Political Determinants Affecting the HK Insurance Market Essay

Introduction This part of the paper will analyse the external environment of HK insurance market through the use of PESTEL and Five Forces Analysis. PESTEL Analysis It can be noted that the HK Insurance market has always been dependent on international business climate as well as its product cycles. Consequently, the HK Insurance market has been deliberated as one of the growing industries throughout the years. The following figure shows the analysis of the political, economical, socio-cultural and technological, legal and environmental attributes and determinants affecting HK Insurance market. Figure 1 PESTLE Analysis Political| Economical| Socio-Cultural| * Taxation Policy of Hong Kong * Foreign trade Regulations * Political status and condition of Hong Kong and the global market| * Product life cycles * Business Cycles * Rate of unempoyment * Disposable income| * Lifestyle of the target market * Income distribution * Cultural diversity| Technological| Legal| Environmental| * Rapid transition in technology * Speed of technological transfer| * Laws and regulations about that covers apparel industries * Following regulations in the foreign trade| * Awareness of environmental protection * Existence of Green Products| One of the political determinants that affect HK Insurance market is the diverse taxations which surrounds Hong Kong market which lead to re-imports. In this regard, the vehicles are being bought overseas, re-imported to the locale market which influence the price of the product. In the period of economical issues, clients do not substitute their financial and insurance products and services offerings. On one hand, there are some insurance firms which are common in the market environment which expresses a new way of providing their services to their clients. In line with technological determinants, HK Insurance market nowadays is being quiker in line with the business standards as well as considers information system for data records management. In addition, so as to cope with the environmental determinants, further consolidation of the HK Insurance market is expected and consideration of insurance products must be given emphasis. Aside from PESTLE analysis, the HK Insurance market will also be analysed through the consideration of Porter’s five Forces model. 1. Suppliers. In the case of the insuranceindustry, speficifically in the current objectives and plans of HK Insurance market, decision-makers of the corporation must have a clear comprehenson of the business dynamics in which employees are directly involved in. Such consider the employees’ concentration or and core corporate interests, diversity of the products as well as the designs being offered as well as the alternative resources that are accessible for the HK Insurance market in terms of business partnerships. Hence, it is most proper to build win–win relationships with employees or have an agreement on the use of multiple employees in array to protect the interests of both ends. 2. Power of BuyersThe power of clients/buyer s describes the implicate clients/buyer s/buyer ss have on an industry. When buyer power is robust, the relationship to the producing industry becomes closer tomarket conditions wherein the buyer has the most influence in shaping the price. In this regard, the insurance company should be able to provide the need of their clients specifically in lique with information system. 3. New Entrants and Barriers of Entry. The plausibility of new corporations entering the industry influences the pace of the industrial competition. Therefore, the key is to analyse the entry technique as well as exit approach of the new player to the HK Insurance market. Although any corporation must be able to enter and exit the sector, each industry presents diverse degrees of complexity influenced by economics. In terms of insurance market. 4. Substitutes. â€Å"Substitute products† as those that is accessible in other industries that meet an identical or similar demand for the end user. As more substitutes become obtainable as well as price affordable, the demand becomes more elastic since clients/buyer s/buyer ss have more optonss. The threat of substitutes often implicates price-based competition since substitute products may restrict the capability of corporations within an industry to raise prices and improve margins. 5. Industry Competitors. A considerable number of corporations have developed into an essential part of the period of global competition, increasing enhancement, enhanced corporate paradigms, and corporate restructure. The continuous transition from the conventional corporate framework with its hierarchical corporations to a worldwide, knowledge-founded financial system as well as intelligent corporations demands business management to realign and relocate its techniques (Oliver, 1997). Along with the intense marketing nowadays, corporations are faced with the challenge to sustain their own competitive edge so as to survive and be successful. Techniques and marketing tactics are carefully planned and executed to gain the ultimate goal of all: corporation growth (Porter, 1990). Among the HK Insurance market player the management of each company should be able to sustain their competencies. Reference Oliver, C 1997, â€Å"Sustainable competitive advantage: Combining institutional and resource-Based views. †Ã‚  Strategic Management Journal18(9): 697-713. Porter, ME, 1980,  Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, Free Press, New York.

A Haunted House Essay

â€Å"A Haunted House† by Virginia Woolf, is a short story that tells the experience of a young couple, living in a house with a ghostly couple. The story begins with a â€Å"ghostly couple† looking for their treasure, in the house they previously lived in while alive. While alive, the ghosts lived in the house more than a century before the current residents. The woman died first, this is when the man left her and the house, he â€Å"went North, went East, saw the stars turned in the Southern sky. † Later when the man died, he returned to join the woman ghost at the house they occupied while together. Fearing, that the new couple may have found their treasure, the ghosts go from â€Å"room to room they went, hand in hand, lifting here, opening there. Opening windows, whispering not to wake us, the ghostly seek their joy. † The narrator, being aware that there are ghosts in the house, never feared being harmed. In the end, the author reveals that the buried treasure is â€Å"the light in the heart,† referring to all the different places in and around the house, where they had expressed their love to each other. The female ghosts says, â€Å"Here, sleeping; in the garden reading; laughing, rolling apples in the loft. Here we left our treasure. † It had never been missing. The major characters are the â€Å"Ghost† couple and the minor are the living couple; the ghosts are both dynamic characters. Through the entire story, the ghosts go from frantically searching for their treasure, even believing that the current residence may have found it. To realizing, what they were searching for was there the whole time. Therefore, changing the thought that they had lost their treasures, when truly their â€Å"treasure†, which was the love and joy they shared in the house was never lost and remained in the house all this time. As for the living couple, I believe they are both static characters. Their opinion of the ghosts or house never changes through the entire story. The conflict in this story is internal. As the ghosts search frantically going room to room. They realize, that the treasure they are looking for is not an actual tangible item, but â€Å"the light in the heart,† which is the love they held in their hearts and the memories they had in the house. The setting for this short story takes place in a centuries old two story house with a garden. The house sits on a tree-lined avenue close to a farm. With the description of â€Å"all the leaves were green in the glass†, you might think the season is most likely spring or summer. Therefore, I believe the setting to be general. The story is written from the first person point of view, through the perspective of the narrator who’s the new resident in the house. She lives in the house with her husband and she tells the reader about the ghost’s conversations and activities. Using first person point of view in this case builds suspense as the reader follows the narrator through this living â€Å"haunted† house. Woolf uses irony, stream of consciousness, and repetition to explain what is happening. By using stream of consciousness, she is able to tell the lives of the characters by revealing the associations and thoughts they have. For example, â€Å"Here we slept,† â€Å"Upstairs†, â€Å"In the garden†. These quotes let the readers know all the different places they shared their joy and love. The first use of irony is clearly in the title, â€Å"A Haunted House. † This haunting is unlike the stereotypical kind we might expect that produces a sense of fear and/or dread. The living couple had no fear of these ghosts in their house. The irony is the total opposite. Throughout the story, the author shows the reader the love and great memories the ghost couple shared in the â€Å"haunted house†. Virginia Woolf uses the repetition of the words â€Å"here† and â€Å"it† to describe the â€Å"treasure† and where it may be. The reader is informed that the ghost are trying to look for something, it’s not until the end of the story that the reader is informed what â€Å"It† was. With the use of streaming consciousness, irony, and repetition Virginia Woolf was able to portray the meaning of â€Å"A Haunted House. † That the joy and love shared between the ghost couple is the treasure of life and love. The theme of the story is man vs love. The central idea is that love is everlasting and conquers all. Even after death, the love and joy remains hidden within us all, if you know where to look.

Beethoven Concert Symphony

The dates of the performances are not known because this is a review of an E-concert recording. I will begin with the piece that was personally named by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Pastorale Pastorale is a five movement symphony, the only one with five movements that Beethoven wrote. Each movement is individually titled although Beethoven noted that the names were merely suggestions and were not to be taken literally (Classicalmusiceducation. om). The music does however seem to match up beautifully with the titles. The first movement is titled; Awakening of Cheerful Feelings on Arriving in the Country, Allegro ma non troppo and begins with an opening drone. The piece has a very quick, but somehow leisurely pace that repeats itself in a typical sonata form. Themes emerge, but do not seem to be in conflict as in other symphonies, there is a lack of noticeable tension. Imagine a forest, with the sounds of nature in perfect harmony, the winds rustling through the trees and birds chirping and s inging. The movement concludes with a coda comprised of a powerful increase in volume and emphasis with a return to the opening theme as basses Join in. The second movement is titled; Scene by the Brook, Andante molto mosso and continues the calm and relaxed mood set in the first movement. This movement seems to be in variation form. A gentle melody develops and the music seems to quicken. A completely new tune is introduced by a bassoon that is repeated several times. The themes are passed from woodwinds to strings and back to the full orchestra several times. Woodwinds seem to represent bird calls throughout the movement further adding linkage to the title. The end is marked by a flute and clarinet in a virtual bird conversation. This appears to be a cadenza before the ompletion of the warm and rich movement. The third movement is titled; Merry Gathering of Countryfolk, Allegro, This movement is a classic scherzo in triple meter. The opening theme is conducted by the entire orchestra. This movement is in great contrast to the first two, much faster and more powerful. The scherzo gives way toa trio that is quite energetic. The woodwinds are splendid in their representations ot birds again . The Scherzo seems to repeat in a a compressed fashion. The movement ends with a strong cadence that ends sharply and shifts to the next movement. The fourth movement is known as; Thunderstorm allegro. The bass is deep and vibrant, the woodwinds pierce the air, and the entire orchestra create a powerful stormy atmosphere. The rise and falls of this piece are dramatic and enhanced by the strings piercing anxiety. The sounds seem to shake the environment, rhythm is hard to detect, everything is crashing and disjointed, much like a real storm. Suddenly there is calm as if the storm has dissipated and the beautiful country side has reappeared. The fifth and final movement is called; Shepherds song, Glad and Grateful after the Storm Alegrettd. The main theme is introduced by clarinets, horns and violins. The main theme is repeated several times with variations as the woodwinds are intermixed. The entire orchestra Joins in an extended transition as the opening materials are reintroduced. There is an extended coda and the main theme is varied. There does not seem to be a climax in the ending, Just a final strong cadence and a magnificent sense of completion that is enlightening. The five movements of Beethovens Symphony No. 6 Pastorale draw listeners in with a quick, but leisurely tempo and rich developed movements. The symphony seemingly flows and fits the titles beautifully. It is easy to paint a picture ofa noble ountryside, nature, and all the activities it entails. Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 5 Emperor is a three part traditional concerto, an Allegro, Adagio, and the Rondo. This concerto was named Emperor because of the powerful themes and heroic note of the composition (wrww. all-about-beethoven. com/ concert05. html). The opening of the concerto brings a main theme introduced by a solo piano with the full orchestra providing a dramatic presence of several chords. The piano flourishes grow in length until reaching a cadenza after the third time. The full orchestra Joins in and carries the theme into the full exposition. The theme is bold with a pleasant interjection of a second subject that seems to tiptoe through the movement. The orchestra stays in the tonic key as the piano modulates and reaches a wide variety of tones as the scales are worked. The development of the movement effectively flips the lead. The orchestra now leads and the piano accompanies. The main theme rhythm is reinforced by a powerful bassoon. The coda is lead by horns and Joined by the rest of the orchestra to a thrilling close. The second movement is a slow movement and begins quietly with a simple main theme presented by strings. I felt like I was in church. The melody of the movement makes it seem simple but it still has many variations within. The original theme is maintained within the development in a very refined and deliberate way. This movement evokes clarity and relaxation. The piano builds toa crescendo and backs away as if were weeping. The piano is seems to fade away as a low woodwind plays long notes and sustains the theme. A very low tone on the piano and woods is held for long periods and then the piano dashes out vibrantly and the orchestra Joins in a spirited conclusion of the movement. The third movement is a classic rondo that seems to begin without a distinct break rom the second. The piano again traverses the scales dramatically and is accompanied by the orchestra. The drums fade as the piano solo fades out. With the pause, the piano Jumps aggressively back into the chromatic scales which are a foundation of the themes throughout the concerto. The orchestra is along for the ride toa rapid and powerful finish. The Pastorale symphony and Piano Concerto Emperor present dynamic representations of nineteenth century music which represented more direct and unrestrained emotions (Strayer 209). Both pieces are energetic and lead the listener through a winding path of emotion.

Race and Your Community Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Race and Your Community - Research Paper Example I am an Afro-American, living in a White dominated community in Maryland, US and can vouch from personal experience that the racial discrimination is still very much in vogue, though in a more subtle form! In the community I am living, there are overt and covert means of racial discriminations. There is distinct air of superiority displayed by white members. There are two Churches and blacks are discouraged to attend the Sunday congregation in the Church where the white members go. Once, when I was new to the area and had inadvertently attended the Sunday mass in their church, I could sense the displeasure in their stiff faces and silent stares that had made me very uncomfortable. I had later realized that the Sunday mass was conspicuous in its absence of any black church goer, barring myself, of course. Afterwards, I was subtly informed by the white priest that it would be better for me to go to the other church where I would be able to find more ‘friends’. Maryland has a long history of racial intolerance but after getting educated and gainfully employed, I was fairly certain that the old prejudices against the blacks would have considerably reduced. But living in the present community which has people coming from diverse background but still dominated by white population, was an eye-opener. Few of the Asians and Hispanics, who were my neighbors, were also wary of displaying any open friendly gestures. Though, they talked and were not averse to be helpful when I needed something, they did not come forward to make friends with me, on their own. They had probably been fed erroneous information about us from the white leaders of the community. It has been about a year since I have moved in this area. Two major and many minor religious festivals and occasions have passed. The various community based functions, rallies and charity walks were held during the period. In all those occasions, no invitations for participation

Development of Teaching Strategies Research Paper

Development of Teaching Strategies - Research Paper Example While developing a teaching strategy, some of the points that must be considered include but are not limited to the objectives of teaching and its learning outcomes, the needs of students, the desires of students, the previous experience of the students as learners and the strategies of teaching that they are used to, the expertise of the teacher, the resources available to the teacher, and the possible impact of the adjustments made in the teaching method on the teacher. This paper discusses the development of teaching strategies. Fundamentals of Effective Teaching Significance of subject in the teaching strategy Developing an effective teaching strategy is integrally linked with the subject that needs to be taught. Learning needs differ from one subject to another. On one hand, there are subjects that are entirely theoretical e.g. history, politics, and philosophy whereas on the other hand, there are subjects that are mathematical e.g. math and physics etcetera. There is also a thi rd category of subjects that are both theoretical and mathematical simultaneously depending upon the course selected for that subject e.g. risk management. To be able to impart maximum knowledge to the students, it is imperative that a teacher assesses the individualistic needs of the subject being taught. For instance, developing a teaching strategy for the subject of â€Å"History† might not require a teacher to take the students on a field visit because most of the knowledge is essentially gained merely by reading the books whereas for the subject of â€Å"Geology†, a teacher might never consider the job done unless the students have been taken to a field visit and have been provided with an opportunity to see, touch, and feel the rocks, minerals, and metals that constitute a particular strata of Earth. Equal attention While teaching, it is the moral and ethical responsibility of a teacher to provide all students with equal attention. Disparity in the division of at tention of a teacher among the students is one of the causes of poor academic performance of certain students; the ones that are neglected or not sufficiently attended to. â€Å"In this task, teachers are crucial because of the central role they play in promoting participation and reducing underachievement, particularly with children who might be perceived as having difficulties in learning† (Rouse 1). (McGhie-Richmond, Underwood, and Jordan) carried out a study to investigate the skills required for effective teaching in the elementary teachers in the inclusive classrooms. The researchers’ objective was to find out if the appearance of the constructivist skills follows from or is independent of the mastery of more transmissive behaviors of teaching. The researchers found that the patterns of behaviors of teaching were consistent across the students, though the academically ‘at risk’ students were found to be receiving differentiated instruction and less a ttention of the teacher as compared to other students. Differentiated teaching The term â€Å"differentiated teaching† means planning of ways by the teachers to address differences in such factors as age, culture, profile of multiple intelligences, ethnicity, temperament, personality style, development and possible delays in development, and styles of learning of

Cambodia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cambodia - Essay Example This is what will be dissertated in the following. One of Cambodia's major natural resources is its forests, but illegal logging has severely hurt this industry. Both the environmental groups Global Witness and Friends of the Earth have collected videotape testimony of logging officials admitting to the illegal exportation of timber. Vietnam stated that the government "firmly respects the forestry policy of Cambodia and has advised all provinces and competent authorities to carry out the Vietnamese Prime Minister's order to ban logging exports to Vietnam." (Vietnamese 'Furniture' Plundered from Cambodian Forests, p.2). The issue of deforestation in Cambodia is a major one, not only because of the fact that their forests are one of their major natural resources, but also because the act of deforestation takes away from another problem they are experiencing, which is wildlife extinction. Many measures have been taken in an attempt to at least cut down the element of deforestation, considering how terribly damaging it is to Cambodia as a whole. In February of 1999, the Prime Minister of Cambodia even tried to pass measures to crack down on illegal logging, and as well he asked for donors to give money in order to help protect the forests. "But despite the measures taken and an estimated 1.3 billion dollars in aid, Global Witness says that the illegal logging and exportation continue." (Leggett, n.d.). The root cause of the deforestation which is taking place in Cambodia seems most likely to consist of many elements. Not only a combination of governmental mismanagement and corruption and economic development, but also the ever-widening gap between classes continue to cause deforestation across Cambodia. The significance of forests both for their natural resources as well as for their innate beauty continues to decline, and environmental protection remains undervalued. Although there is not one sole cause, the element of guerilla factions can for the most part be considered as the root cause of Cambodia's deforestation. In regards to these guerilla factions, we are speaking namely of the Party of Democratic Kampuchea or Khmer Rouge. "During the Cambodian conflict, guerilla factions and the State of Cambodia used logging to finance their war efforts. The SOC exported timber to Thailand. Thailand depended on neighboring countries like Cambodia for timber as it had to adhere to a 1989 logging ban." (Think Quest, 2005). Another major environmental problem in Cambodia is that of their wildlife extinction dilemma. This issue includes the wildlife of many different species, including the freshwater dolphin. Wildlife preservation officials are extremely worried that Cambodia's rare freshwater dolphin species will be extinct in the next 10 years; with most of these dolphins dying in fishing nets. Studies have shown that an estimated 10 dolphin calves are born a year, but Fisheries Department data shows that 14 died in 2003, 18 in 2004 and 13 in 2005. Tourism Ministry Secretary of State Thong Khon said the ministry has begun patrols along the river and is further investigating the reasons behind the deaths of the dolphins to prevent their extinctions. Hunting is widely considered to be the greatest immediate threat to wildlife in the Dry Forests, as well as throughout the rest of Cambodia. Although people primarily hunt for

Men and women, Yin & Yang Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Men and women, Yin & Yang - Essay Example When a person meets his Mr. or Ms. Perfect, the pull is irrefutable and incomprehensible despite all differences in behavior and personalities. They are attracted to each other even when they are living far apart. This attraction has always been there in all ages. The girl is yin, and the guy is yang. Yin attract yang with her feminine traits, and yang attracts yin with his masculine traits. Yin is emotional, while yang is indifferent. However, both yin and yang harmonize each other quite perfectly, balancing each other’s negative traits with their positive ones. The yang characteristics of men help them in reasoning and making logical decisions. Their way of approaching problems and solutions is based on intellect rather than emotion. They accomplish their mission with ingenuity and wisdom. They use their absolute willpower and persistent determination to achieve their goals. They are blessed with such resolute power with which they can lead independent lives. They are patient, understanding, and authoritative in nature. They consider themselves as that positive light which can bring the world out of darkness. Hence, they are also dominant in their personal relationships. In contrast, the yin characteristics of women include receptiveness, shyness, and responsibility. Women are more inclined toward emotional logic and sixth sense. They perceive problems with their inner eyes, and spend ample time in making choices that prove to be fruitful in the long run. They give importance to love over practicality. They are more compassionate than their yang counterparts, and believe in poignant aspects of relationships. To them, love is the most cherished possession, and they will do everything to sustain it. They are born with self-sacrificing nature, and are inclined to prefer others to themselves. Extremities in yin and yang characteristics disturb the balance that is required to maintain harmony between the two genders. When a man is too yang, he