The climate of the Earth Essay Example for Free

The climate of the Earth Essay The climate of the Earth is always changing. In the past it has altered as a result of natural causes. Nowadays, however, the term climate change is generally used when referring to changes in our climate which have been identified since the early part of the twentieth century. The changes weve seen over recent years and those which are predicted over the next 100 years are thought by many to be largely as a result of human behaviour rather than due to natural changes in the atmosphere The greenhouse effect is very important when we talk about climate change as it relates to the gases is believed that the effect could be intensified by human activity and the emission of gases into the atmosphere. It is the extra greenhouse gases which humans have released which are thought to pose the strongest threat. IMPACTS Scientists around the globe are looking at all the evidence around climate change and using supercomputer models to come up with predictions for our future environment and weather. However, the next stage of that work, which is just as important, is looking at the knock-on effects of potential changes. For example, are we likely to see an increase in precipitation and sea levels? Does this mean there will be an increase in flooding and what can we do to protect ourselves from that? How will our health be affected by climate change, how will agricultural practices change and how will wildlife cope? And what will the effects on coral be? And while it may be controversial some would argue that climate change could bring with it positives as well as negatives. FLOODING The UK has experienced heavy floods over the past decade, which have affected thousands of people and caused millions of pounds worth of damage. The rainfall in June and July 2007 was about 20% higher than ever seen before in records that go back to 1879. Although it is impossible to say this flooding was a result of climate change, some computer predictions say that we can expect to see more extreme weather events such as flooding in the future. The Met Office however project that while heavy summer rains may become more frequent, summers are likely to be drier overall, especially in the south of Britain. According to the Environment Agency, at present 2. 3 million homes and 185,000 businesses are at risk of flooding in England and Wales representing property, land and assets to the value of over ? 200bn. HEALTH The climate we live in affects many areas of our lives. The quality of the food we eat, the water we drink and our homes are all dependent on our climate and weather. Climate researchers predict that the UK climate will become warmer, with high temperatures in the summer becoming more frequent and very cold winters more rare. Winters will become wetter with heavier rain more common. Some scientists have suggested that a warmer world will be a sicker world. However there is not complete agreement that this will be the case. With winters becoming milder, there are likely to be fewer cold-related deaths. However, there is a danger that bacteria would now longer die-off seasonally during the prolonged cold spell meaning that diseases may spread more widely. More heat waves will increase the number of hot-weather related deaths while the number of cases of skin cancer has quadrupled in the last 30 years. High level of ground-level ozone will increase the prevalence of cardio-respiratory disease. Higher average global temperatures mean that diseases, or their carriers, may be able to move to areas that were previously too cold for them to survive. It is possible that a mild strain of malaria will become established in localised parts of the UK for up to four months of the year. Globally, there are likely to be more floods, more droughts and more storms, which will be accompanied by damage to our homes, food and water supplies and impact on our general health. An increase in flooding will promote the spread of water-borne diseases plus the growth of fungi, while droughts encourage white flies, locusts and rodents, all affecting food and water supplies and health. Climate change is likely to have an unequal impact on the world population. Those living in poor and developing countries are going to be less able to adapt to changes. The effects on general UK health are likely to be less severe than in other parts of the world. Health impacts are not likely to be confined to the human population wildlife will also be severely affected. WILDLIFE The affects of climate change arent going to be restricted to humans. The possible dangers for plants and animals throughout the world are a great concern to environmentalists. Birds, fish, and land-based animals are all going to be under threat as their habitats and climate alter. Plants, trees and shrubs are also going to have to adapt. Species are under threat in more than one way. Climate change is predicted to cause a number of weather extremes which could directly affect our wildlife, for example through flooding or storms. However the biggest concern is how the changes in weather will affect the habitats in which species lives. It is estimated 20-30% of plant and animal species will be at increased extinction if the temperature rises by more than 1. 5 2. 5C. Less snow in winter, warmer temperatures in summer and more winter rain will affect wildlife across the board. Sea level rises will reduce land area in some countries, which will instantly affect vegetation which is currently used for homes and foods by animals. WHAT CAN WE DO? Its not just policies and industries that need to be more climate-friendly; each individual has an impact on his or her environment. Choices that we make in our day-to-day lives can ? Affect the climate ? Turn off lights when you leave a room ? Only boil the amount of water you need in your kettle ? Turn off televisions, videos, stereos and computers when they are not in use they can use between 10 and 60% of the power they use when on ? Close curtains at dusk to keep in heat ? let your clothes dry naturally rather than using a tumble drier

Globalization And The Toyota Company

Globalization And The Toyota Company The world today has been seeing the strong globalization. The process is reflected not only in trade but also in manufacturing, services, finance, investment as well as socio-culture and environment in various forms and levels. Economic globalization promotes close relationships, interdependence and rapid interactions among national economies. Through the process of liberalization, the globalization creates advantages motivating the development of productive forces and economic interactions between nations. Accordingly, comparative advantages of the participatory nations are strengthened and optimized. Besides, needs for development by enterprises is a growing and indispensable trend in the integrated global economy. Their scales of development are not limited in a geographical country or region, but in the whole world. In such a world of increasingly economic globalization, enterprise managers should be able to manage both internal and external influencing factors. Owing to that the managers will have better prediction, management of resources, and business direction towards set targets. In the course of global organizational environment, there are totally 12 sessions. Out of those, in following part, I will summarize 7 sessions. Particularly, among those selected sessions, I found session 12 an interesting one, even though it is the most challenging topic for me. This session helps the managers draw up both positive and negative perspectives of their businesses. This process strictly requires good understanding of their business situation, so that they can actively cope with and overcome difficulties that they already included in the drawing negative perspective Session 1: Organizational forms and purposes: In this session, we learn about some types of establishment, such as private organizations, state-owned organizations and 3rd regional organizations, etc. Understanding of these types is an important factor for a start-up business. Selection of type has great impact on the existence and development of an enterprise. Basically, distinguish features resulted in by different types of business are: Prestige due to consumption habits, Ability in capital mobilization, Investment risks, Complexity of procedures and business establishment costs, Corporate governance institutions. In addition, we may know how to analyze business by looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT method) or through Mendelow matrix that tabulates values and priorities of involving factors influencing the business. Analysis results will strongly support the managers in identifying and prioritizing factors, and then developing proper strategies accordingly. Furthermore, we also obtain better understanding of role of business types and their influencing factors. Understanding of the relationship between the organization and its environment is fundamental to development strategy. While making strategic decisions on organizational direction and scope of business, all the factors relating to goals and members expectations should be taken into consideration. From the different goals, they put questions that: to whom they offer services and how to offer, or how to deal with the business with consideration of the shareholders profits? Once answering those questions, they will determine business goals and directions as well as type of business they will adopt. References of this topic are various. Internet is such a great source where I can find lots of references. From this session, I would like to obtain an overall understanding of business types, scales, scopes, socio contributions and to whom the business offers services. One of the key points obtained from this session is to employ Medelow matrix to analyze resources and every activity of the enterprise. In such a long time, the concept of corporate governance remains a debating topic, and it is such a challenge to me. After this course, I will be more confident because I absorbed the knowledge and will learn more from my work Session3: Managerial Environment Through this session we can determine the importance and nature of external environment. Classification of environment toward business orientation needs taking into consideration of different aspects and their complexity, variety and stability of markets and competing environment. The managers can identify the importance of environmental conditions and manage them. At that moment, the managers need to know how to analyze the environment by employing PEST framework. PEST framework is a support tool for effective analysis of business environment. (Andrew Harrison, Feb 16, 2011) Political environment has effects on the business operation of an enterprise. Stable political environment will help the enterprise having better business operation and long-term strategic directions. On the contrary, it may hinder the business operation in both short and long run. Business operations are also affected by the national economy. In such a developing economy, the enterprise has more business opportunities due to increasing income of consumers and their willingness to pay. However, the enterprise should have to consider the environmental impacts on the host country from its development. The impacts which can be overuse of energies and natural resources will lead to environmental pollution and resource exhaustion. Other factors affecting the business environment which are social situations i.e. population proportion and averaged age of a country should be considered while running business. Besides, the application of advanced technologies in the business operations helps increasing yield of production and reducing labor forces. The boom of application of technologies has been changing the sales methods by applying electronic technologies, such as online sale. Online sale also changes the buying tradition of the customers that the products are delivered directly to home. Analysis of the environmental factors aims at identifying opportunities and threats through which the enterprise can reduce and actively manage risks, and at the same time optimize their strengths in doing business. In addition, we can determine business strategy to cope with and manage changes of the environment. Owing to that we become more proactive and are well prepared to deal with the crisis. This process may be associated with the strategic vision of enterprise in the future scenarios. Session4: Economy and the role of government In this session we learn about the economy and the role of government. The government governs the country with respect to set economic goals. In reality, those goals are essential part of the macro-economy and listed as follows: a modest rate of inflation, a reasonable rate of economic growth, low rates of unemployment, a balance of payments in equilibrium or surplus. These goals can be achieved through market forces. In fact, in the past the government tried to achieve all these goals simultaneously and by doing so it has encountered other problems. Today, the government focuses on management of macro-economy instead putting its efforts on a certain issue. The most important task is to keep everything under control. Example is to ensure low-enough inflation rate as compared with those of other countries. If the inflation rate is too high, it can even weaken the common currency system. How can the government manage the economy? Government must consider the tools available to achieve the set goals. Two common tools are fiscal policy and monetary policy. Fiscal policy in which use of taxes and spending is announced in the budget is part of the Governments efforts to affect demand in the economy. By using this tool, an economy can be adjusted through changing the amount of tax and expenditure. The fiscal policy is used to increase or decrease demand. The fiscal policy is basically a method to smooth the economic cycle for achievement of the goals. The government mainly uses interest rates to influence demand in the economy for restraining inflation. Increase in interest rates would increase savings and reduce consumption and investment spending. Although it is a short-term solution, it is worth achieving benefits from restraining inflation. Similarly, interest rates affect exchange rates and those involved in the trade are often affected significantly when interest rates change. Interest rates are also used to change the money supply by affecting the ability to create credit by the banking sector. Monetary policy uses the money supply and interest rates to affect demand. The interest rate affects short-term demand and is mainly used to achieve realistic goals of the Government-that is low inflation rate. The use of tax incentives designed specifically to improve labor productivity are referred to as the supply side, which is a long-term strategy designed to reduce unemployment. The government also sets out the framework of laws and regulations to govern the operation of enterprises. Accordingly, the Government acts as an important actor in the economy. Management of the economy to achieve the goals is a complex operation. In short, the government uses interest rates as a tool for short-term demand management and other taxes and spending on long-term supply side to achieve macroeconomic goals. Session 7: Economy has emerged on three continents. In the 7th session, we consider the emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). How do these emerging economies affect the world economy in the future and whether or not the emerging economies will usurp the U.S. position as number-one world economy? The fact is that emerging economies have been contributing largely to the development of world economy. BRIC are among the first countries getting out of the crisis. In the future, those economies can be considered as core pillars of a newly-ordered world gradually appearing and they will dominate the global economy. Even though they have distinguished economic infrastructures, each of them has particular and significant advantages. Brazil has the strength of iron and agricultural raw materials; Russia is a large country with huge reserves of crude oil and gas, India is an exchanging point and can provide information, computing services, while China has a giant consumption market and considered as a world factory with huge cheap labor forces. BRIC economies are booming with continuous high growth rate and gradually proving their important positions in the world trade. During this financial and economical crisis, BRIC is expected to have an important role in stabilizing the world economy and its role as an organization to influence the world political and economic situation following G8 and G20. Most analysts have reckoned that the prospects of the BRIC cooperation are very positive and bring opportunities to the communities of developing countries. BRIC countries have distinguished characteristics of economic development. They will complement with each other in different fields such as finance, energy, services, technology, agriculture, environmental protection and food safety as well as in the multilateral trade negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). BRIC countries are emerging and market-oriented economies and they are playing an increasingly important role in changing the structure of the current global economy. Most economists agree that, if nothing happens than expected, in 50 years the BRIC countries will be the economic entity having great power to the global economy. In 40 years, the economic size of the BRIC countries will surpass the G7 countries in GDP. The Indian economy scale will overtake Japan in 2032, while China will overtake the U.S. in 2041. In 2050, six major economies in the world will be ranked as China, America, India, Japan, Brazil and Russia. Chief economist of Goldman Sachs Investment Bank Gim predicted these four economies will form the dominant force the world economy in 2050. (Goldman Sachs, Feb 16, 2011) That is just the analysis and prediction of scientists on the future BRIC group. However, the open and developing economy together with a stable political environment are overwhelming advantages for the BRIC countries in the coming decades. Session 10: Delivering Customer Value In 10th session, we will study the goals and position of the enterprise in the market of providing products and services to customers. Customer value is the total benefits received by the customer who owns the product or service. It includes the benefits offered from products and services offers, additional services, brand image and also personal relationships. Comparison of customer value and cost of customer will form the concept for value for customers. Although competition remains tough, the quality is no longer a dominant competitive advantage. The product innovation and quality are no longer a basis for competitive advantage. Some companies turned to internal improvements by trying to work through better structure and process changes. Downsizing, restructuring, re-establishment emerged as a common management tool to create enterprise streamlined. However, whether or not the experience of these tools has made their promises is still uncertain. The operational processes are certainly changed, but the expected impacts on performance are yet achieved. The quality and organizational structure improvement keeps on going and there are continuous and strong pressures on improvement coming from outside markets a process of seeking for competitive advantages begins. A question of what the comparative advantage is becomes important to the enterprises. Instead of focusing on the improvement of activities and internal structure, a change and improvement in management is unavoidable for the enterprises that are interested in outside markets and their customer benefits. Delivering customer value is a consistent and proper strategic direction. First of all, the application of customer value delivered orientation requires the enterprises to have careful and concise study of the market and their customers. Decisions on the methods of competing in customer value delivery becomes more effective if the enterprises consider the questions: What do the customer exactly need? Out of all the values appreciated by the customers, which value should the enterprises target to for their advantages? How do the customers think of the ability of the enterprises in delivering the values? How do the appreciated values change in the future? Secondly, the managers should have to translate their customer studies into action in order to offer better services. For example, the internal processes that provide values need to be adjusted to coincide with the values that customers appreciate. If businesses become more competitive in providing better customer values, they will need a set of corresponding tools for delivering customer value. Using these tools, organizations in the future will become more qualified in integration of internal quality management and outward strategies which is consistent with the customer view of the values. Session11: Managing Market Performance In this session, we will learn about the market activities and the businesses, business regulations in a certain market and how to manage market businesses and exist in a market. In a particular market if companies are about to succeed, they must study seriously and understand well that market and their products in that market. In order to do that the enterprises must understand both the current and potential markets and evaluate the attractiveness of the market. They also must define the strengths and weaknesses of existing businesses and the potential. That does not mean to set standards for the best market. The market attractiveness can be understood in different ways depending on on specific situations of that market. A market is considered more attractive if it possesses such factors: (large, growing, high profit, competition and competitive intensity is low, low immigration barriers, the market is less sensitive to occurrences due to loss of control). Similarly, the evaluation of the companys strengths and potentials in providing services, meeting the market needs should be conducted at the same time with the evaluation of the customer needs, advantages and strengths of competitors through following criteria: The company holds a big market share, grows faster in the market, has unique and valuable and high quality products and services, higher profits, effective production and marketing, protected technology properties. In the context of the analysis of two factors including market attractiveness and the company strength, we must consider the relative importance of each factor to achieve a comprehensive assessment that helps us choose a target market. Session12: Making Sense of Uncertainty. Participating in the current rapid globalization environment, the enterprises and managers need to study the nature of the environment to be ready coping with rising problems in their businesses. In a constant and simple environment, while dealing with possible future situations, the managers often refer to the past and use the methods of prediction and assumption of unchanged situation in the future.. But this approach is no longer appropriate and it is even dangerous if it is applied in nowadays rapidly changing environment. The managers are more active in their businesses if they must make a detailed plan predict an operational process to deal with both advantages and disadvantages. Design of the good or bad scenario for business case, management and the leaders will avoid the thing happening unexpectedly they might encounter. At least two scenarios will be conducted: Script that will achieve positive business and other cases, specific activities, if their business is in good point Is a bad scenario worst for business and corporate actions as well as managers to avoid losses to the company. Advantage of both scenarios shows that the specific actions that managers need to do beside the support tools to control the actions for promotion of business activities. However, in the case of a complex and dynamic environment, more sophisticated techniques are needed. In a dynamic environment, understanding the past situation does not always help the manager see what is going to happen. A commonly used technique is the creation of scenarios, allowing users to explore the broader possibilities and thus to terms with uncertainty. Task 2 (60% of module mark) Toyota Haier Airbus British Airways Sony-Erickson Marks and Spencer Ikea HSBC SAB Miller TUI Cadburys Tata Steel You are required to select one of the above companies in class and write a report (3000 words) in which you address the following issues: Type of organisation and its scope The organizations purpose and an analysis of its key stakeholders with an underpinning rationale for the power/interest of each stakeholder group The key external environmental issues (both general and competitive) impacting the organization in 2010 and beyond The organizations market position and its segmentation in 2010 The key opportunities and threats/challenges facing the organization in 2010 with a rationale for their selection The role and purpose of scenarios as a management tool illustrating your answer with an example of a scenario for your organization based upon the key challenges generated in task 2. Answer: I will write a report for the Toyota. In todays modern society, owning a car to transport is no longer a distant issue with consumers worldwide. Therefore business has a lot invested in the manufacturing sector and business vehicles such as GM, Ford, Nissan, Toyota the new launch of car companies that will create a competitive environment is very strong in business car. And expanding business market to other countries in the trend of global integration is becoming a serious urgency to this enterprise. Enterprises need to learn a lot about the conditions, standards and procedures of the different business environment affects how for production work and their business, of course if you want, they will be, they will have to adapt and to see changes to conform and survive in the environment they want to participate. Also businesses can take advantage of available resources such as cheap labour force, and natural resources abundance in the developing countries to produce their product and then sell in local market and export ed to other countries. Toyota is one such company that I also had a long interest in newspapers, articles on the website and on other media. In this article I will analyze and learn about the business environment impacts how for this business. Toyota is an automotive group transnational headquarters in Japan. Toyota was founded by Kiichiro Toyota on 28/08/1937 from a section separate from Toyota Industries. After a long development time, Toyota has now emerged to become the largest car manufacturing group in the world in terms of sales (Kendra Marr, Jan 22nd 2009). According to the annual report fiscal year 2009 (from 01/04/2008 to 31/03/2009), Toyota provides jobs for 320,808 workers, with 529 subsidiaries, with total capital of the company up to 397.05 billion yen. Major activities of the company are to design, assemble and sell cars, race cars, trucks, transportation vehicles and related spare parts. Toyota is known for the famous brands such as the Prius (hybrid vehicles with clean fuel), Lexus and Scion (luxury), Tundra (truck) Toyota owns a large amount of shares in the company Car Daihatsu and Hino, Fuji Heavy Industries, Isuzu Motors, Yamaha Motors, and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. In addition to manufacturing automobiles, Toyota provides financial services (Toyota Financial Services), involved robots, biotechnology Toyotas market share worldwide spread. Of these 26% in Japan, 29% in North U.S., 14% in Europe Toyota to build factories in all parts of the world, manufacturing or assembling vehicles in serving the needs of that market. Major changes in the global business environment, has changed rapidly in the business environment for Toyota. The growth of global markets and expanding into resource-rich countries or emerging markets has led to a decline in the U.S. market. Due to environmental problems and threats of global warming, interest in a low carbon society has led to rising petrol prices and rapid growth in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Finally, rising raw material prices caused the increase of raw materials used in the automotive industry, especially steel. Moreover, the challenge is now recession that has led Toyota to develop effective strategies to overcome financial losses. According to Business Week magazine in Toyotas profit fell 10% last year in the United States because the economic downturn. For this recession, Toyota has launched two short-term strategies (for example, for production systems optimized to meet the demand in the U.S.) and long-term strategies (for example, to increase hybri d production). That is the strategic goal of the Toyota business in the state of the global economy today. Mendelow I will use the matrix to analyze the role of environmental factors affecting the operations of Toyota: Figure 1: Through consideration Mendelow matrix we can see the role of the factors that affect decisions relating to Toyotas strategy as follows: With business partners, suppliers and local communities Toyota put them in the table that have less impact to Toyota because most of these factors contributing only a small part and depending on decisions of Toyota and Toyota can replace these elements with new elements even more valuable and more relevant. These factors are not vital element of the business. Actors like competitors and shareholders are located in the Keep inform the Toyota because of all the activities of Toyota and its competitors are analyzed when any new product or any act are reviewed information that is harmful or beneficial, must be treated thoroughly before using for business purposes, especially when competitors launch new products to market. The elements of the customer and the government (including provisions for legal, tax,..) of the host country where Toyota market are placed in the Keep satisfied. Consumers are objects that Toyota wants to target and their assessment is objective and is crucial to the e xistence or destruction of the Toyota. Toyotas products when launched without the support and acceptance from customers will be very difficult for Toyota business in the local market and can even lead to bankruptcy of enterprises. And finally the factors that play an important role for Toyota as owners, managers, employees, and banks. Owners have the important decision to make leadership and development company in the right direction and purpose. Bank could help Toyota help on the financing to complete the project and product development objectives and expand into new markets. And finally the officers and employees of the company they are the factors that make our products and contribute to the value of the product, they will promote and increase the value of brand products as well as Toyota Toyota is still considered the pinnacle of creativity, production quality and the power industry in Japan especially after the company passed General Motors (USA) to become the largest carmaker in the world. But now they are facing catastrophic why? Most problems related to Toyotas business environment is currently facing that are: The recovery (recall), nearly 8.5 million cars Toyota worldwide with technical deficiencies endangering the safety for the users have caused a serious crisis. From November 2009 Toyota has a withdrawal of 3.8 million cars to repair parts of the accelerator, to overcome unwanted vehicle acceleration. During the period Jan to May 2010, Toyota had recalled 2.3 million vehicles on the same reason, and stopped production at five factories in the U.S.. On 2nd September 2010, Toyota additionally recalled 440,000 hybrid vehicles (both cars have gasoline-electric), including the popular Prius model, to fix a problem in parts wins. According to Reuters news agency on 23rd February 2011, Toyota is also considering withdrawal Corolla the second best selling car after the Camry due to problems in parts of the wheel. (TBKTSG, Feb 26, 2011) The competitors with the Toyota U.S took advantage of Toyotas crisis by pushing up a promotion campaign Giving up Toyota to buy their vehicles.. Before Hyundai, two U.S. carmakers General Motors (GM) and Ford have also adopted similar measures to attract customers. GM and Ford pledged to donate $ 1,000 for consumers to switch Toyota car to their products. Customers who wish change from Toyota to GM car could get a loan to buy the car for 5 years without paying any interest(vneconomy.vn, 20 Feb, 2011) Otherwise, Toyota is also facing environmental problems for example earths warming, gas prices, increasing demand for less fuel consumption. and finally the rise of raw material will cause an increase in the price of the product in the future. Toyotas goal is to maintain its position as the worlds No. 1 in sales and continue to upgrade and further improvements in product quality and will regain its image. In 2010 it has been seen that the combined fuel vehicles of Toyota Prius sales break record for a single model in Japan. Prius sales increased program support by the Japanese Government for consumers to buy environmentally friendly vehicles. Toyota predicted that car sales reached 8.61 million vehicles in the global market in 2011 However, according to analysts, because of the recall crisis that Toyota faced in the past year, which is accompanied by a wave of claim and the record fines, there will be chasing this car in the process to regain the confidence of customers. Being number one in term of sales is not important for us, Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco told AFP. Our objective is to become number one with the customer, in terms of service and customer satisfaction. (Tokyo-AFP, Jan 24, 2011) According to AFP, Toyota is still the worlds largest car maker. Its sale increases 8% in 2010, reaching 8.418 million units. Meanwhile, any U.S. rivals General Motors (GM) sold 8.39 million vehicles. Particularly in Japan, Toyotas group sales including both car Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors downs 10% in the past year. However, the groups sales in foreign markets increased 7%. Toyota sold 7.528 million vehicles last year, increasing 8% from last year. According to data provided by Goodcarbadcar.net in 2010 new car sales at Toyotas U.S. market have fallen behind both GM and Ford Motor to GM: more than 2.2 million vehicles, Ford Motor: more than 1.9 million vehicles, and Toyota: more than 1.76 million units, and the rest belong to other companies such as Hyundai, Kia, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦about 900,000 units. (Good car guy, Jan 5, 2011) Figure 2: Through the above analysis and data can be found despite declining sales in the U.S. and Japan, but Toyotas sales is still increasing in other markets, especially emerging markets like China Asian Nations. Opportunities: Situation in world oil prices is raising, customers tend to use the car consumer oriented products that save fuel or use clean energy sources. Toyota is pursuing projects to build natural gas vehicles and hydrogen by applying and technical achievements of the modern world and the results of R D. While customers are looking for alternative sources of oil, this is a lucrative project for the company. Currently, in many countries where have high demand for vehicles but the supply is still limited. Toyota may expand its market to these countries. Toyota can produce the cars that meet requirements of geographical conditions and target the young generation. These are opportunities Toyota to raise its market share. Threats: As discussed above, there are many other vehicle manufacturers around the world who have joined market. This is a big challenge for Toyota that requires Toyota has to improve the quality and price in order to compete with the existing and potential competitors. Besides, changes in the exchange rate between the dollar and yen also cause a profit decline. The increase in price of raw material is also a threat to the production. After the prolonged economic crisis, the governments are expected to proclaim tight fiscal policy that lead to the decrease in sales and sales of vehicle manufacturers. Government also encouraged their people to use less polluted means like a train, bus, high speed train instead of using polluted transport means like s cars, motorcycles. In addition, changing demographical structure, families now prefer to use the large models, the change in the use of family car as the car uses less than in making children to school, the home delivery services, also reduces the demand for cars fell significant. To analyse environmental factors I would use PEST model includes

Analysis of Stock Market and the Bullion Market

Analysis of Stock Market and the Bullion Market This project reexamines the comparative relationship between stock prices and bullion market in India i.e. gold spot prices for 2006-07 to 2009-10. The study looks after the variation of stock market and gold market in India. The future of the gold and gold price movements are determined by the perception of gold as a `store of value rather than its fundamentals as a commodity. The precious metals value is also determined by such factors as inflation, interest rates and the presence of lucrative alternative investment avenues in the economy. The comparative relationship tested between the BSE index and spot gold prices of bullion market of India. Gold price is included in the model as an additional variable, to examine whether gold price contain any additional significant information about price movements. Since gold is an important saving instrument in India and is very often used as a hedge against inflation, it is expected that gold may be looked upon as alternative asset for thos e holding idle money and for speculative purposes. Conceptual definition/key words sensex Bullion Spot gold Introduction to the study This study is an attempt made to find the comparative analysis of the stock market and the bullion market. This study will also indicate the potential of the two asset classes and the scope for investing in India. Stock market A  stock market, or equity market, is a private or public  market  for the trading of company  stock  and  derivatives  at an agreed price; these are  securities  listed on a  stock exchange  as well as those only traded privately. The size of the world stock market is estimated at about $36.6 trillion US at the beginning of October 2008. The  total  world derivatives market has been estimated at about $791 trillion face or nominal value,  11 times the size of the entire world economy.   The stocks are listed and traded on stock exchanges which are entities a corporation or mutual organization specialized in the business of bringing buyers and sellers of the organizations to a listing of stocks and securities together. The  stock market  is one of the most important sources for  companies  to raise  money. This allows businesses to be publicly traded, or raise additional capital for expansion by selling shares of ownership of the company in a public market. The  liquidity  that an exchange provides affords investors the ability to quickly and easily sell securities. This is an attractive feature of investing in stocks, compared to other less liquid investments such as  real estate. Gold market In the last 6,000 years a little over 125,000 tones of gold has been mined. But this history is clearly divided into two eras before and after the California gold rush of 1848. Some calculations suggest that up until then scarcely 10,000 tones of gold had been excavated since the beginning of time. Thus more than 90% of the worlds gold has been produced since 1848. The story of gold is as rich and complex as the metal itself Wars have been fought for it; love has been declared with it. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs portray gold as the brilliance of the sun; modern astronomers use mirrors coated with gold to capture images of the heavens.By 325 BC the Greeks had mined for gold from Gibraltar to Asia Minor. In 1848 AD John Marshall found flakes of gold whilst building a sawmill near Sacramento and so triggered the gold rush in California.Held securely in national vaults as a reserve asset, gold has an irrefutable logic; released from the tombs of pharaohs and emperors alike, gold has an undeniable magic. In  Heritage  we describe just some of the key moments from golds history. Further sections take time to discuss important fundamental issues such as the relationship of  demand and supply, golds  price history; the  golden constant  and golds contribution to society. Review of Literature: The Sensex and the gold prices for a four year period constituted the database. In a recent study conducted by Steve Saville on Gold and the Stock Market during recession this study examines the gold and stock markets in the world markets for the periods of recession. The study brought out the performance of the two asset classes during recession for the last 10 recessions. The comparison on the gold and stock market awaits the Indian context based on this the researcher set to examine the same. Research Gap: The Literature review clearly indicates that the studies are carried out in abroad and not much in INDIA regarding the selected topic. Though some of the data is available it is all relating to the last year data and no study is made up to date, comparing both bullion and sensex. Research Issues: To know the variation, volatility, risk and return on BSE Sensex Indices in Comparison with Gold Spot Rates in Mumbai. To analyze the performance of BSE Sensex Indices in Comparison with Gold Spot Rates in India between 2006-07 and 2009-10. To provide information about effect of investing Equity and Gold. Objective of the study Relationship between the stock market and the bullion market. To study the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Gold bullion market. To analyze the stock market and the bullion market in the Indian context. To study the interrelationship among the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Gold bullion market. To formulate strategies for investors to invest in based on trends. SCOPE OF THE STUDY: Comparative relationship between stock prices and bullion market in India i.e. gold spot prices for 2006-07 to 2009-10. Comparative returns on investment in Equity and Gold. Variations in Sensex and Gold Spot rates by Monthly wise, Quarterly wise and Year Wise of Indices of BSE, Mumbai and Spot Gold Rates of Bullion Market, Mumbai with Charts and Graphs. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The stocks have risk, which comprises of either unique risk also called as diversifiable risk or unsystematic risk and market risk also called non-diversifiable risk or systematic risk. There are few problems, which reveal the necessary to analyze the variation of the equity shares indices and gold spot rates. We can neither predict the risk involved nor the future performance of the stock. Many equities have not performed well due to which investor has incurred losses. Presently study tries to find out the variation, volatility, risk and return on BSE Sensex Indices in Comparison with Gold Spot Rates in Mumbai has been undertaken. METHOD OF RESEARCH DESIGN TO BE USED UNDER THE STUDY: Descriptive Research: In this research an attempt has been made to analyze the past performance of BSE Sensex and Gold Spot Rates of Mumbai that are considered to be leading indicators of the Stock market and Bullion market. The study is to be done to know the variation, volatility of these markets for the past 4 years. The collection of average values of the BSE Sensex indices and Gold spot rates of Mumbai, on a monthly basis for comparison. METHODOLOGY OF DATA COLLECTION: Sampling Type: A Sample is a small representation of lot of population selected at random. The random of drawing a sample form from a large population is called sampling. Sampling data in this study comprised of BSE Sensex Indices and Gold Spot Rates in Mumbai for the period of 2006-07 to 2009-10. Each with monthly average values was taken for the study. SOURCES OF DATA: Primary data:Are those which are collected a fresh and for the first time and thus happens to be original in character observation and personnel discussion with Internal Guide and External Guide. Secondary Sources of data: The sources of data were only the secondary source as the comparison is done keeping BSE Sensex Indices and Gold Spot Rates. Thus the project did not require any first hand information in the form of primary source. The data were collected through the sources like the www.rbi.org.in for getting the share prices and spot prices of past 4 years. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: The study is restricted to BSE Sensex Indices of Stock Market and Gold Spot rates in Mumbai Bullion Market. The time period for the project was limited and information provided is limited to Internet and Journals. It focuses on every month Average Values during the period from 2006-07 to 2009-10. The above Chart shows that: Totally BSE Sensex has shown upward trend up to Quarter-3 of 2007-08 and there is continuous decreasing trend upto Quarter-4 of 2008-09 due to the Worldwide recession and Economic Slow down in India. Then from Quarter-1, there is great recovery of +92.36% in 2009-10. Totally Gold Becomes costlier by every Quarter gradually and constantly. By Comparison in 2009-10 BSE Sensex has +83.36% more return on investment than Gold. But this increase by BSE Sensex is the recovery of the previous years economic slow down in India and Worldwide recession. Findings: The comparison of the Sensex and the Gold prices for the period of four years from January 2006 to the 31st December 2010 it can be seen that the prices of gold and the Sensex do not follow a same pattern, this is very important to investors as this is indication of two classes of investments that are negatively correlated and investing in both reduces the risk of loss. This is possible through diversification where investing in two different asset classes. From the graph it can be seen that the Sensex rallied from May 2006 from the 9000 level leaving the Gold behind, this continued till January 2008 where the Sensex reached its all time high of 21000. The price of Gold however was in the price range of 9000 to 10000 from July 2006 to December 2007. It is evident that when the stock market started crashing that the Gold prices started soaring and was on a constant upward trend. In the month of September 2008 the prices of the Sensex and Gold went in opposite direction, this is a clea r indication that the two are oppositely correlated. The above graph can be divided into three parts. The first can be year 2006 where the price of Gold and the Sensex moved in the same upward direction till mid May of 2006 where there was a resistance for both the investments and the price came down to the April 2006 mark, then there was a support where the month of June saw the price of Gold and the Sensex at the same level. From August 2006 the price of the Sensex rallied faster then that of Gold to touching a new high of 15000 on the Sensex. The second part of the research period saw the price of the Sensex still rallying in the year of 2007 the same as the end of 2006. The price of Gold continued to rise but on a constant basis and with a gradual increase. The price of the Sensex during the month of September rose on a constant basis to touch a new high of 20500 in the month of December. The next part of the research period 2008 saw the Sensex crash but the price of Gold was not affected with the crash. Wile the Sensex continued t o decline the price of Gold touched a new high in the month of October 2008 of 13000 rupees for every 10 grams. The last part of the research shows that First and second quarter the BSE sensex is seen a bigger growth with 40%and 20% where as at third quarters we can notice gold change is drastic with 10.06% and the last quarter ie up to December 2010 with negligible difference between the two investments. CONCLUSION In this project the researcher set to analyze the comparison between the stock market and the gold market. From the results and analysis that have been conducted, it can be concluded that gold in-deed is a better investment as compared to stock (during the research period) and is a good asset to include in a portfolio for diversification. The combination of the Sensex stock and Gold in a portfolio is also a good investment strategy as these asset classes are both negatively correlated, and this low correlation improves the stability of the portfolio. In the analysis the researcher compared gold to sensex to see the performance of which asset class was good. The results of this comparison showed gold to be a good investment, with an overall higher return. The Sensex is an index composed of 30 multinational companies, thus it has a high market risk. Gold on the other hand is not an index, it is a valuable metal; it therefore has a high unique risk. In the long run, if money was placed in gold and Sensex (2006-2008), it has evidently been seen that the allocation should be around 50% in gold and 50% in the Sensex to obtain an Optimal Portfolio. Thus in the long run, gold has proven to be an efficient investment when combined with the Sensex. With golds past performance in mind, the researcher would recommend an investor today to hold gold in his/her investment portfolio. This is because of the uncertain environment of today, and due to the high return for gold. The optimal amount to invest in gold could however be questioned. For an investor with a long time horizon, a high amount of gold could be more easily defended than for a short term investor. In the long run, spotted short term deviations have tended to smooth out, to an optimal allocation around 50% in gold. Even though it may be hard to predict, the researcher would still urge investors to own a portion of gold in his/her portfolio today, due to the high return to risk characteristics of gold. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings the researcher would give the following recommendations to investors. An investor should invest in Gold and the Sensex to get maximum returns as both the asset classes are negatively correlated and a good combination for diversification. A 50-50% can be invested in both the asset classes as the loss in one will be compensated in the other which will balance the portfolio, as compared to investing in one and facing huge losses or profits which are not always known. Gold has a tendency to rise in India based on demand seasonally, this is particularly true in the season of marriages, and the researcher would recommend investors to buy Gold in times when there is less demand and sell at the times where demand increases. Stock market is very unpredictable and a company can loose its standing in the economy for the smallest of mistakes or problems faced, but Gold on the other hand will never loose its value and this has been evident for thousands of years and it is even today used as a precious metal. An investor should not invest in Gold for short term but for a long term, as gold in the short term dose not return the same as that of the stock market. If an investor believes in buy low, sell high, gold is still low, but climbing and its never too late to invest in gold.

History of Paper -- essays research papers

The first historical mention of paper is 104 A.D. in China. The Empress of China at that time loved books and wanted to have a lot of them made. At the time everything was written on silk scrolls which were extremely expensive and time consuming to make. She wanted something cheaper and easier to use and so she asked one of her servants, a gentleman by the name of Tsi Lun to come up with an alternative. He worked for over nine years experimenting with different things and finally came up with hemp, mulberry tree bark, silk and old fishing nets all ground up into a mushy pulp. I wonder how he ever thought of it; the history books don't say. The Empress was very pleased and Tsi Lun was elevated to a high rank in the court. Unfortunately for him, the Empress then asked Tsi Lun to spread malicious gossip about some of her enemies at court. When the Empress fell out of power, those people were extremely angry with Tsi Lun and he was either put to death or forced to commit suicide. Strange, isn't it, how things go in the world? And, of course, all of this that I am sharing with you is just one version of history. Others will perhaps be able to give a different rendering. I have read many. I like the story of Tsi Lun. Most people agree on that one. But, as for the spread of papermaking as an art, well, there are different stories told. To gather such accounts and compare them falls within the discipline of "Historiography", the history of the writing of history. (If you ever want to scamble your brains and loose all concept of the solidity of reality, just study the hisotry writing of history.) The following, I believe, is most likely closest to the truth. Papemmaking remained a secret Chinese art until around the year 700 A.D. when, during a war with China the Arab nations captured an entire town of papermakers and took them back to the middle east as prisoners where they were forced into labor making paper. The craft was learned a couple hundred years later by Westem Europeans during the Crusades. Curiously, the Church in Westem Europe initially banned the use of paper calling it a 'pagan art' believing that animal parchment was the only thing 'holy' enough to carry the Sacred Word. That strange prejudice lasted for more than 100 years, but they got over it. In the 17th century Europeans were making paper from cotton and linen rags. When paper is made ... ...which does not add to the pollution in the environment. Natural fiber paper makers have told me that they neutralize their caustic solutions with vinegar and baking soda. After the cooking process, once it is neutralized and checked with a litmus strip, the fiber cooking water can be disposed of down the drain without any fear of adding to the toxic waste in the environment, so there is hope.) The sad tale of our time period for the health of the eco system is that just as cotton and linen rags as sources for paper making were becoming scarce in the 17th century, trees in the 21st are also dissappearing. As an example, one single edition of the Sunday New York Times requires 30,000 acres of trees. And that's just the New York Times. What about the London Times? L.A. Times? And the millions of other papers printed around the world? Experiments have begun to find alternative sources of fiber and I have recently heard the European mills are turning toward hemp. Hemp yields 4 times the amount of cellulose fiber per acre than trees and is renewable within a year or two compared to 100 years for trees. As a lover of trees, I hope the rest of the world soon follows the European example.

Sir Gawain and Green Knight Essays: Triumph or Failure? :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Sir Gawain: Triumph or Failure? Sir Gawain is presented as a noble knight who is the epitome of chivalry; he is loyal, honest and above all, courteous. He is the perfect knight; he is so recognised by the various characters in the story and, for all his modesty, implicitly in his view of himself. To the others his greatest qualities are his knightly courtesy and his success in battle. To Gawain these are important, but he seems to set an even higher value on his courage and integrity, the two central pillars of his manhood. The story is concerned with the conflict between his conception of himself and the reality. When Arthur's court was challenged by the Green Knight, Gawain alone offered to take the cup from Arthur's hands. He showed pride and courage greater than all - by coming forward. The poem is filled with opportunities in which Gawain inevitably was forced to face difficult decisions. During his travels he had every opportunity to turn around, especially when the rain and cold and desolation became fierce. Gawain, however, continued on his way. Three times did the lady tempt him and twice he managed to neither offend her with discourteousness nor accept her amorous advances and defile his chastity. "In destinies sad or merry, True men can but try." Tests and decisions are as numerous in any man's life as are the beats of his heart. The consequences follow him forever - he is judged by them and they affect his entire existence. However, judgement should not be passed on a man's single decisions individually, but only by observing how he has chosen to live his life. The circumstances under which each choice has been made should be considered as well. From the start Gawain was facing not only the ruination of his pride, his good name, and his spirit, but also almost certain death. As a result, he learns an essential, inescapable fact about himself and human nature - there is no shame in being imperfect. The true test of Gawain's bravery was to bare his neck to the Green Knight and finish their trading of blows. Even with his 'magic' girdle, Gawain flinched the first time. The second and third times he was able to hold steady and accept fate. After the ordeal the Green Knight ridiculed him for his weakness and fear.

Negotiations: Methodologies for Unilateral and Collaborative Situations

Negotiation is the preferred method of communication instead because conflict creates unwanted effects to a working relationship. The articles outlined three essential uses and/or strategies of three different authors whom approach to negotiation fit their industries as well as their creative abilities. In Resolving Real Estate Issues, Gerald M. Levy (1999) addresses four primary steps of negotiation: pre-negotiation, presentation and negotiation, intense, agreement and closing phrase (p. 2). The outline is understandable and workable in any industry in which negotiation is relied upon for optimal results. Meadow discussed the basis of negotiation being an art and science that mixes a party’s ability to bargain with their opponents. The issues stated within the article addressed the basic needs of any individual involved; for instance, â€Å"skilled negotiators can separate the conceptual part of negotiation (the â€Å"science†) from the behavioral aspects of negotiation (the â€Å"art†) to solve the underlying problem that a lawsuit represents (Meadow 1).† This act of negotiation is very intriguing because you are approaching the aspect of negotiation in a law setting in which rules are outlined by the court, but your use of tactics are up to you and your opponents. In The Art and Science of Problem-Solving Negotiation, Meadow (1999) uses detailed examples to corner a creative negotiator’s ability to overthrow sessions (p.2). These tactics fit their personality and the structure increases negotiator’s chances of success in negotiations. Shaping perceptions of alternatives sets in the pre-negotiation phase of negotiation can lower the limits of acceptable agreements. For example, a web design company needs a copywriter with writing skills to boost their profits. The market price for a freelance writer is roughly $20/article, but they are offering a per project basis. In this negotiation, a copywriter will pull for the market price or higher due to years of professional experience. This is an example of Meadow’s (1999) belief in shaping the competition’s objectives to fit that of one’s intentions (p. 5). Without the proper game plan, the art and science of negotiation goes out of the window once more problems arise. As with my example, a negotiator can make commitments, threats, and focal points stick all irrelevant issues aside for a reasonable bargaining set to continue its process within a negotiation. This follows from their previous example. Their ability to highlight this point will make the company re-arrange their current ideal of what a copywriter should be paid per article. Not that it is a threat, but it is a reasonable explanation of why they need to pay the amount instead of losing the writer. In Resolving Real Estate Issues, Gerald Levy (1999) practices influencing aspirations are higher suggestions in return for a need can generate better results (p.2). Once I understand the dynamics and true market price of a copywriter, I may want more for their work. The web design company is trying to use their talents at a cheap price so I will leave them alone for a set period of time to see if their position changes. By contacting their competition about copywriter salaries, I can gain leverage by addressing it in our next meeting. I am boosting their aspirations to receive the payment I deserve and ‘more’ for their services. After I receive this information, I can develop a stronger position in what I deserve. Meadow (1999) and Levy (1999) believe that taking a position will cause an opponent to withdraw from their first perspective of the situation (p. 1 and 3). If one chooses to use strong positions, they must stand firm within decision making so opponents will understand and not budge from previous arguments. For example, if I were asked to accept a lower salary, I will not agree with the web design company and leave the negotiations. This puts my services as a valuable mean for a company’s success in their market. It is very important to keep this in mind while developing a stronger argument for future negotiations. I believe I must remain strong during these steps into a negotiation because companies try to manipulate prospects. These authors were correct in establishing a strong position for unilateral and collaborative situations. In order to create a better outcome on each end, it should remain essential to practice the art of negotiation without budging to the intense negotiation strategies thrown within the conflict. The preferred methods of Meadow (1999) and Levy (1999) can be implemented in numerous settings; one’s flexibility to establish rapport with an opponent without harming or burning bridges is very important (p.3). Meadow’s (1999) objectives can act as repetitive methodology to instruct new negotiators in the law scene. Many other methods can be helpful, but the ideal argumentation comes from the negotiator’s overall motivations. References Cited Menkel-Meadow, Carrie (June 1999). â€Å"The art and science of problem-solving negotiation.† Trial. Washington, p. 1- 7. Levy, Gerald M. (Fall 1999). Resolving Real Estate Issues. Real Estate Issues. Chicago.   Vol. 24, p.1-8.   

Teen Pregnancy Research Paper

Charmagne Thomas October 31, 2012 English 1101 Roseanna Almaee Teen Pregnancy Teen pregnancy is a growing problem not only in the United States but worldwide. Our country has the highest teen pregnancy rate. Teen pregnancy occurs due to a number of reasons. Many young girls are uneducated about unprotected sex and the consequences. Teens should know the consequences of becoming pregnant at an early age before they become pregnant, not after the fact. Most pregnancies are unplanned, there are options to choose from and there’s always counseling to help choose what’s best for the mother.Studies show that about 800,000 girls become pregnant each year, (www. datehookup. com/content-teen-pregnancy. htm). Three in ten teens get pregnant at least once before turning twenty years old. Pregnancy is the leading cause of teen girls to drop out of school. They can’t handle the stress between homework and a baby. Not even half of teen mothers graduate and it’s less lik ely for them to earn a college degree. Some girls think that a baby will save their relationship. Eight out of ten fathers aren’t with the mother of the child. In most situations they can’t help the baby’s mother because they’re not financially stable themselves.The daughters of teen mothers are more likely to become teen mothers themselves and their sons are more likely to end up in prison, (www. stayteen. org/teen-pregnancy). When a teen finds out she’s pregnant it could be worst moment in her life. It brings a lot of stress, physically and emotionally. The thought of telling parents is what hurts the most. Most girls are ashamed and afraid to ask for help. They feel like they’ve let everybody down, could’ve been more careful, and their future plans are now just dreams. Denial will only cause more problems.There are options to choose from and there’s always counseling to help choose what’s best for both, the mother and the baby, (http://www. teenpregnancy. com/). Birth rates are beginning to increase again. Most pregnancies are unplanned, that’s one of the reasons the mother doesn’t know she’s pregnant and doesn’t seek medical assistance. There are facilities to go to if you don’t have the money to go to a physician and the information will be kept confidential. A teen body is still growing so it’s not healthy and could cause problems with the baby so you have to take in more food and nutrition then you usually would.A lot of teens do drugs and alcohol which could harm, the baby in many ways, mainly premature birth, (http://pregnancy. about. com/od/teenpregnancy/a/Teen-Pregnancy. htm). My friend Jakeria is a teen mother so I decided to interview her. She found out she was pregnant the first semester of our sophomore year. She said â€Å"when I took that pregnancy test I didn’t think it was real, I was in denial so I took a couple more but the resu lt didn’t change. † Jakeria felt like her life was over and it was the end especially with her senior years coming up and all the events that would be taking place.She really didn’t think she could handle being a mother. Jai’dyn, her son was born April 1, 2011. It was a life changing event for her but was the best moment of her life. She came back to school the last couple of weeks to take her finals and get caught up on some work. She graduated with me May 26, 2012. Jakeria said â€Å"I didn’t plan this but I knew I had to face the consequences after the risks I took and after looking at my son I now have a reason to strive to be better so I can prevent him from making the same choices I did. † She’s now attending a technical school and doing whatever it takes to take care of her and her little one.There are no stupid questions to ask when it comes to sex. There are many forms of birth control and there’ no reason teen pregnanc y can’t be prevented. Some girls plan to get pregnant for other reasons. Media has a big impact on teen pregnancy. Some girls just think it’s cute but don’t know all the complications that comes with being pregnant. Girls don’t think it could happen to them until it does. . It’s better to be educated on sex and know the answer before making any decision, (http://teenadvice. about. com/od/sex/tp/All-About-Teen-Pregnancy. htm) Teen pregnancy is a common issue today.Schools should educate more on sex and the consequences. Planned parenthood also offers low cost birth control to teens which is positive. It could happen to anyone but its best to use prevention, it’s worth the wait. In the future, each teen should be aware of the risks involved and know of ways to prevent pregnancies. Works Cited Jakeria Neal, friend that experienced teen pregnancy www. datehookup. com/content-teen-pregnancy. htm http://pregnancy. about. com/od/teenpregnancy/a/Tee n-Pregnancy. htm http://teenadvice. about. com/od/sex/tp/All-About-Teen-Pregnancy. htm http://www. teenpregnancy. com/