Muslim women do not receive equal treatment with men Essay

Some westerners think Muslim women do not receive equal treatment with men. In fact, the aim of Islam is quite the opposite.’ Examine and comment on this claim in the context of a multicultural society. Why is it that western consciousness perceives Islam in such deeply flawed terms? Why are negative images of Islam more prevalent than any others? Why is it still acceptable to say things about Muslims that would simply be deemed unacceptable of Jews, Christians, or Buddhists? That years of inter-faith dialogue have done little to advance a better understanding of the Islamic faith in the western world is an indication of how profoundly entrenched in the West misrepresentations and vulgar stereotypes of Islam are. The western society generally views itself as the source of women’s liberation, and feminists seem to have an obligation to broaden their rights to the eastern oppressed women. West sees the veil as a stumbling block and feels if they were to remove it would it would gain freedom for these women. These views have misunderstood the status of women in Islam and have been publicized in the media. Britain regards itself as giving equal rights to men and women Although in Britain latest studies have shown that men are paid more than women to carry out the same task. Surveys have shown that employers would rather employ men than women with the same qualifications. There are hardly any women politicians in comparison to men but Muslim women like Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh, have ruled over 300 hundred million Muslims in the 1990s and now is currently being ruled by another women. Benazir Bhutto had been the president of Pakistan. There has essentially never been a female president in the United States till this present time. The extent of a religion’s efficiency depends on what resolution to controversial issues like that of women is presented. Islam has provided the most practical outline of social organization, according to the natural and physical capabilities of both men and women. However other civilisations and faiths prior to Islam dealt with this matter as well, Aristotle and many other Greek philosophers argued that women were not fully human and this view was accepted in the catholic churches. St Thomas Aquinas another philosopher later put forward his view of the earlier Greek philosopher proposing that women were the traps of Satan. Every evil caused in humanity was likely from them. This idea was accepted throughout the middle ages. Men were the only ones who had rights before the law they could buy, sell and own a property. Up to this present time male Jews still recite,† Blessed art thou our lord, our God king of the universe that I was not born a female†(Alan Unterman, Jews: their Religious beliefs and practices,1981, page 140). Also in Judaism, the Talmud states â€Å"Woe to the man whose children are female† (Ibid, Page 133) In pre Islamic Arabia women were treated like commodities, object desire that were bought and sold like cattle. Some of them were even made to dance naked in the vicinity of the Kaaba during annual festivals. In those times a man could have as many wives as he desired and women were inherited if widowed from father to son. Arabs used to bury their female children alive at birth, and treat women as mere chattels and objects of sexual pleasure possessing no rights or position whatsoever, these teachings of the Noble Qur’an were revolutionary. Unlike other religions, which regarded women as being possessed of inherent sin and wickedness and men as being possessed of inherent virtue and nobility, Islam regards men and women as being of the same essence created from a single soul. The Qur’an declares: O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them – except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will bring about through it a great deal of good. (4:19) O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and reverence the wombs (that bore you); for Allah ever watches over you. (4:1) Spiritually men and women are equal. They are created out of identical spiritual material. (According to some old Christian’s thinkers) so therefore if women are sinful so are the men because they are identical. In Islam there is absolutely no difference between men and women as far as their relationship to Allah is concerned, as both are promised the same reward for good conduct and the same punishment for evil conduct. The Qur’an says: And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (2:226) The Qur’an, in addressing the believers, often uses the expression,’ believing men and women’ to emphasize the equality of men and women in regard to their respective duties, rights, virtues and merits. It says: For Muslim men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (33:35) Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight. (43:70) Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life. (16:97) The Qur’an admonishes those men who oppress or ill-treat women: The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) said, â€Å"Women are the twin halves of men.† The Qur’an emphasizes the essential unity of men and women in a most beautiful simile: They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them. (2:187) the ideal relationship between husband and wife is graphically described in the above verse. Just as a garment hides our nakedness, so do husband and wife, by entering into the relationship of marriage, secure each other’s chastity. The garment gives comfort to the body; so does the husband find comfort in his wife’s company and she in his. â€Å"The garment is the grace, the beauty, the embellishment of the body, so too are wives to their husbands as their husbands are to them.† Islam does not consider woman â€Å"an instrument of the Devil†, but rather the Qur’an calls her musanat – a fortress against Satan because a good woman, by marrying a man, helps him keep to the path of rectitude in his life. It is for this reason that marriage was considered by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a most virtuous act. He said: â€Å"When a man marries, he has completed one half of his religion.† He enjoined matrimony on Muslims by saying: â€Å"Marriage is part of my way and whoever keeps away from my way is not from me (i.e. is not my follower).† The Qur’an has given the raison d’à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½tre of marriage in the following words: And among His signs is this that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them; and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect. (30:21) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was full of praise for virtuous and chaste women. He said: â€Å"The world and all things in the world are precious but the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman. He once told the future khalif, ‘Umar: â€Å"Shall I not inform you about the best treasure a man can hoard? It is a virtuous wife who pleases him whenever he looks towards her, and who guards herself when he is absent from her.† On other occasions the Prophet said: â€Å"The best property a man can have is a remembering tongue (about Allah), a grateful heart and a believing wife who helps him in his faith.† And again: â€Å"The world, the whole of it, is a commodity and the best of the commodities of the world is a virtuous wife.† The Prophet (peace be upon him) was most emphatic in enjoining upon Muslims to be kind to their women when he delivered his famous khutba on the Mount of Mercy at Arafat in the presence of one hundred and twenty-four thousand of his Companions who had gathered there for the Hajj al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage). In it he ordered those present, and through them all those Muslims who were to come later, to be respectful and kind towards women. He said: â€Å"Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have married them with the trust of Allah, and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. You have got (rights) over them, and they have got (rights) over you in respect of their food and clothing according to your means.† â€Å"One who makes efforts (to help) the widow or a poor person is like a mujahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, or like one who stands up for prayers in the night and fasts in the day.† These aspects were much emphasized by the Prophet (peace be upon him). He exhorted men to marry women of piety and women to be faithful to their husbands and kind to their children. He said: â€Å"Among my followers the best of men are those who are best to their wives, and the best of women are those who are best to their husbands. To each of such women is set down a reward equivalent to the reward of a thousand martyrs. Among my followers, again, the best of women are those who assist their husbands in their work, and love them dearly for everything, Islam, as a religion recognizes men’s and women’s role as different but, however it certainly does not regard them as superior or inferior than one or the other. Both roles are as important as each other. Islam has been designed to be flexible enough to be interpreted in a variety of ways to cover a variety of cultures, times, contexts, individual personalities. both men and women should dress (in public) in a manner that will de-accentuate their sexuality1. The Surah an-Nur says: Tell the believing men to lower their eyes and guard their private parts†¦ Tell the believing women to lower their eyes, guard their private parts and not display their charms except what is apparent outwardly†¦ (an-Nur 24:30-31). O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters, as well as all (other) believing women, that they should draw over themselves some of their outer garments (when in public): this will be more conducive to their being recognized (as decent women) and not annoyed. But (withal,) God is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace! (al-Ahzab 33:59, Asad transl.) The spirit of this ayat is to dress in a manner that will signal ‘unavailability’. The reason why another ayat (an-Nur 24:60) is crucial in gaining a broad overview of the Qur’anic concept of appropriate dress is that it implies that women should wear in public more than what they would wear in private, in front of their ‘intimates’ – their families. So this leads to three basic ‘points’ in considering how to dress: a) the universal idea of de-sexualized dress b) the time and context specific concept of being identifiable as a Muslim c) that before she reaches old age (and preferably after) a Muslim woman should wear more in public than she would privately in front of family. As long as these three injunctions are met, there is a wide range of options open to the Muslim woman depending on the context of the society in which she lives and moves in public. Today, Muslim women’s dress has been politicized and carries with it many conflicting symbols and meanings; perhaps the most visible is the use of head covering as a confrontation against western colonialism. Muslim woman has to have the right and freedom to choose how she interprets her dress code. This fundamental acknowledgement of her instinctive ability to choose (or not) the path of Allah (swt) is more important than any type of specifics about what constitutes hijab (or appropriate covering of the body). Without this freedom to interpret Islam to the best of her ability (a part of which, of course, is seeking the informed opinions of knowledgeable Muslims in order to educate herself) she is not living up to her potential as a human being, and that is more fundamental than what clothes are being worn. As the Qur’an says: There is no compulsion in matter of faith. Distinct is the way of guidance now from error†¦ (Al-Baqarah 2:256, A.Ali translation) The queen of her house’, is the position a true believer is expected to give his wife. In contrast to these enlightened teachings of Islam in respect of women, Western talk of women’s liberation or emancipation is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honor, and degradation of her soul! Islam has given the highest position to women on earth, while Europe and the west were wallowing in the dregs of degradation and savagery. Islam had accorded women a position of honour, respect, safety and love, which has not yet been matched to this day, let alone being superseded and excelled. When questioned about status one must consider Muslim women’s rights in the field of finance. A Muslim woman has the right to full ownership and disposal of wealth at will. This right was granted to her about 1423 years ago whilst Britain, women didn’t have this right untill1860s. Her father if she was unmarried must provide for a Muslim woman or by her husband if married; however rich she may be, she is not responsible for domestic expenses. This is one of many privileges given to women. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘The searching of knowledge is incumbent for every Muslim (male and female).Women should pursue their education as far as it is possible. One of the main aims of acquiring knowledge in Islam is to become Allah-conscious. In the history of Islam there were women who were narrators of Hadith, mystics, scholars, writers, poets and teachers, in their own right. They utilized their knowledge within certain precepts of Islam. The west has fabricated many myths that Muslim women are not allowed to work. These myths have no basis in Islamic law. It is natural in Islamic societies for there to be a female doctors and teachers. However, she is not required to participate in trade, vocation or professions unless necessary. A woman must receive her husband’s approval in order to work, because he may feel that her work will cause her to neglect her matrimonial duties and care of the children Muslim women just like the men are prohibited from taking on jobs that sell her femininity to make money (dancing, prostitution, modeling etc) even if her husband doesn’t mind. Apart from those jobs that are prohibited in Islam all others are lawful. A women is entitled to equal pay of equal work of equal value, this concept was established by Islam centuries ago. Although a woman can inherit from her father, children and husbands when before Islam she could not inherit at all, the rate of her inheritance is half that of a man. In order to requisite this apparent unfairness, Islam gives women many privileges e.g. dowry which is obligatory and is her own. Quran says: â€Å"And give women their dowries as a free gift† (4:4) A woman has the right to choose who she marries and shouldn’t be forced to marry anyone with out her wish. She can even have her marriage annulled in a court of law if she can prove that her parents/guardians went ahead with it against her will. Yet there is a resounding silence when the issue being raised is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), honor killings, forced marriages, the unequal application of hadd punishments on women, or the denial of education to girls and women. All of these wrongs are perpetrated on women in the name of Islam. Genital mutilation for females is not allowed in Islam? Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him clearly prohibited mutilation or maiming of the body. While it is true that many of these violations occur across cultural and religious boundaries, the only action often taken by conservative Muslims is a condemnation of the action because it is â€Å"cultural† and not Islamic. Meanwhile, women continue to be murdered and little girls continue to be mutilated. Polygamy is a misunderstood phenomenon that is more a remedial law in Islam than anything else, used only if necessary. Monotheism is a norm in Muslim societies past and present, and one must remember that prior to Islam, men could have as many wives as they desired. so much that many women were deserted for long periods of time. The verse in the quran that legitimates polygamy was revealed after the battle of uhud, when many widows and orphans were left without care. Hence at the time polygamy was the answer. Although in some extreme circumstances e.g.when the wife is a barren, seriously ill, and mentally unstable or has a bad character. In these cases a man can marry again if he feels the presence of the second wife will benefit the wife, the children or him. However Islam insist that the man treat both wives equally in every aspect possible.The quran says: If you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with orphans, marry women of your choice , two or three or four; but if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with them, then only one† (4:3) Islam recognizes that marriages are sacred and are a civil contract between husband and wife which should work or be dismantled if it ceases to do so. Although Islam permits divorce the prophet (pbuh) says: â€Å"Of all the things that Islam has permitted, divorce is the most hated by Allah†. This shows divorce shouldn’t be taken lightly. Divorce is a right mainly available to men (although a woman can demand to have it in a marriage contract). As well When Islam discusses the deficiencies of women; it is neither insulting them nor belittling them. Some men, unfortunately, do precisely that when they quote the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that women â€Å"have a deficiency in their intellect and their religion†. They take these words out of context as a means of oppressing women and putting them down. The Prophet (peace be upon him) meant something quite different. He said: â€Å"I have never seen among those who have a deficiency in their intellect and their religion anyone more capable than women of swaying the intellect of the most determined of men.† He is actually asserting here the power of women to influence men and sway their opinion. This is one of the distinctions that women, in their natures, have. He then went on to define precisely what he meant by these deficiencies. In the remainder of the hadà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½th, some women asked him: â€Å"O Messenger of Allah, what is this deficiency in our intelligence and religion?† He replied: â€Å"Isn’t it that a woman’s testimony as a witness is half of the testimony of man?† They said: â€Å"Yes.† He said: â€Å"This, then, is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn’t it true that when she is in her menses, she leaves off prayers and fasting?† They said: â€Å"Yes.† He said: â€Å"This is the deficiency in her religion.† Therefore to every male witness there need to be two female witnesses also because of their lack of knowledge and experience women are not preferred to be positioned as judges in Islam. There is no specific directive of the Shari`ah that prohibits a woman from leading prayers. Therefore, we cannot say that Islam prohibits a woman from leading prayers. The matter actually relates to the general practice of the Prophet (pbuh), which was subsequently followed by the Muslim leaders that followed the Prophet (pbuh). This practice of the Prophet (pbuh) as well as the Muslim leaders, who followed him, subsequently became a part of the social traditions of the Muslims. Thus, it is not a directive of the Shari`ah, but a part of the Muslim cultural tradition that men, rather than women should lead prayers. This gender-based distinction, it seems, has its basis on a few important facts. For instance, although the Prophet (pbuh) encouraged Muslim women to come to the mosques to offer their obligatory prayers with the congregation, yet it was not as strong a directive for them, as it was for the Muslim men. The nature and the variance of the Prophet (pbuh)’s directive has generally resulted in a lower number of Muslim women being present in mosques, as compared to men. In many places, women are not even seen (even in lower numbers) in mosques. Thus, especially when the over whelming majority of people present in mosques consists of men, it was natural that a man was appointed as the Imam to lead the prayers. Moreover, because the Imam holds a central position in the mosque and naturally becomes the center of attention for all those who are present, it seemed a better decision that a man, rather than a woman, be appointed for this position. We obviously do not have any control over the thoughts and emotions of all those present in the mosque. Thus, to keep the minds clear of any sexual thoughts, especially in the mosques, it was felt more appropriate to appoint a man as the Imam. These are a few of the points that have played a role in the general acceptance of this socio-cultural tradition among the Muslims. The matter, as I have stated earlier does not pertain to any prohibition of the Shari`ah. â€Å"Women are very capable of taking on any job previously monopolized by men,† said Ms Hindi, a former English literature student at a college in Mecca, her home town. Women not allowed to drive cars in Saudi Arabia because of the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was made official only in 1990 after 47 women demonstrated against what was then a customary law by driving a convoy of cars in Riyadh. They were arrested and detained until male relatives signed undertakings that they would not violate the ban again. The ban was made official by a fatwa issued by the Council of Senior Ulama (religious scholars). â€Å"Women driving leads too many evils . . . included among these is her mixing with men without her being on her guard,† the fatwa said. â€Å"O Messenger of Allah, who is the person who has the greatest right on me with regards to kindness and attention?† He replied, â€Å"Your mother.† â€Å"Then who?† He replied, â€Å"Your mother.† â€Å"Then who?† He replied, â€Å"Your mother.† â€Å"Then who?† He replied, â€Å"Your father.† In another tradition, the Prophet advised a believer not to join the war against the Quraish in defense of Islam, but to look after his mother, saying that his service to his mother would be a cause of his salvation. Mu’awiyah, the son of Jahimah, reported that Jahimah came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, † Messenger of Allah! I want to join the fighting (in the path of Allah) and I have come to seek your advice.† He said, â€Å"Then remains in your mother’s service, because Paradise is under her feet.† The Prophet’s followers accepted his teachings and brought about a revolution in their social attitude towards women. They no longer considered women as mere chattels, but as an integral part of society. For the first time women were given the right to have a share in inheritance. In the new social climate, women rediscovered themselves and became highly active members of society rendering useful service during the wars which the pagan Arabs forced on the emerging Muslim umma. They carried provisions for the soldiers, nursed them, and even fought alongside them if it was necessary. It became a common sight to see women helping their husbands in the fields, carrying on trade and business independently, and going out of their homes to satisfy their needs. â€Å"Among my followers the best of men are those who are best to their wives, and the best of women are those who are best to their husbands. To each of such women is set down a reward equivalent to the reward of a thousand martyrs. Among my followers, again, the best of women are those who assist their husbands in their work, and love them dearly for everything, save what is a transgression of Allah’s laws.† The Shari’ah regards women as the spiritual and intellectual equals of men. The Shari’ah requires a man, as head of the family, to consult with his family and then to have the final say in decisions concerning it. In doing so he must not abuse his prerogative to cause any injury to his wife. The word of the Prophet (peace be upon him), ‘the queen of her house’, and this is the position a true believer is expected to give his wife. In contrast to these enlightened teachings of Islam in respect of women, Western talk of women’s liberation or emancipation is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honour, and degradation of her soul! Manji is lesbian and has adamantly argued that the condemnation of homosexuality by most strains of traditional Islam is at odds with Qur’anic doctrine that â€Å"Allah makes excellent everything which He creates.† Her partner is Michelle Douglas, a Canadian activist. Manji has been a vocal critic of orthodox Islam, especially that treatment of women by some Muslims. She does not wear a headscarf or chador whereas most traditional Muslim women do observe the hijab. She has criticized the Palestinian leadership and the opinions of some Muslims about Israel. WOMEN IN THE QUR’AN AND THE SUNNAH Prof. Abdur Rahman I. Doi Professor and Director, Center for Islamic Legal Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira, Nigeria. In Islam there is absolutely no difference between men and women as far as their relationship to Allah is concerned, as both are promised the same reward for good conduct and the same punishment for evil conduct. The Qur’an says: And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (2:226) The Qur’an, in addressing the believers, often uses the expression,’ believing men and women’ to emphasize the equality of men and women in regard to their respective duties, rights, virtues and merits. It says: For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (33:35) Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight. (43:70) Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life. (16:97) The Qur’an admonishes those men who oppress or ill-treat women: The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) said, â€Å"Women are the twin halves of men.† The Qur’an emphasizes the essential unity of men and women in a most beautiful simile: They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them. (2:187) Just as a garment hides our nakedness, so do husband and wife, by entering into the relationship of marriage, secure each other’s chastity. The garment gives comfort to the body; so does the husband find comfort in his wife’s company and she in his. â€Å"The garment is the grace, the beauty, the embellishment of the body, so too are wives to their husbands as their husbands are to them.† Islam does not consider woman â€Å"an instrument of the Devil†, but rather the Qur’an calls her muhsana – a fortress against Satan because a good woman, by marrying a man, helps him keep to the path of rectitude in his life. It is for this reason that marriage was considered by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a most virtuous act. He said: â€Å"When a man marries, he has completed one half of his religion.† He enjoined matrimony on Muslims by saying: â€Å"Marriage is part of my way and whoever keeps away from my way is not from me (i.e. is not my follower).† The Qur’an has given the raison d’à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½tre of marriage in the following words: And among His signs is this that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them; and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect. (30:21) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was full of praise for virtuous and chaste women. He said: â€Å"The world and all things in the world are precious but the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman. He once told the future khalif, ‘Umar: â€Å"Shall I not inform you about the best treasure a man can hoard? It is a virtuous wife who pleases him whenever he looks towards her, and who guards herself when he is absent from her.† On other occasions the Prophet said: â€Å"The best property a man can have is a remembering tongue (about Allah), a grateful heart and a believing wife who helps him in his faith.† And again: â€Å"The world, the whole of it, is a commodity and the best of the commodities of the world is a virtuous wife.† The Prophet (peace be upon him) was most emphatic in enjoining upon Muslims to be kind to their women when he delivered his famous khutba on the Mount of Mercy at Arafat in the presence of one hundred and twenty-four thousand of his Companions who had gathered there for the Hajj al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage). In it he ordered those present, and through them all those Muslims who were to come later, to be respectful and kind towards women. He said: â€Å"Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have married them with the trust of Allah, and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. You have got (rights) over them, and they have got (rights) over you in respect of their food and clothing according to your means.† â€Å"One who makes efforts (to help) the widow or a poor person is like a mujahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, or like one who stands up for prayers in the night and fasts in the day.† â€Å"O Messenger of Allah, who is the person who has the greatest right on me with regards to kindness and attention?† He replied, â€Å"Your mother.† â€Å"Then who?† He replied, â€Å"Your mother.† â€Å"Then who?† He replied, â€Å"Your mother.† â€Å"Then who?† He replied, â€Å"Your father.† In another tradition, the Prophet advised a believer not to join the war against the Quraish in defense of Islam, but to look after his mother, saying that his service to his mother would be a cause of his salvation. Mu’awiyah, the son of Jahimah, reported that Jahimah came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, † Messenger of Allah! I want to join the fighting (in the path of Allah) and I have come to seek your advice.† He said, â€Å"Then remain in your mother’s service, because Paradise is under her feet.† The Prophet’s followers accepted his teachings and brought about a revolution in their social attitude towards women. They no longer considered women as a mere chattels, but as an integral part of society. For the first time women were given the right to have a share in inheritance. In the new social climate, women rediscovered themselves and became highly active members of society rendering useful service during the wars which the pagan Arabs forced on the emerging Muslim umma. They carried provisions for the soldiers, nursed them, and even fought alongside them if it was necessary. It became a common sight to see women helping their husbands in the fields, carrying on trade and business independently, and going out of their homes to satisfy their needs. â€Å"Among my followers the best of men are those who are best to their wives, and the best of women are those who are best to their husbands. To each of such women is set down a reward equivalent to the reward of a thousand martyrs. Among my followers, again, the best of women are those who assist their husbands in their work, and love them dearly for everything, save what is a transgression of Allah’s laws.† The Shari’ah regards women as the spiritual and intellectual equals of men. The Shari’ah requires a man, as head of the family, to consult with his family and then to have the final say in decisions concerning it. In doing so he must not abuse his prerogative to cause any injury to his wife. The words of the Prophet (peace be upon him), ‘the queen of her house’, and this is the position a true believer is expected to give his wife. In contrast to these enlightened teachings of Islam in respect of women, Western talk of women’s liberation or emancipation is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honour, and degradation of her soul! http://www.allaahuakbar.net/womens/rights_of_women_guaranteed_by_islam.htm A COLLECTION OF REFERENCES FROM THE QURAN AND HADEETH ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN GUARANTEED BY ISLAM Spiritual Equality of Women and Men Allah has got ready forgiveness and tremendous rewards for the Muslim men and women; the believing men and women; the devout men and women; the truthful men and women; the patiently suffering men and women; the humble men and women; the almsgiving men and women; the fasting men and women, the men and women who guard their chastity; and the men and women who are exceedingly mindful of Allah. (Al-Ahzab 33:35) Attitudes towards women O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. (An-Nisa 4:19) Collaboration and consultation The believing men and women, are associates and helpers of each other. They (collaborate) to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil; to establish prayers and give alms, and to obey Allah and his Messenger. Those are the people whom Allah would grant mercy. Indeed Allah is Mighty and Wise. (Al-Taubah 9:71) Women’s Right to Attend Mosques Narrated Ibn Umar: The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, â€Å"Allow women to go to the Mosques at night.† (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 22) Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they seek permission from you. Bilal said: By Allah, we would certainly prevent them. ‘Abdullah said: I say that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said it and you say: We would certainly prevent them! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0891) The Common Performance of Ablutions Narrated Ibn Umar: â€Å"It used to be that men and women would perform ablutions together in the time of the Messenger of Allah’s assembly.† (Bukhari: 1: Ch. 45, Book of Ablution) Women’s Right of Proposal Narrated Sahl: A woman came to the Prophet, and presented herself to him (for marriage). He said, â€Å"I am not in need of women these days.† Then a man said, â€Å"O Allah’s Apostle! Marry her to me.† The Prophet asked him, â€Å"What have you got?† He said, â€Å"I have got nothing.† The Prophet said, â€Å"Give her something, even an iron ring.† He said, â€Å"I have got nothing.† The Prophet asked (him), â€Å"How much of the Quran do you know (by heart)?† He said, â€Å"So much and so much.† The Prophet said, â€Å"I have married her to you for what you know of the Quran.† (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 72) Women’s Right of Permission Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, â€Å"A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission.† The people asked, â€Å"O Allah’s Apostle! How can we know her permission?† He said, â€Å"Her silence (indicates her permission).† (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 67) The Right of Women not to be Forced Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Barira’s husband was a slave called Mughith, as if I am seeing him now, going behind Barira and weeping with his tears flowing down his beard. The Prophet said to ‘Abbas, â€Å"O ‘Abbas ! are you not astonished at the love of Mughith for Barira and the hatred of Barira for Mughith?† The Prophet then said to Barira, â€Å"Why don’t you return to him?† She said, â€Å"O Allah’s Apostle! Do you order me to do so?† He said, â€Å"No, I only intercede for him.† She said, â€Å"I am not in need of him.† (Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 63, Number 206) The Characteristics of a Believing Man Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: a believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another. (Muslim Book 8, Number 3469) The Education of Women Narrated Abu Said: A woman came to Allah’s Apostle and said, â€Å"O Allah’s Apostle! Men (only) benefit by your teachings, so please devote to us from (some of) your time, a day on which we may come to you so that you may teach us of what Allah has taught you.† Allah’s Apostle said, â€Å"Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place.† They gathered and Allah’s Apostle came to them and taught them of what Allah had taught him. (Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 413) On the Treatment of Women Narrated Mu’awiyah al-Qushayri: I went to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) and asked him: â€Å"What do you say (command) about our wives?† He replied: â€Å"Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them.† (Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 11, Number 2139) â€Å"The best of you is one who is best towards his family and I am best towards the family†. (At-Tirmithy). â€Å"None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully†. (At-Tirmithy). A Husband’s Attitude ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said that a man came to his house to complain about his wife. On reaching the door of his house, he hears ‘Umar’s wife shouting at him and reviling him. Seeing this, he was about to go back, thinking that ‘Umar himself was in the same position and, therefore, could hardly suggest any solution for his problem. ‘Umar (RA) saw the man turn back, so he called him and enquired about the purpose of his visit. He said that he had come with a complaint against his wife, but turned back on seeing the Caliph in the same position. ‘Umar (RA) told him that he tolerated the excesses of his wife for she had certain rights against him. He said, â€Å"Is it not true that she prepares food for me, washes clothes for me and suckles my children, thus saving me the expense of employing a cook, a washerman and a nurse, though she is not legally obliged in any way to do any of these things? Besides, I enjoy peace of mind because of her and am kept away from indecent acts on account of her. I therefore tolerate all her excesses on account of these benefits. It is right that you should also adopt the same attitude.† quoted in Rahman, Role of Muslim Women page 149 The Prophet’s Disapproval of Women Beaters Patient behavior was the practice of the Prophet, even when his wife dared to address him harshly. Once his mother-in-law- saw her daughter strike him with her fist on his noble chest. When the enraged mother -in-law began to reproach her daughter, the Prophet smilingly said, â€Å"Leave her alone; they do worse than that.† And once Abu Bakr, his father-in-law, was invited to settle some misunderstanding between him and Aishah. The Prophet said to her, â€Å"Will you speak, or shall I speak?† Aisha said, â€Å"You speak, but do not say except the truth.† Abu Bakr was so outraged that he immediately struck her severely, forcing her to run and seek protection behind the back of the Prophet. Abu Bakr said, â€Å"O you the enemy of herself! Does the Messenger of Allah say but the truth?† The Prophet said, â€Å"O Abu Bakr, we did not invite you for this [harsh dealing with Aishah], nor did we anticipate it.† quoted in: Mutual Rights and Obligations http://www.allaahuakbar.net/womens/women_sharia_and_oppression.htm A lot of attention has been focused on the issue of Muslim women and human rights since September 11, almost all of it by non Muslims. Once again, images of women swathed in black veils or blue burqas are de rigeur, as the media soberly reminds us that Muslim women are not considered equals to men in Islam, and that they are oppressed even by the moderate regimes in the Muslim world. From the Muslims, we have one of two reactions. The first is the reaction of the â€Å"liberal, reformist, secular† Muslims. They believe that Shari’a oppresses women, and that we need to completely overhaul it, or toss out sections of the Qur’an that are â€Å"uncomfortable,† or institute secular forms of government that separate the sacred from the legal all together. These are the same Muslims who equate Hijab with oppression, and who support the denial of free speech rights to â€Å"Islamists† (all the while, crying for their rights to free speech in countries where it is denied). They take their political thought not from Islamic sources, but from feminism, socialism, and capitalism. Naturally, it is to these Muslims that the Western media turns when it wants a â€Å"Muslim† perspective on â€Å"Muslim issues.† On the other side, we have the organizers of the mainstream conservative Muslims, the leaders of our civic societies, advocacy groups, and associations. When presented with instances of women’s oppression in the Islamic world, these Muslims, almost always men, respond defensively. They cart out examples of women’s oppression in the Western world, or worse, they address the issue by lecturing the questioner about the virtues of the Ideal Place of Women in Ideal Islam. In other words, they treat the ideal that we are all aspire to as the reality on the ground. Pressed into taking a stand on real life issues, they retreat in anger. â€Å"That’s culture, not Islam, it has nothing to do with me as a Muslim,† they sniff. Who speaks for them? Most often, it is the United Nations, human rights groups, and feminist organizations, led by people who have no foundations of knowledge in Islam, and who often have a real antipathy for Islam. While the Feminist Majority Fund was selling swatches of â€Å"burqa† and petitioning the government for action on behalf of Afghan women, the leaders of our Islamic societies stayed silent. Publicly, many Islamic leaders and organizations disassociated themselves from the Taliban, but other than denying them entry into the Organization of Islamic Conferences (OIC), they took no action to petition the Taliban for change from an Islamic view, or form any sort of Islamic opposition. Perhaps this is because when any Islamic organization or individual Muslim attempts to change or speak out about injustices towards Muslim women, the rest of the community circles the wagons. These lone souls are labeled â€Å"radical feminists,† and accused of attempting to undermine Islam. Strangely, when a Muslim woman’s Islamic rights are violated, many organizations are eager to speak out and petition. For example, when Merve Kavacki was denied her seat in the Turkish Parliament because of her headscarf (and later stripped of her citizenship), Muslim groups were quick to condemn the Turkish government, as they should have. In many Western Muslim circles, Merve has been elevated to a symbol of the struggle muhajabat women face in secular societies. Yet there is a resounding silence when the issue being raised is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), honor killings, forced marriages, the unequal application of hadd punishments on women, or the denial of education to girls and women. All of these wrongs are perpetrated on women in the name of Islam. While it is true that many of these violations occur across cultural and religious boundaries, the only action often taken by conservative Muslims is a condemnation of the action because it is â€Å"cultural† and not Islamic. Meanwhile, women continue to be murdered and little girls continue to be mutilated. In Africa, conservative sheikhs teamed up with women’s rights advocates to educate people about the harms of Female Genital Mutilation. These people get very little mention in the Western media, which, of course, paints the â€Å"Islamists† as the opponents of an enlightened, secular minority of liberal Muslims. About a year ago, a small band of conservative Muslim women, almost all of us from the West, came up with the idea of starting a Muslim women’s human rights group, to petition and advocate for the rights of Muslim women as they are given in the Shari’a of Islam. Although slow to start, we have managed to form a basis from which to work, and have taken up our first case. Right now, a Muslim woman in Nigeria is under a death sentence from the Shari’a court for the crime of adultery. The situation came to the attention of the authorities when the man who impregnated her decided to confess his crime to the police, rather than pay the child support that her father asked of him. There are many glaring errors in the case, from a classical, â€Å"Orthodox† fiqh point of view. These errors (which would aid the woman) are not coming from a â€Å"reformist reinterpretation† of Shari’a, these errors are so great that any of the qadis of the past would have thrown the case against her out. Prophet Mohammed, sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam, was mocked and assaulted because of his strong and courageous stance on the status of women. He came with a message that lifted women up and gave them dignity. Fourteen hundred years later, we have descended back into the dark pit of Jahiliya, and Muslim women around the world find themselves cast into the same slavery that the Prophet, sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam, was sent to liberate them from. It does not make you a â€Å"radical feminist† to decry honor killings and volunteer for peaceful campaigns to educate and change laws. Raising your voice against Female Genital Mutilation does not mean you want to â€Å"undermine Islam.† To the contrary, working against these injustices in the way of Allah is a manifestation of the desire to uplift Islam and the Muslim people. When the Taliban decided to deny education to any girl over a certain age, it is the conservative Muslims, the ones who profess adherence to â€Å"Qur’an and Sunnah† that should have spoken the loudest against this. The longer we stay silent, the more people, both Muslim and non Muslim, will begin to equate â€Å"Shar’ia† with the oppression of women.

Characteristics of the Accounting Information Systems

An accountant plays a vital role in any business; one can even say they are one of the most influential practitioners. For instance, accountants participant in generating rules and guidelines, advising day to day business activities, and even decision making. While the IT and IS communities are used frequently in many businesses, they are not the founders of the characteristics of useful information. The key reason behind this is due to the fact that accountants are the users of IS and IT communities.As being the primary users, one can expect the characteristics, rules, and guidelines for an information system to be designed by the accountants themselves. In a broader view, â€Å"accountants can assume three roles: designer, user, and auditor† (Gelinas, Dull 27). As a designer, the accountant can offer its knowledge of various principles (accounting principles and auditing principles), and various methods and techniques (information system and system development).In designing an accounting information system (AIS), the accountant can answer various questions that relate back to the seven characteristics of useful information systems. Some questions may include: â€Å"What will be recorded and how will transactions be recorded? When will the transaction be recorded and when will they be reported? What controls will be necessary to provide valid, accurate, and complete records? How much detail will reports need? † (Gelinas, Dull 27). If accountants did not design the AIS then these questions may be left unanswered without their expertise.Accountants perform many functions in an organization such as a â€Å"clerk, controller, treasurer, tax specialist, and financial analyst† (Gelinas, Dull 27). Therefore, it is necessary for them to use the AIS to perform their duties. As a user, it is imperative for the accountant to participant in the AIS process to make sure it contains the required features. In addition, knowing how to use the AIS technolo gy would be very beneficial in working effectively and efficiently. For example, a financial analyst would need to know how to store the data and access it, and how to present the information.Finally, as an auditor, one of their main interests in the AIS is the reliability of the data. Without reliability, auditors cannot â€Å"provide an opinion on the effectiveness and efficiency on internal controls† (Brazel 38). Accountants will remain the main users and as a user, an auditor as well. With the seven characteristics in mind, could they have evolved from the past? With technology not being as easily accessible as in today’s accounting world, one can assume that information was not as relevant, reliable, timely, or accessible.In relation, modern technology is so efficient in today’s world; therefore the flow of information can be quickly exchanged at any time. For example, Internet has allowed companies to send reports across the globe at any given time. This a bility gives accountants easy access to information and timely information. Without timely information, relevant and reliable information would be impossible. However, one possible disadvantage in today’s accounting world may be the relevance of the data. With such easy access to information, it can be more difficult to narrow down that information to its essence.Having too much information can make AIS more difficult to understand and increase uncertainty. Without being able to understand the AIS, an accountant cannot verify the same information. All these characteristics come hand in hand; if one characteristic fails then other characteristics will be affected. Although today’s accounting world has greatly shifted from the past, one cannot deny that the accounting community has always had a major impact in generating the characteristics of useful information.Older accounting communities created the building blocks of the characteristics. Technology merely enhanced th e flow of information and efficiency. Accounts will remain the designer, user, and auditors of the AIS. Work Cited Brazel, Joseph. â€Å"How Do Financial Statement Auditors and IT Auditors Work Together? † The CPA Journal (2008): 38-41. Print. Gelinas, Ulric J. , Richard B. Dull, and Patrick R. Wheeler. â€Å"Chapter 1: Introduction to Accounting Information System. † Accounting Information Systems. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2012. 27-28. Print.

Why They Merged and Why the Merger Was Unsuccessful

In 1997 University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) merged its two public hospitals with Stanford’s two private hospitals. The two separate entities merged together to create a not-for-profit organization titled UCSF Stanford Health Care. The merger between the health systems at UCSF and Stanford seemed like a good idea due to the similar missions, proximity of institutions, increased financial pressure with cutbacks in Medicare reimbursements followed by a dramatic increase in managed care organizations.The first year UCSF Stanford Health Care produced a profit of $22 million, however three years later the health system had lost a total of $176 million (â€Å"UCSF-Stanford Merger,† n. d. ). The first part of this paper will address reasons why the two institutions decided to pursue the merger by looking through the theoretical lens of bounded rationality, prospect theory and resource dependence theory (RDT). The second half of the paper will purpose reasons why the merger was unsuccessful by considering key concepts in organizational behavior such as power and culture.The threatening and uncertain fiscal times led the leaders to select the option that they believed maximized their chances for survival. The theory of bounded rationality, proposed by Herbert A. Simon, suggests that people are largely limited by time, information and cognitive limitations(Simon, 1997). The merger between the two medical schools seemed to make sense, both institutions shared a common mission of treating the uninsured, training the next generation of innovative doctors, and remain at the forefront of breaking research and technology.Since both were going to be competing for increasingly scarce resources, joining forces made sense. Together they would be able to reduce spending on administrative costs, and better prepared to negotiate contacts with large insurance companies(â€Å"UCSF-Stanford Merger,† n. d. ). Simon suggests that people, bounded by time, cog nitive ability and information, are more likely to make satisfactory decisions rather than optimal ones(Simon, 1997).Instead of focusing time and energy outlining potential ways to remain separate amongst the shifting payment structure UCSF and Stanford, both limited by time and fearful of the potential losses, agreed to merge. The merger was UCSF and Stanford’s way to mitigate risk and manage uncertainty. Prospect theory is a behavioral economic theory developed by Daniel Kahneman that holds that people are more likely to take higher risks when decisions are framed in negative terms(Kahneman & Tversky, 1979). Although mergers are complex and risky the looming fear of decreased reimbursements made the leaders focus on the benefits of merging.Kahneman argues that people do not base their decisions on final outcomes, instead they base their decisions on the potential value of losses and gains(Kahneman & Tversky, 1979). Instead of analyzing the risk of the merger, leadership foc used on the more pressing burden, the bottom line. To stay alive in the era of managed care, university hospitals across the country were seeking mergers with private hospitals. Calculations showed that hospitals lost $4 million annually for each 1 percent drop in indemnity patient population(Etten, 1999).Since the 1990’s, indemnity insurance was on a drastic decline in San Francisco opening the market for managed care organizations(Etten, 1999). RDT looks at how the behavior of organizations is affected by their external resources. The theory, brought about in the 1970s, addresses organizations demand for resources, resources and power are directly linked(Pfeffer & Salancik, 2003). RDT holds that organizations depend on resources thus the idea of merging, due to increasing resource scarcity, appealed to both institutions(Pfeffer & Salancik, 2003).On paper, the merger between these two institutions made sense – both institutions were close to one another and competing for diminishing resources. Together they could reduce administrative costs and join forces to negotiate with large insurance companies. The need to create a new culture and dissolve historically existent power struggles were two large tasks that needed to be addressed in order to ensure a successful merger. However, the way in which the merger was organized did not lead to a successful merger.UCSF Health Care did not spend adequate time creating a shared culture in which the two organizations would see one joint organization with shared power (resources). On paper both organizations agreed to share power, however both parties behavior showed otherwise. Dr. Rizk Norman, co-chair of the combined physician group of UCSF and Stanford faculty, attests that neither institution was ever comfortable enough to share financial information(â€Å"UCSF, Stanford hospitals just too different,† n. d. ). UCSF did not fully disclose their fiscal concerns regarding one of their sinking hospita ls, while Stanford was also guilty of ithholding information (â€Å"UCSF, Stanford hospitals just too different,† n. d. ). Merging into one should eliminate the sense of two separate entities, however not enough was done to shape the merger in such a way that facility and staff felt like equal partners. Loyalties existed within the organization, beginning at the top with the Board of Directors. Structurally the board was split between seven Stanford board members and seven USCF board members and three non partisan members, however loyalties to ones particular institution never dissolved(â€Å"UCSF-Stanford Merger,† n. d. ).As outlined, RDT, holds that organizations depend on resources, which originate from their environment. Resources are an organizations power used to compete in their environment. The two health systems shared an environment, thus competed with one another for power (resources) (â€Å"UCSF-Stanford Merger,† n. d. ). Because Stanford was a for-p rofit organization, they held more fiscal power over UCSF. Pfeffer and Salancik argue that the way to solve problems of uncertainty and interdependence is to increase coordination, more specifically, to increase shared control of each other’s activities(Pfeffer & Salancik, 2003).Had the two institutions worked from the beginning to increase coordination and communication between both institutions the merger may have more changes in succeeding. Increased coordination between the two institutions could have lead to the creation of a strong culture. Culture is the shared belief, expectations and values shared by members of an organization. (â€Å"Leading by Leveraging Culture – Harvard Business Review,† n. d. ). Employing a new culture starts from the top, management must model in accordance with the new culture.This was not done at UCSF Stanford Health Care due to existing loyalties. Adding to the culture struggle, the institutions were far enough away from one an other to merit concern. For an organization to flow smoothly, clear communication channels need to be established. Without open communication and collaboration a shared culture cannot emerge. Weak cultures harm the workplace by increasing inefficiencies that lead to increased costs. UCSF Health Care model from the top down to create a shared culture.Had leadership spent adequate time addressing ways to dissolve existing power struggles, and creating a shared culture that would set the foundation to achieve a new-shared vision, the merger could have been successful. Engaging leaders in creating a strategic plan to merge two separate existing cultures would have encouraged them to show support and dissolve power struggles. Shared resources, open communication and a culture of oneness may have set the foundation for a successful merger between the two organizations. References Etten, P. V. (1999). Camelot or common sense? The logic behind the UCSF/Stanford merger.Health Affairs, 18(2), 143–148. doi:10. 1377/hlthaff. 18. 2. 143 Kahneman, D. , & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263. doi:10. 2307/1914185 Leading by Leveraging Culture – Harvard Business Review. (n. d. ). Retrieved October 16, 2012, from http://hbr. org/product/leading-by-leveraging-culture/an/CMR260-PDF-ENG Pfeffer, J. , & Salancik, G. (2003). The External Control of Organizations: A Resource Dependence Perspective. Stanford University Press. Simon, H. A. (1997). Models of Bounded Rationality, Vol. 3: Emperically Grounded Economic Reason.The MIT Press. UCSF-Stanford Merger: A Promising Venture. (n. d. ). SFGate. Retrieved October 16, 2012, from http://www. sfgate. com/opinion/article/UCSF-Stanford-Merger-A-Promising-Venture-2975174. php#src=fb UCSF, Stanford hospitals just too different. (n. d. ). Retrieved October 16, 2012, from http://www. paloaltoonline. com/weekly/morgue/news/1999_Nov_3. HOSP03. html ——â€⠀Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Fall 16 PM 827 A1 Strategic Management Of Healthcare Organizations UCSF Stanford Healthcare – Why They Merged and Why The Merger Was Unsuccessful Sofia Gabriela Walton Mini Exam #1 08

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Contrast & comparison Death & Dying between developed & developing Assignment

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Business law - Case Study Example on is that whether the three minors who have misrepresented themselves to the company while making a purchase of the alcohol have any liability and whether there is any liability of the company for selling liquor to minors. The law governing the aforesaid legal issues is Title-23 Chapter- 6 of the Idaho Code. According to Idaho Code  § 23-604, any person under 21 years of age who shall purchase, attempt to purchase or possess any alcohol beverages, beer or wine shall be guilty of misdemeanor and punished according to the schedule set out in  § 18-1502. Moreover, no person licensed in pursuance to title 23 Idaho code shall sell any alcohol beverage to a person under 21 years of age and shall be guilty of misdemeanor in case of its violation. In case of misrepresentation made by purchaser, the purchaser shall also be liable with the licensee (Idaho Code  § 23-615). It was held in State vs. Kolliche, 143 Me. 281, 284-85 (1948) that furnishing alcohol to the minors is malum prohibi tum and does not require the prosecution to prove intent. This makes both the company as well as the minors liable for misdemeanor. Minors are allowed to rescind the contract on the ground of incapacity but they are not going to get the whole purchase price and are going to get an amount after deducting the depreciated amount from the purchase price. It was held in Dodson v. Shrader’s Auto Sales 824 S.W. 2d 545 (TN 1992) that the minors full purchase price recovery is subject to a deduction from use, depreciation of the item in possession of

Project Management (budget part) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Project Management (budget part) - Essay Example The research seeks to address how a restaurant can install tabs as a strategy of serving customers and at the same time, improve the output per person and profitability. Cost analysis will help us generate the current position of the business’ funds and the effect that will result when the project is in progress. Essentially, information on the strengths of the undertaking, weakness as a result of internal systems, and benefits of the final implemented program will provide the most reliable information in project management. Usually, management considers the payback period in which the business enterprise will recover the amount invested in the project. In the current cost analysis, we include the balance sheet of the restaurant so as to establish the current finances available in the business. The values one incorporates in a balance sheet are derived are the various balances on the trial balance. The values reflect the balances of various assets and liabilities. The balance sheet shows that the financial position of the restaurant is at a plausible position. The average value of the current assets for the four consecutive years is at $ 46, 000. However, in this analysis, fixed assets will not facilitate the decision of either to implement or discard the project. The reason is because fixed assets are none trading but only assist the management to evaluate the degree of insolvency. The data below represents the balance sheet of current funds available before the business implements the project. The income and expense analysis shows the budget that the business has met in a period of one year before implementation of the project. The data in the statement shows that in the previous years, the restaurant’s sales were $ 190 000, $ 260 000, $ 355 000, and $ 482 000. More so, the average gross profit for the restaurant was $ 226 000. In evaluating the expenses, their value is below that of the revenues hence

Banking in the modern world Homework 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Banking in the modern world Homework 2 - Essay Example What is the leverage-adjusted duration gap? Total value of portfolios of Assets = Commercial Loan + Consumer Loan = $400 + $250 = $650 Fractional value of assets at = 61.5 = 0.615% Fractional value of assets B = 38.4 = 0.384% Weighted Average Duration= Duration asset A (% in portfolio) + Duration of asset B (% in portfolio) Weighted Average Duration= 3 years (. 615) + 7 years (. 384) Weighted Average Duration= 1.85 + 2.69 = 4.54 years Total value of portfolios of Liability = IG Bonds + Deposits + Non-deposit borrowing = $65 + $600 + $50= $715 Fractional value of Liability A = .091 Fractional value of Liability B = .839 Fractional value of Liability C = .070 Weighted Average Duration= Duration Liability A (% in portfolio) + Duration of Liability B (% in portfolio) + Duration Liability C (% in portfolio) Weighted Average Duration= 15 years (.091) + 1.25 years (.839) + .50 years (.070) Weighted Average Duration= 1.365 + 1.049 + .035 Weighted Average Duration= 2.4 years Leverage-adjusted duration gap is a formula that measures the overall interest rate of bank and it tells positive or negative changes in the overall interest rate of a banking company. B. What is going to happen to the Bank’s net worth if interest rates will increase or decrease by 1 per cent from the current 5 percent? Interpret the results. Each banking service provider has to face the interest rate risk in its business and if the market rate increases or decrease, it affects the value of cash of banks. Suppose market rate increases with 1 %, then the demand and value of cash will not be affected and it will remain un-changed. But the value of the loan will effect and it will decrease. In this case, the market value of equity of that bank will increase and thus investors will get another opportunity to invest. C. How the Bank can reduce its exposure to interest rate risk? Show this with a numerical example. Each bank has an option to alter its interest rate exposure by making some changes a nd restricting its investment plans, borrowings and other pricing strategies and this can be done with the help of managing maturity times of its current portfolio. Question No. 2. What kind of futures or options hedges would be called for in the following situations? a. Market interest rates are expected to increase and your financial firm’s asset-liability managers expect to liquidate a portion of their bond portfolio to meet customers’ demands for funds in the upcoming quarter. Usually Financial firms expect a lower price for selling their bond portfolio in the market but they don’t expect it if the portfolio consists on short future hedge securities. After selling them on lower prices, they use to repurchase them at a profit giving rate. A similar profit can be made by the bank with the help of Put options for government and financial futures contracts. b. Your financial firm has interest-sensitive assets of $79 million and interest-sensitive liabilities of $88 million over the next 30 days and market interest rates are expected to rise. Financial firm has increased its interest-sensitive assets by $9 million that means this firm is a growing yo bear looser if the interest rate in the market increases. This firm need to hedge its risk it's going to bear on increased $9 million and for this, it should sell financial futures contracts or use a put option on government securities or financial futures contracts. c. A survey of Tuskee Bank’

Sports Economics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sports Economics - Case Study Example (FAI) The history also cited about the growth of the football clubs, among them was the Ulster based Protestant Clubs which later found to have clamored especially when selecting sides for international matches. This had led to the rising of nationalism in 1916 that had pushed the Southern affiliates to take an aggressive approach in their dealings with IFA.(FAI) During this time also, there was always a threat of breakaways of member clubs which created crisis with in the IFA interfere in the final game of two teams in favor of another football club. This conflict led to the formation of football association of the Irish Free State in the meeting of Southern Association Clubs in 1921 in Molesworth in Dublin. This was apparently to prevent the break ups of the different football clubs. Nevertheless, it did not help improve the situation and FAIFS were blacklisted by all the Home Nations Associations.(FAI) But anyhow, the FAI and the League of Ireland has merged forming a new national football league system which is now the FAI Eircom League of Ireland. This new system has ended the 1921 inaugurated administration system run by the league of clubs and replaced it with a new system under the management of FAI, which created their own management system in the promotion of matches as well as in granting of specific licenses. This paper therefore aims to evaluate this new licensing system under FAI Eircom League.(FAI) Brief Summary of the FAI Eircom New System of Management and Licensing Under the FAI Eircom League system, the league contains 22 clubs and is split into two divisions. The premier division consists of twelve teams, and the FAI first division consists of ten teams. These teams were formerly playing under the old league which was invited to play but they first have to undergo an independent assessment on the following: criteria, the scoring and the detailed breakdown notes, as discussed in the Wikipedia. The criteria involves the 2002/03 - 2005 seasons, the 2006 seasons, infrastructure, governance and finance, sustainability, benchmarking, youth and development, and strategic planning. Target markets which items with corresponding scores of 30%, 20%, 10%, 15%, 15%, 10% respectively. Those first twelve teams who got high percentages on scoring and on the detailed analysis for each of the criteria attains an A license and therefore will be in premiere division. While the remainder gets the B license and will compose the FAI First Division. As the FAI Eircom League Independent Assessment reports, "the 21 clubs which took part in the process were ranked on the basis of points scored as a result of their achievements over the past five seasons on the pitch and they measured up against specific criteria."(Wikipedia) The Licensing system Participation in the FAI Eircom League was subject to "granting of specific participation licenses," as emphasized in the rules of licensing of FAI. Those who attains the A license participates in premiere division, while those who gets the B license play in FAI first division. According to UEFA, this license to participation is "an attempt to maintain a consistent standard of quality as well as promote development." There are also rules that clubs must sign in order to

R.E Coursework Religion and Medical Issues Essay Example for Free

R.E Coursework Religion and Medical Issues Essay Ai) Infertility is when a couple cannot naturally conceive a child. There are many treatments to get around infertility; some of these, may however raise moral issues. There are many treatments available; Fertility drugs are one of these, this is where an infertile woman is given drugs, which stop infertility and make a woman capable of carrying a child. These are recognised by the church, as the sacredness of life is not threatened. AIH (artificial insemination by the husband), is another of these treatments. The sperm of the husband is taken and artificially put it in the wife. AID (artificial insemination by the donor), this is for if the man does not produce sperm. An anonymous donor donates his sperm, which is then artificially put into the woman. Gamete storing, is a fairly new process where the gametes are frozen, this means that if one of the parents has a treatment which makes them infertile, they can use the gametes which are stored. Surrogacy. This is where an alien hostess carries the baby. The sperm of the man is artificially inserted into the hostess. This is not recognised by the church because it is very similar to adultery. Aii) Roman Catholics have the view that life is sacred and therefore the sacredness of life must be protected. The church believes that no one has the right to children; if someone is infertile it is because it is supposed to be that way. Any of the treatments, which involve the destruction of embryos, are banned because this is the same as abortion and that is banned in the Catholic Church. The Church bans any of the treatments, which involve artificial insemination by the husband, as this involves masturbation, which is a sin in the eyes of the church. In AID and surrogacy the child does not get to know their biological parents, the church believes that the child has a right to know their biological parents. All forms of fertility treatments involve procreation outside of sex; God intended procreation to be part of the sex act. Other Christian churches allow IVF and AIH as they believe it is a good use of technology to provide families with the happiness of children. God intended families to have children, if IVF or AIH is the only way to do that it should be done. The egg and sperm are from the husband and wife and so it is not counted as adultery and therefore it is still a pure loving act. Some of the embryos are destroyed in these processes; embryos, which are not yet foetuses, so therefore it is not considered murder. The other churches still have major concerns about the other treatments; they have not banned them, however. All churches encourage childless families to adopt as they believe all children should have a loving happy family. iii) Generally Christians believe in transplant surgery and think that it is a good thing. Some Christians have some ethical issues, however. They believe that it would be wrong for rich people to pay for organs. It is well known that some wealthier 1st world citizens would be more than willing to exploit uneducated, 3rd world citizens to save themselves. This is known as the black market. The people in Africa may not be well educated and therefore do not realise that it is dangerous. It could be dangerous as the surgeon in Africa may be using dirty equipment and therefore the African would be vulnerable to infection. It is also exploiting the poor which is condemned by the bible. Some Christians are opposed to using organs from the dead but support using those of the living. They believe that organs such as the heart are an intrinsic part of the individual created by God. Transplanting organs from the dead into the living is usurping the role of God, and humans do not have the right to play God. This is a sin and is condemned by the Bible. Jesus taught us to love thy neighbour. If an organ can be transplanted while someone is alive then it is not vital and transplanting it would be, ‘loving thy neighbour.’ Some Christians believe all transplant surgery wrong and condemn it. They believe that transplants ignore the sanctity of life. This is a great sin in the eyes of the church. They believe that transplanting organs is ‘playing God’ and this is one of the great sins. They also believe that it is very expensive and requires very skilled people of which there are few. It raises the question of when someone is considered dead, as the heart needs to be removed when it is still beating. It diverts recourses from less expensive treatments which could help far more people than transplants. Most Muslims believe that transplants are wrong. They believe that it is against God’s will to remove anything from the body after death this means that none of the organs can be removed. They believe that God created each person and so to remove something from one and put it in another is to act as God which is the greatest sin in Islam. They believe that life is sacred and only God has the right to give and take it.

Components Of A Computer System Cpu Information Technology Essay

Components Of A Computer System Cpu Information Technology Essay The central processing unit is the serving of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program. It is main part carrying out the computers roles. The central processing unit transfers out each instruction of the program in order, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU has many different purposes which can be moving data from one location to another, building decisions and jumping to a new set of orders based on those decisions. The CPUs speed is a measure of MHz (megahertz) or more recently GHz (gigahertz). A chip with a megahertz rating of 900 MHz would be able to complete 900Million cycles every second. The types of CPU: AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) Intel Celeron RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is a memory facility which provides space for your computer to read and write data to be accessed by the CPU (central processing unit). When people mention to a computers memory, they usually mean its RAM. The programs and data that we use are stored in the RAM temporarily so that the processor can access them fast. RAM is used to load and run programs or applications on a computers are operating system. Extra RAM means more applications and programs can be run simultaneously. The speed is measured in MHz, (or megahertz). The capacity of RAM is measured in bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes and the typical capacity of RAM in a PC is 512MB to 8GB. There are other types of RAM which are; SDRAM (synchronous dram) DDR(double data ratter) Rambus Dram (RDRMM) ROM (Read Only Memory): Is a class of storage media used in computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM cannot be modified, or can be modified only slowly or with difficulty, so it is mainly used to distribute firmware. The BIOS software is built into the PC, and is the first code run by a PC when powered on (boot firmware). The primary function of the BIOS is to load and start an operating system. BIOS software is stored on a non-volatile ROM chip built into the system on the mother board. The first job for the BIOS is to initialize and identify system devices such as the video display card, keyboard and mouse, hard disk, CD/DVD drive and other hardware. These are the types of ROM: Mask-Programmed ROM (MROM) Programmable ROM (PROM) Erasable-Programmable ROM (EPROM) Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) Input devices: Input devices are any piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide data and give in information to the computer. They allow us to enter the information and data into the computer.E.g. Mouse: Is an input device which inputs information by clicking the mouse and being able to move the arrow in the monitor by using the mouse. Mouse can display mainframe data records that contain a leading 4 byte record length counter. With proper options, mouse can add carriage returns to fixed length records. Types of mouse: laser mouse mechanical mouse cordless mouse KEYBORAD: The set of typewriter like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer. Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain additional keys. It control the computer and purposes includes a plurality of sets of two or more keys arranged for receiving the tips of the finger of a hand of an operator, the keys of each set have such a small superficial touch area and are clustered together. So as to be substantially comprehended and selectively operated by a single finger tip of an operator. There different types of keyboards: Ergonomic Keyboards Wireless keyboards Illuminated keyboards Output Devices: Output Devices are used to communicate the outcomes of data processing carried out by information to the computer to the outside world. Which we get information out of the computer. E.g. Printers will print anything that in on that is on the monitor onto paper. This can be pictures, words and numbers. Monitor Monitor is a device that displays images or symbols generated by computers, an output device that is a part of your computer display system. They Serve as the visual display to help you navigate your computer. Also to display text and graphics, produced by a computer. The resolution is the measurement of the number of pixels that a computer displays, also called a computer monitor, can show at one time. Monitors that display more pixels offer a sharper, brighter image. Monitors are measured in inches, diagonally from top left to bottom right. Types of monitors: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitor LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitor Printers: Printer is a peripheral which produces a text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. It lets you to get a hard copy of a document, or picture. DPI (dots per inch) most printers print 600 dpi printers print 600 tiny little dots across one inch and 600 dots vertically for one inch. The higher the resolution of your printer or image setter, the greater detail you can print and the better appearance of your output. The speed of printers is measured in print-per-minute (PPM) for example, laser printer ratings range from 6 to 15 ppm, inkjets are rated 4 ppm and up for black text, and photo-quality inkjets range from 0.3 to 12 ppm, depending on the job. Types of printers: Laser printers Ink-jet printers Dot matrix printers Disk Storage devices (Backing store) Disk Drives are used to record information from the computer onto a floppy disk or CD. Hard Disk Drive: Hard disk drive (HDD) main storage used to permanently store all including the operating system, data, files and programs on the computer. Most hard drives are permanently stored in an internal drive bay at the front of the computer. Capacity per HDD increasing from 3.75 megabytes to greater than 1 terabyte. The typical capacity of hard disk in a PC is uses a 400 to 500 GB drive. Types of Hard Disk: Desktop Hard Disk Types: 3.5, IDE and Sata Interfaces Laptop Hard Disk Types:2.5, 1.8, IDE, Sata, SCSI Server Hard Disk types:3.5 Sata, SCSI Optical Disk Storage CD/DVD/Blu-Ray CD Disk: A Compact Disc (CD) is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store sound recordings exclusively, but later it also allowed the preservation of other types of data.It is used to store data, video or music. So that makes it a storage device. A standard CD has a capacity of about 74 minutes of standard CD audio music. There are extended CDs that can actually exceed this limit and pack more than 80 minutes on a disk. CDs are capable of storing up to 700 mb. The types of CDs are: CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. CD-R a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) is a variation of the Compact Disc invented by Philips and Sony. CD-R is a Write Once Read Many (WORM) optical medium, though the whole disk does not have to be entirely written in the same session. CD-Rewritable disk, a type of CD disk that enables you to write onto it in multiple sessions. One of the problems with CD-R disks is that you can only write to them once. DVD Disk: DVD (Digital Video Disc) is an optical disc storage media format, which are of the same dimensions as compact discs (CDs), but are capable of storing almost seven times as much data. The storage capacity of a DVD is approximately 4.7 GB (gigabytes). A dual layer doubles the storage but requires a dual-layer DVD player/recorder to use the dual-layer media. The types of DVDS: DVD-R DVD-RW DVD-ROM Blu-Ray Disk: Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format. The format defines as its standard physical media a 12Â  cm (same as DVDs and CDs), 25 GB per-layer optical disc, with dual layer discs (50 GB) the norm for feature-length video discs and additional layers possible later. The capacity of Blu-ray disk is 25Â  GB (single-layer) 50Â  GB (dual-layer). USB Memory Stick USB flash drives are computer devices that inputs information that is saved on the USB and inputs it in to the computer when you insert the USB. Also typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than a floppy disk. USB drives range in capacity from megabytes up to 256GB and offer much more storage than writable CDs and DVDs. Operating system Is software, containing of programs and data, which runs on computers and manages the computer hardware and runs common services for active carrying out of various application software. Operating systems are responsible for everything from the control and allocation of memory to recognizing input from external devices and transmitting output to computer displays. They also manage files on computer hard drives and control peripherals, like printers and scanners. An operating system also has a vital role to play in security. Its job includes preventing unauthorized users from accessing the computer system. Examples of operating systems: Windows Vista Windows 7 Task 2: Types of computers: Desktop PC (personal computer) Is a personal computer any common-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals and which is planned to be operated directly by an end user with no principal computer operator 3 common applications of desktop PC: Access the internet Most time used in offices e.g. Microsoft office used to alto of things: like writing letters, posters etc. Starting your own home business, e.g. selling items through online auction websites. Laptop A laptop computer or simply laptop, is called a notebook, is a small personal computer designed for portability. Usually all of the interface hardware needed to operate the laptop, such as USB ports, graphics card, sound channel, etc., is built in to a single unit. Laptops hold high capacity batteries that can power the device for general periods of time, attractive portability The main purpose of a laptop computer is to be portable. 3 common applications of Laptop: Can be used away from an outlet using a rechargeable battery. Connect to any network, including wireless network Answer email on the train, plane, or passenger seat of a car Palmtop A computer small enough to hold in one hand and operate with the other. Also called a hand top, these ultra-small computers may have particular keyboards or keypads for data entry applications. 3 common applications: Send an email Create text message Access internet Network Server A network server is a computer planned to process requests and carry data to other computers over a local network or the Internet by using the same network. 3 common applications: Web server a static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and serving it across the network to a users Web browser. Chat Server enables a large number of users to exchange information in an environment similar to Internet newsgroups that offer real-time discussion capabilities. Fax Servers a is an ideal solution for organizations looking to reduce incoming and outgoing telephone resources but that need to fax actual documents. Supercomputer A supercomputer is a computer which performs an amount of speed which is far above of other computers. Known constantly changing the world of computing. Supercomputers are used for highly calculation-intensive tasks such as problems involving important physics, weather forecasting, climate research, molecular modelling .A particular class of problems, known as Grand Challenge problems, are problems whose full solution requires semi-infinite computing resources. Task 3 Diagram flows around a computer system: Backing store (Disk storage devices) CPU Central Processing Unit Main memory (RAM) Output devices Input devices When clicking on the mouse or typing on the keyboard its sends information to the CPU. Once the information is recognise on to the CPU, The CPU sends informations on to the output device and will appear either on the printer or monitor When the PC is turned on the RAM sends information to the CPU and sends information to the backing store When you save work on to the PC the backing store saves it sends the information to the CPU then to the main memory and is saved there

Background market and strategies of the nissin group business essay

Background market and strategies of the nissin group business essay Through the evaluation of the background, market situation and business strategies of Nissin Group, this paper provides the explanation on why Nissin instant noodles have achieved a fast development performance in the instant noodles business in Hong Kong The study of Five Forces and PESTEL analyses will lead to the understanding on how the macro-environment and micro-environment affect Nissin performance its business direction and strategy. A further study of the results from the perspective of an internal competence analysis to the results from the Five Forces and PESTEL will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Nissin. These findings will then tell Nissin of what needs to be minimized, eliminated, and to reduce or neutralize risks. All these findings will add up the reasons to justify how Nissin sustains its market leader position in Hong Kong. Suggestions on improvement and implementation of corporate strategy will also be elaborated. 1o. Introduction Intrepid Japanese entrepreneur named Momofoku Ando established Nissin Foods around the middle of the 20th century with the name Chukosasa Co., Ltd. Foreseeing that Japanese society was being economically and socially reengineered toward production speed and efficiency, he also sought to reengineer the Japanese diet in response. His answer to the requisite of speed exerted and demanded of the modern Japanese was simple the instant noodle. The invention revolutionized the food industry not only in Japan but also throughout the world. Now Nissin Foods, produce not only instant ramen noodles but also fresh and pre-packaged frozen food, and meals-ready-to-eat including cereals and spaghetti. But noodles remained the primary product draw. Mr. Ando stayed ahead of the competitive pack with remarkable innovations. In 1963, he introduced into the market the ramen Yakisoba, which had a separate flavoring packet. A decade later, Momofoku Ando invented cup noodles and in 1984, Nissin Foods established in Hong Kong (Nissin Foods Holdings, 2010). What has been Nissins strategy to address the various forces acting upon the instant food industry? How valid and viable would this strategy still be in an age of high technology and rapid global integration? And now, lets start to know the direct key stakeholders in Hong Kong. Management of Nissin The Management receives strong support from Parent company who has made the sustainability much easier for a stronger market share. Staff of Nissin They are the executors of the business. Staff would be happy to work for Nissin if the business is stable and with continuous growth. Hong Kong consumers the market share is large amongst the younger generations and white collars as they accept new trendy food, especially from Japan. Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) of Hong Kong Government the Government has to control the types of incoming food products for consumption, as a statutory body, FEHD will govern the quality of food items importing to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Consumer Council it regulates the selling of consumer goods to the public in a fair trade practice. By supports of academic references, there will be a careful analysis of macro-environment and micro-environment undertaken by using Five Forces and PESTAL, plus a review of the internal analysis by strategic capabilities. The outcomes from external and internal environment analyses will be combined in a SWOT analysis. From the results of this analysis conclusion on overall business strategy, some improvement or implementation can be drawn through the methods of Porters Generic Strategies, Ansoffs matrix and organic method. 2. Analysis of Nissin in the Instant Noodles Industry in Hong Kong The following analysis of Nissin is based on strategy development processes suggested in major strategic management literature. There will be a careful analysis of macro-environment and micro-environment undertaken by using Five Forces and PESTAL, plus a review of the internal analysis by strategic capabilities. The outcomes from external and internal environment analyses will be combined in a SWOT analysis. From the results of this analysis conclusion on overall business strategy, some improvement or implementation can be drawn. 2.1 External Analysis Industry Analysis/ Five Forces Analyzing the generic food industry from the perspective of Michael Porters five forces, namely, the threat of new entrants, competitive rivalry within the industry, the threat of substitutes, the bargaining power of customers, and the bargaining power of suppliers (Porter, 1985). Threat of new entrants Nissin Foods in Hong Kong does not perceive any new entrants or competitors in the industry. The market appears to be increasingly expansive and lucrative and this is expected to lure new participants. However, the predominance and well-entrenched positions of the current players had dampened the enthusiasm of those who intend to enter the industry from outside. Industrial competition would probably more ensue from within and intensified internal competition would take place in the form of innovations in the product itself as well as in promotional designs and packaging. The barriers to entry are quite formidable considering that customer loyalty to the existing players are quite strong and that these current players have already established linkages with local formal sources of capital and distribution outlets (Becker, et al., 1999). Competitive rivalry within the industry The instant noodle industry in Hong Kong is a highly intense rivalry among the current players, thus making the industry itself highly competitive. Innovations are frequent and the market now regards as its highly popular products, environmentally friendly cups and containers and food ready to eat from the moment the packages are opened. Advertisements fight for time both on mass telecommunications channels and over the Internet and companies also engage in intense competition in the sponsorship of events like games and competitions. The existing noodles companies also engage in the constant monitoring of the performance of their products on the market, outlaying huge sums of money for customer surveys, promotions, and advertisement as well as in technology and manufacturing innovations. Threat of substitutes Hong Kong consumers are increasingly health conscious, they demand fresher and higher nutritional food. As such, there is an increasing consumer preference for fruits, vegetables, poultry and low fat, low sugar and zero to low preservatives content products. No matter how much hard works Nissin has contributed to the improvement of noodles quality, the dried instant noodles are not considered as a real meal to the consumers in Hong Kong. Substitute products like those offered by Jollibee, McDonalds, KFC and fast food noodle houses are slowly but steadily flooding the market and as buyers become more tend to the Western style of business activities and private lifestyles, such substitutes become increasingly attractive than the traditional instant noodles. Bargaining power of customers (Buyers) It bears negatively on the prospects of Hong Kongs instant noodle industry as more and more people rising in terms of social status and economic position. The increasing purchasing power of the population exerts leverage on instant noodle companies who might see the loyalty of their customers being eroded by their increasing incomes. The substitute product firms such as the fast food chains are also known for their notoriously low operating costs and their relatively cheaper products. Cheaper products have a corresponding income effect on the consumer as they realize the greater power of their money vis-a-vis the substitute product. When combined, these factors lead to the rational consumer realigning his consumption possibilities curve to favor the substitute rather than the formerly patronized product. This situation currently faces the Hong Kong noodle industry. Bargaining power of suppliers Finally, and as a counterpoint to the pathetic prospects with regard to the increasing demand of substitute products in the instant food market and the increasing power of customers, the instant noodle industry is seen to still maintain its hold over the supplier sector. In this regard, the bargaining power of the suppliers for the instant noodle industry remains low as many of the independent supplying firms have either been vertically integrated into the existing companies or have been interlinked through long term supply contracts. The low rate of entry into the industry also act as a safety net that limits the power of suppliers to charge high prices for the firms inputs which basically include wheat, buckwheat, corn, sesame oil, and other organic inputs. The suppliers market remains huge and extensive allowing for easy substitutability whenever a supplier becomes a party to an unprofitable relationship. 2.2 External Analysis PESTEL The PESTEL analysis provides a comprehensive list of influences on the possible success or failure of particular strategies; it stands for political, economical, social, technological, environmental and legal. (Johnson, et al., 2008) Political Situation Hong Kongs political system follows the set-up envisioned by the Chinese government when the former British colony returned its sovereignty back to China in 1997. The Chinese government maintained the capitalist economy and so the situation remains favorable to continued and sustained business expansion. Hong Kongs administrative structure carefully and strictly enforces laws and regulations that regulate fair business competition. Corruption is at fairly low levels and government officials are careful to preserve the Chinese governments reputation of fair but strict governance according to the law (Goodstadt, 2010). Economic Situation With Hong Kongs position as one of Asias financial and trading centers firmly entrenched, the city is actually looking forward to another sustained economic growth by 2011 and beyond. Hong Kong remains a fast-paced hub of businesses among almost all the global cities and therefore social mobility is fluid, leading to a fast rising middle class with an increasing purchasing capacity. Demand for instant foods is therefore expected to increase and despite the existence of a fairly sized competition, notably the Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.; House Foods Corporation; the Nong Shim Company, Ltd.; the Tingyi Cayman Islands Holding Corporation; Asia Food and Properties, Ltd.; the Ottogi Corporation;the Myojo Foods Company, Ltd.; the Tokatsu Foods Company, Ltd.; and Bing-Grae Company Ltd, the market shares of these companies remain small. With the expected expansion of existing demand, will in effect scramble for larger and larger shares of this market. Social Situation Noodles remain a primary staple in the Chinese diet, it being one of the traditional foods associated with the culture. As the social structure modernizes and instantaneity becomes a part of the societys way of life, instant ramen noodles become the norm. Cultural adjustments in response to modernization have often been slow but the rapid acceptance on instant noodles ever since its introduction in the 1950s has been truly revolutionary, the product being responsive to the demands of both tradition and modernity. Technological Situation The information and communications technological infrastructure in Hong Kong has been always at the forefront of the adoption and utilization of new generations of such technology. Manufacturing equipment remains state of the art and Hong Kong laws and regulations are unrestrictive of the entry of more advanced technology. Hong Kong, moreover, is solidly linked to the global village through the Internet with firms recognizing the imperative of such linkages with the status of their Hong Kong firms as hubs for their global operations. Environmental Situation The government and the people of Hong Kong are concerned about the implications of manufacturing activities on the environment. Firms should answer the demands for corporate social responsibility in this aspect. For example, pollution and waste management are particularly important considerations. Since government has already put in place policies that address environmental concerns, environmental reporting is now the focus of governmental efforts. Different sectors are seeing the value of linking environmental responsibility and reporting (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, 2010). As environmental reporting becomes more widespread Hong Kong firms are also given the chance to keep with international trends. Legal Situation Hong Kong provides an extremely favorable legal environment to businesses, as the official rates of income taxation for both individuals and corporations are relatively low compared to other business areas. Corporate income taxes for example peak at 17.5% allowing business establishments higher outlays for investments and expansion providing them sufficient breathing space for increased profits and returns on their investments. These conditions serve as a major pull factor for regional and local investors including Nissin Food. Companies who also have CRS departments like Nissin could also avail of tax holidays of as high as 10% on their incomes (Hong Kong SAR, 1997). In addition, courts and magisterial agencies are highly competent and legal expertise are extremely trustworthy in a place that had developed an excellent reputation for judicial fairness and equitability from even from its years under British rule. 2.3 Internal Analysis Capabilities Nissin Food Co., Ltd. has always been extremely competent with sufficient financial capacities that should allow it to withstand fluctuations in consumer demand throughout the years. Its manufacturing plants and equipment remain modern and environmentally safe, complemented by subsidiaries that have safety research in food technology. Nissins technological expertise, directorial competence and workforce commitment remain at the highest levels and the Ando family has kept the familys trade secrets secure with the proper legal and propriety registrations and protection. Technological knowhow has often been a trademark of the company ever since it was established and kept with important business moves over the years. Quality control technology has been especially developed through the years with the company regularly testing and re-testing its products before they are put on the shelves and marketed overseas. Even packaging, storage, and transport mechanisms are strictly monitored and frequently adjusted to ensure quality standards of safety (Nissin Food Co. Ltd, 2010). Through these initiatives, Nissin Food has maintained a solid image as the primary instant food corporation carrying what they call Japan technology. The company also enjoys an excellent reputation with its suppliers as well as its workforce and the city of Hong Kong itself. Another internal competence of the company is the presence of a highly competitive and committed workforce led by directors who are highly trained in their respective fields. Employees undergo periodic training and evaluation mechanisms, follow strictly implemented guidelines in the performance of their respective jobs. Human resources thus become highly motivated and trained (Nissin Food Co. Ltd, 2010). Regardless of these competencies, the company faces real risks, which if left unattended may pose serious attacks on the stability of the company. Among these would be food safety issues as consumers become more and more conscious of bio-terrorism while other brands are more aggressively promoted. The risk of increasing prices of raw materials such as flour, palm oil and petroleum-based products for packaging purposes is also accounted. And more, risks related to information systems become more technologically sophisticated than ever. 3. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is an important step in planning but its often being underestimated its usefulness and functions. SWOT analysis is a basic, straightforward model that provides direction and serves as a basis for the development of marketing plans (Ferrel, et al., 1998). Strengths Nissin Instant noodles have made a significant impact in the Hong Kong residents diet ever since the companys branch was established therein in 1984. Thus the company enjoys a high reputation with the brand itself having instantaneous recognition and respect by its patrons. The brand enjoys sustained loyalty among consumers, its manufacturing sector known for sanitary and environmentally friendly production processes, and the product is known for its flavor and taste, price reasonability, health attributes, and long shelf life, characteristics which make Nissins instant ramen noodles highly appropriate to the lifestyle of the modern Hong Kong resident. Mr. Momofoku Ando had retired in 2005 but the family has retained its unique capacity to adjust its products to various cultural contexts, delivering dozens of varied flavors for different country and city preferences and its keen recognition of new complementary products like environmentally friendly containers and cups to merge and l ink-up with manufacturers of these innovations to ensure cost efficiency to sustain business scale. Weaknesses There is no apparent weakness of the company except perhaps that the aggressive expansion of its business may have reached the limits of saturation. The relatively unchanged firm logo and design over half a century may have become boring among consumers psychological recognition. Brand familiarity does have a second edge in that it may psychologically influence consumers to try out a new brand. Nissin Food has also been relatively overtaken by other firms in cutting the preparation time for the instant noodles product as Mummy and Fuku noodles can be eaten straight that matched perfectly instant. Opportunities Hong Kong is a huge market for the food industry with its population of over 7 million expanding at an average annual growth rate of 1%. The market potential is therefore inspiring especially considering the fact that over half of this population is urban based with more and more young people drawn into high paced urban living. There are also more young women from both local and foreign places entering the workforce. This means that local family populations are left without the traditional ways of cooking and food preparation as women who were formerly tasked with culinary preparations at home migrate to the center for employment. The emerging demographic picture also portray a steadily growing segment of single people in the labor force, swelling the ranks of those who would prefer instant and fast food rather than traditional long-time home cooking. Nissins early demonstrated concern for environmental and health safety concerns, seen in the establishment of its food safety research institute is also a positive sign given the worlds increasing concern for environmental safety standards and the increasing health consciousness of people in recent times as they look consistently for low fat, low salt diets. Hong Kongs fast paced society also is an opportunity, as the citys demands for instant convenient food remain high. This offer Nissin the opportunity to expand from noodles to other instant food such as coffee, juice drinks, spaghetti, bread and snacks and the chance to establish linkages with other food outlets like restaurants, or otherwise introduce distribution innovations mobile snack center in schools, shopping malls, cinemas and exhibition halls. Threats The instant food competition comprised of the companies mentioned above and other brands like Doll noodles, Sau Tau and Master Hong pose the main threats to Nissin Foods. If the growing health consciousness provides a positive note vis-a-vis the companys effort at developing safer and healthier products, there is also a downside as mass media increasingly airs concerns about monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other preservatives used in instant food production. There is also a growing taste and preference for restaurant food and fine dining especially among the new rich. The emergence of organic and fresh instant noodles in the market particularly by the competition and the rising prices of wheat and other raw materials are foreseen to pose considerable threats especially with rising demand for these products by other demanders worldwide. Discussion This section will critically propose some strategies that Nissin Food Co., Ltd might implement in consolidating or even expanding its hold in the instant foods market in Hong Kong. Michael Porter recommended three generic strategies in this regard, namely cost leadership, differentiation, and focus (Porter, 1980). In terms of cost leadership, Nissin Food has always been ahead in the development of low cost instant noodles and other food products compared to many of its competitors. Company policy has always been directed to the elimination of operational glitches that would lead to increased production costs and streamline the process. This explains why despite the upgrading of technological capacities and the establishment of research institutions that would simultaneously increase expenses, Nissin Food is still capable of producing high quality noodles the be sold at relatively affordable prices on the shelves. With regard to differentiation, the Nissin Food Company has managed to diversify its food products from noodles to cereals and other products like biscuits, chocolate flake cookies and even lactobacillus drinks. Even its traditional offering, the instant noodles has been diversified into several types as cup noodles, the pillow type instant noodles, the fresh instant noodles, the thick straight noodles, and frozen types all in 450 different flavors. Innovation had always been key to product diversification and it need not be always a high-fangled high technology based development as long it gives the company a keener competitive advantage over other firms in the market (Porter, 1996). Thus, the simple idea of introducing the Nissin straight thick noodle led to increased volumes of sale in 2008. Differentiation allows a company to address the demands of consumers across a wide range of segmentation (Porter and Kramer, 2006). In its Hong Kong operations, the company has differentiated its products to all sectors of the population not only through diversified products but also through careful studies as to what products might have a more competitive appeal to certain sectors. Discovering for example that in their United States operations, Chow Mein noodles seemed to be the preference of Americans, the company also aimed at making this product appealing to the foreign sectors of the Hong Kong population. Finally, Nissin Food Company has always been secure in the instant noodle as its niche in manufacturing and sales and primarily targeting the working population. A niche approach is basically developing greater competitive advantage in a sector or product and holding on to this advantage through differentiation and innovation strategies (Porter, 1985). Among the three, differentiation appears to be Nissin Food Companys strongest and most effective strategy, allowing it to constantly increase its sales over the years and expand operations to address an ever larger share of the market. Differentiation has also allowed it to penetrate western markets such as the United States, Russia and even Mexico. In the United States, chow mein had attracted the microwave generation because of its microwavable fried noodle through innovative advertising. New products should always be based on prior arket surveys to test the levels of demand and businesses must always have a clear vision and strategy for diversification, planning against the risks involved with an honest regard for the gains it expects to achieve (Ansoff, 1957). Nissin uses both related and unrelated diversification techniques as, not contented with its traditional noodle offerings, it has innovated and expanded also to frozen foods, cereals, and nutrition drinks. Such risks have been repaid with dividends through the recent years. Conclusions and Recommendations Nissin Foods Company, Ltd. in Hong Kong faces has demonstrated a stable and strong internal competence structure. It has managed to sustain efficiency and close coordination among the various phases of its operations, making its various departments including the management, production, marketing, and research units mesh smoothly. It is in food safety and quality standards that the company stands out among the rest of competitors in the Hong Kong market and it is highly recommended that this be made part of a comprehensive advertising strategy that packages not only products but the entire company itself as an environmentally friendly corporation in tune with its recognized corporate responsibility to save the earth. This would be a leading promotional strategy as the company funnels through its Food Safety Research Institute, thorough investigations and research of environmentally affective chemicals, organic inputs as they affect the products of its farms, breeding stations, fisheri es, feed plants, ingredient plants and its productions plants as well. The Hong Kong macro-environment also appears to be a favorable one for Nissin Foods, affording it a competitive area where the company could showcase both its traditional and innovative offerings to an ever growing and constantly differentiating and segmented population. The change in administrative governance appears not to have made a significant impact on the robustness of business competition within the region. The PESTEL environment thus could be taken as a general plus factor. It is again in the area of environmental considerations that Nissin must focus on. It is recommended that the attention must be directed toward the pollution side of its post-operational activities. By this, as extra concern on disposal of containers and on the earth-friendliness of such packaging as Nissin continues to use non-biodegradable materials in this regard. To more promote the environmental image of the firm could innovate towards the end of minimizing its ecological footprint. On social relations, Nissin could collaborate with social and ecological groups toward the development of programs addressing Hong Kongs expanding ecological problems of pollution as well as industrial congestion. (word count 3,823)