dasfasdf Essay Example For Students

dasfasdf Essay increased global interaction and improvedrom the 1950s to the 1970s,and Soviet Union took theirThis space race also led cooperation. Pictures of the earth fromreminded people that all nationsIn the 1970s, the spacecooperative. In 1975, U.S. anddocked, or joined together, in space. American and Soviet space missionsfrom other countries. In theastronauts began to take the spaceRussian space station called Mir. Some space missions did notmembers. Unmanned flightsand information about otherUnited States and EuropeanHubble Space Telescope into orbitThis satellite has sent backobjects in space. Other satellites are owned byThey are used every day toEarth or to search for mineralsSatellites allow televisionevents live around the world. Another advance in technologycomputer. These machines havein power since they wereConsumer goods such as microwave telephones,and cars often includethem running. Millions ofuse personal computersincreased global interaction and improvedrom the 1950s to the 1970s,and Soviet Union took theirThis space race also led cooperation. Pictures of the earth fromreminded people that all nationsIn the 1970s, the spacecooperative. In 1975, U.S. anddocked, or joined together, in space. American and Soviet space missionsfrom other countries. In theastronauts began to take the spaceRussian space station called Mir. Some space missions did notmembers. Unmanned flightsand information about otherUnited States and EuropeanHubble Space Telescope into orbitThis satellite has sent backobjects in space. Other satellites are owned byThey are used every day toEarth or to search for mineralsSatellites allow televisionevents live around the world. Another advance in technologycomputer. These machines havein power since they wereConsumer goods such as microwave telephones,and cars often includethem running. Millions ofuse personal computersincreased global interaction and improvedrom the 1950s to the 1970s,and Soviet Union took theirThis space race also led cooperation. Pictures of the earth fromreminded people that all nationsIn the 1970s, the spacecooperative. In 1975, U.S. anddocked, or joined together, in space. American and Soviet space missionsfrom other countries. In theastronauts began to take the spaceRussian space station called Mir. Some space missions did notmembers. Unmanned flightsand information about otherUnited States and EuropeanHubble Space Telescope into orbitThis satellite has sent backobjects in space. Other satellites are owned byThey are used every day toEarth or to search for mineralsSatellites allow televisionevents live around the world. Another advance in technologycomputer. These machines havein power since they wereConsumer goods such as microwave telephones,and cars often includethem running. Millions ofuse personal computersincreased global interaction and improvedrom the 1950s to the 1970s,and Soviet Union took theirThis space race also led cooperation. Pictures of the earth fromreminded people that all nationsIn the 1970s, the spacecooperative. In 1975, U.S. anddocked, or joined together, in space. American and Soviet space missionsfrom other countries. In theastronauts began to take the spaceRussian space station called Mir. Some space missions did notmembers. Unmanned flightsand information about otherUnited States and EuropeanHubble Space Telescope into orbitThis satellite has sent backobjects in space. Other satellites are owned byThey are used every day toEarth or to search for mineralsSatellites allow televisionevents live around the world. Another advance in technologycomputer. These machines havein power since they wereConsumer goods such as microwave telephones,and cars often includethem running. Millions ofuse personal computersincreased global interaction and improvedrom the 1950s to the 1970s,and Soviet Union took theirThis space race also led cooperation. .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 , .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .postImageUrl , .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 , .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:hover , .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:visited , .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:active { border:0!important; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:active , .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026 .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u24ab63692cc8c08b85b84d3b46677026:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: How to attract girls EssayPictures of the earth fromreminded people that all nationsIn the 1970s, the spacecooperative. In 1975, U.S. anddocked, or joined together, in space. American and Soviet space missionsfrom other countries. In theastronauts began to take the spaceRussian space station called Mir. Some space missions did notmembers. Unmanned flightsand information about otherUnited States and EuropeanHubble Space Telescope into orbitThis satellite has sent backobjects in space. Other satellites are owned byThey are used every day toEarth or to search for mineralsSatellites allow televisionevents live around the world. Another advance in technologycomputer. These machines havein power since they wereConsumer goods such as microwave telephones,and cars often includethem running. Millions ofuse personal computersincreased global interaction and improvedrom the 1950s to the 1970s,and Soviet Union took theirThis space race also led cooperation. Pictures of the earth fromreminded people that all nationsIn the 1970s, the spacecooperative. In 1975, U.S. anddocked, or joined together, in space. American and Soviet space missionsfrom other countries. In theastronauts began to take the spaceRussian space station called Mir. Some space missions did notmembers. Unmanned flightsand information about otherUnited States and EuropeanHubble Space Telescope into orbitThis satellite has sent backobjects in space. Other satellites are owned byThey are used every day toEarth or to search for mineralsSatellites allow televisionevents live

Critique the Constitutional Provision for Press Freedom in Nigerian 1999 Constitution free essay sample

In America they say freedom of the press is democracy. With more than 100 national, local, and state-owned newspapers and publications; print media in Nigeria is one of the most vibrant in all of Africa. While on a superficial level, it appears the media in Nigeria enjoy a considerable freedom, in reality however, independent journalism is not as common as it may appear. Despite the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, clampdown, assault, beatings, unfair arrests and police raids of media house has continued. Between June 2002 and September 2003 alone Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a Lagos based nongovernmental organization which promotes press freedom and freedom of expression, recorded more than fifty cases of reported abuses against journalists and other violations of freedom of expression. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders in 2010 listed Nigeria Police Force as the leading abuser of journalists’ rights. On Saturday, April 24, 2010, Edo-Ugbagwu, a judicial correspondent of The Nation newspapers was murdered in Lagos. Also, Godwin Agbroko and Abayomi Ogundeji of Thisday newsapeprs, Omololu Falabi and Bayo Ohu of The Guardian were all brutally killed in Lagos by unknown gun men recently. All these killings and the initial reluctance of the national assembly and the president to pass the Freedom of Information Bill have further raised the question of press freedom once more in Nigerian democracy. The assault on the press is a fundamental breach on democratic norms and serves to remind Nigerians of the dark days of impunity during the Military era. Justification for Press Freedom in Nigerian 1999 Constitution Nigeria is operating now as a democracy so the freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions, receive and impart ideas without interference should be a fundamental right guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the African Charter On Human and Peoples Rights, (ACHPR), the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and other regional and international treaties to which Nigeria is privy. Moreover, Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides: Every person shall be entitled to freedom to hold opinions and impart ideas and information without interference. There is a reason why press freedom is included in the Nigerian constitution. The idea behind freedom of the press is that an informed public has a fighting chance against any government who will like to possess complete power over them. According to established human rights provisions it is quite clear these acts of intimidation and harassment are unconstitutional, an abuse of due process, and a negation of the gains so far made in Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. Democracy flourishes under a free press. It is a system that provides for the right to freedom of expression. And it is the foundation upon which rests other freedoms. If politics is about development and the ultimate goal of any political system is to ensure the improvement of the security and welfare of the citizenry, then the resort to assault on the Media negates fundamental rights and the rule of law. It merely demonstrates impunity, and intolerance to alternatives views. The brutal murder of Dele Giwa should specially be remembered this day and the question repeated: who killed Dele Giwa? The prime suspect in the murder, Ibrahim Babangida, should be made to answer this question as he prepares to run for the presidential election. When it is impossible to retort through the media, any injustice occurring against the people by those they supposedly voted in to advance their wellbeing, it means the country is headed down the road of totalitarian rule. In the last 12 years since the return of the country to civilian rule, the Nigerian Press has been under serious threat by Law enforcement agencies and other government organizations. When Channels Television was closed in 2008, the CEO John Momoh apologised to the government but the initial suspension of its license over a story on the purported plan of President Umaru Yar’Adua to resign was a sign of an unspoken threshold beyond which criticism is not tolerated in Nigeria. (Who knows what that purported resignation would have been the best of the sick president? Limitations to Press Freedom in Nigerian 1999 Constitution The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria grants to Nigerians the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Press. In Section 39 (1) it states: â€Å"Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. † However, in sub-section 3, th e same constitution takes away with the left hand what it had granted with the right hand in section 39. Sub-section 3 states: Nothing in this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society: (a) For the purpose of preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephony, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematography films or (b) Imposing restriction upon persons holding office under the government of the federation or of a state, members of the armed forces of the federation or members of the Nigeria Police Force or other government security services or agencies established by law. In chapter 2, titled Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, Section 22, the Constitution imposes some obligations on the mass media. It states â€Å"The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all tim es be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people. † But how is the press supposed to discharge these weighty responsibilities if its voice is padlocked not only by the limitations contained in sub-section 3(a) and (b) of section 39 but also by the Official Secrets Act, 1962, and other enactments? Clearly, the Official Secrets Act prevents a journalist from receiving and or imparting information that is available to a government official by the virtue of his office. Section 1 of that Act makes it an offence for a person to transmit any classified matter to a person to whom he is not authorized on behalf of the government or to reproduce, retain or obtain any classified matter. Section 2 brings down the hammer on a public officer who avails any unauthorized person of classified matter under his custody or control by pronouncing him guilty of an offence. But secrecy in matters of public interest is a violation of the principle of the peoples right to know. It is also antithetical to the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. * Defamation: this include Libel and Slander: In Law â€Å"Libel† refers to everything printed or written which reflects on the character of another, and is published without lawful justification or excuse, whatever the intention may have been, while â€Å"slander† on the other hand was described as A false and defamatory statement concerning a person made by word of mouth or in other transient form. Sedition: Sedition is a comprehensive term and it embraces all those practices, whether by word, deed or writing which are calculated to disturb the tranquility of the state, and overthrow the government. When therefore any write-up or speech or any device of communication whether by sign, tapes, caricature etc, that has the effect of producing any of the above, such a write-up notwithstanding the constitutional freedom of expression amounts of sedition.

Semiotic Analysis of The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard free essay sample

The bringing out of themes concerning love, adultery, and the harshness of reality, is supported by the usage of realistic, detailed set design and props in an attempt to recreate human life realistically. These include objects which serve actantial roles, like the typewriter, glasses of wine and cricket bat, being represented authentically or by visual replicas, thus being used as iconic signs of themselves. The set design of Henry’s living room over different periods also serves as an iconic representation of the time the play was set in, when considering specific props used, like the vinyl record player, typewriter, and the rotary dial telephone, which indicates a time set around the 1980’s, thus establishing a consistent time period for the play. This aspect of realistic stage design reduces the challenges of restructuring the stage, while shortening the psychical distance between the audience and the play, creating a natural stage environment the audience is familiar with. We will write a custom essay sample on Semiotic Analysis of The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This allows the issues of concern to be portrayed in a setting of familiarity, creating the sense that these issues can be inherent anywhere in our world, building the audience’s sense of immediacy with the themes, thus improving the effectiveness of the messages conveyed. Lighting takes on various functions in the play, accentuating moods, and expressing emotions of the scenes more effectively, to underscore themes1. Lighting serves an atmospheric function in the scene where Max was distraught after Charlotte leaves, in their play within a play. Amidst a darkening of the set, a disco ball sends patterns of light in swirls all about the stage, creating a melancholic atmosphere which complements the mood of the scene. Also, this same usage of lighting was repeated when Henry was upset, in a later scene. This usage of lighting serves an effective iconographic function, by drawing attention to the theme of the relation between fiction and reality as expressed in the play, by being deictic to the implicit connection between the two scenes, one of a fictional reality created by Henry, and the other which is reality experienced by Henry himself. While the mise-en-scene successfully aids in bringing out the themes of the play, there are aspects which challenge audience competence, limiting comprehension of certain parts of the play. One aspect would be a blurred distinction between scenes which are â€Å"plays within a play†, acted out by the characters as actors, and the representation of reality in the play. The first scene, which was a â€Å"play within a play†, would be difficult to distinguish from reality, until the second scene, when the answer was revealed explicitly in the dialogue. Also, the scene when Max confronts Annie in reality, for cheating on him, has a set designed in the same layout as the first, â€Å"play within a play† scene, thus creating a sense of confusion in distinguishing when the characters are acting, from when the dialogue was taking place in â€Å"reality†. There is a function of mise-en-scene that aids the ability of the audience to differentiate between them. These scenes that tend to be confused, have their sets very sparsely designed as compared to Henry’s well lit and richly furnished living room. With lighting focused on the characters and dim backgrounds, akin to stereotypical notions of certain plays where only minimal props are required to build an environment, and the focus is on the characters only, these scenes differentiate themselves from the reality of the play, as the nature of their set design is deictic to the idea that they are â€Å"plays within plays†, when contrasted with Henry’s living room, which is used to portray reality in â€Å"The Real Thing†.

The Definition and Description of Geological Erosion

The Definition and Description of Geological Erosion Erosion is the name for the processes that both break down rocks (weathering) and carry away the breakdown products (transportation). As a general rule, if rock is just broken down through mechanical or chemical means, then weathering has occurred. If that broken-down material gets moved at all by water, wind or ice, then erosion has occurred.   Erosion is different from  mass wasting, which refers to the downslope movement of rocks, dirt, and regolith primarily through gravity. Examples of mass wasting are  landslides, rockfalls,  slumps,  and soil creep. Erosion, mass wasting, and weathering are classified as separate actions and often discussed individually. In reality, they are overlapping processes that usually act together.   The physical processes of erosion are called corrasion or mechanical erosion, while the chemical processes are called corrosion or chemical erosion. Many examples of erosion include both corrasion and corrosion. Agents of Erosion The agents of erosion are ice, water, waves, and wind. As with any natural process that takes place on the Earths surface, gravity plays a major role as well. Water is perhaps the most important (or at least most visible) agent of erosion. Raindrops strike the surface of the Earth with enough force to break apart soil in a process known as splash erosion. Sheet erosion occurs as water collects on the surface and moves toward small streams and rivulets, removing a widespread, thin layer of soil along the way. Gully and rill erosion occurs as runoff becomes concentrated enough to remove and transport larger amounts of soil. Streams, depending on their size and speed, can erode away banks and bedrock and transport large pieces of sediment.   Glaciers erode through abrasion and plucking. Abrasion occurs as rocks and debris become embedded on the bottom and sides of a glacier. As the glacier moves, the rocks scour and scratch the surface of the Earth. Plucking takes place when meltwater enters cracks in the rock beneath a glacier. The water refreezes and breaks off large pieces of rock, which are then transported by glacial movement. U-shaped valleys  and  moraines  are visible reminders of the awesome erosive (and depositional) power of glaciers.   Waves cause erosion by cutting away at the shore. This process creates remarkable landforms like wave-cut platforms, sea arches,  sea stacks, and chimneys. Due to the constant battering of wave energy, these landforms are usually short-lived.   Wind affects the surface of the Earth through deflation and abrasion. Deflation refers to the removal and transport of fine-grained sediment from the winds turbulent flow. As the sediment is airborne, it may grind and wear away surfaces with which it comes in contact. Like with glacial erosion, this process is known as abrasion.  Wind erosion is most common in flat, arid areas with loose, sandy soils.   Human Impact on Erosion Although erosion is a natural process, human activities like agriculture, construction, deforestation, and grazing can greatly increase its impact. Agriculture is particularly notorious. Areas that are conventionally plowed experience upwards of 10 times more erosion than normal. Soil forms at about the same rate that it  naturally erodes, meaning that humans are currently stripping away the soil at a very unsustainable rate.   Providence Canyon, sometimes referred to as Georgias Little Grand Canyon, is a strong testament to the erosional effects of poor farming practices. The canyon began forming in the early 19th century as rainwater runoff from the fields caused gully erosion. Now, just 200 years later, guests can see 74 million years of beautifully layered sedimentary rock in the 150-foot canyon walls.

The Legalization Of Genetically Choosing The Feature of Child Research Paper

The Legalization Of Genetically Choosing The Feature of Child - Research Paper Example It is therefore not a new striking issue to finally end up with concern about the legalization of genetically choosing the feature of one’s own child. This is due to the fact that humans aim at improving ways in order to eliminate various negative health concerns of the humanity. One substantial proof is the ongoing studies or research and implementation of stem cells technology which at some point is aimed at trying to combat various hereditary defects and even future diseases in humans. Genetically choosing the feature of a child would make sense after all. These studies in addressing human health concerns are essentials for the human survival, but the actual implementation of their results may probably pose significant challenges and disadvantages that at some point may only be beneficial for the powerful few. At this point, I will state the promises or advantages of genetically choosing the feature of a child based on the results of genetic modifications in various animals , plants, and organisms (Reuter et al. 989; Kim et al. 534; Jang et al. 2011; Kilic and Akay 1164). The study of Reuter et al is about identifying the importance of herbicide resistant plant which the bottom line has a significant implication on protecting the environment in a wide scale. Kim et al’s research aims at understanding the therapeutic effects of genetically modified neural stem cells which found remarkable evidence of future advantage. The investigation of Jang et al has positive implications on the advantages of genetic modification on mass production of agricultural products. Finally, Kilic and Akay investigated the potential effect of transgenic crop (Bt corn) on health, but found no substantial evidence on rats. Based on the above evidences and results of different mentioned studies, there is a remarkable reason to believe that genetic modification of child’s character would also lead to success and substantial benefits especially in eradicating those h armful features causing negative impacts on human health and survival in general. I plan to point out that although there are remarkable advantages in genetic modification, its main application should only be confined and limited to plants, animals and organisms but not on humans. SUBCLAIMS: The issue about genetic modification is so complex that it is not only confined in purely scientific concerns but it involves the whole aspects of humanity. Thus, among the most important issues that are integrated in genetic modifications are social, political and economic. 1. Choosing a feature of a child via genetic modification is a great social concern. a. In here, I would include studies claiming that genetic modifications have significant benefits for the humanity which leads to positive acceptance of it. b. Particularly, I would employ the study of Guehlstorf and Hallstrom on â€Å"The role of culture in risk regulations: a comparative case study of genetically modified corn in the Unit ed States of America and European Union.†. This specifically points out the different stand of the US and European nations on genetic modification. For example, the stand of Germany on genetic modification (Christoph, Bruhn and Roosen, â€Å"Knowledge, attitudes towards and acceptability of genetic modification in Germany.†). c. I would specifically point out that the varying stand on genetic modification is a bottom line issue in line with social concern. In here, I would emphasize that due to different perspectives in looking at genetic

How should a person be Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

How should a person be - Essay Example he globe and it is considered by many who believe in god that god is present everywhere which means there is omnipotence with regard to the presence of god. Many religions teach the followers that god is present everywhere that’s what omnipotent means. Among the different religions there are many meanings of the word omnipotent, for some it means that god can do anything for anyone who leads the right life, life which is free from sins. This also means that if god says something will happen it will happen. God will make sure that it happens because ever step taken by god is right and every step has logic behind it. This can be better understood with the help of an example, in Christianity if a person lives a holy life or for that matter in any other religion if a person lives a holy life he/she is entitled to eternal life and god will grant it if the person really deserves it. â€Å"There is nothing that God cannot do except that which goes against His nature. God alone has the power to conquer sin and death. He even created Satan who disobeyed and fell; therefore, He has power over him. He promised to give us the power to overcome him that is in the world.† (God is Omnipotent). If there is god then there has to something n egative because where is positive there has to be a negative to counter the positive. That position is occupied by the Saturn and the Saturn tempts the people to do wrong things in other words the Saturn is the evil which makes sure that people do not follow the path of god. The temptation of the Saturn is very difficult to resist and most people fall to that temptation and ignore the path of god. This leads to chaos in the world. All the undesirable activities like suicide bombings, murders, theft etc are done by people who get tempted by the Saturn. When the evil tempts people it makes sure that people forget everything which is good and they incline towards the evil completely. If God does exist then why are women getting raped in all

Political factors can have a direct impact

Political factors can have a direct impact To comply with the worlds concern of global warming and regulation, Nissan has launched their new product, Nissan Leaf which is the world first 100 percent and zero emission car designed for mass market. It is a fully electric-based car and is expected to be available globally by 2012. Economic The demand for products and services of the automobile industry is strongly affected by the economic conditions in each country or market where they are on sale. The industry has to predict change in economic climate and demands precisely and to take necessary measures to cope with the economic conditions. Price hike on various resources and energy could also affect the company. Any unexpected fluctuation of price regarding such resources can greatly affect the company financials and performance due to deterioration in operating performance. The recent global economic crisis has affected all industries including the automobile industry. Such crisis will have a significant effect on Nissans financial position and business performance. For example, Nissan has been affected by the crisis by falling sales globally. It has made 1200 of its staffs at Sunderland UK plant redundant since the crisis began. The total job cuts are said to be around 20,000 in total across all the plants worldwide*. Socialcultural The lifestyle of people and demographic factor varies according to different marketplace/region. Some countries such as India main transportation are bicycles and motorbikes, though cars are still widely used. This is because of the road and travel destination, where best transportation modes are used. Developed countries such as the UK have train services across the country with almost any destination, such convenience will reduce the usage of personal cars. In the other hand, countries that have no such facilities solely rely on personal cars as transportation, will have a high usage of automobiles. With higher literacy rate and better economy, the younger generation (Generation X) tends to personally own a car, as a requirement or as a social status. Contrary to the older generation where a family owns a single car, now a family might own several cars depending on the numbers of family numbers. As such, there is a higher demand for automobiles now than previously. Other than that, the younger generation have vast preferences of their cars to match their own need, where the automobile industry is working hard to meet their needs. Technological Technologies are crucial to the automobile industry, mass amount of capital is invested in RD to improve their products. With the depletion of fossil fuel in the future, new technology as a substitute to energy resource for automobile is needed. Such technologies needed are hybrid engines and electric cars. Besides, the internet technology has affected almost every industry in the world including the automobile industry. A report by C. Thomas stated that, a study showed that 60% of automobile buyers referred to the internet before making their purchases and out of that 60%, 88% went to the auto websites before taking a test drive. Besides that, the industry gain even more opportunities through internet due to more efficiency and lower cost in logistic. SWOT Strengths: Geographic Diversification Nissan has a wide geographical presence of market all over the world. This helps the company to moderate the various risks associated with over dependence of a particular market. Nissan has a strong market position in Japan, North America, Mexico, China and the Middle East. A wide geographic presence decreases the business risk of the company. This also acts as an easy way for the expansion plans of the company, as a wider reach in terms of geography would mean reaping more benefits and eventually improving the profit margins, attaining economies of scale and recognition on a worldwide basis. Diversified Business Operation Nissan has a wide range and strong product portfolio. It is engaged in planning, developing, manufacturing and selling of automobiles. Through its automobile segment, Nissan provides a range of automobiles and related parts for overseas production. The sales finance segment of the company is engaged in the provision of credit card and leasing services, non-life insurance and financing businesses. Such diversified business operations balances the risks of one market with the opportunities of other markets. Renault-Nissan Alliance Nissan, with the alliance of Renault, has benefited from operating performance and has accelerated its international development since it was established in 1999. Nissan holds 15% of Renault shares, while Renault holds a 44.3% stake in Nissan. It was formed to share both companies expertise and cooperate in purchasing, engineering, engineering, production and distribution. To date, Nissan has improved significantly since the forming of the Alliance. During the last fiscal year 2009, Nissans worldwide sales rose by 0.9%. Weaknesses: Weak Financial Performance Nissan experienced a weak financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 2010. The company reported revenues of JPY 7,517,277 million during the fiscal year ended March 2010, as compared to JPY 8,436,974 million in 2009, a decrease of 11% year on year. This decrease was principally due to the increase in raw material and energy costs and a huge negative impact from foreign exchange. Such financial statistic could decrease the confidence of investors. Low Return on Equity At the end of fiscal year 2010, Nissans return on equity (ROE) was 1.6%. This was below the SP 500 companies average of 4.5%. A lower than SP 500 companies average ROE may indicate that the company may not be using the shareholders money as efficiently as other companies in the SP 500 index and that it is generating low returns for its shareholders compared to other companies in the SP 500 index. Opportunities: Growing Demand for Small and Medium-sized Cars With the current global economic recession and volatile fuel prices, the demand for small and medium-size vehicles has witnessed a strong growth. As such Nissan could find increased opportunities in the small car division. According to a report by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), most of the car types have received decrease in registration for the first 5 months of 2010. However, small cars market share increased from 44.9% in 2009 to 46.8% for the five month period of 2010. Thus the shifting consumer preference towards small and mid sized cars offers a strong growth potential for the company. Growing Demand for Hybrid Vehicles Demands for hybrid vehicles are growing in the automobile market. Due to the rising energy cost and increased emissions regulations, demand for light hybrid electric vehicles is expected to increase hugely. With regard to environmental and energy issues, Nissan has placed hybrid technology as one of its core technologies. Nissan has also launched its zero emission electric cars to penetrate the demand of such market. Such growing demand will definitely enhance the revenue and profitability of the company. Threats: Intense Competition The global automotive industry is intense. Nissan faces intense competition with many automobiles giants in the world, mainly Honda and Toyota which same as Nissan are Japanese automobiles companies. Besides, small players and new market entrants draw competition to Nissan. To be able to sustain in such high competition automobile market, Nissan should come up with innovative products and services for its customers e.g. Nissans Leaf zero emission electric car. A highly competitive market such as the automobile industry will affect the company adversely if the company fails to retain and attract new clients/customers. Legal and Political Framework The automobile industry is regulated by governments and regulatory authorities in countries where the companies operate. The companys products, operations and profits can be affected by policies made by the authorities. The major regulation changes are mainly emissions, fuel consumption and safety of vehicles. In addition, such changes in policies and regulations will have a negative effect on Nissans growth and expansion plans/strategies. Global Economic Slowdown The recent economic slowdown has affected globally and prominently Europe and the United States. The GDP growth in the US and the Eurozone slowed down further in 2009. Reports suggest that the US real GDP growth fell to negative 2.6% in 2009 from positive 1.1% in 2008. Also, the economic growth in the Eurozone decreased to 1.4% in 2008 from 2.9% in 2007 and dropped further to as low as 0.2% in 2009. Although Nissan has its operations across the world, its revenue is generated majorly in the US and Europe. With such economic downturn at the companys 2 key markets, itll definitely affects Nissans overall businesses. Porters 5 Forces Barriers to Entry The barriers to entry into the automobile industry are high due to the market saturation. The industry has a wide choice of selection, and requires constant RD in order to compete with rivals. With a high overhead cost, high innovation requirement and a market saturated with well established competitors globally makes it unlikely for new entrants. In order to enter such a saturated market, the entrant must be able to develop a desirable and innovative new car concept with affordable prices. In the case of Nissan, it has been a key player in the automobile industry of Japan and globally as well, and has well established manufacturing plants and distributing channels. Therefore, Nissan will face a minimal rate of new entrants into the industry. As such, Nissan has a low threat of entry. Supplier Bargaining Power Supplier bargaining power of automobile industry is a fairly high. The primary concerns are raw materials, readymade automobile parts and power supply to run its production, etc. As raw materials such as steel (car body parts) and rubbers (tyres and accessories) are natural resources, and the supply of these natural resources are limited, with demands from various industries and consumers, therefore the supplier has a leverage in bargaining power. In the case of Nissan, it was previously Japanese traditional styled company with the keiretsu system between their suppliers. In order to maintain the relation between Nissan and their suppliers, the purchases of supply are overvalued which lead to higher cost of production. With the Alliance of Renault-Nissan in 1999, such system was abolished in Nissan. In the Alliance, Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organisation (RNPO) was established to conduct their purchasing activities. With this strategy, Nissan is able to negotiate its purchasing with their supplier through RNPO. As such, Nissans supplier bargaining power is moderate. Buyer Bargaining Power Buyer bargaining power in the automobile industry is fairly low. There are categories of cars made by different companies targeting different groups of customers. Within each category of cars made, the prices are relatively uniform among the competitors. However, this might vary from countries to countries. High taxation of imported cars in some countries might lead to company reducing car prices in order to penetrate market. In the automobile industry, the industry remains powerful due to the large customer to producer ratio. However, customers have low/no switching cost and other choices of cars from competitors to purchase, so there is still some buyer power. As such, in line with its competitors, Nissans buyer bargaining power is moderate. Threat of Substitutes The threat of substitutes in the automobile industry is fairly moderate. Other than automobile, there are plenty mode of transportation, but most of them doesnt offer the utility, convenience and value offered by automobiles. Besides transportation mode, different product type offered by competitors can be an easy substitute. Competitors within the automobile industry are consistently developing their product to distinguish their product from others. Products with different designs, technologies and innovation may cause customers to replace their preferences. In the case of Nissan, it has a fair range of products from sedans, sports, minivans, SUVs, etc, as well as new designs targeting at different demographic groups. As such, Nissan does not lose out to its competitors that offer different range of automobiles products, which make Nissans threat of substitute moderate because its mainly based on customer preferences. Competitive Rivalry The automobile industry is quite saturated with plenty of well established automobile companies. Nissans major competitors are Honda and Toyota as they represent the major players in the industry from Japan. Toyota as the leader of hybrid cars, had significant advantage over its rivals. Nissan has also launched a range of hybrid cars in order to compete with its rivals. Nissans Leaf is also the world first 100 percent and zero emission car designed for mass market. Such product will bring Nissan significant competitive advantage against its competitors. With the formation of Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan is able to overcome their debt and progress better for the last few years. Despite of declines of Nissan major markets, Nissan (Nissan and Infiniti brand) closed 2008 global sales rising 0.9% year on year*. The sales are boosted by the launch of new products. Although there are sharp decline in the US markets and low sales in Japan, Nissan in whole progressed globally, which indicates it is able to compete globally with its competitors. As such, the degree of rivalry of Nissan in the industry is high, depending on the different marketplace or region. Value chain Firm Infrastructure Nissan was previously a bureaucratic organisation until its alliance with Renault. With the reform, Nissan now have more integration of offices and administrative function around the world. Nissan has established a Diversity Steering Committee as an entity for making diversity-related decisions. The committee meets thrice a year with the COO and executives from each division to set a range of policies including specific goals, action plans and progress assessment. Human Resource Management With the Renault-Nissan alliance, reforms of the executive board are obvious with the change of CEO of Nissan. Other than that, Nissan aims to be an attractive organization where diverse human resources can achieve personal growth. This shows that Nissan has move from its Japanese traditional view towards its employee. Technology Development With the world emphasizing on green technologies, Nissan has launched its Nissan Leaf which is an fully electric car with zero emission. Beside this latest technology, Nissan has previously launched hybrid cars. Procurement With the alliance with Renault, Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organisation (RNPO) was established to conduct their purchasing activities. With RNPO, Nissan had improved its costly supply chain. From April 1, 2009, its joint purchasing activities will account for 100% of Alliance purchases. Inbound Logistic Nissan promotes ethical, environmentally sound actions in all stages of supply chain. It has asked suppliers to uphold the values, laws and regulation that are respected by the company. Environmental impact of products is reduced through green procurement activities. Manufacturing Within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, cross production is practised. Nissan has the opportunity to use the manufacturing capacities of its partner. Nissan is able to use Renault plants to produce Nissan vehicles in Korea and Brazil, which add value to the company because Nissan need not set up new manufacturing plants.* Outbound logistic Nissan distributes its product not only through its own distributing channels, but also through its alliance partner. This helps Nissan to be able to deliver its product to its customers. Service Nissan offers a good and responsible after sale service. Nissan has made a global voluntary recall campaign this year to replace an Engine Control Module relay or Ignition relay on specific models. The customer will be informed and will replace the parts at no cost.* Generic Strategy In order for Nissan to compete with its competitors, the company must have a competitive strategy to seek sustainable competitive advantage. Before Nissans alliance with Renault, it has a weak strategy. Nissan has invested vast amount of capital on companies that doesnt related to the automobile industry. Worse so, Nissan has no managerial power in those investments. These investments lead Nissan into a huge amount of debts and have no cash to focus on its own business operation. With the alliance, various major changes improved the condition of Nissan. Nissan is able to gain competitive advantages over competitors. In Porters generic strategy, competitive advantage comes from an understanding of the 5 forces determining the industry attractiveness. This allows the business to be positioned within the industry. As written above, the 5 forces were being analysed. With the understanding of the 5 forces, Nissan is able to position itself in the industry with competitive advantages. Nissan has used differentiation mean to gain its competitive advantage. In the automobile industry, products and their functions are merely the same unless the products are distinguished from its competitors. In such, Nissan has gained a competitive advantage by being the 1st automobile company to launch Nissan Leaf, a fully electric car with zero-emission. Besides, Nissan has different designs and categories of automobiles to target different customers. Nissan is not totally on differentiation. Since its alliance with Renault, Nissan has been able to achieve cost leadership. Nissan has managed to save cost and realising economy of scale by using its alliance Renault plants to produce Nissan vehicles in Korea and Brazil. It also uses Renault distribution channel where Nissan lack of. Culture The major change of culture in Nissan is the alliance with Renault. Both companies were distinct in culture from corporate strategies, management and operations. This is because Nissan is a Japanese company and Renault is a French company where there is a diverse culture. In 2002, the Nissan-Renault alliance set up a strategic management company incorporated under Dutch law which is equally owned by Nissan and Renault. It is aimed to establish a common strategy and manage all synergies of the Alliance. In 2009, the Alliance created a small dedicated team to foster deeper, broader cooperation and to maximize the contribution of synergies to the performance of both partners. The team reports directly to the Alliance CEO and meets monthly to review projects and make recommendations to the Alliance Board on new areas of synergies and business opportunity. Besides that, there are trainings provided to executives from both companies in order for Nissan to learn the French culture and Renau lt to learn the Japanese culture. This harmonises both companies cooperation in the Alliance. In addition to that, the alliance has more than 30 joint working groups called the Functional Task Teams that involved both companies workforce. These groups operate in all the main sectors and areas of activity and are tasked with exploring new synergies between the two companies. Team managers report regularly to the Alliance Board on the progress made in their specific areas of activity. The companies Financials FY 2009 (millions of Yen) FY 2010 (millions of Yen) Nissan Net Sales 8,436,974 7,517,277 Net Income (233,709) 42,390 Current Assets 5,580,410 Current Liabilities 3,856,858 Honda Net Sales 10,001,241 8,579,174 Net Income 137,005 268,400 Current Assets 4,613,724 Current Liabilities 3,419,130 Source: Nissan Annual Report 2010 and Honda Annual Report 2010 Nissans Current ratio: 5,580,410/ 3,856,858 = 1.447 Hondas Current ratio: 4,613,724/ 3,419,130 = 1.349 Some basic information are gathered and tabled as above to have an overview of Nissan and its competitor Hondas financial performance. Nissan recorded net sales of 8,436,974 million yen in the fiscal year 2009 and recorded a drop of net sales by 0.122% with 7,517,277 million yen in the fiscal year 2010. Honda recorded net sales of 10,001,241 million yen in the fiscal year 2009 and recorded a drop of net sales too in the following year. Honda recorded a drop of net sales by 0.166% with 8,579,174 million yen in the fiscal year 2010. Both Nissan and its competitor Honda have a drop of sales from FY2009 to FY2010; this may indicate that the demands of the industry have dropped. This may be related to the global economic downturn that theyre facing. Nissan has recorded a net loss of 233,709 million yen in FY2009 but has managed to make net income of 42,390 million yen in FY2010. With the profitable net income in FY2010, it shows that Nissan has been doing well in the FY2010. Such figure will bring Nissan forward by giving confidence to its stakeholders. However, its competitor Honda has recorded a near doubled increase of net income from 137,005 million yen in FY2009 to 268,400 million yen in FY2010. As such, Nissan has done well and had to maintain and improve its performance in order to compete with its competitors. Nissan and Honda has recorded current ratios of 1.447 and 1.349 respectively. Both Nissan and its competitor Honda has a ratio that shows there might be overtrading. This may due to the global economic downturn and the price hiking of raw materials and fuel.