What is a Semiconductor

A semiconductor is a material that has certain unique properties in the way it reacts to electrical current. It is a material that has much lower resistance to the flow of electrical current in one direction than in another. The electrical conductivity of a semiconductor is between that of a good conductor (like copper) and that of an insulator (like rubber). Hence, the name semi-conductor. A semiconductor is also a material whose electrical conductivity can be altered (called doping) through variations in temperature, applied fields, or adding impurities. While a semiconductor is not an invention and no one invented the semiconductor, there are many inventions which are semiconductor devices. The discovery of semiconductor materials allowed for tremendous and important advancements in the field of electronics. We needed semiconductors for the miniaturization of computers and computer parts. We needed semiconductors for the manufacturing of electronic parts like diodes, transistors, and many photovoltaic cells. Semiconductor materials include the elements silicon and germanium, and the compounds gallium arsenide, lead sulfide, or indium phosphide. There are many other semiconductors—even certain plastics can be made semiconducting, allowing for plastic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are flexible, and can be molded to any desired shape. What Is Electron Doping? According to Dr. Ken Mellendorf at Newtons Ask a Scientist: Doping is a procedure that makes semiconductors such as silicon and germanium ready for use in diodes and transistors. Semiconductors in their undoped form are actually electrical insulators that dont insulate very well. They form a crystal pattern where every electron has a definite place. Most semiconductor materials have four valence electrons, four electrons in the outer shell. By putting one or two percent of atoms with five valence electrons such as arsenic in with a four valence electron semiconductor such as silicon, something interesting happens. There are not enough arsenic atoms to affect the overall crystal structure. Four of the five electrons are used in the same pattern as for silicon. The fifth atom doesnt fit well in the structure. It still prefers to hang near the arsenic atom, but it is not held tightly. It is very easy to knock it loose and send it on its way through the material. A doped semiconductor is much more like a conductor than an undoped semiconductor. You can also dope a semiconductor with a three-electron atom such as aluminum. The aluminum fits into the crystal structure, but now the structure is missing an electron. This is called a hole. Making a neighboring electron move into the hole is sort of like making the hole move. Putting an electron-doped semiconductor (n-type) with a hole-doped semiconductor (p-type) creates a diode. Other combinations create devices such as transistors. History of Semiconductors The term â€Å"semiconducting† was used for the first time by Alessandro Volta in 1782. Michael Faraday was the first person to observe a semiconductor effect in 1833. Faraday observed that the electrical resistance of silver sulfide decreased with temperature. In 1874, Karl Braun discovered and documented the first semiconductor diode effect. Braun observed that current flows freely in only one direction at the contact between a metal point and a galena crystal. In 1901, the very first semiconductor device, called cat whiskers, was patented. The device was invented by Jagadis Chandra Bose. Cat whiskers was a point-contact semiconductor rectifier used for detecting radio waves. A transistor is a device composed of semiconductor material. John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley all co-invented the transistor in 1947 at Bell Labs.

The Implementation And Adoption Of An Lms - 7342 Words

This literature review consists of two primary areas relating to the successful implementation and adoption of an LMS. The purpose is to offer historical and theoretical support in the form of previous works which may help to build context around similar studies, and provide insight into answering the aforementioned research questions. The first section reports existing historical knowledge and current research on the LMS, including implementation, evaluation, and management, with examples of some innovative models which have emerged around the country. The second section covers Everett Rogers’ theory of Diffusion of Innovations (Rogers, 1995, 2003b, 2003a), including the perceived attributes for the adoption of innovations within large organizations. It will include the implementation of new technology, and how leadership decisions and communication play a role in the adoption process. Together, these sections provide a deeper understanding of crucial elements needed for an implementation framework, and underlying information for the research questions being explored. . Learning Management Systems Applying the use of computers to education is nothing new. From computer-based instruction (CBI), to computer-aided instruction (CAI), to many other coined terms, institutions have been enhancing instruction and assessment for quite some time. The first operational computer, the MARK 1, was launched at Harvard in 1944, followed by ENIAC at the University of PennsylvaniaShow MoreRelatedThe First Catalog Of Instructional Films4169 Words   |  17 Pageseducational experts alike, called a â€Å"disruptive event†, or â€Å"tipping point†, in education (Christensen, Johnson, Horn, 2010; Gladwell, 2006). However, despite this â€Å"disruptive† shift, student technology needs are not always met, in part due to a slow adoption by educators in the classroom (Gutschmidt, 2012; Rekhari, 2015; Stone Zheng, 2014). With the emergence of digital learning resources, like digital textbooks, however, some districts are looking to new ways to deli ver instruction. In modern learningRead MoreThe Impact Of Digital Transformation On A Learning Management System1195 Words   |  5 PagesThis evaluation is a workplace-based, qualitative research design that attempts to collect knowledge of the complexities of adoption, teacher attitudes, and other data regarding the impact of the digital transformation to a learning management system. Research focuses on 24 interviews of teachers across the district, and factors that influence their decision to adopt or not adopt the district’s learning management system. The case study approach was selected because of its ability to acquire informationRead MoreThe Success And Failures Of Fellow Educational Institution s Lms Implementation Plans Essay1760 Words   |  8 PagesResearch Academic leaders have researched and documented LMS implementation, researchers have studied successful LMS implementations from both student and faculty perspectives, all to increase the chance of success in their own institutions. For this project to be successful at Deerfield Academy it was imperative that we complete our own research and study the successes and failures of fellow educational institution’s LMS implementation plans. Plan Description To prepare faculty for this transitionRead MoreThe Theory Of Transformational Leadership Essay3267 Words   |  14 Pagesleaders, however, generally are intuitive and tactful about building rapport with their followers. Schein deduced that leaders who regarded innovation as a practice toward transformation and were supportive of technology had more successful implementations of innovative technology (Schein, 1994). The Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Innovation The relationship between innovation and leadership is difficult to understand, given the many variables of roles, people, technology andRead MoreLiterature Review Learning Management System1887 Words   |  8 Pages2000 (Online, 2006). Initial versions of an LMS focused on organizing and managing course content and learners. As with many organizations, higher education was unsure about the role of technology in the educational process. The rapid penetration of learning management systems as key tools for learning occurs in a vacuum of solid research as to their effectiveness in increasing learning—or even indication of best practices for technology implementation. Pedagogy is generally a secondary considerationRead MoreThe Human Resource Management System Essay1392 Words   |  6 Pages a new set of disruptors are doing it again. (Bersin) As vendors grew, the marketplace consolidated (as it always does). SuccessFactors, the pioneer in performance management, built out its recruiting product and later acquired Plateau (a leading LMS provider). Taleo, the pioneer in recruiting, built its performance management product and later acquired Learn.com. ADP acquired Workscape; Ceridian acquired Dayforce; SumTotal acquired GeoLearning, Pathlore, and Softscape; and Kenexa acquired a seriesRead MoreThe Learning Management System ( Lms ) For Teaching And Learning1815 Words   |  8 Pagesused to paint a more complete picture of each participant as an individual case and to gain more insight as to their attitudes and motivations for their innovation adoption decisions. The information sought was in response to the following research questions (RQs): RQ1. Of the teachers who have adopted the learning management system (LMS) for teaching and learning, what is different about those who adopt more quickly than others? (Interview questions #1 2) RQ2. How has the learning management systemRead MoreCentra Software1967 Words   |  8 PagesEureka Centra Software Catalogue â…   â… ¡ â… ¢ BACKGROUND ANALYSIS ALTERNATIVE PLANS â… £ COMMENTS â… ¤ PLAN IMPLEMENTATION â…   Background Centra is a pioneer in software eLearning in the fast-growth market. However it faces the threat from WebEx, who sells exclusively over the phone. Now, It is debating how to modify its go-to-market strategy and how to add telesales to improve sales force productivity. Should Centra concentrate on the enterprise customer and exclude small and mid-sizeRead MoreA Roadmap For Development Of Global Business Leadership Skills2126 Words   |  9 Pagesnot following the guideline. In fact, to add requirements without approval will result in departments needing budgets for technical controls, which cost money and thus management approval of the policy is crucial. As the business goals change the adoption of the policy needs to be considered and the employee behavior will change. It is critical that organizations must ensure the flock is going to be led out of harm’s way is our primary concern, but protecting the company’s information assets. AsRead MoreUk / Sustainability Stories Reading Lm )2055 Words   |  9 PagesSustainability Diaries 1. 25th, July 2014 (http://www.quaker.org.uk/sustainability-stories-reading-lm) The word sustainability has been defined ‘as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs’ (Mansdorf, 2010). True Food Co-operatives in UK is a community owned business which specializes in the sale of eco-friendly household products, organic food and vegetables (Thompson, 2011). The company sells the products

Fit Fashion Business Management Essay Example For Students

Fit Fashion Business Management Essay Group Project (TQM)TQM stands for Total Quality Management, which is a cooperative form of doing business that relies on the talents and capabilities of both labor and management to continually improve quality and productivity using teams. (Joseph R. Jablonski Implementing TQM) The origin of TQM was derived during the 1980s by Dr. W. Edwards Deming and Dr. Joseph Juran. Both developed TQM in Japan to revitalize their crumbling economy at the time prior to the end of World War II. Japan began to flourish when Dr. Deming and Dr. Juran introduced Statistical Quality Control (S.Q.C.) which was a concept of management using statistical theory. Some of TQMs concepts were evident early on in the Penny Idea of 1913 developed by J.C. Penny. The Penny Idea consisted of these seven components: (1) To serve the public, as nearly as we can, to its complete satisfaction; (2) To expect for the service we render a fair remuneration and not all the profit the traffic will bear;(3) To do all in our po wer to pack the customers dollar full of value, quality, and satisfaction;(4) To continue to train ourselves and our associates so that the services we give will be more and more intelligently performed;(5) To improve constantly the human factor in our business; (6)To reward men and women in our organization through participation in what the business produces;(7) To test every policy, method, and act in this way: Does it square with what is just and right?The Penny Idea exercises customer satisfaction, fairness, quality, value, associate training, and rewards for performance. TQM contains three ingredients necessary for a company to flourish:(1) participative management;(2) continuous process improvement; and(3) the use of teams. Participative management is developed from TQM practice. It is the process of preparing employees with the skills and support to better understand how they do business, make improvements, and make change happen to allow participative management to flourish. Participative management is not immediate. Its momentum builds gradually with trust and feedback. Continuous process improvement (CPI) means accepting small, incremental gains as a step in the right direction toward Total Quality. Continuous process improvement reinforces long term focus in the company. The third ingredient necessary for a company to flourish is the use of teams. Teams are designed into cross-functional types with the individual employees aligned with the corporations goals for improvement. With these three ingredients together, successful Total Quality Manage ment can be achieved. There are six main principles of Total Quality Management. These include:(1) Customer Focus; (2) A Focus on Process as Well as the Results;(3) Prevention versus Inspection;(4) Mobilize Expertise of Workforce;(5) Fact-Based Decision Making; (6) Feedback. Customer Focus emphasizes on making improvements so that the customer is completely satisfied. In large organizations, employees are usually surprised to be asked to contribute knowledge and ideas. By getting different employee perspectives, the company can use many different techniques to achieve customer satisfaction. A Focus on Process as Well as the Results is the second TQM principle. This principle is based on the fact of exceeding customer expectations and needs. Prevention versus Inspection is the third principle of TQM. Here a structured approach to problem solving is applied along with making the necessary investments to understand the process and sources of process variation. The fourth principle is Mobilizing Expertise of the Workforce. Employees like to be appreciated and monetary rewards arent enough to keep one completely satisfied. Therefore other incentives must exist in the workplace such as social needs and comfortable atmospheres. Fact-Based Decision Making involv es understanding the process employees work in and around everyday, understanding the cause of their problems, and gathering information, data on which they can base decisions for improving that process. The last principle, Feedback, allows the other principles to succeed. It is the most important because day to day innovation can be achieved. Another important factor in achieving TQM is Process. Process is a series of operations linked together to provide a result that has increased value. Employees, customer influence, and resources come together to process company outputs. Company resources include people, equipment, material, money, and time. The results of the inputs are feedback to the employees so they can improve upon work habits. More efficient methods are achieved through this TQM process. Tragic heroes Persuasive EssayNumbers and measurements are necessary for the processes to be known. If inputs and the outputs can be measured and expressed in numbers, then something is known about the process, and control is possible. The first stage in using measurement as part of process control is to identify precisely the activities, materials, equipment,etc., which will be measured. The size of measurement task must be managed so that a reasonable parameter can be obtained. For example, some companies measure the supplier performance or the growth rate of the company. The presentation of this data is as important as getting the data because if you do not know how to use the data then you should not bother to have it. Decisions regarding the actual measurement process and the people who will carry out the measurement must be made consciously if the activity is to lead to improvements in quality. For the measurements to be used for quality improvement, they must be accepted by the people involved with the process being measured. The simple self measurement and plotting, or how am I doing chart will gain far more ground in this respect than a policing type of observation and reporting system which is imposed on the process and those who operate it. To conclude we do need measurement in order to control the TQM and we need to make the right decisions after the results of the measurements. We should chart the results in order to keep the control steady all the time. ImplementationImplementation is where we begin to see results from planning and control of resources and simply after the plan its training of the relevant people and start the implementation it self. When we talk about training it seems like a lot of training but actually it is important to review the magnitude of training realized by each level within the organization. While specifics differ for each company, I believe the allocation of training to be widely applicable. Note that the majority of the time, hence the majority of training resources, is allocated to specific skills training. Again, this emphasizes the need for analyzing and interpreting the results from the assessment Phase to spend pounds most effectively. The implementation consists of AWARNESS, ORIENTATION, and SKILLSAWARENESS? WHAT IS TQM HOW CAN IT HELP US OTHERS WHO HAVE SUCCEEDEDORIENTATION? WHAT IS OUR PLAN WHAT IS MY ROLE WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF ME?SKILLS? TEAM BUILDING ? CUSTOMER SERVICE? EMPOWERMENTCONCLUSIONThe motives for pursuing quality differ from company to company. In my opinion quality is changing the way we do business obviously improving it. In an extremely competitive, price-conscious industry, an organizations need for TQM becomes readily apparent. TQM can be called change as well but obviously it is not like changing your hairstyle or dress code. It is changing the way a whole organization works. The world it self is changing rapidly. A successful business must be able to change with the world as well. Sir Winston Churchill once said, there is nothing wrong with change if its in the right direction to improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often. BibliographyJablonski, Joseph. Implementing TQM. United States: Pfeiffer, 1992. Bank, John. The Essence of Total Quality Management. UK: Prentice Hall Int., 1992. Oakland, John. Total Quality Management. United States: Nichols Publishing Co, 1989. Covey, Steven. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. US: Prentice Hall, 1995

The Holocaust Essay Paper Example For Students

The Holocaust Essay Paper Outline1 Introduction2 Facts about the Holocaust3 Conclusion Introduction Holocaust is a grieved history topic we have ever faced within the recent years. Although the notion ‘Shoah’ is widely used in Israel, it stands for the ‘Catastrophe’ of European Jewry. Since it was the most massive murders, the Nazis killed around 7 out of every 10 Jews during World War II not only in Germany. This horrible event occurred in Europe between 1933 and 1945 years  under the head  of Adolf Hitler. One of the most important directions of Hitlers terror in the time of the World War was determined by the racist theory of the Nazis. The demolition of inferior peoples and ethnic groups has become the primary line of Berlins policy in East Europe. People were killed because  of their  another view against the Hitler or  they  belong to a religion or ethnic groups that the Nazis desired to destroy. Facts about the Holocaust We will write a custom essay on The Holocaust Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Studying this period in the history we came across with lots of terrible facts  that can astonish everybody. Children were a special target for the Nazis at the time of the Holocaust. Being alive, they present a distinguished warning, though they can create a new Jewish era. Many children died on the way to the death camp; they were closed in a cattle truck where children have choked. The survivors were immediately put into a gas chamber. On the early period, the Nazis forcibly relocate Jewish from Europe to the ghetto and adhered to unintended destruction policy, depriving Jewish people of the essential resources for daily life. At night on November 9, 1938, in Germany and Austria, the Nazis attacked Jewish treacherously. This night was named a ‘Crystal’ or ‘Collapsed showcases’. The Nazis brought huge damage to Jewish society: over 1,000 synagogues and nearly 7,000 enterprises were ruined. They destroyed Jewish private buildings and homes. When this night finished, the Nazis murdered nearly 96 Jews and sentenced 30,000 victims. The cruelest and numeral murders occur in 1941 years on September in the BabynIar tract near Kiev in Ukraine, in the short period of only two days for about 33,000 Jews were annihilated. Prisoners were ordered to take off clothes and come to the border of the ravine, then the German units shoot. It causes that all people fell down. The Nazis put off the walls of the ravine, buried both the dead and alive. The police officers captured children and put them with to the others into the ravine. Prisoners, mostly Jews, called the Sonderkommanda, were obliged to burrow dead or incinerate them in stoves. Since the Nazis did not need bystanders, most members of the Sonderkommanda were regularly sentenced with other and later put in a gas camera. Some Sonderkommanda members try to hide their testimonies in the banks; they hope it helped to deceive the German government. There was a well-known â€Å"good doctor† Dr.  Josef Mengele. He conducted a lot of violent medical experiments during the Holocaust  where the prisoners were patients. They were crippled or paralyzed and further killed. The children named him uncle Mengele, he brought them sweets and toys before the murders. Later he drowned in Brazil. The genocides that were in Germany during the World War II did not give any real opportunity to Jewish to save. Usually, it was enough to choose a foreign religion or change the political views to stay alive. The Jewish generation could only survive if their grandmothers and grandfathers adopted Christianity by January 18, 1871. The number of victims was enormous in the Auschwitz camp. The Factory of Death, which was considered the largest camp in Germany, had three huge complexes—in fact, Auschwitz, Birkenau and Monovitz. In Germany, there was a popular poster  that justifies the murder of sick Jews: This ill person lives in the 60,000 Reichsmarks in life. A citizen is your money! Action Tiergartenstrasse 4 (abbreviated T-4)—at this address there was a headquarters in which they gave permission to the euthanasia program. â€Å"Death From Pity is a program to allow murder those Jewish who suffered from physical or mental illness for more than five years. Later, according to the euthanasia program, it was necessary to kill not only patients but also children under three years old. .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d , .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .postImageUrl , .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d , .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:hover , .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:visited , .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:active { border:0!important; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d { 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; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:active , .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .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; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u23e62a478d1c5cc5d6ac5e3e2ac1765d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Media Violence1 EssayConclusion The Holocaust is one of the most terrible tragedies in which mankind dragged distorted ideas about the benefits of one race over another. In Europe, 6 million Jews were devastated, but there is still no final victims’ records. In this history page—inhuman pain, torture, suffering. Convicted so easily did not give up—there are many feats on the verge of death. The common tragedy brought together the Jews, and all those who sought to counter the Holocaust: indifferent people rescued alien children even when it was impossible to save their lives; under the torment of torture did not issue comrades; died, but did not give up. In the wicked body, there was a fire of indestructible attitude. Evidence of the Holocaust cannot be remembered without tears and mental pain, it is necessary to know about it—at least in order to avoid such a future.

International Expansion Strategy for BNP Paribas

Introduction The BNP Paribas group is a market leader in the banking industry with operations in over 75 countries. It has a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and North America, where it provides investment, commercial, corporate, and retail banking services. Retail banking covers direct banking services such as credit facilities and mortgages extended to individual customers.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on International Expansion Strategy for BNP Paribas specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The purpose of this report is to recommend an international expansion strategy for BNP Paribas. The report analyzes the macro-environmental characteristics of the Singaporean market, available opportunities and threats, and BNP’s strengths and weaknesses in respect to its international expansion strategy. Potential Target Market The Singaporean retail banking market has seen an accelerated growth over the past few years. The accelerated growth is projected to reach a value of $297bn by 2019 (MarketLine 2015). From 2010 and 2014, the market grew to a value of $228bn, averaging an annual growth rate of about 8%, which is higher than that of South Korea (MarketLine 2015). The significant growth rate has made the Singaporean retail banking market highly competitive in the Asia-Pacific region.  The key segments driving the Singaporean retail banking market include mortgage and customer credit. In 2014, mortgages were valued at $168bn, which was equivalent to 74% of the market (MarketLine 2015). In contrast, the credit segment was worth approximately $60bn, an equivalent of 26% of the market. In this view, BNP Paribas can leverage on its market leader position in retail banking to expand its mortgage and consumer credit services to the Singaporean market. Macro-environmental Characteristics of the Market Macro-environmental characteristics encompass the external factors that are not under the direct con trol of a firm. In this report, the PESTLE framework will be used as a model for analyzing the macro-environmental characteristics of the Singaporean retail banking market. Political Singapore enjoys a relatively stable political and governance landscape. The country’s competent leadership has favored competitive capabilities in many sectors, particularly the manufacturing industry. Singapore’s strict anticorruption policy has seen it being rated among the top five countries with the least corruption index globally.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, there has been an increased flow of foreign direct investments into the country in recent years.  Singapore has a thriving banking sector with strong liquidity levels. According to MarketLine (2015), the country’s regulatory body, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), requires tier 1 banks to maintain â€Å"capital ratios of above 9.0† (para. 8). In addition, the authority requires banks to observe the Base III capital standards on capital adequacy. Under this global regulatory framework, banks must maintain a mandatory â€Å"common equity ratio of 4.5%† to operate in Singapore (MarketLine 2015, para. 12). The strict regulations have ensured that banks maintain a high liquidity even when cash outflows are rising. Singapore has strict business regulations that guide foreign firms entering into its market. Any foreign firm is required to register as a limited company before being allowed to operate in Singapore. Furthermore, regulations enacted in 2007 stipulate that any private limited company must file annual returns with the country’s income tax department (MarketLine 2013). Thus, foreign companies operating in Singapore cannot keep their financial records confidential. Economic Singaporean economy is based on trade and manufacturing. It has a bu siness-friendly environment that attracts massive foreign direct investment inflows. The economy weathered the 2009 recession to grow at an annual rate of 14.7% in 2010 (MarketLine 2013). However, in 2011, the economic growth slowed to a low of 5.1% in response to the financial crisis experienced in the EU. The susceptibility of the Singaporean economy to external shocks is due to its openness to international firms and investors.  The country ranks third globally in per-capita GDP and has a relatively low tax regime (MarketLine 2015). The low tax rates make Singapore an attractive foreign investment destination. Singapore stands out as a financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Over 123 banks operate in the Singaporean economy with 117 of them being foreign (MarketLine 2015). Overall, the country’s economic landscape is highly attractive to foreign investment. Social Singapore ranks high in terms of literacy levels internationally. The Singaporean government’s expe nditure on education constitutes 3% of the country’s GDP with much of the funds going to elementary and secondary education (MarketLine 2013). In higher education, Singaporean institutions feature among the top 20 universities in the Asia-Pacific region.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on International Expansion Strategy for BNP Paribas specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Singapore’s population consists of a disproportionate number of the elderly. The high number of elderly population is caused by the country’s low birthrate of 10.8 births per 1,000 persons (MarketLine 2013). The growing elderly population coupled with the low birth rate will present financial and socioeconomic challenges to the government in the future. The unemployment rate stands at 1.8%, down from 2.2% in 2010 (MarketLine 2015). The low unemployment rate is due to the sustained economic growth in the country. Technology Singa pore’s technology landscape is characterized by a high mobile penetration of 156.6 per 100 persons (MarketLine 2015). The government’s ‘iN 2015 strategy’ aims to transform Singapore into a technology hub. Under this plan, the government plans to fund various programs geared towards stimulating the adoption of technologies such as e-health in the country. In 2012, Singapore score on patented technologies stood at 152.5 patents per million people, which was higher than that of France (82.5). Singapore has also invested in ‘e-learning’ and e-government to provide the requisite infrastructure for technological innovation. Legal Singapore’s legal environment is characterized by a low tax regime and strict regulations. According to MarketLine (2015), the country’s corporate tax, which stands at a rate of 17%, is among the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region. The government reduced the corporate tax by a percentage point to 17% in 2009, m aking it among the lowest in the region. The government has also reduced the duration it takes to register a business. It takes three days to register a new company compared to an average of 12 days it takes in other OECD nations (MarketLine 2015). Moreover, in the Asia-Pacific region, it takes an average of three weeks to start a new business. Thus, Singapore’s legal environment is favorable to the growth of business and industry. Environment Singapore’s environment policy focuses on energy efficiency. The country undertook to improve its â€Å"energy efficiency by 35% and recycling by 70%† by the year 2030 (MarketLine 2015). Singapore’s efforts to increase energy efficiency will reduce the cost of doing business in the country. However, the country faces many environmental challenges because most of its land mass lies near sea level. Therefore, its coastal areas are vulnerable to the effects of rising sea level because of its long coastline. The Key Str ategic Issues BNP’s strong position in its market segments is a source of competitive advantage. However, to be successful in the retail banking market in Singapore, the BNP Paribas group must leverage on its competitive advantages and strengths to take advantage of the market opportunities and business threats or challenges that characterize the external environment.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Opportunities Mobile Payment Systems The Singaporean personal finance and mobile payment systems are key subsectors that offer opportunities for growth. BNP can venture into these two areas to increase its penetration into this market. In 2007, BNP launched a â€Å"mobile contactless payment system† in partnership with MasterCard (BNP Paribas 2015, para. 7). The multi-operator mobile solution, called Payez Mobile, brings retail banking services closer to the customers. BNP can capitalize on Singapore’s high mobile penetration, currently estimated to be 156.6 per 100 people, to penetrate the retail banking market.  Mobile solutions, such as Payez Mobile, that allow customers to manage their transactions can give the BNP a strategic advantage. Such solutions can increase the firm’s visibility in the retail banking market by allowing customers to withdraw or deposit funds in their accounts through their mobile devices. An integrated mobile solution that enables c ustomers to transact across different operators is another way BNP can penetrate and grow in the Singaporean retail banking market. Personal Finance Personal finance is replete with growth opportunities for new entrants. BNP already has a personal finance division that was started in 2007 in partnership with the UCB bank (BNP Paribas 2015). The BNP personal finance stands a good chance of tapping into the opportunities available in Singapore’s retail banking sector. Through the personal finance division, BNP can extend competitive credit facilities and mortgages to new clients in Singapore. According to BNP Paribas (2015), the group’s personal finance in the Eurozone is experiencing a double-digit growth, which is an indication that the bank has opportunities in the Singaporean personal finance sector. To gain a strategic advantage, BNP will need to utilize different platforms to increase its geographical reach. The bank can enter into agreements with partners or agent s to market its personal finance product. Alternatively, it can sell the products (mortgages and credit facilities) directly to the people or via the internet. The multi-channel approach will enable BNP to capture a large market and enhance its capacity to be competitive in the Singaporean market. Threats Singapore comes second in the Economic Freedom Index, an indicator of the business-friendliness of a country’s economic policy (MarketLine 2015). However, the increasing trade regulations, dependence on foreign labor, and rising property prices pose a threat to business growth. Trade Regulations Although Singapore’s business regulations favor investment inflows, recent trends indicate a toughening of the laws guiding foreign investments. As from 2013, any foreign-owned organization, regardless of its status in the country of origin, is required to register as a limited liability company to operate in Singapore (MarketLine 2015). In contrast, in other countries, regist ering as a private limited company is optional. Therefore, the BNP will have to register as a private limited company to operate in the Singaporean retail-banking sector. In addition, the bank must comply with the country’s 2007 regulations that require firms to file annual returns to the income tax department. Dependence on Foreign Labor Singapore experiences a persistent labor crunch, forcing it to rely on foreign labor to drive its economy. According to MarketLine (2013), foreign labor in 2012 constituted 37% of the country’s workforce, which is among the highest globally. Singapore’s overdependence on foreign labor is a threat to sustained economic growth. In addition, the government’s restrictions on labor inflows to provide opportunities for local workers are likely to slow down economic productivity. Rising Property Prices It is projected that the rising inflow of foreign labor will lead to an increase in the demand for property in Singapore. As a result, prices in the real estate and property market will rise, posing a threat to business growth. Private and public residential property in Singapore increased in value by over 120% and 70%, respectively, between 2009 and 2013 (MarketLine 2015). The rise in property prices is attributed to the high foreign labor inflow that drives the demand upwards.  The rise in property prices has increased the value of mortgages extended to households. According to MarketLine (2015), in 2013, up to 49,000 households in Singapore had two mortgages. As a result, Singapore’s household debt amounts to 77% of its GDP. The high household debt means that lenders cannot increase interest rates. Therefore, the BNP will face the threat of high household debt that will affect the growth of the mortgage segment. In addition, a high default rate, which is estimated to be 10%, is another threat to growth in this subsector. Strengths BNP’s strengths in the banking sector lie in its leading m arket position in the Eurozone, sustainable revenue mix, and strong capital base. These factors give the institution a strong strategic advantage as it expands its retail banking to new markets. Market Leader Position The BNP group is a market leader in Europe, particularly in France, where it is the largest bank. It offers banking services to the major international markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa, among other regions. Besides retail banking, BNP’s three other complementary products include â€Å"corporate banking, investment banking, and asset management† (BNP Paribas 2015, para. 4). Its market leader position in retail banking means that it has sufficient capabilities to leverage on to expand successfully into the Singaporean market.  On the global front, the BNP group ranks as the eleventh largest firm in its market segment. It is a leading provider of personal finance in the Eurozone. It’s French Lease Group dominates the equipment leasing market in F rance. Thus, BNP can capitalize on its position as a market leader to build its brand image in the Singaporean retail-banking sector. Sustainable Revenue Mix BNP’s revenue model is well balanced and sustainable. The share of its retail banking accounted for 56% of the total revenue earned in 2011, underscoring the significance of this segment to BNP’s growth strategy. In the same year, the combined income from the investment and corporate banking division constituted 24% of the revenue. Therefore, these complementary products provide a sustainable revenue mix that can help BNP expand its operations to international markets, such as Singapore.  In addition, BNP generates revenue from net interest income from its business divisions. In 2011, its net interest contributed about 57% of the revenue while income from commissions contributed 32% (Datamonitor 2012). Thus, BNP relies on multiple products to drive its growth, which means that it is resilient to shocks in the re tail banking market. Strong Capital Base Since 2010, the BNP group has been recording an increase in its capital and common equity ratio. The group’s capital grew from $88,754 million to $91,930 million between 2010 and 2011, increasing its common equity ratio to 9.6% (Datamonitor 2012). The high capital gains indicate that the firm has sufficient resources to expand into international markets, including Singapore. In addition, BNP group’s massive capital surplus, which, according to Datamonitor (2012), stood at $42bn in 2012, can enable the firm to weather disruptive market developments. Thus, the BNP group can remain resilient in the face of unfavorable market conditions Weaknesses Despite its leading market position, BNP has some internal weaknesses that affect its profitability. The declining quality of the bank’s loan book and cost management are some of the challenges facing BNP’s internal environment (Carter McNulty 2005). In particular, the risin g operational costs have had a significant effect on the group’s profitability. Declining Loan Book Quality BNP’s retail banking division extends credit and mortgages to customers. Since 2010, the bank’s debt or doubtful loans have been rising and currently stands at $47.9bn (Datamonitor 2012). The increased lending risk associated with financial crises in Eurozone countries has had an effect on the firm’s operating income. As a result, the bank’s coverage dropped to 80% in 2011 down from 81% the previous year (Datamonitor 2012). The declining coverage shows that the internal provisions have had little effect on the quality of the bank’s loan book and operating income. Inappropriate Cost Management BNP has been unable to control operational costs in some of its business divisions. The cost/income ratio of its Eurozone division increased to above 80% in 2013 from a low of 65% in 2010 (MarketLine 2015). In another division, called BancWest, co sts reached 57% relative to the operating income earned in 2010, up from 52% the previous year (MarketLine 2015). Clearly, the firm’s cost/income ratio is unfavorable, a scenario that has a significant effect on its profitability and growth plans. Recommended Actions The retail banking market in Singapore has grown significantly over the past few years, making it highly attractive to international players. Consumers show confidence in large financial institutions that have a strong brand identity, such as DBS. Therefore, new entrants must seek to build brand identity in the Singaporean market. In this respect, the writer recommends the use of an intermediary as the entry mode to the Singaporean retail banking market to reduce entry costs. In addition, this entry mode is less subject to the stringent regulations imposed on full-fledged institutions. The MSA regulations require all banks to maintain a capital ratio of 6%, in line with Basel III standards (MarketLine 2012). Thus , entering the market as a full-fledged will be more costly than the intermediary entry mode.  To penetrate the market faster, BNP will need to adopt innovative banking systems. The writer recommends that BNP should invest in in-house systems that can handle large volumes of customer data and allow contactless transactions via mobile devices. BNP will need to integrate vertically with network providers in Singapore to reach more customers. Additionally, BNP will need the services of firms that offer data processing software to roll out its credit/debit card product in the Singaporean market. Examples of such firms include MasterCard and Visa. Strategic partnerships with network/software providers will enhance the security of BNP’s credit cards. The partnerships will increase consumer confidence in the bank’s products and translate into a better brand image and business growth.  Debit cards will also provide BNP with an opportunity to penetrate the Singaporean retai l banking market. Debit cards offer extra advantages over hard currency, including security and ease of use. BNP can provide debit cards that facilitate online transactions or payment for services and goods to attract more customers.  Product differentiation is another strategy BNP can use to penetrate and grow in the retail banking market. Current players have comparable product offerings, which limit the degree of business competitiveness. BNP can introduce insurance and investment products in addition to credit/debit cards and mortgages. In addition, according to MarketLine (2012), the high-interest rates imposed by the current players have led to a decline in demand for credit services. In this view, BNP should offer credit facilities at competitive interest rates to attract new customers. As a big corporation, BNP can leverage on its huge capital base to provide credit services at competitive rates. The competitive interest rates will reduce the rate at which consumers switch to competitor products.  To increase its geographical reach, BNP will have to use agents or intermediaries. Through agents, the bank can expand its coverage and proximity to individual customers. Additionally, through vertical integration with mobile service providers, BNP can bring its services closer to the people. A multi-operator system, such as the Payez Mobile, will be useful in expanding the bank’s reach into areas currently underserved by the existing market players. Thus, partnerships with leading service providers will be a source of competitive advantage for BNP. Singapore is experiencing a property boom fueled by the increasing inflows of foreign investments. Between 2009 and 2013, private property value in Singapore increased by over 120% (MarketLine 2015). The rising property value shows that the demand for mortgages for building residential property is high. Thus, the real estate market is a lucrative segment that BNP can target. The current high-interest ra tes have forced property buyers to resort to renting, a scenario that has reduced the level of competitiveness of the mortgage sector. Therefore, BNP should offer mortgage products at low-interest rates to attract customers wishing to purchase residential houses. Singapore’s business environment and less restrictive policies are attractive to a foreign workforce. Thus, international firms expanding to Singapore can employ skilled foreign labor to drive their growth strategies. BNP can rely on an experienced foreign workforce to drive its retail banking business in Singapore. Experienced managers working in other BNP divisions can be redeployed to head its new operations in Singapore. The use of experienced managers will cut down the costs associated with training and turnover in the industry.  BNP is a market leader in personal finance in its existing markets. The bank’s personal finance product is doing very well in the European markets. BNP can sell the same produc t in the Singaporean market to tap into existing opportunities. In this respect, the writer recommends a multi-channel approach in reaching out to clients. BNP can use different channels, including internet, agents, and social networking sites to increase its digital presence. In addition, product offerings that complement customer credit and mortgages, such as insurance cover, would enable BNP to penetrate the Singaporean retail banking market successfully. References BNP Paribas 2015, Retail Banking and Services. Web. Carter, D. McNulty, E. 2005, ‘Deregulation, Technological Change, and the Business-Lending Performance of Large and Small Banks’, Journal of Banking and Finance, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 113-130. Datamonitor 2012, BNP Paribas Group: Company Profile. Web. Market Line 2012, BNP Paribas Group. Web. Market Line 2013, Country Profile Series: Singapore. Web. Market Line 2015, Market Line Industry Profile: Retail Lending in Singapore. Web. This report on International Expansion Strategy for BNP Paribas was written and submitted by user Amy Mcpherson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on World War One Airplanes

During World War One, the role of airplanes and how they were used changed greatly. At first planes were only used for sport, but people started realize that not only could airplanes be useful but they could even influence an outcome of the war greatly. Soon the war was filled with blimps, planes, and tethered balloons. By the end of the war, planes became a symbol of fear, but they were not always treated with such respect. In the time leading up to the war, the general feeling about planes was, they were a sneaky, unfair tactic that should not be used in warfare. During The 1899 Hague Peace Conference it was put on record that the dropping or shooting of any projectiles or explosives from the air during a time of war was forbidden and was considered a crime of war. It was also decided that airplanes could only be used for reconnaissance or spying missions. (Villard-227) â€Å"The airplane may be all very well for sport, but for the army it is useless† (Quoted in Villard-227) Even by the beginning of the war in 1912, the use of planes in war was still prohibited by the War Office. Shortly thereafter this changed, people awakened to the possibilities of air warfare. The world soon started to realize the effectiveness of planes in war and how the control of the skies could influence the outcome. Although the French were the first to have a working, conscripting air force and to license fliers, their trust in airplanes still was not up to par. Their lack of trust was justified, for the planes had no armaments, too many wires, and no reliable motor. (Villard-228) Soon all countries in the war effort had their own little air force, built hangers, and started to train pilots. The first bombing occurred in November 1911. Although the first bomb was dropped by the Italians, soon all countries were involved in bombing raids. (Villard-229) It was followed by the fi... Free Essays on World War One Airplanes Free Essays on World War One Airplanes During World War One, the role of airplanes and how they were used changed greatly. At first planes were only used for sport, but people started realize that not only could airplanes be useful but they could even influence an outcome of the war greatly. Soon the war was filled with blimps, planes, and tethered balloons. By the end of the war, planes became a symbol of fear, but they were not always treated with such respect. In the time leading up to the war, the general feeling about planes was, they were a sneaky, unfair tactic that should not be used in warfare. During The 1899 Hague Peace Conference it was put on record that the dropping or shooting of any projectiles or explosives from the air during a time of war was forbidden and was considered a crime of war. It was also decided that airplanes could only be used for reconnaissance or spying missions. (Villard-227) â€Å"The airplane may be all very well for sport, but for the army it is useless† (Quoted in Villard-227) Even by the beginning of the war in 1912, the use of planes in war was still prohibited by the War Office. Shortly thereafter this changed, people awakened to the possibilities of air warfare. The world soon started to realize the effectiveness of planes in war and how the control of the skies could influence the outcome. Although the French were the first to have a working, conscripting air force and to license fliers, their trust in airplanes still was not up to par. Their lack of trust was justified, for the planes had no armaments, too many wires, and no reliable motor. (Villard-228) Soon all countries in the war effort had their own little air force, built hangers, and started to train pilots. The first bombing occurred in November 1911. Although the first bomb was dropped by the Italians, soon all countries were involved in bombing raids. (Villard-229) It was followed by the fi...

Effect of Cohabitation on Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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