Disparate vs Desperate

Disparate vs Desperate Disparate vs Desperate Disparate vs Desperate By Ali Hale Two words that sometimes get confused are â€Å"disparate† and â€Å"desperate†. They have quite different meanings, but they can sound very similar in some accents, and if you’re using autocorrect, you might find that you get the wrong one. What Does â€Å"Disparate† Mean? Disparate is an adjective that refers to things that are separated in some way – and perhaps even incompatible with one another. Dictionary.com defines it as meaning â€Å"distinct  in  kind;  essentially  different;  dissimilar.† It comes from the Latin â€Å"disparatus†, meaning â€Å"separate.† Here are a couple of examples of â€Å"disparate† in use: Perhaps Labour’s most significant  proposal in its manifesto was for a national education service (NES), a scheme to join up the disparate elements of education, providing free lifelong learning from nurseries through schools to universities and adult education. (From The Guardian) To understand patriotisms uneasy place in Nigeria, you have to go back to 1914 when the Southern and Northern protectorates and Lagos Colony were brought together to form a single country. In the process about 250 disparate groups including the three major ones of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba were welded together in a Tower of Babel of sorts. (From the BBC.) While â€Å"disparately† is also a valid word (it’s an adverb), it’s rare to come across it being used. What Does â€Å"Desperate† Mean? The word â€Å"desperate† is, like â€Å"disparate†, an adjective. â€Å"Desperate† has the same route as the word â€Å"despair†, and it is used for several different purposes: Wanting something very badly (e.g. â€Å"I’m desperate for a cup of tea.†) Indicating that something is very serious or bad (e.g. â€Å"Our situation is desperate. We are completely out of supplies.†) Being willing to do something risky or extreme (e.g. â€Å"The rescuers took desperate measures to reach the stranded children.†) As an adverb, â€Å"desperately† can be used to modify a verb (e.g. â€Å"She desperately needed to sleep.†) Here are three examples of â€Å"desperate† in use: In a study of 872  acquisitions  made by 401 firms, the authors found that managers who were desperate to show growth- as measured by their firm’s weak growth as compared to that of comparable companieswere more likely to overpay for an acquisition. (From Inc.com) If you approach your job search with the mindset I dont care what kind of job I get  -   I just need a job!, that desperate energy will radiate from you in waves and everyone around you will feel it. (From Forbes.com) Period poverty  is pushing women in  Zimbabwe  to desperate measures  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ and the  homeless are bearing the brunt of the crisis, according to campaigners. (From The Independent) If you’re struggling to know which you should use at any given time, remember: Disparate can usually be replaced in a sentence with the word â€Å"separate†. Desperate can usually be replaced in a sentence with the word â€Å"wanting† or the word â€Å"extreme†, depending on how it’s being used. In most situations, especially in informal writing such as social media posts, the word you want is likely to be â€Å"desperate†. Don’t trust your autocorrect if you end up with â€Å"disparate† instead. Desperate vs Disparate Quiz For each of the following sentences, select the word that makes the most sense: 1. When I finally finished the run, I was [desperate/disparate] for a drink of water. desperate disparate 2. This program of study combines several [desperate/disparate] elements. desperate disparate 3. In these terrible times, we must take [desperate/disparate] measures. disparate desperate 4. I am [disparately/desperately] keen to work in the tourism industry. desperately disparately Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:12 Signs and Symbols You Should Know35 Genres and Other Varieties of FictionCareful with Words Used as Noun and Verb

Discussion Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Questions - Essay Example I prefer change, I enjoy delegating tasks to others, and I want to be noticed for my achievements. I am also the type of person who likes to be in charge. I tend to look forward to confronting conflict instead of shying away from it. I consider myself to be a proactive person, with a proactive personality. â€Å"Proactives [with proactive personalities] identify opportunities, show initiative, take action, and persevere until meaningful change occurs. Proactives are more likely to be seen as leaders and to be change agents. They†¦[definitely can] achieve career success, but it’s important for them to be in the right situations to fit their personality.†1 As a proactive person, I seek to be the first to engage in an issue and take it head-on. Instead of waiting to figure out what is going to happen, I make sure that I make things happen. I change and influence what happens around me by being involved. In all situations, I try to stay proactive and interested as a pa rticipant in my surroundings. It’s evocative of a dominant person’s personality traits; I am no different. 2) How do ethics influence human behavior in organizations? (250 words) Ethics influence human behavior because humans’ actions are inevitable affected by dogma and rules. If there were no rules or ethical standards, people would do whatever they wanted. However, ethics give order to the chaos.

Sales 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sales 1 - Essay Example This process is accompanied and facilitated by clear description of product features by the seller in front of the buyer and subsequent objection handling. This report aims to throw light upon some implicit ideas behind personal selling along with an explanation of its types, principles and the overall personal selling process. How behaviour of the buyer and external forces shape the personal selling mechanism are also discussed. Effective marketing is a direct result of effective communications. In the broader domain of marketing, the communication mix involves personal selling, sales promotion, advertising, public relations, direct marketing, packaging, sponsorship and e-marketing. The aim of communications mix elements is to generate awareness and educate buyers about the product features and their related benefits to them. The two prime objectives of communications mix are gaining attention of the buyer and developing interest towards new product proposition. The attention grasping part is undertaken by the advertising component where by the use of concise and direct and appealing messages, product attributes, pricing information and availability details of the product are made available to the consumers. The consumer tries to align his specific needs with that of the advertised message and explores further. This attention arousal forms the background for personal selling process where it becomes easier to convince the buyer to close the deal in favour of the seller. Interest development is facilitated by the salesperson who through his ability to judge the preferences and likings of the buyer group and pitching in the product at the same frequency, tries to convert the product features into customer benefits. Handling the objections and queries of the prospective buyer in a disciplined and known way makes the buyer more acceptable to close the deal and buy the proposed product. Personal selling is mostly a relationship building exercise

Woolf Professions of women Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Woolf Professions of women - Essay Example I wanted to know more about the challenges that a modern woman faces at work, and this curiosity and interest has inculcated the motivation in me to research this topic. I am eager to learn about the psychological barriers holding modern women back. We see that women are getting more and more independent and a break from their traditional domestic and familial responsibilities generally as they are integrating into the socioeconomic system. While the physical barriers to freedom have been eradicated to a large extent, most women still cannot use their skills and competencies optimally because of the psychological barriers. (Woolf) has expressed this very clearly in her writing as she said, â€Å"The Angel was dead; what then remained? You may say that what remained was a simple and common object – a young woman in a bedroom with an inkpot. In other words, now that she had rid herself of falsehood, that young woman had only to be herself. Ah, but what is â€Å"herself†?† (Woolf cited in Rainbolt and Fleetwood 302). I want to learn what sort of psychological barriers are encountered by working women in general and how they deal wi th them. I also want to know more about what are the goals of a vast majority of the working women. I want to learn their preferences and priorities. I want to know if personal freedom and autonomy is more important for women in the modern age or they generally want to work and earn money in order to be able to take care of their families better domestically as well as financially. In order to find answers to my queries, I shall first conduct a thorough review of literature. I shall read the novels, autobiographies, and journals of famous women writers, and note down any quotations, passages, and narrations that qualify as answers to my questions in any way. It would take me five to six drafts to finalize my research paper that would be structured in a way that

Impact of Diplomacy on International Security Systems

Impact of Diplomacy on International Security Systems How can diplomacy contribute to the enhancement of security in the  International system? Please carry out an in-depth analysis of at least one case study. Diplomacy has gone a long way towards the enhancement of security in the international system and its potential to continue to do so is substantial. Diplomacy has served to diffuse many of the situations where countries’ diametrically opposed viewpoints have posed a threat to world security. Diplomatic actors have learnt lessons and have been able to refine the diplomatic strategies used to manage international security through their involvement in the resolution of situations where security in the international system has been threatened. Take for example the Cuban Missile Crisis, where diplomatic efforts averted a nuclear catastrophe in the height of the Cold War. More recently, multi-lateral diplomatic efforts have diffused the substantial threat posed by the ambitions of the North Koreans to expand their nuclear capabilities. At the time of writing, diplomatic efforts are fervently attempting to resolve the growing threat of military strikes against Iran. In can be argued therefore, that in the face of globalisation, the security of the world is increasingly linked to reliable systems of communication and trust between nation states; systems which are sustained through diplomacy. This is not to say that diplomacy is an infallible tool which can be used to enhance security at international level. One only has to look at the failure of diplomatic efforts to avert the war in Iraq, the continued negotiations between Israel and the PLO and those diplomatic efforts which failed to resolve the tension in the Balkans before civil war erupted in order to evidence this viewpoint. However, when considered in overall terms diplomacy has made great inroads in the enhancement of security internationally and has the potential to continue to do so. Perhaps it can be argued that diplomacy is not always a reactionary method of averting crisis; it has an all important role in increasing global security in a pre-emptive way as well. Therefore, diplomacy when understood ‘in the round’ is the lifeblood of any system of trust and communication which is intended to enhance security in the international system, and diplomacy therefore contributes greatly to the enhanceme nt of security in the international system. To understand diplomacy and how it contributes to the enhancement of security in the international system, it is perhaps wise to ask the following questions: what is the exact definition of diplomacy?; what is the exact definition of security?; and; how exactly does diplomacy enhance security in the international system? These questions will be addressed during the course of this essay. Also, in terms of analysing how exactly diplomacy can enhance security in the international system it is perhaps useful to explain the role of agencies and alliances like to IAEA, NATO, the EU, the United Nations and the Security Council which promote the enhancement of security internationally by relying on diplomatic efforts. These agencies will be looked at, and their roles will be explained during the course of the essay. Most importantly however are the theoretical underpinnings of why and how diplomacy functions, and these will be addressed in the essay. The theories of Realism and Neo-Realism w ill be examined in the context of diplomacy and security enhancement in an international context as they are useful springboards to help explain the concept of diplomacy and human interaction at the most basic of levels. A case study will be looked at in the essay and it will be explained in relation to the above mentioned issues. The subject of the case study will be North Korea and the diplomatic efforts that have served to avert what was potentially a nuclear crisis. As Fierke (2005) observes, diplomacy can be described as negotiation in an international setting that is often conducted by a mediator who acts as a go-between between the actors seeking to reach agreement. Diplomacy requires subtle and sophisticated communication strategies as well as statesmanship and a good understanding of public affairs. Security is the state of being free from injury and immediate danger. Most situations which pose a threat to international security and which call for diplomatic efforts require ad hoc responses at differing levels from those best equipped and best positioned to intervene diplomatically. No country would find it easy to achieve diplomatic objectives alone, and this fact is evidenced by the existence and the successes of international agencies and alliances which promote diplomatic relations and interventions. The agencies often have common objectives and often act together in order to achieve these. The International Atomic Energy Agency exists to scrutinise the security threats that may be posed by countries who wish to advance their nuclear weapons programs. It has a supervisory as well as a diplomatic function. The European Union, first established to promote economic stability in Western European Countries, has expanded to serve an increasingly diplomatic function. Alliances like the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have more peace-keeping responsibilities and are frequently called upon to preserve peace, so that diplomatic efforts can continue in situations of political and military instability. The United Nations and the Security Council have perhaps the most significant roles, when compared to the rest of these agencies. These organisations were formed to engender peace and diplomacy in a global context, and they have particular powers for example, the power to impose sanctions on those countries that are considered to be posing a threat to international security. The diplomatic deployment of these agencies can contribute and has contributed to the enhancement of security in the international system. However, to fully understand the function of diplomacy and how it can enhance security in the international system, it is useful to take a speculative look at how the world might work in the absence of diplomacy. A good place to start in this endeavour is perhaps to examine the theories of Realism and Neo-Realism and how they relate to the ideas of international security and diplomacy. Realism and Neo-Realism are discourses which seek to explain how power in the context of international relations may be seen through the lens of human propensity. They may help one to rationalise diplomacy as they seek to explain human nature and how this idea influences the accrual and preservation of power in the international system. Machiavellian adages such as ‘better feared than loved’ explain the classical realists’ viewpoint that power is, simply, the prize of those who inspire fear in others most effectively[i]. Morgenthau, a classical realist suggested that: i)International relations is propelled by a set of objective, rational laws that reflect unchanging human nature; ii)Interest is ‘defined in terms of power’ and therefore international politics must be understood as operating outside the spheres of moral and ethical concerns; iii)The definition of interest in terms of power is universally true and remains a consistent point of reference which can be used to understand events in international politics; iv)National interest takes precedence over moral concerns, and therefore states are permitted to act rationally, at all times in order to protect national interests; v)States try to behave morally. However, immoral actions can be pursued in the national interest; vi) Political considerations must be understood singularly, as a primary concern, because interest is defined in terms of power. The theory of Realism therefore regards power as a dynamic that cannot exist independently of human characteristics such as selfishness and competitiveness. Realists would also argue that power must be relinquished if one pursues a course of action which does not involve behaving selfishly, competitively and ruthlessly. Therefore, a realist would argue that diplomacy cannot contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system as the theory of Realism assumes that the pursuit of diplomacy is not only axiomatic to the effective accrual of power, but sees benevolence and diplomacy as both pointless and naive. Neo-Realism on the other hand has a more sophisticated view of how diplomacy can contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system. It has evolved as a more contemporary, more widely accepted rationale and explains power and international security by focusing more on the role of international states in politics, than on the role of human nature. Neo-Realism explains the distribution of power internationally in terms of anarchy, and the absence of centralised authority structures. In the absence of these central authority structures, international actors are forced to follow a route of self preservation which involves behaving competitively, and involves using diplomatic skills like co-operation if these serve to augment their security relative to other states. Therefore when North Korea announced that it intended to withdraw from the thirty-two year old nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003, neo-realist diplomacy is largely what led to their recent announ cement that they would cease their nuclear proliferation objectives in exchange for compensation. The North Koreans have also stated that is it important to maintain a good relationship with the United States. However, how has this diplomatic success story enhanced security in the international system? The answer is that diplomacy enhances security in the international system by identifying and building channels of communication with extremist regimes and other international actors who could pose a potential threat to international security. International security is enhanced by identifying what the best ways to communicate with these actors are. Evidence to support this viewpoint can be seen by again turning to look at the situation in North Korea. North Korea has long been an insular regime, devoted to the rejection of Western values and traditions. George W Bush has even identified North Korea as being part of the ‘axis of evil’ described in a now famous speech about the ‘war on terror’. However, Western diplomacy and communication with North Korea is not something that came about simply to resolve the 2003 nuclear crisis. Diplomacy has been a long running strategy between North Korea and the West. For example, the diplomatic efforts that helped to diff use the historical long running tension between North and South Korea have created the diplomatic bedrock which was capitalised upon when the 2003 North Korean nuclear crisis emerged. The multi-lateral discussions that led to the eventual resolution of the crisis involved Japan and South Korea; countries that the West has spent years building diplomatic channels of communication with. It is important therefore to understand that diplomacy is not just about communication strategies or strategies that come into play as a reaction to a crisis; diplomacy is about the forming and preserving of relationships and the building of trust and co-operation between international states. It is only when diplomacy is understood in this context that the writer’s argument that diplomacy can contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system gains credibility. To conclude, it has been argued in this essay that diplomacy can contribute in many ways to the enhancement of security in the international system. Past diplomatic initiatives and past diplomatic successes have been examined and extrapolated in support of this argument. North Korea has been used as a case study to illustrate the writer’s argument. The theoretical relationships between diplomacy, power, international security and human nature have been examined in depth by looking at the theories of Realism and Neo-Realism, and this helped to explain the growing importance of sophisticated diplomatic strategies in enhancing security in the international system. Most importantly this emphasis served to explain and illustrate the many ways in which diplomacy can contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system. Bibliography Books: Buzan, B, Jones, C, Little, R. The Logic of Anarchy: Neorealism to Structural Realism. Columbia University Press, New York. 1993. Chang, G. Nuclear Showdown: North Korea takes on the World. Hutchinson. 2006. Fierke, K. Diplomatic Interventions. Palgrave Macmillan. 2005. Griffiths, M. Realism, Idealism, and International Politics: A Reinterpretation. Routledge, New York. 1992. Articles: Bellamy, A . Globalisation, Security and International Order after 11 September. Beeson, M, The Australian Journal of Politics and History. Volume 49. Issue 3. 2003. p339+. Falk, R. The Pursuit of International Justice: Present Dilemmas and an Imagined Future. Journal of International Affairs. Volume 52. Issue 2. 1999. p409+. Genest, M. Realism and the Problem of Peaceful Change. Perspectives on Political Science. Volume 23. Issue 2. 1994. p70+. Greenberg, J. Does Power Trump Law?. Stanford Law Review. Volume 55. Issue 5. 2003. p1789+. Heady, F. Comparative and International Public Administration: Building Intellectual Bridges. Public Administration Review. Volume 58. Issue 1. 1998. p32+. Lieb, D. The Limits of Neorealism: Marginal States and International Relations Theory. Harvard International Review, Volume 26, 2004. Newmann, W. Causes of Change in National Security Processes: Carter, Reagan, and Bush Decision Making on Arms Control. Presidential Studies Quarterly. Volume 31. Issue 1. 2001. p69. Watson, B. The Politics of Confusion in International Relations Theory. Perspectives on Political Science. Volume 25. Issue 1. 1996. p6+. Zumbrunnen, J. Courage in the Face of Reality: Nietzsches Admiration for Thucydides. Polity. Volume 35. Issue 2. 2002. p237+. Newspaper and Magazine Articles: Freedman, L. International Security: Changing Targets. Foreign Policy. Issue 110. Spring 1998. p48+. Shuja, S. The Historical Myopia of International Relations. Contemporary Review. Volume 278. Issue 1620. January 2001. p18. Waller, J. National Security. Insight on the News. Volume 15. Issue 39. October 25, 1999. p10. 1 [i] Aristotle’s definition of legal rationality as ‘reason free from passion’ also conveys the realist’s vision of morality and rationality as distinct spheres, which too, is a predicate of Realism.

Let There Be Light Essay examples -- Energy Transportation Papers

Let There Be Light The sun shines brightly over the rolling green hillsides on a beautiful summer day. Green leaf-covered trees wave gently in the breeze next to the road, soaking up the light. However, if you look closely, off in the distance, you might catch a glimpse of some odd-looking vehicles approaching at a steady pace. As the pack zooms by, you cannot help but notice the black panels covering each car. You curiously wonder what purpose they serve, and why these automobiles left no smell of exhaust behind. Suddenly, you realize the connection: It was right under your nose the whole time! Just as the trees use sunlight to grow and reproduce, these solar powered cars convert the sun’s rays into energy that propels them onward. History In 1839, a French scientist named Edmond Becquerel experimented with electronics and found that he could create a weak electric current using selenium, a light-sensitive metal that responded to the sun’s rays. Becquerel had discovered â€Å"photovoltaics† (â€Å"photo† meaning â€Å"light,† â€Å"voltaic† meaning â€Å"power†), or the PV effect, which turned out to be the key to harnessing solar energy and converting it into useful forms (Bellis 1). Although he had little explanation for this phenomenon, his successors picked up the investigative process where he left off. In 1870, Heinrich Hertz researched and experimented with selenium, and produced a primitive light-to-electricity machine (1). As time progressed, scientists developed newer and better solar energy converters using silicon, which had a much higher efficiency than selenium. Solar cells were first officially invented by Charles Fritts in 1883 (1). Fritts used the selenium metal, which ... ... Cars – Solar Energy and Photovoltaics.† New York: About, Inc., 2002. 23 Aug. 2002. â€Å"History of the World Solar Challenge.† World Solar Challenge. 23 Aug. 2002. Shnayerson, Michael. â€Å"The Car That Could - The Inside Story of GM's Revolutionary Electric Vehicle.† Businessweek Online. 23 Aug. 2002. â€Å"Solar Powered Vehicles.† Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC). 23 Aug. 2002. â€Å"Sunrayce.† University of Michigan. 23 Aug. 2002. â€Å"Tour a Solar Car.† American Solar Challenge. 23 Aug. 2002

Market Research of Eveready Torches

CHAPTER 1 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ? To know the customer perception towards Eveready flashlights with respective to the china made rechargeable torches. ? To find out the factors that tends to put an impact on Eveready LED torches. ? To find out what are the parameters customers/consumers look into before purchasing flashlight/torches. ? To know price sensitivity. CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION A ‘flash light’ usually called a ‘Torch’ is a hand-held electric powered light source. It caters the lighting needs of consumers. In the case of emergencies when light goes out, you are going to your way to phone; all you need is a flashlight or torch to illuminate your way. You may still need to fix things when the sun goes down, if you are building something or working on your car, flash lights can help you see what you are doing. When you go for a dental check up you might see the dentist using torch. Whether you are going to take a walk or on your way out of the door at night you need a torch to help you see the way, as well as stay safe. About flashlight: A flashlight (usually called a Torch outside North America) is a hand-held electric-powered light source. Usually the light source is a small incandescent bulb or light-emitting diode (LED). Typical flashlight designs consist of the light source mounted in a parabolic or other shaped reflector and the power source is electric batteries and an electric power switch. While most flashlights are hand-held, there are head or helmet-mounted flashlights designed for miners and campers and battery-powered lights for bicycles. The term flashlight is used mainly in the United States and Canada. In other English-speaking countries, the most common term is torch or electric torch. On January 10, 1899, American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company obtained U. S. Patent No. 617,592(filed 12 march 1898) from David Misell, its English inventor. This â€Å"electric device† designed by Misell was powered by â€Å"D† batteries laid front to back in a paper tube with the light bulb and a rough brass reflector at the end. The company donated some of these devices to the New York City police, who responded favourably to them. These early flashlights ran on zinc-carbon batteries, which could not provide a steady electric current and require periodic ‘rest’ to continue functioning. Because these early flashlights also used energy-inefficient carbon-filament bulbs, â€Å"resting† occurred at short intervals. Consequently, they could be used only in brief flashes, hence the popular name flashlight. Power sources for light: The most common power source for flashlights is the battery. Many types of batteries are suitable for use in flashlights, such as button cells, alkaline batteries, lithium batteries and rechargeable NiMH, NiCd batteries and lithium ion batteries. The choice of batteries will depend on the light source used, and will usually play a determining role in the size and shape of the flashlight. Some flashlights are solar powered, using the energy generated from a solar cell to charge an on board battery for later use. [pic] COMPANY PROFILE [pic] 2. 1 COMPANY PROFILE: Ask any Indian consumer to name a battery and the first brand that comes to mind is Eveready. Not just among batteries, Eveready is a powerful brand across categories. Eveready has a portfolio comprising dry cell batteries (carbon zinc batteries, rechargeable batteries and alkaline batteries), flashlights (Torches), CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), and mosquito repellent and packet tea. Eveready’s strength is the result of a continuous and well-orchestrated brand development strategy that maximizes the value from each consumer touch-point. [pic] â€Å"Give me red† is the iconic urban face of Eveready. The advertising by-line of the popular red series of batteries, it is today symbolic the empowered urban lifestyle that the brand reflects. The original, path-breaking campaign won as many as 11 advertising awards. The current television commercial on Eveready ultima, which has explored and demonstrated the technique of light painting(through the TVC) has been very well received and is a one of its kind commercial in the entire batteries segment. The unmatched consumer confidence is also reflected through the various accolades that the company has got over the years. In a country where around 40% households don't have access to enough electricity and require basic sources of light to sustain themselves, Eveready provides portable lighting solutions to more than 60 million households. Highlights: ? In the confederation of Indian industry(CII)’s ‘Brand of the year’ 2005 shortlist, Eveready made the top ten finalists list, along with brands like Nokia, HP, Titan, Dabur and five other Hindustan Lever Brands. ? As per AC Nielsen, Eveready stood 7th among all FMCG companies in terms of growth in the year 2004-2005. The economic times’ Brand equity survey of Brands by sales, april2004, put Eveready at no. 22 across brands in all categories. ? As per vertebrands’ survey, on a 10-point scale, Eveready scored 8 on popularity and 7. 7 on contemporariness. Of all consumers surveyed, 41% called it â€Å"The Only Brand for Me†. Eveready industries India, ltd (EIIL) previously known as Union carbide India, limited is the flagship company of the B. M. khaitan group. The brand Eveready has been present in India since 1905. EIIL is the world’s third largest producer of carbon zinc batteries, selling more than a billion units a year. EIIL is India’s largest selling brand of dry cell batteries and flashlights (torches), with dominant market shares of about 46% and 85% respectively. HISTORY: EIIL started its operation in India in 1905. The first dry cell batteries were imported from the USA and sold in the major cities of the country. These batteries were primarily used in imported torches. In 1939, the company set up its first battery plant in Kolkata. This was followed by another battery manufacturing plant in Chennai in the year 1952. A torch manufacturing plant was set up at Lucknow in 1958. Today it is one of the largest torch manufacturing plants in south East Asia. The plant manufactures the full range of brass, aluminium and plastic torches. In 2005, EIIL celebrated its 100 anniversary in India. MILESTONES: 1905: national carbon starts its Indian operations with sale of batteries imported from USA. 1934: Eveready Company incorporated as a private company on 12 November. 1939: Camperdown works- first modern battery plant established at Cossipore in Kolkata. 1941: union batteries merges with Eveready Company and the name is changed to national carbon company. 951: renamed as union carbide India ltd, a subsidiary of worldwide multinational, union carbide corporation. 1958: company set its torch manufacturing plant in Lucknow, one of the largest in south Asia. 1996: Mc Leod Russel(India) ltd, merged with EIIL, bulk tea business brought into EIIL fold. 2000: Bishnauth Tea Company merged with Eveready industries India ltd. 2005: brand Eveready is a hundred years old. 2009: EIIL acquires controlling stake in Uniross SA of France, which is a leading rechargeable battery manufacturer. Eveready is India’s largest marketer of dry cell batteries selling about 1. billion units annually. It is also the largest marketer of torches selling more than 20 million pieces per annum. VISION STATEMENT: For over a century, our corporation has been a partner to consumers with our expertise in portable power and light. Today, we endeavour to be the perfect Companion to consumers by providing value-for-money brands with Tangible Differentiation in quality every day; we seek Consumer Proximity to ensure the enjoyment of better living. Our core competence will be based on these three core values for the total synergy and future profitable growth of our corporation. Company’s philosophy on corporate governance: The company believes that good corporate governance consists of a combination of business practices which result in enhancement of the value of the company to the shareholders and simultaneously enable the company to fulfil its obligations to other stakeholders such as customers, vendors, employees, and financiers and to the society in general. The company further believes that such practices are founded upon the core values of transparency, empowerment, accountability, independent monitoring and environmental consciousness. The company makes its best endeavours to uphold and nurture these core values in all aspects of its operations. 2. 1. A. MANUFACTURING: Eveready has its manufacturing units spread all across the country in order to maximize logistical efficiency and reduce time-to-market. The Company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing units are located in Kolkata, Noida, Uttaranchal, Chennai, Lucknow and Maddur. The company has high-speed manufacturing units, both for batteries and flashlights, with in-house facilities for metal flashlights along with a fully automated injection-moulding set-up for plastic flashlights. Eveready also has a full-fledged machine design group at Chennai with capabilities of making special-purpose machines for both captive consumption and customer-specific requirements. The manufacturing units of Eveready are ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certified. Eveready has a sophisticated R& D laboratory for design and testing of batteries. The laboratory is NABL accredited. The company also has its own flashlight design and development unit with the latest computer aided design facility. 2. 1. B. DISTRIBUTION: Eveready has a wide distribution network all over the country with 15 branches, 40 godowns and 4,000 distributors. Our products are available at grocery, general provision, music, electrical, hardware, stationery, gift /novelty stores, at the chemists’ shops and at photo studios and printing centres. So much so, that many of our products are even available at the paan and cigarette shops. According to AC Nielsen, Eveready batteries are available in 3. 3 million outlets out of a total universe of 7. 3 million FMCG outlets. The distribution structure extends coverage out to 5000-population villages. The company employs a strong sales force so that they can operate the extensive sales network successfully. As Eveready walks ahead in second century of existence, we have the following objectives – †¢ To consolidate our benchmark supplier position in all traditional outlets for batteries and flashlights. †¢ Employ a systematic and scientific approach towards increasing our reach and quality of reach. †¢ To leverage our sales & distribution competencies into identified newer channels †¢ To service the outlets with a diversified range of products. This includes batteries, flashlights, home lights, packet tea, mosquito repellents, CFLs and bulbs. To constantly explore new selling arrangements in identified markets to improve effectiveness of servicing. 2. 1. C. CORPORATE FACT SHEET: SBU's †¢ Batteries(including Rechargeable Batteries) †¢ Flashlights †¢ Packet Tea & Insect repellent †¢ Lighting Products †¢ New Products & Business Development †¢ Powercell Division Workforce: As on 31. 12. 08 (including Powercell) 2627 R&D facility Kolkat a, West Bengal Annual Sales: 92,530. 74 (Rs Lakhs) Manufacturing Locations and Sales offices: [pic] 2. 1. D. PRODUCTS: Eveready products are available under the mother brand name Eveready (batteries and lighting solutions) and also extended brand names like EVEREADY ULTIMA(Alkaline Batteries) ? EVEREADY RECHARGE(Rechargeable Batteries) ? EVEREADY JEEVAN-SATHI(Brass Torches) ? EVEREADY DigiLED(LED Flash Lights), ? EVEREADY CFL(Compact fluorescent lamps), ? EVEREADY POWERON (homecare products) and ? EVEREADY PREMIUM GOLD/JAGOO/TEZ (packaged tea) etc. Eveready offers a basket of FMCG products that find place in every household- Batteries: [pic] It is certainly not an overstatement that battery and Eveready have been synonymous with each other in India since time immemorial. After all, this is the only battery that has been with the people- in their good and bad times, in light as well as in darkness- through generations, for over a century. Eveready has diversified the portfolio to suit everyone’s needs. Eveready offers a wide range of batteries to fulfil the diverse portable energy requirements of progressive India. It has also come out with the Eveready blue batteries, which are long-lasting value-for-money solutions for your low-drain devices like TV/DVD remote controls, table/wall clocks and portable FM radio players. Zinc carbon batteries: Eveready is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc carbon batteries, selling more than 1 billion batteries every year. The Indian market for dry cell batteries is estimated at 2. 2 billion pieces by volume and rs. 14 billion by value, and Eveready is the undisputed market leader with more than half of the share of the market. The zinc carbon batteries are ideal for: flashlights, remote controls, toys, penlights, cameras, clocks, medical equipments, FM radios/MP4 players, etc. Alkaline Batteries: [pic]Eveready ultima alkaline battery is the ultimate energy solution to the power-hungry electronic gadgets of modern times. It is undoubtedly a new benchmark of quality & performance in the category of alkaline batteries. The promise of performance comes with an affordable price tag, making it truly an ultimate choice. Eveready ultima alkaline batteries are best suited for power-hungry new age gadgets like- digital cameras, remote-controlled toys, MP3 players, high-end portable audio-recording systems, etc. Rechargeable Batteries: [pic]There is a surfeit of power-hungry electronic gadgets in the market today. With every passing day, the list of such gadgets only gets longer. As an answer to the changing portable energy needs, Eveready has come up with Eveready recharge, world class range of rechargeable batteries. Since today’s high-tech devices demand more powerful batteries, Eveready rechargeable batteries are designed to deliver optimal performance. They are ready whenever you are. The higher end batteries come with an intelligent charger. The intelligent charger range includes chargers of various capacities. Lighting Solutions Eveready offers a wide variety of lighting solutions to suit the requirements of people in both urban and rural areas. Looking ahead, Eveready sees its business growing in the following fields: ? Mass consumption items like incandescent lamps, colour decoration lamps, etc. ? Energy saving alternatives, like T5 lamps, electronic ballasts, luminaries for fluorescent/compact fluorescent lamps with electronic controls. ? New-age technologies like LEDs & products around LEDs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) In 2007, Eveready forayed into the lighting business with the launch of a range of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). Halogen lamps: The lamps are so designed that they produce more light per units of energy, thus saving energy, and last longer. Halogen lamps are used in a variety of applications. Eveready has on offer halogen lamps that suit every possible requirement for outdoor lighting and video-shooting purposes. General lighting service /incandescent lamps (GLS): Eveready offers a vast range of incandescent bulbs in different sizes, voltages and colours. Alternate lighting solutions: [pic] [pic] Eveready digiLED lanterns- with its digiled technology, unlike a kerosene lamp or candle, the Eveready lantern gives bright, continuous and unflickering light from long lasting LEDs. All this at the same running cost per hour, as that of a kerosene lamp or candle. It illuminates a wide area and is ideal for activities like studying, cooking and other in-house work†¦ making it a true light for our home! Types of digiLED Lanterns: [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] Packet tea: India wakes up with tea every morning. It is the drink that enlivens, energises and rejuvenates the mind and the body. It is the drink that binds people across cultures. This is why Eveready has lined up a wide range of tea blends to match the needs of a diverse tea-drinking nation and the different â€Å"tea cultures† that are an integral part of the country’s socio-cultural fabric. Eveready today has offerings- Eveready tez, Eveready premium gold, Eveready jaago and eveready classic. Brands which satisfy the diverse moods of the tea drinkers. FLASHLIGHTS: [pic] Eveready has been the pioneer in the field of portable lighting for many a decades. Eveready with a huge variety of products is the largest manufacturer and marketer of torches in south Asia. Well known for its quality, range, colour options and value for money models. Eveready caters to all the lighting needs of both- the urban and rural consumers. DigiLED Torches: Eveready recently introduced a whole new category of torches with digiLED technology. These torches use highly power efficient LEDs in place of the incandescent bulbs. The long life LEDs, the superior quality lens & the Eveready expertise put together give the consumers an excellent torch with a focused bright white beam of light. pic] [pic] The torches are available in a Variety of shapes & sizes, with a splash of bright vibrant colours. Mainly for its quality of power efficiency, as batteries lasts longer, these torches have become an instant hit with the value conscious consumers across India. UltraLED torches: [pic] Torches with powerful beams which reach amazing distances, stronger light with enhanc ed efficiency, coupled with superior advantages of the original digiLED torches. The range offers the user wide choice in shapes, sizes & new metallic colours. Brass torches: [pic] True to its name, the Jeevan Sathi brass torchlight has been a trustworthy, constant companion for the discerning Indians through generations. It is reliable, durable and repairable, making it a must-have evening companion especially in the villages. It is one of the most trusted brands in rural India across all product categories. Aluminium & plastic torches: [pic] Eveready has always gone for innovation to bring out new models which suit the diverse requirements of all its customers. These torches have strong durable bodies, slide switches for easy handling and come in a wide range of models and colours. Rechargeable torches: Eveready also provides rechargeable torches to its customers. These have an in-built battery and a plug, for easy recharge. These torches are true value-for-money and are targeted at the urban and semi-urban households. Models like Commander, HiLite, Mobile, RedFlash, Rangoli & CityLite†¦ are brands in their own capacity†¦ bought by thousands of people every month. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Methodology is a systematic way of solving a problem; it includes the research methods for solving a problem. Type of research: Descriptive & Empirical Research Data source: Primary and secondary data Data collection method: Interview and survey Data collection tools: Questionnaires and informal interview Sample Universe: Nadia district (Areas- kastodanga, maniktalapada, kalitala, nimtala, Simurali- narapatipada, shantipur, ranaghat, krishnanagar). Sample size: 250 Sample Design: The target population of the study consists of various respondents of various places (mostly done in rural areas and small town targeting low class group people and middle class). This is because to know that if price is the only factor of impact of china made torches. Sample size: After due consultation with the company, also keeping in mind the requirements of the company for the research, the sample size that was found to be appropriate for the study was 250(each place 25-35 respondents). Sampling Technique: Stratified sampling technique – a stratified sample is obtained by independently selecting a separate simple random sample from each population stratum. A population can be divided into different groups based on class, income. The survey was conducted by visiting different places(shops, market, respondent’s home, etc). Statistical tools:Simple percentage analysis and Ranking method is the main statistical tool used for study. 3. 1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY ? The result of this research would help the company to market their products. ? The result will help in improving sales. ? The study will help the company to make aware the consumers about the product. 3. 2. LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH The following limitations can be pointed out from the research that I conducted in relation to the problems that were given to me by Eveready industries India ltd. Sample size was not sufficient to know the absolute figures. †¢ The research got confined to the Nadia district (towns and rural areas). 4. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION The respondents who were covered under this study can be categorized on the basis of certain important criteria like age, annual income (class), tendency towards white LED light and awareness about new Eveready LED torches in the market. Table-4. 1 Annual Income Level: |Annual Income Level |No. Of Respondent |Percentage | |Below 1 Lakh |134 |53. 6 | |1-3 Lakh |105 |42 | |Above 3 Lakh |11 |4. 4 | |Total |250 |100 | | | | | | | | | | | | |Eveready LED |31 |12. % | |Eveready incandescent modified |3 |1. 2% | |China made Torch |211 |84. 4% | |Others |5 |2% | [pic] Interpretation: Among the 250 respondents i. e. he consumers, it can be seen that the consumers of china made torches are the highest i. e. 84. 4%. Eveready LED torches have 12. 4% consumers. 1. 2% of respondents are there who have an attachment with Eveready and thinks there torch is best for them they have modified incandescent Eveready brass torch into white light (because consumers like white led light). 2% of the respondents are the users of other torches. Table: 4. 3 Eveready LED torch users – Distribution according to income: Below 1 Lakh |1-3 lakh |Above 3 lakh | |3 users |17 users |11 users | Interpretation: It can be inferred that among 31 consumers that use Eveready LED torch, there are 3 users fr om the low income group i. e. below 1 lakh. 17 customers are from 1-3 lakh group and 11 users are from above 3 lakh group. Table-4. 4 AWARENESS about Eveready LED Torches: |Awareness |No. Of Respondents |Percentage | |Yes |65 |26% | |No |185 |74% | |Total |250 |100 | [pic] Interpretation: Now coming to the point of awareness among the people about the Eveready’s new product i. . Eveready LED Torches, the response was very disappointing. Among 250 respondents only 65 people i. e. 26% are aware about Eveready LED flashlight. Table-4. 5 Consumers those are aware but do not like to have due to high price (not affordable): Out of 65 people who are aware, the people who would not like to purchase are 40. |1-3 lakhs |Below 5 lakhs | |35 people |5 people | Interpretation: It can be seen that out of 65 people who are aware, 35 people of low class would not like to purchase due to its high price, it is not affordable. CHAPTER 5 RESULTS: The findings that can be drawn from the survey- ? 100% positive answer regarding Eveready torches durability, reliability and longevity shows company’s high image. ? 100% consumers like the white LED light torches. ? It was found that most of the low class people are not able to purchase Eveready LED torches because they cannot afford due to its high price. As Eveready LED torches are new entrants in the market, most of the people are unaware about the Eveready LED torches. IMPACT OF CHINA MADE TORCHES ON EVEREADY LED FLASHLIGHTS: 1. Shifting of incandescent torches market to LED Torches market. ? Eveready incandescent bulb torches were used and appreciated by the consumers before China made rechargeable torches with LEDs instead of incandescent bulb came into the market. After china made torches e ntered the market, people liked the white light of LEDs and the low price. As, no Eveready LED torches were available that time (before 5-6 years), the customers/consumers were forced to purchase china made LED rechargeable torches. So, there was a shift towards LEDs torches (china made torches). 2. Shifting of normal torches i. e. torches without rechargeable factor, to rechargeable torches. ? China made torches came into the market with the facility of recharging the batteries at that time when Eveready have had no rechargeable torches. People /consumers thought it more economical than Eveready normal torches and tend towards it. NOTE: but it is not true, the fact is that the Eveready torches are more economical because the batteries that are used in it as a power source runs for 4 months in a single time). So, demand inclined towards rechargeable torches. 3. It’s been 2 years Eveready has launched LED flashlights/torches with high quality light. But there is a particular segment i. e. low class people have a tendency to buy china made torches due to its low price (although they were using Eveready incandescent torches before ). customer’s perception has changed . . Considering all the facts, the most important part that has been affected (impact of china made torches) is sales. Although Eveready is doing well but the market that has been captured by china made torches (mostly the low class people who purchase china made low price torches), Eveready is missing to target that part. NOTE: As there are many customers/consumers who are using Eveready LED torches (Eveready is meeting its sale targets) this shows that the impact of china made torches that has been on Eveready torches is diminishing. People are shifting from china made torches due to their lack in reliability, longevity, durability and many factors. They lack in adding value to the customers. CHAPTER 6 RECOMENDATIONS: ? Eveready is extensively using its marketing strategies to reach customers; advertisements are being done but while surveying, the segment of customers that are not aware of the product to reach them we have to make them aware through extensive advertising. There are hoardings placed in the market but they are only seen over the distributors or big retailers. There must be more hoardings, bill boards showcasing Eveready led torches. ? Eveready should launch a new led torch with low price particularly focusing the low class (low income group) people. Advertising should be focusing these people. ? Extensive advertising on radio. REFERENCES: ? WEBSITES: www. evereadyindustries. com www. wikipidea. org ? Business Research Methods – Donald R Cooper, Pamela Schindler