Take Advantage Of Downtime To Get Your Online IT Degree Essays

Take Advantage Of Downtime To Get Your Online IT Degree Essays Take Advantage Of Downtime To Get Your Online IT Degree Essay Take Advantage Of Downtime To Get Your Online IT Degree Essay If you’re tired of working the daily grind and not getting the compensation you’re really worth, it’s time to fight back. Staying on your present path is not your only option. You can go back to school and earn your online IT degree or pursue any number of other programs to train yourself for a new career without having to give up your day job. Thanks to the Internet, a whole world of opportunities has opened up for people who want advanced education without having to attend on campus. Many programs, such as nonprofit management and even masters in education, are now available from reputable, accredited schools. This means students can learn while they continue to earn. They don’t even have to pick up and move to the location of a university to earn a degree through its programs. Whether you’re interested in an online business degree, the IT field or something entirely different, you can use your downtime to get on the path you’d prefer. Going to school online will not take away from your ability to learn either. Many schools that offer online MBA programs and other advanced degrees have gone above and beyond to ensure that their online students do receive the teaching they need to succeed down the road. When you go after an online IT degree, you can count on receiving the same high level of instruction you’d get in a classroom if you seek out a school that’s accredited. Some of the best online programs, in fact, come from highly established universities with a long history of producing leaders in a variety of fields. You do not have to accept the path you are on as the only option. There are choices available that can help you change course without having to give up your ability to work in the present. Online IT degree programs, business degree programs and other opportunities are just waiting for you to explore them.

Hoping and Hopping - Commonly Confused Words

Hoping and Hopping - Commonly Confused Words The words hoping and hopping are both present participles  (verb forms ending in -ing), but theyre pronounced differently and their meanings are not related at all. Definitions Hoping is the present-participle form of hope- to wish or feel that something good or desirable will happen, or to expect something with a degree of confidence.   Hopping is the present-participle form of hop- to make small jumps (sometimes on just one foot), to be very busy, or to be extremely upset (as in the expression hopping mad). Examples Jimmy left for school early the next morning, hoping to avoid Benny and his buddies.Kolya was hopping along like a chicken trying to catch a worm.I had no appetite for the sparrows  hopping from tree to tree above me, but there seemed no way to convince them of that. Each one, so great is his vanity, thinks himself eminently edible.(J.F. Powers, Death of a Favorite. The New Yorker, 1951)Bo shuffled along, quickly, almost  hopping,  hoping  to beat her to the door.(Thomas Glynn, Bo and Be. Statements 2: New Fiction. Fiction Collective, 1977)   Usage Notes and Idiom Alert When a verb ends in a final silent e, drop that e before adding the suffix -ing. The word is hope with a long o sound. The final silent e makes it long. It is not hop, which is pronounced with a short o and is what bunnies are supposed to do...Hop is a one-one-one word: a word of one syllable, ending in one consonant, preceded by one vowel. You double the final consonant before adding a suffix beginning with a vowel.   (Elizabeth Hagner, Spelling Demons Week by Week. Walch Publishing, 1997) Hoping Against Hope [To hope against hope means] to hope or wish for with little reason or justification, as in Im hoping against hope that someone will return my wallet.(Christine Ammer,  The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, 2nd ed. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Practice (a) Mary saw Paul _____ along the pier.(b) She was _____ that he wouldnt trip.(c) The  restaurant was _____- Grant had told her about its growing popularity- but fortunately they had reservations.   (Jennifer Lane, Bad Behavior. Omnific Publishing, 2011) Answers to Practice Exercises (a) Mary saw Paul  hopping  along the pier.(b) She was  hoping  that he wouldnt trip.(c) The  restaurant was  hopping- Grant had told her about its growing popularity- but fortunately they had reservations.   (Jennifer Lane,  Bad Behavior. Omnific Publishing, 2011)

Chilean History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chilean History - Essay Example In terms of population, it has a huge population given its size, and it dominates in terms of agriculture. For Chile to have accomplished what it has accomplished to this far, there has been history that will not be forgotten soon. Chile was under military dictatorship that lasted for sixteen and a half years after the years which needed much reform. The years after 1973, (1973-1990), were characterized by military dictatorship that saw people lose their lives while some went missing. Today, Chile is one of the stable nations that are prosperous. In the 1960s and 1970s, Chile experienced social and economic problems that needed reform (Collier, Simon and William, 102). An economic depression was worsened by capital flight, which also led to the plummeting of private investments. Production fell, and the level of unemployment rose. Chile’s import strategy was faced with an overvaluation of the domestic currency. The prices of agricultural products began decreasing to the point that the government had to intervene in order for there to be regulation. Chile was also faced with an earthquake in 1960 plummeted the economic and social welfare of the people deeper. Public infrastructure was affected the monetary loss was more than anticipated. In addition, present was the social injustice from those who were supposed to be leading. New social groups emerged who pushed for certain reforms. These new social groups differed with leaders about certain conditions, which included the living conditions of people. The major social problems were the issue with the Roman Catholic Church whose political, social and economic affairs were looked at (Collier, Si mon and William, 122).... The Popular Unity government made efforts to reform the economy. It started with initiation of economic transformations which included a program that involved nationalization (nationalization program had legislations, requisitions and involvement of stakeholders), increase in real wages, reduction of inflation, urging of economic growth, increase of product consumption and this was mostly for those who were poor. Another initiative the government took was the reduction of economic independence on the rest of the world. This would lead to a significant increase in the economic value of Chile. Most of these reforms were to be accomplished by boosting the aggregate demand and strict price controls (Collier, Simon and William, 155). The government took over the copper mines and other foreign firms, banks and large estates. In 1971, by a unanimous vote of the Congress, the government rationalized the foreign copper firms. Also in the same period, the government removed the emergency legis lation from so as to allow it to take over and control industries without the approval of the congress (Collier, Simon and William, 202). Keynesian measures were applied in order to increase salaries and wages, thus increasing the purchasing power of working and middle classes. Though economically the party was on the path to success, politically, the party leader, Allende faced problems holding his party together. The party also faced different views by the opposing political parties, but still managed to make and maintain ties with other nations (Allende, 154). The Pinochet regime sought to repress women and had neoliberal economic and social policies that had a negative effect on the poor. The Chilean military overthrew the Popular Unity government in a violent coup. During the

Religious Beliefs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Religious Beliefs - Essay Example This essay will explore the important lessons drawn from the teachings of these different religions as narrated through writings. Overview Several lessons can be drawn from the practices and religious beliefs of different religions in the world. Some of these religions include Shamanism, Pagan or Upanishads have unique lessons that can be drawn from these religions. One of the common lessons that can be drawn from the different religions is the use of myths to explain or pass on different beliefs. For instance, the Greek and Mesopotamian cultures explain the origin of human life through use of different myths. We witness the myth of the Epic of Gilgamesh, whereby the creation of human life is better explained through the use of the myth. The use of myths is common in several religions since it is used to explain the inexplicable. The Mesopotamian culture has a belief that the creation of human beings was done to free the lesser gods from their oppressive labors. Among the Greek cultu re, we witness the Homeric Hymns which were used in explaining different occurrences between different people. For instance, circumstances such as sibling rivalry is best explained by in the Homeric Hymns through the story of Apollo and Hermes who were brothers competing against each other. The creation and control of the earth is a great learning point that could be used in drawing lessons about mysteries of life. The Kena Upanishad among the Hindus is used in explaining the order of the world. Moreover, it brings out the story on creation among the Hindu society (Parmananda 89). Taoism is another religion that makes use of myths to explain the creation of the world. Tao Te Ching makes use of symbolism in the different myths to reflect the power of the Tao, he elucidates that the origin of all things and how unimaginable is the Tao. This is used in explaining that the origin of all things in the world emanates from a Supreme Being like the Tao. Consequently, in the Upanishads, the origin and the creation of the earth is explained trough use of different myths. Death is explained to Nachiketa by the Seer and this knowledge gets the reader to know more concerning the religion trough the use of myths. The existence of a Supreme Being and the connection between this Supreme Being and human beings is another lesson we learn. From the different religions, we get to know that human beings have always interacted with gods in different circumstances. For instance, the Homeric Hymns elucidates on the relationship that existed between gods such as Zeus and Human beings. Moreover, gods like Demeter lived among human beings and visited many people during her stay on earth. In Taoism, we notice that the relation of God (Tao) and human beings is emphasized through the work of the Tao. When we lean on Tao and its teachings, we get to know that God and people work together to achieve different purposes in life. Taoism teaches obedience since all understanding and power comes from Tao (Tzu 74). The relation between God and human beings is better emphasized in the Kena Upanishad whereby we get to know that we cannot understand ourselves if we do not understand God. The knowledge of the Brahman is important in fostering good relation between God and people. Among the Mesopotamian culture, religion was used in fostering good

Deregulation Of Downstream Oil And Gas

Deregulation Of Downstream Oil And Gas It is largely assumed by Nigerians that the government involvement in the management and ownership structure of the refineries and logistics infrastructures is the cause of the numerous problems associated with the downstream oil and gas industry. Thus, the government economic reforms by way of deregulation policy was established in 2003 to revive the ailing industry. This dissertation seeks to examine the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria, a strategic management perspective of the effects, challenges and prospects. The objective of this study is to have both theoretical and practical knowledge contribution on deregulation. This study theoretical framework is embedded in three literatures: deregulation, strategic management and competitive forces. These three perspective are used in order to assess the emerging effects, challenges and prospects that the industry has on the changing strategic landscape of the deregulation exercise. The literature for this perspective, competitive forces and innovation management were reviewed: The reason for this perspective is that the competitive forces provides the understanding of the industry structure and the interactions between competitors, while innovative management is to understand the industry processes and capabilities. By summarizing and integrating these viewpoints formed a hypothesized understanding that reflected the effects, challenges and prospects of deregulation. In order to obtain an empirical analysis of the study a social constructed research methodology that is based on quantitative and qualitative method were argued for. A non-probability sample approach with a dichotomous questionnaire of (YES/NO) was self-administered in three states Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt to represent the three geographical areas in Nigeria, the target population of fifty persons from each state was chosen using purposive sampling method. Furthermore, an open-ended questionnaire were self-administered on two managers from Forth Oil, One Manager from Oando Plc and One Manger from Total Plc. The managers views were sort in order have industry professionals opinion on the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry. The data collected were analysed with the use of SPSS to determine the effects, challenges and prospects of the deregulation of the downstream industry. A Porters five model was also utilised to analyse the competitiveness in the industry. The result of the analysis shows how firms within the downstream oil and gas industry have changed and responded towards deregulation. It further shows how the previous regulated regime of the downstream oil and gas industry has been transformed to become more competitive and market driven. The analysed result shows a slim margin between the (yes/no) responses on the effects and challenges of deregulation, while there was a significant margin on the response in favour of the prospects and opportunities of downstream oil and gas deregulation. Overall, the result shows that many Nigerians are in support that deregulation will deliver positive effects, reduce the challenges in in the industry and also create better prospects and opportunities. The study findings indicates that the downstream oil and gas industry is not fully deregulated to enable market forces of demand and supply to determine product price, rather government have been fixing petroleum product prices. Most of the industry challenges are still persistent, like fuel scarcity, corruption, smuggling, and ineffective refinery. Thus, the expected benefit as promised by the government is yet to be achieved. However, based on the overall response of the respondent, this study can infer that many Nigerians support the government deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry. CHAPTER ONE 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND The advent of deregulation reform dates back to 1973 after the first oil shock experience, which led to a decline in the economic growth of most developed economies Nordhaus, Houthakker and Sachs (1980); Sachs (1982) and labour productivity growth Baily, Gordon, Solow (1981). Further to the mid-1970s productivity decline, a wide range of policy responses, including economic deregulation were introduced. The inception of deregulation reform was initiated in the US Winston (1998); Morgan (2004), while the UK and other developed economies followed in the early 1980s Pera, (1988); Healey (1990); Matthews, Minford, Nickell and Helpman (1987). The reform was also copied by the new democracies and many developing countries in the 1990s leading to wide range of labour, capital and product market reforms. This was the scenario that prevailed throughout the early 21st century Wolfl, Wanner, Kozluk and Nicoletti (2009) until the global economic and financial crisis determined the credibility o f relaxing economic growth. Like many other developing countries that copied the market reform, Nigeria being a growing economy with an increase in demand for commodities such as petroleum products Nwokeji (2007) meeting the supply needs remains a big challenge due to frequent breakdown of the refineries and over-reliance on importation. Although prior to 1960s the downstream oil and gas sector was initially market driven with the mechanism of demand and supply determining product price Funsho (2004). The distribution and marketing of petroleum product was virtually controlled by the multinational oil and gas companies Jean (2012). This was the situation before the government decided to harmonise petroleum products by way of uniform pricing in 1973 to encourage even distribution of products nationwide Christopher and Adepoju (2012). In furtherance to the uniform price policy and also tackle the cost differential problem associated with the delivery of products to every part of the country, the government establ ished the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) Oluwole (2004). The participation of government in the management and ownership structure of the downstream sector culminated to a regulated regime Olumide (2011). The consequence of the policy shift by the government on the economy was characterized by acute product scarcity, hoarding, smuggling, adulteration; long queues, inappropriate pricing, under funding and monopolistic practices. This were the main features of the supply and distribution process of the downstream oil and gas industry Funsho (2004). The unhealthy development degenerated to poor performance of the nation refineries, which resulted in excessive dependence on imports Christopher and Adepoju (2012). Thus, the economic reforms of the government became imperative towards reviving the ailing downstream sector by way of deregulation Okafor(2004). The deregulation of the sector as implemented in 2003 implies removal of restrictions on the establishment of refineries, jetties and depots. It also involves granting free access to private sector participation in the importation of petroleum products and also allowing the demand and supply mechanism to determine price including also the government total removal of control on product prices Oluwole (2004). Furthermore, the objective is meant to achieve regular supply of petroleum products at reasonable price, maintaining self-sufficiency in refining, employment generation for Nigerians, growth in foreign investment and general economic growth. Onyishi, Emeh, and Ikechukwu (2012). Other major benefits are as indicated in figure 1 below: Figure : BENEFITS OF DEREGULATION OF DOWNSTREAM OIL AND GAS SECTOR Removal of subsidy burden Government refocus to segment regulator Competition on and a level play field to attract new entrant DEREGULATION Increased efficiency by service providers Eliminate sharp practices that exploit subsidy regime From the foregoing many years have passed after deregulation, yet the aforementioned problems still persist, refineries continue to operate below installed capacity Oladele (1997). Efficient transport system for product distribution is lacking while pipeline are still vandalized. The expected government responses by private sector investment in establishing new refineries after many years of issuance of licence is yet to be realized. This scenario is in contrast to the objective of deregulation as commenced in the USA in the 1970s which was to create competition, enhance industry efficiency and guarantee competitive prices DME (2007) ; Hicks (2004). Improving efficiency in the industry implies product availability, proper functioning of the distribution networks, availability of storage facilities and depots to avoid scarcity of products and to ensure regular supply of products to force down price. However with the lack of these facilities the intending benefit from deregulation of the downstream oil and gas sector by the Nigerian populace becomes defeated. The question now is why should government proceed with deregulation policy? Thus, this dissertation seeks to examine a strategic management perspective of the effects, challenges and prospects of the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria. The theoretical framework of this study dwells on three literature reviews: deregulation, strategic management and competitive forces. This three perspectives are utilized to assess the emerging effects, challenges and prospects of the deregulation exercise in the oil and gas industry. The study analyses the literatu re for this perspectives, competitive forces and innovation management in the context of deregulation. 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to appraise the deregulation exercise that was carried out in the Nigerian downstream oil and gas industry. The specific aim of this study are as follows: To examine the implementation of deregulation policy in the downstream oil and gas industry in order to determine the effects, challenges and prospects. This study is also aimed to explore if deregulation has actually yielded the desired result in terms of the forces of demand and supply determining prices of product. This study further uses the Porters five model to establish if effective strategic management (innovative management and competitive forces) can achieve a sustained competitive advantage among industry competitors in the deregulated regime. 1.2 RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY This study is relevant in many ways; apart from the downstream sector importance in Nigeria economic stability other relevance includes the following: As already stated, this study would use a Porters five competitive forces to analyse the attractiveness of the industry. This will inform us of the impact of deregulation on new entrants, competitive rivalry, buyers bargaining powers, suppliers power, products prices, product supply and distribution. The study would conduct a survey to know the feelings of Nigerians on the effects, challenges and prospects of the deregulation of the downstream industry. The study would also contribute to existing literature on deregulation thereby providing insight of current developments in the downstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study would also serve as an important tool for students, academia, institutions and individuals to consult for knowledge on deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS In finding out the effects, challenges and prospects of the deregulation of downstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria, this study answers three questions: How can government improve the implementation of the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry to achieve the actual policy objective? In what way can government encourage the private sector to fully participate in the downstream oil and gas deregulation exercise? What informed the government deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry and if it is the only solution in an economic environment such as Nigeria? 1.4 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY This study contains six chapters. The first chapter is the introduction and background of the study, the purpose of the research, significance of the study, the objectives of the study, the research questions, this would guide the study. Chapter two would present the literature review on the subject matter. Chapter three gives the theoretical framework of the study. The methodology to be adopted in the study would be stated in chapter four. Chapter five focuses on the presentation of data, analysis of collected data, findings and discussion of results. The last chapter which is chapter six, would present the conclusion and appropriate recommendations. CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW Many existing literature have argued on different perspectives and motives for the government deregulation of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria yielding different opinions from two school of thought. The opposing and the supporting group respectively. Those supporting deregulation argue that deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry would actualize government move to eradicate fuel scarcity and ensure constant fuel supply across the country Funsho (2004). Similarly, deregulation of the industry would create inflow of foreign investment while persistent smuggling of petroleum products and inefficiencies in the sector will be eliminated Oluwole (2004). They also posit that Nigeria has the lowest price of petroleum products in the world and with deregulation the international market equilibrium would allow government to channel funds to other sectors of the economy. Furthermore, they argued that it would break the monopoly enjoyed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Okafor (2004). Essentially, deregulation would lead to uninterrupted operation of the refineries, it would also guarantee steady supply by enabling stakeholders and independent marketers to participate in product importation and marketing Enemoh (2004). Their view is also that the regulated regime by way of subsidy is a way of government enriching few Nigerian petroleum products marketers Oluwole (2004). Findings from Abu (2012) indicates that Nigerians believes deregulation and privatization will usher in sustainable development and would be a blessing rather than a course. Odey (2011) recommends the complete deregulation of the downstream sector to reduce corruption, inaccurate record keeping, inefficiency, smuggling and insufficient product supply. Jean (2012) suggested that making deregulation work involves providing an enabling environment and framework for efficient production, supply and distribution. Braide (2003) recommends that the usual business as usual in the NNPC by way of product imp ortation and distribution is inexpedient because it represents a wrong step for government to continue with instead government should fully deregulate the downstream oil and gas sector. From the opposing group came the argument that the Nigeria petroleum industry must not be deregulated completely, instead government should maintain the status quo and restructure the sector to improve efficiency for the overall national interest. They opined that the root cause and clamour for deregulation is because of the massive corruption in the sector and therefore should be tackled rather than embarking on deregulation. They further argued that deregulation helps increase profit margin for the importers, interestingly this is the position of the labour union and the organized civil society. Furthermore, Amana and Amana (2011) asserts that the fair distribution of economic benefits derived from petroleum has proven elusive and therefore predicts same for deregulation. Ibanga (2011) argued that removal of subsidy may cause dislocation to the gas price because of high demand and inadequate supply. Bafor (2001) doubted government sustaining the gain of deregulation due to the undu e interference in NNPC affair resulting to near collapse and dismal performance which encouraged the clamour for the privatisation and deregulation. According to Kikeri and Nellis (2004) they argued that deregulation processes and institutions must be combined with appropriate competition policies and regulatory frameworks without which the gains of deregulation can be eroded by harsh impact on consumers and the overall economy affected due to inadequate product supply. Matthew and Fidelis (2003) opined that the merit of deregulation can only be enjoyed by Nigerians if only they could be genuine attention to eliminating corruption in the sector. Adagba, Ugwu and Eme (2012) posits that government is merely taxing the poor to subsidise the life of the rich. Similarly, Akpanuko and Ayandele (2012) argues that government is not transparent in its drive to transform the economy and suggested reduction in the cost of governance, rehabilitating the refineries as a measure to drive the economy. In global perspective, the theoretical argument behind the large scale deregulation reforms initiated in the late 1970s is two-fold. On one hand, deregulation reduces the rents that regulation creates for workers, incumbent producers, and service providers. This view has gained a widespread popularity among academics and policy makers ever since the works by Stigler (1971); Posner (1975) and Peltzman (1976) contributed to the understanding of the political economy of regulation. On the other hand, deregulation allows the newly created competition on product, labour and capital markets to determine the winner of rent transfers. Thus, by spurring productivity and efficiency gains Winston, (1993), economic deregulation ultimately contributes to the overall increase in economic growth. The additional growth is brought primarily through increased employment and real wages Blanchard Giavazzi (2003), which impacts both production and consumption and through increased investment Alesina, Ardagna, Nicoletti, Schiantarelli (2005), this affects the capital stock in the economy. However, a need for caution is required on the recent take on the efficiency gains from deregulation in the developing world. The key argument in this new area of literature is that deregulation reforms influence diverse economies differently, depending on their position on the technology level and on their quality of institutions. For example, Acemoglu, Aghion and Zilibotti (2006) claim that certain restrictions on competition may benefit the technologically backward countries, while Estache and Wren-Lewis (2009) finds that ideal regulatory policies in developed and in developing countries are different because of differences in the overall institutional quality in those countries. In addition, Aghion, Alesina and Trebbi (2007) use industry level data to demonstrate that within each economy, institutional reforms influence different industries differently, and more specifically, industries closer to the technology frontier would be affected more by deregulation and would innovate more than the backward industries in order to prevent entry. As a result, countries closer to the technology frontier would benefit more from deregulation. The alleged benefits of economic deregulation in many industries prompted a debate on the growth effects from specific types of reforms on petroleum product downstream deregulation. 2.1 THEORIES OF DEREGULATION Deregulation can be looked from the angle of different theories, we have the public interest theory which presume that deregulation would occur if the market deficiency which compelled regulation in the first place were to disappear. An illustration is a change in technology which could eliminate a natural monopoly. The public interest theory also predicts that deregulation would occur if discovered that a regulatory regime which had been perceived to be in the public interest was defective. It may turn out that, in the light of experience, the cost of the regulatory apparatus is or has become greater than the loss resulting from the market imperfection it was designed to correct Posner (1974). Thus, it may become obvious only with experience that entry restrictions is a relatively costly way to enforce standards. From Stigler Peltzman came the version of the special interest theory which suggests that a number of factors which may give rise to deregulation. First, a reduction in the cost consumers must incur in order to inform themselves regarding the effect of regulation on them. For example, price comparisons between regulated and non-regulated controls can assist consumers in estimating the effect of regulation on the prices they pay. Secondly, as product substitutes increases between regulated and non-regulated products, this would reduce profits and hence the urge to lobby for regulation induced price increases. Substitution may also occur between regulated and unregulated industries or between regulated and unregulated controls. Thirdly, a change in industry structure can reduce either the incentive or the ability to lobby for regulation. Also, an increase in the number of firms in an industry or a merging of their respective interests may increase the incentive to free ride and make it more costly to organize support for politicians promising regulatory benefits Stigler (1974). Noll and Owen (1983) argue that, over time, the beneficiaries of regulation will grow while groups that lose will contract. In view of the interest group structure, alternative for substitutes and information, McCormick et al. (1984) offer two reasons why the incentive to regulate is greater than the incentive to deregulate. The first is that the cost of seeking regulation may be as much as the present value of the anticipated wealth transfer involved, and if this cost is sunk it is not recoverable in the event of deregulation. The question is does Nigeria have a theory of deregulation? although the public and special interest theories of deregulation had slightly been criticized for the vagueness regarding transactions in policy frameworks and political markets. In the case of Nigeria the evidence on deregulation supports both the public and special interest theories. The two of them are in the same range, deregulation is used by government to effect wealth transfers through privatization. These transfers may benefit the highly concentrated special interest groups, such as petroleum product marketers and politicians. They may also benefit larger groups, like the deregulation of telecom industry. For the public interest group, government most times come up with reforms and policy frame work aimed at benefiting the masses, but often hijacked by the cabals who may want to exploit government programme to their own benefit. An example is the issue of oil subsidy which the original government intention was for p ublic interest, but was later hijacked by special interest groups or cabals. 2.2 COUNTRY EXPERIENCES ON DEREGULATION 2.2.1 ARGENTINA The Menem administration introduced deregulation in Argentina. The country underwent heavy economic deregulation, privatization and had a fixed exchange rate between (1989-1999). The resulting effects of Argentina deregulation exercise lead to the comparing of Enron with Argentina by Krugman (2001), asserting that they were both experiencing economic collapse due to excessive deregulation. However the claim by Krugman was termed as confusing correlation with causation, as neither the collapse was due to excessive deregulation Herbert (2002). He argued that if deregulation of the Argentine economy produced prosperity for years, how could it generate collapse within a few months? The answer is not deregulation but excessive loans. 2.2.2 AUSTRALIA Deregulation in Australia commenced with the Minimum Effective Regulation in 1986 following the announcement by the Labour Prime Minister Bob Hawke of a wide range of deregulatory policies. The introduction of the policy, which is now a familiar requirements for regulatory impact statements, took many years for governmental agencies to comply with. Although wider competition policy reforms had commenced, during the 1980s trade policy reform which substantially increased competition in the domestic economy Smith (2001). In this regard the level of assistance to manufacturing sector was reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent of the value of manufacturing output between 1981-82 and 1991-92. They was reductions in import barriers, which off course exposed many industries to the rigours of international competition, providing increased incentives to improve product quality, costs and innovation. 2.2.3 CANADA The deregulation of natural gas in Canada took place in the mid 1980s, with exception of Atlantic provinces, Vancouver Island and Medicine Hat, the whole of the country natural gas was deregulated. A price comparison service is operating in some of these jurisdictions, particularly Ontario, Alberta and BC. The other provinces are small markets and have not attracted suppliers. Customers have the choice of purchasing from a local distribution company (LDC) or a deregulated supplier. In most provinces the LDC is not allowed to offer a term contract, just a variable price based on the spot market. LDC prices are changed either monthly or quarterly. 2.2.4 UNITED KINGDOM The conservative government of Margaret Thatcher started a program of deregulation and privatization in 1979, where the conservative government criticised many public enterprises, including CEGB, for being too inflexible, bureaucratic and out of political control. As a remedy the government suggested deregulation and privatisation Foster (1993) ; Newbery and Green (1996). In response, the policy framework was enacted which included the express coach Transport Act 1980, British Telecom 1984, privatization of London Bus services 1984, local bus services Transport Acts 1985 and the railways 1993. The common feature of all the privatisations was the offering of the shares to the general public. In support of the policy since 1997 the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown developed a programme of better deregulation. This included a general programme for government departments to review, simplify or abolish their existing regulations, and introduced approach to new regulations . 2.2.5 NEW ZEALAND The New Zealand governments adopted policies of extensive deregulation from 1984 to 1995. Originally initiated by the Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand Dalziel (2010). The goal of the policy was liberalising the economy and had a comprehensive coverage and innovations. The major specific polices included: establishing an independent reserve bank; floating the exchange rate; public sector finance reform based on accrual accounting; performance contracts for senior civil servants; tax neutrality; subsidy-free agriculture; and industry neutral competition regulation. The introduction led to Economic growth in 1991. New Zealand was changed from a somewhat closed and centrally controlled economy to one of the most open economies in the OECD Evans, Grimes, Wilkinson (1996). 2.2.6 UNITED STATES Many industries in the United States became regulated by the federal government in the late 19th and early 20th century. Entry to some markets was restricted to stimulate and protect the initial investment of private companies into infrastructure to provide public services, such as water, electric and communications utilities. However in the 1970s among the problems that encouraged deregulation was the way in which the regulated industries often controlled the government regulatory agencies, using them to serve the industries interests. In the energy industry the Emergency Petroleum Act was a regulating law, consisting of a mix of regulations and deregulation, which passed in response to OPEC price hikes and domestic price controls which effected the 1973 oil crisis in the United States. After adoption of this federal legislation, numerous state legislation known as Natural Gas Choice programs have sprung up in several states which allow residential and small volume natural gas users to comparison purchase from natural gas suppliers, aside with traditional utility companies. 2.3 CONCEPT OF DEREGULATION Deregulation refers to a situation whereby they is a restrictive use of the states legal power to direct the conduct of private actors Stigler (1971). Deregulation programme is focused primarily on the withdrawal of economic interest of government apparatus. It is also the reduction of government regulation of business, consumers and market activity Economic glossary (2013). Similarly deregulation according to Webster dictionary is the act or process of removing state deregulations, it is the opposite of regulation which implies the process of government regulating certain activities. In the perspective of Kimberly (2013) deregulation is when the government seeks to allow more competition in an industry that allows near-monopolies. From the view of Ernest and Young (1988) deregulation and privatization are elements of economic reform programmes charge with the goal of improving the overall economy in a structured process. Essentially in an economic perspective deregulation implies freedom from government control Innocent and Charles (2011), while Akinwumi et al (2005) asserts that deregulation is the removal of government interference in running a system. By implication, the normal regulatory rules and enforcement in managing the operation of a system is replaced with market force of demand and supply to be a determinant of price Ajayi and Ekundayo (2008). In the opinion of Wolak (2005) he sees deregulation as the removal of control by government on natural monopolies in order to exercise market power. Where for example in US regulation generally held natural monopolies to a specified rate of return basis for pricing products Rothwell and Gomez (2003). Deregulation introduced free market principles and competition into these natural monopolies Hirsch (1999); Kahn (2004); Novarro and Shames (2003); Rassenti, Smith and Wilson (2002) and created the frame breaking changes. The deregulation of downstream oil and gas industry is the loosening of government control over the industry. It is a way of breaking the monopoly in NNPC in order to pave way for healthy competition. This implies the introduction of free market system, where the forces of demand and supply are allowed to determine the market price of products PPPRA (2004). This formula is in contrast to the regulated regime, where government acting on existing laws controls and determine retail and wholesale prices of petroleum products. A regulated regime is characterised by low level of competition and investment leading to distortions in product supply and distribution, scarcity resulting to long queues, hording, smuggling and other bottlenecks such as monopolistic practices, existence of subsidy and poor maintenance of infrastructural facilities Funsho (2004). The structural framework of deregulation involves the following phases: (1) Liberalisation (2) Privatization and commercialization. 2.3.1 LIBERALIZATION Liberalization refers to a relaxation of the government previous restrictions, usually in areas of social or economic policy, in most context the process or concept is often, but not always referred to as deregulation Sullivan, Arthur, Sheffrin and Steven (2002). It is also the involvement of many participants in the downstream petroleum industry PPPRA (2004). Liberalization involves removing monopoly, promoting high competitive culture in the industry, product availability, ensuring fair pricing for consumer, reviving and ensuring the efficiency of the refineries Oluwole (2004). Liberalization also ensures the removal of oil subsidy, which robs the poor to pay the rich PPPRA (2004). Liberalization is aimed to generate add

Best Practices and Strategies Essay

Ex: functional, conglomerate, and divisional. For this list of practices we will use the divisional design. a. Divisional Design aka M form (the M stands for multidivisional): Is made up of separate, semi autonomous units or divisions and each division has its own goals to accomplish. 6) Culture: Refers to the set of values that helps its members understand what the organization stands for how it wants to accomplish what it wants to accomplish, and what it considers important. 7) Human Resource Strategy Implementation: Requires an understanding of undamental individual and interpersonal behavioral process. b. Individual Process: Psychological Contracts; Personality; Motivation; and Stress. c. Organizational system and Process: Understanding of the causes of stress, the process by which stress affects individuals can cope better with stress in organizational settings. d. Interpersonal Group Process: Group Behavior; Leadership; and Communication. Select one (1) the corporate strategies discussed in Chapter 4 and formulate a human resource strategy that will support the corporate strategy. Cost leadership strategy is one that focuses on minimizing the cost as much as possible. This strategy allows the firm to charge the lowest possible prices for its products, thereby presumably generating an overall level of revenue. A human resource strategy that will support this corporate strategy would be: a. Efficiency Ratio: keeping expenses low with earnings being high. b. Learning Curve: maintaining training and continues training of employee’s. c. Good Purchasing approach: acquiring goods or services to accomplish the goals of the firm. . Maintaining latest technology: helps maintain inventory control, which in return helps ensure products to customers. e. Strategic marketing mix to help ensure market leadership f. Superior customer service: series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction. Competitive or above average pay, employee advancement, and employee incentivizes. g. Product leadership: concept which describes delivering state of the art products in the market. Discuss the Fruit Guys business strategy. Identify three (3) other businesses that could use the five (5) questions the Fruit Guys used to determine effectiveness and identify three (3) businesses in which the business strategy would not work well. Provide a rationale for your answer. The business strategy that the Fruit Guys uses is the defender strategy. Defender strategy: works best when a business operates in an environment with relatively little uncertainty and risk and high degree of stability. The goal of the defender is to identify for itself a relatively narrow niche in the market and then to direct a limited set of products or services at he niche. After reviewing the website of the Fruit Guys, their niche is to provide fresh â€Å"healthy brain food† as the fruit guys refer to it as such to the premises of the workplace. As healthy foods to the office â€Å"can boost productivity, improve wellness and help companies improve their bottom line†. The Fruit Guys fills thousands of business of businesses in America with seasonal fresh fruit varying from small family businesses, to major Fortune 500 companies. With their customers sharing their idea on health, and the environment, this helps bring stability to the company, while their employees bring in pride, giving high productivity levels. The five questions that the Fruit Guys have based their strategy on is: I. Have we been respectful to the people we work with employees, coworkers, and customers? II. Have we been responsible to their needs? III. Have we been realistic with them about what we can or cannot do? IV. Can we take personal responsibility for the situation? V. Are we going to be remembered positively? Three companies that could use the five questions to work for their businesses are: a) Car Dealerships (especially Used Car dealerships) b) Construction Companies c) Cleaning Company Three Companies that would not benefit from the use of the five questions are: a) Jc Penny’s b) Walmart c) BJ’S Wholesale Club (ex: Costco) My reasoning behind my choices for the use of the five questions are these companies are more hand’s on with their companies, and actually rely on word of mouth business and repeat business. Without these referrals and repeat business these companies would have to rely a lot on marketing and advertising strategies. My reasoning behind my choices for these businesses that would not benefit from the five questions is because these companies are very well expanded. With many stores in many different locations of one state and through-out many states these companies do not rely on word of mouth or repeat business. As their marketing strategies, advertising strategies, and sales are what continuously brings in repeat customer, and new customers.

What Has The Industrial Revolution Improved For Modern...

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