Tesco Personal Finance Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Tesco Personal Finance - Case Study Example This acquisition of Tesco over the 50% stake of RBS coming as a direct challenge for the high street financial institutions which currently are on the stormy side of the economic recession tide and presently are in-waiting for the bank charges decision by the High Court. The acquisition will help Tesco to make its expansion from financial services that revolved around an assortment of popular financial services and products to full-fledged retail banking offering more preference, innovation and value to customers and better returns to its shareholders. It is a part of Tesco's strategy through which Tesco will be able to further enhance its growth in the services market sector that includes telecoms and internet/home shopping as well. According to Tesco's estimation for the year 2008, by taking the full ownership of the TPF, Tesco would be able to increase its annual profits to 1 billion from 240 million (News Release, 2008). This acquisition clearly reflects that Tesco has identified considerable scope for further possible developments and advancements in the financial sector which is itself a very extensive and a dynamic sector. Hence by taking the full ownership, Tesco will be better equipped to be able to exploit the prospective offered by the TPF in the more basic version of banking. This second half of the paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of Tesco hence offering an analysation of the resources and capabilities that Tesco can muster up to compete effectively and develop TPF into a full service retail bank making a success of full- fledged consumer banking. Tesco's Expansion to Full Service Consumer Banking On the acquisition of RBS stake and TPF's expansion into full- fledged retail banking in the coming years, Sir Ted Leahy, the COE of Tesco plc reflected, "As consumers look to make every pound work harder it is a good time for Tesco to expand its presence" (BBC, 2008). The phrase "good time" refers to the current financial turmoil, which in recent times has revealed the shaky foundations of many a high profile financial institution, and ironically has presented an opportunity for TPF to move into full service banking. As a result of the financial depression many of the TPF's would be competitors will be at their weakest, hence competition that will be on offer will also be comparatively less. In order to make the expansion into the more core-sphere of banking, the management of Tesco will need to rally up their strengths comprising its assets and resources identify with the current financial trends the opportunities or threats presented by it and also realise their own weaknesses and accordingly create business objectives and strategies which will allow the optimum use of resources and strengths, maximum exploitation of opportunities, stablisation of threats and minimisation of weaknesses and other draw backs for the overall success Tesco's expansion endeavor. For the present short time frame, Tesco's strategic objective for the future development of TPF is to broaden the horizons of the existing financial services rendered by TPF, which includes services and products like savings accounts, credit card accounts and insurances and moreover increase its presence in the Tesco stores. However, on

CPM in Hong Kong Essay Example for Free

CPM in Hong Kong Essay 1. What do you consider to be your most important accomplishments? Please describe one personal accomplishment. The most important personal accomplishment so far is my significantly improved interpersonal skills. The accomplishment can be effectively described through a specific incident that occurred when I was working in the CA department of ABN AMRO. Volkswagen which was an important client for our bank was very much concerned about the many clauses in our standard documents because of its internal controls. It preferred to use its own documents and threatened to withdraw the deal if our bank did not accept it. This was a unique situation for us as it had never happened in ABN AMRO before. I undertook the task to resolve this issue through interactions with legal department, banking department and the CPM in Hong Kong. To begin with I reviewed the preconditions and transaction procedures stated in the documents of Volkswagen and communicated with legal department to ensure that the clauses were as per the laws of Taiwan. I carried out a few modifications after seeking the opinion of the client, the banking department and the CPM in Hong Kong. After several meetings and telephone conferences with all the concerned people we were finally able to reach a common consensus. Finally I was successful in getting all the nonstandard documents approved by Credit Risk Officers and signed by the client. We were able to achieve our goal under tremendous time pressure because I was able to monitor the schedules, politely remind colleagues for their prompt feedback and refined the documents till they were perfect meeting the requirements of both the client and the bank. The entire process has greatly improved my interpersonal skills. 2. Why are you applying to the Carlson Full-Time MBA Program? Why is The Carlson School a good match for your educational and professional development goals? (max 400) I am applying to the Carlson Full Time MBA Program as Carlson School is a high ranking business school in USA that provides world class education. The excellent curriculum is designed to ensure that students are provided rigorous training in the basics of business education. It then offers a wide choice of electives and the students have great choice to build on the strong foundation by selecting those electives that are most suited for the business environment in which they choose to work. Another important reason for choosing this program is the opportunity I will get to interact and learn from the best of faculty in the field of business education that are internationally acclaimed and are highly research oriented. The school has developed and nurtured excellent contacts with both local and international business organizations and their leaders all over the world. The experimental learning methodology adopted at the school enables an international student like me to work and learn under the guidance of experienced faculty and business leaders. The program provides an opportunity for developing entrepreneurial skills by relating theoretical concepts to real life situations under the guidance of practicing business leaders and academicians. The leadership development programs will enable me to develop leadership skills by observing and interacting with business leaders from all over the world. The school provides opportunities for extra curricular activities through numerous clubs and associations that provide good scope for social and professional networking. The school is located in Minnesota which has been ranked as the â€Å"Most livable state† for six years by the Morgan Quito Press. The city with its numerous theatres, world class museums and sports facilities provide an atmosphere of culture and entertainment. The excellent curriculum and the internationally acclaimed faculty will first enable me to strengthen my basic concepts in management. I will then be able to specialize in the area of international finance under the guidance of research oriented faculty and practicing managers from all over the world. The learning and entrepreneurial skills and leadership skills will definitely enable me to lead my teams at the initial stages of my career and after relevant experience they will go a long way in my performance as a CFO and the leader of a large multinational. The social and professional network developed at the institute will go a long way in performing better at every stage of my professional career. 3. Explain how you will contribute both as a student and subsequently as an alumna to the Katz Graduate School of Business community. What importance do you place on this contribution and what qualities do you possess that will make you effective in these roles. As a student of Katz Graduate School of business community I will be able to contribute in a number of ways. The first and foremost is that being an international student from Taiwan with its own unique culture I will be able to provide cultural diversity to my class. This will be a good learning for the other students as when they progress as business leaders of multi national corporations they will be required to perform in the increasingly multi cultural business environment. With my work experience in ABN AMRO I am familiar with the products, the transactions and the needs of customers in commercial banking. So also my exposure to the first hand experience of merger of ABN AMRO with Taitung Bank has enabled me to understand the important aspects of managing change and the challenges involved when there is a great difference in the cultures of the two organizations involved. I will share these experiences with my future classmates to enrich their learning experiences at the business school. As a student I will involve myself and support the research activities undertaken at the business school and also help my classmates in research if they need it. I will participate voluntarily in all the social and community events organized by the school like community services, church activities or any other good social causes both for my personal satisfaction and also to help improve the image of the school further. I will cooperate with all the other students of the school, work hard and contribute my best as member of a team and extend my support to ensure that all of us have a great learning experience. As an alumnus I strongly believe that I have to give back my best to my alma mater. As the school would have contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth I will always be grateful to it. I will extend my support in all the alumni activities. To begin with I will be an active member of the alumni online community and develop extensive network of other alumni. I will attend the recruitment fairs of the business school whenever they are held in the countries I am working and strongly recommend the school to prospective students. As I grow in my career I will offer my services to share my experience with the students and also guide them in enhancing their research, leadership and conceptual skills. I will ensure that the companies I work for will develop a close association with the school. I will also help in recruiting more and more students from the school as and when the opportunities arise. I place a great importance on all contributions I plan to make both as a student and an alumnus. I am very hardworking, trust worthy, open minded and friendly person. I also strongly believe that one can improve by helping others whenever there is an opportunity. I feel that life is too precious to waste in negative thoughts and one should contribute their best. So I am sure that I possess all the qualities and thoughts to be effective in the above two roles.

Broken Stereotypes in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath :: Stereotypes Stereotyping

Broken Stereotypes in The Grapes of Wrath Masculinity and femininity are not restricted to two separate and distinct groups.   In reality, they are different within themselves, and similar to each other. It is a well-known stereotype that men are tough and strong with no emotions, while women are weak and need to be supported. The characters in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath are examples of the typical masculine and feminine groups.   However, the book also contains models of those who do not fit the stereotypes.   In general, the book contains two types of portrayals of both men and women. Pa is an example of the more common must-support-the-family man.   On the contrary, Casy, another male character, is a soft-spoken, thoughtful man.   Though they are mother and daughter, Ma and Rose of Sharon are two examples of very different femininity.   Ma is a hardworking, family focused woman while Rose of Sharon is a young naà ¯ve character who needs to be taken care of.   In The Grapes of Wrath, Pa is the main male character and plays a leadership role of the family.   After Grampa's death, it is clearly stated that Pa is the family leader.   "Pa was the head of the family now" (151).   Steinbeck purposefully puts Grampa, then Pa in the position of head of the family because the eldest male is most commonly the leader.   This is a typical example of a patriarchy.   Pa carries this role until they reach California and begin looking for work.   Pa is ashamed that he cannot work to support his family and fulfill his position as leader. Pa demanded, 'Well what the hell am I gonna do?   We're outa money.   One of my boys got a short job, but that won't feed us.   I'm a-gonna go an' take twenty cents.   I got to' (374). It frustrates Pa that he is helpless when it comes to work.   Although he is more than willing to work hard for money, Pa is unable to find a job to feed his family.   Ma takes on two roles in the course of the book.   Pa begins despairing because of his lack of work, so Ma takes over his role as leader.   This shows the masculinity in Ma's character coming out.

Monogamy Versus Polygamy and Other Forms of Marriage

â€Å"I believe in monogamy if that is what a couple decides upon together, but it all depends on the personal history and culture of the two involved. † -K. D. Lang. The traditional family system–a lifelong alliance of a man and a woman–has in the past served as an institution for mobilizing the economic, moral, and emotional resources needed to raise children, (Bergmann, 1996). In many cases, marital satisfaction is influenced by the husband’s supportiveness, maternal employment and the age of the husband. However, â€Å"a 50 percent divorce rate in the USA makes a mockery of the beautiful brides’ pictures that appear in newspapers across this nation. It suggests that America's belief in a lifetime monogamous marriage has degenerated into the mere acceptance of serial matrimony† (Miller, 1989). Roget’s Thesaurus defines monogamy as â€Å"a kind of marriage. † In other words, there are other kinds, and perhaps one of these might suit us a little better (Preston, 2011). Monogamy is the only form a legal marriage in Western society. Monogamy can mean marriage to only one person for a lifetime or, as is more common today, marriage to one person at a time, aka â€Å"serial monogamy. † Monogamy is usually between opposite sex couples, though same-sex monogamy is becoming legal in some states and countries, (Libertine, 2008). â€Å"Society expects marriages to be both, but studies that have shown that ten percent of babies are fathered by men other than their legal fathers indicate that the two don’t always go hand in hand; that while social monogamy might be ubiquitous, biological monogamy is not†, (Libertine, 2008). Monogamy can mean marriage to only one person for a lifetime or, as is more common today, marriage to one person at a time, aka â€Å"serial monogamy,† (Libertine, 2008). Monogamy is usually between opposite sex couples, though same-sex monogamy is becoming legal in some states and countries (Libertine, 2008). Monogamous marriage defined as sexually exclusive, though we must distinguish between social monogamy and biological monogamy. The assumption is that this has been the one â€Å"right† way to be married since ancient times, until threatened by the sexual revolution starting in the 1960s. According to a report released by the Census Bureau in October 2006, legally married heterosexual monogamous marriages are no longer the majority of American households, though various forms of marriage-clone relationships continue to flourish. Many other more popular types of marriages do exist. Polygamy, also known, as polygyny is either man or a woman can have more than one spouse. Polyandry, although much less common this is when one woman has several husbands. It has occurred in Tibet, Mongolia, the Canadian Arctic, South America, Nepal, Bhutan, among other places. Polyandry is especially suited to populations that have more males than females, which is perhaps why it is less common than polygyny, because females outnumber males in most societies. In all marriages, there are obligations and duties that the couples agree upon once entering into marriage. Pinning down the No. 1 duty of a spouse can be a tough call, but there is evidence that honest communication is the most important role a married person can play (Herrington). A 2005 study examined the relationships among communication, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction, demonstrated that communication and sexual satisfaction independently predict marital satisfaction, (Litzinger & Gordon, 2005). However, the findings go on to say, â€Å"if couples have difficulty communicating but are sexually satisfied, they will experience greater marital satisfaction than if they have a less satisfying sexual relationship. † Thus, sexual satisfaction may partially compensate for the negative effects of poor communication on marital satisfaction (Litzinger & Gordon, 2005). Herring also pointed out in her article the ever so important sharing of responsibilities. Studies revealed that when one partner feels family duties are shared equally, he is more likely to consider the marriage a happy one. This can prevent one spouse from feeling that he shoulders all of the burdens of life, which often leads to marital strife. Helping to absorb the stress of daily life helps couples feel their relationship is fair, and is an important obligation for married people (Herrington). Sharing responsibility is often connected to the sharing of financial responsibility. The role of economic forces in the development and operation of families, he suggests reasons why the development of nontraditional, non-nuclear families is congruent with economic laws, and why their development is to be expected, today and even predicted in the future (Westley, 1998). Well-known economist Gary Becker asserts â€Å"the primary motivating factor in human action is self-interest, an indisputable basis from which to begin†. Although most economists agree with this concept of human behavior as it relates to economics, Becker also understands how this same concept applies to marriages. People will marry when they think that they can achieve a greater degree of utility in that state than when single, and they divorce when they feel that they can achieve a greater degree of utility in that state than when married (Westley, 1998). The traditional family system has its advantages and disadvantages however, â€Å"whatever the character of society or state, polity or economy, religion or culture, parents cannot escape responsibility for the quality of their children as citizens† (Halsey, 1997).

Home Away From Home

Each small step it took to move into my new home meant bigger and brighter responsibilities. From the drive down to IPFW to when I laid my head down to sleep was a positive moment that changed my life. This transition was the beginning of a new chapter in my life that I was proud to accomplish. Getting to this stage in my life I have yet to step foot in what was in store for my future. The morning of August 19th only a yawn away, anxiety ran through my body like a strike of lightening. I was feeling so many emotions I was not sure how to express how excited I was to be moving into an entirely new environment. As I prepared for the big move I also felt a sense of sadness in the air, here I was my mother’s only girl leaving off for college. While reviewing my old room checking just to see if everything was set I found myself sitting on the corner of the sheet less bed reminiscing on the good and bad memorize I held behind the walls of this house. I found it ironic that even though this place was so hard to forget it was easy to let go. As the road trip begun I realized that this was it, and there was no turning back. Everyone was saying their goodbyes even though they realize that it was not forever. The van was packed to its maximum, and the ride was roughly two hours away. I had to cease the moment and go to sleep or at least attempt to get some rest. I sat and watched cars pass by and I felt the stretch of distance from home I was becoming, I wondered if any of the cars I saw were headed to the same place as I was. I can honestly say that this day did not go according to plan. There was an issue that occurred of whether or not I was staying in my assigned room or moving into another, so part of the day was a little stressful. At the same time I could not let it get to me and effect what I had to get accomplished for the remainder of the day. In the mist of all that commotion I realize that life is full of obstacles waiting to hit you as soon as you turn the page of a chapter in your life. It is up to you if you allow something to hinder your goals and success. Entering the home of IPFW I was waiting to feel welcomed, like I was home again, but deep down I knew that it was not time to feel at home when I did not have the keys to my room. All kinds of thoughts began to run through my head because in a matter of hours I would be on my own to take care of myself. During the next couple hours I started to feel independent because I had keys to my dorm. As I walked up to the door my mom had a video camera watching me put in my key for the first time. It tickled me a little to know that this moment was just as big to her as it was to me. We began to bring in my belongings, boxes already labeled to where they belonged. I was so thankful to have some of my family there to help me unpack and it gave us more time to spend with each other before they left on their journey back to South Bend. The more it became closer for me to be alone the more I thought about how I never had this much responsibility handed to me at one time. At this time I began to feel overwhelmed, but I did not panic and become all worked up about the situation. There was no room for mistakes, even though I truly knew that I was going to make a lot of them. Getting to know a place was another task that would add on my experience. Later on we took a small trip to do some more last minute shopping for food. As the times go by, I realize that in a matter of time there will be no more running to my parents for help; because there was only me. I knew that from here on out that I had to build myself confidence and take on my own responsibilities. At this moment I am still absorbing the fact that I am going to be on my own. As the seconds go by I am becoming more comfortable with the fact that I have me, myself, and I to depend on for the rest of my life starting when my family walk out the doors of my dorm room. When I was here alone finishing up the last touches of my room and new home, I waited for my roommate to arrive. I was very glad that I knew her previous to coming down to Fort Wayne. As soon as we both ended our goodbyes with our families we just took a second to soak in our new life. I realize that soon the weekend would come to an end and class would begin, all fun and games will have to be set aside. Before I could do that, for one small moment I had to just prance around and jump on my bed. I did not really have a valid reason to why, but I felt the urge to express myself in a goofy manner. Once again I found myself sitting on the corner of the bed thinking about the future this time, and what it took for me to get there. This moment that lasted throughout the course of the day was a step that I was ready to take, but yet not sure where it would take me. Starting from that day my life would never be the same. Each day was all about survival on my own. I knew in order from me to make it through college I had to become socially active with my peers and life around campus. I take this moment and look at the negative and turn it into a positive because without negativity I do not think that we would able to appreciate the values of positivity. From that period on I have to rely on myself to fix my next meal, wake myself and be prepared for my next class. There is no room for dwelling on the past and wishing for what i do not have because it is not going to help me when it is not present. This moment set me up for a new beginning of my life and career. Decisions waiting to be made of the unknown. From this point I was an independent adult and no longer living under rules that I had to ask permission. The way I see it is I am free! When the day was finally complete I rested my head on the pillow and prepare for the following day. This moment help me become the person that I am today, someone that is driven to improve my abilities to better my skills and accomplish way more then what my eyes can envision.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 short story â€Å"​The Yellow Wallpaper,† tells the tale of an unnamed woman slipping slowly deeper into a state of hysteria. A husband takes his wife away from society and isolates her in a rented house on a small island in order to cure her â€Å"nerves.† He leaves her alone, more often than not, except for her prescribed medication, while seeing to his own patients.​ The mental breakdown that she eventually experiences, likely triggered by postpartum depression, is supported by various outside factors which present themselves over time. It is probable that, had doctors been more knowledgeable of the illness at the time, the main character would have been successfully treated and sent on her way. However, due in large part to the influences of other characters, her depression develops into something much deeper and darker. A type of chasm forms in her mind, and we witness as the real world and a fantasy world merge. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a superb description of the misunderstanding of postpartum depression before the 1900s but can also act in the context of today’s world. At the time this short story was written, Gilman was aware of the lack of understanding surrounding postpartum depression. She created a character that would shine a light on the issue, particularly for men and doctors who claimed to know more than they actually did. Gilman humorously hints at this idea in the opening of the story when she writes, â€Å"John is a physician and perhaps that is one reason I do not get well faster.† Some readers may interpret that statement as something a wife would say to poke fun at her know-it-all husband, but the fact remains that many doctors were doing more harm than good when it came to treating (postpartum) depression. Increasing the danger and difficulty is the fact that she, like many women in America at the time, was absolutely under the control of her husband: He said I was his darling and his comfort and all he had, and that I must take care of myself for his sake, and keep well. He says no one but me can help myself out of it, that I must use my will and self-control and not let any silly fancies run away with me. We see by this example alone that her state of mind is dependent upon the needs of her husband. She believes that it is entirely up to her to fix what is wrong with her, for the good of her husband’s sanity and health. There is no desire for her to get well on her own, for her own sake. Further on in the story, when our character begins to lose sanity, she makes the claim that her husband â€Å"pretended to be very loving and kind. As if I couldn’t see through him.† It is only as she loses her grip on reality that she realizes her husband has not been caring for her properly. Although depression has become more understood in the past half-century or so, Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† has not become obsolete. The story can speak to us, in the same way, today about other concepts related to health, psychology, or identity that many people do not fully understand. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a story about a woman, about all women, who suffer from postpartum depression and become isolated or misunderstood. These women were made to feel as if there was something wrong with them, something shameful that had to be hidden away and fixed before they could return to society. Gilman suggests that no one has all the answers; we must trust ourselves and seek help in more than one place, and we should value the roles we can play, of friend or lover, while allowing professionals, like doctors and counselors, to do their jobs. Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a bold statement about humanity. She’s shouting for us to tear down the paper that separates us from each other, from ourselves, so that we may help without inflicting more pain: â€Å"I’ve got out at last, in spite of you and Jane. And I’ve pulled off most of the paper, so you can’t put me back.†

Overview of Thylacosmilus

Overview of Thylacosmilus Name: Thylacosmilus (Greek for pouched sabre); pronounced THIGH-lah-coe-SMILE-us Habitat: Woodlands of South America Historical Epoch: Miocene-Pliocene (10 million to 2 million years ago) Size and Weight: About six feet long and 500 pounds Diet: Meat Distinguishing Characteristics: Short legs; large, pointed canines About Thylacosmilus The saber-toothed mammal plan has been favored by evolution more than once: Killer fangs didnt develop only in the large placental mammals of the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, but in prehistoric marsupials as well. Exhibit A is the South American Thylacosmilus, the huge canines of which apparently kept growing throughout its life and were kept tucked in pouches of skin on its lower jaw. Like modern kangaroos, Thylacosmilus raised its young in pouches, and its parental skills may have been more developed than those of its saber-toothed relatives to the north. This genus went extinct when South America was colonized by the true mammalian saber-toothed cats, exemplified by Smilodon, starting about two million years ago. (A recent study has found that Thylacosmilus possessed an embarrassingly weak bite for its size, chomping down on its prey with the force of an average house cat!) By this point, you may be wondering: how is it that the marsupial Thylacosmilus lived in South America rather than Australia, where the vast majority of all modern marsupials reside? The fact is, marsupials evolved tens of millions of years ago in Asia (one of the earliest known genera being Sinodelphys), and spread to various continents, including South America, before making Australia their favored habitat. In fact, Australia had its own version of a large, catlike carnivore, the similar-sounding Thylacoleo, which was only distantly related to the line of pseudo-saber-toothed cats occupied by Thylacosmilus.