the e-Envoy 2000). The targets are not restricted to central government departments or agencies but cover the entire public sector, including local authorities. Indeed, as the primary location of most day-to-day services, local government is seen as being central to the delivery of the information age strategy. According to Eiffert and Puschel (2004), the num ber of transactions involved in local government vastly exceeds those of the rest of central government put together. Informatics Planning â€Å"Some connection between their electronic government strategy and aspects of their modernisation agenda had been made by most authorities in Britain, however, there was surprisingly little evidence within the statements of the re-engineering of any current processes† (Barry 2004:37). There was little evidence of process mapping and redesign besides the general consideration of process changes required at the customer interface, apart from the general claim that electronic government change is organisational change. British local governments claimed to have an ICT strategy in place, but many acknowledged that it needed updating in the light of electronic government and needed to be more closely aligned with their electronic government strategy (Barry 2004). An initial cost–benefit analysis was also attempted, however a thorough assessment still had to be conducted by the majority of authorities. Financial analyses were also conducted, and findings were that cost sav ings were unlikely in the short term and cost neutrality was the medium-term goal for their authority. According to Barry (2004), most of the benefits of electronic government were likely to be intangible. Furthermore, the issue was also placed on inadequate resources, needed culture change within authorities and low-uptake of services as priority issues to be addressed. Informatics Management The council leader and the chief executive have been appointed by a significant proportion of the authorities in Britain as authority electronic champions. However, a variable level of support appeared for the electronic government agenda among elected members. â€Å"The general assessment seemed to be that, while a proportion of council members were interested and enthusiastic about electronic government, a substantial proportion of most council’s elected members had yet to be convinced of the case for electronic government† (Barry 2004:38). Specific structures for implementing the electronic agenda have been created, and electronic government officers for overseeing the strategy have been appointed by some governments. Most governments were only in the early stages of benchmarking their electronic service delivery and those that had completed this exercise placed their existing level of electronic service delivery in the lower quartile. Many local governments were re- using existing structures for implementing electronic government. Informatics Development Most governments in Britain had created development plans that had clearly evolved from their existing informatics infrastructure. Some authorities had aspired to consider more radical and aspirational solutions for the longer term future based on some early piloting of key technologies. Most authorities have also seen adequate resourcing for electronic government as a crucial issue. â€Å"Estimates from authorities regarding the investment required for the Welsh region for implementing the electronic local government agenda fully ranged from  £20 million to  £200 million† (Barry, 2004:39). Many of them have been actively looking towards various forms of external funding in order to finance critical components of their electronic government agenda. According to Barry (2004), one important aspect that was poorly addressed in most Implementing Electronic Government statements was the degree to which authorities believed they had the sufficient internal skills base required f or implementing the electronic government agenda effectively over the long term. The Customer Chain â€Å"Most of the planning within authorities in Britain appeared to be devoted to enhancing the customer chain† (Barry 2004:39). There was a need to re-engineer access to government services by using multiple access contact centres which are supported by sophisticated customer relationship management systems. This innovation was seen as particularly difficult for the smaller authorities, and in Wales for example, only one authority appeared to be well advanced in this area. In terms of the Society of Information Technology Manager’s four-point scale of categories (promotional, content, content plus and transactional) most authority WWW sites were currently content. The aspiration amongst most authorities was for fully transactional WWW sites, however only some authorities were using such technologies for facilitating interaction between, for instance, councillor and citizen. The Internal Value Chain â€Å"In discussions with the authorities it appeared that the enablement of the internal value chain of authorities was at a much more advanced stage than the enablement of the customer and supply chains† (Barry 2004:41). However, there was little description of the state of the back-end infrastructure and the integration and inter-operability of back-end systems in the Implementing Electronic Government statements themselves. There was also little allusion to plans for front-end/back-end systems integration in most authorities. â€Å"Most authorities seemed to be using basic technologies such as electronic mail to good effect internally, many had intranets and many had upgraded their internal communications infrastructure. However, the use of technologies such as content, document and knowledge management was variable† (Performance and Innovation Unit 2000). Furthermore, many authorities expressed concern over the increasing costs and unclear benefits of document mana gement systems. The Supply Chain Supply chain has been the least enabled theme within British authorities, even though in the private sector, electronic enablement of the supply chain was seen as critical to modernisation. Some authorities were piloting aspects of electronic procurement, but few authorities had a clear strategy in this area. Most also did not appear to be using extranets in any serious way and tele-working was being piloted only by a minority. The Community Chain The issue of the electronic community was treated differently amongst the governments. A minority of the governments oriented their entire electronic government strategy around the key idea of partnerships with the community, the community information plan was the electronic government plan in such authorities. â€Å"In the majority of the authorities, however, the electronic community was placed as one but not the only issue in their electronic Evaluating electronic local government in the UK 145 government strategy. Most authorities had consulted on electronic service delivery and, as a result, predicted low uptake of such services in the short to medium term† (Barry 2004:44). 6. CONCLUSION Local e-government in England is a hugely complex change programme that takes in almost every aspect of local government and almost everyone involved. The scale of the transformation which is envisaged, and the timescale in which it is expected to be achieved, are both highly ambitious. It is only by understanding this transformation as a both an organisational and socio-technical phenomenon and developing management practices appropriate to the emergent and on-going character of the change required, that many of the goals of e-government are likely to be realised. The effective implementation of e-government requires that the many resource gaps that exist in relation to appropriate leadership, change and project management skills are filled. Bibliography Barry, James (2006), â€Å"E-government† Unwin, London. Cabinet Office (1999) â€Å"Modernising Government†, Cm. 4310, London Stationary Office Eiffert, M. and Puschel, J. 2004, â€Å"National Electronic Government (eds)†. London : Routledge, 2004. Local Government Association (2002), â€Å"Towards a National Strategy for Local E-Government†, Local Government Association, London. McLoughlin, I. and Cornford, J. (2006), â€Å"Transformational Change in the local State? Enacting e-government in English local authorities† Journal of Management and Organisation, v12.n3, pp195(14). Murray, Smith, (2005), Implementation Strategies for E-government: A stakeholder Analysis Approach†, Centre for Innovation and Structural change, NUI, Galway, Ireland Office of the eEnvoy. (2000). www.archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-envoy Performance and Innovation Unit(2000): â€Å"E-government, 2000, Electronic government services for the 21st century. The Economist (2006), â€Å"Britain: The world in a website; E-government†, London March 11 2006 v378.n8468, pp32.