Global Economic Crisis Research Paper Essay Example

Global Economic Crisis Research Paper Essay Introduction The global economic crisis, a simultaneous occurrence of several economic catastrophes since the summer of 2007, is arguably the most significant global economic slowdown since the fall of the communist bloc. As discussed below, the current crisis should not be categorized as a normal recessionary phase along the business cycle, but rather as a turning point in more than a few economic processes and lines of thought. Furthermore, several sectors and regions were struck much severely than the average. Needless to say that every specific economic situation differs from the other, and thus it is imperative to separate the aggregated numbers and the global actions from the conditions, which should bring about a positive change in the near future. We will write a custom essay sample on Global Economic Crisis Research Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Global Economic Crisis Research Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Global Economic Crisis Research Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Although many economists praise the actions taken by US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and report that the world’s largest economy is about to end its recession (Izzo), and other major European markets (such as Germany and France) are recovering as well (Herbst), many economies around the world are far from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Some of the best known examples are Russia and other Eastern European countries (most notably Ukraine), whose economies have shown a gradual recovery from the financial crisis that struck the region in 1998. This paper analyzes recent trends and prospective of the Russian port industry, while paying special attention to Russia’s major port on the Black Sea, namely the port of Novorossiysk in the south-western territory of Krasnodar Krai. The Contemporary Economic Crisis The course of economic events throughout the past two years has already received more than a few nicknames. Some call it â€Å"financial crisis† or the â€Å"credit crunch,† while others use economic terminology such as â€Å"recession,† â€Å"slowdown† â€Å"subprime crisis† and so on. In fact, as indicated in the introduction, the definition of a crisis would arguably best fit this situation, as it comprises negative aspects from all the economic concepts described above. The Reasons for the Economic Crisis It is widely agreed to link the current crisis, which is defined by leading economists as the worst since the â€Å"great depression† of the late 1920s (Business Wire), to several main causes: First, as observed by Richard Freeman already in 2002, the US housing market experienced long years of overbuilding, which exceeded not only the ability of people to buy houses, but also the population natural growth rate. This has led to two major results – devaluation of houses and, as described next, loose credit policies that ignited the burst of the so-called â€Å"housing bubble† (ibid.). Second, in order to encourage purchase of houses, financial institutions increased their share in the so-called subprime mortgage market, which is simply lending activities with borrowers whose ability to pay back the loan is questionable. The underlying assets, namely the purchased houses, served as collateral for the loan. Moreover, these asset-backed loans were sold and resold as debt in the bond markets, creating a paradoxical situation, in which houses were leveraged many times more than the original value of the asset. Third, due to the devaluation of houses and widespread default among borrowers, all those financial institutions, which took part in the lending chain, suffered heavy losses and many of them collapsed one after the other. These events, which became highly noticeable in late 2007 and throughout the first half of 2008, trembled the financial markets, bringing about a slowdown in most sectors of the economy, first in the US, and shortly afterwards in the rest of the world. The Global Recession 2008-2009Without going too deeply into macroeconomic principles, it is clear that difficulties in the financial markets have vast direct and indirect effect on the rest of the economy. Such effects can be observed, for example, by looking at consumption patterns, national product and income of individuals, companies and whole countries. A state of recession, which is formally defined as â€Å"a six-months fall in gross domestic product† (Rutherford, 492) and thus serves as an important marker for an economic slowdown, was declared in the US b y the National Bureau of Economic Research in December 2007. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which declared global recession in 2008, expects the world economy to contract by 1.3% in 2009, although it should start a slow recovery process in 2010 (xii). But beyond all these figures and many others, the most important issue is the effect on individuals in developing as well as developed countries. Lower income, higher unemployment and other difficulties such as higher risk and more expensive credit for businesses are the facts, which build together the aggregated growth and income figures. Unlike the â€Å"great depression† of the 1920s-1930s, governments and international economic institutions have engaged in actions to improve market conditions and to encourage growth. These actions included, among others, government guarantees for bonds, open market operations (e.g. buying General Motors stocks), low- to zero interest rates and financial support plans for extremely weak economies such as Ukraine and Iceland. All these actions and others seem effective, and justify the optimistic perditions given above. The Impact of the Global Crisis on the Port Business Seaports provide transition services for imported and exported goods. The improvement of global transport; the opening of the former members of the USSR (together known as the Commonwealth of Independent States) to the west; and the removal of many trades and barriers on international trade, have all contributed to the development of the port business in Russia. In addition, years of positive growth in Russia brought about growing demand for Western imports, as well as demand for Russian minerals and energy products, many of which are transported through the Black sea to or from Western Russia. Under the same logic, every change in one or more of the factors discussed above leads to a contraction in the port business. Equally problematic is the inability of clients to pay their debts to the ports, leaving the latter with considerable amounts of bad debts. Finally, the rivalry among the different seaports in the region and the rivalry between seaports and other transportation services (air, rail and trucks) force price competition, which may decrease revenues and profitability. Before discussing the specific areas in which the global economic crisis can affect the port business, it should be also noted that the seaport activities are not limited to the port itself. In fact, not only the port’s employees and its shareholders are affected, but also many other people and businesses. These secondary effects influence many other activities, including the land transportation from and to the port, fuel for ships and trucks, state customs and so on. Moreover, due to decrease in port-related income, port cities (especially those cities whose residents’ main source of income is the port) should suffer greatly from people’s inability to spend on products and service, to pay local and national taxes and to provide decent living for their families. Finally, unemployment in such cities is expected to rise, putting additional pressure on the public welfare services. Case Study: The Port of Novorossiysk, Russia General Company InformationNovorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP) is a supplier of stevedore and port services, which operates 97% of the services in the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. The company, whose shares are traded at the London Stock Exchange as well at the Russian Trading System, is rated â€Å"BB+† and â€Å"ruAA+† by Standard Poor’s and â€Å"Ba1† by Moody’s. The port is the biggest in Russia and the fifth in Europe in terms of cargo turnover (NCSP, â€Å"Annual Report 2008† 3). Despite its focus on port services, the company has built a wide array of technical abilities, which allowed NCSP to be a rather diversified company within the port services sector: according to The Winthrop Corporation, NCSP offers â€Å"shipment of oil and oil products, other liquid cargo, dry bulk cargo and general cargo, [†¦] tug, towing and mooring services for vessels in and around the port, and also provides emergency, hazardous materials response and waste management services at the Port.† As of 2008, NCSP reported it has 7,382 employees, with an average monthly wage of USD 1,183. The Implications of the Economic Crisis on the PortAs expected, the sea transportation business and port services experience significant slowdown in terms of volumes and revenues. A recent report by AXS Alphaliner, an information platform for the shipping business, sheds light on the negative trends within the industry. The low operational results, which the source links to both overcapacity and reduction of demand for shipping, can be demonstrated through several facts: The number of idle (i.e. unused) container carriers is 2.2 times higher than in 2008, and accounts to 6.5% of the entire global container capacity. As of February 2009, total orders for shipping was accounted for only 43.6% of the existing capacity. As opposed to their forecasts before the outbreak of the crisis, JP Morgan analysts forecast the growth of demand for container transportation by only 2.6% in 2009 against earlier forecast at 7.6%. All of NCSP’s major competitors within the Black Sea Region, such as the current market leader portConstanta from Romania and several ports in Ukraine, have seen a decrease in container transshipment from the end of 2008. Interestingly, both AXS Alphaliner and NCSP (â€Å"Press-Centre†) report an increase in the port of Novorossiysk, which raised its monthly throughput by 67.6% compared to January 2008) and reported a total turnover increase of 8.4% between January-July 2009 compared to the same period one year ago. Nevertheless, as can be seen in Table 1, the growth in tonnage is not equal among all sectors of the business. Perhaps the most important decrease was registered for the container turnover, which declines sharply by 58% within a year. Furthermore, the implications of these mixed results are not clear yet; for example, despite a growth in its oil and petroleum cargo turnover, the recent fall of oil prices may also imply lower surcharges for this cargo, which may reduce the revenues compared to last year or even show a negative figure. In conclusion, although the company shows relatively good operating results so far, the future is not necessary so bright for NCSP. The reasons for making some changes in the company are twofold: First, as discussed above, the overall economic environment is unclear, whereas the situation in Russia is still rather difficult. Hence, there are many reasons to believe that NCSP’s business volumes will decline and/or will not grow enough to employ its immense capacities. Second, the company’s individual risk is still high. For example, its net debt in 2008 was almost USD 400 million, which accounts for more than 100% of NCSP’s EBITA (NCSP, â€Å"Annual Report† 5). Moreover, the company’s workforce in 2008 was smaller by 500 employees, or about 6%, compared to 2007 (ibid., 49). It would rather sound to assume that more layoffs are expected in the future. Recommendations The port business is complicated, large-scale and highly responsive for external events. In order to remain competitive and to thrive, NCSP executives should consider several managerial steps: First, the company should aspire to cut its overhead costs as much as possible. This includes, among others, revaluation of all administrative and managerial positions, termination of unnecessary business units and unification of others. For example, functions such as security, accounting and engineering can be outsourced to specialized suppliers. Second, due to the current reduction in container transport, which accounts to about a half of the port’s turnover, the company should consider temporary shutdown of at least one of the terminals at the port. If the management will be flexible enough, it will be able to use the current excess capacities of the terminal only as a response to short- or long-term increase in demand. Third, NCSP should continue to diversify its portfolio. Prospective services, which can be developed and/or expanded in the near future, are to be found in the current capacities of the port. For example, the port can offer highly competitive prices for the shipyard services (which convince shipping companies to fix their ships in this port); it can sell towing services to other ports; and it can use its proven managerial abilities (as can be seen from the port’s strong position against its competitors on the Black Sea) to offer consulting and/or management services. Conclusion After long years of growth, Russia struggles to break free of the recession in the country, which came as a direct result of the global economic crisis. The sea transport sector in general, and the ports along the shores of the Black Sea in particular, suffer from drastic decrease in volumes, revenues and profits. Under these circumstances, NCSP shows fairly good operational results, at least for the time being. Although many economists believe that the world is about to recover from the recession, it is imperative to reexamine the port’s current operations and to look for ways to improve its efficiency. Using maritime terminology, the crisis should be referred to as a storm. It will end sooner or later, but when it will, the shores may look very different from what they were earlier. Therefore, the port should follow the recommendations described earlier, which focus on its ability to remain flexible, to use its capacities wisely and to outsource its current unnecessary units and operations.

How to make APA citation properly

How to make APA citation properly APA citation style Sometimes, students do not know whether it is better to paraphrase author’s ideas or cite them. In order to understand what to do, you should distinguish between citing and paraphrasing. If the words used for describing concepts do not matter, you may use paraphrasing. In case the ideas have to be presented in the author’s words exactly, you should cite them. This rule should be applied to APA citation as well as to other styles. Note that scientific works are usually paraphrased, while those in art – cited. What is the difference between paraphrasing and citing? Paraphrasing means using one’s own words to present a theory of another author. In this case, it is necessary to make reference to the original work. Moreover, you should separate your thoughts and ideas from the paraphrased ones. Citing means using the words of other authors to describe their concepts. The cited text should be placed in quotation marks. Do not forget to indicate the text the citation is taken from. Your paper should be cited properly in accordance with the format whether it is an MLA citation style or another one. You should not use long quotations. It may be difficult for readers to understand your paper. Citations will make your paper reasonable. However, it is sometimes better to paraphrase ideas then quote them. Thus, your essay may be more coherent. Secondary Sources You should use secondary sources in rare cases, for example, if an original text is unavailable. Do not forget to indicate the used source on the reference page. If your paper is formatted in APA, you should make proper APA referencing. Thus, you should present an original entry and cite the secondary source. Why is it necessary cite or paraphrase? Academicians often cite or paraphrase the works of other scholars. What are the reasons for this? Take the following points into account: When writing an academic work in Harvard citation style or any other format, you may need to provide research results obtained by other scholars. You need to provide concrete statistical data taken from another work. You may use the ideas of other authors to develop those of your own. Sometimes, examples are taken from an original source to illustrate the covered points. Bibliography and Reference List The Chicago referencing list (or that of another style) presents all cited or paraphrased sources in your paper. It should be added at the end of your work. A bibliography is a list of entries which you have used to produce your piece of writing no matter whether you have cited or paraphrased the ideas taken from them. Plagiarism Issues Students know that using the works of other authors without indicating them in the MLA referencing list is considered plagiarism. It goes not only about text, but also about illustrative material. If you do not reference an original text, it means that you present the borrowed ideas as your own. It is forbidden. Besides, it may cause you a lot of problems. There are some cases when presenting the ideas of another author without citing them is not considered plagiarism. If the stated facts are common knowledge, you do not need to make an APA style citation or any other format quotation. However, you have to be sure that the expressed opinion is known by everyone. Reference Styles Academic works can be organized in APA citation format, MLA, Turabian, etc. Each style has its own peculiarities. There are two major groups of styles: numbered and parenthesized. When your work is formatted in one of the parenthesized styles, you need to shorten a full reference which follows an APA in text citation. You need to provide the author’s name and publication date. You may also include page numbers. In the numbered style, a number goes immediately after MLA in text citation. A complete reference should be presented on the reference page. On the APA citation page, the references should be presented in the same order as they are in the body of the paper.

Demand & Supply Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Demand & Supply - Essay Example Law of supply, on the other hand, proposes that firms would supply more of a good at a higher price than they would at a lower price. Again all other factors, notably scarcity of the good, are held constant. This results in an upward sloping supply curve. The market equilibrium is attained at a point where the demand and supply curves intersect giving us the equilibrium price. In this analysis the impact of an increase in consumer income is shown by a shift in demand curve outside. On this demand curve the consumer demands more of the good at the same price. Similarly a specific choice pattern of consumer would result in a differing demand curve. For instance take the example of a consumer who is collector of paintings from a particular historic period. This consumer can pay any price for a desired painting up to a certain point and his demand curve may be shaped accordingly. Whereas the supplier would continue to be governed by the basic law of supply.

Organic Farming in Saudi Arabia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Organic Farming in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example One of the most significant expositions of the aims and principles of organic farming is presented in the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements' (IFOAM) basic standards for production and processing (Anonymous, 68). "To create integrated, humane, environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural production systems, which maximize reliance on farm-derived renewable resources and the management of ecological and biological processes and interactions, so as to provide acceptable levels of crop, livestock and human nutrition, protection from pests and diseases, and an appropriate return to the human and other resources employed". In some respects, this definition stands as the complete opposite to conventional productivist agriculture, which implies extensive use of artificial inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides designed to increase productivity in food production. Introduction, intensification and optimization... In some respects, this definition stands as the complete opposite to conventional productivist agriculture, which implies extensive use of artificial inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides designed to increase productivity in food production. Organic Farming in Saudi Arabia: A Proposal Goal Introduction, intensification and optimization of organic production, environmental protection and the promotion and supporting the access of Saudi organic products to local, regional and international markets. Purpose: The project has the specific purpose of the increased involvement of Saudi Arabia in promoting Organic Agriculture. The introduction could offer diverse benefits, such as income generation, natural resource conservation, food self-sufficiency and social development. Outputs & Major activities To achieve Output A. Output 1-Information about the current situation in the concerned countries regarding market and organic production of olives, dates, cotton, and medicinal and herbal plants is collected, and analyzed. Activities: Carrying out the information survey. Data Collection and analysis. Interpretation of results, conclusions and recommendations. B. Output 2-Organic Agriculture in selected sub-sectors (olive, date palm, and cotton, medicinal and herbal plants) in Saudi Arabia is strengthened. Activities: Setting- up new Information Centers (IC) / Focal points Equip with required information and technical literature. Collection and analysis of existing information. Development of individual work plans for each IC. Development of contacts with the local OA movements to promote OA in Saudi Arabia. C. Output 3- Participation and capacity in the structures and membership of

Marketing Analysis Of The Product Olay Marketing Essay

Marketing Analysis Of The Product Olay Marketing Essay The Procter Gamble As a consumer goods company PG had global, on the ground presence in about 150 countries, more than 300 brands manufacturing, distribution and selling acclivities going on day to day basis. PG compete a wide collection of categories ranging from baby care, household care, fabric care, beauty care, food and food care, per care and as well as health care. Olay The trust by the women over fifty years made Olay as the world wide leader in skin care products. The entrepreneurial and innovative chemist Graham wulff, from South Africa, in the early 1950s developed the formula for Olay. In next followed twenty years, graham along with his business partner Mr. Jack Lowe, put up the company that they both shaped to market Olay hooked on successful international organization with a 10 million dollar turnover a year. When Mr. Wulff functioning for the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in South Africa in the early 1950s. As he was a productive inventor, he set up a laboratory at his home, at his home he used to develop products at his free time. He determined to formulate a product which extensively cares for skin, as his attention turned to skin care. The brilliant advertising and marketing intuition of Mr. Jack Lowes has invented the first name as Oil of Olay, designed the label and wrote on the pack copy. Jack wrote the advertising copy to the magazines and newspapers as tips and beauty hints with suggestions on how to use the product. Then Adams National Industries formed by both the partners Graham and Jack to market Oil of Olay. A high demand made to the product as Oil of Olay made remarkable to success in the South African market. The extremely effective style advertisements proved by the reader. In 1985 Procter Gamble acquired the Oil of Olay making Oil of Oaly from strength to strength. PRODUCT LINE OLAY Olay has offering a multitude of 11 product line, some of them are à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Olay Professional Pro-X Olay Professional Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of skin care that gives you younger-acting, younger-looking skin in 28 days. Guaranteed.* It works by resignaling your skin to repair the moisture barrier and boost the surface-cell turnover rate. The result? A new anti-aging breakthrough thats potent, proven, and professional. Olay Definity The face of anti-aging will forever be redefined. Go beyond lines and wrinkles. New Olay Definity transforms the look of brown spots, dullness and uneven skin tone. The result? A look thats highly defined. Luminous. More flawless. Olay Regenerist Olay Regenerist, formulated with the exclusive Olay Amino-Peptide Complex, beautifully regenerates skins appearance, without irritation, by renewing its outer layer one cell at a time. The result is skin that looks, feels and behaves more like new skin. Total Effects The key to the success of Total Effects is its exclusive VitaNiacin formula. Proven effective in fighting multiple signs of aging, this exclusive combination helps rejuvenate and beautify your skin while improving the condition of the skins moisture barrier. Olay Complete Olay Complete moisturizers give your skin all-day moisture, vitamins and UVA/UVB protection in a lightweight formula for healthy skin every day. Suitable for all skin types, Olay Complete matches your skins needs with its formulas for regular, sensitive, combination/oily or extra dry skin. Olay Hydrate Cleanse Olay Hydrate Cleanse dissolves oil, makeup and dirt while a mild surfactant gel matrix helps to sweep away impurities for a clean, rinsed feel. Formulated with an emollient cleanser and skin hydrators, Olay Hydrate Cleanse leaves skin feeling and looking beautifully healthy. Daily Facials Daily Facials gently clears away oil, dirt and makeup down to the pores, leaving your skin refreshed, rejuvenated and beautifully clean. From quick, convenient cloths to double-sided discs to powerful scrubs, masks and more, Daily Facials has a cleansing product perfect for you. Olay Clarity Life can be stressful, but it doesnt have to get under your skin. Olay Clarity is the first line of Olay cleansers with a dual-hydroxy formula to actually help your skin resist blemishes aggravated by stress and hormones, day after stressful day. Olay Body Lotion Olay Body Lotion products dont just moisturize. They actually strengthen the skins natural moisture barrier to prevent dry skin over time, thus breaking the cycle of dry skin. The result is a strong, essentially impermeable moisture barrier that protects your healthy skin from the elements. With regular use, skin stays hydrated, supple and radiant even if you skip a day. Olay Body Cleansing Olays moisture-rich shower products will take your shower to a whole new level with luxurious moisturizers and skin-loving cleansers. Theres one thats just right for every skin type. Shower your body in skin-loving cleansers and moisturizers from Olay today. Olay Touch of Sun A moisturizer with a touch of sunless tanner, Olay Touch of Sun gives your skin a radiant, sun-kissed glow. No streaks. No orange coloring. No sun required. Source: www.docstoc.com/docs/14719894/Oil-Of-Olay-Products Skin Care Market: Skin care products consumption grew over the years of the review period. Women are spending more money to get a good look. For a better and younger look they are willing to try new products. to maintain consumer loyalty and loyalty, the companies in skin care industry adopting the latest technology and making the revolutionary substances to new products. The improved number of working women equates the women spending more money to spend more on their skin care, skin care become one of the favorite path for expenditure. Brand Strength: The introduction of Skin Tone Analysis System (STAS) by PGs Olay brand in selected stores enables Olay beauty consultants with a proper training to analyze customers skin type as well as perform consultations to suggest the best product to meet their needs. Aimed at the clinical dermatology market created at CDP originally development of technology is STAS. STAS encourages brand loyalty increasing the basket spends, as it is powerful sales tool providing the customers along with graphical demonstration of the science that backed the range of Olay. http://www.cambridge-design.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/pdf/ProductSystems.pdf Olay Strenghts: http://www.beautyandaging.com/oil-of-olay-review Olay is made available widely in may retail stores and also made available online as well. Olay has innovated many product lines in the skin care segment to reach a different and a large variety of consumers world wide who have their own set of needs, and most importantly Olay is a very long established company under Procter Gambles hood which is one of the largest companies and globally dominating. Olay has a spread widely all over by installing kiosks in malls and retail stores through out and had achieved a large number of customers who are quite happy with the positive results of the product. The brands range from high end to low end, respectively, to reach different demographics. Olay does have free samples on their websites, which does allow users to try out their products without any obligation to them initially, making it an attractive offer. Nonetheless, this is a skin care line specifically geared toward anti aging prevention in women. The main ingredients of Olay are pentacide peptides that helps in reduction of wrinkles and make the skin look younger ,because of its miracle treatment success the consumers are quite satisfied with its results thereby making them buy the product again and again. Olay weaknesses: Some of the issues found in Olay ingredients are that there are no results from the clinical trials which they had posted for any of the product lines in their website. And also the unavailiabilty of personal testimonies makes it difficult to believe all the claims of their products because the reviews given on them did not have names or pictures. It was hard be convinced of the credibility of these type of claims when more details were not provided with the result that each person had using the skin care line. Another problem that occurred was that customers are not able to directly purchase Olay through Olay.com, making them have to go to another source. The odds are that you have heard of Olay before because it is so well known as a big name brand. This product line has a lot of money that has gone into it, but they are still lacking the conclusive information necessary with the support of clinical evidence to show what their products really have to offer.   One more issue could be the fact that this line targets women specifically who are middle-aged and also some of the main ingredients used have been contentious in the past. This includes the use of additives like glycerin, which have been argued will remove moisture from the skin instead of adding it to the complexion. Olay would do better to potentially focus on more powerful active ingredients in their skin care line to attract users. One of the main drawback of Olay is that its priced very high because of which not many customers buy the product as a result of which olay looses its customers to its competitors like Garnier, Loreal and others who are priced according to the mass market consumers. BRAND EFFECTIVENESS: There are significant benefits to a successful brand extension: Identify logical new product possibilities Capitalize on the paid-for equity in established brand names Enable a company to enter new categories at significantly lower cost Reduce the risk of failure given the already established awareness and trust Create a positive synergistic effect with the efficiencies of umbrella branding and advertising Reinforce the consumers perceptions of the parent brand name Bring news to existing brands when there is otherwise nothing new to say about them Brands are a constraint to enter into new variants. Brands (not production capabilities) are the prime barrier to entry into most categories. Many companies could make a cola, but only Coca-Cola owns that brand. As a result, well known existing brand names can be the way for a company to enter a new category that otherwise would be impossible. Our brand extension study for Reeses identified peanut butter as a logical brand extension. Hershey could not have efficiently entered the peanut butter category without the Reeses brand. In effect, brand extensions allow a company to capitalize on the previously paid for recognition, reputation and leverageable equity of its brand names. With the prohibitive cost of establishing new brands (just ask ex dot-coms), brand extensions save companies money. When done correctly, they also reinforce the properties of the existing parent product through synergy and bring news to the brand. It is not uncommon to find sales of the parent product rising a fter the launch of a successful brand extension. Notice how was the Olay brand introduced into the soap business: source: http://www.brandextension.org/benefits.html Olay has launched a various types of skin care products so as to extend the brand into different variants in the skin care segment very successfully there by validating its brand effectiveness prevailing on its consumers minds . The procedure of extending a brand also has other potential benefits. In recent years, the UKs cosmetics market has seen many brands launching exclusive and expensive lines after gaining some of the market share. Examples of this include Procter Gambles Olay skincare line.Olay on itself is a great example of a brand which recognized a need for multi-branding, which let them avoid one brand cannibalizing the market share of another as well as reserved more valuable space on stores shelves for their products. In November 2008, they launched a range of premium skincare products under its Olay brand. The Olay Pro-X range is aiming at mass market but is being marketed as a luxury product at the same time. This is closely related to PGs desire to re-position the b rand for high-end market customers. The Pro-X series is yet another additional line in Olays family and it benefits from the fact that the awareness of core brand can reduce costs. Olay has been an established and popular brand so its name will increase the willingness of consumers to try new brands. According to PG spokesman, Pro-X is aimed at customers who are more likely to buy mid- to premium-range skincare products from department stores. (Marketing Week, 30.10.08). The fact that Pro-X is an extension, not a new brand, makes it much easier for distributors and retailers to agree on distributing and selling it as they dont need to worry about potentially risky aspects, e.g. safety issues. Customers perceived risk of purchase also becomes lower than in the case of a completely new brand. PG first did a research if the online marketing would benfeit the brand and wether if it will influence the minds of the customers as they wondered that wether the payback is better than the other media choices in terms of influencing sales, they then focussed on effectiveness and have come up with a strategy as ., does online advertising affect sales? If it did, then how can the marketer achieve sales in the most cost efficient manner and it included the best frequency, targeting and other dynamics. PG started with an ample frequency of 40 ads per consumer over 8 weeks this was way too past the point making it expensive, however it was very effective and then the next step they took was to make the brand efficient and they cut the frequency down and entered online there by making a tremendous impact on its sales. BRAND VALUE: poolonline.com According to the source brand value mainly on the financial performance and the brand market performance and olay has very efficiently balanced both its financial and the brands market performance. Olay is Britains bestselling skincare product, according to Marketings Biggest Brands survey. However, year-on-year sales were down by 11% in the 12 months to July 2005, and in this years Readers Digest Most Trusted Brands survey, Nivea knocked Olay off top spot being one amongst its tough competitor (bowery). Olay undoubtedly has done a marvelous job of building on its heritage of skincare for its majorcore target the older women. Women of this age have a greater disposable income and will buy premium products, even if using mass-market brands for their daily skincare. The major challenge for Olay is to target young customers. The anti-ageing brands are driven by constantly changing ingredients, making it hard to build specific benefit loyalty. Olay s ads are approachable and real. It is a safe, trusted and comfortable brand.(according to SHIRIN VALIPOUR GLOBAL BUSINESS DIRECTOR, JWT) source: http://www.market-intelligence.com.au/images/brand.png AWARDS: Olay has received quite some awards stating its Brand loyalty,Brand image among which some of the latest awards are., Glamour Magazine gave their Glammy Award toOlay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, for Best Drugstore Eye Cream,(September, 2009). Life Style Magazine gave their Beauty Award to Olay Definity Eye Illuminator , for Best Eye Cream, (August, 2009). Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Award goes to.. Olay Definity Color Recapture for Best New Anti-Aging Product and Best New Product Overall in a survey among 50,000 consumers, (January,2009) Consumer Survey of Product Innovation gave their Product of the Year Award to Olay Body Wash plus Spa Exfoliating Ribbons Winner Body Care Category. Survey of 100,000 people by TNS. (January, 2009). These awards prove that the brand has made a significant impact on the consumers mindsets and has established a very strong brand loyalty, and also its Brand Image as an unbeatable market leader in the skincare industry in the anti ageing cosmetic sector. TARGET MARKET: Olay mainly targets middle aged women from 25-45 as the product is for reducing wrinkles with the basic concept of looking young and therefore so is the target market, though Olay could have implemented research and developed new age products for younger women to achieve the market share and increase is brand equity, Inspite of very few publics falling into the brands target the brand has marked a place as a global leading skin care product. MARKET SHARE: BRAND IMAGE: CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS: BHAI PLZ HELP OUT WITH THIS UNTIL THEN I WILL FIGURE OUT THE REFERENCESà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ OK MERE BHAI ..

Vitro Corning

Identify and discuss Corning's strategic predisposition toward a joint venture with Vitro. Because of long histories of successful joint ventures and had been an innovative leader in foreign alliances for over 73 years, Corning's strategy of establishing the joint venture relationship with Vitro seems to be a ideal combination and will lead to success. However, the joint venture became subject to a series of cultural and other conflicts that began to undermine this vision. According to company officials and external analysts, cultural differences were a principal cause of the alliance's failure. Therefore, lack of fully understanding Mexico culture is the key predisposition of Corning's strategy. What is culture? One of the well-accepted definitions is given by Goodenough (1971), who has defined culture as a set of beliefs or standards, shared by a group of people, which help the individual decide what is, what can be, how to feel, what to do and how to go about doing it. The main cultural clashes between two companies are discussed as follow: Different decision-making style between Mexican and American: Vitro and other Mexican businesses are much more hierarchical, with loyalty to fathers and patrons somehow carried over to the modern corporation. As a matter of loyalty or tradition, decisions are often left either to a member of the controlling family or to top executives, while middle level managers are often not asked their opinions. As a result, Corning managers who work in the joint venture were sometimes left waiting for important decisions about marketing and sales. Refers to a Corning executive: â€Å"If we were looking at a distribution decision, or a customer decision, we typically would have a group of people in a room, they would do an assessment, figure alternatives and make a decision, and I as chief executive would never know about it. † My experience on the Mexican side is that someone in the organization would have a solution in mind, but then the decision had to be kicked up a few levels. ‘ Different working efficiency: The Mexicans sometimes saw the Americans as too direct, while Vitro managers, in their dogged pursuit of politeness, sometimes seemed to the Americans unwilling to acknowledge problems and faults. The Mexicans sometimes thought Corning moved too fast; the Americans felt Vitro was too slow. Other difference in culture: America is a advanced country in modern society with only 227 years history, traditional culture has far less important position than fashion in most Americans' mind, contrarily, traditional culture plays a significant role in Mexico, most Mexican are conservative even in large companies. For instance, Corning's offices in upstate New York are in a modern glass enclosed building, while Vitro's headquarters in Monterrey, often thought of as Mexico's Pittsburgh, are in a replica of a 16th century convent, with artwork, arched ceilings and antique reproductions. To sum up, attitudes, orientations, emotions, and expressions differ strongly among people from American or Mexican. These differences are fundamentally cultural. According to Hofstede's culture dimensions, we can get the conclusion as the table demonstrated below: As shown in the table, although culture of both countries has masculinity characters, there is still a large culture gap in other aspects between American and Mexican. Therefore, without fully understanding Mexico's culture leads to the failure of Corning's alliance strategy with Vitro. Cultural clashes among partners in joint ventures are not a new issue. Discuss why an MNC, and specifically Corning, would be interested in fully understanding the culture of a potential before deciding on an alliance. Culture clash – the cultures of the companies are not compatible and compete for dominance. The businesses of both companies suffer while attention is diverted to the contest and it may destroy the key element of prior success. (Jeff Jacobs 2001) Although there is evidence of increasing cultural convergence between countries around the world, cultural differences among countries will persist. It is widely recognized that cultural differences between the partners of a merger are one of the most common reasons for failure in mergers, this may happen during pre-merger negotiations or during post-merger integration. Thus, fully understanding the culture of a potential can help managers anticipate problems in negotiating mergers and prevent them from disrupting what can be an attractive and mutually beneficial market entry strategy. In this case, as an innovative leader in foreign alliances, Corning has formed approximately 50 ventures over the years. Only 9 had failed (dissolved), an impressive number considering one recent study found that over one-half of foreign and national alliances do not succeed. With this proud record, Corning was confident of being succeed in the joint venture of Vitro, however, the joint venture became subject to a series of cultural and other conflicts that began to undermine this vision. Culture is about shared assumption, beliefs, values and norms. Each organization has its own culture developed from its own particular experience, its own role and the way its owners or managers get things done (Hellard, 1995). Since culture may affect the MNC in many aspect of its international development, even like Corning, which has rich foreign alliance experience, cannot ignore the effect cause by culture clash. It is unalterable principle for Corning to fully understanding the culture of its partner before it decides on an alliance. International alliances are an ideal setting within which to explore cultural differences in negotiations because they involve not only up-front negotiations over the initial structure of the relationship, but also constant and ongoing negotiation to manage what can be an inherently unstable and continuously evolving organizational form. If Corning and Vitro still want to remain in the alliance, understanding and accepting the other part's culture is the precondition. According to there is large culture gap between America and Mexico, how to narrow this gap or create an agreement of new value concept is the possible solution. The specific method advised as follow: 1. Managers from USA and Mexico who will work together in the alliance should meet and negotiate the detail of establishing the new company in each country before they carrying out the merging plan. 2. Employees from both companies should learn about how to minimize the breakage of culture clash. There should be a particular training for the employees who will work together in the new merger. The skills to overcome an embarrass situation are indispensable for them. 3. In order to get used to working in a new environment with different culture, Corning and Vitro can implement a manager-exchange program before new company established. Managers participated in the program will be assigned to the partner country and pursuit as probation period for the purpose of experiencing the local culture. 4. After new company established, localization is a important key to keep it operating properly and performing well, which mean among employees of the new company, local residents should have larger proportion. In addition, the final decision of the new company should be made by the local manager, and manager from the other part just take the responsibility of supervision and report the current operating situation to parent company. 5. In the early days of the alliance, executives from both companies should gather frequently to summarize the new company's performance of the previous period, exchange the information they collect from the operation of local company. Till the new companies enter into the right path, they can meet quarterly for further strategies. Discuss why both companies would continue to distribute each other's product after the joint venture failed. What impact might the public statements about the failure have on the relationship? Both Corning and Vitro remain in the situation of distributing each other's product even after the joint venture failed. The main reason is they still can make profit from counterparts' market. We can understand it easier from the first purpose of why Corning enters into joint venture: to gain access to markets that it cannot penetrate quickly enough to obtain a competitive advantage. In addition, both companies were globally oriented, and both had founding families still at their centers, Corning specialized in cookware and Vitro in tableware. Corning was accomplished at melting glass, while Vitro was expert in molding it. The companies intended to combine product lines based on where each company had technical leadership, and they began to swap technology to enhance their respective capabilities. Even though the alliance had been failed, both of them still can get competitive advantages from each other. Furthermore, if the culture clash problem can be solved or minimized, they still have opportunity to merge. Someone might consider the impact of public statement on the failure of their partnership negative. In fact, it might be a good thing; there is a famous saying in China: a loss may turn out to be a gain, a blessing in disguise. As we know, no company's development is plain sailing on their way to success, frustration is inescapable, what can you learn from the frustration is more important. In this case, the joint venture dissolved illustrate there is a culture gap between both companies, but not the quality of products or managing skills and something else. The failure can provide a clear orientation to Corning and Vitro's further positioning, once they can acknowledge and face bravely to the failure, and analyze the reason lead to the failure, the rare experience they gain is much larger than they lost. In future operation, they will consider more cautiously and more comprehensively before they decide to establish a new joint venture. Certainly, culture clash factors included. Reference: Goodenough, Ward H. , 1971, Culture language and society , modular publications, 7, Addison- Wesley: Reading MA Hellard, R. B. (1995), Project Partnering: Principle and Practice Hofstede, G. 2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations (2nd ed. ). Jackson, T, (ed), (1995). Cross-Cultural Management, Jeff Jacobs. (2001). How Culture Affects Mergers and Acquisitions X. Zhang, Y. Wang, J. Wrathall & M. Berrell, 2002, International Management–Managing in the Era of Globalization, P eople's University Press, China Available: http://www62. homepage. villanova. edu/jonathan. doh/CORNINGcase. rev. doc Available: http://www-edocs. unimaas. nl/files/mer95011. pdf ;/pre;;/body;;/html;

Challenges of Youths in Our Contemporary World

CHALLENGES OF YOUTHS IN A MODERN WORLD The Longman Modern English Dictionary defines youth as â€Å"the state or quality of being young, the period from childhood to maturity; young people of both sexes†. A youth is characterized by features such as youngness, restlessness, strength, independence, curiosity; search fro greatness, vigor good, health etc. Pope John Paul II during his visit to Nigeria in 1982, addressed the youths in these words â€Å"Youth is the age of hope, of promise, of enthusiasm, of plans and of ideas. Youth does not want to give up in the face of difficulties†¦ Youth believes in a better world and is determined to do something to help bring it about†. ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD The youth has great strength, vigour, good health etc. These features should be channeled towards the propagation of the gospel. Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for such belongs the kingdom of God (Lk. 18:16). In the church, the youths have the responsibility of evangelizing. It is their duty to witness Christ to their peers and to the remotest areas where Christ has not been preached. Anthony Aja, quoting the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II wrote: â€Å"The Church needs your energies, your enthusiasm; your youthful ideas in order to make the Gospel of life penetrate the fabric of the society†. â€Å"Besides, the Pope re-emphasized the part that youth can play in the call to evangelize the world as he addressed them in these words. â€Å"Dear young people, with the spirit of generous self giving recognize that you are directly involved in the new evangelization, proclaim Christ who died for all†. Where are our Youths today? Out there in search of worldly pleasure or working for the Lord. (Ref. to the past). To be good evangelizer, witnessing must be accompanied by good example, being like Christ in all ramification. The bible recorded many dynamic youths worthy of emulation. Two of such youths will be considered in this text. They are Joseph and David. Joseph had an encounter with God. He reverenced God. The fear of God was in his heart. Portipher’s household prospered because of the presence of Joseph. How about you? He hated sin. He successfully resisted the temptation from his master’s wife. To the sin-laden wife of his master Portipha, he asked, â€Å"how can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God†? (Gen. 39:9). To escape the wrath that might befall him as a result of this great sin, he ran and fled from this great evil, sin of fornication. Godless youth would take advantage of this immoral opportunity and yield to the temptation. It takes a heart that has been washed by the Blood of The Lamb, a youth who has experienced the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ, a sanctified person and Holy Ghost filled to overcome such temptation. For the bible says â€Å"for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world†. Titus 2:11-12. David the son of Jesse, the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse, rose and worked marvels for god right from his youth. He killed a lion, a bear and conquered the veteran warrior Goliath. He overcame the evil spirits that tormented Saul by his anointed fingers on the musical instruments. He was able to do all these exploits for God because of his personal knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Ghost that was upon him. Through the youngest of Jesse’ sons, his fear of the lord and his close relationship with God, made him to do the chosen one of God. †Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brothers, and the spirit of the Lord came mighty upon David from that day forward (1Samuel 16:13). Above all learn from Jesus Christ, who from childhood went about doing the father’ business, â€Å"I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other citizens also, for I was sent for this purpose? Make yourself available for noble use. Challenges Facing the Youth Today The general state of youth reveals spirituals, social and psychological crises and confusion. They are being affected by the effects and influence of the society, peer groups, parental neglect and the evil one. Many of our youths blindly follow the dictates of the secularization of Western culture. The effects of secularism on most people have even made them argue that churches should accepts the society’s new directions. To them, if the society accept the society’s new directions. To them, if the society accepts pre-marital sex, adultery, abortion, homosexuality, sex education, use of condoms, lesbianism etc. hey cannot see why the church has to keep calling them sins. The youth sees the youth state as a period of fun and freedom. However, they forget to recognize that this stage is important and transitory – a stage between childhood and adulthood. Mistakes youth make at his stage in life could be detrimental bearing with it a lifetime consequences. For example, Youths who take to armed robbery, prostitution, drug trafficking, political thruggery, and a ll manner of violent practices carry over such nefarious activities from their youthful stage into adulthood. At adulthood they become a problem to themselves, the society and invariably their children who may take after them. What a wasted life! In fact, they are unable to build a worthwhile foundation on which to rest their future. Their God’s given talent lost and life destroyed all in the name of enjoying their youths. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he admonished Timothy in these words: Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue Righteous, faith, love and peace, Along with those who call on the Lord Out of a pure heart† 2Tim:22 The youthful stage when properly managed can lead to disaster. All youths should heed to Paul’s admonition to timothy. Flee from all evil desires and run after righteous. Many of our youths are compromising with worldly ideals. Compromise with the world brings corruption. It destroys the child of God’s testimony and makes his light grow dim. Learn from David and Joseph, the way to upright living. The youth is being influenced and challenged today in the following areas: 1. INFLUENCE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY Modern technology had led to the invention of personal computer, the satellite, Digital television, the internet, mobile phone (GSM). These devices had in no small measure made the world a global village. However, the challenges facing our youths (Christian youth) is how to use them without abusing them. The truth is that these devices rather then being used for the advancement of knowledge which is capable of making the world a better place have become powerful tools in the hands of Satan for the perversion of morals. For example, the computer has both simplified and speeded up the operation in many fields of human endeavor – data storage, medicine, architecture, music and broadcasting industry. These are interactive computer software for learning of virtually any subject. The mobile telephone has made communication easy. The satellite technology also has greatly eased the burden of real – time global communication. The internet is a great source of information, Books; encyclopedias on any subject, theses, revise, online news, libraries are now available on the internet. Various school activities which were manually carried out in the past, such as purchasing of admission forms, payment of school fees, access to course outlines, result etc are now done online. Sources of information and different educational operations are now available on the internet. However, one must not lose sight of the evil associated with these devices (internet, GSM and computer). Many (including children, youth and even older people) are introduced to do world of deceit, indecency, immorality crime, sexual perversions, violence and many other vices through the use of these inventions of modern technology. The computer and the internet have more damaging influence on the youth. Youths spend long hours watching digital videos (DVD) or playing violent, even bloody and demonic computer games. Some youths spend hours or the whole night browsing forbidden site on the internet thereby getting exposed to inappropriate materials, such as pornographic and erotica because some youth get initiated into Satanism, Spiritism and other esoteric region. The TV and internet have taking over the place of the bible and prayers in a good number of homes. Youth treasure their wide exploration of the internet in place of reading their books and other intellectual activities. This a leading to a dramatic decline in the academic performance of the youth and a high rate of unproductively of the youth in all spheres of life. Wise parents should rise up to this challenge, and set up corrective measures to arrest this trend of self – destruction of the youth. 2. THE FILM INDUSTRY Many youths spend long hours watching the television denying themselves of meaningful activities that will promote heathy living and advancement in life. The danger of the film industry today is that it present a distorted African culture which negages godly virtues. For example, pre-marital sex is against God an abominable thing in African culture, but the film industry today presents it as the norm and what must follow or be part of a relationship. Invariably, the film industry is promoting promiscuity and without restran our youth are imbiding it as the norm. Similarly, traditional idol worship and allegiance to the devil which have been overtaken by Christainity is gradually being brought to light and encourage by the film producers. What about movies dominated with violent operations?. This negates God peaceful co-existence among men. Parents must therefore rise up to control what their children watch on the television. 3. NEGLECING OF HARD WORK Many youths want to go the easy way of life. No work but wants to be rich. They wish for success in life without paying the price of diligence. You need to see the coutless number of youths at the cyber cafe, browsing the internet looking for innocent preys to devour of thir hard earn money. Some Pentecostal pastors are not left out in the craze for prosperity through miracle galore at the expense of diligent labour. 4. SEARCH FOR GREENER PASTURE Many youths run the risk of searching for illegal means to go out of this country for better life. Experiences of those who attempted leaving this country reveal the agony many had to go though traveling through waste land to cross over to their â€Å"promised land†. In the process many had lost their lives and their sense of value of life. Those who made it to their dreamed land are out their doing menial jobs and worst still are out into crimes of various degrees. 5. Domestic Problems Many youth are confronted with Domestic problems ranging from hostility from parents, strife between their fathers and mothers, parents inability to provide the basic necessities of life. Youths from such homes run away from home, get involved in all forms of crimes such as 419, armed robbery, thuggery, prostitution or hired assassions. Parents should wake up to their responsibilities and make sustainable plans for their children. 6. INDECENT DRESSING AMONG YOUTHS We have been wonderfully made by God. Praise the Lord! Let us trace our dressing to the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they realized that they are naked. They sewed fig leaves together to make themselves aprons (Gen3:7). This covered only a part of their bodies. This is fact was not proper clothing and so the Lord God made for Adam and his wife garments of skins and clothed them. This implies that the lord God covered their nakedness. Therefore, any clothing that does not cover the body fully is an indecent cloth. Let us also consider the demoniac in St. Luke’s gospel Chapter 8 ;26-35). The demon possessed man was naked. The bible described him as â€Å"a man from the city who had demon; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and lived not in a house but among tombs’. With encounter with Christ Jesus, he was delivered from the legion of evil spirit, he was clothed and he was in his right mind† (Luke 8:35). This implies that only people who are not in their right mind would go about without clothes not big enough to cover their nakedness. The modern day christains especially youths are without estrain imbiding and embracing worldly principles, values, culture and customs without making refence to the word of God. The bible says: â€Å"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is inworld, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the father, but is of the world†. I John2:15. Unholy attitudes or worldliness has become the culture of the church. Some church members tell you what you wear does not matte, after all religion is in the heart. However, they forget that there is a link between the state of man’s heart and the outward appearance. In fact, one’s outlook is greatly influenced by the condition of the heart. It is not uncommon today to find different kinds of immodest and indecent dressed worn by the majority of young people and some older people in the society, even in the church of God. These ladies wear transparent and body hugged clothes under the guise of fashion and civilization. In fact, you see girls of cheap and easy virtue wearing provocative or seductive apparels that partially expose sensitive reas of their bodies such as breast, navels, abdomen and thighs, such youth are not left out in their heavy make-ups. Their make-ups are so excessive and outrageous that the girls are not less than masquerades and cannot but be mistaken for prostitutes. Why would a Christain woman or lady imitate Jezbel? â€Å"When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it and she painted her eyes, and adorned he r head and looked out of the window† 2King9:30. Some ladies dress in such way that they stimulate lustful desires in men. The harlot dresses shamefully only to advertise, comete and seduce the opposite sex. They wear revealing clothes which create in men some immoral desires. Mini-skirts are symbolic of those ladies who want to seduce men. Every mini-skirt is a fuel that sets the mind of a man to imagine the most debased thoughts. On the other hand, ladies who are seductively dressed are more likely to be harassed by men. In the actual sense, a lady who is immodestly dressed is simply adverstising herself, telling the male folk that she is available. No wonder, today that the rate at which women are raped is exceedingly alarming. The men folk are not left out of this craze for fashion. They fry their hair (jerry curls or perm0, weave their hair, wear earring, leave their shirits unbuttoned, exposing their beareded chest, have funny styles of hair cut, apply make up just to prove themselves as â€Å"senior guys†. 7. Sexual Immorality/ Fornication Many youths do not see sextual immorality/formation as sin. They see it as a way of expressing their love to a person of the opposite sex. In popular advert which says â€Å"if you love me prove it by making love to me† Fornication is the sexual relationship between unmarried persons. God condemns fornication; Do you not know that your body is a temple of he Holy spirit, who is in you whom you have received from god? You are not your own, you were received with a price. Therefore, honour god with your body (1cor 6:19-20) Anyone who destroy the temple of the Holy spirit which you are will face wrath of God. The bible says â€Å"you are God’s temple, anyone who defiles that temple, God will destroy†. Some youth who engage in fornication (pre-marital sex) tell you they are in search of happiness, pre-marital sex has brought shame, disgrace and to many, unfulfilled destiny and untimely death. According to Ibid: Pre-marital sex has many adverse effects surrounding it. By so doing expose themselves to many risks such as: pregnancy, abortion, death, death, veneral disease, fear, shame, disrespect, sterility, uncompleted career are grievous sins against God, your creator. These are what we risk ourselves for, Just a mere pleasure which does not last. Similarly, punch Newspaper had on one of its publication pointed out that †Pregnancy is just one of the ways one can reap on unpleasant harvest from fornication†¦ It is better to avoid pre-marital sex†. 8. Wild Ambition Youths, no doubt are very ambitious. Being ambitious itself should be commended. But when the ambition becomes obnoxious, wrong signals are elayed. It is not uncommon today to find youhs engage in all manner of nefarious activities that are opposed to Christain virtues in a bid to acquire great wealth, fame and success. They are usually recruited as political thugs, fake drug peddlers, armed robbers, hostage takers, murderers, assassins while others become cultists, prostitutes and so on. Some become involved in dubious and undefiled business. The bible tells us to flee from all appearance of evil. Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any paise, think on these thing (1 Cor10:31. Phil 4:8) Do not get involved in any activity that is contrary to the tenents of God. Anything contrary leads to hellfire. 9. Peer Group Influence Many Youth have been led astray by those they regard as friends. The influences of peers can bring about a positive or a negative change in one’s life. But today, such influences have been found to destroy the lives of those who keep had company. Thomas Martin as reported by Stan Ilo had this to say â€Å"What can be more dangerous to youth than bad company; what more fatal to all moral rectitude and feeling than influence of bad example. Bad company ruins good moral. It will be highly recommended youths can be involved in authentic friendship. John Chidi once classified friendship into 3: 1. Friendship based on unity 2. Friendship based on Sexual pleasure 3. Good griendship Youth should be encouraged to get involved in good friendship I =n which a man and a woman can be close friends without any sexual intercourse whatsoever. 0 Foul Language, noisy Music, Obscene Dance, pornography Music is an ancient means with which God’s people adored, exalted His Holy name and praised his majesty. This is still God’s expectation from us today. However, Christain music of today has assumed a new dimension from what obtains in the bible. Most Christain music today are emotional, sensual and noisy. The musical instrument soun d than the wordings as obtained in worldly music. Such songs do not give any inspiration, and it lacks modesty and moderation. So also is the obscene dance that accompanies the music. Flee from such music and from every apprearance of evil. 11. UNEMPLOYMENT There is a high rate of employment in this country. Many youths who had managed to go through thick and thin to obtain a university degree or other degrees are out there on the streets roaming about in search of anything to do for living. His has been the concern of both youths and their parents. Many parents have lost inetrest in investing into education of their children. This has increased the number of youths without any formal education or vovational training. One sees them in high dense areas/cities milling around motor parks, marj=ket places, in hide outs, practically doing nothing meaningful. Their daily existence depend on how much they can steal, extort from people or just waste away. Some engage in menial jobs that can hardly take care of them, while others become preys in the hand of evil men who take advantage of them by providing debase jpbs such as drug trafficking, prostitution. The self employed are faced with problems of generating power for tjose whose jobs require electricity. The question is, for how long then can we watch the leaders of tomorrow waste away. We all must rise up to this challenge and fight corruption, injustice that have premeated into the whims and caprices of this nation. 12. Marriage Many youths today are faced with the problem of getting a wife or a husband. This could be attributed to a number of factors such as parental influence or control, self, sin and the devil. Youths becomes so obsessed with their inability to be married that they now abadom God. To every man there is a wife and to every woman there is a man. Therefore wait on the Lord, and He will provide. THE WAY FORWARD In handling the problem of our youth and the difficulties confronting them in this perverse generation, parents, churches, society and the youth themselves have specific roles they must perform to bring sanity to our world. Let us reflet on the role of the youth themselves. The youth who desires life and the fruits of happy life must desire God and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Seek first the kingdom of God and all its righteous and all other things will be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). To the youth who had turn away from the Lord, I say â€Å"come back with a repentant heart and the Lord will receive and have you back as his own. Repentance involves: a) Admitting your weakness, being sorry for your weakness b) Renouncing your weakness The Lord tell us in Issaiah, â€Å"come now let us reason together, says the Lord through your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall become loke wool† (Is. 1:18) Go for sacramental reconciliation. Having regained your relationship with God, He wants you to live a spotless life even in this era of godlessness. You are to stay unpolluted and unperturbed in the constantly changing world where you dwell. The unchanging God will substain you, for he has said. :For I am the Lord, I change not† (Malachi 3:6). This implies that God’s children have no excuse to allow themselves to be swayed by the rapidly changing world around them. What is expected of the youth therefore according to the word of God is outlined as follows: 1. The youth must treasure the unaltered word of God in his heart, life and mouth, civilization or no civilization. 2. He must constantly and diligently with prayer guard his soul so that he is not overtaken bythe whirlwind of globalization and modernization. . Must be resolved to live a holy life. This involves daring to be different with a resolution not to look back. 4. Depend on the grace of God. Paul tells the Ephesians, â€Å"for it is by Grace you have been saved through Faith and this is not from your selves, it is a gift of God (Eph 2:8) In the sane vein, Jesus tells us in Jn15:16 not to rely on our own strength but yo abide on the Vine 5. Invite the Holy spirit, the sanctifying power of God into your life. It is the spirit that gives life. In all thid fullness, live in the spirit. So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires swhich is contrary to the spirit and the spirit which is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that do not do what you want† (Gal5:16-17) 6. Associate with thos who love and fear God. Meditate on the passage â€Å"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and Idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk amongthem, and I will be their God, and they will be my people† 7. Plunge into unlimited opportunities: The Lord urges us to plunge ourselves into unlimited opportunities that he has set us. Like Joshua, He was to be strong, courageous and to observe the word of God. Joshua did as God commanded and he prospered. Today God is saying to us that he has given us great opportunities to succeed in life and have all our needs met. However, many go through life dejected, defeated, defrauded, dominated and at the end doomed. you are a child of God. For success to come your way, start now. Do not be idle. You can still go back to school and get education; you can re-write your papers and improve on them. Are you unemployed, apply to place no matter how little, or you can create a job yourself. You need not suffer, the sky is the limit. Finally, do not stay away from sacraments (Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation). Heaven is real. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffer the loss of soul.