Pasific Blue and House of Fraser Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Pasific Blue and House of Fraser - Essay Example Internal forces are called Strengths if they add to the prowess and ability of a firm, and Weaknesses if they dilute its power and capacity. In this paper, we will be analyzing the cases of Pacific Blue in New Zealand’s airline industry and the House of Fraser in the context of the UK’s department store industry, looking at their problems and recommending solutions. Porter’s Five Forces Model Michael Porter in his book ‘Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Competitors (1980) points out that there are five forces acting upon all firms in an industry that determine its chances of entry, exit and survival. Industrialists and producers set up barriers to entry or exit that can prevent or delay the entry of competition- so that they in the meantime reap the profits and revenues available from the interested consumers. These forces are the (1) likelihood of new entrants; (2) power of buyers; (3) power of suppliers; (4) degree of rivalry and (5) threat o f substitutes. Thus any one and all of these forces can impact a firm’s chances of success or failure in a particular industry at any given time. Porter maintains that an industry is a group of firms that market products which are close substitutes for each other. Thus we have the airline industry, the retail industry, the automobile industry etc. which deal in products and services that are close substitutes for each other. Porter also uses the concept of industrial groups according to whether the degree of segmentation of products or services is wide or narrow i.e. they are loosely or tightly segmented (Porter, 1980). The Pacific Blue Case Study Coming to the case of Pacific Blue, it seems that it is stuck between a rock and a hard place. At the one end it has Air New Zealand, the dominant competitor and national airline of New Zealand, for which locals have affinities mainly due to the reason that most industries are foreign operated and dominated. However since the entry of Qantas and Pacific Blue, the degree of competition has intensified. Both Qantas and Pacific Blue are foreign owned, one being Australia’s national carrier and the other a joint ownership between UK’s Virgin Group and Toll Holdings of Australia. With Air New Zealand having the major market share and most of the routes, the newer entrants are struggling to compete. Air New Zealand’s response to Qantas’s entry was to cut down on its costs and offer no frills basic flights that enabled passengers to travel very easily and inexpensively. Qantas has been constrained to operate with just four airplanes on New Zealand routes. It had also to build its own terminals since Air New Zealand got the best preferences here as well. Pacific Blue entered the arena in 2007 and chose to operate on a small scale only, choosing two or three main routes on which it can serve the most passengers i.e. Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. It focuses on low cost but high servi ce. Meanwhile the entry of Pacific Blue has also forced Air New Zealand and Qantas to reconsider their strategies. While there has been an increase in the number of flights on the most travelled routes- a price war has also been triggered, with seats priced as low as $1 and $9 if booked well in advance. Air New Zealand has planned to attack at both ends, looking at the low price segment on no frills flights

Diabetes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Diabetes - Essay Example Additionally, the paper gives a clear outline of the management, complication, and multi professional diabetes services that are relevant to type 2 diabetes. 1.2 Case Study Sarah is 39 years old lady admitted to the ward due to abdominal pain, loss of weight, dehydration, and generally feeling unwell. On admission, Sarah does not have past medical history but genetically has diabetes and heart disease. Through examinations such as chest x-rays, ECHO, blood and urine test, it is clear that there is glucose in the urine, with further investigations showing that she has type 2 diabetes. Finally, the study gives evidence on the evaluation of education strategies in relation to the effective self management on Sarah, and evidence based knowledge with regard to assessment, treatment and management based on the best treatment. ... Apparently, type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic factors that are related to the secretion of insulin, resistance of insulin and environmental factors such as lack of exercise, over eating and aging. Besides, type 2 is a disease that is caused by multi factors that entail multiple genes and environmental factors, which vary depending with the situation (Barnett, A., 2011). None the less, the advancement of type 2 diabetes is purely associated with a family history of diabetes like in the case of Sarah. The considerable higher concordance rate between monozygotic twins as compared to that between dizygotic twins indicates the involvement of genetic factors. Hence, it is assumed that pathogenesis is involved in the genetic abnormality, in the molecules related to the regulatory system of glucose metabolism. The role of environmental factors such as aging, obesity, insufficient energy consumption among others are independent risk factors that are associated with type 2 diabetes. Impaired secretion of insulin and its actual resistance contribute to the advancement of path physiological conditions. Essentially, impaired insulin secretion is a reduction of the response of glucose, which is present at the onset of diabetes. The tolerance of glucose is induced by reduction of glucose response in the early phase of insulin secretion, over and above, the reduction of insulin secretion after any meals (Winter et al., 2002). This reduction is crucial as it plays a basis path physiological change especially when the disease is at the early stage. If not treated it results to a decrease in pancreatic and cell mass in a human being a situation that affects the long term of blood glucose, (Williams

Art History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Art History - Essay Example The Plan of St. Gall shows an entire monastery compound, which includes things like churches, houses, a brewery, kitchens, stables, and an infirmary. While this plan was never actually built, much can be learned from it because it was probably a typical plan during this time period. The plan was actually made by combining five different parchments that were sewn together. This includes room for this like an orchard and a road. The buildings are marked with red, while everything else is marked in brown. There are over forty buildings that are present in this plan and although the buildings were never built, they are an excellent guide to how people lived during this time period. The plan itself is actually quite interesting, as things like the scriptorium and library are located on the inner concourse of the plan, while lodging and a hostel are located on the outer half. Also, the Abbott’s house in located near the scriptorium, which could symbolically mean that he is closer to God than the other monks. Many of the buildings that are present would be for economic reasons, as the monks had animals and places to grow fruit and vegetables located at these places. The plan was meant to depict a place that was entirely self-sufficient, meaning that the monks would not have to leave this monastery for any reason. This means that every aspect of life had to be explored in order to come up with a plan that would accomplish this goal, which is what makes this plan so important historically. The largest buildings that were present at this monastery were the buildings of worship and study, with these building also being located in the middle of the plan. The schools, houses, and stables were also quite large, but they were located on the outside of the plan. The entrance also led right up to the largest buildings. These large buildings were mostly meant for guests,

Critical Thinking - Academically Adrift Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Critical Thinking - Academically Adrift - Essay Example Students must be critical. Critical thinking is about questioning the conventional system of doing things especially when it is dysfunctional. Students must concentrate on solution finding academic procedures that are born through innovation (Padget, 2012). Critical thinking leads to increased concentration and outright improvement. Educators are duty bound to provoke students to be solution oriented. Students must look at innovation as the only way of survival (Sullivan, & Rosin, 2008). Methods of learning should be modeled to allow flexibility and educational engagement that is firmly committed to purposeful living as opposed to presentation of credentials. Lack of rigor has been cited as a major reason for declining educational standards. Many graduates are said to be living below the poverty line. The syllabuses have to be criticized. Students must take units that encourage them to be part of the solutions. The education system should be both preparatory and solution based. The intensity of successful education model should be in bent on answering the present day challenges (Sullivan, & Rosin, 2008). The culture of socially responsible education system must be entrenched in the future education systems. Units that enhance creativity and social engagement with an aim to get solutions must be given preference. This calls for funded research and innovation centers. The syllabuses should be regularly reviewed to counter the emerging challenges with cheap and sustainable

Shah News Essay Example for Free

Shah News Essay Identification of Problem A small newsagent named Shah News has decided to diversify, and begun to rent digital media to the public. It began as a small experiment, to see if it would work out in his current local area. To his advantage, it has become very popular because of two main reasons; because his newsagent is situated on a main road with most property being residential, and the fact that he has a highly respected reputation with the local area (mainly because of his competitive pricing of groceries, confectionary and cosmetics). He has already built a sizeable customer database, and currently he is just using a larger alternative to a notebook to store information on members and his media. He is already expending his media collection, as his member base gets larger too. He has discovered that it is possible to store information in database format on a computer, from seeing such set-ups in similar rental stores e.g. Video Box and Red Rose (incidentally, there is a Video Box branch 15 minutes walk down his main road, and a Red Rose branch another 10 minutes walk further on). He has a computer system at home, however seeing the low prices of such computers adequate for the job, he is confident to buy a new computer system purely for his computerised database. A computerised database system would be a perfect fit for his situation. It would certainly be better than the method he is currently using. Problems with his current system are too many to list, mainly because it is such an old fashioned way. Such main problems are: * Although he hasnt realised, he is not conforming to the Data Protection Act because his data is not secure i.e. it is all in a large tabulated notebook. This could be serious for him if his member database grows, and in future time, he is checked up by authorities. * It is long winded to create a member, because he has to write out details by hand, and also write a membership card by hand. Currently, he is just assigning consecutive numbers to members, as their Member IDs. This shouldnt have a big problem with implementation of the new system, as he can still keep his current member database intact without reissuing of new cards (eliminating cost of more cards and most importantly, eliminating unneeded hassle). * His media database is also in a separate tabulated notebook, where he is simply assigning numbers to all media to create media IDs (and media multiples). Again, this can be eliminated by means of creating a digital database. Also, the chances are that there will be more media than members. Therefore, if he did keep the notebook, he would have large problems finding media (as it isnt in alphabetical order because he is randomly and constantly adding new media in a top-down fashion). Again, this is unneeded hassle. Time is more valuable than money, because if he has a queue, he can process customers more quickly (meaning less aggravation for customers, as they want to be in and out of the shop in as smallest time possible, thus meaning longer lasting customers, leading to more rentals in future). It would be a worthwhile investment for him to have a digital system created. Identification of Prospective Users The primary user for the system will most probably be Mr. Shah himself, as he works in the shop full-time. Other possible users are family members who occasionally help out (as it is a family-run newsagent) be. Secondary Users of the system could possibly be of the following type of people: Administrators can administrate and debug the system, to keep it in operational order. Also, they can perform tasks such as installing software upgrades for the system, or recovery if the system fails. However, since this is no large store or national name, itd be appropriate to train a member of the family (possibly Mr. Shah himself) to be an administrator. Staff working in the newsagent (if Mr. Shah has to hire anyone for temp/permanent work because reliability of family help drops). The system isnt permitted for usage by members of the public because it must comply with the Data Protection Act; meaning that the data must be secure. Only permitted peoples of the newsagent will have access to the system. Now, although nobody else will have access to the system because it is a smallish shop, a password-entry system must still be implemented because the software has to comply with the Data Protection Act. Identification of User Needs and Acceptable Limitations The primary users will be the Staff working at that particular branch. As they will be working full days (maybe part time staff too), they will want a system that: Is extremely efficient and smooth-running. Tasks that need to be performed can be completed without hassle and in as less time and operation as possible. Has a very simple user interface, and is not heavy on the eye. The user will not have to operate different devices simultaneously i.e. keyboard and mouse. The system will be functional from keyboard usage solely. (similar to a till or an EPOS outlet). The media database will have to change to a digital database. This will simplify the whole rental process to, as each media will have a unique ID. Even multiple films will have different IDs, for example; there are 4 copies of the DVD-Video The Matrix, each one having IDs of MATRIX01, MATRIX02, MATRIX03 and so on. When a rental process takes place, the ID of the media that is to be rented, is assigned to the members account. As an integral task, that particular media ID is deleted from the database of media available for rent. When the rental period is over and the media is returned, the ID is unassigned from the members account, and also is put back onto the list of available media for rent. The system has to be able to accomplish tasks such as: The ability to add new members to the user database. The ability to view/edit/delete member details with ease. All members will have a unique ID, although itll be impractical to have members remember their ID. Therefore, maybe a membership card system should be implemented. This can truly authenticate a member from a non-member as an added advantage to the company. The ability to add new media to the database, and assign to it a unique ID. The ability to create rentals by assigning media IDs to member accounts. Also, the attached ability to mark that media ID as rented out. The ability to delete rentals from a member account. Also, the attached ability to mark the media ID as available for rent. The ability to view available/rented media in summarised form, and also to delete media that is not available for rental anymore. If media is rented, then the ability to view the details of the member whom it is rented to. The ability to notify automatically when a members rental period is expired i.e. overdue. The ability to create weekly reports for aid in analysis of the business. However, only managers will be able to view this information. (password required). In considering this system, there are limitations: The system will have to be made within a certain budget, and a certain time period. It must meet the required objectives, and at the very least, the essential objectives. It must also comply with the Data Protection Act, and to ensure members that their data is secure. Realistic Appraisal of the Feasibility of Potential Solutions The Original System: Advantages * Currently, everyone who works in the media-lending department are familiar with this system. This eliminates extra costs and time for training, which would be needed for a new system. * Can be expanded to cater for a larger member/media database easily with no hassle. Disadvantages * The system is slow and sluggish because media/member information needs to be found using a manual approach. * With the paper database for the media and members, there is a bigger chance of files and records getting mixed up, or even lost. * If there is a disaster e.g. a fire, then the paper database will be destroyed. This will be disastrous to the business because there is no back-up of the member/media databases. Also, insurance claims for the media (if destroyed also) could be unsuccessful because Mr. Shah will possibly have no other evidence of what media he possessed. * Theoretically, the member data isnt fully secure (to comply with the Data Protection Act) because it isnt being stored in a safe; the data-book is left under the counter. A new, revised, fully digital system through a programming language approach, using Delphi: Advantages * The program can be very precise to the required specification and objectives. * Can do the required tasks with great efficiency and speed. * Some small tasks are automatically completed by aid of the system. For example, when media is rented, it automatically gets put under a rented media group to avoid it being rented twice by the software. * All files are digitally stored, therefore consuming less paper resources. * Multiple copies of the databases can be kept easily for backup purposes. The backup must be securely stored in order to comply with the Data Protection Act. Disadvantages * It can prove costly to have the system made, as it will be a bespoke system, and not an off-the-shelf software program. * It can prove even more costly if it needs to be modified or upgraded, as only the programmers can modify it (they have the source code), and they can charge a large fee for this. * It could take a long time to develop, and one of the limitations is the that it takes to develop the system. * It will be non-compatible with other software, and could require some training for the prospective users, therefore inflicting more cost on the business. * It can be prone to bugs, because it wont have been fully 100% checked (not like software that is on the market i.e. off-the-shelf software). A New System In A Database Approach Advantages * It will be much easier and user friendly to operate the database (and the application), as users will hopefully be more familiar with database applications. * It can be made to a much smaller budget, as less time and programmers are needed on the job. * Complicated searches can be carried out (queries), and reports can be made with ease and speed, as these functions are specialities of a database application. * Can still do the required task very efficiently, with speed and accuracy. Possibly more speed, as the database application will be specially optimised for this. * Files are again, digitally stored, therefore consuming less paper resources. * Easier to modify the database application, for creating add-ons and making more features, as there is no source code, and advanced programmers arent needed. This is a job that Administrators could do. * The system will have no bugs (if any), compared to possible bugs of a programming approach. This will be because of the fact that the database program will be an off-the-shelf piece of software. * Multiple copies of the patient/equipment database can be kept for backup purposes. Also, these backups will most likely be compatible in other database applications (making consideration for upgrading the database application in the future). Disadvantages * The system can take more memory (hard disk space, as well as RAM), as the database application has high demands for these memories. * The application might not be as precise to the specification as it could have been with the programming approach. * Although the branches will have a PC and peripherals, database applications are demanding on RAM and hard drive space, therefore it is possible that the PCs will require upgrading if the specification isnt up to the job. Thus meaning, more cost for the company. * The company will have to buy a version of a database program for every PC. This could be expensive, because as well as paying for the bespoke database, they have to pay for the program that runs it. Justification of Chosen Solution It seems clear that the manual system is out of the question. Too many disadvantages eliminate this possibility. A fully digital system has many more advantages and possibilities. The second issue, is of how the system will be made; either through a database approach or a programming language approach. It appears that the Delphi approach and the database approach seem to be on the same level as each other, in terms of advantages and disadvantages.

Non-Conventional Energy Resources

Non-Conventional Energy Resources India is a country rich in natural resources as well as in population. In order to cater to the needs of ever increasing population, we have to conserve our natural resources by utilizing them carefully. Energy resources are considered to be the most needed resources for the existence of mankind. The conventional energy resources like gas, oil and coal are used everywhere starting from the household chores to industrial activities. As the conventional resources are subject to depletion nature and cannot be regenerated immediately, there is a rummage around for alternative sources of energy. The government of India has recognized the need for the development and promotion of non-conventional energy resources like solar energy, wind-energy, bio-mass energy etc to conserve conventional resources. Establishment of Non conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (NEDCAP) is a milestone in this endeavor. The article highlights the importance of non-conventional en ergy resources and the role of NEDCAP in promoting these sources and discusses the various sources of non-conventional energy and highlighted the efforts of NEDCAP in conservation of conventional sources of energy. *Associate Professor Head, Dept. of Management, Auroras PG College, Hyderabad and can be reached @ [emailprotected] **Assistant Professor, Dept of Business Administration, PVP Siddartha Institute of Technology, Vijayawada and can be reached @ [emailprotected] Introduction The conventional energy resources are continuously registering a diminishing balance with the population explosion and industrialization-taking place all around the world. India is the second largest in the world in the statistics of population and considered to be sixth in the consumption of energy as per the study conducted by the Government of A.P. In view of the existence of a large gap between the requirements of the population and the availability of the conventional sources of energy there is a need for the development of a sustainable resource based alternative for the conventional energy resources. The conventional energy resources are the natural resources like coal, oil and gas. With the rapid developments taking place in the industrial sector the need for energy is also increasing constantly. It has become inevitable to supplement the exhaustible resources with renewable resources to cater to the needs of the future generations effectively. Fortunately, India is gifted wi th large amount of sustainable non-conventional energy resources like solar power, wind and biomass along with small hydro power and industrial and domestic wastes. These resources are natural, cost free, available abundantly and readily usable for the generation of energy in different forms. Moreover these are pollution free and hence can be used to produce clean form of energy without any wastage apart from being renewable. So there is a need for the development of non-conventional energy resources in the country. Non-Conventional Energy Resources As the demand for power and energy is increasing rapidly and depletion of natural resources is taking place with the same pace, the emergence of environmental friendly and pollution free non-conventional energy resources has become a viable alternative. The non-conventional energy resources like solar energy through thermal as well as photovoltaic systems, wind energy, bio mass, hydal energy and industrial and household wastes will help the economy to a great extent in enhancing the power generation capacity and energy needs of different sectors. The following is a brief presentation of the renewable sources of energy. Solar Energy: India has a locational advantage in receiving abundant radiant energy form the sun as it is located in the equatorial sun belt of the earth. Majority of the Indian continent is bestowed with clear sunny weather in all most 280-300 days of a year. Daily solar energy incident over India varies from 4-7 KWH per square meter depending on the region. Solar energy can be used in two ways: Solar Thermal Conversion: Conversion of solar energy into heat using devices of steel, copper, aluminum is called solar-thermal conversion. A solar thermal device captures and transfers the heat energy available in the solar radiation. The energy generated can be used for varied applications in the household and industrial sectors like water heating systems, air heating systems, cooking and other household utilities. Solar Photovoltaic Conversion: This is the conversion of solar energy into electricity using semi conductors and their hybrids to convert the solar energy into Direct Current form of electricity for the application of DC and AC. The electricity thus generated can be used to needs of home lighting, street lighting and running motor pumps etc. The direct current form of solar energy is a major technical consideration for SPV application. Wind Energy: The evolution of windmills to convert wind power into energy, using wind turbines dates back to the beginning of the century. Denmark was the first country to install the first windmill for the generation of electricity. Later many countries entered into the field of wind energy. India started operations during 1983-84. The technology involves generation of electricity using turbines, which converts mechanical energy from the wind mills and is mainly used for pumping water from bore wells, open wells etc .However, average wind speed is major technical consideration to harness wind energy depending upon the climatic conditions and geographical locations of the project. Bio mass and other Bio energy systems: Bio mass is yet another renewable source of energy with potential to generate power to the extent of more than 50% of the requirements our country. Indian economy is predominantly an agricultural based economy with the availability of huge quantities of biomass available in the form of husk, straw, shells of coconuts and of wild bushes etc. Bio mass resources include large quantities cattle dung and other organic wastes. The biomass resources can be used for production of thermal energy or electricity. It can also be used to produce gas that may be used for combustion and to run gas engines. Small Hydro Power Hydropower is tapped from running waterfalls, canals and other water streams containing relatively small quantities of water but with some force of falling. The force of falling and flowing water can be converted into electricity by using turbines. This is a cheaper and abundant source on energy in our country. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 MW of power can be generated with the potential of the small hydro projects in the country. This power can be used to meet the requirements of the vicinity areas of the water streams like agro processing and milling. Industrial and other Wastes: These projects utilize the municipal and industrial wastes which has a problem for their disposal. The cleanliness of urban and industrial areas are achieved by utilizing these wastes as raw material to generate power. Wastes from the household, agricultural and industrial sectors are utilized to produce electricity. Industrial wastes from sago manufacturing units; sugar manufacturing units, poultries and others can be effectively used to produce power. This is a source of cheaper and renewable energy source available in India. Production of gases can also be undertaken using the wastes. Government Initiatives in Conservation of Energy Realizing the potential for energy from renewable sources, the government set up the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES) in 1992, which is now called MNRE. The Prime Minister directly controls the activities of the ministry. MNRE activities include promotion of renewable energy technologies, creating an environment conducive to promote renewable energy technologies and assessment of renewable energy resources. Various sources of renewable energy are identified and policies are developed to supplement the conventional energy resources under the auspices of the ministry. Nodal agencies with different names have been established in different states to achieve the primary objective of supplementing the energy needs of the states. Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limiited (NEDCAP) The nodal agency of Andhra pradesh is popularly called NEDCAP. Initially the name is Agro Pumpsets Implements Ltd., (APIL) for implementing non-conventional energy programmes sponsored by both the State and Central Governments. The corporation was incorporated on 21.10.1969 and was renamed as NEDCAP on 10-5-1986. The primary objectives of the Corporation are To survey, develop and implement renewable energy programmes of the State and Central Governments. To generate electricity through renewable sources like wind and solar energy on a decentralised manner. To conserve the sources of energy in rural areas. To import and adopt viable technology and machinery in the areas of Non-Conventional energy sources and ensures post installation service. To impart training and to promote research and development in the field of Non-conventional energy sources. To provide technical consultancy services in implementation of power projects through renewable energy sources. To achieve the above objectives NEDCAP has initiated many programmes in different areas of non-conventional energy sources. The programmes are continuously monitored and necessary support is extended to individuals, non-profit making organizations, commercial and industrial organizations working in various projects associated with renewable energy resources. The following are some highlights of the promotion measures initiated by NEDCAP. Promotion of solar energy Government of Andhra Pradesh has issued GOs under reference Nos. G.O.Ms.No.302 M.A. dated : 03.08.2004 and G.O.Ms.No.506 MA dated: 03-12.2004 of Municipal Administration Urban Development (M) Department making mandatory for installation of Solar Water Heating Systems at proposed construction of hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, guest houses, lodges and multi-storied buildings of stilt + 5 floors or 15 meters and above height provision shall be made in their plans. NEDCAP is taking all necessary initiatives in the implementation of the programme. It is providing subsidized loans with banks with concessional rates of interests. Type of Users Rate of interest applicable Domestic users 2% Institutional users not availing accelerated depreciation 3% Industrial and commercial users availing depreciation 5% Source: www.nedcap.gov.in Along with the provision of loans at concessional rates of interest, NEDCAP is also providing capital subsides for the organizations which are not availing the facility of soft loans depending on the type of the organization and the area used for collecting the solar energy. The subsidies are Rs. 1100 per square meter of the collector area for registered non-profit making organisations and Rs.825 per square meter of the collector area for registered commercial establishments. Further it is providing and incentive of Rs. 100 per square meter for motivators and agents working in the field of attracting potential buyers of the solar water heaters. Promotion of Wind energy Based on the studies conducted through wind monitoring exercise, it is found that the southern part of Andhra Pradesh has got wind potential for setting up of wind farms. The areas in Anantapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool and parts of Nellore and Chittoor district have been identified with relatively better potential sites to set up wind power projects. In the master plan to assess the potentiality in southern part of A.P. it is estimated that there is a potential of about 2100 MW capacity. NEDCAP has established 2.25 MW wind farm project at Kondamedapally, Kurnool dist. and 2.50 MW wind farm at Narasimhakonda, Nellore district under demonstration scheme of MNRE. To encourage investment and to promote wind power projects in Andhra Pradesh, the Govt.of Andhra Pradesh has announced a comprehensive policy and incentives to set up wind power projects in private sector. NEDCAP is the single window clearance agency to sanction projects up to 20 MW capacity in the State and so far 100.12 MW capacity of projects by 30 developers at Ramagiri, Kadavakallu, Tallimadugula in Anantapur District and on Tirumala Hills, Chittoor district, was commissioned. The total installed capacity is 107.37 MWs as on March, 2008. NEDCAP extends the following services to the wind farm developers to set up projects in private sector. Clearance of projects Selection of suitable sites for the proposed projects Providing data related to the speed of the wind and related parameters Guidance on suitable equipment needed , its erection and commissioning of the project Guidance on inter-facing of the project Co-ordination with the revenue department on the land allotment to the proposed projects Necessary technical assistance to the projects sanctioned and to the ones commissioned. A total of 0.25% of the project cost subject to a minimum Rs.1.50 lakhs / MW is payable to NEDCAP towards sanction fee of the project. Promotion of Biomass utilization After identifying the abundant availability of bio mass in the state of Andhra Pradesh NEDCAP has started implementing the Biogas programme since 1982-83. The initial stages of implementing the programme, 4 cum 6 cum capacity KVIC model biogas plants were erected. It has been observed that KVIC models of biogas plants are comparatively associated with high initial costs along with periodical maintenance. Since, 1990-91, the Corporation is promoting the Deenabandhu model as it is less expensive and more efficient. The programme gained momentum and the same model is continued. The Corporation till now has installed around 2.50 lakhs biogas plants in the state so far. Under the biomass programme rural energy programmes are designed and implemented. Rural Energy Programmes Sl.No. Description Nos. Installed 1 Family Size Biogas Plants for cooking 2.8 Lakhs 2 Improved Chulhas 27.28 lakhs Source: www.nedcap.gov.in National Project on Biogas Development Basing on the studies conducted and on the success of the plants already installed in Andhra Pradesh, there is huge demand/potential for the establishment of Biogas Plants in Andhra Pradesh. The estimated potential of family size biogas plants is 10.90 lakhs. So far 2.84 lakh family-size biogas plants have been installed in the state. Improved Chulhas The estimated potential in Andhra pradesh is 95 lakhs. Since 1984-85 the achievement is 27.03 lakhs. Presently, the programme is being undertaken with State Govt. assistance. Promotion of Industrial waste based Projects NEDCAP is authorized by the A.P. State Government vide. G.O. Ms. No. 253, E F (RES) Department, dated 15-11-94 to sanction the Municipal Solid Waste/Industrial Waste based Power projects of capacity up to 20 MW. Andhra Pradesh is having a number of Industries which generate effluents. These effluents are to be treated to have value added products. The waste generated from Industries like sago, starch, palm oil, distilleries, dairy, vegetable wastes and poultry etc can be treated to generate Electricity. The following table presents the total capacity of the power generation projects undertaken in the industrial waste management area. i) Municipal Solid Waste Projects 107 MW ii) Municipal Liquid Waste 16 MW Total 123 MW iii) Industrial Waste Projects 135.0 MW Source: www.aponlineltd.org It is estimated that there is a huge potential of 40 MW from municipal solid wastes in the cities of Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur. Two projects aggregating to a capacity of 12.6 MW are under implementation at Hyderabad and Vijayawada cities. It is estimated that there is still an untapped potential of 135 MW from industrial wastes including poultry, distilleries and others industries operating in the state. Out of this potential projects with a capacity of 1.50 MW have been commissioned. Small Hydro Power The activity of power generation from small hydro power has been transferred from AP TRANSCO wing which was previously known as APSEB to NEDCAP vide G.O.Ms.No.37 dated 01-02-1999 of Energy (Power I) Department, Government of AP. The assessed Hydro Power potential is 1000 MW (approx). The status report on Small Hydro Power projects is shown in the table given below. Status of small hydro power projects as on 31-03-2008 S.No. Description No. of projects Capacity in MW 1 No. of projects sanctioned 47 146.603 2 No. of projects commissioned 31 92.353 3 No. of projects under progress 05 7.150 4 No. of projects Financial closure not completed 11 47.100 5 Detailed project reports referred to Irrigation Dept. for issuance of No Objection Certificate 125 305.500 Source: www.nedcap.gov.in The total no of projects sanctioned are 47in number with a capacity of 146.603MW. The capacity utilized so far is 92.353 MW through 31 projects commissioned under private sector participation. The number if Projects, which are in progress, is 16 with a capacity of 54.250 MW. The proposals and detailed project reports referred to Irrigation Department for issuance of No Objection Certificate are aggregating to a total capacity of 305.500 MW. Andhra Pradesh is one of the pioneering states in the country in encouraging the non-conventional energy based power projects. The State Government has authorized the nodal agency NEDCAP to sanction NCES based power projects of capacity up to 20 MW in private sector also along with the public sector participation. The cumulative installed capacity as on 31.10.2003 is 473.09 MW which is about 4.6 % of the total installed capacity in the state. During the year 2002-03, 1287.55 Mega Units of power was fed into the State grid which is 3.65 % of the total volume of power generated in the state. The Non Conventional Energy based power projects have the following advantages Environmental friendly and produce green power with less costs and free rawmaterial. Every KWH of power generated from NCES will eliminate 1 KG of Carbon emission into the atmosphere which is relatively very less when compared with conventional sources like coal, oil and natural gas. Non Conventional Energy Sources are abundantly available and are renewable with in no period of time. Low gestation period of the projects commissioned under the utilization of non-conventional sources. Also helpful in conserving the rapidly depleting reserves of fossil fuels. Helpful in creating rural employment and self employment opportunities Helps in improving the economic and living conditions of the rural population. Conclusion The importance of non-conventional energy resources is gaining momentum in the country as well as in the state. India is now one of the countries implementing various programmes on the utilization and promotion of non-conventional energy resources. Rightly identifying the need of the hour for the conservation of energy resources the Planning Commission of India in its Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) has highlighted the need to develop domestic supply options and diversify energy sources. The projections of the report state that non-conventional sources may account for 5 to 6 per cent of Indias total energy mix by 2031-32. As the Nodal agency of the state of Andhra Pradesh, NEDCAP is taking all necessary initiatives to promote the usage of the renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biomass, industrial wastes etc, as evident from the above discussion on various areas of non-conventional areas of energy. Private participation is also solicited in some of the areas like pow er generation and solar heating systems. To become more effective in the promotion, NEDCAP can also undertake promotional and publicity campaigns for individuals, NGOs, commercial and non-commercial institutions elaborating the importance of the conservation of the conventional sources of energy and the need for supplementing them with non-conventional sources. Finally it is aptly said that Save Nature and Enjoy the Future

Leadership in Thoughts from the Tao-te-Ching and The Qualities of a Pri

Leadership in Thoughts from the Tao-te-Ching and The Qualities of a Prince Lao-Tzu’s â€Å"Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching† and Machiavelli’s â€Å"The Qualities of a Prince† both have the ultimate goal of making better leaders. The tactics that each writer chooses to present as a guide for the leader are almost opposite of each other. Today’s American government would benefit from a combination of the two extreme ideas. Lao-Tzu’s laissez-faire attitude towards the economy, as well as his small scale, home defense military is appealing to a liberal person. Machiavelli’s attitude towards miserliness and lower taxes, while being always prepared for war, would appeal to a conservative person. The writers are in agreement on some issues, such as taxes, but other ideas, such as government involvement in the everyday lives of citizens are completely opposed to one another. Lao-Tzu believes in moderation and small government. He states that a leader should stay within his country and govern his people only. He stresses that when the maser governs, the people should hardly be aware that he exists. A leader who is loved is better than one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised (22). Lao-Tzu also believes that war is not necessary when all follow the Tao. He states that â€Å"violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon itself;† therefore, if you have a neutral position, you will not be harmed (24). He believes that people are inherently good and not greedy. Man’s greed...