Technological Innovations In The Banking Industry And Their Effects On Performance Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2433 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Information Systems Essay Type Research paper Did you like this example? CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION In recent times, the emergence of Information Technology has been incorporated into the Banking Industry. This advent of Information Technology (IT) has propelled a noticeable change in the Banking Sector. Information Technology (IT) to all computer based information systems used by an organisation and their underlying technologies (Langdon and Langdon, 2006) Information Technology systems are revolutionising the operations of firms, industries and markets. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Technological Innovations In The Banking Industry And Their Effects On Performance Finance Essay" essay for you Create order Langdon and Langdon also defined an IT system as a set of interrelated components that collect (or remove), process, store and distribute information to support decision making, coordination and control. It also helps managers and workers to analyse problems, visualise complex subjects and create new products. IT is one of the most important tools along with the innovations in organisations and management. Research has shown the investment in IT plays a critical role in increasing the productivity of firms (Zhu et a l, 2004 The business world is in the midst of a networking and communication revolutions driven by the growth of internet, internet based technologies, new business models and processes that leverage the new products. Banking Trends Worldwide Over the past decade, service organisations including commercial banks have been driven by such trends such as advancements in technology and deregulation to enhance their distribution channels. Technology in Banking can mainly be found in the form of computer based applications and information technology. Currently, delivery trends in banking include, PC Banking, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Managed networks, TV-Based, Automated Teller Machines(ATM), Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale(EFTPOS) etc. Importance of Technology in Banking A number of studies have concluded that IT has significant positive effects on bank productivity, cashiers work, banking transactions, bank patronage as well as its service delivery thus a positive effect on growth of banking. (Balachandher et al, 2001: Hunter, 1991) It has also been said that, technology enables banks to reduce costs, i.e., reduction of operating labour cost, cost of collecting, storing and processing information fall and interest expense is more competitive because technology enables banks to access liabilities more cheaply. Also, technology enable banks to serve their customers better and faster (convenience of having 24 hour access to ATMs, internet banking and telephone banking) and also it enables banks have diverse banking products. Finally, technology enables banks increase revenue and capture new markets by offering broader array of services and doing banking business worldwide. Technology is the is the key to quality service in banking. Statement of the problem Top management in the Banking Industry invest in Information Technology with the expectation will result in higher productivity and/or provide the bank with a stronger market presence and related competitive advantage. With the deregulation of the Banking industry, completion has increased considerably thus in managing operational costs, IT has become critical to achieve a competitive advantage (Mistry, 2006) Although most researchers conducted on this topic have yielded mixed results, most of them have shown that IT and bank performance are independent of one another. However, this research is aimed at finding out if, indeed, the same holds for the Ghanaian Banking Industry or if the Ghanaian Banking Industry is benefiting from the incorporation of IT into daily banking operations. Hypothesis A scientific assumption that will consist of measurable variables linked by a relationship that explains how IT impacts bank performance in that IT has enhanced banks service deli very, product line customer data base management and credit allocation. This assumption is that the higher the IT expenditure used by a bank, the higher its revenue. Aims and Objective of study To describe the Technological Environment of Ghanas Banking Industry. To find if there is a relationship between IT and Bank Performance. Scope of the Study The study focuses on banks currently using IT based service delivery in Greater Accra Region. Furthermore, the sample size was limited to Ten (10) universal banks out Twenty-five (25) CHAPTER 2 Literature Review Firms invest substantial amounts of resources to sustain or enhance their competitive advantage, that is , their abilities to compete globally. These expenditures are usually made to sustain shareholder value through either a revenue growth strategy or a productivity strategy. According to kim et al (2004), a revenue growth strategy involves expanding new markets, new customers and service while a Productivity Strategy involves making improvements in cost structure and asset utilization. Investing in IT is highly important for improving core competencies for firms in the Banking Industry. Information Technologies are essential tools for developing new financial services, financial products and providing effective and convenient services to customers. The environment in the Banking Industry has become IT intensive (Kim et al , 2004). Banks have moved into online banking systems using IT systems such as Cash Dispensers or Automated teller Machines, Telephone Banking and Internet B anking. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the economic consequences of IT an the Banking Industry. Most of these researches focused on whether IT provides positive economic benefits or not. Although the evidence appears mixed, some studies found that the IT Productivity Paradox disappeared when the use of IT was well matched with its business strategy such as revenue growth or productivity strategy (Porter, 2001; Simmons, 1998; and Brynjolfsson and Yang, 1996). Thus managers first concern in investing in IT must be how to combine IT and business strategy in order to obtain a higher business performance. Modern Banking Practice Since the 1980s, the Banking Sector has been in a process of significant transformation that started in the United States and later moved to Europe. The main forces behind this transformation of the Banking Industry according to Reixach (2001), are deregulation and innovation in information technologies. Both forces have brought about an increased competition not only among banks but also from other financial and even non-financial institutions. Banks now depend on income from fees rather that interest rate spreads and also competition has in some cases, encouraged banks taking higher risks for which there might only be a little gain. On the other hand, the transformation of the Banking Industry has contributed to the blurring differences between retail, wholesale and investment banking. Banks in America have steered towards specialisation while in Europe the trend is tailored towards Universal Banking. Specialization has been the trend in the early Ghanaian banking industry. In the last ten years, the trend has changed with few banking converting to Universal Banks and the issuance of Universal Licences to new banks. 2.1.1 Type of IT Innovations Information technologies are having a big impact on the reshaping of the Banking Idustry leading to the development of new financial products and new means of developing them. With regards to the delivery of bank products, the last decade has seen the appearance of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Telephone Banking, and now seeing the spread of Internet Banking. Banking business is now a 24 hour and a 365 day activity with customers having to spend less hours of waiting for service. The main types of IT innovations currently present in the Ghanaian Banking Industry are ATMs, Internet Banking, PC banking, Telephone Banking, Branch Networking, and Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPoS) Bank Performance According to Madura (2001), the main measures of Bank Performance are return on the asseta and return on equity. Return on Assets (ROA) is mainly influenced by financial characteristics such as net interest margin, non -interest revenue, non-interest expenses and loan losses. Bank decisions that affect the financial characteristics of banks are deposit rate decisions, loan rate decisions, loan losses, bank services offered, overhead requirements, efficiency, advertising and the risk level of loans provided. Return on equity on the other hand is influenced by the return on assets (ROA) and the banks leverage measure. Several studies have been conducted on the IT and firm performance. Advances in IT permit management to change and improve significant aspects of a firms structure and operations (Porter, 2001; Stanmbaugh and Carpenter, 1992; and Elliot, 1992). Studies investigating effect on firms profitability, according to Kim et al (2004) focused on whether It expenditur3e is converted into business value; eg. reduced expenses, increased revenue or i mproved operating performance. The evidence appear mixed on the effect of IT on financial performance (Brynjolfsson and Yang, 1996). Brynjolfsson and Hitt (1994) found out that IT improved the firms productivity and created substantial value for customers but did not improve profitability In sum, many studies have shown that IT Reduces operating costs (Barua et al, 1995) Increases market share and productivity (Brynjolfsson and Hitt, 1994) Increases future economic benefits and profitability ( Brown, Gatain, and Hicks, JR., 1995) The context of the Study History of It in Ghanas Banking Industry Abor (2002) in his paper Technological Innovations and Banking in Ghana gives a history of It in Ghana in stated that before the 1980s it was only the use of office automation devices such as Telephones, telefax and facsimile were employed to speed and make more efficient the process of serving banks customers. Later in the 1985 and beyond, as competition intensifie d and the personal computer (PC) got proletarian, banks begun using the in the back-office operations and later tellers used the for customer services. Advancements got banks networking their branches and operations and the first ATM was installed by the Trust Bank Ghana in 1995. Other technologies such as Electronic Cards became popular as foreign banks came on the scene with increased competition and service delivery that need IT. Clydestone Ghana Limited Clydestone Ghana Limited is a leading provider of information, communication and technology in Ghana. Listed as the first ICT company on the Ghana Stock Exchange is specialized in payment systems, networking and outsourcing and is the sole supplier of UNISYS in Ghana. Their outsourcing installs and manages most of Ghanas ATMs and Point of Sale Terminal (POS). CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter describes the research process. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research techniques will be used. However, primarily a desk research will be conducted to cover the Ghanaian Banking Industry and interview with Banks IT service providers of which the greater percentage comes from Clydestone Ghana Limited. 3.1 Target Group and Sampling Procedure This research will be focused on banks, irrespective of their categories, which are currently employing some form of IT in their daily operations. Three Banks will be chosen for the case study; namely, Cal Bank Ghana Limited, EcoBank Ghana Limited and Ghana Commercial Bank Limited. Cal Bank and ECOBank are the topmost Banks which employ the most forms of IT innovations. Secondly, these banks have been involved in several changes since its attainment of a universal licence. Ghana Commercial Bank which is the traditional commercial bank has a wide network of branches but has not adopted most of the recent IT innovative service delivery products thus a part of the sample for the studies. 3.2 Sources of Data The study will obtain information from primary and secondary data 3.2.1 Primary Data Top management personnel of Clydestone Ghana Limited will be interviewed to obtain the information on the various IT devices and technologies that banks use in their daily operations. 3.2.2 Secondary Data Secondary data that will be used and are accessible are; Bankscope The Ghana Banking Survey 2000-2009 Annual Reports of the 3 named Banks The Internet 3.2.3 Time Frame Data collection will be limited to a time frame of the last nine (9) years. This is because during the period under review, the Banking Industry experienced a lot of changes; events such as the introduction of Universal Banking, the influx of Nigerian Banks, and the introduction of the new Capital Accord occurred. The period under review will be from 2001 to 2009. 3.3 Methods/Procedures A preliminary survey will be conducted to determine the number of banks currently employing some for IT in their service deliver y. This will be conducted on all twenty-five (25) banks in the Ghana Banking Industry to collect information on various IT based products for bank customers. Clydestone Ghana Limited, an IT service provider for banks, in order to determine the extent to which banks depend on information technology. These Interviews will be conducted to find out the number, types and frequency of Information Technology devices available and employed by banks. 3.4 Treatment of Finds The findings from the research process will be analysed mainly by trend analysis, ratio analysis and regression analysis to allow inferences to be made. Three measure will be used to evaluate bank performance. These are return on assets, return on equity and operating profit in three regression models. 3.4.1 Trend and Ratio Analysis This is based on the assumption that economic performance follows an established pattern and, therefore, historical data can be used to predict future business activity. This will be used to show whether since the introduction of IT in the banking industry certain variables such as loans and advances have changed with a consistence ratio. This will also be used to forecast the future of IT in banking industry. 3.4.2 Graphical Presentations These include bar charts, pie charts, tables and graphs. They will be used to show the relationship between the two variables being tested; IT and bank performance. 3.4.3 Computer Applications Microsoft Excel 2003 will be instrumental to present the findings in graphical forms, then used too interpret the finding from primary survey in order to select a sample to analyse financial ratios of the samples to be able to perform the regression analysis. 3.4.4 Regression Analysis Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework of this study, as in Figure 1 below, shows that the investments in Information Technology can influence firm performance, i.e. IT has a positive effect on performance. In order to av oid any interference by the other variables, this study includes control variables which are the firms characteristics, namely; non-interest revenues, non-interest expenses, capital structure of the bank and the growth in net interest income of the firm. The study will employ multiple regression models to examine the relationship of It investment on bank performance. Regarding the measurement of firm performance, this study will use performances which are based on accounting measures. Although some researchers have expressed concern over the use of accounting rates of return (Fisher and McGowan, 1983), most studies regard the accountin g measures as acceptable. Cheng and Chun (2005) used return on assets (ROA) as a measure of firm performance. In order to increase the reliability of empirical results, two other models will be used. These models will be return on equity and bank profit as measures of bank financial performance. To avoid the impact caused by other variable s that are absent from my model, this study refers to prior research (Cheng and Chun, 2005) and chooses the firm characteristics as capital structure and growth in net interest income. The study also refers to Kim and Davidson (2004) and selects Net Spread, Return on Equity and Return on assets as control variables with bank operating profits as the dependent variable.

Plastic and Specific Technical Needs Free Essays

Answer: Plastic was thought to be a boon but it turned out to be a curse. Plastic can be very harmful as it produces harmful gases when it is burned. As it is non bio degradable, it is harmful to the soil and takes hundreds of years to degrade or decompose. We will write a custom essay sample on Plastic and Specific Technical Needs or any similar topic only for you Order Now Plastic is a boon for man but it is a curse for the master. It makes life comfortable for man but life tiring for the environment. Once animals have eaten it and due to choking they die Plastic is very harmful to living things. We should decrease the use of plastic. In India use of plastic has been banned. Packaging represents the largest single sector of plastics use in the world today. Benefits of plastics-Boon The considerable growth in plastic use is due to the beneficial properties of plastics. These include: Extreme versatility and ability to be tailored to meet very specific technical needs. Lighter weight than competing materials, reducing fuel consumption during transportation. Extreme durability. Resistance to chemicals, water and impact. Good safety and hygiene properties for food packaging. Excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties. Relatively inexpensive to produce. Plastics makes up around 7% of the average household dustbin. Effects of plastic-Curse. Plastics production also involves the use of potentially harmful chemicals, which are added as stabilisers or colorants. Many of these have not undergone environmental risk assessment and their impact on human health and the environment is currently uncertain. An example of this is phthalates, which are used in the manufacture of PVC. PVC has in the past been used in toys for young children and there has been concern that phthalates may be released when these toys are sucked (come into contact with saliva). Risk assessments of the effects of phthalates on the environment are currently being carried out. The disposal of plastics products also contributes significantly to their environmental impact. Because most plastics are non-degradable, they take a long time to break down, possibly up to hundreds of years – although no-one knows for certain as plastics haven’t existed for long enough – when they are landfilled. With more and more plastics products, particularly plastics packaging, being disposed of soon after their purchase, the landfill space required by plastics waste is a growing concern. Plastic waste, such as plastic bags, often becomes litter. For example, nearly 57% of litter found on beaches in 2003 was plastic. Recycling plastic -Advantages. Conservation of non-renewable fossil fuels – Plastic production uses 8% of the world’s oil production, 4% as feedstock and 4% during manufacture. Reduced consumption of energy. Reduced amounts of solid waste going to landfill. Reduced emissions of carbon-dioxide (CO2), nitrogen-oxide (NO) and sulphur-dioxide (SO2) How to cite Plastic and Specific Technical Needs, Papers

Handgun Ownership Essay Sample free essay sample

On 2nd April 2012. A shooting incident that killed seven people and injured many people happened in a university in Oakland. California. There is another hiting incident in 9 yearss subsequently in Los Angeles. Peoples starts to oppugn why it will go on and how to forestall it. Some people think that citizen should non have pistol while others deem that it is an of import right of the citizens. Therefore. I would wish to lift some grounds on both sides to discourse this hot issue. To get down with people can utilize their pistol for self-defence and amusement. In American. non every houses or flats are close constabulary Stationss. Time is besides needed for constabulary to make to victim in instance of exigency after people call 911. Therefore. owing handgun go a barbarous manner to protect victim themselves when they facing danger without the aid of constabulary. For illustration. if there is a adult male want to kill or rob you. We will write a custom essay sample on Handgun Ownership Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page you can utilize a pistol to protect yourself by merely force the trigger to wound him. Even you do non cognize how to utilize it or make non desire to ache him. a arm which is more than merely au naturel manus can scare the mobster. Besides. it is neer a good thought for a condemnable to ache a people with pistol. Furthermore. the ownership provide amusement for people. Gun nines and festival has a long is one of the most popular leisure activities in America. Peoples shoot in a safe field with the presence of teacher for merriment or to let go of emphasis. Furthermore. shot is a athleticss and involvement for people to hold amusement merely like other ball games. We can detect that it is recognized by Olympic to hold universe broad hiting competitions. On the other manus. the ownership can take to accidents and more offenses. There are some gun stores on street that allow people to obtain guns easy. Thus. the ownership provides a convenient mean for mobster to make arms for condemnable activities. Furthermore. it can do citizen to make offense easy in instance of most of the people have handgun. For case. if two males get into a battle since there is an statement between them. one of them may take out a gun to injure or even slay the other 1. Furthermore. the ownership may bring forth accidents. Since that guns are merely arms and we can non do certain that guns ever work absolutely without any mistake. hence. it is possible for guns to travel off by chance. Furthermore. if grownup do non set their guns into safety infinite. kids may take it and handle it as playthings. Therefore. guns will do inflectional morphology and even go the deathly toys to kids All in all. although handgun ownership can do more inflectional morphology and offense. it is decidedly one of the of import rights for people to hold amusement and ability for self-defence. The ownership is used for offense or right intent is non depends on ordinance but the pick of people. Therefore. the authorities should set more attempt and resource on instruction alternatively of limitation.

Animal Farm Essay Example

Animal Farm Essay Example Animal Farm Essay Animal Farm Essay Essay Topic: Literature We have watched two different versions of Animal Farm, by George Orwell. One version was a real film, directed by John Stephenson in 1999. The other version that we watched was an animation, the first feature length animation made in England, directed by Joy Batchelor and John Halas in 1954. I am going to review each two versions by comparing the techniques and direction used by each film maker. I am then going to explain which one I preferred and explain why. At the moment, I prefer the real life film as I think it is a lot clearer to children and it is a lot more interesting. I will start by comparing the opening of each film. In the animation, the film opens with a bright countryside view; the manor farm is highlighted in black to capture peoples eyes. An American narrator starts telling the story; I think this is quite misleading as the animals on the farm, voiced by Maurice Denham, are English. The narrator however, is quite useful as he immediately explains the story and introduces us to most of the leading animals. This is perfect for young children watching the film. The real life film however, starts in a completely different way. It uses a flashback to introduce us to the story. The colour is incredibly dark, almost black and white. The director uses pathetic fallacy by using thunderstorms, rain and howling wind to reflect the animals moods. It is clear straight away the mood of the film. Instead of using a narrator and a voiceover, the film uses the sheepdog to tell the story from her point of view. I think this is a much better way of doing it as it is more personal and is a much clearer way of understanding the story. The farm is shown as a dark and unhappy place. I think the flashback works well for people who havent read the book before, and dont know the story. The animation uses happy, cheerful music to portray the farm and pans around the farm showing each animal. As the camera becomes closer to the farmhouse, the lighting becomes darker and the colours a lot more bold and dark. The music becomes a lot more sinister and chilling. For people who have read the book, this will be easier to understand as they know what type of person Mr. Jones is. Mr Jones is shown dark and unpleasant. The music is very slow. Another way the directors have shown the characterisation of Mr. Jones is to show all the animals expressions as being sad and upset. In the real film, the flashback is explained by the sheepdog and shows the farm how it used to be. Mr. Jones is shown to be very loud, a drunk and yelling at all the animals. However, Mr. Jones in the animation is a lot more sinister and fearful. Mr Jones, rather than being shown as a cruel man, the director has chosen to emphasise more on him being a bad farmer and being quite ill-tempered. The real film has also added an extra character of Farmer Jones wife. She is portrayed as cruel and grumpy as well. I think this ruins the tough and mean characterisation of Mr. Jones as he appears to be fearful of his wife. Overall though, I think the wife is a good idea as it makes the story more complex. Now I will concentrate on the 2 films portrayal of the death of old major. In the animation, the timescale is incredibly quick from where Old Major thinks he is going to die, and his actual death. In old majors speech, the music is very built up and victorious. Old Major is straight away made out to be the leader of the animals by his high positioning over them. He also is the only animal in the spotlight. All the animals are shown to be united and kind to each other. The speech is good and meaningful, its also quite self-explanatory. Each actors voice fits the animal well. For example, the pigs voice has a posh accent, whereas the lower animals are incredibly common. This helps emphasise the main characters in the story. However, the animals all make animal noises when they talk. This may be good for young children, but to adults, it can be quite annoying. During Majors speech, the directors use flashbacks to show the harshness of Mr. Jones, they also use sinister music. Old major is killed by a gun shot by the farmer. The lighting changes colour at the shot, this emphasises the power of it. In the real film, the animals are all organised throughout the meeting, every animal knows their place. As like in the animated film, the animals voices all suit their own characters. Again, the pigs have the posh accent, and the rats, the common accent. The change in voices is a lot clearer in this film than in the animation. Old Major represents a war time leader, maybe Winston Churchill. During the speech, the spotlights are again focused on Old Major, however the camera angle is now set to underneath the platform he is stood on, to emphasise the power old major has. This could also be portrayed as looking up at old Majors from the sheepdogs perspective. The camera angle pans round the barn of only the animals feet. This is very effective as it is not a usual camera shot. It also shows each animal in their place and listening to Old Major. The camera also only focuses and zooms in on the main animals that we have already been introduced to. The meeting of the animals is broken up with a scene in the farmhouse, showing Farmer Jones and Pilkington discussing money problems. I think this part is useful as it explains to younger children what is going on for a later part in the film. However the next scene with Farmer Jones and Pilkingtons wife is not useful at all. It doesnt further the animal plot. It is not appropriate for children either. I think the director could have used a different scene, or not used this all together. Mr Jones is also responsible for Old Majors death, as he shoots him. The death is not emphasised as much as the animation. There is no sinister music at all. Now I will focus on the revolt against Farmer Jones and how the two films have represented this. In the animation, the timescale is again very short, and the animals are shown to be without food instantly. There is no explanation for this, but hints are given that Farmer Jones is to blame for this. All the animals faces are furious which is easy to show in the animation. It is shown to be the pigs idea to break into the food shed to steal the food. Mr. Jones, behind them, is shown in a very dark shadow. There is also a massive build up of music. The animals retaliate; they all have the same facial expression which emphasises the unity of them all. Farmer Jones runs away after hardly any fighting and brings back farmers straight away. The overpowering of Manor Farm is set up to look like a real battle. The camera flicks between the line of animals, and the line of farmers approaching the farm. The music is a lot louder than before. The animals with the main parts, for example: Boxer, Napoleon, Snowball and Squealer are all shown up in a much brighter light and colour. For the real life film, the camera starts off by zooming out to catch all of the animals in one shot. Mr Jones is shown always in silhouette. This emphasises the evil within him. Napoleon is shown in this version to be a lot less evil. His facial expressions are softer and not as bold. However in the animation, he is a dark coloured pig with a permanent frown. The director for this film has really expanded the film by adding extra scenes to emphasise certain events and to help explain to children. For example, part of Old Major offered to the sheepdog as food and the dog whining. I think this is good if you havent read the book, if you have read the book it can become quite annoying. Pathetic fallacy is used again to represent the animals mood. When the animals break into the food shed, it is shown by the camera zooming in to only the animals hooves. However it is still obvious what the animals are doing. The breaking is a lot more detailed and realistic. The camera follows a goat into the shed to see all the animals eating the food. The music becomes very loud and dramatic and as soon as Mr. Jones speaks. This is very powerful and chilling. There is also a brief pause to add tension. The camera angle becomes very shaky to show complete chaos. The next part I am going to discuss is the animals first look in the farmers house. The animation shows Mr. Jones house to be a dark, massive and unfriendly place. It is shown from the animals view of quite low to the ground and the enormity of the staircase is emphasised. Incredibly scary and chilling music is also played. This shows how the animals are feeling. Upstairs, there is silence apart from clocks and record players etc. Only the main characters are shown to be looking at his belongings. Here we also see the first glimpse of Napoleon being greedy and selfish by eating all the food. The real life versions portrayal of Mr. Jones house uses not as good effects but is shown in a lot more detail. Again, the farmhouse is incredibly big and slightly scary music is played. You do not get the same effect of terror as in the animation. The director adds another scene where a pig opens a cupboard to show Old Majors head. The camera zooms in very shakily and suddenly with horror music playing. It then immediately switches to the animals racing out of the house. The following part to exploring the farmhouse is the reading of the rules. I will now look at how the directors have portrayed this. The rules are shown to have been written by Snowball in red on the side of the barn. The camera scrolls down each one, emphasising them all. Snowball reads each one out at the same time so smaller children can also understand what is happening. Victorious music is also played to show how war-like the situation is. Also, the sign that used to be Manor farm is now emphasised as Animal farm. The American narrator also explains what the animals are doing in every scene as speech is not used as much. The real film shows the rules in a completely different way. As snowball reads out the rules, the camera is focused at Napoleon creating him the leader, wearing his rosettes. This portrayal is not as good as it is the rules that the viewer needs to concentrate on to notice that they change throughout the film. The next part to analyse is Snowballs banishment from Animal farm and the events leading up to it. In the animated film, the spotlight is now placed on Snowball. This shows that Snowball is taking the place of Old Major. As the camera runs through various scenes, the pigs sources of power become obvious. For Napoleon, his power is using the dogs, and for Snowball, his power is the plan of the windmill. Napoleon has very dark/black dogs. This emphasises whose side they are on as they look incredibly evil. As Snowball tries to explain his plan, Napoleon speaks out against it. The dogs chase Napoleon out of the farm, into the bushes and the dogs then walk. During the chase there is very dramatic noise played and as soon as the dogs come back, the music softens and becomes a lot slower. The directors use a cliff-hanger and dont let you know if Snowball has been killed, or merely banished. Afterwards, Napoleon claims the plan of the windmill to be his own. The real life version of Animal farm shows Napoleon to only speak out against the plan; he does not claim it as his own. I think this is a better way to portray it as it is more realistic and believable. Squealer is used in this version to change the favour of Snowball to Napoleon; this is not used in the animation. The chase of Snowball is much more effective and detailed. The chase is from the dogs perspective, looking at Snowballs back. The music is incredibly fast and dramatic, and also the scenery towards the sides is fast, this emphasises the speed and emergency of the chase. In this film, it is obvious that Snowball has only been banished, he has not been killed. The next part of the two films I am going to look at is Boxers death. In the animation, Boxer is hit by a rock that fell from the windmill. It uses pathetic fallacy again with rain and dark conditions. The animation shows that the pigs are obviously planning something else for Boxer, instead of sending him to the hospital. All the pigs have very soothing and calming voices to encourage persuasiveness. The animation shows a lot better how all the animals stick up for each other. There is a greater sense of unity than in the real film. On the van for Boxer, there is an obvious symbol (a skull and crossbones) to show the van is not for the hospital. As soon as the symbol is shown, the music changes and becomes more sinister and dramatic. As the animals stop chasing the van, the music slows as well. The animals faces are all furious or really upset. These facial expressions are the first symbol that the animals dont trust Napoleon anymore. The narrator explains what has happened a lot more clearly than the animation shows it. In the real film, the symbol on the back of the van is not as clear. The fight to keep Boxer out of the van is longer, with the sheepdog and the donkey chasing the van for longer. The camera angle is set inside the van and the music is again, very fast. Now I shall talk about the ending of both films, before finally moving onto small details about each film that I think improve each one. In the animation, the film finishes by showing how much the pigs and the farm has developed. The timescale is a lot more apparent and all the animals are a lot more frail and thinner. The animation shows as them not being able to walk as well. The animation shows the pigs with Mr. Jones face on each of them. This is very obvious for small children to show that there is no difference between them. The film finalises with a cliff-hanger, we dont know if Napoleons reign is defeated or not. It is usually a great way to end a film but as this is based on a book, it isnt very good for those who have read it because they know what is going to happen anyway. But if you havent read the book, it is a good way to wonder about what happens next. In the real life film, the ending is much more dramatic. The animals are shown to have run away and lots of slow and sad music is played. The pigs are shown more and more to be socialising with humans. For example, Pilkington and Pilkingtons wife visit the house and they behave more and more alike. The pigs revert the name of the farm back to Manor Farm to emphasise that the farm has come full circle to the pigs becoming the equivalent of Farmer Jones. Another way this is shown is by using a special effect of the camera by mixing the face of Napoleon and Pilkington together to show there is no longer anything different about them. The beginning of the film now makes much more sense as the ending is practically identical to the flashback at the beginning. This film actually shows that Napoleon has been defeated by representing this by the falling of a statue of him. Also, another way the director has represented this is by using triumphant music to show the animals were victorious. The lighting now becomes a lot lighter and the music is a lot more peaceful. Finally, I am going to look at the small fine points that benefit to each films overview. In the animation, the director has used a very small character of a duckling for various purposes. In some cases, the duckling is used for comedy to keep the viewer entertained. For example, in Mr. Jones house when it is trying to climb up the stairs. It can also be used for linking purposes. Instead of the camera just jumping scenes, it uses this character to link them together. I think this benefits to the films reputation of being a childrens film but I cannot see adults enjoying this. In the real film, the director uses Squealer the pig as a way of convincing everyone to be on Napoleons side. This is not used in the animation. I prefer having Squealer in the film as it makes it more interesting. Squealer is also a very different colour to the other pigs so that he can easily stand out. Towards the end of the film his voice becomes more and more hypnotic and calming as he has to try even harder to persuade the animals to stay with Napoleon. This version of the film also uses a broadcasting principle to inform the animals what is happening. It is shown in the barn in flickering black and white. It has been use as we can familiarise with it as bearing bad news and being of importance to us. The broadcasts are the equivalent of the animations narrator as it sums up what has been happening on the farm. I like the idea of as the film progresses, fewer and fewer animals are watching the broadcast, until finally there are no animals left. The film that I have preferred is the real life version. I like the way the director adds more scenes to the film because if you have read the book, it is still interesting and it keeps you entertained. The animation skipped out to many important scenes, for example, the execution of the farmyard animals who had betrayed Napoleon. I preferred the realistic views of the film with the animals view points and expressions. I thought it was more comical as well. I liked the idea of the broadcasting as it was familiar to me and it modernised the book. The real film also was a lot more explanatory towards adults and children as well. However I do think that the animation is still a lot more suited towards younger children, it is just not suitable for adults and teenagers. I also liked the music more in the real film because in the animation, I often thought there was a lot more music than speech and it just became boring after a while. The real film is a lot more modern and I can relate to it a lot more that then film produced in the 50s. Overall, I think that the real film is a much better film in most ways.

Grants A-I-R Opportunities Abound for Writers!

Grants A-I-R Opportunities Abound for Writers! Philanthropy is on the rise. Grants are plentiful, offering funding for specific purposes: publishing, research,   workshops, writing, travel, individual/community projects, seminars and more. Grants often require an extensive application process. Tips for applying for grants: When applying, you will need a finely-honed mission and letters of recommendation from respected peers. When awarded a grant, you will be required to submit a final report of how you spent the funds and sometimes a sample donation of your work will be requested. Grants are not simply free money. They involve many hours of work, but I have found that it is time well-spent. Grants have themes. Grant providers offer grants for specific purposes. Make sure that your project is a good match with the grantors parameters before you begin the application process. Some grants offer funding within specific geographic boundaries. Is your geographical location a match? Grants have a mission. Clearly articulate how you will use the grant money. Include a detailed budget. And explain how this project matches the grants mission. Demonstrate that your requests match the funding guidelines. Explain how this grant will serve your professional career, help others (now and in the future) and expand the grantors mission.   Grants are about you, the grant funder and the impact the project will have on others. If you can communicate these three components, you will be a strong candidate! Some ways grant funds have made a difference: I have received grants to attend writers conferences because improved writing skills helped at work. When I was teaching, I applied for a little-known $4,000 governors grant for teaching excellence and completed graduate level writing courses using that money. The local state educators association funded two $10,000 grants to produce a book with a companion CD about Native American music. A Quaker Lyman Fund funded $2,000 twice for a book and CD about spiritual connections. A local bank offered a grant for a writing project for children. The Alex Tanous Foundation funded two summer projects to bring women to my home for classes for 10 weeks. The Puffin Foundation offers grants to save something endangered. My grant application about authentic Native American music received two grants totaling   $3,000 for two books. Making the most of a residency Artist-in-Residencies (AIR) have also been a welcome gift during the past 10 years. When I accepted   AIR positions at Sleeping Bear Dunes (MI), Acadia (ME), Crater Lake (OR) and Great North Cascades (WA) U.S. National Parks, it became obvious that those without an artistic bent were a bit confused about what I would be doing. Writing and offering one public presentation about my work, was my response. â€Å"Is that all?† some questioned. Yes, that was all. What a gift of time, space and inspiration! You need to have a vision, clear the calendar, craft an AIR project, gather references and complete your application. Each park offered me a unique experience: Sleeping Bear Dunes reflects Native American legends of the Great Lakes, Acadias rockbound coast/islands strengthen the soul, Great North Cascades offers majestic mountains, wild rivers, mammoth trees, and Crater Lake’s mystical quality is magnetic! My fifth AIR on Marthas Vineyard at Turkeyland Cove for 17 days of solitude in a magnificent island house resulted in several publications. I am a writer and a musician. Writers describe their impressions in word paintings. Musicians bring forth inspiration through sound. That is what I do every day during an artist-in-residency. AIR programs offer time for the mind to wander, filling my soul with joy. Profound experiences of beauty and serenity are imprinted upon my soul and will continue to enrich my work for years.

A literature review about the role of nutrition information in Research Paper

A literature review about the role of nutrition information in influencing consumer choice - Research Paper Example The pieces of information are inclusive of brand name, price and search attributes that are within a store. There is also set levels of importance given to the visual aids within the product as well as the factual information given. It has been found (Degeratu et al, 55: 2000), that the factual information, such as fat levels, nutritional levels and other measurements, are the most important determinant of what consumers decide to buy from a supermarket (Degeratu et al, 55: 2000). While the nutritional value that is available through information is known as the most important aspect for those buying food, there are also differences in the decision making process. The demographics and expectations from different sets of individuals determine what the most popular items are in supermarkets. For instance, young adults often consume snacks that don’t have the same levels of nutritional values. The decision to choose the snacks is based on the taste, satisfaction and trends that ar e a part of the snacks. It was found through a recent study (Cranage et al, 125: 2003), that there wasn’t a difference in nutritional value when choosing different snacks. Two snacks were given, one with higher nutritional value than the other. ... From these two studies, it can be seen that the nutritional information depicts choices between various types of groups. However, there is a difference in whether the responses are positive or negative as well as what influences consumers with the enjoyment of the food. Through another study (Edwards et al, 332: 2005), there was a question of how negative or positive information influenced those that were deciding to take specific types of nutritional foods. A group was assisted with the purchases that they made by being given information on the food. The information was specifically designed to cause a positive, negative or neutral statement about the food. After eating the food, the participants were given a survey to define the quality of food with nutritional value as well as taste and satisfaction. It was found that the negative information or beliefs about the food caused the participants to be influenced by the food chosen. However, if the food was chosen, despite the negative comments, it didn’t create a negative response after eating the food in satisfaction or the taste value associated with the food (Edwards, et al, 332: 2005). This particular study shows that the information before giving individuals a type of food can influence their decision to buy the food. However, it doesn’t influence the responses that are given after eating the food and making the determination necessary for their own understanding of quality. The attitudes and behaviors that are created from quality have some dependence on the nutritional information. However, there are also cultural and societal trends that begin to influence the choices of those that are buying different types of food

What higher food prices mean for both consumers and producers at your Essay

What higher food prices mean for both consumers and producers at your own country Which are the factors that drive the food prices higher What, and for whom, are the costs and benefits of such an increase - Essay Example Consequently, the producers’ increases food prices to the consumers so that they can manage continuous food production. This paper will discuss the impacts of increasing food prices to both the producers and consumers. Additionally, it will discuss the factors that drive the food prices high and what or for whom, the cost and benefits of such increase are. Increase in food prices may affect producers positively or negatively. High food prices may affect the demand of food negatively. When the food prices goes high, the demand may go low since consumers may decide to go for cheaper substitutes or may decide to entirely forego that kind of food. For instance, increase in soft juice prices, meat and juices reduce their consumption, since people will opt for alternative food that is cost friendly2. On the other hand, producers may benefit directly from the high prices of food since they will be making more profit. Food prices hikes due to increase in demand hence producers will be able to produce in bulk which will also earn them a lot of sales which in turn increases their profits. To the consumers higher food prices have detrimental effects since some people will be spending more money on food in such a way that they will not have money to spend on non-food items. People who are below average financially, might not afford some food if the prices are hiked hence they might opt to skip some meals which is dangerous to human health. Additionally, the chronic diseases will be in the rise since consumers cannot meet the required dietary needs3. Most people will buy food for general satisfaction without looking into the nutritional value of food. High food prices interfere with the consumer preference. If the consumers visits the market and find that the preferred food is expensive than usual, they shift their preference towards the