Inkwell Limited Essay

1. TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.1 This report reviews and investigates Inkwell Ltd’s accounting system in relation to establishing and setting recommendations in order to conclude that its system and controls are enhanced as well as protected to minimize the risk of fraud. 1.2 The report investigates the main stakeholders of the organization at large both internal and external as well as the information it needs it has from the system. 1.3 Recommended costs and benefits are analyzed together with the risk of fraud towards the organization. 1.4 Lastly the report is part of the AAT level 4 Diploma in Accounting. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1 The report reviews the internal control within the accounting system of Inkwell Limited and recommendations to upgrade them. Findings are concluded that Inkwell Ltd ought to employ enough, fully trained staff with relevant qualifications and work full time as well as following company’s policies. Training staff results in having competent staff which will reduce confusion and enhance confidence of employees in their work. 2.2 The report recommends that accounting system ought to be improved so as to develop controls for the operations of the organization like password access, authorization and attendance record by purchasing clock cards so that the risk of fraud can be minimized too. 2.3 The report recommends that Inkwell Ltd ought to buy an electronic generator which will act as a reserve during time of power cut such that vital information of the company is always protected even if there is power cut. 3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 A research from books and internet was used as reference in order to come  up with this report and it was based on the case study. 3.2 A fraud matrix was used to investigate the potential of fraud within the accounting system and protecting controls in practice by analyzing them. 3.3 Reviewing the existing accounting system over a period of three months to enable a SWOT analysis to be produced was also used to plan and investigate the report. 4. INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGANISATION 4.1 Inkwell Ltd is a large company in Birmingham supplying complete range of re-manufactured inkjet and laser tower cartridges to small retailers and large trade customers. It is a limited company established seven years ago by two of its controlling shareholders, Paul Farnon and Victoria Dawson. So far it has revenue of over  £16 million, 80% being from small retailers while 20% is from large trade customers. It employs around 180 full time employees and 2 part time staff at the head office. 4.2 Inkwell Ltd has grown since the founders of it realized the need to have more professional Accounting expertise like Finance Director and other diverse clerks. The two of Inkwell Ltd’s directors has experience of dealing with this type of business from their prior companies they have worked for. 4.3 The organization has relatively flat structure with two supervisors reporting to the directors and then further clerks reporting to their supervisors. The leadership style used is consultative where combination of democratic and autocratic is involved. Appendix 1 expands the structure in full. 4.4 The accounts system is a centralized system consisting of 28 computers in head office site and 60 in shops/branches where online shops are opened 24/7.The inventory control system is based around on excel spreadsheet, the sage payroll system for payroll calculations and windows vista operating system is used. The password â€Å"Go Green† has been used and currently in use to log on all the computers of the company. In head office site every member of staff has his/her own computer whether full/part time whereas in branches each computer and printer is shared by 3-4 member of staff that are for part time.10% discount is given against the cost of a replacement cartridges if old one s are brought by a customers. 4.5 External regulation affecting the organization 4.5.1 The Company’s Act 2006-This sets out the way in which financial  statements should be prepared so Inkwell Ltd will have to comply with this Act to mitigate all possible fines that might arise. 4.5.2 UK Accounting Standards-This defines procedures and approaches to the preparation of financial statements that the organization must take. They are either known as Statements of Standard Accounting Practices (SSAPs) or Financial Reporting Standard (FRSs) depending on when they were issued. 4.5.3 International Regulations such as International Accounting Standard (IAS) and International Financial reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB)-Inkwell Ltd will have to follow these regulations to have confidence in accounting. 4.5.4 The data Protection Act 1998-The fundamental principle of confidentiality is related to this act and this regulates how Inkwell Ltd processes and stores information of customers, suppliers and employees so as to minimize possible penalties. 4.5.5 Late Payment law-Inkwell Ltd ought to pay its suppliers on time as this is set out in the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 so as to eradicate the possibilities of being sued and loosing reputation. 4.5.6 Health and Safety Legislation-Inkwell Ltd is obliged to teach its staff how to withstand some of the outcomes that are safety related since harmful substances (Ink) are used and the toner cartridges has some devices that are connected with controlled light and rays. Procedures of dealing with this matter are essential to protect people against any harmful effect. 4.6 Inkwell Ltd-Key external stakeholders 4.6.1 Customers-The customers of Inkwell Ltd are into two categories being small retailers and large trade customers who purchase re-manufactured inkjet and toner cartridges. They expect to be provided with quality service at discounted, reasonable prices. This is happening as they are given 30-60 days of credit after a trial of three months of paying with purchase order. Price lists and credit terms might also be required. 4.6.2 Suppliers-The Company is supplied with re-manufactured inkjet and toner cartridges. Suppliers will require Inkwell Ltd to pay them on time but since Inkwell Ltd operates with relatively small number suppliers, payments period can be extended without complaint. Financial information can be required by suppliers to enable them to decide whether to work with Inkwell Ltd. 4.6.3 Financier/Bank-Producing series of business plans enables Inkwell Ltd to raise enough finance from their banks to expand the business. Financial statements like Income Statement may be needed by the bank. 5. THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 5.1 Inkwell Ltd has an Accounts Team based in the head office on an Industrial Estate in Birmingham where information from its branches is compiled and processed. All computers are accessed by the password â€Å"Go Green† and reporting does take place to the relevant authorities. The accounts department is highly privileged to have top management like finance director and accountant. 5.2 The purpose of Inkwell Ltd’s accounts department is to complete all activities relating to the production of the accounts including sales and purchases ledgers, payroll and costing. This department has its own weaknesses identified included in appendix 2 and structure in appendix 1. 5.3 The accounts department-Key internal stakeholders 5.3.1 Paul Farnon, owner1(Managing Director)-As the owner and managing director of Inkwell Ltd, Paul will have to strive for the success of the company including managing accounts department. The way Farnon manages will determine where the company is heading. Since Paul has held top position as the UK general sales manager in a major manufacturer of printers (Hewlett Packard), this reflects an advantage to the accounts department and company at large since he has experience. 5.3.2 Victoria Dawson,owner2(Sales Director)-As being another owner, Victoria is obliged to contribute in the success of the accounts department since she once worked as a Marketing Manager for Rymans,a major office supplies retailer in the same industry so Victoria will use previous experience to help accounts department especially in sales of the company. 5.3.3 Anil Gupter, owner3 (Finance Director)-Anil is also expected to deliver a good service looking at the fact that he did not changed his rank of being Fin ance Director unlike other directors when he moved from Epson, a large manufacturer of printer and printers cartridges to Inkwell Ltd. Anil was needed to have more professional accounting expertise since the production of the company was showing that circulation of money has expanded. Anil’s main responsibility is to manage all finance, legal and accounting procedures and system. Gupter has Bsc, FCMA  qualifications. 5.3.4 Michael O’Payne (Company Accountant)-Michael is responsible for managing the work of the accounting technicians and clerks running the transactions accounting system comprising of purchase, sales and general ledger,costing,payroll and personnel database management system. The fact that Michael has been the company’s accountant ever since it was established, it means he understand and familiar with each and every transaction relating to accounts department. Michael has ACCA qualifications. 5.3.5 Michelle Labelle (General ledger & Inventory clerk)-Michelle’s main roles is to keep financial control over company’s inventories, review daily reports from shop manager s, enter all data into general ledger to produce trial balance. Labelle also monitors orders to suppliers placed by Purchase Manager. Michelle has no accounting qualifications but once worked as trainee personnel officer in France. 5.3.6 Liana Khan (Purchase Ledger Clerk)-Liana is responsible for entering all suppliers’ invoices and credit notes into the purchase ledger and arranges payments to suppliers. Liana has foundation level 2 AAT qualifications and is keen in studying for her intermediate level 3 AAT. Khan is employed part time of 20 hours a week and has once worked as Sales Ledger Clerk. 5.3.7 Greg Morris (Sales Ledger Clerk)-Morris input all data into sales ledger and sends monthly statement to trade customers. He once worked for Rymans where Victoria Dawson was working. Greg was a purchase ledger clerk. He has no accounting/credit control qualifications but wishes to have one. Morris is employed on part time 20 hours a week basis. 5.3.8 Alan Cook (Costing Technician)-Alan is responsible for operating Inkwell Ltd’s costing system since the company was formed. Cook has no accounting qualifications and not willing to have one but before joining Inkwell Ltd he was a Purchase and Sales ledger clerk. 5.3.9 Sharon Ward (Payroll & Personnel Database Clerk)-Sharon’s main responsibility is to run Inkwell Ltd’s two payrolls, a monthly payroll for management and salaried staff as well as a weekly payroll for hourly paid staff. She also issues all statutory forms required by HMRC and UK tax authorities and lastly maintain the personnel database. Sharon has BA (Hons) and AAT foundation level 2 accounting qualifications and willing to study for her AAT intermediate exams. Ward once worked as a holiday company resort representative. 6. REVIEW OF THE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM 6.1 This report analyses the accounting system that are used by Inkwell Ltd and makes recommendations to enhance it. 6.2 The weakness have been identified with the aid of SWOT analysis expanded in appendix 2.This section also investigates the system within the context of the financial reports the accounts system should provide to stakeholders like suppliers, financier and whether it is suitable to meet their, and company’s needs. 6.3 Working methods and practices 6.3.1 The system in Inkwell Ltd’s accounts department comprises of 8 computers running on an integrated basis and are all linked to the same printers. Inventory information is operated within excel and the payroll system uses sage payroll to calculated the weekly and monthly wages and salaries.Quickcost is used for costing system. Monthly bank reconciliation statement and receipts is produced manually. 6.3.2 All work within the system is password sheltered, using a general password through the organization ‘Go Green’. 6.3.3 Weakness in the working methods and practices within the system at Inkwell Ltd are detailed in the SWOT analysis in appendix 2 as: -Some of the staffs are part time so this can delay day to day work to be fully completed on time since they are not always present and there is no necessity in place for them to all be in the office at the same time. -Employing incompetent staff exposes the company to a great risk of performing poorly since it will be hard to withstand the changes of the profession like being familiar with international standards. Working overtime by part time staff to catch up with the work will cost the company. This may also accumulate errors within Inkwell Ltd and stakeholders like bank, suppliers may resist dealing with them and the reputation of the company may possibly downgrade gradually. -Having no assistants in the company reflects lack of plan and missing the bigger picture because once an employee is not around it means the work stops since there is no a reserve. Keeping cheques and cash in the premises for more than a night is a great risk. -Tendency of backing up the system once instead of twice provided that the policy states that, this may result in loosing critical information to be used in various cases like verification and this will be regarded as failure to retain records. -The use of same password for the entire company  tend to be a secret uncovered because once one computer is logged on, automatically it is possible to log on the rest of the computers of which is unsafe to the side of Inkwell Ltd. 6.4 Recording keeping system 6.4.1 Weaknesses in the record keeping system were recognized as component of the SWOT analysis in appendix 2. -Errors, assumption, inaccuracy may possibly be found for the reason that there is shortage of skillful staff to cover for those who are absent so employees with inappropriate skills will attempt to cover up therefore causing errors. -Reconciling monthly bank statement by hand may cause errors and it is quite slow to do that compared to using computer. -Insufficient training period makes it hard to use new developed system like payroll so being self-doubting with the use of this new system will automatically generate incorrect information done by employees. -Having no attendance time record like clock cards may perhaps lead to underpaying which can decline the drive of employees and at the same time employees may be overpaid and Inkwell Ltd will have to use a lot of cash to pay overtime that were not deserved. 6.5 Training The SWOT analysis in appendix 2 analyses the weaknesses within the system regarding training as follows: -Incompetent staffs are employed which can cause a massive confusion and inaccuracy particularly when workload boost and latest standards of profession are introduced. -Training periods are too short to maintain and attain new changes of the system like being familiar with the use of new payroll software thus causing lack of confidence upon employees. 7. INTERNAL CONTROL AND FRAUD ANALYSIS 7.1 Internal system of control 7.1.1 Within Inkwell Ltd controls resembling payments to staff is very informal. Dependence is habitually based upon trust. Formal controls will sustain the accounting system and diminish the chance of fraud. 7.1.2 The SWOT analysis in appendix 2 analyses the weaknesses within the system as: -Cash and cheques-leaving money and cheques in the premises until the banking day will definitely attract theft to take place since Inkwell Ltd is a huge company despite whether the money is placed in a save place. -Authorization-There are no effective authorization procedures put in place  regarding matters like attendance records and monitoring payments to suppliers. Approved payments were reversed by employees like Purchase Manager. -Access-Since one password is used by Inkwell Ltd, any member of staff could use this password for personal reasons. -Payments-It’s very risky to let customers pay via internet by giving their debit/credit cards details 7.2 Fraud Analysis 7.2.1 Even though there is no confirmation of fraud having taken place within Inkwell Ltd Ltd, fraud is likely to occur within the system and proper controls ought to be in place to put off them. 7.2.2 The SWOT analysis in appendix 2 analyses the weaknesses within the system as: -Authorization-Some employees may tend to overstate hours worked and this is one way where fraud can occur due to lack of having no attendance time records. Monitoring all company’s expenditures like payments to suppliers are less monitored so fraud can find a way through this root as approvement was reversed by the Purchase Manager. -Password-Inkwell Ltd’s information may be extracted through having flexible access and then used to steal money from the company as critical information like bank details may be interrogated from the computers due to having same password. -Cash and Cheques-Leaving cash and cheques in the premises until banking day may provoke fraud because some of the employees might get tempted to steal due to the nature of being closer to a lot of cash having a thought that it would not be identifiable. -Payments-Collecting payments over the internet can also lead to fraud as its quite risky to give debit/credit card details via internet because some people even employees may pretend as if they are Inkwell Ltd representatives by using different names from there take money for their own reasons not for company. 7.2.4 Each of these possible frauds, the contemporary controls in lay, and the recommendations to develop can be found within a fraud matrix in appendix 3.This matrix also comprises the level of risk to the business. 8. RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE 8.1 There are numerous recommendations that can be utilized to advance the weaknesses recognized over also in appendix 2. 8.1.1 Training-Training periods should be extended such that staff may be fully trained to use the system and operate it effectively. This will help them to gain confidence  and morale in their work and their daily work will move a bit faster which lead to high productivity. 8.1.2 Policies-Since policies are ethics to channel decisions and accomplish rational outcomes and the source for employment contract with staff, all employees ought to comply with policies set to alleviate possible risks like losing vital information if the system backed once instead of twice. Regular meetings and workshops may facilitate to review the policies and mark the weak areas so that they can be strengthened. This will ensure that aims and target are met which is a good thing. 8.1.3 Attendance-The use of clock cards may be useful to record the exact hours worked for. This will prev ent misstatement of time worked thus help the company not to overstate nor understate payments to employees. 8.1.4 Assistants and qualifications-Enough staff with relevant qualifications ought to be employed so that they can act as reserves when others are absent. This will make certain that external stakeholders are confident to invest in a company that is well equipped in terms of adequate and competent staff. 8.1.5 Advanced Accounting-The use of electronic accounting like pastel should be used to alternate reconciling monthly bank statement and entering receipts manually, this will help to save time and minimize errors. 8.1.6 Access-Inkwell Ltd should set a policy which states that each computer should have its own password so as to restrict access to all the entire computers, this will guarantee that company’s information is embraced. 8.1.7 Approve-All approved payments especially including big amount ought to be thoroughly monitored, this will put off fraud of overstating what it has been approved where people will take advantage of that like what the purchase manager did by changing approved deal. 8.1.8 Banking everyday is the best way for Inkwell Ltd rather than waiting until banking day looking at the fact that Inkwell Ltd generates a lot of money on daily basis, so keeping cheques and cash in the premises is a risk. Security Company will also have to be hired to protect all properties like cash. This will guarantee safety in the company. 8.1.9 Payments-Payments from customers when they are away should be done through post where cheques are sent and should be crossed ‘Account payee’. Names, address and business rates reference should be written properly and correctly. This will minimize delayed payments. 9. COSTS AND BENEFITS ANALYSIS 9.1 The recommendations after cost and benefit analyses to employ adequate, full time, qualified staff, purchase attendance record and bank every day. This has been completed as follows: 9.2 COSTS 9.2.1 Appropriate training staff is required for current account packages like payroll and personal database as well as training other accounts clerks like that one of sales ledger. Inkwell Ltd will have to choose the best institution with reasonable prices to train its staff. 9.2.2 There would be an opportunity cost of staff attending the training in that way they would not be available to complete their work but getting paid and therefore they are not generating chargeable hours. 9.2.3 Well qualified staff with relevant qualifications is required to act as assistants. New staff will have to be posted as clerks assistants. They will become a bit confused to operate in a new environment at first and time will be consumed as well but as time goes on they will adapt and adjust to a new working place. 9.2.4 Inkwell Ltd will require clock cards to record the attendance of the employees and the swiping machine for these cards will have to be connected to the system though this may cause a bit of disruption in the offices. Inkwell Ltd should choose a quality machine that is simple to use. 9.2.5 The electronic generator is needed to help during power cut. Connecting it to the entire accounts department will cause interruption as all connections will have to be switched off for a while. Prices and the quality of the generator should be compared from different shops to choose the best one. 9.2.6 Security company with advanced equipments like cameras, alarms is required for security services. Connecting the security system will as well cause disturbance in the offices. The cost, quality, reliability of the security companies should be compared to see which one is suitable for Inkwell Ltd. 9.2.7 Other staff may be unhappy to see other being trained and this might cause less productivity, commitment, efficiency because they will become jealous. Extended induction of new staff can also cost the company as they are not available for work while some preparations are carried on. Finally ongoing training and extended induction will probably cause client’s dissatisfaction because there would be shortage of workforce thus declining reliability of clients to Inkwell Ltd. 9.3 BENEFITS 9.3.1 The benefits the system will bring are less tangible, so harder to value but possible benefits have been quantified as follows: 9.3.2 The first benefit to Inkwell Ltd is that there will be staff competence as employees will now have relevant skills and knowledge thus leading to quality production and effectiveness. Self confidence will also be improved since they are flexible with their work. 9.3.3 The use of clock cards will enable the payroll department to be accurate in most times. This will also reduce queries from staff if their salaries are underpaid and time set for each employee will be utilized efficiently, unproven overtimes will no longer be found thus reducing cost for the company. 9.3.4 Availability of qualified assistants will then fill gap especially when others are not around due to reasons like sick leaves and this will help the production to keep moving. Clients will also be interested to be given professional service at any time. Relationship between two parties is enhanced due to good cooperation found. 9.3.5 The use of electronic generator will create chances of not loosing critical information during power cut. Inkwell Ltd will always have necessary information needed by internal and external stakeholders. 9.3.6 Having a security services means Inkwell Ltd’s properties are secure but not fully due to inherent risks of some assets like cash. The use of alarms and cameras will reduce the chances of employees stealing. The security company will also help in escorting the cash and cheques while in transit to be banked. 9.3.7 Inkwell Ltd’s reputation is enhanced since clients are provided with professional service from trained and knowledgeable staff and at the same time staff feel valued to the investment in training them, their morale is as well improved. APPENDIX 1-INKWELL (LTD)’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE APPENDIX 2-INKWELL (LTD)’S SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES -Quick delivery from Inkwell Ltd no matter where the customer is. -Employees are paid on time because payroll and personnel database is presented to the bank by the 24th of each month. -There is nonstop trading by online shop since they operates 24/7 -Inkwell Ltd has directors with quality and full  experience of dealing with type of business of printer cartridges. -More professional accounting expertise like accountant, financial director, clerks. -The use of centralized accounting system enables Inkwell Ltd to decide decisions quickly and economies of scale as fewer staff overall are needed to complete work unlike if every branch had its own accounts employees. -Flexibility-employees are given chance of advising management in some areas like Alan Cook advised of variances from target. -Cheques are signed by any two of the company’s authorized signatories. -The use of BACS to pay staff is useful since its quick -Giving staff commission is strength itself because their effectiveness and morale tend to improve. -There is a good credit control taking place since all customers that are overdue with their payments are contacted via telephone, written letter. -Good communication i.e. Michelle usually contact shop managers to know when the inventory gets above three days’ holding. -The use of advanced accounting packages like payroll will minimize the errors. -Shortage of staff as well as employing unqualified staff results in poor performance, productivity. Reputation of Inkwell Ltd is at high possibilities of being destroyed. -Short training periods are not suitable for a big company like Inkwell Ltd this will limit employees’ confidence in their work e.g. one day training is not enough. -Inkwell Ltd’s policies are not followed which means they lack direction for example backup is supposed to be done twice a day rather than once. Lack of attendance time record will results in overstatement nor understating figures of hours worked since no control is to be found to record hours worked. -Payments including big amounts are not well monitored, for example Purchase Manager changed what was approved by management that there were to be no increases in prices conceded this year at all but he reversed that, this reflects that follow up was not involved. -Some of the management become reluctant to attend other matters like that one Chapman where there was discrepancies involving big amount and he failed to attend the matter. -Procrastination of some vital areas-differences were caused because the list of people to have access to the general ledger was not yet set so everyone could access. -Some  management like Purchase Manager is short sighted because purchase order processing module had to be bought so that some details of some transactions may not be deleted but Peter concluded it as a waste of money. -The use of one computer by 3-4 part time employees is too bad because it influences less productivity, efficiency since it cannot be used simultaneously so others will have to wait for other to finish and it discourages self independence in workplace. -Recording receipts and reconciling bank statement manually may possibly accumulate errors and consume a lot of time. -Tension between management like that one of accountant and Finance Director may discourages internal relationship and cooperation(team work).The company will suffer since by the time they are obliged to discuss something important they w ill deliberately become pig-headed. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS -Customers are helped to have no history of poor payments so this may enhance the reliability of customers to the company and more customers will be attracted gradually. -There is an opportunity of training staff meaning by the time of completing those studies they will bring huge input that is acquired from outside. -Inkwell Ltd is given an opportunity by suppliers to pay a bit late and this will help Inkwell Ltd to use the money that was to be paid for other like to pay overdraft if there is any. This will also improve cash position -Data Protection Act 1998-Inkwell Ltd is likely to face penalties of failing to keep records since it has the tendency of not keeping records. -Family commitments-Some employees may have family commitments that force them to take some breaks like when family members e.g. when children are sick. This will mean task at work will have to wait especially when company does not have assistants. Some will even take sick leave. -The use of unqualified staff is a huge threat since customers may possibly report that they are not given complete service that match with what they have paid for. This may be reported to consumer affairs and Inkwell Ltd might be penalized. -Power cut may provoke the loss of vital information and Inkwell Ltd may fail to present relevant wanted by external stakeholders e.g. banks so in this way  the company may miss so many chances of opportunities or either be penalized for failing to present information to be used for legal purposes. -There is possibility of theft to take place in the company since Inkwell Ltd is generating a lot of money. -Trading via online might possibly become because it’s a great risk since some may claim to become part of Inkwell Ltd so that they may receive money that was not entitled to them. APPENDIX 4-INKWELL (LTD)’S TECHNICAL NOTES 1) Income Statement-In the context of Inkwell Ltd this will show the owner of the business, sales revenue/income received as well all the cost incurred in the accounting period which will be deducted from the income to arrive at the profit of Inkwell Ltd.This will help the owner to make right decisions and analysis as costs and revenue that has huge impact in the income statement will be highlighted. 2) Statement of Financial Position-Current, non current assets, short term liability and long term liability like loans will be laid down. All liabilities will be added and deducted from all assets for which the amount should be equal to the capital invested in the company by the owners and profit from Income Statement. This will help in terms of planning of how long will the liabilities be paid and when to sell non current assets, how to control receivables. 3) Fraud Detection- The use of regular checking and investigating all discrepancies to conclude what could have went wrong can be one way of detecting fraud. Forensic accountants can as well be useful where investigations will be carried out scientifically. Effective procedures and strategies that are meant to eradicate fraud can be useful in the organization so owners and employees will not want to be associated with fraud cases. 4) Impact of fraud-Fraud can become strong usually if it’s done by the owners of the business, this will include theft of cash, inventory as well as time meant for businesses’ purposes, owners and employees may use business time for their personal activities and this will reduce profitability, production, and effectiveness in the company. Fraud can become a way of life for a business where trustworthy within the business is eroded. Some will be scared of whistle blowing if they are not protected.

My Ambition Essay

Living in the modern world, a person really needs to know what he wants to do. In order to lead a meaningful and colorful life, everyone needs an ambition. If one does not have an ambition, he will be like a ship sailing on the wide sea blindly. That is why I have made up my mind to become a reporter since my childhood. When I was a little girl, I often daydreamed. If I were a reporter, everything would be great. I could get the latest information and report the news to the world on TV. When I walked on the street, people would recognize me and probably would shout â€Å" OH, my godï ¼  That’s she-the perfect reporterï ¼ Ã¢â‚¬  Then I would feel proud of myself. In my childhood, I often stood in front of the mirror and encouraged myself, â€Å" Hiï ¼  Girl, you have a perfect face, graceful manners and active personality. You will be good at your job. You will become a reporter, an outstanding reporterï ¼ Ã¢â‚¬  As time goes by, I never change my mind. I still have a strong desire to be a reporter. I deeply understand to be a reporter is not as easy as I thought. Being an excellent reporter requires many abilities, especially English ability. Therefore, in order to made my ambition come true. I have made some plan for it. From now on, I should make best use of my time to study anything about a reporter needs. I’ll pay much attention to the things around me and keep a keen thinking. Besides, I’ll learn the techniques of famous reporters on TV. In short, being a reporter is my greatest dream, my ambition, I’ll train myself to make it come true. With my efforts, I really hope I’ll become an outstanding reporter some day.

High Quality Nursery Schools For Poor Children Essay

As we know, poverty is ubiquitous phenomenon all over the world. Some people continually complain that they are just getting the minimum salary, and the society does not help them to shake off poverty. In most of their life time, they have to face the reality to deal with the difficult situations that they find unfair. However, poverty affects children who have no abilities to get through it that is really unequal in the world. Children who live in poverty may lack confidence at school age because their outfit and house. These children also have no sufficient food to eat and less money to take the medicine during their illness. Therefore, the poor children may become weak and their health is threatened by ingesting less nutritious food. In addition, a poor family results in low parental education, which may affect children’s value in his whole life. All in all, the solution for these problems is high quality nursery schools should be set up to support poor families more in ter ms of raising the next generation for growing healthily. Living in poverty, when kids get to school age they are looked down and bullied by their classmates. So these kids obviously have less confidence to face their life. They also recognize that the material condition of their lives is so important to have an equality view. Randall Williams said â€Å"I was ashamed of where I lived. I had been ashamed for as long as I had been conscious of class.† (Randall Williams, Daddy tucked the blanket, 2000, Page 1) He lived in a poor family that frequently moved. For him, he had no courage to invite his friends to his house. Children growing up in poor families may lead to a pessimistic attitude for lives. They have no dare to show themselves even though their skills or talents are standout. Moreover, without confidence, these children do not allow themselves to pursue their dreams. For example, when I was at primary school, my parents also struggled in low-wage jobs. At that time, I was very interested in playing piano and it appeared in my brain over and over again. However, I had to give up my dream because my family could not afford to buy a piano and its lessons. I can clearly remember that piano played a dominant role in my childhood and I gave it up in despair. This experience generates the tragic view of life and losing the confidence of future. Therefore, impoverished children result in a negative impact of less-confidence. For this situation, I think the public child-care centre for poor children can be more helpful to them. All the kids come from similar families, and they are commonly communicating to each other without any prejudice. Children raised in household not in possession of a good fortune are conditioned that they cannot receive the healthy diet and medical treatment. They are restricted in terms of less food to eat because it costs money. Every so often their wishes go beyond their patents’ means, and they have to come to terms with the resulting sense of rejection. Charles Oberg said â€Å"It directly influences the abilities of families to meet their children’s basic needs and provide societal minimums such as shelter, nutrition, and health care.† (Charles Oberg, The impact of childhood poverty on health and development, 2003, Page 2) What does he means? Children who live in poor family may not be provided the fundamental needs. So they have suffered from some diseases and starvation. These effects totally threat their young body which is growing up. However, the high quality nursery school can exactly solve this problem. For example, the Head Start program is very popular to help poor children in terms of healthcare and medical guidance. The research from Health Care Institute said that â€Å"Healthcare costs could be reduced annually by at least $554 per family when Head Start parents are given easy-to-understand healthcare guidance that increases their health literacy.† (Ariella Herman, Ph.D., HEALTH CARE INSTITUTE, March 2007) So if the nursery school could provide this program for the basic parental help, poor children would not only suffer less pain from any diseases, but also they would save money to buy more nutritious food. On the other hand, some people argue this kind of investment is too expensive to implement. But, according to the Health Care Institute, an average program investment is $60 per family, but the potential saving is getting 554.72. (Ariella Herman, Ph.D., HEALTH CARE INSTITUTE, March 2007) It is showed that this kind of investment is obviously worth, and more and more individuals benefit from this program. There is also an example from the Head Start program. One of the success stories was that Shae-Lynn almost died at 3 years old by seizures and medication. But her mother sent her to Benton Franklin Head Start. In the following year, she had almost cured and her study on longer was a problem. (Andrea Nelson, Benton-Franklin Head Start) The head Start totally changed her life. Moreover, every patents hope their children will have a reasonable environment to grow up rather than an unhealthy childhood, and the nursery school can figure it out. The most important impact of poverty is on parenting, which influence in their kids during whole life. Specifically, young couples not only pay less attention to their kids, but also they not have the time for this because of struggling for their work. Therefore, many kids cannot feel loved from their parents. It is cruel for them because their little heart is so easy to break and hard to fix. Otherwise, children who are lacking of parenting are allowed to behave as they please. For example, Jo Goodwin Parker said â€Å"Poverty is looking into a black future. Your children won’t play with my boys. They will turn to other boys who steal to get what they want. I can already see them behind the bars of their prison instead of behind of the bars of my poverty. Or they will turn to the freedom of alcohol or drugs, and find themselves enslaved.†(Jo Goodwin Parker, What is poverty, 1971) It is precisely that kids need a good parenting to bound their behavior and awareness of c ode of ethic. However, their parents entirely do not involve this recognition in terms of improving preprimary education and giving more attention. There is a statistics from the impact of childhood poverty on health and development that said â€Å"A 1988 study by Zill and Schoenborn found that children living in families with annual incomes below $10000 had a 25% higher rate of emotional and behavior problems than their counterparts from families with annual incomes over $40000.† (Charles Oberg, The impact of childhood poverty on health and development, 2003, Page 2) It is indicated that children who raise in poor family tend to be more misbehaved no matter the numbers may change up or down for now. Parenting should assume the responsibility for this tendency. They cannot offer a bit more material things, but they should spend more time focusing on their kids in emotional ways. Above all, I believe that parenting classes should be established in nursery school to help them to do this. The society should fund this kind of parental support, because this is no longer a problem for individual families, but for society as a whole. In short, firstly, I have to admit that the government has to allocate much money that comes from all society tax revenue to support poor children. Nevertheless, if children benefit from nursery schools, they who brought up by parents of low economic status usually grow up to be physically, mentally independent as same as the others and tend to be more confident, physical healthy and well-behaved. Throughout the whole childhood in nursery school they are tempered by the experiences of parent’s denial their requests and frugality is inculcated into their minds as a merit. They will have more confident to strive for their study and work with a strong body and good behavior. Therefore, if nursery schools could be established, the all society would benefit. Reference Herman, A. (2007). Healthy care institute. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation) http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/documents/areas/ctr/jandj/HCI_exec_report_06.pdf Nelson, A. (n.d.). benton-franklin head start. http://www.wsaheadstarteceap.com/success_stories.html Oberg, C. (2003). The impact of childhood poverty on health and development. Healthy Generations, 4(1), 12. http://www.epi.umn.edu/mch/resources/hg/hg_childpoverty.pdf Parker, J. G. (1971). What is poverty. America’s Other Children, p. 2. Williams, R. (2000). Daddy tucked the blanket.

Scarce Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Scarce Resources - Essay Example He has the tendency to demand resources even though he does not need them. He may need a mobile phone. But, due to the enticements he receives from TV commercial and other forms of advertisements, he might want more features and capabilities of this product that is beyond his personal and professional needs. The truth that resources are scarce and humans have unlimited wants comprise the economic definition of scarcity. According to Investopedia, scarcity is "the basic economic problem which arises from people having unlimited wants while there are and always will be limited resources." Scarcity is an economic fact that points out the global condition wherein human wants outnumbers "the available supply of time, good and resources (Scarcity vs. Abundance)." This is the fact on which the science of economics is founded on. Resources, especially the non-renewable ones, are limited in its existence. It is therefore the job of the economists and managers to use them efficiently and effectively for the extending its use in its fullest potential. In all aspects and all levels of the economy managing the scarce resources plays a vital role. From households, community, to the national and the international level, proper allocation, distribution, and use of resources is very much needed. Whether it may be the buying of ingredients used for cooking a meal or imposing tariffs and other international trade policies on different commodities and services, effective management of resources is a critical responsibility shouldered by the household managers. For efficient resource distribution economists should do various economic decisions. Usually economic managers, from a household to a global setting are obliged to make trade-offs to maximize the use of different resources. Trade-offs are made when choices are made (collectively or by an individual) to get less of one resource to get more of others (Johnson). If, for example, a mother has to choose between purchasing bread and mayonnaise for her household, she has to make sure that the trade off made will be beneficial to optimize the satisfaction of her family. To evaluate the effectiveness of trade-offs made, opportunity costs should be highly considered. Opportunity cost is the highest esteemed or valued alternative that must be sacrificed to get something. In our last example the mother might consider that the value of bread is greater than the value of the mayonnaise on the basis that it is consumed more. The opportunity cost will be greater if the mother buy more mayonnaise than bread. In this scenario, we can say the trade-off is not economical. Scarcity in Households Jelin (1990) considers a household as social unit consisting of "undifferentiated set of individuals who equally share all activities linked to its maintenance." It is the most basic of social organizations, "a microcosm of relations of production, reproduction, and distribution." In a household setting, the allocation and distribution of resources is dynamic depending on its adaptation to internal and external influences. Daily activities in a household are highly influenced by political, social and other institutions. With all these changes in a household's daily activities the need of effective resources management is very necessary.

Human Genome Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Genome Project - Essay Example According to the essay "Human Genome Project" findings, the human genome comprises more than milliard of nucleotides, the elements, which form the structure of the genetic code of every human species. In 1990, Venter became a leader of his own private company â€Å"Celera Genomics†, which did it best to be the first in the genome decryption, it was competing with the federal program the â€Å"Human Genome Project†, which was getting its financing from the United States government. However, both sides acknowledged their draw in the year 2000 (Khoury et al, pp.17-18). After Dr. Venter has left the â€Å"Celera Genomics†, as he did not share the business strategy of the company, he uncovered the truth that more than half of the decrypted genes were his own. At present, he is the head of his own non-commercial scientific center in Rockville, Maryland. In addition, their last achievement was total decryption of Venter's genome. As a usual person, Dr. Venter has six mi lliard nucleotides, which form thousand of genes, subdivided into 46 chromosomes. The genes represent a manual that has the detailed description of the body function; they produce proteins that are responsible for nearly everything in our organism, i.e. for the height, or the eye color, the body shape, proportions, etc. The scientists from the Venter’s institute have a close approach to his full genome decryption. J. Craig Venter is planning to transform his genetic code in a form of a computer database. The D4 receptor in the Venter's genome shows us, that he has the risk to have a heart attack.

You choose Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

You choose - Essay Example The Hammurabi code also devoted some sections to deal with the problems created by alcohol abuse. In the American society, the place of alcohol had been ambivalent. Drinking has been termed as the major cause of economic catastrophe. Drinking has been blamed for causing crimes, military defeats and diseases as well. To manage the crisis, the drinking ages have been increased in order to save young people from the vice. Since the early 1800s, organized efforts have been made to limit drinking and the role of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. However, the subject of alcohol has provoked strong conflict and controversy. Alcohol has proved to be the symbolic issue where the struggle for primacy in social status has been fought between the differing life styles. Although alcohol is associated with numerous personal and social problems, its use is widely accepted. In 1970, congress passed an amendment that granted the right to vote to citizens between the ages of 18 to 21. The movement started to extend other rights and privileges of adulthood to those aged 18. Between 1970 and 1975, some 29 states reduced their minimal drinking age. However, the change provoked even more controversy since a concern arose over the number of young people involved in car accidents that happened to be alcohol related. Certainly, there was need to do something (Hanson). In order to solve the problem, a legal solution had to be sought through legislation. In order to resolve the issue, it would be necessary to determine the age at which young people are mature into adulthood. Alcohol consumption is dangerous and sinful. It can easily lead to problems in behavior. Drinking, in any degree is undesirable because moderate social drinking is the forerunner of chronic inebriations. Young people, if not everyone, ought to be protected from alcohol. Other attempts aside from minimizing the drinking age have been made too. Such

Finality of arbitral awards under Islamic or sharia law Dissertation

Finality of arbitral awards under Islamic or sharia law - Dissertation Example Islamic countries ‘too often have impermissibly interfered with international arbitration cases.’4 Many different cultural, political, and geographical factors have constituted the foundation of the Islamic legal system, and pure knowledge of the law does not suffice to understand the Islamic jurisdictional system.5 While international arbitration as a contemporary legal system is relatively new to Arab nations, arbitration per se in the Islamic world dates back to 622 A.D. ... Jarrar8 called the finality of arbitration as arbitrary, and the principle that the results of arbitration are binding and final is a myth. This is not to say, however, that the teachings of Sharia are directly contradictory to the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. It is actually to the greater interest of Islamic countries which issue Sukuk bonds to streamline arbitration proceedings to reduce the perceived risks investors assume when investing in these Sharia-based financial instruments. Arbitration is invaluable for the average investor to pursue claims in any dispute, including Islamic finance, because arbitration is usually less costly and therefore favourable to individual investors. Added to these is the absence of uniformity among remedies and the complexities of navigating conflicts of law issues makes litigation an unfavourable means of obtaining relief. Therefore, it is to the advantage of Islamic financial institutions, in particular, and Islamic business in general to enhance systematic procedures that affirm and enforce arbitral awards, both domestic and international. 1.2 Conventions influencing the enforcement of arbitral awards in Islamic member states As of January 1, 2009, 143 out of a total of 192 member States have adopted the New York Convention of 1958, among whom are all the major players in the Sukuk bonds market, namely Malaysia (1985), Bahrain (1988), Qatar (2003) and the UAE (2006). This is because Sukuk issuances have come to be accepted globally, and its compliance with arbitration is most useful in the resolution of international disputes arising out of the terms of the Sukuk contracts. Increasingly, the Gulf States have over the years acceded to the Convention, including Kuwait

Outsourcing Work Overseas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Outsourcing Work Overseas - Essay Example For instance, if an employee in the current home-based organization is given a salary rate of $10 per hour and outsourcing the job would mean that the same position is given an acceptable salary of only $5 per hour, then, a savings of $5 per person per hour would be generated. Likewise, this option also considers that the skills, competencies and qualifications of the workforce are significantly at par with those employees at home. Concurrently, the home organization acknowledges being more vigilant in terms of addressing security and control issues; which could be compromised or threatened due to outsourcing – given the external environment that puts the risk to the home organization. These issues could be justified by placing stringent control measures as well as regular monitoring and performance evaluation schemes. Finally, in terms of technological applications, as emphasized by Putra (2011), is in terms of risk-sharing, to wit: â€Å"the company could minimize risk while at the same time gain access to latest technologies and best practices in utilizing the new system to meet the business objectives† (par. 16). Sharing of knowledge, expertise and applications in required technological systems and processes are likewise facilitated through outsourcing. Strain, M. (2012). Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing Production. Retrieved from Hearst Communications, Inc.:

Western expansion and development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Western expansion and development - Essay Example The immigrants from China faced a lot of discrimination upon arriving in the United States which was evident in the manner of treatment that they received in the mines. In 1850s, the U.S government limited the right of naturalization to the white immigrants only which made it difficult for Chinese immigrants to pursue independent livelihoods. The Missouri Compromise allowed for slavery to continue in the newly acquired states which meant that immigrants of African descent were to be treated as slaves and not as people who came in search for greener pastures. The Mexican War saw the expansion of the United States to parts of territories that initially belonged to Mexico. This made it easy for immigrants from Mexico to move to the country with most of them settling in the states of Texas and Oregon regions. The United States played a critical role in ending the Second World War. The nation initially tried to avoid entering the war even as pressure from the Britain mounted. They finally agreed to take part in it as it was seen as a threat to its security. During the Holocaust, the United States did not lower its tight stance on immigration and it is believed many Jews would have been saved if the laws were lessened to allow Jews immigrants into the country. The American Jewish community had undermined the impact of the Holocaust and they failed to consider advocating for the uplifting of more Jews from the affected areas. During the World War II period the American Jewish community was bitterly and deeply divided, and was unable to form a common front. Proponents of a Jewish state and Jewish army agitated, but many leaders were so fearful of an anti-Semitic backlash inside the U.S. that they demanded that all Jews keep a low public profile. The Bracero Program which was formed in the year 1942 saw the increase of immigrants from Mexico who mainly came into the United States to offer cheap labor. At the onset of World War II, the

Auto Supply Chain in England Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Auto Supply Chain in England - Research Paper Example Proximity to export and import zones reduce logistics costs. It is imperative that automobile companies in England establish centralized locations to help in managing current economic issues. Management of Nissan’s British factory, for instance, has established the manufacturing company in Sunderland to improve transport logistics. William, 2007, reports that success of Nissan Company relied on the company’s choice of location and ease of supply chain. Location of Nissan close to deep-sea port enabled the company to transport its cars to suppliers and customers at a relatively low cost. Improved accessibility to exporting zones greatly helps England automobile industries to mitigate challenges related trucks shortages and inadequate supply of fuel for transport of vehicles. Automobile companies should further adopt a focused lean logistics superhighway to assist in the delivery of manufacturing materials to factories. The efficient outbound logistics would also improve export of manufactured automobiles to international markets. According to the UK automobile Council, 2013, weak domestic supply is a cause of the decline in the growth of automobile industry. The council’s report asserts that the country must have a strong automobile supply chain to improve the automobile industry. According to UK automobile council, companies must establish new supply chains that would help in introducing modern cars as opposed to powered by the traditional diesel engine and petrol.

Building Accommodation for Horses, Sheep and Laying Hens Essay

Building Accommodation for Horses, Sheep and Laying Hens - Essay Example It is a vital skill for farmers and, in some countries, a form of art. Other countries have strict laws on the qualifications needed to treat animals and ensure that scientific methods are used to care for them. The science of animal husbandry, called animal science teaches us to care for the animals in relationship of their nutrition, habitation and reproductive physiology. Historically, certain sub-professions within the field of animal husbandry are specifically named according to the animals that are cared for. The common features of these animals are measured from their utility point of view. Horses are mainly used for aristocratic sports in modern times. Sheep cater the need of our clothing as well as meat and indigenous milk. Similarly domestic; no mechanized hens give us natural egg and meat. They all supply chemical free natural manure to grow vegetation when reared in a single sight. They need enough air through ventilation, adequate food management, water and other medical care in the farm. Frequent grazing in the wilder pesture land for both horses and the sheep yield natural ambience of their development each horse need at least ten by two metre space for their housing with enclosed food stock. A domestic hen needs minimum of two square feet area with hey ricks for living and similar area for laying eggs and hatching. They need to be taken care from reptiles and cats through adequate fencing. An Ideal site of accommodation of Horses, sheep and Hens surrounded by open areas Partitioned storied baskets for hens to live in The half walled with light grilled airy home of the 500 laying hens in the common nestle Stable of 50 horses in individual rooms of half walled accommodation with separate doors for each through the out side walls There are contrasting views on the ethical aspects of breeding animals in captivity, with one debate being in relation to the merits of allowing animals to live in natural conditions reasonably close to those of their wild ancestors, compared to the view that considers natural pressures and stresses upon wild animals vindication for captive breeding. The production of livestock industry has been practiced for centuries but is controlled by legislation today. Animal rights groups are playing vital role in the protection, welfare and conservation of the ever needed friends of humans HORSE BREEDING Horse breeding refers to reproduction in horses and particularly the human-directed process of planned mating of animals. While feral and wild horses breed successfully without human assistance, it can be beneficial to domesticated horses. Humans can increase the chances of conception, a successful pregnancy, and successful foaling. The male parent of a horse, a stallion, is commonly known as the sire and the female parent, the mare is called the dame. Both are genetically important, as each parent provides 50% of the genetic makeup of the ensuing offspring, called a foal. The word "colt" refers to a young male horse only; "filly" is a young female. Though many amateur horse owners may simply breed a family mare to a local stallion in order to produce a companion animal, most professional

In Search of Your Own Identity Essay Example for Free

In Search of Your Own Identity Essay After various writings by Richard Rodriguez and Octavio Paz, I have come across several realizations. Who am I? Should I be a part of a nation and a â€Å"system† that does not value me, or should I be a part of a nation that does not acknowledge my existence? The United States as a nation does not value me, and Mexico does not even know that I exist. These are difficult matters to discuss. We are all in search of our own identity. However, some of us are placed in a situation that makes it very difficult and confusing to know or understand. I have always asked myself, â€Å"Who am I? † I should put it in more crude words, â€Å"Where do I belong? † After this specific question is asked, I begin to realize that I have problems coming up with a response. My parents were born in Mexico, and thus, they are Mexican. Sometimes I feel I belong here in the United States, but other times I feel more attached to Mexico. I am a Mexican-American. However, I feel that I am denying in some way my heritage and my culture by saying that I am. I am denying my parents. I say that I’m Mexican because in a sense I am. I am also an American. I am a Mexican-American. What do these terms put together imply? They should imply that the person is Mexican and American. The term â€Å"Mexican-American† is the very reason why I find myself confused about who I really am. I need to search for my own identity, which leads me to the purpose of this essay. Rodriguez and Paz have discussed this particular problem of identity. All three have different viewpoints. Some of their ideas are similar but mostly contradictory, especially in the case of Rodriguez and Paz. As I was reading, I was able to relate to what they had to say, and in a much bigger sense, I was able to understand and know who I am. I was able to find my self. According to Paz, self-discovery is most than anything realizing that we are alone. Paz argues that our being or our identity becomes a problem and a question. It becomes a problem because of several reasons. We just don’t simply wake up one day and realize that we don’t know who we are. There are individuals who are placed in difficult situations that allow for these questions to arise. For example, the migration of Mexicans to the United States is a situation that will definitely cause many to question their identity. I agree because if we had not moved to the United States, I would simply consider myself a Mexican without a doubt. Paz strongly argues that different circumstances are likely to produce different reactions. This migration is a circumstance that will bring about confusion among the Mexicans about who they really are. It is ironic how a few miles can bring about such a change in you. Personally, I have experiences such a confusion by simply moving twenty miles North of where I lived. I lived in Reynosa since I was eight. Then, my family and I moved here to McAllen. At the beginning, you don’t feel quite like you fit. It makes it very difficult because it is a completely different world. Even though the majority of the people are of Mexican origin, it still makes it very hard. After the years, I became somewhat used to the life here and began to feel comfortable. However, I also began to question my identity. It is the moment we cross that border that we lose our identity. Paz argues that instead of asking ourselves questions, we should do something about it. We cannot go on contemplating who we are, rather, we should work with our situation and do something. Our questions are only an excuse for not facing reality. I agree with Paz because sometimes, we continue to complain and complain and simply think about our present situation. However, we do nothing to change it. I believe that Mexican-Americans need to stop talking about our injustices and discrimination and do something. However, Paz does mention that Mexicans have an inferiority complex. We begin to doubt our own abilities. This happens because of our culture. We are taught to listen and stay quiet. On the other hand, Anglo-Americans are taught to voice their opinions. There are many differences in both the Anglo-American culture and Mexican culture. These differences are the reason why it is impossible to blend or mix. We are brought into a culture that is the complete opposite of ours. This is the reason why Paz says that our â€Å"Mexicanism† simply floats. It never exists, and it never goes away. One of the ways we react to this situation is by flaunting our differences. Paz talks about pachucos. They are a group of people of Mexican origin that are known for their language, behavior, and clothing. I remember when I went to high school and we had a pep rally, which landed right on September 16, which is Mexico’s independence. A group of friends and I decided to wear red, white, and green to celebrate Mexico’s independence. We were simply proud of being Mexicans and wanted to show our pride. However, there were problems with several of the administrators because it wasn’t just my friends and I doing it, but other people as well. The pep rally was canceled because they felt that our clothing would distract and cause conflict with the other â€Å"American† students in school. As I was reading Paz, he mentioned that Mexicans dress a certain way to stand out. They know they are rejected by the â€Å"American† society. They do this to be different and stand out. The disguise is a protection because it hides and points them out. Somehow, they are doing this to â€Å"belong† in some way. They are able to catch the attention of the Anglo-Americans. I don’t agree with Paz. I believe that sometimes people dress a certain way to show their pride. I do not dress a certain way to be different and so people can notice me. I am proud to be Mexican and want to show it off. When fourth of July comes, I also like to dress in red, white and blue to celebrate America’s independence. Is this possible or am I being a hypocrite? This question leads me to Richard Rodriguez. Richard Rodriguez’ Hunger of memory is an autobiography. I was able to read only part of his book. I found it quite fascinating. Rodriguez goes through many problems of identity. He has mixed feelings about his own self. He mainly talks about affirmative action. What does the term â€Å"minority student† mean? Is it something we want to be classified as? I had an experience in high school in which a student denied a part of himself. His mother is Anglo and his father is Mexican. However, throughout school, when it was time to check on the ethnicity, he would check out Anglo. He did this throughout his years in school, but when it was his senior year something happened. He decided to go talk to his counselor and tell her to change all his paperwork. He no longer wanted to be classified as Anglo, but Hispanic. When I heard this, it was very surprising. I cannot understand how this particular person decided to simply become Hispanic just so he could get the benefits of affirmative action. He was applying to scholarships and various universities, and he knew that if he was classified as a minority student, he would receive better benefits. This is not right. You cannot simply choose to be Hispanic for your convenience. You should not reject a part of yourself simply for your own benefits. Rodriguez faced this dilemma. He knew that he did not want to be labeled a minority student, but if this is what was going to get him in society, then he simply had to accept. Throughout life, Rodriguez wondered about his identity. He was criticized by many because he was a well-known writer who was invited as a guest speaker. He would be around Anglo-Americans, and many criticized him because they felt he had become a part of them. Is this really true? Isn’t your identity how â€Å"you† see yourself? Just because other people see you being around another class or race of people, doesn’t mean that you have become a part of them. You simply know that you are Mexican, American, or Mexican-American, and blending with other cultures doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your true self. Because of affirmative action, Rodriguez was able to be a guest speaker, and a professor at a university. He felt threatened at times because the felt somewhat alienated by the â€Å"other† society. Rodriguez did not have a good relationship with the Chicano students. He felt threatened by them. These students were still attached to their parents’ culture. These students knew how to speak Spanish very well. They were proud of their past. Rodriguez on the other hand, spoke in English. His Spanish was not that well. He did not want to associate himself to a past that meant â€Å"poor†. There was one specific time when Rodriguez’ parents saw a Hispanic student wearing a sarape. They were very surprised. Rodriguez said that these students were foolish to think themselves unchanged by their schooling. I disagree with Rodriguez because I believe that just because you are getting a higher education and have a good job, you forget that you are Hispanic or Mexican-American. Rodriguez simply wanted to justify his own change. He did not want to belong or keep a bond between a past that did not bring fond memories. He was not as disadvantaged as other Hispanics. However, he felt very strongly about not going to Chicano student meetings or social events sponsored by â€Å"La Raza. † I don’t agree with him. After reading this, I realized that he is wrong. I am proud to be Mexican-American. I am proud to carry the term â€Å"Mexican† and â€Å"American. † I am proud of my Mexican culture, customs, and beliefs. I don’t need to change in order to succeed or attain a higher education. Rodriguez suddenly came to this realization. He could not simply cast out his culture and simply erase it. At some point, he had a discussion with his several Hispanic students in which he did not agree with them. Soon, he was known to others as being a â€Å"coconut,† brown on the outside, white on the inside. I have learned many things this semester. I had not really given much thought Mexican-American history. I never realized about the various things that were discussed. It was an eye opener. I was also able to realize of the many problems and injustices that Hispanics face here in the United States. However, just like Paz said, we cannot simply contemplate these issues. We need to do something about them. I am attending college to receive a higher education. I know that education is extremely important. However, I am not losing my identity by coming to college. Getting an education does not necessarily make you a different person. I don’t agree with Rodriguez’s viewpoint. After reading Paz and Rodriguez, I began to see myself in some of what they had to say. I realized that I have gone through a confusion stage. I sometimes don’t know where I belong or who I am. I have come to the conclusion that I am simply American. America is a nation filled with various ethnic groups. Hispanics include people from Mexico, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, etc. There are also many Asians. I often ask myself why people from Ireland living here in America aren’t labeled Irish-American. They are simply American. Why then should we be labeled Mexican-American? Cant’ we simply be called American? I have come to the conclusion that I am American. American can mean different things to different people. To me American means being a part of Mexico as well as the United States. I consider myself a lucky person. I am able to be have the best of both worlds: Mexico and the United States. Tomorrow, I will celebrate Mother’s Day here in the United States and Monday it will be 10 de mayo, Dia de las Madres in Mexico. My mom is very lucky. She gets two gifts. I don’t believe that I am being a hypocrite by doing this. These are some of the advantages of being American.

History of US and Chinas Relationship

History of US and Chinas Relationship Li Luo Patricia Fillipi The Inquiry Project Nixon’s visit to China Introduction Have you ever tried to live your life without â€Å"Made in China†? Well, for most people this thought is absolutely crazy. However, one woman in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, wanted to find out. In 2005, she and her family pledged to spend one year without buying anything from China (Adams). The result could be both a success and failure: they went through the whole year without buying any products made in China, but this experiment completely turned a daily life upside down. They had to spend much more time and money to find substitute products. For some of the goods, they simply couldnt find a non-Chinese alternative one, which made their life even tougher (Adams). This experiment clearly proves the close relationship, especially in the field of economic and trade, between the United States and China. But how did this relationship establish? Well, it all started with Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. After the end of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union had been involved in a deep geopolitical conflict known as the Cold War. The United States’ main allies were Western Europe and Japan, while the Soviet Union dominated Eastern Europe and had supported the Communist China. To counter the threat from the Soviet Union, the U.S. had conducted the anti-Communist foreign policy towards the Eastern Bloc, including China. The deep confrontation between mainland China and the United States continued for 20 years. However, by the late 1960s the international situation was beginning to change regardless of these antagonisms. After the death of Stalin in 1953, â€Å"Soviet Communism and the Chinese version began to diverge,† (Gordon) and a crack developed in Sino-Soviet relations. As border fighting broke out between Chinese and Soviet troops in 1969, the alliance between China and the Soviet Union completely collapsed. China found itself against its old ally and still being isolated from the Western world by the American policy of containment. At the same time, the United States government began to rethink their impractical foreign strategy in Asia. As the president, Nixon hoped to gain the support of China to put pressure on North Vietnam to negotiate an end to the Vietnam War. He also sought, through China, to put pressure on Soviet to reconcile the conflicts and thus put America in the vantage in relations with the two communist powers (Gordon). In 1971, National Security Advisor and future Secretary of State Henry Kissinger took two trips to China – the first made in secret – to consult with Premier Zhou Enlai. After all these preparations, Nixon finally embarked on his trip to China in 1972. Over the course of this visit, the two governments negotiated the Shanghai Communiquà ©, an important step toward improving relations between the United States and the China after many years of hostility. Nixons visit to China in 1972 was a very important event in U.S.-China history. It was the first time a United States president had visited the People’s Republic of China. This trip ended over two decades of estrangement and confrontation between these two countries and marked the normalization of U.S.-China relations.This trip altered the relations with Soviet Union and the balance of the Cold War, kept the world peace and laid the groundwork for the future development of U.S.-China relations. Furthermore, this event greatly changed the American’s perception of China as well as their lifestyle. Body Impact on the U.S.-Soviet relations and the Cold War The relationship between the United States and Soviet Union was the most important relation before the disintegration of USSR. During the Cold War, the hostility among these two countries and their allies shaped the main character of international environment, both nations devoted themselves to promote economic and political ideologies and competed for international influence along these lines. Two decades after the Second World War, Soviet-American tension had become a way of life. However, between the late 1960s and the late 1970s, there was a thawing of the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. As the nuclear arms race was incredibly expensive, and both nations faced domestic economic difficulties as a result of the huge expense on military research, both sides became in accommodations to create a more stable and predictable international systems (â€Å"Dà ©tente†). Actually Nixon’s visit to China also helped inaugurate the period of dà ©tente. By the early 1970s, the relationship between the Soviet Union and China showed signs of strain. Nixon decided to use the conflict to shift the balance of power towards the West in the Cold War. If the United States improved its relationship with China, the Soviets would have no choice but to cooperate with the U.S., or risk being isolated from both east and west. Clearly, the Soviet Union chose the first option. â€Å"With both sides willing to explore accommodation, the early 1970s saw a general warming of relations that was conducive to progress in arms control talks† (â€Å"Dà ©tente†). In practical terms, dà ©tente led to formal agreements on arms control and the security of Europe. In May 1972, just three months after the trip to China, Nixon visited Moscow, two governments signed the Antiballistic Missile Treaty during the first round of Strategic Arms Limitations Talks, which set limits on the production and deployment of ballistic missiles and antiballistic missiles (â€Å"Treaty†). In 1975, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe met and produced the Helsinki Final Act, which recognized political borders, established military confidence building measures, created opportunities for trade and cultural exchange, and promoted human rights (â€Å"Conference†). In the late 1970s, the relationship between United States and Soviet Union went down again due to their difference visions at dà ©tente, but a series of positive treaties achieved during this time eased the tension between East and West, and avoided conflicts or wars among both si de. (â€Å"Dà ©tente†). Impact on the U.S-China relations â€Å"This was the week that changed the world, as what we have said in that Communique is not nearly as important as what we will do in the years ahead to build a bridge across 16,000 miles and 22 years of hostilities which have divided us in the past. And what we have said today is that we shall build that bridge.† -Richard Nixon, February, 1972, in Shanghai Diplomatic estrangement between the United States and China went back to the 1940s. After the Chinese civil war ended in 1949, the Communists established the People’s Republic of China on the Chinese mainland while soldiers and officials of the defeated Republic of China fled to Taiwan. For the 30 years that followed, the United States continued to recognize the Republic of China as the only legitimate government of the entire country (Gordon). Since then, the Taiwan issue became one of the main obstacle that lies between the United States and China. A mutually acceptable accommodation on the Taiwan issue was indispensable for the U.S.-China rapprochement. When Nixon visited Communist China in 1972, the two governments issued the Shanghai Communiquà ©. In this Communiquà ©, the People’s Republic of China affirmed that Taiwan was a part of China, and that it opposed all attempts to create two Chinas. The United States declared that it â€Å"acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain that there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China,† and that it did not challenge that position (â€Å"Joint†). The United States also noted the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue and that it intended to withdraw remaining U.S. troops from Taiwan (â€Å"Joint†). Despite persistent differences over Taiwan, the Communiquà © indicated that the two sides, had agreed to subordinate the issue to the pursuit of common interests. The principles established in the Shanghai Communiquà © laid the foundation for future cooperation between the two countries even while acknowledging continuing disagreements on the subject of Taiwan, and provided the basis for the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1979. Impact on the domestic society in the United States James Smith, a businessman dealing with apparel trade, has lived a life that probably would have been much different if Nixon hadnt made his historic visit to China in 1972. As He recalled the path America and China have taken to arrive at todays close ties. â€Å"When I was young, all I learned from school and media was that China had a huge population. Their people were so poor, they relied on bicycles in the city and primitive plows in the country,† James told our reporter (Torry). â€Å"I knew there was a conflict between the United States and China.† Back in the 1950s and 1960s, China was commonly known as Red China, or Communist China, among Americans. However, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, relations between China, the United States, and the Soviet Union changed. Ideological divergences between China and the Soviet Union and tensions along the Sino-Russian border, led China and the United States to consider the strategic value of the normalization between two countries. In 1971, a breaking news was broadcasted by the U.S. media: the American table tennis team was invited to visit Beijing. This event opened the door to friendly contacts between the people of the two countries and it brought to the vast changes in popular opinion – with a majority of Americans came to favor the recognition of the People’s Republic of China for the first time as well as P. R. China’s entry into the United Nations (Kusnitz, 135). The Ping-Pong diplomacy marked a thaw in Sino-U.S. relations that lay the foundation of President Nixons visit the following year. On February 21, 1972, Air Force One landed in Beijing, President Richard Nixon, accompanied by a large delegation of officials and journalists, showed his citizen that he was a bold leader by being the first U.S. president to meet with Chinese officers in more than twenty years. Indeed, Nixons China visit, which was shown on TV and featured on the cover of virtually every newspaper and magazines in the U.S., created tremendous repercussions among American society (â€Å"Knocking†). â€Å"It was like this big news. It was kind of like an explosion who would have expected that?† said James. â€Å"This was a phenomenal diplomatic coup, and there is not a simple word that captures the nature of this relationship,’’ (Torry). But, to some, the trip was due to happen. Mary Smith, wife of James Smith believed the visit was a natural correction of hostile relations. â€Å"I wasn’t surprise about this actually. How can you deal with international affairs w ithout the participation of such a big country? I didnt think China as our enemies, we just share different ideology. I was glad Nixon made this move.† said Mary. Nixon’s actions appear to have been well received by most of the press and public. This trip even have led to an increase of the favorability that Americans viewed China. One of the poll held in Minnesota in April 1972 showed that thirty-one percent of people reported their impressions of the mainland China had changed, with twenty-nine percent now responded that they were more favorability inclined toward China than before Nixon’s visit (Kusnitz, 139). In late 1978, Chinas new leader Deng Xiaoping decided to open the country up and take economic reforms. As a business man, James Smith saw the great opportunity behind this act. â€Å"It was like an untapped goldmine, it had a vast pool of cheap labor and a huge consumer market. You can never find a better place to invest.† Not long after, he set up a small clothing factory in Guangzhou, and sold its product to China or back to America. The story that followed is the rapid growth of Chinas economy for three decades, in which the United States played a major role, both as a key trading partner and investor. Now, the former small clothing factory James Smith found has turned into a big company, â€Å"It was like a dream, I never thought I could go this far.† James said. Today, the U.S. and China are locked into a relationship of economic interdependence. For those who lives in America, their perceptions of China have changed dramatically as Chinas economy has grown and the economic relationship between U.S. and China gets closer. â€Å"There was a lot of appreciation of Chinas rising economic role and the opportunities that presented. Now, when you walk into a store, it’s just hard to find something that is not made in China. I cannot imagine what would happen if Nixon didn’t go to China in 1972, maybe our life could be completely different.† Mary said. Conclusion As two of the major powers in the world, every action of United States and China can have great impact on our history and our society. Nixon’s visit to China was the beginning of U.S.-China relations and the turning point of the Cold War, no one can deny the importance of this event in our history. As a matter of fact, this part of history was easily ignored by most people in America, but if there wasn’t this event, the world would be completely different: China might not be the second-largest economy and worlds largest trading nation. America might still face the conflict with the Soviet Union. As for ordinary Americans, without Nixon’s visit that formed the basis of U.S. China economic relations, our life could be inconceivable: When you walk in a market, you just cannot find any product not â€Å"Made in China†, would those things be replaced by goods produced by other countries? Or like the case in the introduction part, people just find an alternative one, and had to live a harder life? We must admit that nowadays, U.S. and China are so interdependent that both countries cannot live without each other. The cooperation under the globalization shaped the main character of U.S.-China relations. It brought prosperity and peace for both countries, which are cannot be acquired by conflicts, wars or confrontation. History is the guidance that lead people towards the future. It can give us a lot of experience to help people solve the problem and make the right decision. Nixon’s visit to China is a very good example, it contributed to the development of international relations and showed people the fact that cooperation is better than confrontation. However, peace usually doesn’t come easy, it need countries and their people to put aside the differences, prejudice, maybe even the hostility that have been accumulated for a long time. The accommodation between the United States and China was not accomplished by only Nixon’s visit, it was reached by a series of negotiation and compromises. As for now, although the Taiwan issue remains a problem between America and China, both countries still work hard to maintain a close relations and work together to create a peaceful world. Peace is one of the most precious things in the world, we should cherish the hard-earned peacetime our ancestors provided, and help to create a better world for the entire world and all of our human beings. Work Cited Adams, Gordon. â€Å"Seven Questions: Can You Live Without China?† Foreignpolicy. Graham Holdings Company. 11 Jul. 2007. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. 1975. Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe: Final Act. Helsinki: Secretary of State for External Affairs. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. â€Å"Dà ©tente and Arms Control, 1969–1979.† Office of the Historian. United States Department of State, n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2014 Gordon, John Steele. â€Å"Nixon in China.† American. American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. 19 Feb. 2014. Web. 3 Mar. 2014. Kusnitz, Leonard A. Public Opinion and Foreign Policy. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1984. Print. United States of America. U.S. Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs. â€Å"Treaty between the United States Of America and the Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems.† U.S. Department of State. 26 May. 1972 Web. 10 Apr. 2014. United States of America. United States State Department. Bureau of Public Affairs. â€Å"Joint Statement Following Discussions with Leaders of the Peoples Republic of China.† Office of the Historian. 27 Feb. 1972. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. United States of America. United States State Department. Bureau of Public Affairs. Memorandum of Conversation. Office of the Historian. 12 Apr. 1971. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

Influence of Twnety20 Cricket on Cricket Stakeholders

Influence of Twnety20 Cricket on Cricket Stakeholders CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction This research on the impact of twenty20 cricket on international cricket attempts to explore the perception of both primary and secondary stakeholders of the game in the international arena. Twenty20 cricket is one of the richest industries, which is valued at around a billion dollar across the globe. Twenty20 cricket is one of the worlds sports with many enthusiastic participants, spectators as well as media interest. Twenty20 Cricket has sparked new life and provided redemption to cricket all over the globe. The Twenty20 version of the game has been a major factor in attempting to further globalize, commercialize and popularize the game. Cricket is one the most popular and well-liked game in the world. Cricket is an established team sport for hundreds of years and very popular in countries such as India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa and England. Like other sporting activities, twenty20 cricket is a professional sport that is sought after by both men and women due to its nume rous beneficial attributes. This popular and beneficial activity not only provides you physical fitness but mental strength and sharpness too. A sport helps a person in building a very positive attitude. It has also become a part of education and routines of people. The main of the research is to determine the impact of twenty20 cricket sport on international cricket. This chapter tends to outline background of the study and problem statement. In addition, it discusses the research questions, research objectives and the significance of the study apart from presenting the research outline. 1.2 Study Background The origin of Cricket sport can be traced from the period of the dark ages, probably after the Roman Empire, almost definitely prior to the Normans invading England and almost certainly somewhere in Northern Europe. Circumstantial evidences suggest the fact that this game was started in Saxon or Norman times by children living in south east part of England in an area of dense woodlands known as Weald. It is generally believed that cricket was more of a children game rather than the adults. It was taken up by the adults in 17th century and since then, this sport continued to increase its popularity and public acceptance and never looked back. As far as the name of term â€Å"cricket â€Å"is concerned it is generally believed that this word had various possible sources. The earliest source is traced back to 1598 when it was called as cricket. It is thought to be derived from Middle Dutch term â€Å"krick â€Å"meaning a stick. There are another terms also available which all sugge st the possible involvement of Dutch in this sport. The game of Cricket is known to be spanning from the 16th century with matches being played since 1844, although officially ‘International Test Cricket was played from the year 1877 onwards. Test cricket is the oldest and longest form of cricket. It is also considered as the most reliable and challenging form of cricket to measure the worth of any team where 2 innings are played by each team. After the toss the team that bats first piles on as many runs as possible and declares the innings. Then comes the turn of other team and so the match goes on until the final result. The popularity and charm of test cricket is decreasing day by day because of the origination of new more exciting forms of cricket. Hopwood (2005) argues that the game of Cricket has been governed by the rules for more than 250 years. The Marylebone Cricket Club has been an authoritative figure in putting forth the rules of cricket and its subsequent amendme nts. In the year 2000, the MCC revised the rules of Cricket and introduced Spirit of Cricket to the laws of the game to maintain the unique character and enjoyment of the game. One day cricket is the most recognizable and viewed form of cricket in the world. It is being played and watched by the people with great enthusiasm. The most popular event â€Å"World Cup† of cricket is also based on the pattern of one day cricket. Most of the important and popular championships in cricket are based on one day matches. The one- day international cricket is a late twentieth century development. On 5th January 1971, first ODI was played between Australia and England and till now it is very popular among the cricket fans. Cricket matches are played and liked by the people on national and international level (Birley, 2003). There are many types of cricket like country cricket, club cricket, indoor cricket, womens cricket and cricket for blinds, but the most prominent and popular three types of cricket which are recognized by ICC (International Cricket Council) are test cricket, one-day and newly originated form twenty20 cricket. The arrival of Twenty20 on the cri cketing scene has surely divided the cricketing fraternity. Some believe that it is nothing but a travesty and should not be encouraged at any cost. They argue that since Twenty20 encourages far-from-technical cricket youngsters wanting to pick up the game will be misguided into believing that cricket is all about trying to hit 6s and 4s no matter how you do it. Also it will create the misconception that cricket is a batsmans game and that there is very little incentive in bowling since it is the bowlers that are usually the ones at the receiving end. In such a scenario very few youngsters might take up bowling or bother learning the finer points of the craft. Plus there is always the argument that Twenty20 cricket will wean away interest from the traditional formats of the game, especially Test cricket. However, opinion regarding Twenty20 cricket still remains divided as its promoters insist that it will not replace any of the traditional formats but on the contrary will increase i nterest in them by pulling more people towards cricket as a whole. They also argue that the Twenty20 format is a great way of introducing cricket to the non-cricketing world which is used to fast games such as football. There is no doubt that the T20 version of the game has become the most popular and acceptable in the recent times but it cannot be said that other forms of the games have been overlooked. After the commencement of T20 cricket, many thought that the test cricket will be gradually extinguished from the cricket world. It is however wrong to say. All the legends of cricket still firmly believe that test cricket is the toughest and most resilient form of cricket which gets the best of any player. Test cricket judges mental ability and strength, the stamina and resilience factor and various other things of the player which twenty 20 cricket cannot judge. The game of Twenty20 sport involves two teams; each has a single innings, batting for a maximum of 20 overs. Twenty20 game is completed in about three hours, with each innings lasting around 75 minutes, thus bringing the game closer to the time span of other popular team sports such as football (Hopwood, 2005). It was introduced to create a lively form of the game which would be attractive to spectators at the ground and viewers on television. Since its inception the game has spread around the cricket world. The idea of a shortened format of the game at a professional level was discussed by the English and Wales Cricket Boardin 1998 and 2001. When theBenson and Hedges Cupended in 2002, theEnglish and Wales Cricket Board needed another one day competition to fill its place. The cricketing authorities were looking to boost the games image and popularity with the younger generation in response to dwindling crowds and reduced sponsorship. It was intended to deliver fast paced, exciting c ricket accessible to thousands of fans who were put off by the longer versions of the game (test cricket and one-day international cricket). Stuart Robertson, the marketing manager of the English and Wales Cricket Board, proposed a 20 over per innings game to county chairmen in 2001 and they voted 11-7 in favor of adopting the new format. More than 30 focus groups were mobilized. 4,000, 15-minute, face-to-face interviews were set up to gauge the public appetite for the game. The image of Cricket in England had always been that of a sport which is slow-paced, sedate and boring. The audiences identified the length of the matches to be very long, albeit Test Match Cricket (5 days) of One-Day Cricket (8 hours). Easton (1996) argues that the general perception and image in the minds of the public was that Cricket is a sort of sport which more often than not results in boring draws (Test Cricket). Even in one-day cricket (50 overs), the batsmen would score their runs at a pretty slow rate resulting in a dull spectacle for the crowds attending to watch matches at the various cricket grounds. Hopwood (2005) maintains that the England and Wales Cricket Board had initially introducedTwenty20 cricket as a way to get the crowds back in domestic cricket. The first Twenty20 Cup in 2003 (now known as the Friends Provident T20) was marketed with the sloganâ€Å"I dont like cricket, I love it†and it was aimed especially at the youth rather than the cricket connoisseur. It was meant to be a game that would bring the entire family together for an evening of fun and carnival like atmosphere. The finals of the 2003 Twenty20 Cup (in 2003) saw performances by pop stars and rock bands and the party like atmosphere made it an evening to remember. It was a huge success as the crowds were pleasantly taken by surprise. More than the cricket on field the idea was to have fun; cricket just provided the means. This was the ‘fast food of cricket and the people just loved every s ingle bite. Since then Twenty20 has slowly risen in popularity. The first official Twenty20 matches were played on 13 June 2003 between the English counties in theTwenty20 Cup (now known as the Friends Provident T20). The first season of Twenty20 in England was a relative success, with theSurrey Lionsdefeating theWarwickshire Bearsby 9 wickets in the final to claim theTwenty20 Cup 1.3 Problem Statement This study focuses on crickets problem of enduring a severe and long held image problem which is proving difficult for the game to turn around and which is without doubt affecting the potential of cricket to draw vital media and monetary support. Critics have been leveled against introduction of twenty20 cricket. Public Relations activities being critical to the future of the game have not been implemented to the level that it should be or many in the game would like it to be. Many have argued that since Twenty20 encourages far-from-technical cricket, youngsters wanting to pick up the game will be misguided into believing that cricket is all about trying to hit 6s and 4s no matter how you do it. Besides, test cricket which is considered the ‘pinnacle of the game may soon suffer the absence of quality international players as cricketers such as Andrew Flintoff of England have retired from Test Cricket to accommodate themselves in Twenty20 Cricket amongst other international cric keters such as Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen skipping the Domestic County Cricket season in the United Kingdom to play for the cash lucrative Indian Premier League. The implications of such incidents may only result in English Domestic Cricket losing out on valuable players and as a result failing to attract audiences and generating revenues for the English Domestic game. English and Wales Cricket Board has played a critical role in the introduction of twenty 20 cricket to the world but there has always been a lingering feeling that the English International cricket team has been inconsistent in their performances at the one-day international level (50 over cricket). Some experts in the game have linked the inconsistency of the international side to the structural problems in county cricket. Other people argue that twenty 20 cricket will create the misconception that cricket is a batsmans game and that there is very little incentive in bowling since it is the bowlers that are usually the ones at the receiving end. In twenty 20 cricket, at most times the pitches prepared are tailor made for batsmen to go for their strokes and put up big totals on the board. In such a scenario very few youngsters might take up bowling or bother learning the finer points of the craft. The sport of twenty 20 cricket faces another problem of lack of five test match series except for the Ashes. What could be better suited to sustain the interest of the cricket fan than have England tour India or vice-versa for a five test match series. Instead, we have two-Test series arranged at the last minute by the English and Wales Cricket Board. Nobody can anticipate or attend; nobody is satisfied except perhaps the broadcasters whose contracts are fulfilled. There is need for English and Wales Cricket Board to understand that there is no requirement for saturation and committing overkill by scheduling cricket all year around. Instead, just stage and promote the icon series properly, a nd Test crickets unique qualities will take care of the rest. 1.4 Research Questions This research responds to the problems associated with this study by attempting to evaluate the influence of twenty 20 cricket in accordance with the perception of different stakeholders. Hence the research questions that this studied tried to answer is listed as indicated below: What is the impact of Twenty20 cricket on the image of English Cricket Board To what extent has public relations and social media activities have an impact on the domestic (county) first class Twenty20 Cricket Which is the most preferable type of cricket sport between Test cricket, One Day Internationals or Twenty20 Have public relation activities been put in practice by the English and Wales Cricket Board in promoting the Twenty20 game to the audiences What measures have the English and Wales Cricket Board put in place for all the three formats i.e. Test, One Day Internationals and T20 Cricket to survive and co-exist at the international level. 1.5 Research Aim and Objectives In order to obtain the goal of the study, the main aim of the study as well as specific objectives in relation to the impact of twenty 20 cricket on international cricket were formulated with research problems and research questions in mind. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of twenty 20 cricket on international cricket. To be able o obtain the mentioned main objective of the study, five specific research objects were formulated. The specific research objectives are stated as indicated below: To determine the impact of Twenty20 cricket on the image of English Cricket Board To find out whether public relations and social media activities have an impact on the domestic (county) first class Twenty20 Cricket To establish the most preferable type of cricket sport between Test cricket, One Day Internationals or Twenty20 To investigate whether public relation activities have been put in practice by the English and Wales Cricket Board in promoting the Twenty20 game to the audiences To find out the measures that the English and Wales Cricket Board have put in place for all the three formats i.e. Test, One Day Internationals and T20 Cricket to survive and co-exist at the international level. 1.6 Significance of the study Sport industry contribute quite considerably to the development of different nations across the globe; hence this study is going to play a very important role in demystifying the implication of the introduction of twenty 20 cricket in the world of sport. Such information can be used by different stakeholder such as nations, industry players, players, spectators and the general public as well as students. Industry managers can use this study to gauge the implication of twenty 20 cricket and the impact it has on the world of sport. This is quite critical because it can be used by different stakeholders to make appropriate strategies that will be for their good and the good of the public. Perception of different stakeholders especially spectators of twenty 20 cricket will be very significant in making decisions in relation with the twenty 20 cricket sport. This research will also contribute to the pool of knowledge where students will be able to gain necessary knowledge to help them not only be informed but to also acquire relevant information necessary for the completion of their studies. CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 The Business of Sportianment Standard Bank of South Africa is a financial services provider, which is a subcomponent of the Standard Bank Group. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), since 1997, the bank began providing sponsorship to cricket in South Africa. This initiative rejuvenated the back the playing of cricket at local level. The game had dwindling spectator s watching the matches. This was also coupled with declining interest. The Bank alongside the Cricket South Africa came up with the model of the 20-A-sidec cricket. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this was in the Year 2004. This involved lessening the one-day game of cricket. The concept of the 20-over was meant to last for only three hours. This had reduced number of overs. This made the game more interesting, faster than before and furious. This new version of the game of cricket was later to be named the Standard Bank Pro20 series. The objective of the Bank venturing in Pro20 cricket was to build on their existing high levels of association with cricket in South Africa and demonstrate to their chosen audience (Randall, 2004). According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this was in order to show their brand was among those, which was ahead and was able to undergo changes to a better brand. The move by the Bank to place the brand closer to the youth that is through sponsoring the local sport of the cricket game in South Africa. Since the Bank had grassroots involvement with the local play of the sport of the cricket, they also wanted to collaborate with Cricket South Africa so that to repackage the local experience of the game (Suite 101, n.d.). According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this is so that to bring vibrancy in the game making it more vibrant and lively. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), the company opted for internal marketing campaigns as well as sports hospitality; through this, it viewed the strategy of additional opportunity to interact one on one with interested parties of the game on how it is play. The drive for having a new version or revised version of the ga me was because it meant to bring a renewed feeling among the traditional perception of the game. This is not for the sake of those who play the games alone but also for those who the sport as a way of entertainment. Off the pitch activities were brought as a form extra play and entertainment. This meant to act as an additional treat for excitement viewers were getting on the field. The composite of what resulted made the game more exciting and unique. The best phrase used to recognize the resultant product of this was sportainment. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this was a composite of both sports and entertainment. The phrase developed meant to give priority to the essence of Standard Bank Pro20 cricket. According to standard Bank Pro 20 cricket (n.d.) the game took the design that features three pillar experiences. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), these are mainly cricket, stadium and broadcast. The nexus between the three pillars gave the stakeholders the integrated treat of sportainment. The innovation into the sport of cricket thought out and imported courtesy of the collaborated effort of Standard Bank South Africa jointly with Cricket South Africa (Cricket Web, 2010). The effort involved the bringing in of new dugouts for players at the ides of the field. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this meant to enhance game watching by the audience seated on the bench with clarity. The game increased he speed at which the players played the game (BBC, 2006). This saw the facilitation of faster changes in the batsmen. The new type of the dropped some of the old team t actics and umpire kit designs; this meant to improve the appeal while watching the game. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), they took the measure to move the umpires into the field carried by vehicles that bore the name of the brands on the side. There was notable change on the play of the game. This was especially on the batting style. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), there was the introduction of a free hit for a no ball. In the stadium there, standard Bank tailored the Hard Hats for fans. There was distribution to fans of headgear for protection against the significant number of fours and sixes expected in the new boundary-bashing version. There was improvement done that came with additional cameras for broadcast purpose. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), these are non-fixed and could be moveable that is from one place to another. When there are international matches in the Pro20 cricket series, more pomp and color were in addition to the stadium. Professional dancers would be ushered into the podium. A DJ booth will come in handy, which are in position placed at an elevated level. The common horizontal digital boards for advertising were removable and in their place put enhanced ones. These new ones have more features. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), these are wider vertical Power Towers. They used to communicate messages. In addition, they have images that parallel the action that is taking place in the field. When SuperSport came on board, this came with untested initiatives to support. These provided with the cricket and stadium an experience. The experience is for live ball-by-ball viewers. The commentators trans-located: newly to the grandstands, as it was not like before. Previously, these were host at the media suite as well as the commentary boxes. In this new position, they are able to interact with spectators. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this is especially at the b reaks of the games. The new facelift accompanied with providing the fielding captain with an earpiece together with a lapel microphone. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), the commentators capacitated so that they can link directly link in perception and mind with the players. This is at opportunity moments of the game. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), live interviews conducted with the outgoing batsmen after each wicket. Heart-rate monitors attached to some of players on the field. This meant to provide those watching via television broadcast with additional action from the field (Hubbard and Thomas, 2007). 2.2 The Business Side of Cricket According to Easton (1996) the communication to influence peoples ideas, theories as well as feelings used through analogies. This is a common practice in the field of business. A clear analogy occurs between the battlefield of sports and business occurrences. In order to win a game of cricket ones needs a well thought out strategy (Savicca, 2011). This is a similar case as in the business fraternity. There is need to think about how the situation will be in the field. This is like an objective visioning the business venture that is, accompanied with an analysis of the strengths as well as weaknesses. There is a lookout for threats as well as opportunities lingering around the business. The cricket strategy for having the vision is to develop a new product. According to Easton (1996), this has bases on a crop of new players. There is need to prepare for strong wickets which will assure the goes back home after a game with the victory. This is like a market strategy. This is where cha nces for success are vital. Like a business scenario there is need to know what kind of product one is offering to the market. This followed by a winning formula, which is the marketing mix. According to Easton (1996), the same applies to the game of cricket. There is need to know the kind of players one has and how to formulate a workable strategy to win based on their skills. In describing what kind of product that is needed in the sport of cricket; there is need to screen the kind of players one has at his disposal. According to Easton (1996), just like determining the price of the product; the analogy in the game of cricket is the level which to depend on players that you field during the playing of the game, that is, what role best fit each player when on the field of cricket. This resembles how to distribute resources in the case of a business set up. The thought one has to have is about the strength that will promote the possibility for a victory, that is, how one ensures that, the other team has been defeated. According to Easton (1996), this thought out done even before the game begins. Just like the way one thinks out how the marketing mix is going to be done; one has to formulate a strategy that enables to understand the game w hen playing at home as well as when playing at the opponents home turfs. As it happens elsewhere, one has to keep watch on the ongoing in the marketing front. One has to compare business performance with the occurrences in the market sales and profit as well as the market share. According to Easton (1996), in the case of the game of cricket one has to compare their performance within the league and find out how to improve play. That is at the team level. At member level, one can assess their capacity in the bowling and batting. The opportune to sell in business is just as important as the way it may be in a game of cricket. Any skipper who has had to sell to a seasoned opening batsman that he should bat further down the order will need the very best selling skills. A skipper ought to know how the team would move in to their victory. These are the success factors of the game. According to Easton (1996), skipper must ensure that the score is at five an over or endeavor to make sure th e opposing teams best batsman remains always off the strike throughout the game. The rest of other team members should have already known the game plan that the skipper has in mind. This enables the team to launch their tactics without any ado. Because the opponent has opinion that is always to be on toes to know the tactics on application by the opponent by reviewing what has done throughout the past games played, then the team has to deliver a good product. These make the defeats inevitable. According to Easton (1996), in order to make good out of a game through a win then these success has been register through understanding how to cohere as a team. There is need to understand capabilities of each member in the team so that to get the best out of them. These same applies to a business deal there is need to know the capacities of different dealers in the chain to make good out of them. According to Easton (1996), it is true that the business is for the people by the people. Thus, those participating in a transaction are the ones who make up the business. Leadership in a game of cricket is held to create an authority that will drive the team to a common purpose. The common for the team during a game is to win. The team just like a business will for the human communities that have brought together for a common purpose. That is why some underdogs have surprised the big names of the game. According to Easton (1996), understanding the team members, how they react, their skill levels and how best to utilize them, and aligning them to achieve a common goal is vital to the leaders success. During the headingly test, Mike Brearly the skipper demonstrated this brilliantly. According to Easton (1996), in the game of cricket just as in the business front there is need to understand each such that role are set out clearly for every player. This can be on bases of what one is best base on what to do. It should also matter on placing people based on how they consider themselves during a win or loss. According to Easton (1996), this can be likened t o LIFO terms; this is in the way they to assess he behavior when the going is well and how their behavior when they are under pressure. The team may design in a way these factors well taken care of. According to Easton (1996), for instance, who comes in handy to be supporting the captain? Who is suited to do the try as well as serve as the captain of the side? Who will give their place up as a substitute in the batting in order to save the team from a loss? There exit several types of mixes and types that make up the world of cultures in business. These could include the power, people, task as well as role. Just like in business the game of cricket, this is the same (Fischer, n.d.). 2.3 Actuating a Sport as a Business According to Goldman and Johns (2009), any game at the level of business of sport must show how it is economically significant at all the levels of the society. This makes it an important component both as an economic activity as well as wealth creation. Market research has shown those willing to invest in sports sponsorship; this has risen since 2003 by a twenty-nine percent proportion, which best estimated to be US$2.4 billion. This makes part of a proportion of the larger global sponsorship industry. This best estimated to be about US$28 billion in 2004. In the case of South Africa, the amount of money put into the sport as a direct expenditure in terms of sports sponsorship has increased. In 1991, the amount spent in terms of sponsorship was R 207 million but this rose such that in 2000 the amount was R 1billion. Recent case studies show that the amount spent in the sport has risen to 2.6 billion Rand. These studies have further shown that another R 2.2 Billion has spent on lever aging sponsorship. A case in point to identify with is the 1984 when the Los Angeles hosted the Olympics. The Olympics significantly boosted sports marketing. According to Goldman and Johns (2009), this event turned athletics into a sponsored business. This became the first to be operational on revenues generated by private sponsor revenues. The other Olympics operated on a bid to generate profit. In addition to the competition that is experience on the field, sports teams also compete for favor from spectators, media coverage, brand sponsors, product consumers as well as bidding investors. From this perspective, this is making sporting action become a business entity. This is with professional management. Those in management will rather perceive those in their sport team as a brand and are important to sell in the sport club. Thus, the sports icons are rather making sure every sports event is a value addition. This makes them important in the public eye. According to Goldman and Johns (2009), these makes them become valuable and can attract and influence the perception and attitude of other stakeholders the game. Sports Clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid as well as the New York Yankees have set pace in showing the value of product branding in games is all about? This act makes the sports seem rather to act independently when displayed. The venture is such that the bran d can sell independently of the athlete success. Take for instance the case of Real Madrid. In the football season of 2003/2004, they made up to â‚ ¬64.3 million in the form of merchandising sales. Out of the revenue generated, the brand sold 1.5 million shirts mostly to other countries. The clubs at the helm of football action, mainly based in Europe collectively grew by a margin of 11%, which is equivalent to â‚ ¬ 3.7 billion in 2006/2007. During this time Real Madrid was rated as the first club to make up revenue of â‚ ¬360 million. Research has classified the art of sports marketing in to two versions. According to Goldman and Johns (2009), there is marketing of sports as well as marketing with sports. The marketing of sports involves marketing strategies of sports events as well as sports kits to a target audience of the players, athletes as w Influence of Twnety20 Cricket on Cricket Stakeholders Influence of Twnety20 Cricket on Cricket Stakeholders CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction This research on the impact of twenty20 cricket on international cricket attempts to explore the perception of both primary and secondary stakeholders of the game in the international arena. Twenty20 cricket is one of the richest industries, which is valued at around a billion dollar across the globe. Twenty20 cricket is one of the worlds sports with many enthusiastic participants, spectators as well as media interest. Twenty20 Cricket has sparked new life and provided redemption to cricket all over the globe. The Twenty20 version of the game has been a major factor in attempting to further globalize, commercialize and popularize the game. Cricket is one the most popular and well-liked game in the world. Cricket is an established team sport for hundreds of years and very popular in countries such as India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa and England. Like other sporting activities, twenty20 cricket is a professional sport that is sought after by both men and women due to its nume rous beneficial attributes. This popular and beneficial activity not only provides you physical fitness but mental strength and sharpness too. A sport helps a person in building a very positive attitude. It has also become a part of education and routines of people. The main of the research is to determine the impact of twenty20 cricket sport on international cricket. This chapter tends to outline background of the study and problem statement. In addition, it discusses the research questions, research objectives and the significance of the study apart from presenting the research outline. 1.2 Study Background The origin of Cricket sport can be traced from the period of the dark ages, probably after the Roman Empire, almost definitely prior to the Normans invading England and almost certainly somewhere in Northern Europe. Circumstantial evidences suggest the fact that this game was started in Saxon or Norman times by children living in south east part of England in an area of dense woodlands known as Weald. It is generally believed that cricket was more of a children game rather than the adults. It was taken up by the adults in 17th century and since then, this sport continued to increase its popularity and public acceptance and never looked back. As far as the name of term â€Å"cricket â€Å"is concerned it is generally believed that this word had various possible sources. The earliest source is traced back to 1598 when it was called as cricket. It is thought to be derived from Middle Dutch term â€Å"krick â€Å"meaning a stick. There are another terms also available which all sugge st the possible involvement of Dutch in this sport. The game of Cricket is known to be spanning from the 16th century with matches being played since 1844, although officially ‘International Test Cricket was played from the year 1877 onwards. Test cricket is the oldest and longest form of cricket. It is also considered as the most reliable and challenging form of cricket to measure the worth of any team where 2 innings are played by each team. After the toss the team that bats first piles on as many runs as possible and declares the innings. Then comes the turn of other team and so the match goes on until the final result. The popularity and charm of test cricket is decreasing day by day because of the origination of new more exciting forms of cricket. Hopwood (2005) argues that the game of Cricket has been governed by the rules for more than 250 years. The Marylebone Cricket Club has been an authoritative figure in putting forth the rules of cricket and its subsequent amendme nts. In the year 2000, the MCC revised the rules of Cricket and introduced Spirit of Cricket to the laws of the game to maintain the unique character and enjoyment of the game. One day cricket is the most recognizable and viewed form of cricket in the world. It is being played and watched by the people with great enthusiasm. The most popular event â€Å"World Cup† of cricket is also based on the pattern of one day cricket. Most of the important and popular championships in cricket are based on one day matches. The one- day international cricket is a late twentieth century development. On 5th January 1971, first ODI was played between Australia and England and till now it is very popular among the cricket fans. Cricket matches are played and liked by the people on national and international level (Birley, 2003). There are many types of cricket like country cricket, club cricket, indoor cricket, womens cricket and cricket for blinds, but the most prominent and popular three types of cricket which are recognized by ICC (International Cricket Council) are test cricket, one-day and newly originated form twenty20 cricket. The arrival of Twenty20 on the cri cketing scene has surely divided the cricketing fraternity. Some believe that it is nothing but a travesty and should not be encouraged at any cost. They argue that since Twenty20 encourages far-from-technical cricket youngsters wanting to pick up the game will be misguided into believing that cricket is all about trying to hit 6s and 4s no matter how you do it. Also it will create the misconception that cricket is a batsmans game and that there is very little incentive in bowling since it is the bowlers that are usually the ones at the receiving end. In such a scenario very few youngsters might take up bowling or bother learning the finer points of the craft. Plus there is always the argument that Twenty20 cricket will wean away interest from the traditional formats of the game, especially Test cricket. However, opinion regarding Twenty20 cricket still remains divided as its promoters insist that it will not replace any of the traditional formats but on the contrary will increase i nterest in them by pulling more people towards cricket as a whole. They also argue that the Twenty20 format is a great way of introducing cricket to the non-cricketing world which is used to fast games such as football. There is no doubt that the T20 version of the game has become the most popular and acceptable in the recent times but it cannot be said that other forms of the games have been overlooked. After the commencement of T20 cricket, many thought that the test cricket will be gradually extinguished from the cricket world. It is however wrong to say. All the legends of cricket still firmly believe that test cricket is the toughest and most resilient form of cricket which gets the best of any player. Test cricket judges mental ability and strength, the stamina and resilience factor and various other things of the player which twenty 20 cricket cannot judge. The game of Twenty20 sport involves two teams; each has a single innings, batting for a maximum of 20 overs. Twenty20 game is completed in about three hours, with each innings lasting around 75 minutes, thus bringing the game closer to the time span of other popular team sports such as football (Hopwood, 2005). It was introduced to create a lively form of the game which would be attractive to spectators at the ground and viewers on television. Since its inception the game has spread around the cricket world. The idea of a shortened format of the game at a professional level was discussed by the English and Wales Cricket Boardin 1998 and 2001. When theBenson and Hedges Cupended in 2002, theEnglish and Wales Cricket Board needed another one day competition to fill its place. The cricketing authorities were looking to boost the games image and popularity with the younger generation in response to dwindling crowds and reduced sponsorship. It was intended to deliver fast paced, exciting c ricket accessible to thousands of fans who were put off by the longer versions of the game (test cricket and one-day international cricket). Stuart Robertson, the marketing manager of the English and Wales Cricket Board, proposed a 20 over per innings game to county chairmen in 2001 and they voted 11-7 in favor of adopting the new format. More than 30 focus groups were mobilized. 4,000, 15-minute, face-to-face interviews were set up to gauge the public appetite for the game. The image of Cricket in England had always been that of a sport which is slow-paced, sedate and boring. The audiences identified the length of the matches to be very long, albeit Test Match Cricket (5 days) of One-Day Cricket (8 hours). Easton (1996) argues that the general perception and image in the minds of the public was that Cricket is a sort of sport which more often than not results in boring draws (Test Cricket). Even in one-day cricket (50 overs), the batsmen would score their runs at a pretty slow rate resulting in a dull spectacle for the crowds attending to watch matches at the various cricket grounds. Hopwood (2005) maintains that the England and Wales Cricket Board had initially introducedTwenty20 cricket as a way to get the crowds back in domestic cricket. The first Twenty20 Cup in 2003 (now known as the Friends Provident T20) was marketed with the sloganâ€Å"I dont like cricket, I love it†and it was aimed especially at the youth rather than the cricket connoisseur. It was meant to be a game that would bring the entire family together for an evening of fun and carnival like atmosphere. The finals of the 2003 Twenty20 Cup (in 2003) saw performances by pop stars and rock bands and the party like atmosphere made it an evening to remember. It was a huge success as the crowds were pleasantly taken by surprise. More than the cricket on field the idea was to have fun; cricket just provided the means. This was the ‘fast food of cricket and the people just loved every s ingle bite. Since then Twenty20 has slowly risen in popularity. The first official Twenty20 matches were played on 13 June 2003 between the English counties in theTwenty20 Cup (now known as the Friends Provident T20). The first season of Twenty20 in England was a relative success, with theSurrey Lionsdefeating theWarwickshire Bearsby 9 wickets in the final to claim theTwenty20 Cup 1.3 Problem Statement This study focuses on crickets problem of enduring a severe and long held image problem which is proving difficult for the game to turn around and which is without doubt affecting the potential of cricket to draw vital media and monetary support. Critics have been leveled against introduction of twenty20 cricket. Public Relations activities being critical to the future of the game have not been implemented to the level that it should be or many in the game would like it to be. Many have argued that since Twenty20 encourages far-from-technical cricket, youngsters wanting to pick up the game will be misguided into believing that cricket is all about trying to hit 6s and 4s no matter how you do it. Besides, test cricket which is considered the ‘pinnacle of the game may soon suffer the absence of quality international players as cricketers such as Andrew Flintoff of England have retired from Test Cricket to accommodate themselves in Twenty20 Cricket amongst other international cric keters such as Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen skipping the Domestic County Cricket season in the United Kingdom to play for the cash lucrative Indian Premier League. The implications of such incidents may only result in English Domestic Cricket losing out on valuable players and as a result failing to attract audiences and generating revenues for the English Domestic game. English and Wales Cricket Board has played a critical role in the introduction of twenty 20 cricket to the world but there has always been a lingering feeling that the English International cricket team has been inconsistent in their performances at the one-day international level (50 over cricket). Some experts in the game have linked the inconsistency of the international side to the structural problems in county cricket. Other people argue that twenty 20 cricket will create the misconception that cricket is a batsmans game and that there is very little incentive in bowling since it is the bowlers that are usually the ones at the receiving end. In twenty 20 cricket, at most times the pitches prepared are tailor made for batsmen to go for their strokes and put up big totals on the board. In such a scenario very few youngsters might take up bowling or bother learning the finer points of the craft. The sport of twenty 20 cricket faces another problem of lack of five test match series except for the Ashes. What could be better suited to sustain the interest of the cricket fan than have England tour India or vice-versa for a five test match series. Instead, we have two-Test series arranged at the last minute by the English and Wales Cricket Board. Nobody can anticipate or attend; nobody is satisfied except perhaps the broadcasters whose contracts are fulfilled. There is need for English and Wales Cricket Board to understand that there is no requirement for saturation and committing overkill by scheduling cricket all year around. Instead, just stage and promote the icon series properly, a nd Test crickets unique qualities will take care of the rest. 1.4 Research Questions This research responds to the problems associated with this study by attempting to evaluate the influence of twenty 20 cricket in accordance with the perception of different stakeholders. Hence the research questions that this studied tried to answer is listed as indicated below: What is the impact of Twenty20 cricket on the image of English Cricket Board To what extent has public relations and social media activities have an impact on the domestic (county) first class Twenty20 Cricket Which is the most preferable type of cricket sport between Test cricket, One Day Internationals or Twenty20 Have public relation activities been put in practice by the English and Wales Cricket Board in promoting the Twenty20 game to the audiences What measures have the English and Wales Cricket Board put in place for all the three formats i.e. Test, One Day Internationals and T20 Cricket to survive and co-exist at the international level. 1.5 Research Aim and Objectives In order to obtain the goal of the study, the main aim of the study as well as specific objectives in relation to the impact of twenty 20 cricket on international cricket were formulated with research problems and research questions in mind. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of twenty 20 cricket on international cricket. To be able o obtain the mentioned main objective of the study, five specific research objects were formulated. The specific research objectives are stated as indicated below: To determine the impact of Twenty20 cricket on the image of English Cricket Board To find out whether public relations and social media activities have an impact on the domestic (county) first class Twenty20 Cricket To establish the most preferable type of cricket sport between Test cricket, One Day Internationals or Twenty20 To investigate whether public relation activities have been put in practice by the English and Wales Cricket Board in promoting the Twenty20 game to the audiences To find out the measures that the English and Wales Cricket Board have put in place for all the three formats i.e. Test, One Day Internationals and T20 Cricket to survive and co-exist at the international level. 1.6 Significance of the study Sport industry contribute quite considerably to the development of different nations across the globe; hence this study is going to play a very important role in demystifying the implication of the introduction of twenty 20 cricket in the world of sport. Such information can be used by different stakeholder such as nations, industry players, players, spectators and the general public as well as students. Industry managers can use this study to gauge the implication of twenty 20 cricket and the impact it has on the world of sport. This is quite critical because it can be used by different stakeholders to make appropriate strategies that will be for their good and the good of the public. Perception of different stakeholders especially spectators of twenty 20 cricket will be very significant in making decisions in relation with the twenty 20 cricket sport. This research will also contribute to the pool of knowledge where students will be able to gain necessary knowledge to help them not only be informed but to also acquire relevant information necessary for the completion of their studies. CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 The Business of Sportianment Standard Bank of South Africa is a financial services provider, which is a subcomponent of the Standard Bank Group. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), since 1997, the bank began providing sponsorship to cricket in South Africa. This initiative rejuvenated the back the playing of cricket at local level. The game had dwindling spectator s watching the matches. This was also coupled with declining interest. The Bank alongside the Cricket South Africa came up with the model of the 20-A-sidec cricket. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this was in the Year 2004. This involved lessening the one-day game of cricket. The concept of the 20-over was meant to last for only three hours. This had reduced number of overs. This made the game more interesting, faster than before and furious. This new version of the game of cricket was later to be named the Standard Bank Pro20 series. The objective of the Bank venturing in Pro20 cricket was to build on their existing high levels of association with cricket in South Africa and demonstrate to their chosen audience (Randall, 2004). According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this was in order to show their brand was among those, which was ahead and was able to undergo changes to a better brand. The move by the Bank to place the brand closer to the youth that is through sponsoring the local sport of the cricket game in South Africa. Since the Bank had grassroots involvement with the local play of the sport of the cricket, they also wanted to collaborate with Cricket South Africa so that to repackage the local experience of the game (Suite 101, n.d.). According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this is so that to bring vibrancy in the game making it more vibrant and lively. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), the company opted for internal marketing campaigns as well as sports hospitality; through this, it viewed the strategy of additional opportunity to interact one on one with interested parties of the game on how it is play. The drive for having a new version or revised version of the ga me was because it meant to bring a renewed feeling among the traditional perception of the game. This is not for the sake of those who play the games alone but also for those who the sport as a way of entertainment. Off the pitch activities were brought as a form extra play and entertainment. This meant to act as an additional treat for excitement viewers were getting on the field. The composite of what resulted made the game more exciting and unique. The best phrase used to recognize the resultant product of this was sportainment. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this was a composite of both sports and entertainment. The phrase developed meant to give priority to the essence of Standard Bank Pro20 cricket. According to standard Bank Pro 20 cricket (n.d.) the game took the design that features three pillar experiences. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), these are mainly cricket, stadium and broadcast. The nexus between the three pillars gave the stakeholders the integrated treat of sportainment. The innovation into the sport of cricket thought out and imported courtesy of the collaborated effort of Standard Bank South Africa jointly with Cricket South Africa (Cricket Web, 2010). The effort involved the bringing in of new dugouts for players at the ides of the field. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this meant to enhance game watching by the audience seated on the bench with clarity. The game increased he speed at which the players played the game (BBC, 2006). This saw the facilitation of faster changes in the batsmen. The new type of the dropped some of the old team t actics and umpire kit designs; this meant to improve the appeal while watching the game. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), they took the measure to move the umpires into the field carried by vehicles that bore the name of the brands on the side. There was notable change on the play of the game. This was especially on the batting style. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), there was the introduction of a free hit for a no ball. In the stadium there, standard Bank tailored the Hard Hats for fans. There was distribution to fans of headgear for protection against the significant number of fours and sixes expected in the new boundary-bashing version. There was improvement done that came with additional cameras for broadcast purpose. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), these are non-fixed and could be moveable that is from one place to another. When there are international matches in the Pro20 cricket series, more pomp and color were in addition to the stadium. Professional dancers would be ushered into the podium. A DJ booth will come in handy, which are in position placed at an elevated level. The common horizontal digital boards for advertising were removable and in their place put enhanced ones. These new ones have more features. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), these are wider vertical Power Towers. They used to communicate messages. In addition, they have images that parallel the action that is taking place in the field. When SuperSport came on board, this came with untested initiatives to support. These provided with the cricket and stadium an experience. The experience is for live ball-by-ball viewers. The commentators trans-located: newly to the grandstands, as it was not like before. Previously, these were host at the media suite as well as the commentary boxes. In this new position, they are able to interact with spectators. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), this is especially at the b reaks of the games. The new facelift accompanied with providing the fielding captain with an earpiece together with a lapel microphone. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), the commentators capacitated so that they can link directly link in perception and mind with the players. This is at opportunity moments of the game. According to Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket (n.d.), live interviews conducted with the outgoing batsmen after each wicket. Heart-rate monitors attached to some of players on the field. This meant to provide those watching via television broadcast with additional action from the field (Hubbard and Thomas, 2007). 2.2 The Business Side of Cricket According to Easton (1996) the communication to influence peoples ideas, theories as well as feelings used through analogies. This is a common practice in the field of business. A clear analogy occurs between the battlefield of sports and business occurrences. In order to win a game of cricket ones needs a well thought out strategy (Savicca, 2011). This is a similar case as in the business fraternity. There is need to think about how the situation will be in the field. This is like an objective visioning the business venture that is, accompanied with an analysis of the strengths as well as weaknesses. There is a lookout for threats as well as opportunities lingering around the business. The cricket strategy for having the vision is to develop a new product. According to Easton (1996), this has bases on a crop of new players. There is need to prepare for strong wickets which will assure the goes back home after a game with the victory. This is like a market strategy. This is where cha nces for success are vital. Like a business scenario there is need to know what kind of product one is offering to the market. This followed by a winning formula, which is the marketing mix. According to Easton (1996), the same applies to the game of cricket. There is need to know the kind of players one has and how to formulate a workable strategy to win based on their skills. In describing what kind of product that is needed in the sport of cricket; there is need to screen the kind of players one has at his disposal. According to Easton (1996), just like determining the price of the product; the analogy in the game of cricket is the level which to depend on players that you field during the playing of the game, that is, what role best fit each player when on the field of cricket. This resembles how to distribute resources in the case of a business set up. The thought one has to have is about the strength that will promote the possibility for a victory, that is, how one ensures that, the other team has been defeated. According to Easton (1996), this thought out done even before the game begins. Just like the way one thinks out how the marketing mix is going to be done; one has to formulate a strategy that enables to understand the game w hen playing at home as well as when playing at the opponents home turfs. As it happens elsewhere, one has to keep watch on the ongoing in the marketing front. One has to compare business performance with the occurrences in the market sales and profit as well as the market share. According to Easton (1996), in the case of the game of cricket one has to compare their performance within the league and find out how to improve play. That is at the team level. At member level, one can assess their capacity in the bowling and batting. The opportune to sell in business is just as important as the way it may be in a game of cricket. Any skipper who has had to sell to a seasoned opening batsman that he should bat further down the order will need the very best selling skills. A skipper ought to know how the team would move in to their victory. These are the success factors of the game. According to Easton (1996), skipper must ensure that the score is at five an over or endeavor to make sure th e opposing teams best batsman remains always off the strike throughout the game. The rest of other team members should have already known the game plan that the skipper has in mind. This enables the team to launch their tactics without any ado. Because the opponent has opinion that is always to be on toes to know the tactics on application by the opponent by reviewing what has done throughout the past games played, then the team has to deliver a good product. These make the defeats inevitable. According to Easton (1996), in order to make good out of a game through a win then these success has been register through understanding how to cohere as a team. There is need to understand capabilities of each member in the team so that to get the best out of them. These same applies to a business deal there is need to know the capacities of different dealers in the chain to make good out of them. According to Easton (1996), it is true that the business is for the people by the people. Thus, those participating in a transaction are the ones who make up the business. Leadership in a game of cricket is held to create an authority that will drive the team to a common purpose. The common for the team during a game is to win. The team just like a business will for the human communities that have brought together for a common purpose. That is why some underdogs have surprised the big names of the game. According to Easton (1996), understanding the team members, how they react, their skill levels and how best to utilize them, and aligning them to achieve a common goal is vital to the leaders success. During the headingly test, Mike Brearly the skipper demonstrated this brilliantly. According to Easton (1996), in the game of cricket just as in the business front there is need to understand each such that role are set out clearly for every player. This can be on bases of what one is best base on what to do. It should also matter on placing people based on how they consider themselves during a win or loss. According to Easton (1996), this can be likened t o LIFO terms; this is in the way they to assess he behavior when the going is well and how their behavior when they are under pressure. The team may design in a way these factors well taken care of. According to Easton (1996), for instance, who comes in handy to be supporting the captain? Who is suited to do the try as well as serve as the captain of the side? Who will give their place up as a substitute in the batting in order to save the team from a loss? There exit several types of mixes and types that make up the world of cultures in business. These could include the power, people, task as well as role. Just like in business the game of cricket, this is the same (Fischer, n.d.). 2.3 Actuating a Sport as a Business According to Goldman and Johns (2009), any game at the level of business of sport must show how it is economically significant at all the levels of the society. This makes it an important component both as an economic activity as well as wealth creation. Market research has shown those willing to invest in sports sponsorship; this has risen since 2003 by a twenty-nine percent proportion, which best estimated to be US$2.4 billion. This makes part of a proportion of the larger global sponsorship industry. This best estimated to be about US$28 billion in 2004. In the case of South Africa, the amount of money put into the sport as a direct expenditure in terms of sports sponsorship has increased. In 1991, the amount spent in terms of sponsorship was R 207 million but this rose such that in 2000 the amount was R 1billion. Recent case studies show that the amount spent in the sport has risen to 2.6 billion Rand. These studies have further shown that another R 2.2 Billion has spent on lever aging sponsorship. A case in point to identify with is the 1984 when the Los Angeles hosted the Olympics. The Olympics significantly boosted sports marketing. According to Goldman and Johns (2009), this event turned athletics into a sponsored business. This became the first to be operational on revenues generated by private sponsor revenues. The other Olympics operated on a bid to generate profit. In addition to the competition that is experience on the field, sports teams also compete for favor from spectators, media coverage, brand sponsors, product consumers as well as bidding investors. From this perspective, this is making sporting action become a business entity. This is with professional management. Those in management will rather perceive those in their sport team as a brand and are important to sell in the sport club. Thus, the sports icons are rather making sure every sports event is a value addition. This makes them important in the public eye. According to Goldman and Johns (2009), these makes them become valuable and can attract and influence the perception and attitude of other stakeholders the game. Sports Clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid as well as the New York Yankees have set pace in showing the value of product branding in games is all about? This act makes the sports seem rather to act independently when displayed. The venture is such that the bran d can sell independently of the athlete success. Take for instance the case of Real Madrid. In the football season of 2003/2004, they made up to â‚ ¬64.3 million in the form of merchandising sales. Out of the revenue generated, the brand sold 1.5 million shirts mostly to other countries. The clubs at the helm of football action, mainly based in Europe collectively grew by a margin of 11%, which is equivalent to â‚ ¬ 3.7 billion in 2006/2007. During this time Real Madrid was rated as the first club to make up revenue of â‚ ¬360 million. Research has classified the art of sports marketing in to two versions. According to Goldman and Johns (2009), there is marketing of sports as well as marketing with sports. The marketing of sports involves marketing strategies of sports events as well as sports kits to a target audience of the players, athletes as w