Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefit – meaning: †¢ Any privilege, service, facility or amenity, directly or indirectly provided to employee by an employer †¢ Any reimbursement for any purpose . †¢ Contribution to approved superannuation fund The term Fringe benefits refer to various extra benefits provided to the employees, in addition to the compensation paid in the form of wage or salary. These benefits can be defined as any wage cost not directly connected with the employees productive effort, performance, service or sacrifice.Different terms are used to denote fringe benefits. They are welfare measures, social charges, social security measures, supplements, sub-wages, employee benefits etc. In addition workers commonly receive such benefits as holiday with pay, low cost meals, low-rent housing etc. Such additions to the wage proper are sometimes referred to as fringe benefits. Benefits that have no relation to employment or wages should not be regarded as fringe benefits even tho ugh they may constitute a significant part of the workers total income.Thus, fringe benefits are those monetary and non-monetary benefits given to the employees during and post employment period which are connected with employment but not to the employees contributions to the organization. Coverage: Fringe benefits covers bonus, social security measures, retirement benefits like provident fund, gratuity, pension, workmen’s compensation, housing, medical, canteen, co-operative credit, consumer stores, educational facilities, recreational facilities, financial advice and so on. OBJECTIVES OF FRINGE BENEFITS: The important objectives of fringe benefits are: 1.To create and improve sound industrial relations 2. To boost up employee morale. 3. To motivate the employees by identifying and satisfying their unsatisfied needs. 4. To provide qualitative work environment and work life. 5. To provide security to the employees against social risks like old age benefits and maternity benef its. 6. To protect the health of the employees and to provide safety to the employees against accidents. 7. To promote employees welfare by providing welfare measures like recreation facilities. 8. To create a sense of belongingness among employees and to retain them.Hence, fringe benefits are called golden hand-cuffs. 9. To meet requirements of various legislations relating to fringe benefits. NEED FOR EXTENDING FRINGE BENEFITS Most organisation have been extending the fringe to their employees, year after year, for the following reasons i) Rising prices and cost of living has brought about incessant demand for provision of extra benefit to the employees. (ii) Employers too have found that fringe benefits present attractive areas of negotiation when large wage and salary increases are not feasible. iii) As organizations have developed ore elaborate fringe benefits programs for their employees, greater pressure has been placed upon competing organizations to match these benefits in order to attract and keep employees. (iv)Recognition that fringe benefits are non-taxable rewards has been major stimulus to their expansion. v) The growing volume of labor legislation, particularly social security legislation, made it imperative for employers to share equally with their employees the cost of old age, survivor and disability benefits. vi) The growth and strength of trade unions has substantially influenced the growth of company benefits and services. (vii) The management has increasingly realized its responsibility towards its employees and has come to the conclusion that the benefits of increase in productivity resulting from increasing industrialization should go, at least partly, to the employees who are responsible for it, so that they may be protected against the insecurity arising from unemployment, sickness, injury and old age. Company benefits-and-services programs are among some of the mechanisms which managers use to supply this security.TYPES OF FRINGE BE NEFITS: Organizations provide a variety of fringe benefits. The fringe benefits are classified under four heads as given here under: [pic] 1. For Employment Security : Benefits under this head include unemployment, insurance, technological adjustment pay, leave travel pay, overtime pay, level for negotiation, leave for maternity, leave for grievances, holidays, cost of living bonus, call-back pay, lay-off, retiring rooms, jobs to the sons/daughters of the employees and the like. 2. For Health Protection:Benefits under this head include accident insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, hospitalization, life insurance, medical care, sick benefits, sick leave, etc. 3. For Old Age and Retirement: Benefits under this category include: deferred income plans, pension, gratuity, provident fund, old age assistance, old age counseling , medical benefits for retired employees, traveling concession to retired employees, jobs to sons/daughters of the deceased employee and the like. 4. For Personnel Identification, Participation and Stimulation: This category overs the following benefits: anniversary awards, attendance bonus, canteen, cooperative credit societies, educational facilities, beauty parlor services, housing, income tax aid, counseling, quality bonus, recreational programs, stress counseling, safety measures etc. CLASSIFICATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS 1. PAYEMENT FOR TIME NOT WORKED:-Benefits under this category include sick leave with pay, vacation pay, paid rest and relief time, paid lunch periods, grievance time, bargaining time, travel time etc. 2.EXTRA TIME FOR TIME WORKED:-This category covers benefits such as premium pay, incentive bonus, shift premium, old age insurance, profit sharing, unemployment compensation, deewali or pooja bonus, food cost subsidy, housing subsidy, recreation etc. 3. EMPLOYEE SECURITY:-Provided with the benefits of confirmation of the employee on the job creates a sense of job security. Further, a minimum and continuous wage o r salary gives a sense of security to life. 4. SAFETY AND HEALTH:-In India, the Factories Act, 1948, stipulated certain requirements regarding working conditions with a view to providing a safe working environment.FRINGE BENEFITS IN A MANUFACTURING FIRM To study the fringe benefits provided to employees particularly in a manufacturing concern , lets look at some of the major manufacturing companies. These are: i) Larsen and Toubro iii)Nokia ii)Mahindra and Mahindra iv)Tata Motors LARSEN AND TOUBRO: The governing theme in this organisation is the well being of employees. The salary and benefits offered are on par with the best available in Construction Industry.A few important perquisites & welfare schemes are highlighted below: Special Facilities for Site employees are provided. These special facilities include: ? Subsidized accommodation, ? Part furnishing of accommodation provided ? Free transport facilities for work. ? Special Medical Insurance Scheme – This scheme is in a ddition to other medical benefits available to employees. Employees have the option of covering their parents, aged upto 85 years under this scheme. ? Retirement Benefits – All staff members are covered under Provident Fund and Gratuity Scheme. L&T Institute of Technology, Mumbai is an exclusive facility for L&T employees' children. -The Institute conducts four-year industry-integrated diploma courses in Mechanical Engineering and Electronics Engineering. On successful course completion, students are awarded diplomas by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra to which LTIT is affiliated. Prize Money for Academic Achievement: To acknowledge and motivate meritorious wards of employees, the Welfare Department of L;T presents cash awards to students who have scored high percentage marks. There are several additional benefits at Managerial Levels.Several attractive benefits are available including ? Provision of company car, ? Loans for furniture, housing ? Childrenâ⠂¬â„¢ higher education ? Purchase of Personal Computer, ? Membership of Superannuation scheme ? Reimbursement of expenses on club membership MAHINDRA AND MAHINDRA: COMPENSATION RULES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES Monthly Components Guidelines ? Basic Minimum Basic figure for skilled, semi skilled and un skilled employees is a minimum of Rs. 2650, 2950 and 3250/-. However on the safer side, Basic figure less is not less than Rs. 3500/- p. m. Income Tax Benefit: NIL House Rent Allowance (HRA) Maximum 50% basic (Metro cities) 40% basic (non metro cities).Income Tax Benefit: Excess of Actual rent paid over 10% of Basic salary OR Maximum HRA allowed (50% or 60% of basic) OR Actual Rent Paid – whichever is lower is Exempt from Tax. ? Transport Allowance Conveyance allowance meant for transportation between office and residence only. Income Tax Benefit: Exempt maximum up to Rs. 800/- per month. No proof required. ? Children’s education allowance Income Tax Benefit: Rs. 100 per child subject to max 2 children. Hence maximum Rs. 200/- is exempt Special Allowance Balancing figure – after choosing all the above components with respect to their maximum limits absorbed, remaining amount can be named as Special Allowance. It is fully taxable. ? Medical Reimbursements Pay against medical bills Income Tax Benefit: Maximum Rs. 1250/- p. m. (Rs. 15000 p. a. ) is exempt only if Original Bills are provided ? Food Coupons Non cash component, exempt up to Rs. 1000/- p. m. ? Provident Fund (Retrials) Employer’s contribution (this is given to RPFC directly. However employee’s contribution is deducted from his Monthly salary above and sent to RPFC.Hence total deduction works out to be 12+12 = 24% of Basic. Income Tax Benefit: Employee’s contribution of 12% is eligible for Deduction from Taxable income. It can be treated as exempt investment. ? Gratuity(Retirals) It is an annual component. 15 days monthly basic per year. ? Leave Travel Allowance / Conc ession (Annual) Journey within India primarily by Rail – 2nd A/c class for employee and his immediate family (spouse, children, parents, siblings). ? Gift Vouchers Non cash component, these coupon companies like Sodexho Pass provide attractive Gift Vouchers, which is given on Diwali Festival Occasion.For junior employees amount can be lower, for seniors, amount can be higher up to Rs. 5000 or so. PERQUISITES For Senior Management Employees only ? Rent Free Accommodation Income Tax effect :Taxable perquisite – Value of rent free accommodation is considered to be taxable for the period of house occupied is either of the following: 10% of Salary (for metro cities) or (7. 5% for non metro cities) + Excess of Fair Rent Value (market rent) over 60% of salary (i. e. Market Rent – 60% of salary) = Total taxable value of rent free accommodation ? Car (For personal) Owned by the EmployerIncome Tax effect: Taxable Value includes the following – Actual Running ; Main tenance expenditure incurred by the employer + Driver’s Salary + Depreciation – any amount charged by employer to employee for personal use of the car. ? Employee Stock Option Plan – Employee exercises the option plan by buying out the shares during the exercise period however tax liability occurs only when an employee sells the shares on the value of sale made under the Capital Gains head of income. OTHER BENEFITS ? Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (For employee only) Medical Insurance Scheme (For employee ; dependents which can be spouse,first two children, parents or in-laws (either of them) etc. ? Performance linked insurance plan – The Performance Linked Incentive Plan is based on employee’s Performance Ratings during the Annual Performance Appraisal Plan in the month of March / April each year. Each employee would be eligible for a performance based incentive plan based on following guidelines. Maximum Potential Incentives under PLIP will b e 30% of Total Monthly Salary. OR up to Rs. 75000/- p. a. TATA MOTORS i) Gratuity – The Company has an obligation towards gratuity, a defined benefit retirement plan covering eligible employees. The plan provides for a lump sum payment to vested employees at retirement, death while in employment or on termination of employment of an amount equivalent to 15 to 30 days salary payable for each completed year of service. Vesting occurs upon completion of five years of service. The Company makes annual contributions to gratuity fund established as trust. The Company accounts for the liability for gratuity benefits payable in future based on an independent actuarial valuation. ii) Superannuation – The Company has two superannuation plans, a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan. Employees who are members of the defined benefit superannuation plan are entitled to benefits depending on the years of service and salary drawn. The monthly pension benefits after ret irement range from 0. 75% to 2% of the annual basic salary for each year of service. The Company accounts for the liability for superannuation benefits payable in future under the plan based on an independent actuarial valuation.With effect from April 1, 2003, this plan was amended and benefits earned by covered employees have been protected as at March 31, 2003. Employees covered by this plan are prospectively entitled to benefits computed on a basis that ensures that the annual cost of providing the pension benefits would not exceed 15% of salary. The Company maintains a separate irrevocable trust for employees covered and entitled to benefits. The Company contributes up to 15% of the eligible employees’ salary to the trust every year. The Company recognizes such contributions as an expense when incurred.The Company has no further obligation beyond this contribution. (iii) Bhavishya Kalyan Yojana (BKY): BKY is an unfunded defined benefit plan. The benefits of the plan accru e to an eligible employee at the time of death or permanent disablement, while in service, either as a result of an injury or as certified by the Company’s Medical Board. The monthly payment to dependents of the deceased / disabled employee under the plan equals 50% of the salary drawn at the time of death or accident or a specified amount, whichever is higher. The Company accounts for the liability for BKY benefits ayable in future based on an independent actuarial valuation. (iv) Post-retirement Medicare Scheme – Under this scheme, employees get medical benefits subject to certain limits of amount, periods after retirement and types of benefits, depending on their grade and location at the time of retirement. Employees separated from the Company as part of Early Separation Scheme, on medical grounds or due to permanent disablement are also covered under the scheme. The liability for post-retirement medical scheme is based on an independent actuarial valuation. v) Pro vident Fund – The eligible employees of the Company are entitled to receive benefits under the provident fund, a defined contribution plan, in which both employees and the Company make monthly contributions at a specified percentage of the covered employees’ salary (currently 12% of employees’ salary). The contributions as specified under the law are paid to the provident fund and pension fund set up as irrevocable trust by the Company or to respective Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and the Central Provident Fund under the State Pension scheme.The Company is generally liable for annual contributions and any shortfall in the fund assets based on the government specified minimum rates of return or pension and recognises such contributions and shortfall, if any, as an expense in the year incurred. (vi) Compensated absences – The Company provides for the encashment of leave or leave with pay subject to certain rules. The employees are entitled to accumu late leave subject to certain limits, for future encashment. The liability is provided based on the number of days of unutilised leave at each balance sheet date on the basis of an independent actuarial valuation.Some other benefits advanced to the permanent employees are: ? Allowances like Transport allowance, Education allowance, Sanitation allowance, ? Leave and travel allowance etc. ? Annual Performance linked Payment ? Free Medical facility for family ? Company loans ; advances NOKIA Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging internet and communication industry. Nokia started its operations in India in 1995 and since then has played a pioneering role in the growth of cellular technology in India.Today it is the leading brand in the mobile devices market in India with one of the largest distribution networks. COMPENSATION ; BENEFITS †¢ Nokia’s Total Compensation Package is tailored for each country. †¢ It typic ally consists of elements such as annual base salary, incentives, bonuses, possible stock options or performance shares, flexible Work-Life balance solutions, and other local benefits. †¢ Nokia rewards employees for good performance, competence development, and for overall company success. This creates a positive and encouraging environment with opportunities for employees to optimize their potential and be rewarded fairly. †¢ Higher performance and contribution leads to higher rewards. The Nokia global market competitive rewards structure addresses the need for flexibility, personalization, empowerment and commitment. The basic salary is set to meet market conditions, the demands of the job and individual competence and performance. The variable part may consist of incentives or bonuses and other compensation, such as overtime pay and call-out pay.Nokia provides compensation on competitive basis it provides employees with market competitive rewards through a flexible glob al structure. The Compensation package consists the following ? Basic pay, equity bonuses and incentives ? Health and welfare benefits ? Vacation and time off The compensation also includes various benefits: ? Insurance (healthcare and life) ? Transportation (free buses) ? gifts on special occasions (e. g. birthday, marriage) ? Relocation support (need based) ? Work related mobile phone ? Education assistance ? Creche support ? Bonus SystemShort-term incentive programs such as individual, team, project/program incentives and the Nokia Connecting People Bonus allow Nokia to offer immediate rewards for employee and team achievements. Eligibility for an incentive, bonus or stock option plans is defined by the content and nature of each individual's job. Local Benefits – Additional local rewards and benefits are also developed to complement the global programs and to ensure that the local market conditions are met. Annual Reviews -Nokia has implemented a global process, where the change in the pay level for each employee is based on the results of the annual performance review.Health -Nokia's Work-Life balance solutions provide health benefits and local retirement benefits are tailored to individual needs according to factors such as tenure, contribution, performance, roles and responsibilities. Nokia offers services, programs and guidelines to support employees? possibilities to maintain work-life balance according to their changing needs and life situations. Typically they include teleworking, mobile working, flexible working hours, sabbaticals, study leaves, health care services as well as recreational activities and other activity clubs.Flexible Working -Depending on the situation and needs, flexible working solutions can provide alternative modes of working such as teleworking at home or at other locations (e. g. working at remote sites). Nokia provide employees with innovative solutions aiming at having positive effects on the overall quality of life, job satisfaction and job performance. Flexi Time – Depending on the local market conditions, employees may take advantage of flexi time including flexible working hours and part-time working. Time Off- Nokia? s flexible working solutions include unpaid time off and sabbaticals.These solutions support Nokia? s philosophy of Employee Personal Growth and Self-management and enable employees to take extended leave from work. Health-care Services – Nokia aims to maintain and improve the working environment and well-being of its employees by offering medical check-ups, counselling and insurance programs to the employees. Volunteering – Nokia's global volunteer program Nokia Helping Hands gives employees a chance to contribute their time and effort to worthy causes in their communities. Nokia employees can use 1-2 working days per year for Nokia Helping Hands volunteering.Other Services – Sporting, social and cultural activities and workplace relationships are promoted within the company. These well-being services can also include laundry service, cafeteria, take-away food, day care and on-site concierge services etc. CONCLUSION Each company is pioneer in their own way of producing their products and equally compensating the employees. TATA Motors, L&T and most companies have evolved from the traditional fixed pay and more and more variable pay is introduced in every company. Nowadays we find that the variable component is quite large as compared to the fixed one.There are huge advantages due to a variable pay and fringe benefits which are as follows: ? Employee accountability ? Motivation to perform more ? Performance leading to rewards and recognition ? High self motivation to perform However, critics have argued that such a pay structure would always put huge loads of pressure on the employees and hence an employee is looked merely as a machine with no emotions. Some of the disadvantages may be as follows ? Increased stress levels due to heavy expectations ? Performance anxiety ? Employee worn-outThus the three manufacturing companies are equally good in compensating the employees. It should be noted that by giving only monetary benefits would not suffice the needs of the employees as not everyone is motivated only by money. Nokia has this ideology of overall growth of an individual which is the best way to compensate an employee. Thus the company should look after the overall growth of the individual and align his career aims with the goals of the company. [pic] ———————– Personnel Identification, Participation and Stimulation Old Age and Retirement Health Protection Employment Security Fringe Benefits Fringe Benefit – meaning: †¢ Any privilege, service, facility or amenity, directly or indirectly provided to employee by an employer †¢ Any reimbursement for any purpose . †¢ Contribution to approved superannuation fund The term Fringe benefits refer to various extra benefits provided to the employees, in addition to the compensation paid in the form of wage or salary. These benefits can be defined as any wage cost not directly connected with the employees productive effort, performance, service or sacrifice.Different terms are used to denote fringe benefits. They are welfare measures, social charges, social security measures, supplements, sub-wages, employee benefits etc. In addition workers commonly receive such benefits as holiday with pay, low cost meals, low-rent housing etc. Such additions to the wage proper are sometimes referred to as fringe benefits. Benefits that have no relation to employment or wages should not be regarded as fringe benefits even tho ugh they may constitute a significant part of the workers total income.Thus, fringe benefits are those monetary and non-monetary benefits given to the employees during and post employment period which are connected with employment but not to the employees contributions to the organization. Coverage: Fringe benefits covers bonus, social security measures, retirement benefits like provident fund, gratuity, pension, workmen’s compensation, housing, medical, canteen, co-operative credit, consumer stores, educational facilities, recreational facilities, financial advice and so on. OBJECTIVES OF FRINGE BENEFITS: The important objectives of fringe benefits are: 1.To create and improve sound industrial relations 2. To boost up employee morale. 3. To motivate the employees by identifying and satisfying their unsatisfied needs. 4. To provide qualitative work environment and work life. 5. To provide security to the employees against social risks like old age benefits and maternity benef its. 6. To protect the health of the employees and to provide safety to the employees against accidents. 7. To promote employees welfare by providing welfare measures like recreation facilities. 8. To create a sense of belongingness among employees and to retain them.Hence, fringe benefits are called golden hand-cuffs. 9. To meet requirements of various legislations relating to fringe benefits. NEED FOR EXTENDING FRINGE BENEFITS Most organisation have been extending the fringe to their employees, year after year, for the following reasons i) Rising prices and cost of living has brought about incessant demand for provision of extra benefit to the employees. (ii) Employers too have found that fringe benefits present attractive areas of negotiation when large wage and salary increases are not feasible. iii) As organizations have developed ore elaborate fringe benefits programs for their employees, greater pressure has been placed upon competing organizations to match these benefits in order to attract and keep employees. (iv)Recognition that fringe benefits are non-taxable rewards has been major stimulus to their expansion. v) The growing volume of labor legislation, particularly social security legislation, made it imperative for employers to share equally with their employees the cost of old age, survivor and disability benefits. vi) The growth and strength of trade unions has substantially influenced the growth of company benefits and services. (vii) The management has increasingly realized its responsibility towards its employees and has come to the conclusion that the benefits of increase in productivity resulting from increasing industrialization should go, at least partly, to the employees who are responsible for it, so that they may be protected against the insecurity arising from unemployment, sickness, injury and old age. Company benefits-and-services programs are among some of the mechanisms which managers use to supply this security.TYPES OF FRINGE BE NEFITS: Organizations provide a variety of fringe benefits. The fringe benefits are classified under four heads as given here under: [pic] 1. For Employment Security : Benefits under this head include unemployment, insurance, technological adjustment pay, leave travel pay, overtime pay, level for negotiation, leave for maternity, leave for grievances, holidays, cost of living bonus, call-back pay, lay-off, retiring rooms, jobs to the sons/daughters of the employees and the like. 2. For Health Protection:Benefits under this head include accident insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, hospitalization, life insurance, medical care, sick benefits, sick leave, etc. 3. For Old Age and Retirement: Benefits under this category include: deferred income plans, pension, gratuity, provident fund, old age assistance, old age counseling , medical benefits for retired employees, traveling concession to retired employees, jobs to sons/daughters of the deceased employee and the like. 4. For Personnel Identification, Participation and Stimulation: This category overs the following benefits: anniversary awards, attendance bonus, canteen, cooperative credit societies, educational facilities, beauty parlor services, housing, income tax aid, counseling, quality bonus, recreational programs, stress counseling, safety measures etc. CLASSIFICATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS 1. PAYEMENT FOR TIME NOT WORKED:-Benefits under this category include sick leave with pay, vacation pay, paid rest and relief time, paid lunch periods, grievance time, bargaining time, travel time etc. 2.EXTRA TIME FOR TIME WORKED:-This category covers benefits such as premium pay, incentive bonus, shift premium, old age insurance, profit sharing, unemployment compensation, deewali or pooja bonus, food cost subsidy, housing subsidy, recreation etc. 3. EMPLOYEE SECURITY:-Provided with the benefits of confirmation of the employee on the job creates a sense of job security. Further, a minimum and continuous wage o r salary gives a sense of security to life. 4. SAFETY AND HEALTH:-In India, the Factories Act, 1948, stipulated certain requirements regarding working conditions with a view to providing a safe working environment.FRINGE BENEFITS IN A MANUFACTURING FIRM To study the fringe benefits provided to employees particularly in a manufacturing concern , lets look at some of the major manufacturing companies. These are: i) Larsen and Toubro iii)Nokia ii)Mahindra and Mahindra iv)Tata Motors LARSEN AND TOUBRO: The governing theme in this organisation is the well being of employees. The salary and benefits offered are on par with the best available in Construction Industry.A few important perquisites & welfare schemes are highlighted below: Special Facilities for Site employees are provided. These special facilities include: ? Subsidized accommodation, ? Part furnishing of accommodation provided ? Free transport facilities for work. ? Special Medical Insurance Scheme – This scheme is in a ddition to other medical benefits available to employees. Employees have the option of covering their parents, aged upto 85 years under this scheme. ? Retirement Benefits – All staff members are covered under Provident Fund and Gratuity Scheme. L&T Institute of Technology, Mumbai is an exclusive facility for L&T employees' children. -The Institute conducts four-year industry-integrated diploma courses in Mechanical Engineering and Electronics Engineering. On successful course completion, students are awarded diplomas by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra to which LTIT is affiliated. Prize Money for Academic Achievement: To acknowledge and motivate meritorious wards of employees, the Welfare Department of L;T presents cash awards to students who have scored high percentage marks. There are several additional benefits at Managerial Levels.Several attractive benefits are available including ? Provision of company car, ? Loans for furniture, housing ? Childrenâ⠂¬â„¢ higher education ? Purchase of Personal Computer, ? Membership of Superannuation scheme ? Reimbursement of expenses on club membership MAHINDRA AND MAHINDRA: COMPENSATION RULES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES Monthly Components Guidelines ? Basic Minimum Basic figure for skilled, semi skilled and un skilled employees is a minimum of Rs. 2650, 2950 and 3250/-. However on the safer side, Basic figure less is not less than Rs. 3500/- p. m. Income Tax Benefit: NIL House Rent Allowance (HRA) Maximum 50% basic (Metro cities) 40% basic (non metro cities).Income Tax Benefit: Excess of Actual rent paid over 10% of Basic salary OR Maximum HRA allowed (50% or 60% of basic) OR Actual Rent Paid – whichever is lower is Exempt from Tax. ? Transport Allowance Conveyance allowance meant for transportation between office and residence only. Income Tax Benefit: Exempt maximum up to Rs. 800/- per month. No proof required. ? Children’s education allowance Income Tax Benefit: Rs. 100 per child subject to max 2 children. Hence maximum Rs. 200/- is exempt Special Allowance Balancing figure – after choosing all the above components with respect to their maximum limits absorbed, remaining amount can be named as Special Allowance. It is fully taxable. ? Medical Reimbursements Pay against medical bills Income Tax Benefit: Maximum Rs. 1250/- p. m. (Rs. 15000 p. a. ) is exempt only if Original Bills are provided ? Food Coupons Non cash component, exempt up to Rs. 1000/- p. m. ? Provident Fund (Retrials) Employer’s contribution (this is given to RPFC directly. However employee’s contribution is deducted from his Monthly salary above and sent to RPFC.Hence total deduction works out to be 12+12 = 24% of Basic. Income Tax Benefit: Employee’s contribution of 12% is eligible for Deduction from Taxable income. It can be treated as exempt investment. ? Gratuity(Retirals) It is an annual component. 15 days monthly basic per year. ? Leave Travel Allowance / Conc ession (Annual) Journey within India primarily by Rail – 2nd A/c class for employee and his immediate family (spouse, children, parents, siblings). ? Gift Vouchers Non cash component, these coupon companies like Sodexho Pass provide attractive Gift Vouchers, which is given on Diwali Festival Occasion.For junior employees amount can be lower, for seniors, amount can be higher up to Rs. 5000 or so. PERQUISITES For Senior Management Employees only ? Rent Free Accommodation Income Tax effect :Taxable perquisite – Value of rent free accommodation is considered to be taxable for the period of house occupied is either of the following: 10% of Salary (for metro cities) or (7. 5% for non metro cities) + Excess of Fair Rent Value (market rent) over 60% of salary (i. e. Market Rent – 60% of salary) = Total taxable value of rent free accommodation ? Car (For personal) Owned by the EmployerIncome Tax effect: Taxable Value includes the following – Actual Running ; Main tenance expenditure incurred by the employer + Driver’s Salary + Depreciation – any amount charged by employer to employee for personal use of the car. ? Employee Stock Option Plan – Employee exercises the option plan by buying out the shares during the exercise period however tax liability occurs only when an employee sells the shares on the value of sale made under the Capital Gains head of income. OTHER BENEFITS ? Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (For employee only) Medical Insurance Scheme (For employee ; dependents which can be spouse,first two children, parents or in-laws (either of them) etc. ? Performance linked insurance plan – The Performance Linked Incentive Plan is based on employee’s Performance Ratings during the Annual Performance Appraisal Plan in the month of March / April each year. Each employee would be eligible for a performance based incentive plan based on following guidelines. Maximum Potential Incentives under PLIP will b e 30% of Total Monthly Salary. OR up to Rs. 75000/- p. a. TATA MOTORS i) Gratuity – The Company has an obligation towards gratuity, a defined benefit retirement plan covering eligible employees. The plan provides for a lump sum payment to vested employees at retirement, death while in employment or on termination of employment of an amount equivalent to 15 to 30 days salary payable for each completed year of service. Vesting occurs upon completion of five years of service. The Company makes annual contributions to gratuity fund established as trust. The Company accounts for the liability for gratuity benefits payable in future based on an independent actuarial valuation. ii) Superannuation – The Company has two superannuation plans, a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan. Employees who are members of the defined benefit superannuation plan are entitled to benefits depending on the years of service and salary drawn. The monthly pension benefits after ret irement range from 0. 75% to 2% of the annual basic salary for each year of service. The Company accounts for the liability for superannuation benefits payable in future under the plan based on an independent actuarial valuation.With effect from April 1, 2003, this plan was amended and benefits earned by covered employees have been protected as at March 31, 2003. Employees covered by this plan are prospectively entitled to benefits computed on a basis that ensures that the annual cost of providing the pension benefits would not exceed 15% of salary. The Company maintains a separate irrevocable trust for employees covered and entitled to benefits. The Company contributes up to 15% of the eligible employees’ salary to the trust every year. The Company recognizes such contributions as an expense when incurred.The Company has no further obligation beyond this contribution. (iii) Bhavishya Kalyan Yojana (BKY): BKY is an unfunded defined benefit plan. The benefits of the plan accru e to an eligible employee at the time of death or permanent disablement, while in service, either as a result of an injury or as certified by the Company’s Medical Board. The monthly payment to dependents of the deceased / disabled employee under the plan equals 50% of the salary drawn at the time of death or accident or a specified amount, whichever is higher. The Company accounts for the liability for BKY benefits ayable in future based on an independent actuarial valuation. (iv) Post-retirement Medicare Scheme – Under this scheme, employees get medical benefits subject to certain limits of amount, periods after retirement and types of benefits, depending on their grade and location at the time of retirement. Employees separated from the Company as part of Early Separation Scheme, on medical grounds or due to permanent disablement are also covered under the scheme. The liability for post-retirement medical scheme is based on an independent actuarial valuation. v) Pro vident Fund – The eligible employees of the Company are entitled to receive benefits under the provident fund, a defined contribution plan, in which both employees and the Company make monthly contributions at a specified percentage of the covered employees’ salary (currently 12% of employees’ salary). The contributions as specified under the law are paid to the provident fund and pension fund set up as irrevocable trust by the Company or to respective Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and the Central Provident Fund under the State Pension scheme.The Company is generally liable for annual contributions and any shortfall in the fund assets based on the government specified minimum rates of return or pension and recognises such contributions and shortfall, if any, as an expense in the year incurred. (vi) Compensated absences – The Company provides for the encashment of leave or leave with pay subject to certain rules. The employees are entitled to accumu late leave subject to certain limits, for future encashment. The liability is provided based on the number of days of unutilised leave at each balance sheet date on the basis of an independent actuarial valuation.Some other benefits advanced to the permanent employees are: ? Allowances like Transport allowance, Education allowance, Sanitation allowance, ? Leave and travel allowance etc. ? Annual Performance linked Payment ? Free Medical facility for family ? Company loans ; advances NOKIA Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging internet and communication industry. Nokia started its operations in India in 1995 and since then has played a pioneering role in the growth of cellular technology in India.Today it is the leading brand in the mobile devices market in India with one of the largest distribution networks. COMPENSATION ; BENEFITS †¢ Nokia’s Total Compensation Package is tailored for each country. †¢ It typic ally consists of elements such as annual base salary, incentives, bonuses, possible stock options or performance shares, flexible Work-Life balance solutions, and other local benefits. †¢ Nokia rewards employees for good performance, competence development, and for overall company success. This creates a positive and encouraging environment with opportunities for employees to optimize their potential and be rewarded fairly. †¢ Higher performance and contribution leads to higher rewards. The Nokia global market competitive rewards structure addresses the need for flexibility, personalization, empowerment and commitment. The basic salary is set to meet market conditions, the demands of the job and individual competence and performance. The variable part may consist of incentives or bonuses and other compensation, such as overtime pay and call-out pay.Nokia provides compensation on competitive basis it provides employees with market competitive rewards through a flexible glob al structure. The Compensation package consists the following ? Basic pay, equity bonuses and incentives ? Health and welfare benefits ? Vacation and time off The compensation also includes various benefits: ? Insurance (healthcare and life) ? Transportation (free buses) ? gifts on special occasions (e. g. birthday, marriage) ? Relocation support (need based) ? Work related mobile phone ? Education assistance ? Creche support ? Bonus SystemShort-term incentive programs such as individual, team, project/program incentives and the Nokia Connecting People Bonus allow Nokia to offer immediate rewards for employee and team achievements. Eligibility for an incentive, bonus or stock option plans is defined by the content and nature of each individual's job. Local Benefits – Additional local rewards and benefits are also developed to complement the global programs and to ensure that the local market conditions are met. Annual Reviews -Nokia has implemented a global process, where the change in the pay level for each employee is based on the results of the annual performance review.Health -Nokia's Work-Life balance solutions provide health benefits and local retirement benefits are tailored to individual needs according to factors such as tenure, contribution, performance, roles and responsibilities. Nokia offers services, programs and guidelines to support employees? possibilities to maintain work-life balance according to their changing needs and life situations. Typically they include teleworking, mobile working, flexible working hours, sabbaticals, study leaves, health care services as well as recreational activities and other activity clubs.Flexible Working -Depending on the situation and needs, flexible working solutions can provide alternative modes of working such as teleworking at home or at other locations (e. g. working at remote sites). Nokia provide employees with innovative solutions aiming at having positive effects on the overall quality of life, job satisfaction and job performance. Flexi Time – Depending on the local market conditions, employees may take advantage of flexi time including flexible working hours and part-time working. Time Off- Nokia? s flexible working solutions include unpaid time off and sabbaticals.These solutions support Nokia? s philosophy of Employee Personal Growth and Self-management and enable employees to take extended leave from work. Health-care Services – Nokia aims to maintain and improve the working environment and well-being of its employees by offering medical check-ups, counselling and insurance programs to the employees. Volunteering – Nokia's global volunteer program Nokia Helping Hands gives employees a chance to contribute their time and effort to worthy causes in their communities. Nokia employees can use 1-2 working days per year for Nokia Helping Hands volunteering.Other Services – Sporting, social and cultural activities and workplace relationships are promoted within the company. These well-being services can also include laundry service, cafeteria, take-away food, day care and on-site concierge services etc. CONCLUSION Each company is pioneer in their own way of producing their products and equally compensating the employees. TATA Motors, L&T and most companies have evolved from the traditional fixed pay and more and more variable pay is introduced in every company. Nowadays we find that the variable component is quite large as compared to the fixed one.There are huge advantages due to a variable pay and fringe benefits which are as follows: ? Employee accountability ? Motivation to perform more ? Performance leading to rewards and recognition ? High self motivation to perform However, critics have argued that such a pay structure would always put huge loads of pressure on the employees and hence an employee is looked merely as a machine with no emotions. Some of the disadvantages may be as follows ? Increased stress levels due to heavy expectations ? Performance anxiety ? Employee worn-outThus the three manufacturing companies are equally good in compensating the employees. It should be noted that by giving only monetary benefits would not suffice the needs of the employees as not everyone is motivated only by money. Nokia has this ideology of overall growth of an individual which is the best way to compensate an employee. Thus the company should look after the overall growth of the individual and align his career aims with the goals of the company. [pic] ———————– Personnel Identification, Participation and Stimulation Old Age and Retirement Health Protection Employment Security

How does the charity letter use language to create an impact on its audience?

The Scope charity letter is an emotional, personal and heart felt letter intended to inform people about Cerebral Palsy and to persuade them donate to their worthy cause. The intended audience was the recipient of this letter, who may possibly be a parent perhaps whose child unfortunately has this terrible condition. The writer of this letter has used a range of grammatical techniques to create an impact on the reader. One of the main , striking features of this text, is the Anecdote that runs throughout the letter. The short story about Abigail is told by her father which makes it very personal and informal, ‘ I'm Abigail's dada, Ric. The fact that he introduces himself and gives his name adds more personality into the letter and is inviting the reader to read on. The effect this has upon the audience is that the reality of the letter is portrayed clearly and it makes the reader realise it isn't just a problem for somebody else, it could happen to anyone. ‘Like any parents. ‘ Something else used, that makes the letter a lot more personal, is the use of personal pronouns. The use of the first person, personal pronouns ‘my' and ‘I', in the first paragraph, not only make the letter more real to the reader but also gives a sense of pride that Abigail's father is feeling. I see that my Abigail has come on in leaps and bounds at school this year. ‘ The possessive determiner ‘my' strongly emphasises that Ric is very proud of his daughter. Furthermore, the second person, personal pronouns toward the end of the text are also very effective, the use of the pronoun ‘you' includes the reader into Abigail's incredible story. This particularly impacts on the reader as they feel like they have been with Abigail on her difficult journey through learning and coping with Cerebral Palsy. This making them feel they want to help more people like Abigail, as Scope have clearly made a huge difference. This is a rhetorical device- emotive language. It brings the emotions of the writer, and some readers, to the text and audience. Additionally, ‘As soon as we walked through the doors, we knew it was right for our daughter' is somewhat of a hyperbole-another rhetorical device. It can be seen as a hyperbole as Abigail's parents could not have known the school was right for their daughter until they had learned more about it. However, this is emphasising how much Scope has helped them and also sets up how much more helpful Scope became to them, later in the letter. Another hyperbole, is the bold caption ‘If it wasn't for Scopes Ingfield Manor School, Abigail wouldn't be†¦ Abigail! ‘ Obviously she still would be Abigail but this is used to highlight how much of a lifeline Scope had been, not just for Abigail, but to her parents also. They helped Abigail develop her own personality, even though she has a disability which can hold her back. Another rhetorical technique, used by the writer is the Tricolon. Ric describes how the school not only give the children a ‘national curriculum education' as all schools do, but also how they ‘develop speech, movement and mobility. The use of the Tricolon here shows how much work Scope put in and how much they help people with Cerebral Palsy to learn. To add more emotion and make it even more personal, Ric uses a Tricolon to depict how Scope has personally helped his daughter to ‘develop her education, her self-esteem and her sparkling personality. ‘ The use of the adje ctive ‘sparkling' within the tricolon highlights that not only has Scope helped Abigail develop a personality, they have helped her create a strong one that shines through her disability. Another powerful adjective used in the letter is ‘dedicated'. This adjective shows that Scope are trying really hard to make a difference and will stop at nothing to help people like Abigail, people with this terrible disability. Together with the common noun ‘family', the two word classes strongly emphasise that they all work together and make everyone; the family, the ‘pupil' and even the reader feel included in their achievements as a team. The verbs used in this text guide the reader to feel that Scope is a very friendly and caring charity. The modal auxiliary verbs ‘can' and ‘will' express that there is hope for people with Cerebral Palsy, and Scope is it. The modal auxiliary verb ‘will' indicates that Scope will definitely continue helping people for as long as they receive support. The dynamic verbs ‘meeting' and ‘providing' are in the progressive tense, showing that Scope's work is ongoing, meaning that they have to rely on peoples donations for their work to continue. Furthermore, the verbs ‘develop', ‘provide', ‘share' and ‘support' greatly emphasise that Scope are not forceful and are there to ‘support' people like Abigail. They do not push her but guide her and help her to become the best she can be, while making life for her and her family easier. Taking away the pressure and worry for her education and how it might be affected by Cerebral Palsy. The verb ‘support' is particularly important as it makes the reader realise that Abigail is not an invalid, nor should she be treated as inferior to anybody else, she just needs a little help and guidance due to her disability. That is where Scope comes in. These verbs persuade the reader to help as they can empathise with Abigail. Finally the verbs ‘joking' and ‘giggling' lighten up the mood of the text as the reader becomes aware that Scope help bring light and happiness into these peoples lives. Although Ric himself didn't write this letter, it would have been carefully crafted to make it sound as if he did, to make it more personal and more effective. The writer uses the grammatical techniques to make the audience aware of what it would be like in Ric's shoes, persuading them to help, while informing them about Cerebral Palsy and how Scope enable people to overcome difficulties in learning.

Harold Kushners Theory of God and Mans Suffering Essay

Harold Kushners Theory of God and Mans Suffering - Essay Example However, one of them needs to be declined to rationalize and imagine the overall reason for his adverse condition. In the most terrible state of life â€Å"Job† meets his friends and his friends suggest that all the suffering in Job’s life are a reaction of his sins that are declining the third belief (3). However, Job declines and suggests that since he has been a good and submissive being of God, therefore, God has been unfair to him; declining the idea of justice from God (2). Thirdly, according to Kushner if he is just and fair God, who is kind and good with his creature maybe he has no control over certain happenstances; thus, proving that God is not all supreme and powerful (1). The above-stated hypothesis was suggested by Harold S. Kushner when a strong religious believer of God like him lost his beloved son of fourteen to an incurable disease (62, Long). He reviewed his views of God after his son’s death and thus, produced a perspective, which supported few of the situations but is not acceptable or pragmatic in general. Instead, his views are perceived as anti-God and disrespectful among all the religious communities of the world. If a poised and blessed person like â€Å"Job† loses his health and wealth including his family and children. Then the poised person should have known that this life on Earth is a test for humans by the God (most powerful). And if one fails to comply with the rules developed/told by God, then he will be clearly a follower of Satan, who himself was ungrateful and proud. Similarly, he should have known that even the most beloved and poised Prophets were tested by the God and he tests the loyalty and faith of his creatures (human) in various ways.  Ã‚  

Ratings on Risk Priority Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ratings on Risk Priority - Assignment Example Most of the materials to be used were: Pneumatic nailers, Scaffolding, Power hand tools, Cleaning agents, Sandblasters, Hammers, Hoisting equipment and Paint Sprayers. The project entails repairing a 4 story building using the above-mentioned materials. The renovation will see the building have a new look with most of the facilities being modern. The renovation process makes it possible for its users to have access to most of the equipment and services efficiently. Most nailers were found to have hazardous effects mostly on the users. Most of them are connected to a compressed air stream by a long hose, which is a nimble hazard as workers do move and climb up in the construction site. Power hand tools become hazardous if improperly used. There are several power tools based on the source of energy they are used. For instance, it becomes hazardous to use power hand tool while holding the cord or the hose. All equipment should be used appropriately and in a timely manner to avoid such effects. It is the responsibility of the project management team to ensure that the aim of the renovation is achieved in a safe and sound manner.  

Company Law and Business Client Research Proposal

Company Law and Business Client - Research Proposal Example A company on incorporation is a legal entity or person distinct from its members and its property is not the property of the members. The national and domicile of the company is determined by its place of registration. A company incorporated in the U.K will normally have British Nationality as well as English or Scottish Domicile. In general, residence depends upon the place where central control and management of the company is located. A company registered under the companies act 1948, is not entitled to carry on business in such a way or under such a name, as to represent that its business is the business of any other company or firm or person and the absence of fraud is immaterial A corporation or a limited company which is incorporated has a corporate existence apart from the members constituting the same. A corporation has been defined as a collection of individuals united into one body under a special denomination having perpetual succession under an artificial form and vested by the policy of law with the capacity of acting in several respects as an individual. In particular, a corporation should have the capability of taking and granting properties, of contracting obligations and of suing and being sued in the course of transacting its business. The ideas inherent in the definition of a corporation are: 1. It should have continuous identity. 2. It is intangible. 3. It is an entity distinct from its constituent members. Contents of the Articles of Association. The articles of association set out rules for the internal management of the company. Great care must be taken in drafting the Articles of Association. The Articles of a company may be altered by a special resolution. Where Articles of Association are not registered, or if the Articles are registered in so far as they do not exclude or modify the regulation in Table A , those regulations so far as applicable are the regulations of the company in the same manner and to the same extent as if they were contained in duly registered articles. If the company intends to issue shares or stock warrants, special authority for that

Analysis of Financial Statements of Bogus Limited For the Year-ended Essay

Analysis of Financial Statements of Bogus Limited For the Year-ended 30 June 2004-2005 - Essay Example The firm's inventory turnover also shows net improvements in its efficiency. In terms of stability, although there is marked recovery in the leverage and liquidity ratios, Bogus Limited's debt ratios imply that the firm is still highly leveraged and may possibly encounter liquidity problems in the future as a result of its financial positioning. Given these outcomes, a potential shareholder is recommended to invest in the company and take advantage of the firm's bright earnings prospect. In light of the firm's highly-leveraged position, a potential creditor is recommended to prudently extend credit line to Bogus Limited. Prior to arriving at an investment decision, potential shareholders and creditors must initially analyse the financial position and health of a particular company. This report provides an overview of the financial standing of Bogus Limited as at year-end 30 June 2005. It intends to aid a potential shareholder in assessing the feasibility of investing in the company's stocks by reviewing the overall and per-share performance of the firm in the past two years. Moreover, this report aims to assist a potential creditor in evaluating the company's financial health by looking at the efficiency and stability of Bogus Limited as indicated by the liquidity, leverage and turnover ratios posted in the given period. Body of the Report Performance Based on the income statement of Bogus Limited for year-end 2005 and 2004, the firm's sales increased by 26% or $554.4 million, from $2,124.1 million to $2,678.5 million. This signals that the company has sustained its earnings growth from operations in the last two years. This assertion on the firm's profitability is supported by the net profit margin posted that rose to 13% as at year-end 30 June 2005 from 11% in the previous year. Although the company's cost of goods sold substantially increased resulting in lower gross profit margin, Bogus Limited is

Analysis of the fashion industry, Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Analysis of the fashion industry, - Assignment Example Fashion weeks held in the US brings in huge amount of money into the country’s reserve. On the other hand, the UK fashion industry is worth  £26 billion (Pithers, 2014). Even in the UK, this industry accounts for high number of jobs. Report states that during the London Fashion Week, more than  £100 million of orders are placed. In fashion industry, the market is segmented according to brands, which is generally concerned with creativity involved in the product design and another as per market, which again is determined by price of the product that the consumer is willing to pay. The clothing that are made in factory setting and not by hand are referred as ready-to-wear (RTW). They are also sold in the market in standard sizes (D’Aveni, 2010). These cloths are manufactured so that consumers can wear them without excessive alteration owing to the standard sizes. On the other hand, diffusion line is created by high-end fashion brands or fashion designers. These are secondary merchandises, which are available in the market at lower prices. This helps in increasing sales volume as the customer base becomes wider with lowering of the price. By leveraging desirability of the premium ranges, designers successfully tap the market through a halo effect (D’Aveni, 2010). In case of RTW clothes, the buyers’ needs are taken care of as sizes offered are standardised in nature and fit properly to majority of individuals. These clothes hardly require any alteration, which means the product is available to consumers at the desired time. Generally, this is followed by all fashion brands at present. The diffusion, on the contrary, is to increase the consumer base as brands start a secondary merchandise line, which is sold at lower prices than the primary one. There are takers for fashionable merchandises if available at affordable price. The brands are aware of the same, which is why they have taken the path of

Stat Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Stat - Coursework Example From the above table it is observed that the mean filmadmissions of quarter 1 (April-June) is the lowest with 13,173,422.8 and the highest is of the second quarter (July-Septermber) with 14,970,853.11. From the above ANOVA table we observe that there is no significant difference in the mean admission between the quarters as the probability of significance is 0.527 (>0.05). Hence all the seasons are homogeneous (on par) with regard to mean admission. From the above ANOVA table we observe that there is no significant difference in the mean admission between the years as the probability of significance is 0.848 (>0.05). Hence all the years are homogeneous (on par) with regard to mean admission. Interpretation: The regression equation is given by y = -119,506.78x + 1,092,063.39 where x represents weeks on release and y represents weekend total. The correlation is given by -0.33 which is very weak. When there is an increase of weeks, the weekend total gets decreased in general, but still we cannot make a sure conclusion because some other factors may be involved in deciding the weekend total. From the above table it is found that the multiple correlation is 0.33 and R squared is 0.11 which indicates that only 11% of dependent variable weekend total is explained through independent variable weeks after release. From the above table, it is inferred that the regression coefficient is not significant since the probability of significance is 0.23 (>0.05), hence the independent variable weeks on release is not a better predictor for the dependent variable weekend total. From the above table it is inferred that the regression coefficient is not significant whereas the constant (intercept) is significant at 5% level (p value =0.018

EVENT PLANNER Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EVENT PLANNER - Assignment Example With my goal of starting and running an event planning business, I have decided to pick an organization in the same business category of event planning and design. The organization I will be reviewing is known as Joyful Occasions. It is an event planning and design firm located in Columbus, GA 31901. The company is a â€Å"multi-faceted, full-service event planning company that offers services throughout Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina† (Eventective, 2013). The company’s primary market area includes planning, styling and catering for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, business lunches and office parties, military retirement parties, hail and farewells among other events (Joyful Occasions, 2013). I currently do not have a direct link to the company and their services; however, I have vast interest in their line of business as I have mentioned. Being a medium sized business that serves a wide region Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, information about the comp any can easily be outsourced from their website www.joyful-occasions.com and their customer care hotline or inquiry email address, which are readily available on their website. I will utilize these essential tools in gathering information about the organization. Business Process A business process refers to related activities that generate or produce a particular product or service, with the main aim being to satisfy the customer. In running a business, there are three key business processes that ensure continuous productivity of an organization whether profit or non-profit making. These processes include management, operational, and supporting processes (Harmon, 2007). Under these three categories of business processes, many other processes can be established depending on the service or product at hand. When an organization is significantly large, it becomes necessary to adapt new strategies to manage these processes. It is for this reason that adopting Business Process Management (BPM) becomes necessary. As stated by Jeston and Nelis, (2008) â€Å"achieving an organization’s objectives requires improvement, management, and control of essential business processes. Event Planning Event planning is an operational level business process aimed at creating the core business or primary service offered by event planning and catering organizations. In relation to Joyful Occasions, the main objective in event planning is to turn peoples’ dreams into reality. This is achievable by ensuring that they do not feel the stressful and tiring experience of organizing and managing their events. They therefore, get to enjoy their special occasions or work experiences while exhibiting their unique personality and style (Joyful Occasions, 2013). Event planning is a process that can be broken down into several steps from the beginning of the process to the end. These stages include Pre-planning At this stage, information is gathered about the event including the pur pose, size of the event, audience, client requirements and realistic expectation of the event. Planning This is the most important stage as it paints the real picture of what is required for the event and what is going to happen at the event. At this stages, budget is created, formal documentation are prepared, locate the venue and establish a contract

Statement of Purpose for applying master program Essay

Statement of Purpose for applying master program - Essay Example For example, back then I would make small investments in form of lending money to my roommate for his sandwich, and waiting for him to return the favor in form of a sandwich and an extra cup of coffee. After I attended college, I realized that in theoretical terminology the coffee I got along with the sandwich was the interest payment. Such small associations between simple life instances and the field of Finance allured me all the more and initiated my love for the subject. My mother, who has a Masters in Finance, would often enquire what I learnt at school over video chat from Beijing and my answers would include terms such as â€Å"journal recording, cap rate, Excel usage for IRR calculation etc.† Obviously she understood the terms and would advice me to practice and apply the acquired skills. However a single question had always been embedded in my mind- a question that even my mother could not answer- Why do the concepts I learnt at school look so simple?I would often try to understand the reason behind learning and applying the skills, because if a simple Excel function and basic coding was enough to calculate the things such as the IRR, then according to me ,investment banks such as J.P. Morgan simply wasted money in hiring financial analysts to do the â€Å"simple calculations† that even a computer programming could do. Similar questions related to this has always been on my mind for example even though tons of NBA players have the ability to shoot the basket well, why does Kobe Bryant earn the highest salary? I would always look for an answer that would help me understand such puzzling occurrences.Lastly, I have found the answer to my question in just three words- â€Å"Nearest to perfect† and even to this day I believe in it. The truth is, every single student attending a valuation class learns the skills of forecasting a firm’s next year’s cash flows and using Discounted Cash Flow Model to calculate the NPV.

Acknowledgement Examples Essay Example for Free

Acknowledgement Examples Essay * First and foremost, we would like to thank to our supervisor of this project, Miss Shyamala for the valuable guidance and advice. She inspired us greatly to work in this project. Her willingness to motivate us contributed tremendously to our project. We also would like to thank her for showing us some example that related to the topic of our project. Besides, we would like to thank the authority of Multimedia University (MMU) for providing us with a good environment and facilities to complete this project. Also, we would like to take this opportunity to thank to the Centre of Affiliated Diploma Programme (CADP) of Multimedia University (MMU) for offering this subject, Computing Project. It gave us an opportunity to participate and learn about the operation of flights ticket reservation. In addition, we would also like to thank Malaysia Airline System (MAS) which provide us valuable information as the guidance of our project. Finally, an honorable mention goes to our families and friends for their understandings and supports on us in completing this project. Without helps of the particular that mentioned above, we would face many difficulties while doing this * Apart from the efforts of myself, the success of any project depends largely on the encouragement and guidelines of many others. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who have been instrumental in the successful completion of this project. I would like to show my greatest appreciation to Prof. James Geller. I cant say thank you enough for his tremendous support and help. I feel motivated and encouraged every time I attend his meeting. Without his encouragement and guidance this project would not have materialized. The guidance and support received from all the members who contributed and who are contributing to this project, was vital for the success of the project. I am grateful for their constant support and help. * I would like to gratefully acknowledge the enthusiastic supervision of Dr. Ali Rezazadeh during this work. I thank Prof. Garth Swanson for the technical discussions on the spectral response model and Dr. S. E. Kanellopoulos for the help with optical measurements and relevant discussions. Postgraduates of the Physical Electronics Research Group are thanked for numerous stimulating discussions, help with experimental setup and general advice; in particular I would like to acknowledge the help of Dr. Jim Luck for his support. Sean Wootton, Kevin Smith and Nick Nicola are thanked for their assistance with all types of technical problems at all times. I am grateful to all my friends from International Hall, University of London, for being the surrogate family during the many years I stayed there and for their continued moral support there after. From the staff, Donald Mann and Margaret Wilson are especially thanked for their care and attention. Finally, I am forever indebted to my parents and Anita for their understanding, endless patience and encouragement when it was most required. I am also grateful to Naela and Tanvir for their support.

Marketing Mix Kinder Bueno Marketing Essay

Marketing Mix Kinder Bueno Marketing Essay Today ferrero is one of the largest confectionary companies in the world. Ferrero has sales product all around the world. The ferrero family keeps on delight its universal consumers with a seemingly inexhaustible line of single, high-quality product, not only in the spread and candy aisles, but also in the bakery and beverage part. Kinder Bueno is one of the best-sellers of the company and at the heart of ferrero success. Kinder Bueno is sold at 30 countries around the world. Kinder Bueno has great market power in the world. The aim of this report is to evaluate the marketing strategy of Kinder Bueno. This report will mention all aspects of Kinder Buenos marketing mix, these include: product, price, place and promotion. Product Kinder Bueno is a chocolate bar comes from Ferrero. It is a hazelnut cream filled wafer with some smoothly chocolate covering. The brand of Kinder was launched in 1968 which products for children debuts. Kinder Bueno chocolate bar originally comes from Germany, where it was first come out in 1990. It is the most principle and significant source of income for Ferrero. Ferrero use its recipe for their own product, which was available from 1946. Ferrero produce special package for Kinder Bueno. As we know Kinder Bueno is special package like that. This package contains chocolate bar like small candy so that can easily and convenience to storage and enjoy it everywhere at any time. Moreover, Kinder Bueno label contains Kinder Bueno and picture of glass and half milk and hazelnut. It illustrates their special recipe for making milk chocolate with hazelnut. Price Brand Name Price Kinder Bueno 43g $4.53 per 100g Timeout 40g $6.20 per 100g Mars bar 80g $2.6 per 100 g Good product is a crucial point. However, price has a significant impact on customers as well. Setting an appropriate price is also a key to launch the product widely and successfully. When pricing goods, the very important factor is the cost and feature of goods itself. Obviously, the cost of produce the original chocolate is not so expensive. Producing original chocolate is a traditional production project, Ferrero had started with chocolate. Tables above are determine whether price is different between packages and compare with competitor products. This price based on products sold in Woolworths price at this time. The other two competitors product, one is Timeout which is Cadburys product, this company is the worlds largest confectionary producer established in the year 1824 in London. The other one is Mars which is a famous chocolate factory called Mars, Inc. Established in United Kingdom in 1932. According to the research and price table above from supermarket comparison it is easy to find that Kinder Bueno is not winning by price competition. We can easily know the Kinder Buenos price is the middle price of this three companys product. The highest one is Timeout which is $6.2 per 100g; second one is Kinder Bueno which is $4.53 per 100g. The third one is Mars bar which is the cheapest one on the shop shelf is $2.6 per 100g. Although its price is a little higher than others (such as small differences in price cant play a leading role in customers choice), Kinder Bueno focuses on non-price competition. They emphasises distinctive product features and quality to distinguish its chocolate bar from its competing brands. Kinder Bueno develops diversified products focusing on health care. And also because of its prestige products and long history, Kinder Bueno has a great advantage of building customer loyalty. For prestige products, it seems to sell better at high prices than at lo w ones, just like Kinder Bueno. Because of a proper price and such famous brand, all target customers from the child to the old ready to try it. Place (Distribution) When a commodity is labeled well the price, the next procedure is that how to distribute to customers rapidly and widely. In supermarket, they display the product as sort. All of confectionery goods are arranged together. Ferreros product displayed large part of confectionery section, because Ferrero have lots of different products than other company. It increase chance to be choose by customer. And Ferrero product often display at other section especially at Woolworth. It is kind of advertising that customer can pick it up at any place. Next important part of place is which distribution channels should company uses to sell it. In fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market, most company choose channel C to sell their product. Channel C is a long-standing channel, especially for consumer products, it takes goods from the producer to wholesaler, then to a retailer, and finally to consumers. Global distribution makes Kinder Bueno spread every corner of the world. Products flows from manufacturers to retailers free and fast accelerate the speed of final transaction. Aside from convenience stores, large retail stores such as Coles, Woolworths, Safeway, and Franklins in Australia, many Grocery Stores are also played a significant role in the distribution of Kinder Bueno. Except that, internet has a powerful distributor, either. Shopping online becomes fashion trends. Professional website such as EBay, amaze, provide formal platforms to put goods. These are big advantages for Kinder Bueno, because there would be more room in the stores for them, increasing the chance of sales. Promotion The companys marketing strategy to take a positive, long-term with clients to establish and maintain good relations. The overall role of promotion is to boost product demand. Marketers also indirectly facilitate favorable connection by focusing information about company goods and activities on interest groups, hidden and current investors, societies in general, and regulatory agencies. For maximum benefit from sale efforts, marketers strive for correct planning, execution, and control of communications. When an organization mix specific methods to promote a special product, that combination establish the promotion mix for that product. The four possible factors of a promotion mix are personal selling, advertising, sales promotion and public relations. For some products, firms use all four ingredients, but for other products, maybe only two or three. For Method, the company uses the advertising to promote the products. Advertising is a non-personal communication about an institution and its products transmitted to a target customer through mass media such as radio, television, Internet, magazines, newspapers, direct mail, and signs on mass transit vehicles. Method businesses will be combined with other promotional activities for companies such as according to the magazines that are about family or healthy; to introduce the products for home clear or personal clear. Promotion is the best way to increase income and benefits and let customer know their brand.The promotion is essential to Kinder Bueno. They use promotion to let more costumers be aware of their product to get an advantage in competition between other companies which have similar product for their good quality. Therefore, Ferrero can gain profits from this product by increasing demand. There are lots of ways to promote. In generally, the company will reduce its price and make advertisement. The Ferrero Company uses promotional tools to publicize their product, such as advertising, TV, radio, online advertising, catalogues and in store advertisements. The Ferrero spends a large of money to publicize their products to customers in order to get a high awareness of new costumers and maintain the number of loyal customers. Product advertising promotes the exterior appearance, features, and benefits of products. These effective tools let the consumers realize their existence in the market. Thats the reason why Ferrero is the most popular chocolate maker in global market. Additional, in 2007, Kinder Bueno was aimed to the new market, the teenage market with a new advertise, the advert can make an impression in customers mind, so the advert is very important to a product. So the Kinder Bueno has a good impression in customers mind. The firm should develop new technology into producing new products with new style and higher quality and new tastes to take over more market share. To capture more market, the company should look for better locations for sales to improve the profit. And use the adoption of strategic alliances to the international marketing. SWOT Matrix 6 Marks Product: _ FerreroKinder Bueno_ Strengths Largest global confectionery supplier Long history Operate 30 countries and sell almost every country Brand is well known to people Kinder Bueno is one of the worlds most famous brand names Kinder Bueno is the most consumed chocolate in UK, Australia and India Maintain a stable growth New dynamic in advertising Kinder Bueno world Weaknesses Small range of products Too much fat Weak experience in world market Recall chocolate bars over salmonella fears Opportunities Exist to expand to new markets Grow of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market Introduction of more health-conscious products Taken over by Kraft expand market Threats Consumer health trends Rising raw material prices Rising labor wages Intense competitions ( mars, nestle) Low price of supermarket own brands After merger lose their reputation

Critical success factors of cable tv (pay-tv) against other competitors in hong kong.

Critical success factors of cable tv (pay-tv) against other competitors in hong kong. Abstract In this proposal, we hope to learn the real business strategies though the finding from research. And try to give some suggestion for these companies to increase their sales and profit. There are the flows of the research proposal. First, to introduce the background of Pay-TV Limited and its industry. Let you have a basically knowledge of this industry in the pass and now. Secord, to list the objectives to help myself to achieve the proposal aim. Third, to have a critical review of relevant literature from books, articles, internet, or magazine. Discussing the business theory how to apply in the real business world, and in the case, we can see which strategies the company is using and what success factors here. Most important, what we can understand clearly the marketing strategies in a real situation from the result of the research. Additionally, to describe the research method which I had used. Including the data collection method, sampling method and the size of sample. By using questionnaire, 100 to150 people will be asked, in order to find out the competitive advantage of Cable TV. Relationship between factors (the quality of TV programme, the price, customer supporting service) and the attitude of people towards which Pay-TV will be found. Aim This works aims to point out the attractive and competition of Pay-TV and though the research to find out their success factors (competitive advantage with main competitor), and to treat the finding as business strategies learning. Besides, to provide some suggestions and evidences how to get more potential customers, in order to increase the sales and profit of these companies. Background Some may not understand why Pay-TV can exist in Hong Kong a long time and have a stable marketing share. In fact, the major choose to watch Free charge TV such as TVB and ATV. However, this free-charge TV programme can not satisfy some people. But, Pay-TV programme focus on this market, they produce special TV programme and buy copyright of overseas TV programme, which free-charge TV have not provided. Besides, another selling point of Pay TV is that provide sport direct seeding such as football and NBA. In recently years, the more fierce competition was caused by more and more pay-TV service Company had entry to this market. However, the Cable Pay-TV which was the first Limited successfully obtaining a Subscription Television Broadcasting Licence from the Government and can also maintain a stable marketing share these year. And its main competitor is NOW-TV which is subsidiary Company of PCCW. (REVIEW OF PAY TV MARKET) The following are the background of Cable Pay-TV and Now-TV. I-Cable The Pay-TV service is operated by Hong Kong Cable Television Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. The Group successfully obtaining a Subscription Television Broadcasting Licence from the Government in 1993 which Pay-TV service launched in the same year set the trend of multi-channel pay-television service for Hong Kong. Hong Kong Cable currently produces over 10,000 hours of programming a year, which is the largest television programs producer in Hong Kong. Throughout the years, it has successfully established a leading position in News, Movies and Sports television programming and will continue to introduce innovative local and international programmes for customers. (http://www.i-cable.com) Now TV Now TV is a 24-hour pay-TV service provider in Hong Kong. It is transmitted through the companys Netvigator broadband network via an IPTV service. It is transmitted through the companys Netvigator broadband network via an IPTV service, with a total of 175 channels, of which 156now Broadband TV Channels, including eight high-definition channels and 15 music channels and 19 pure TVB PAY VISION Channel, and another 17 categories and VOD service. Launched in September 2003, the service is operated by the leading Hong Kong fixed-line telecom operator PCCW, through its subsidiary, PCCW VOD Limited. As of June 2009, the user up to 990,002 1000, 700,005 of them in 1000 to paying customers. However, I-Cable is like to success maintain their market share against the challenge of Now TV. In order to know clearly the success factors of I-Cable (business strategies, promotion, price, the programme quality, supporting service) we need to ask a number of questions. (http://www.now-tv.com) CableTV VS Now TV Why people choose Pay-TV? What channel of people in contact Pay-TV? Which one is more famous? What is the relationship between factors and the attitude of people towards watch Cable-TV/Now-TV? How do people needs changing? Can Cable-TV/Now-TV meet these changing needs? The answer will be found in the following. Objective and research questions Below are the main points of the objectives of this research Study the general demographic of target customers. Study the TV watching behavior of customers. Determine the customers, performance on various kinds of TV Programme. Identify the reason of choosing Pay TV. Evaluate which attributes of Pay TV are important to customers. Identify which is the most effective promotion channel. Examine the channel people how to get the Pay-TV information. Examine the reasons why they buy Pay-TV services from that channel Examine the impact of price, sport direct seeding of customers towards Pay-TV. Examine the Supporting service of Pay-TV. Well analyze the market theories such as 7Ps of market strategies form the results of research. The answers of the above are based on the relevant literature, and the sampling interview. The all detail as follows. Critical review of relevant literature There are 5 parts of critical review, the first 4 parts are the finding form the relevant literature. The last 2 parts are the introduction of market strategy of them, and the review of this part. 1. The main difference between free-charge TV and Pay-TV According the literature, Free-charge TV offer mainly entertainment programme, and the major of programme are made by themselves. and their programme focuses on popular habit. However, Pay-TV offer over 100 overseas TV channel and Sport direct seeding, and some of this programme is information programme what offers professional knowledge, the information of special habit to people. (Kotler, P. and G. Armstrong (2008)) In these years, more and more people are willing to pay money watching Pay-TV. The reasons are easy to understand, the two local free-charge TV cant satisfy the people, and young people who aged around 20, their needs of watching TV are changing. In the pass, people treat TV as their main entertainment everyday. However, the young have much other entertainments, and they watch TV in order to watch sport competition, get information. It means Pay-TV still has a great potential market in the coming years. 2. The current competition of Pay-TV market in Hong Kong 3. The promotion strategies of two Pay-TV limited The promotion strategies of them is similar, their promotion focus the potential customers who have special needs such habit (cooking, religion, drama) or want to watch non-local TV programme (Discovery Channel, CC TV). And their promotion are also similar, the number of TV programme and sport direct seeding are their selling points. Now TV is more emphasize their promotion to attract the potential customer now, but Cable TV just keep quality of their original service. In fact, people used to watch Cable TV because their longer history and people know their quality of TV programme more. In marketing, Cable-TV is like a cash-cow, 4. The famous TV programme Cable TV has the excellent news TV programme, and English league direct seeding. It is one of the reasons why Cable TV can maintain market share. Although English league may be not the highest level football league (many people agree Spain league is becoming the highest league in recently years and the Spain league direct seeding is offered by Now-TV in the future 3 years.), However, anyone know that major of Hong Kong people like to watch English league more than others. Additionally, Cable TV has also the direct seeding of champions of league and World Cup in 2010. It is a great competitive advantage with Now-TV in this year and the coming 3 years. (The newest situation of people needs change) 5. The relationships between factors and the attitude of young people towards I-Cable/Now-TV There are some factor will influence young people how to choose which Pay-TV. a) Price(extend) Cable TV adopt non- selectivity Price(packaging of service), we need to buy a number of channel at the same time; Now TV offers selectivity Price, we can pay a basic free, then the extra-charge are based on each channel, but Now TV are also offer a price for the packaging of all services. According one news, a great number of people are unsatisfying because Cable TV increase the basic charge from $239 to $259, and the extra-charge of football direct seeding. (http://hk.news.yahoo.com/article/091124/4/fbx5.html) b) Promotion c) Sport direct seeding (extend) It is one important factors why Cable TV success and they can increase the price in a bad economy. Cable TV spend a high cost to get the right of footfall direct seeding, and increase the price to cover the cost. It is their strategy. However, they may ignore the young people needs change. In recently years, English League is successful in Hong Kong, it has many factors such as the time of competition, and football player stars. However, the Spain League are willing to start early in the next year, and many stars transfer from English league to Spain League. It may make people prefer watch Spain league more. (http://hk.news.yahoo.com/article/091120/4/fa0e.html) d) Technique supporting and customer service (extend) Cable TV had a developed supporting system early, but they dont improve anything. However, Now TV usually improves their Technique supporting system. I believe Now TV will have a developed system what is better than Cable in the coming several years. 6. Market strategies(extend) Pay-TV adopts the Concentrated Marketing (Kotler, P. and G. Armstrong 2008)(Where the organization concentrates its marketing effort on one particular segment. The firm will develop a product that caters for the needs of that particular group). The all detail marketing theory and suggestions will describe after the sampling interview. Research methods/ Methodologies Category Options The degree to which the research question has been crystallized Exploratory study Formal study The method of data collection Monitoring Communication Study The power of the researcher to produce effects in the variables under study Ex post facto The purpose of the study Reporting Descriptive Causal-Explanatory The time dimension Cross-sectional The topical scope Breadth and depth of the study Statistical The research environment Field setting The participants perceptional awareness of the research activity Actual routine The main purpose of our study is needed to find out the comparison of Cable TV and Now TV. We need to collect the primary data and secondary data to analysis the success factors each other. First, we collect the secondary data from internet to know backgrounds, histories, and the annual reports of each Pay TV Limited. and collecting other useful information on the internet, articles or relevant literature. Second, to use â€Å"Personal Interview† (Questionnaire) collecting the primary data. Indeed that information is related to our objective. We will design a set of questionnaire about 7ps. The method is taken by samples in Hong Kong (different regions in Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territory), a half of male and female. It can be avoided unfair saturation. The sample size will be 100 to 150. The age distribution limits are around 18 to 65. Our survey method is face-to-face interview, after the interview well give them a little gift. (Such as coupon) We can understand the competitive advantage each other through the result of information and make the recommendations how to maintain market share and what service they need to improve. However, secondary data is limited, so we will get the information mainly come from primary data. Project Plan Refer to the page15 or Excel [project plan]

Free Essay: Use of Symbols and Symbolism in Three Green Windows :: Three Green Windows

Use of Symbolism in Three Green Windows Superficially, Anne Sexton's poem Three Green Windows is an account of an old woman daydreaming an the verge of sleep. Upon looking deeper the reader realizes, through the use of general symbolism, the author portrayed the daydreams about a better life by a middle-aged woman, recalling the events of her past, and picturing what her future will be like. The order of the stanzas followed the order of present, past, then future. The organization made the shoreline of the woman falling asleep more realistic. At first, the woman described her present situation: falling asleep while realizing her life was wasting away: "I have forgotten that I grow middle-aged" (line 6). The narrator, (the old woman), then went on to describe the simile of how she felt she looked in her present aging state. "I see three wet gargoyles covered with birds" (lines 10). The "gargoyles" symbolize how the woman felt her looks resembled; the ugly gargoyle covered with birds somewhat represents the woman's feeling of ugly wrinkles and loss of beauty with age. The last line which mentioned the skins of the gargoyles, backs up these views about how the gargoyles covered with birds represents the woman's face growing ugly and wrinkled with her age, "Their skins shine in the sun like leather" (line 11). Throughout the first stanza the narrator began to notice things which reminded her of her past and future. The second stanza moves into the woman recalling her past. The stanza begins with the simile describing the woman to be "as light as a sponge" (line 12) symbolizing her small state as a child in her past. In lines 14&15; this symbolism was prevalent, as the woman described her mother: "She is my mother. She will tell me a story and keep me asleep." The childhood innocence which the woman seemed to remember also obviously symbolized through the objects which she discussed. "I see leaves- leaves that are washed and innocent, leaves that never knew a cellar, born in their own green blood like the hands of mermaids" (lines 17-21). The leaves seemed to symbolize her childhood innocence, and obviously they also showed how the innocence was lost with her growing older. The narrator's future was portrayed through the use of symbolism in the third stanza. The reader is able to gather a feeling of being in heaven.

Cinematic Techniques Essay -- essays papers

Cinematic Techniques The extraordinary film The 400 Blows (Francois Truffaut, 1959) skillfully uses cinematic devices appropriately within the context of the theme. Part of the underlying theme of this movie as explained by Truffaut himself is, â€Å"... to portray a child as honestly as possible...†(Writing About Film, 1982). It is the scenes in this movie that are most helpful in disclosing the overall theme of the film. Within the scenes, the camera angles in this film play an important role in accentuating the emotions behind the scene. The camera angles used in this film will be the primary focus of this paper. The high angle shots utilized in The 400 Blows are effective in helping to develop the overall feel of a scene. This movie uses the high angle shot in three different scenes to evoke three different emotions and it still works extremely well. The opening sequence uses a series of high angle shots to assist in establishing a feeling of childhood innocence and indeed, the child in this film, Antoine Dionel (Jeanne-Pierre Leaud), starts out innocent. The camera focuses of the city buildings and the sky above. As shown from a ground point of view, the buildings are larger than life and intimidating. This is how most children view the world, as being large and intimidating. Take, for example, the scenario of dropping a child off for his/her first day of school. Most of them are devastated because they have to deal with a world that is larger than the one they know, an...

Perserve And Enhance The American Future Essay -- essays research pape

Preserve and Enhance the American Future   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To help young Americans become effective young productive adults in service to something that has been defined as a way of life. I propose a plan that will keep our military at full strength and provide direction and a skill to our future leaders of tomorrow. Most European countries require all young men after reaching a certain age to enlist in the military for a period of 2 years or more. After this time is completed they can quit, continue, or go to college and then reenter as an officer, if they choose to do so. In the United States most high school graduates have no idea as to what they want to do with the rest of their lives after graduation. Our government is faced with a problem every year as to how to deal with military manning shortages due to people separating and increased military operations on foreign and domestic soil. The choices are few for most young adults, because they lack vital things that most employers are looking for in an employee: formal education, experience, or a skill. So this limits them even further to low paying blue collar jobs or they can apply for entry into a college, if they have the money and the grades to do so. My plan is to have each man and woman upon graduation serve in the Armed Forces for a period of at least two years. After the two years have been completed they have two options; one is to quit, but will remain in the reserves for a period of one year or...

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 5

Micha There she is, the girl I used to know. It's visible in her green eyes that she's getting turned on. She was always weird like that, the speed, the danger always got her own engine burning. Then I have to slow down and all the fire dissolves. She puts on her seatbelt and mutters something about the Ella I know being gone forever, but I'm calling her out. I have big plans to bring my best friend back, whether she likes it or not. She's wearing a short skirt and tank top that's tight enough to show off her curves. It's driving me crazy that I can't touch her. â€Å"What happened to the turnout?† she asks as we drive by the spot we use to park at during small town cruising. â€Å"It looks like you can't even take the road up to the cove anymore.† â€Å"You can if you walk or have four-wheel drive and ramp the hill.† The turnout is blocked off by a large fence so that no cars can reach the dirt road that leads to a secluded area near the lake. â€Å"They blocked it off after they busted a bunch of people for drug and alcohol possession.† â€Å"Anyone I know?† she inquires, feigning indifference. I thrum my fingers on top of the steering wheel. â€Å"Yeah, you're sitting next to one of them. But mine was only for alcohol.† Her friend gasps in the backseat and I catch Ella secretly rolling her eyes. â€Å"What'd you get?† she asks nonchalantly. â€Å"Probation and anger management classes.† I return her indifference. Her head turns toward me. â€Å"Anger management classes?† â€Å"I also punched Grantford Davis in the face,† I explain. â€Å"Pretty hard. Broke his nose and everything.† Her friend gasps again and I wonder how Ella could be friends with her. She seems like a naive princess. Ella studies me acutely with her beautiful eyes that always give away what she's really thinking. â€Å"Why did you punch him?† â€Å"I think you know why.† I carry her gaze forcefully. â€Å"I asked him to drive me to the bridge, Micha,† she says it like it strangles her. â€Å"It wasn't his fault. He was just doing it as a favor.† â€Å"He should have never left you there alone.† I flip the blinker on, making a turn down a dirt road that leads into a field of tall, dry grass. â€Å"Not in that condition. You could barely think straight. In fact, do you even remember anything about that night?† She fiddles with a band of bracelets on her wrists. â€Å"I'm not sure.† â€Å"Are you not sure?† I accuse. â€Å"Or do you not want to admit it?† She starts to open her mouth, but then clamps her lips shut, and turns toward the window, dismissing me and the conversation. Ella The night I went to the bridge, I had been in a weird funk the entire day. My mom died a few weeks earlier and I couldn't seem to get rid of this vile feeling in my chest and I wanted it to go away. Badly. So I took drastic measures and decided to walk in my mother's footsteps for a night. My mom wasn't awful. She had her good moments, but had a lot of bad ones too. When she was up, she was great – a lot of fun. At least that's what I thought when I was young. However, when I got older, there was a painful realization that it wasn't normal to go on huge shopping sprees, take off in the middle of the night for a road trip, pretend she could fly†¦ But the night on the bridge wasn't the worst night I'd ever experienced. It was just the last push to my rapid decline toward the loss of control over my life. â€Å"Ella, where are you?† Micha's voice snaps me out of my own head. â€Å"You were dazing off on me there.† We're parked in front of Grady's single-wide trailer located in a field, near a junkyard and an abandoned apartment complex. I unbuckle my seatbelt, climb out of the car, and flip the seat forward to let Lila out. â€Å"No thanks.† She shakes her head, cowering back in the seat. â€Å"I think I'll wait in here.† â€Å"You're much safer inside.† Micha points to a crumbling shack in the middle of the field. â€Å"That's a crack house over there and trust me, if they see you sitting in here, by yourself, they're going to come over and harass you.† Micha's messing with her, but I let him be because this place isn't that safe of a spot. Her face pinches and she scrambles out of the car. â€Å"Who is this person's house we're at? It's not a drug dealer, is it?† â€Å"No, it's just an old friend.† I trade a secret glance with Micha and feelings rush through me like the sun and the wind. Grady was once Micha's stepfather. His mother and Grady were married for a few years and most of our happy childhood memories consist of him, camping, fishing, working on cars. Between the ages of eight and nine life was solid, not broken to pieces. I meet Micha around the front of the car and when he takes my hand, I don't object. Being here is like traveling through time and it hurts to know that the man who showed me that life can be good is dying. Lila tugs the bottom of her dress down self-consciously. â€Å"Are you sure I'm okay going in here?† â€Å"Relax,† I tell her as we reach the rickety front porch. â€Å"Grady is a good guy, he just likes living an unmaterialistic lifestyle. He chooses to live in a place like this.† She forces a tense smile. â€Å"Alright, I'm relaxing.† Micha squeezes my hand and then knocks on the door. A few knocks later and we let ourselves in. It's like I remember, and it makes me smile because it's comforting. Grady was a big traveler when he was younger and his walls map his destinations; petite nesting dolls from his trip to Russia on a small bookshelf, a painted Bokota mask from Africa hooked to the wall, a large hookah from Nepal sitting on a small fold up table. It overwhelms me and tugs at my memories. The trailer is small with a narrow kitchen connected to a boxed in living room and the three of us nearly fill up the space. Micha slides his hand up my arm and draws me to him. â€Å"Are you going to be okay?† I nod, forcing the tears away. Micha kisses my temple and I don't retreat this time, allowing myself one small moment. â€Å"It'll be okay,† Micha says. â€Å"And I'm here for you.† Time's up. â€Å"Where is he?† I take a deep breath, move away from Micha, and smother the old Ella away. He points over my shoulder. I turn around and my heart drops to my stomach. The medium build, tall man, with bright blue eyes and a head full of hair, has shifted into a frail, skeletal figure, with sunken eyes and his head shaved. His plaid jacket drowns his body and the belt around his jeans has holes added to it. I hesitate to hug him. â€Å"How are you? Are you okay?† â€Å"I'm always okay. You know that. Not even a little cancer can bring me down.† He smiles and it's just as bright as it was. Using his cane, he hobbles toward me. I meet him halfway, in front of the tattered leather recliner and give him a gentle hug, afraid I might break him. â€Å"How have you been, my little Ella May?† He steps back to take a look at me. â€Å"You look different.† I self-consciously touch my hair. â€Å"I changed my looks a little. Thought I could use a change or two.† He shakes his head contemplatively. â€Å"No, it's not that. There's something else. You seem sad.† â€Å"I'm fine,† I deny and not very well. â€Å"I feel great.† He offers me a tolerant smile. â€Å"You've never been a good liar, you know that. I always knew it was you who broke the vase.† From behind me, Micha nods concurring. â€Å"It's her eyes. They show way too much. Although she thinks differently.† â€Å"If you knew I broke the vase,† I say, â€Å"then why didn't you call me out on it?† Grady laughs and exchanges a look with Micha. â€Å"Because the elaborate story you made up won my heart over, I guess. Besides, it was just a vase.† The tension resolves, except with Lila who looks like she doesn't know what to do with herself. She dawdles near the door, fidgeting with her watch and her hair as she glances around the snug trailer. â€Å"Grady, this is Lila,† I introduce, motioning her to come closer. â€Å"She was my college roommate.† Lila steps forward and gives him a small wave. â€Å"It's nice to meet you.† â€Å"Same here.† Grady nods his head welcomingly and then arches his eyebrows at me. â€Å"So college? That's where you ran off to.† â€Å"I'm sorry I didn't tell you when I called,† I apologize. â€Å"I just needed a break. From everything.† â€Å"I'm not going to lie and say it didn't hurt a little.† He rests his weight on the cane, and his arms and legs look too thin to be moving. â€Å"You're like a daughter to me and I thought you trusted me enough to come to me if you were going through something.† His eyes dart to Micha and I wonder if he's told Grady about that night eight months ago on the bridge. â€Å"I need to make a phone call.† Micha holds up his phone as he backs for the door. â€Å"Lila, why don't you come outside with me?† Lila gladly obliges and the door swings shut behind them, rocking the house. Grady collapses into the recliner, sighing with relief. â€Å"We need to talk.† Preparing myself for a lecture, I drop into the concaved sofa across from him. â€Å"I'm in trouble, aren't I?† â€Å"Do you think you need to be in trouble?† He props his cane against the coffee table. I pull a throw pillow on my lap and slump back into the couch. â€Å"I don't know. It's hard to tell what's right and what's wrong anymore or what's up and what's down even.† He rocks in the recliner. â€Å"You've always had a good grasp on what's right and wrong. You just have a hard time admitting that sometimes you choose the wrong.† â€Å"I know that.† I gesture at myself. â€Å"That's why I changed into an Ella who doesn't do any wrong and who can keep control of her life.† â€Å"That's not what this is. This is you running from life and you can't control everything. Even if you want to.† His words send a chill through my spine. I pluck at a loose thread on the pillow. â€Å"Did Micha tell you about the night before I left†¦ did he tell you what happened – what I did?† He presses his cracked lips together. â€Å"He did.† â€Å"So then you understand why I ran away. If I don't change, then I'll turn out like her – I'll turn out just like my mother,† I admit aloud for the first time and a weight lifts from my chest, but falls right back on it, seeming ten times heavier. â€Å"I'll lose control.† He hunches forward with a sad expression on his exhausted face. â€Å"You know I knew your mother really well.† â€Å"But only because you always had to come fix everything after she had one of her episodes.† â€Å"Sweetie, you're not her. Your mother was sick – she had a mental illness.† â€Å"Bipolar Disorder is hereditary,† I say quietly. There is a higher chance that I have it just because she had it.† â€Å"But it doesn't mean you will.† With unsteady legs, he pushes up from the chair and sits down next to me on the sofa. â€Å"I think you're so afraid that you'll end up like your mom that you're hiding who you really are, but you can't control everything – no one can.† â€Å"But I can try,† I mutter and sit up, tossing the pillow off my lap. â€Å"You remember what I was like. All the crap I did. The stupid, irresponsible crap. I was a wreck waiting to happen and that night proved it. I almost†¦ I†¦ I almost killed myself.† â€Å"No, you didn't. I heard the story and you would have never gone through with it,† he says confidently. â€Å"You were just trying to sort through some stuff. You still are.† â€Å"No, I was going to do it,† I tell him, but it's a lie. â€Å"My mind may have been hindered, but I remember enough to know that when I climbed on top of that bridge, I was going to jump.† He shakes his head. â€Å"Then you don't remember what happened afterward with Micha.† â€Å"Yeah, I do.† I take a faltering breath. â€Å"I kissed him and then left him on the bridge. Then I went home, packed up my stuff, and ran away.† â€Å"No, something else happened that night.† His forehead scrunches. â€Å"Micha took you somewhere else. At least that's what he told me.† I scratch at my wrist, trying to recollect, but the events of that day are hazy. â€Å"I don't remember this at all.† â€Å"From what I understand you were out of it and pretty upset. Those two are not a good combination. Trust me, I've been there.† His fingers seek his cane. â€Å"Micha saved you from jumping, but there's more to it than that.† â€Å"When you say you've been there, what do you mean exactly?† â€Å"I mean, I've been at the place where it seems like the only way left is down.† I sift through his words. â€Å"You know, I came here to see if you're okay, and somehow all we've talked about is me.† â€Å"And that's exactly what I need,† he says. â€Å"I'm sick and tired of everyone wanting to talk about my death.† I open my mouth, but the front door squeaks open. I expect Micha, but a middle-aged woman in black sweat pants and a white t-shirt walks in. Her bleached hair is woven into a braid and she's carrying a large black bag. She grins at Grady as she shuts the door. â€Å"You're being bad again. You know you're not supposed to get out of bed.† Grady rolls his eyes, but his face lights up. â€Å"Yep, I've been bad. I guess you'll have to punish me.† I try to ignore their disturbing comments the best that I can, but it's ridiculously awkward. â€Å"Ella, this is Amy.† His serious demeanor alleviates as he says her name. I stand up from the couch to shake hands with Amy, noticing there's no ring on her finger. â€Å"Are you his nurse?† Grady starts to balance to his feet and she moves to help him, but he waves her off. â€Å"I got this. I'm not crippled yet. â€Å" She sighs and moves back. â€Å"Yes, I'm his nurse and I'm supposed to be taking care of him, but he's a stubborn man and refuses to let me do my job properly.† He growls and then chuckles. Using his cane, he heads toward the hall, his feet dragging along the orange shaggy carpet. â€Å"Ella, can you stop by tomorrow? I want to talk to you some more.† â€Å"Okay, I'll come back,† I promise as he vanishes down the hall. I turn to the nurse. â€Å"How bad is he?† She drops the bag on the counter and unzips it. â€Å"What did he tell you?† â€Å"That he has cancer,† I tell her as she takes out some baggies from the bag. â€Å"But that's all. He doesn't like to open up about himself.† Reaching into her bag, she extracts a handful of prescription bottles. â€Å"No, he doesn't, does he?† She shakes a bottle filled with clear liquid. â€Å"He has stage four bone cancer.† I nearly fall to the floor. â€Å"Stage four, but then that means that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It means that he has a hard, short road ahead of him,† she says frankly. â€Å"You're Ella Daniels, right? And your father is Raymond Daniels?† My fingers grasp the fabric of the recliner like it's a lifeline. â€Å"Yeah, why?† â€Å"No reason,† she says with a shrug. â€Å"Grady just talks about you sometimes.† â€Å"But you know my father,† I state warily. She zips up her bag and shuffles to the kitchen sink with the medication. â€Å"I was the nurse on call the night he was run over.† Because he was drunk out of his mind and decided to ride his bike in the middle of the highway. â€Å"So you take care of Grady, here at his home?† She turns on the faucet and fills up a glass of water. â€Å"I'm the home nurse he hired after he decided he didn't want to spend his last months in a hospital bed.† He only has months left? I need to regain control of the spiraling situation. I stumble for the door. â€Å"Tell Grady I'll see him tomorrow.† I trip down the steps and nearly eat dirt. Luckily Micha is at the bottom and he drops his phone to catch me. He steadies me to my feet, his fingers digging into my hips as he looks me over with concern. â€Å"Okay, what happened?† â€Å"He's dying,† I whisper, staring out at the dry field. â€Å"He's really dying.† â€Å"I know.† Micha holds onto me forcefully, the tips of his fingers touching my bare skin. â€Å"I told you this before we came over here.† My lungs restrict oxygen. â€Å"I thought when you said it†¦ well, I don't know what I thought, but not this.† I wave my hand at the door without looking at it. â€Å"Not a nurse. Not a few months left.† His hands move around to my back and he enfolds me against his chest. I rest my head against him, breathing in his comforting scent. I start to ask him what happened that night, but my fear of the truth shushes me. What if it's bad? What if it pushes me over the edge? â€Å"What do you want to do today?† he whispers. â€Å"You name it and it's done.† I pull away, blinking back the tears. My gaze travels to Lila sitting in the car, reapplying her lip gloss in the rearview mirror. â€Å"I have to take her to the shop and get her on the road.† Against my protest, Micha cups the back of my head, and lures me against him. â€Å"You could just ditch her.† I slap his arm. â€Å"Since when are you mean to girls?† â€Å"Since they keep complaining about the sheer drabness of the town,† he says in a mocking cheerleader voice. â€Å"And the bugs. It's ridiculous. Ten minutes out here with her and I want to lead her into the crack house over there and run.† â€Å"That's not a crack house and you know it.† I shake my head, forcing back a grin. â€Å"And I know you better than that. I'm sure you want to get in her pants.† He pauses, and then slowly his hand explores my back and sneaks to my ass. He grabs it, and bows my body into his, firing a heat deep inside my core and fumbling a moan from my lips. For a second, I forget where I am. â€Å"The only thing I want to get in is you,† he murmurs in my hair. I regain control and shove back. â€Å"Seriously? You're going to start this? Here of all places.† He swings a hand at the trailer. â€Å"Why not? Because of Grady? He'd be happy to finally see us together. He's been saying for years that you and I will end up together.† I cover my ears. â€Å"I can't listen to this.† In three long strides, he's in my face, nearly stepping on my toes. â€Å"You think that just because you left, it would change how I feel? Well, guess what? You're wrong. I can't help how I feel. I'm still in – â€Å" â€Å"Don't say it.† I point a finger at him. â€Å"Don't you dare, Micha Scott.† He holds up his hands, wide-eyed and derisive. â€Å"Oh, now I'm in trouble. You used my last name and everything.† I glance at the car, checking if Lila's eavesdropping, then whirl back and hiss, â€Å"You are in trouble. I've been back for less than a day and everything I've worked on concealing is falling apart because of you.† His aqua eyes are a fierce blue. â€Å"Good. You're fucking crazy if you think that you can run off and change your identity. This unfeeling, preppy girl thing you got going on,† he motions his hand at my tank top, white frilly skirt, and curly hair, â€Å"is nothing but bull shit. You can't just change who you are on the outside and expect it to change who you are on the inside.† Anger bubbles through me and I shove him. â€Å"You're wrong.† His boots scuff the dirt as he catches his balance and smiles haughtily. â€Å"Am I? Because right now that fire I love so much is burning pretty bright.† He reaches for my cheek, to touch me – entice me. â€Å"Micha, this is who I have to be otherwise I can't breathe. Please just leave it alone. That damn fire might exist, but I want it gone.† I spin my back to him, praying he'll listen to me for once, because if he keeps it up, sooner or later I won't be able to resist. But Micha has never backed down on a challenge in his life.