RUNNING HEAD:  DIFFERENTIATION AND THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP

Differentiation and the Achievement Gap

Debra Isenberger

Argosy University

Abstract

Teachers are faced with ever-increasing pressures of closing the achievement gap across the nation. While schools struggle to meet AYP and teachers get creative, some question the fairness of targeting low-achieving students while higher-achieving students remain stagnant. The primary focus of this paper is on one school district that is achieving success and providing incentives for merit students as well as lower levels.

Differentiation and the Achievement Gap

Differentiation” is the new terminology that is flooding the market in the education arena. In spite of its challenges, it is not going to go away anytime in the near future. Research abounds and data supports it. It holds many advocates and like any new strategy or change, it will be faced with opposition. Administrations promote it and professional development opportunities are made available for development of staff.

            Traditionally, teachers “taught to the middle.” Faced with growing numbers of students with more diverse backgrounds and abilities, the attitude was that if teachers focused on the majority of the population, most of the students would “get it.” With a new view that required teachers to focus on a wider range of students, teachers became frustrated at the impossibility of assuring success to all concerned while kee

            Tomlinson says it is “unfair to assume there is only one way to differentiate….there is no recipe for teaching. Teaching requires ‘broader brushstrokes as opposed to paint by number’ methods” (Tomlinson, 2000). She believes that it is not fair to create standardized tests under these circumstances. We need to adjust the content, process, and the product of teaching and learning. There are many ways of doing this through creating small groups of various abilities, preteaching, reteaching, scaffolding activities, previewing, and varying our expectations for various students.

            Teachers need to increase levels of motivation, and students need to be excited about learning. Instructors are faced with the challenge of creating a desire within the students to enter the classroom and then keep them engaged once they arrive. This can be done by providing more hands-on, relevant activities and open-ended questions to make them think. The days of memorization and recalling facts are gone. With the advent of technology, students need more stimulation. Their experiences demand it. Surrounded by technology at home through the use of television, electronic games, computers, and the Internet, students are accustomed to having access to information at their fingertips. Competition-driven companies encourage students to seek newer and better products that propel the educational arena into the future. Pressures from the NCLB legislation and the threat of ever-decreasing funding adds tension to otherwise struggling administrations.  More demands are placed on teachers who are struggling to keep up with the students as they try to meet AYP in their classrooms.

            Two teachers from urban, poverty schools developed a plan of action that meets the criteria for differentiation. They developed an acronym of REACH to outline the plan. REACH stands for “reflection on will and skill, evaluation of the curriculum, analyze the learners, craft research-based lessons, and hone in on the data” (Rock, Gregg, Ellis, and Gable, 2008). They identify benchmarks with five quality indicators to describe their efforts. The five benchmarks are the teacher, learner, content, instruction, and assessment.

            In regards to the teacher, he or she should be appreciative and recognize the plethora of abilities in the classroom. He or she needs to be committed to the process and dedicated to the students and to the willingness to change his or her methodology. The first question that should be considered is “What about me?” The teacher needs to assess current content knowledge and skills before moving forward. “What are my current practices?” and “What are my available resources?” The teacher needs to reflect often and collaborate with colleagues. He or she needs to be flexible enough to change plans or change direction.

In Washington County, Maryland, benchmark assessments are given three times per year. These benchmarks follow the same guidelines as the Maryland State assessment (MSA). At the beginning of the year, the first benchmark test is a diagnostic assessment. At this point, teachers are able to determine the levels of performance of each of his or her students. It is crucial for the teacher to examine his or her own practices at this time to match teaching with learning. It is advantageous at this juncture to assess multiple intelligences and learning styles so that students can demonstrate mastery in their most comfortable format and learn in their most natural style, whether it be auditory, tactile/kinesthetic, or visual. It is up to the teacher to vary his or her methodologies to meet theses individual styles. The second benchmark is formative. The results are used to adjust lessons and to make arrangements for individual or small-group intervention strategies. Teacher use a district-wide Classroom-Focused Intervention Plan (CFIP) at this time to incorporate reteaching and objective-centered lessons to increase performance on the upcoming MSA. The third assessment is the evaluative assessment. This assessment is often given after the MSA and is used as part of the students’ final marking period grade, giving it purpose and relevance to the students at a point in time when they know the all-important state assessment is over. It is important to note that all assessments are formative; they can be used to adjust instruction throughout the year and beyond.

            Rock, et al identifies the second avenue, which is the content variable. “What content is there? Why should they care?” Although the curriculum may be guided by the state, it is important that the teacher and the students have some choices so that they can feel like they have ownership in the lessons and in their own teaching and learning. Students need time to internalize the content before rushing on to the next objective to meet the demands of a calendar. Schumm et al (1994) provides a triangle that REACH utilized. The triangle demonstrates that the base contains the information that all students know, the middle contains the information that most students know, and the top contains the information that some students know. By preassessing students, a teacher can determine where to start teaching in the content area. Informal and formal assessments throughout a unit will help to place students in the triangle.    

Another step of REACH is to analyze the learner. “Who are they?” Gather specific information about each child. Spend time talking to the kids and getting to know them personally but more importantly, learn “how they think.” What are their Individual Education Plans (IEP’s)? What cultures are represented in the classroom? How should they be grouped? Who are the highest-level performing students and the lowest-level? Would it be beneficial to pair up higher level with lower level students for an activity? Some cultures have differences of which we are not aware.  

            Lessons should be research-based. “What methods are best suited to the students?” A variety of teaching strategies and tools should be utilized—direct instruction, graphic organizers, whiteboards, choral responses, Think-Pair-Share opportunities, and immediate feedback are very useful.  

Lastly, there is a need to examine the data. “How did it go? How do I know?” Through reflection, teachers can discover which methods worked, which ones need to be tossed or modified, and which students were more engaged and successful. One fifth grade teacher used a “windshield” analogy. The first level was “clear as glass; the second level had bugs; the third level was covered with mud.” Stations were set up in the classroom where students could refer to each station for help.

            Differentiation is a goal-directed approach to learning. It relies on a positive environment with choices, and requires change. With economic constraints in schools and a dynamic population of technologically dependent students, administrators and teachers are faced with an ever increasing challenge of meeting the needs of today’s students. It is truly an educational revolution. By examining goals and reflecting on practices, teachers can change with the demands of this society.

Data Supports NCLB and Research-Based Instruction

            In support of NCLB’s efforts to reform the education arena, The U.S. Department of Education released a Strategic Plan For Fiscal Years 2007-12 to outline their “high expectations for America’s schools and students, and for ourselves. “We [Dept. of Ed.] are committed to giving our students the skills they need to succeed in a highly competitive global economy” (US Department of Education, 2007).

            The plan focuses on three areas: (1) student achievement and rewards for qualified teachers, (2) more rigorous coursework, and (3) improvement of “access, affordability, and accountability of universities” (US Department of Education, 2007). Lastly, the goals include raising the expectations within the Department, as well. In the introductory letter of the plan, Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings writes,

“No Child Left Behind (NCLB) provides a strong foundation on which to build these positive results. Data show that the law is working to improve student achievement and close the nation’s achievement gap. We must now work together to reauthorize and strengthen the law. Children who were in grade three when the law was passed will soon be entering high school. They deserve to be taught to high standards by qualified teachers in schools that are held accountable for results” (US Dept. of Education, 2007).

As a result of the NCLB Act, schools across the nation outlined standards, collected data, and created a more rigorous curriculum. As each year the bar is raised for percentages of students to meet “proficiency” ratings for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP), the data is used to make improvements in specific areas and compare schools to each other, to their respective counties, and to the state as a whole. For example, in Mapping Maryland’s Educational Progress 2008, the results are charted in the following core principles:

o       High Standards

o       Annual Assessments

o       Accountability for Results

o       Highly Qualified Teachers in Every Classroom

o       Information and Options for Parents

o       All Children on Grade level by 2014 (US Department of Education, 2007).

Maryland schools enrolled 860,000 students in 2007. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Common Core of Data, 2005-06 School Year, 31.6% were low-income (FARMS), 3.7% were Limited English Proficient (ELL), and 12.8 % were students with disabilities (SWD).  Out of 1,430 students across the state, 1050 (77.2%) made AYP. Ninety-six schools were in “needs improvement” status, while 53 are in the process of being “restructured,” according to the Consolidated State Performance Report, 2006-07 and NCES CCD, 2005-06.

            In Maryland schools, highly qualified teachers taught in 94.8% of classrooms in low poverty elementary schools and 66% of the classrooms in high poverty elementary schools. In low-poverty high schools, 89.1% of the classrooms were taught by highly qualified teachers, with 63.4% in high poverty high schools. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, achievement trends in grades four through eight have increased from 2002-2007. Maryland’s high school graduation rate was 85.4% in 2006; the freshman graduation rate was 85.4%. Across the nation, the rate was 75%, demonstrating a higher graduation rate in Maryland compared to the rest of the nation.

            Washington County, Maryland reports high ratings. Very active in its attempts to meet the requirements of the NCLB, the county provides ample opportunities and incentives for professional development, including a competitive salary scale and salary ladder for salary increases. The county meets to share best practices and scores and to celebrate school and individual successes. The Maryland Report Card, Boonsboro Middle, Washington County 2007 Performance Report demonstrates that all students of Boonsboro Middle School met AYP in reading, math, and attendance. In 2007, 96.5% met AYP compared to 95.1% in the county, and 94.4% in the state. For 2006, the school’s attendance rates were 96.7% in the school, 96% in the county, and 93.9% in the state, showing improvement for the county and the school.

            The county’s graduation rate for 2007 was 90.09%, while for the state, it was 85.24%. The graduation statistics for 2006 were 90.48% for the county compared to 85.43% for the state, again an improvement for the county. The attendance and graduation rates prove AYP for 2007.

            As for teachers, Washington County takes pride in meeting another goal of the NCLB. In 2006, 33.1% of the teachers held Standard Professional Certificates at the state level, with 34.2% at the county level and 28.9 % at Boonsboro Middle School (BMS). In 2007, the numbers increased. 32.6% held Standard Professional Certificates at the state level, 33.5% at the county level, and 34.2% at BMS, demonstrating a marked increase. In 2006, the certificates are described as follows: state (45%), county (51.1%), BMS (55.3%). In 2007, state (46.8%), county (49.1%), and BMS (50%), demonstrating another achievement of the goals outlined in the US Department of Education’s Strategic Plan for the Fiscal Years 2007-12.

            Washington County is stressing the importance of increasing student achievement and closing the achievement gap between the various subgroups within its boundaries. With focus on Students with Disabilities (SWD), Economically Disadvantaged students (ED) English Language Learners (ELL), and minority groups’ scores, efforts are made throughout the district to create and implement plans to reach these students. Departments collaborate within schools and schools meet across the county to discuss the results. At Boonsboro Middle School, teachers are set up in teams. These teams meet on a daily basis to discuss individual students and strategies to increase the chances of being successful. Student Achievement Specialists meet with their respective departments monthly to share strategies and devise plans to help students meet proficiency on benchmarks and state tests. Plans of action are developed through Classroom-Focused Intervention Plans (CFIP). These plans target specific students who are noted as “safe harbor”—students who are at a crux between scoring “basic” and scoring “proficient.” They are the most likely students to pass the next Maryland State Assessment (MSA) if interventions are put in place. This focus moves students from “basic” (low-performing) lists. They are removed from intervention classes according to these meetings. It will be interesting to note their progress from that point forward.

How the Political Process has Changed Schools

            Is it possible that the nation is doing a disservice to the students who maintain the highest scores? With focus on individual schools reaching AYP, it seems they are neglecting the “students at the top.” Interventions are in place; teachers are staying after school working with students and placing more one-on-one attention on struggling students to make sure they pass the state tests.

            Meanwhile, the students at the top of the nations’ scores are not making as much progress. They are still maintaining the highest scores but they are not making the achievement gains in the same growing percentages. “Tom Loveless, from the Brookings Institute, analyzes results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and concludes that the nation’s top pupils have ‘languished’ academically while the lowest performing youngsters have gained dramatically”….The question is, “Can we be equal and excellent too?” (Fordham Institute, 2007).

            When teachers were interviewed, most reported that they spend more time with under-achieving students than higher-achieving ones in an effort to meet whatever accountability factors affect them. Unfortunately, this is one of the pitfalls of the No Child Left Behind legislation. Teachers do believe that “all students deserve equal attention.” However, upon analysis of the data (Fordham Institute, 2007), it demonstrates growth of 3% in high achieving students and 16% in targeted students for 2007. The idea of offering incentives to high achieving students is one that will always be met with approval. Washington County, Maryland is once again meeting the demands of this area of importance by instituting “magnet schools” in their district. Boonsboro is a school district that attracts students with language abilities and interests while E. Russell Hicks Middle School and Emma K. Doub Elementary School maintain a technology focus. These are merit level programs for which parents only need to apply. North Hagerstown High School and its feeder schools are International Baccalaureate Schools, where students will have better chances of entering colleges of their choosing. Several students from the area have won the 2009 National Merit Scholarship (Washington County Public Schools, 2008).

While some may consider it a disservice to spend so much time and attention on low-performing students throughout the school year, the rewards of offering incentives to a motivated segment of the population will benefit them. It is up to the teachers to make these opportunities known. They should be posted and opportunities for growth in the required areas should be offered. More challenging activities should be implemented to encourage participation in all areas and to all groups.

References

Fordham Institute (2007). “In a Nutshell: High-Achieving Students in the Era of NCLB.” Retrieved November 13, 2008 from http://www.edexcellence.net/detail/news.cfm?news_id=732&id=92 

Mapping maryland’s educational progress, 2008.

Maryland state department of education. “Maryland report card.”

Rock, M. L., M. Gregg, E. Ellis, and R. Gable. “Reach: a framework for differentiating classroom instruction” (Report). Preventing school failure. 52.2 (Wntr 2008) p. 31 (17).

US Department of Education. “Strategic plan for fiscal years 2007-12.” Released May 24, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2008.

Debra Isenberger is an English Language Arts/ Reading teacher who is currently teaching Media Literacy at Boonsboro Middle School in Washington County, Maryland. A resident of Chambersburg, PA, she is a grandmother and a graduate of Shippensburg University in PA and Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. She holds a BA in English, a Master of Education in Quality Schools and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Design.

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We, as spirit, create for our enjoyment illusions such as man/woman, and are enjoying watching this giant illusionary show. This is very difficult for the human brain to comprehend. However, the brain has been created as a machine like instrument capable of receiving from the flesh; the physical understanding, which is limited in nature. It will kick, squabble, jerk, spit and in general misbehave, which is the nature which we as spirit have given to it to add enjoyment to our game. When it is manipulated by spirit, with the energies of love, it is then capable of joining with the soul (the heart centre) and being managed. The term ‘managed’ is used, because it does not ever lose its rebelliousness; it will always seek to control the vessel.

However, love can and does control it, to a degree, whereby it acquiesces; it is quieted, so to speak. It allows a more powerful energy to guide it, namely; the soul or consciousness.

The old adventure was to be burdened by the limited nature of the brain. Our new adventure is to be free of this limitation.

Over the coming months more and more love will be engendered into the brains of those who choose this path and they will experience the expansiveness of their spirit/soul/consciousness, and their brain will slowly and surely acquiesce to the promptings of their soul.  Spirit, when asked, will enhance the brain with energy of great magnitude to help assist in the expansion of it. It will not like this demand, know th

There is another aspect to the game.

We must all do 51% of the work before spirit will allow the love to do its miraculous work. Yes, spirit asks that each and everyone do 51% of the work upon themself. Then they shall instigate the manipulation which shall bring about an end to the distress.

There are many aspects upon which we are required to work if indeed our wish for perfection is to come true. Each nuance of perfection must be dealt with individually. We each have various areas of concern which currently plague us. One may be that our judgement is poor in a particular area. If we have worked upon this aspect of our character to the degree that 51% of the work has been achieved, then and only then shall spirit manipulate the brain so as to give relief from the pain. This will be done instantly. We will begin to feel the effects, in some cases instantly, in others, within a few days to approximately one week.  

This is The Game - Play it well. Spirit invites ‘you’ to play the Game of Love.

Remembering that;

You need to have done 51% of the work before spirit can intervene.   You need to have a sincere desire to progress along the path to perfection, and Be all that you can be at all moments; remembering that the brain will not enjoy your new found freedom and shall strive to take back control.

There is a need for constant vigilance; this is part of the game. Do well; enter the game with diligence and calm. 

For more information visit http://www.abcofspiritalk.com 

We welcome your questions, requests and comments. http://carolynpage.wordpress.com

My friendship with spirit began during 1989. In 2005 they advised that we are a collective consciousness and, as such, project illusions into which we place ourselves to have experiences to defray the state of boredom created by our perfection as spirit.

For our enjoyment we (as spirit) devised a means by which the experience of man/woman was given even greater zest and verve. In short, we created a most devious, deliberately obstinate, cunning, hurtful instrument called ‘brain’.

However, this has been our past adventure. Our new adventure as man/woman is to become one based upon living our spiritual potential of perfection; achieving command and rightful position as a soul/spirit/consciousness in human form.

Should you be one who feels the pull toward this new adventure I urge you to visit our website http://www.abcofspiritalk.com where you can learn more; and visit Carolyn Page’s blog http://carolynpage.wordpress.com where we welcome your questions, requests and comments.

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Here is a comprehensive list of things to keep in mind while you are planning a trip to India.

Pre-travel to India (what to carry, tickets, hotel)

1.Ideally, carry backpacks because they are easy to carry and have enough space.

2.  Make sure your suitcases and bags are properly labeled and have wheels              underneath. Remember the idea is the journey to be comfortable.

3.  Always have your essential documents – passports, travelers’ cheques                       and money handy.

4.  If you are in India from abroad you should understand the importance of mosquito repellents. The hot and humid weather Indian weather is ideal for mosquitos to breed. Hence carry mosquito repellents while traveling to India. Odomos is a well known brand available at any convenient store in India.

5.The Rough Guide to India 6, Lonely Planet India, India Travel Guides Paperback, 2006 Country Profile and Guide to India and National Travel Guidebook and Handbook DVD-ROM CD-ROM

Health tips (vaccinations, immunizations)

6. Get yourself vaccinated for Hepatitis A/B, Polio, Typhoid, Rabies, Measles, Mumps  and Tetanus. Bring medicines that your doctor has prescribed. Carry a first aid kit and mosquito repellent.

In India

7. Once in India you will have to take extra care of your health. That would mean to carry mineral water along with you. It will take time to adapt to the climate and food here, the hygiene standards also dif

8. Roadside vendors selling rubber bands to jewellery are found in plenty in India. Be careful about the products that they sell. Bargain smartly with all and try and get the best possible rates. Do not stick on to one shop, look around and compare prices. Be careful when dealing with guides. Sometimes even they try and cheat. So beware and do proper research before hiring people.

On the move

9. If you’re a visitor from abroad make sure you carry Indian Rupees. The denominations of Indian rupees are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.  There are many money exchange centers in urban cities so cash exchange will not be a problem.

10. Do not litter. If you are out shopping or moving about in the city streets you will buy crisps and other eatery to save you from the hunger pangs. Don’t throw away food wrappers on the road. Carry a polybag where you can collect the waste you make throughout the day and dispose it off in a dustbin.

11. Indians hold temples and shrines in high esteem. They are careful not to break any rules and regulation. You should too try and follow their ways if you visit Indian temples.  Dress up appropriately especially when coming to temples.

12. If you are visiting wildlife sanctuaries then maintain discipline by not playing loud radios.

13. Get yourself travel insurance or a medical evaluation plan.

14. Always carry a bisleri bottle along with you. Some of the known bottle brands are Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Fina and Himalaya. To be absolutely safe you can carry water purifying tablets.

15. Road side food is an absolute favorite amongst Indians. It is everywhere and if on a trip here you would fall victim to these exotic flavors. Infact the ‘dhaba’ and ‘chai ki tapri’ culture are exclusive to India only. But if you come from a land where mosquitoes don’t sit on the food then you stay away from it.

16. If you buy fruits from a local vendor do not forget to wash them.

17. Protect yourself from the Indian heat. Carry with you sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.

18. Internet and Fax is big in India. Every city town and even villages have cyber cafes. The connections may not be that fast but are easily available everywhere.

19. While on the move it is advisable for you to have duplicate copies of all essential documents. Essential documents can be anything from passports to your travelers checks.

20. Local transport in India is auto rickshaws, taxis and buses. All of these are available outside all hotels. Rickshaws and Taxis charge you according to ‘meter’. They have a car with them which you can refer to before paying the money. Buses have bus conductors who charge you fix fares. Despite of this there are still chances that some rickshaw wala or ‘taxi walas’ will try take more money from you. In such cases negotiate about the money before you take the ride.

21.  For your electronic gadgets you’ll need to purchase a converter. The voltage used in India is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts). You can also use a spike buster which is quiet common in India.

22. If you travel in unhygienic places, if you stop by vendors and eat food or drink water that is not bisleri you are quite likely to catch malaria or diarrhea.

23.  You will find pharmacies and chemists shops scattered in everywhere in India

. In case you need a doctor, your hotel can help you with it. Consultation fees is very low, the services are good.

24.  To tip or not in hotels is entirely up to you. Although most of the hotels have a service charge included in the bill, it is sort of a tradition to tip in restaurants.

25.  Credit cards like Master Card, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted by most of the start rated hotels, shops and airlines.

26.  If you are in India and on roads learning to be street smart is of utmost priority. If you are not aware, there are many out there looking to thug you. The first precaution as a foreigner in a strange land you can take is keeping all your documents safe. If you are putting up in hotels then make sure you keep you important papers safe in your bags. Do not forget to lock your bags.

27. Have an Indian friend who has contacts with commissioners, travel agencies basically a man who can get you through when you cant do it on your own. If you want to survive here you got to make sure you are in touch with right kind of people.

28. If you carry your wallet in your pocket keep checking its there.

29. You can be a little smart and carry an “interior wallet” which can be fastened around your neck, worn with a Velcro around the calf/ankle.

30. Be in charge of your own luggage at all times. Guides and porters can be trusted but do not rely on them blindly.

Bargain tips

31. Learn to bargain with conviction. Learn to listen to your instincts especially when it says you are being sold overpriced stuff. Look around 3-4 shops and compare prices before settling down to buy.

Language

32. English is spoken in the urban areas of India so foreign tourists should not have much of a problem. Hindi is the national language of India which is also understood by a wide population. Knowing the language makes your work easier. Although you would be surprised that sometimes even in rural areas there’d be at least one person who can speak broken English.

Driving

33. Your driving license is your identification. So carry it. And if you wish to drive on the Indian roads you can obtain an international driving license through Automobile Association.

Dress code

34. Bring bare minimum: 2 pairs of jeans, 4-5 tees, 1-2 linen shirts and a jacket if needed. If traveling in winters do carry a jumper or a coat. Rest if you need anything you can buy Indian and blend in with the locals. Do not forget to buy sandals here which are extremely comfortable to move around in.

Traveling by train

35. The image of the Indian Railways is poor. People are always full with complaints like difficulties in reservations or that the information is in the national language making it difficult for foreigners and others to comprehend. But what need immediate attention are the unhygienic railway compartments and stations. Avoid traveling in the Second Class.

Shopping

36. There is a wide variety of products available in India. From clothes to furniture to gold and jewellery, you name it and India has it. Each region has its own specialities. The first thing as a tourist you do is find out what is that and then locate where you can get it. Once done with that you can exercise your bargaining skills.

37. If you are planning to indulge in any kind of import export activity then you have to make sure that you have full permissions. You should have a certificate of legitimate sale and permission for export.

Tips for Women

38. Dress Moderately. Revealing clothes are objectionable and can draw unnecessary stares from men.

39. Women with cigarettes are still a big deal in this country. So if your insides crave for a smoke make sure you excuse yourself and smoke in solitude. Atleast make sure the people you are with don’t have an issue with that.

40. If you are traveling alone it is advisable to think before venturing into deserted places. Gather full information before taking a plunge. If you are a foreigner beware of men who would try and sexually abuse you.

41. Travel with bare minimum if you’re going in a local transport. Keep your luggage in front of your eyes all the time. Prefer traveling deluxe buses over state transport if you are going on long trips.

42. You will find many who would try taking undue advantage of you thinking you are a woman. The best way to keep such thugs away is to move in groups. That itself keeps harmful people away. Also take care if al your personal belongings at all time.

Adventure Travel tips

43. Before setting out for an adventure make sure you are fully geared up. If you’re going up north for treks make sure you have warm clothes and the tours are properly arranged.

44. If you are going to extreme down south like Andaman and Nicobar for scuba diving make sure you have all the permissions.

45. Carry a map along with you.

46. Do not litter high altitude places. Conserve the environment. Be eco-friendly

Physical Abuse and many such mishaps

47. There have been many cases in India where foreigners try getting currencies exchanged unofficially in the greed of getting better exchange rates. But as soon as the broker gets hold of the money he vanishes into thin air. Always go for reliable known places like Thomas Cook etc.

48. If ever you get involved in a police matter you are very likely to pay a heavy monetary amount to get out of it.

49. In case of any sort of trouble contact you’re Embassy and the nearest Police Station. The attitudes of police inspectors might be surprising but be patient and do not leave without filing a complaint. If you have an Indian friend who is well connected in India then that is a boon in such situations.

50. If your taxi or rickshaw-wala charges you too much you can note down his number and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic).

51. Sadly, there have been cases of deaths of foreigners who were cheated before they were killed or even females who were here on holidays and were raped and murdered. Keep in mind that such extremes only happen when you let a stranger in your private space. Do not drink too much and move around in groups always.

THRILLOPHILIA deals with adventure-related activities on a pan-India level. Be its Rafting in the Tons or in the Kali River at Dandeli, Camel Safari in Ladakh or in the Thar Desert, Trekking around Bangalore or Ladakh, Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep or Andaman, we cater it all. We also have some fabulous Biking trips, Caving, Wildlife, Paragliding and many more adrenaline pumping adventure sports. India, having varied landscapes happens to be one of the finest destinations in the world for adventure.

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a lot of things to consider when choosing a forex trading system to see if it will be profitable for you or not. Today we will look at the Area 51 Forex system and see if it meets our criteria. Keep in mind, there are usually some that you can throw away right off the bat because they are basically like gambling more than a actual trading method or system.

For example, when a system says you need to change your risk according to if you lost or own the previous trade, just run. This is a system that many gamblers use and it never works. They end up losing one way or another and its never pretty in the end. You should always maintian consistent risk through your trading system, one that never risks too much of your account balance. A good number would be 2% of your total account balance.

One of the most important factors in a trading system is the success or failure of the system’s edge. This is computed by a simple equation.

Edge = (average win x probability of win) – (average loss x probability of loss)

For our example we will take 2 very different trading systems. Lets say one wins at a rate of 80%, but only wins about 40 pips or so each time. On the other side, we have high risk so when it loses it loses large amounts. Lets say it loses 100 pips with loss ratio at 20% of the time. The edge on this would be as follows: (40 x 80%) – (100 x 20%) = 12 pips

But we have a second system that wins big on occasion with a lot of small losses. Lets say we have avg gains of 200 pips with only 20% winners. And we have onl

Which would you say is the better system? In regards to investment, they are identical. In this case it is other facgtors that would lead you to pick one over the other. For example, how many trades do you estimate you will make per week? If one system provides more signals than the other, you can end up making profits more quickly over the other. Another thing weighing on your decision is your own peace of mind. Can you handle taking loss after loss? With 80% losers? Most forex traders cannot when starting out.

The most important factor in choosing a trading system is edge and should be calculated everytime you test or consider a trading system. Most of the time, you can figure this out from the description of the system or they will actually tell you what the edge is. On the other hand, sometimes this is not possible, so you should test the system on a demo account before risking any real money to see if the system truly works. Testing is always required before starting out with real money on a new system.

Area 51 Forex is a new trading system that is boasting about accuracy and cosistency. Find out what the edge is on this system and if its worth the money to invest in. Visit our Area 51 Forex Review site for an in-depth review and bonus details.

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By: Ben Royman
One of the largest Home Counties, Kent, is a county situated in the south east of England. It shares its borders with East Sussex, Greater London and Surrey.

Kent shares the English Channel with France which is only 22 miles away and now easily accessed through the Channel Tunnel built under the English Channel sea. Its county town is Maidstone and historically Canterbury and Rochester have been granted city status, but only the former still holds it.

Kent’s ideal location has made it witness many wars and battles for the past hundreds of years. Major ports of England thrive on its coastline and they have provided security to English people.

On a clear and sunny day you can see France from the white cliffs of Dover. It has lots of orchards and hops gardens, and thus is called as The Garden of England, a name that is often used when marketing of the county or any of its produce takes place, although many other regions have also tried to claim this enviable title.

Significant industries of Kent are aircraft construction, cement and papermaking. Mostly however East and South Kent rely on tourism and agriculture. The name, Kent was taken from the Brythonic word Cantus that means border or a rim. Even Julius Caesar had called the region as Cantium or the home of the Cantiaci in 51 BC. The 11th century made the people of Kent adopt a motto, Invicta meaning that it played a vital role in some famous rebellions during this medieval period.

The River Medway was first used by The Royal Navy in 1547. During Elizabeth I reign from 1558 to 1603 a rather small dockyard was built at Chatham. A dry-dock, a ropewalk storehouses and houses for officials were also built by 1618, downstream from Chatham.

Tensions prevailed in the 17th century, leading to attacks by the Dutch and the 18th century witnessed many wars with France. The government built lots of castles and docks to build ships to resist these attacks and The first 1 inch map of Kent was made and published in 1801.

Many counties were created in 1889 from areas of Kent and it along with London almost was reduced to ashes during World War II. After the war, the borders of Kent were changed many times and today it stands as one of the nicest counties of the UK.

It shares its borders with the River Thames and the North Sea to the north and the English Channel and the Straits of Dover to the south. Geographical features of the county consist of a series of ridges and valleys that run from east to west all over the county. These include the Wealden dome, which still exists even after millions of years. The ridges and valleys are thus formed with the exposure of different forms of clay.

Many domes were eroded and washed away by the sea, but cliffs such as the white cliffs of Dover are still present, thus making a chalk ridge called the North Downs meet with the coast. Spanning Dover and Westerham is the Kent Downs which is an area of Spectacular Natural Beauty.

Get taxi london company services by Ben Royman for any social functions. Contact us to have a taxi fare from london.

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By: Charles Kassotis
Costa Rica lies between Panama and Nicaragua and it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the west. It is comprised of 51,100 square kilometers and the territorial waters take up about 589 square kilometers. It is considered a conglomeration of a number of landforms. The location of the country in the isthmus of Central America makes it easier to access American markets, which have the same time zone as Central US and also has access to Europe and Asia via the Oceans.

Let’s talk a little bit about the economical situation of this fascinating country.

Costa Rica has suffered a lot from corrupted governments. Interest costs on the governments accumulated debt are equivalent to 30% of the governments total revenue. Liberalization efforts have been hampered due to the resistance put forward by the political parties of Costa Rica. The main agendas of the today’s government are still the curbing the rate of inflation, reducing the deficit, and making improvisations to the services offered by the public sector. Despite this, the government has tried to bring in foreign investment, technology and management into the telecommunications and electrical power sector, which are run by the state.

Although blessed with fertile lands, abudance of fresh water and a strategic position, the country still remains poor and is categorized as a third world country. The countrys economy emerged from the red in 1997, but has shown strong aggregate growth since then.

The economy is based on agriculture. This includes the production and export of pineapples, bananas and coffee. The countrys exports from the free trade zones and tourism sectors led to significant developments in the growth rate of the GDP. Costa Rica is also a producer of cocoa, sugar, lumber, wood products and beef. In recent years, ecotourism, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing and software development have become major industries with significant contribution to the countrys GDP.

Lately, other industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, eco-tourism, financial outsourcing and software development are now becoming major industries. There are a number of high tech companies which have sprung up in the area, including chip manufacturer Intel and Pharma companies like Procter & Gamble and Glaxo Smith Kline. Costa Rica is also self reliant in energy needs, with exception of oils- and has the potential to be an electricity exporter, as it already exports to Central America.

The unit of currency of Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). This currency trades at 500 to the US dollar and at around 600 to the Euro. A new system that is expected around 2007, will see the Colon currency float between two bands. The Central bank will be better positioned to handle inflation and dicourage the use of the US greenback with the use of this system.

In March 1998, the country joined other Central American nations, and the Dominican Republic to establish a Trade and Investment Council with the United States. It has also clearly showed a willingness to join the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Costa Rica is also a member of the Cairns Group, which is pursuing a policy of global agricultural trade liberalization in World Trade.

With the help of agriculture, growing industries and of course tourism and ecotourism, Costa Rica economy is sure to recover. This country has a great potential. It in the hands of the people and the government, with hard work and strategically planned moves, to make this beautifull country wealthy as well.

For more information about the fascinating land of Costa Rica, visit In Costa Rica
Guide
Read more about the Economical Facts of Costa Rica visit In Costa Rica Guide, Economy

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By: Andrew Burger
Across the North Pacific from western Canada, prospects of mineral wealth are drawing North American miners to Russia’s Far East, one of a number of natural resources-rich areas of the world where climate, as well as political and economic change, is opening up new opportunities.

The region’s mineral riches have attracted the interest of domestic and foreign miners for centuries. Their efforts have been plagued not only by the size and remoteness of this vast region and the severity of its winters, but by a legacy of poorly, even tragically, mounted efforts to exploit its stunning wealth of natural resources, its mineral resources in particular.

That’s not stopping the march of time or progress, however. A new generation of miners is making inroads in Russia’s Far East, including ambitious Canadian juniors such as Vancouver’s Golden Reign Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:GRR), which, through a joint venture with Status LLC, is now developing two gold properties in Magadan Oblast, and may acquire additional mining concessions in other provinces.

Gold mining in Russia’s Far East got its start in the 1820s with the Crown issuance of the first exploration and mining permits. These entrepreneurs, who relied primarily on their natural skills and wits, trudged into the mountains of southern part of the region and prospected mainly by digging test pits, according to Vladimir Kroupnik’s editing of the 1994 book Russian Gold.

Some of these early prospectors, or staratels, such as Masharov – the Napolean of the Taiga – went down in mining legend for their abilities and successes. Their efforts resulted in the Gold Rush of the late 1820s and 1830s as hundreds deposits of alluvial gold were found and thousands of Russians, many of whom were serfs fleeing their masters in search of freedom as well as wealth, flocked to the region. By 1855, gold output in western and central Far Eastern Russia reached 17.4 tonnes.

The Russian government registered 2,955 mining claims and 790 alluvial mines between 1870 and 1899, vaulting the country into the ranks of the world’s largest gold producers, according to Kroupnik. Gold was first discovered farther east in the Amur River basin in 1850-51 by an expedition led by a mining engineer named Metlitsky and again in the Maya River several years later by an expedition led by Anosov, another mining engineer. The first hard rock gold deposit was discovered at Gold Hill, Zolotaya Gora, in 1891, which has been mined intermittently up until recently. The Zeyski, the Amur region’s major gold district, yielded some 66.8 tonnes of gold between 1876 and 1900.

Road of Bones

The lure of vast riches and greed for wealth and power also led to tragedies, exemplified by the Kolyma Highway, or Road of Bones, that traverses the vast region. Built by laborers imprisoned during the Stalin Era, the road is considered a memorial to those who died building it and whose bones were incorporated into the roadbed.

Development of gold, uranium and other mineral resources have taken a heavy toll on communities and the environment. Towns such as Balei and Krasnokamensk are considered environmental and economic disaster zones due to mining projects that took little if any responsibility for the environmental and health effects their operations would have in the region. Residents can only trust that with gold and uranium prices reaching record levels, the Russian and foreign mining companies once again looking to develop Far Eastern Russia’s mineral resources will take better care of the resources they are granted rights to develop.

Gold Mining in Russia’s Far East

Golden Reign is one of a number of Canadian miners looking to develop gold properties in Russia’s Far East today. The company is half-partner with Status LLC, the mining division of Moscow-based CentroCredit Joint Stock Commercial Bank, in the Gold Mining Corp. joint venture, which has been granted comprehensive 20-year mining permits for the Butarni and Durozhni properties in far eastern Magadan province.

The Magadan Region is considered one of the world’s richest mining areas, with gold being the main resource of the region, according to the company. “There are approximately 2,000 placer gold deposits, 100 gold ore deposits and 48 silver deposits. Total probable gold reserves in the Magadan Oblast are estimated at 4,000 tons (128,000,000 ounces),” according to Golden Reign, citing resource estimates published by Kommersant.

“We signed our agreement with Status in June when they received the regional license and then registered a brand new joint venture company called Gold Mining Corp. and transferred the licenses to that company. We have rights to earn 50% of the company and for this year the Russian partner and we each put in US$1 million so we are happy with them and the conditions,” Zoran Pudar, Vice President of Exploration recounted.

Extensive trenching and geochemical sampling was undertaken on one southeastern section of the Butarni property – the JV’s primary prospect – this summer season. Samples were taken from an exposed sulfide zone that included high-grade quartz veins embedded in a granodiorite host, according to Pudar. Two eight-kilogram samples set one meter apart had been taken from the area and assayed at 8.6 and 16.1 grams/tonne, which led Golden Reign to expand trenching and sampling of this area this season, he elaborated.

“We’re looking for low-grade, bulk tonnage and higher grade zones within those intrusive deposits, similar to Fort Knox in Alaska but much higher grades. The beauty is that within this area we see the possibility of 1-3 grams/tonne bulk tonnage and high-grade intervals where selective mining can be done, which can help to cut operating costs significantly,” Pudar told Resourcex.

Recent Results

Results from Golden Reign’s initial Burtarni and Dorozhni sampling programs were reported in November. The results support management’s hypothesis that gold mineralization on both properties is not limited to quartz veins but is more widely disseminated through host rock.

On Nov. 14, management announced assay results from 14 samples collected at the Dorozhni property said to be representative of all mineralized areas and differing rock formations, from highly mineralized quartz veins to altered granodiorite. Results of four selected samples ranged from 1.65 to 18.65 grams/tonne gold.

Assay results from Butarni followed on Nov. 19. Two one-meter continuous channel samples and two grab samples were taken from the southwestern portion of the 9.3 square kilometer property’s Zone 1, where a weathered area of a granitic intrusive containing highly mineralized quartz veins was exposed measuring 1,000 meters long by 600 meters wide and 25 meters deep. Assays performed by Alex Stewart Geo. Analytical Ltd. in Moscow returned 8.63 and 16.11 grams/tonne gold.

In contrast to Zone 1, where private companies and the government had previously identified gold mineralization, Golden Reign also trenched, sampled and had assayed samples from host rock and narrow veins. “Two grab samples, B-1/07 and B-5/07, collected from granite and metamorphosed sediments returned 0.39 g/t and 0.27 g/t gold, respectively. The presence of gold mineralization within the sediments demonstrates that gold mineralization is not restricted to the granite stock as previously assumed,” management reported.

This article is intended for information purposes only, and is not a recommendation to buy or sell the equities of any company mentioned herein. It is based on sources believed to be reliable, but no warranty as to accuracy is expressed or implied. The opinions expressed in the article are those of the author except where statements are attributed to individuals other than the author, in which case the opinions are those of the individual to whom they are attributed.

Resourcex Investor is an internationally distributed newsletter about emerging junior resource companies. Sign up for a free 1-month trial to our newsletter and get instant access to news and investing tips that have helped many of our readers make more money. http://www.resourcex.com

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By: Kathy Spitzer, Esq.
Women and Business

By: Kathy Spitzer, Esq.

Small businesses contribute greatly to the American economy by serving as an essential mechanism by which many Americans access the American Dream. By creating opportunities for women, minorities, and immigrants, small business helps millions enter the economic and social mainstream. By providing new ideas, small firms also act as agents of change.

A. Small firms are about the prospects for the future, not the repetition of the past. They embrace change and competition. Yet the innovativeness of small firms and their ability to explore new technologies is surprising since often they are resource poor, have small research and development budgets and limited manpower. Community networks can help small firms overcome their limited resources. They often rely on regional knowledge for important inputs into the innovation process. Through this process of accessing and sharing knowledge with other firms in their geographic area, small businesses help the circulation and building of these regional networks. The networks then also serve as word of mouth advertising. If they respect each other, they refer each other.

Approximately 50 years ago women made up less than 26 percent of the workforce (and they were mostly secretaries, nurses, and teachers). But regulatory events such as the Civil Rights Act in 1978, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1975, and the Affirmative Action Act in 1978, opened up business ownership to women. At that same time, the role of women in society began to change. As more women successfully created, managed, and grew companies, their achievements became noticed by the media and government. Women’s business groups such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the National Foundation for Women Business Owners (NFWBO) were founded. Since the 1970s, women’s share of small business has increased dramatically. New technology and increased access have had a profound effect on women owned businesses. Women are now, more than ever, able to contribute to a growing economy without sacrificing as many family priorities.

The flexibility of setting one’s own hours, combined with the passion of doing something for love as well as profit, has proven an appealing recipe for women. For a lot of woman choosing a business means figuring out what you care about – what you’d like to do. Women tend to want to do what makes them happy, rather than just what makes them money. And doing what you love leads to its own successes.

A. The number of female owned businesses (a business where women own 51 percent or more of the company) has grown 20 percent between 1997 and 2002. This is larger than the growth of male owned businesses – up only 16 percent. The Census Bureau conducted a survey in 2002 of 1.9 million business owners. The report identified 6.5 million businesses that were female-owned and 2.7 million firms where ownership was divided between men and women.

How do these women get started? The number and types of funding options available for women is as great as it has ever been, especially in Nevada. Nevada Microenterprise Initiative distributes Small Business Association (SBA) loans of $500 to $25,000 for typical business purposes. Southern Nevada CDC hosts the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership which assists individuals with opening a business through classes and seminars. The SBA 7a Loan Guarantee Program allows approved business owners to go to banks with a guarantee from the SBA behind them.

One big advantage to start ups right now is the sheer volume of information available to entrepreneurs. Technology has made data gathering simple and quick.

This includes data on loans and loan help available to women. But proving that a company is woman owned can be a daunting process, not only when it comes to loans. Be sure your business truly is female owned before you try to take advantage of any special treatment. The voice of small business is increasingly becoming a female one, with female entrepreneurs generating billions. If you have a passion, go for it! There is lots of support out there. For more information please visit www.successdna.com and www.corporatedirect.com .

Kathy Spitzer is a corporate asset protection and real estate attorney who assists clients from around the world in determining the right business entities and structures to protect their real estate holdings, business entities and personal assets.

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By: m.vasan
                                                      

Introduction

The small-scale industries sector plays a vital role in the growth of the country. It contributes almost 40% of the gross industrial value added in the Indian economy. It has been estimated that a million Rs. of investment in fixed assets in the small scale sector produces 4.62 million worth of goods or services with an approximate value addition of ten percentage points.

The small-scale sector has grown rapidly over the years. The growth rates during the various plan periods have been very impressive. The number of small-scale units has increased from an estimated 0.87 million units in the year 1980-81 to over 3 million in the year 2000.                        

From 1947 to 1994, General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) was the forum for negotiating lower customs duty rates and other trade barriers.  The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on 1st January 1995. When the GATT came into WTO’s umbrella, it has annexes dealing with specific sectors such as agriculture and textiles, and with specific issues such as State Trading, Product Standards, Subsidies and Actions taken against dumping. The WTO has 148 members, accounting for over 97% of world trade. Around 30 others are negotiating membership. 

WTO aims to develop the country’s economy by encouraging its export among the member countries. Further, it facilitates for availing new technologies from various countries at a lower cost. In this connection, this paper focuses on the positive role played by the WTO in the globalization scenario.

GROWTH OF SSI SECTOR IN INDIA

Small Scale Industries (SSIs) are the pillars of India’s industrial economy. The SSIs’ chief aims are:

To Remove the regional disparities To facilitate for the Equitable distribution of national income and wealth To earn the Return on Investment in shorter period To produce some consumption goods and essential commodities.

As the SSIs consume local resources, the growth of SSIs was quite appreciable at the dawn of new century. It is evidential from the fact that there were over 32 lakhs Small Scale Units in the organized sector as on 31st March 2000 (Naik: 2002) & (Economic Survey: 2001).

Overall Performance of SSI Sector in India

Year

No. of Units

(In lakh)

Production (Rs. In Crore)

Employment

(In lakh)

Exports (Rs. in

Crore)

1950 – 51

0.16

615

7

40

1980 – 81

8.74

28060

71

1643

1985 – 86

13.55

61228

96

2769

1989 – 90

18.26

132320

119.6

7626

1991 – 92

20.82

178699

129.8

13883

1995 – 96

27.44

356213

156.61

36470

1999 – 2000

32.25

578470

178.5

53975

2000-01

101.1

261297

238.7

15278

2001-02

105.2

282270

249.3

14938

2002-03

109.5

311993

260.2

17773

2003-04

114.0

357733

271.4

21249

2004-05

118.6

418263

282.6

.

2005-06 P

123.4

471244

294.9

.

P : Provisional.;  Source : Ministry of Small Scale Industries, Government of India.

SSIs require comparatively a smaller investment and avails the financial support of various financial institutions. There have a number of schemes of direct and self -employment. The employment through SSIs has been tremendously increased from 119.6 lakh during the year 1989 – 90 to 178. 5 crore during the year 1999 – 2000. In succeeding years also in the well grown in all areas.  But it

ORIGIN AND OBJECTIVES OF WTO

  The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on 1st January 1995.  The ‘Marrakesh Declaration’ of 15th April 1994,  affirmed that the results of the Uruguay Round would ‘Strengthen the world economy and lead to more trade, investment and employment and income growth throughout the world. The WTO is the embodiment of the Uruguay Round Results and successor to the GATT. From 1947 to 1994, General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) was the forum for negotiating lower customs duty rates and other trade barriers. When the GATT came into WTO’s umbrella, it has annexes dealing with specific sectors such as agriculture and textiles, and with specific issues such as State Trading, Product Standards, Subsidies and Actions taken against dumping. WTO aims to develop the country’s economy by encouraging its export among the member countries.

Key subjects in WTO

WTO not only frames rules regarding the marketing of produces in  agriculture, textiles and clothing sectors, but also it fixes international standardized labour wages and working conditions, globalizes the trade and weeds out the corruption at Government level in Government procurement policies. Further, it facilitates for availing new technologies from various countries at a lower cost.

Problems facing the SSI sector

            The SSI sector confronts several problems despite its strategic importance in any industrialisation strategy and its immense potential for employment generation.

The problem which continues to be a big hurdle for the development of the sector is lack of access to timely and adequate credit. The Abid Hussain Committee on SSIs (1997) examined the problems of the SSI sector and recommended a package of policies to restructure the industry in the context of current global economic changes. The Expert Committee was of the view that the existing institutional structure for delivering credit to SSEs needs a thorough overhaul. It endorsed the recommendations of the Nayak Committee and urged the RBI to implement the same. The Committee recommended restructuring of financial support through SFCs and SIDCs, tapping of other sources of funding for SSEs, extending credit rating servcies to small units, and addressing the credit needs of tiny units to ensure that they are not bypased by the commercial banking system. The overall credit availability for SSIs during 1991-1996 amounts to only 13% of the value of production.

The Nayak Committee had recommended a desirable norm of 20% of the value of production to be made available by way of working capital through term-lending institutions and commercial banks A norm of 75% was set for fixed capital assets whereas actual availability is only 55%. Lack of finance has been one of the major causes of sickness in the SSI sector, blocking access to technological modernisation and other growth possibilities. There is an urgent need to enlarge flow of credit to the SSI sector from institutional sources. The creation of a facilitating environment for SSIs will centre on access to credit. The Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) estimates additional working capital funds at Rs. 1420 to 1460 billion for the small sector. Lowering interest-rates, specifying a time-frame to clear loan applications and adherence to norms set down by the Nayak Committee are some of the minimum measures that need to be taken.

Legislative measures have a role to play with regard to funding and financing of small scale units. There are measures which can basically ensure that impediments to credit availability are removed. These measures include:

Right to reasonable credit from commercial banks as per RBI guidelines framed after consultation with representative Board Protection against non-normative demands for security Appeal and enforcement by Ombudsman/Board Access to public funds by way of debentures, deposits, securities Government guarantee for loans from banks

The measures to support Marketing and Competitiveness are as follows:

State to exempt from contract security Prompt return of contract securities in case of others Prompt payment measures Protection against undue bundling of contracts by the state Protection against restrictive and monopolistic trade practices Ombudsman/arbitral services for enforcement

Positive impact of WTO on SSIs

            After the origin of WTO, the SSIs in India enjoy the following privileges:

Enabling India to export goods to the member countries of the WTO with fewer restrictions. Reduction of tariffs on the export products to India i.e., Tariff based protection has become the rule. Export in India has been increased from Rs.13883 crores in 1992 to Rs.53975 crores in the year 2000 in SSI sector.   Prospects in agricultural exports as a result of likely increase in the world prices of agricultural products due to reduction in domestic subsidies and barriers to trade. Greater Market orientation Radical trade in SSI sector opened new investment opportunities thereby the acceleration of economic growth. Availability of modern technologies from the other countries at reduced cost.

In India, there has been a significant and absolute gain in trade under WTO. Exports increased marginally from $ 30.63  billion during the year 1995 to $ 44.2 billion in the year 2000 though share in the global trade increased marginally from 0.6 to 0.65 percent. India has been a net gainer, though in a limited way. Growth in India’s exports has been marginally above the growth in world exports. This shows that WTO has made significant contribution to the expansion of world trade (Somayajulu & Venkataramana: 2002).

Conclusion         

            WTO plays positive role in strengthening the SSIs. On the other hand, it is feared that many rules of WTO are biased and in the favour of developed countries; they are formulated to force the developing countries to open their economy which would benefit the developed countries and many indigenous industries of developing countries might fail as they will not be able to compete with the international enterprises. This may cause adverse effect on the employment opportunities in the country.

            High investment; High return! Though it is the reason for the handicaps of our SSIs, It can be confronted by the innovativeness, novelty in products and the development of lean technologies in the manufacturing sector. Number of Innovative entrepreneurs having strong need for achievement can surely ensure success and tackle the challenges of open competitions at global level.

References

Naik S.D. (2002), ‘Small – Scale Industries: Preparing for the WTO Challenges’, The Hindu Business Line, July, 12, 2002. India – Business Year Book (2005), Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., p. IV-23. GOI (1981) to (2007), Economic Survey.  Somayajulu G. & Venkataramana V. (2002), ‘Impact of  Exim policy – 2001 – WTO on Small and Medium Enterprises’, Southern Economist, April, 1 – 15.

M.VASAN, M.B.A., M.Com.,M.Phil.
Research Scholar
Periyar University
Salem, Tamil Naud, India
drmvasan@gmail.com

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By: Jaime Brugueras
Anyone who wants to do online surveys or market research online should be curious about who actually uses the Internet. Although usage patterns are constantly changing, it is still possible to create a fairly clear profile of Internet users.

Who Uses the Internet?

In 2008, Asia accounted for the largest number of Internet users, followed by Europe and then North America. (http://www.internetworldstats.com/). As a percentage of the population, North America leads the world, with almost 75% of the population having access to the Internet and the basic skills needed to use it.

In the U.S., women account for slightly more than half of Internet users (51%). In terms of ethnic background, the numbers are generally in line with the population as a whole. Approximately 74% of users are white, 11% are Hispanic, 9% are African-American, and the remaining 6% belong to other racial or ethnic groups.

The percentage of the population that uses the Internet on a regular basis stays fairly constant until about age 55. Then it begins to decline steadily, from about 67% for the 50-54 age group to about 16% for people over 75. (www.clickz.com/3446641)

More than half of Internet users (54%) live in suburbs, 30% live in cities, and 16% live in rural areas.

What People Are Doing Online

So what are all these people doing on the Internet? The most frequent activity is still email, although it is being challenged for the top spot by online searches. (www.pewinternet.org/Data-Tools). Other frequent uses include searching for a map or driving directions, looking for information on a hobby or interest, checking the weather, and getting news. Online commerce (shopping, banking, paying bills) continues to grow in popularity, but it is not one of the most frequent activities.

How people use the Internet depends to some extent on who they are. Men are more likely than women to get news, buy travel services, check sports scores, and participate in online auctions. Women are more likely than men to get health information, use support-group Web sites, and get information about spiritual and religious topics. Young Internet users (ages 18-29) are more likely than others to do research for school, use instant messaging, listen to music, use dating sites, and share files. (www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0931238.html)

New Trends in Access and Content

One of the most significant trends in Internet use involves how people are accessing the Internet. In December 2007, about six months after release of Apple’s iPhone, almost 40% of Internet users said that they were accessing the Internet with mobile devices at least some of the time. (www.clickz.com/3633197) This trend is likely to continue as mobile devices become more affordable.

Online video is also having a powerful impact on how people (especially younger people) use the Internet. The explosive growth of YouTube is only part of the picture. TV networks and news organizations are turning increasingly to online video as a new source of income. In 2007, people in the 18-24 age group spent nearly as much time watching online video as they did watching programs on their DVRs. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123535779391045623.html) From an advertiser’s standpoint, online video may be a better investment because users can’t fast-forward through ads.

Social networking sites such as Facebook are also growing exponentially. It seems safe to predict that the popularity of such sites will continue, but any predictions about the Internet are risky. By the time you read this, Internet users might have moved on to something no one could have expected.

Jaime Brugueras, Ph.D., is founder of Mineful, a market research and analysis software that caters both the powerful and occasional user. Mineful’s web-based software tools cover a range of marketing applications from data collection to advanced market analysis including segmentation, survey research, and predictive analytics. Sign up for a FREE unlimited time trial at Mineful.com.

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1. Aquarius Characteristics
2. Crystal Children Characteristics
3. Gemini Zodiac Sign Tattoo Characteristics