Main idea and themes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Main idea and themes - Assignment Example The mosaic pattern of chips used in the decoration of the pattern helps in depiction of different artworks of the last ancient Romans and the first medieval European style. This thus prompts the theme of the role of art in the representation of cultural diversity. The main idea represented by the artwork in the church at Ravenna is the difference in the ancient Roman artwork and the medieval European work. A depiction of the same church represents both a beardless Christ representing the Roman work as well as the bearded Jesus representing the medieval work. This is an indication of the possibility of the existence of different combination of an art form in a single theme to represent a masterpiece. The church of Hagia Sophia was built between the years 532 and 537 AD in Constantinople by the Empire Justinian. The interior design of the church was built in accordance with the ancient Greek philosophical principle of symmetry devised by the Greek mathematician, Pythagoras. The structure and the design of the church of Hagia Sophia elicit a discussion of the theme of the importance of mathematics and philosophy in art. The design of the church has its every aspect united under one basic unit of the monogram of Justinian, which is used as the projection of all philosophical and mathematical designs of the entire church. Known as the church of wisdom, the church of Hagia Sophia can be a compare to the Solomonic temple in Jerusalem in terms of accuracy with which the Pythagoras principle of numbers is applied. Pythagoras believed in perfection of numbers with six being the perfect number that is used to manipulate all the design work in the church. The main idea that is drawn from amalgamation of Pythagoras principles in the piece of art is the role of precision and philosophy in artwork. The location of the entrance of the church, the perfection of the circles and the entire design combines the components of the church, which is

Aspects of Project Planning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aspects of Project Planning - Assignment Example The paper tells that critical activity are those, which when delayed will affect the overall project duration, and therefore determine the shortest time required to complete the project. All other activities are non-critical. The critical activities for this project are "Obtaining passport" and "Obtaining visas". Though the project manager should primarily focus on the critical activities, she should also monitor activities with low slack as these have the potential of becoming critical. The manager would benchmark the planned time with other similar projects completed. In case historical data is not available, the project manager would evaluate the probabilities associated with each activity duration to arrive at the "Most Likely", "Optimistic", and "Pessimistic" project durations. The manager would benchmark the planned time with other similar projects completed. In case historical data is not available, the project manager would evaluate the probabilities associated with each acti vity duration to arrive at the "Most Likely", "Optimistic", and "Pessimistic" project durations. The advantage of a network is that the interdependencies between various activities are captured effectively. CPA allows the project manager to focus on the critical activities and allocate resources efficiently, and helps to decide which activities to "crash". Its disadvantage is that it is complex, and unlike other planning tools like Gantt chart is not easily interpreted by everybody. A work package is a subset of a project that can be assigned to a specific party for execution. Such work packages are identified as sub-levels of the WBS. For example, Colin can entrust the Level 1 activity of obtaining the bank loan to a family member, who can execute this work package a separate sub-project. The analysis is important as it allows the project manager to plan, monitor and control the project. It also forms an important Management Information System (MIS) tool for the senior management.

Assessing The Importance Of Being Scientific Literate Sociology Essay

Assessing The Importance Of Being Scientific Literate Sociology Essay This report is to provide a clear and comprehensible analysis on scientific literacy which is an idea that is so powerful and would change how a society will behave and develop in current time. The concept of scientific literate is being advocated in developing countries such as Thailand and advance countries like Canada and The United States as well. It will affect a society from economically, educationally, culturally, and politically point of view. Nevertheless, the impact of it on the future generation must be considered. Questions to be addressed in this report include: 1. What is scientifically literate? 2. Should society be scientifically literate? 3. Consequences of not scientifically literate. 4. How to foster scientific literacy in a society and sustain it? 5. The importance of being scientifically literate and how it influences an individual. 6. Role of government, private institution, public citizen in pursuing scientific literacy. 7. Scientific literacy and democracy. 8. Influences of scientific literacy in the business world. In general, a nation that possesses significantly scientific literate will successfully captures world attention and profits from the others in trading and exports of technology and science orientated goods and services. For instance, South Korea is the world most scientifically literate following on is Japan. Both of the nations are countries that invest heavily on the research and development sector and pursue advancement in technology to create a better future. Hybrid vehicles and low energy consumption electrical items are sector which being focus heavily as green technology is the future of technology. In order to be to be scientifically literacy, it requires efforts and time to attain in every individual. The most fundamental step is to inject this concept into the education system. Besides that, this report will outline the steps in order to reach minimal scientific literacy in every individual. Most importantly, to sustain the scientific literacy concept over time and make deep influence in the future generations. INTRODUCTION What is the importance of being scientifically literate and its impact towards the society and future generation? In the 21st century, most of the countries start to rely heavily on the technology industry and usage of science. Phillips (2003) concluded scientific literacy is the understanding of science and its purposes; ability to judge scientifically and critically; ability to use scientific facts in problem solving and using evidence; knowledge required for intellectual participation in science-based problems; understanding the nature of science, including its association with culture; appreciation of and comfort with science, including its marvel and curiosity; knowledge of the threats and advantages of science; and ability to question about science or being skeptical and to deal with scientific expertise. With the effect of science and technology in every aspect of our live, especially on the political and personal decisions that sustain the democratic economy system the society must be scientifically literate. In order to provide a better future for the next generations, creating a universally literate society is imminent. This includes the exposure and education not just in reading and arithmetic but also science, technology and mathematic. Hence, the 1st step towards the goal is assessing our current level of scientific literate of the society. An experiment conducted at Harvard University graduation depicts the scientific literacy of the students (Private Universe Project, 1989). In the study, young graduates were asked to answer this question: Why is it warm in the summer and cold in the winter? 22 out of 25 got the answer wrong. The society may not be scientifically literate as it suppose due to many factors also. Through learning all the facts and theories behind the science we will be able to think on our own and critically. Why scientific literacy is considered important? The world is experiencing a rapid growth in population so the decisions we make every day have the tendency to affect energy consumption, natural resources, the environment, and ultimately our community. Individual decisions may not seem to make any difference, but with 7 billion populations worldwide, the magnitude of one wrong decision can be lethal to the Homo sapiens survival. However, creating a total scientifically literate nation is not an easy task to complete. It challenges and issues are many and take long time to address and require enormous effort and funds. LITERATURE REVIEW 1. Conceptual overview. Even though scientific literacy has gain attention over the years, this concept is still recognized as controversial (Jenkins, 1990, 1994). In addition, Venezky (2009) stated that the term scientific literacy can classified as liberty, justice and happiness. On top of that, there are different factors that would influence the interpretation of scientific literacy. Such as, the different purpose for advocating scientific literacy, different interest group that concerned with scientific literacy, and way of measuring aspects. In each of these factors carries different interpretations and perception towards the term. On top of that, Miller (2007) proposed that in order to understand the model of civic scientific literacy, it is essential to start on with an understanding of the concept of literacy itself. The fundamental idea of literacy is to possess a minimum level of reading and writing proficiency that a person needs to be involved in written communication and social life. In this c ontext, civic scientific literacy can be understood as the level of understanding of science and technology a person needed to live in a modern society. In addition, scientific literacy does not imply an idyllic level of understanding, but just a minimal threshold level. This further implies every individual is able to be scientific literate regardless of education level. Figure 1: A conceptual overview of scientific literacy Graber et al. (2001) further organize the views as illustrated in Figure 2 reconsiders the balance between the different competencies. This view shows the need for scientific literacy is more important than knowledge and implements the component of values as a science education. Figure 2: The Graber model for scientific literacy Graber s model for scientific literacy can be perceived as interrelates with human rights, education, gender equity, and tolerance. A further view for scientific literacy determined as the general aim as achieving societal requirements, such as learning to deal with social issues and to make rational decision base on evidence. Shamos (1995), however reject any definition of scientific literacy. He defines scientific literacy as promoting skilled consumers of science with the talent to gain understanding or knowledge from experts. In general view, scientific literacy is the understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for individual decision making, involvement in civic and cultural affairs, and economic production. Scientific literacy allows a person to ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived from inquisitiveness on everything happening around. It also means that a person has the capacity to explain, clarify, and predict natural phenomena. Apart from that, individuals will exhibit scientific literacy in different behaviour, such as correctly using technical terms, or applying scientific concepts. In school level, Bybee (1997) has proposed that scientific literacy to be considered in four functional levels. First, nominal which refer to individual can recognise scientific terms but do not understand the meaning thoroughly. Secondly, functional which means using scientific and technological terms but only out of context such as in school examination or test. Thirdly, conceptual and procedural that requires the individual to demonstrate the understanding of the relationship between concepts. Last, multidimensional which includes developed perspectives of concept in science and technology in addition with the nature and role of science in application in personal life and society. Hazen (2002) concluded that the difference between doing science and using science. He argues that scientific literacy is a mix of concepts, history, and philosophy that help you understand the scientific issues. Other definitions argue for a more comprehensive knowledge of science, but this general idea uses the less difficult definitions proposed by Miller and Hazen. 2. Should society be scientifically literate? Scientific literacy in the general public has come in a period of decline. Opposite to common perception, advanced communities are starting to feel the shortage of bright scientists supporting the scientific world. The extensive usage of technology causes human to neglect the value of science. Nowadays, science is everywhere and modern living standards are based on science too. However, scientific literacy in our society is inadequate. The educated people have no interest in science, not to mention the uneducated population. And the reasons is because the flaws in our education system. Science is important in a society because it has brought many advantages to a society. For example, the invention of steam engine by James Watt propelled the Industrial Revolution and boosts the nation economy, wealth, social living conditions, income level, and many more. Science is the ultimate tool to forge a modern society and the community must be scientifically literate to cope with the advancement. Espinosa (n.d.) stated the reasons why society is not longer interested in science anymore. In the study, Espinosa suggest that science should the school curricula since early the education. In this context, astronomy has an important role to play in educating scientifically literate society. Astronomy is ideal for teaching children numbers, day-night cycle and act as an initial exposure of science. Besides, astronomy will show them the importance of mathematic, geology, chemistry, physics or even biology in the later stage. Indeed, astronomy is a perfect anchor and astronomy has al so interested Mankind since the ancient time. Being scientifically literate allows us to understand the reasons behind a technology or occurrence of a natural phenomenon. Therefore, science is important for the society and especially in carrying an efficient economic human activity such as plantation. The correct method of harvesting will yield more products and producing more income for those ordinary farmers. Science is an important part in human evolution and improvement in quality of life. People should aware and understand of its cultural and political impact as well. Government should scientifically educate the general population, so that every person is ready for the future. An example of most scientifically literate nation is South Korea and following is Japan as illustrated in Figure 3. The research is conducted by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in determining the scientific literacy for economical and educational purposes. Miller (2007) outline that in developing an assessment of civic scientific literacy, it is vital to create a measure that will be functional over a period of years and that will be adequately responsive to capture changes in the constitution and composition of public understanding towards scientific literacy. South Korea and Japan are known countries that focus on technological advancement and development. According to most a recent study by European Commission, Meyer (2009) stated that Japan uses 3.39 percent of its GDP on research and development, while South Korea uses 3.23 percent and the United States spends 2.61 percent. In the contrary, China spends just 1.42 percent of its GDP. The amount of science and technology researching projects in Europe is growing, but the European Union is still slow comparing with the research and development investment targets of Japan and South Korea. If a nation is not scientifically literate, it may face problems like inadequate professional personnel or lack of research and development. Japan and South Korea that determined to be pioneering in the research and development field is gaining profits by selling their technology to the world. For example, car manufacturer, Toyota hybrid vehicle, Prius is favor by many western countries especially the Uni ted States. In addition, worlds most popular consumer electronics brand, Samsung from Korea capture the world consumer demand in electronics products. Undeniable, the scientific literacy in Japan and South Korea contributed in their success. Figure 3: Scientific literacy by country (OECD) Also, acquire from the National Science Foundation (NSF) document Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 in Figure 4, a survey that is designed to evaluate scientific literacy. Countries participating include: the United States, 25 European Union countries, South Korea, Japan, Russia, China, and Malaysia. Figure 4: Survey questions from Science and Engineering Indicators 2006. National Science Foundation The results of such surveys are promising. The majority of respondents from all countries except China properly recognized the first statement about earth s core temperature as exact. Though, fewer than 50% of respondents from all countries correctly identified the lasers as false and the statements about electrons as true. Only respondents from the United States, the European Union, and Japan scored higher than 50% in correctly identifying question three concerning radiation as incorrect. In the other hand, the United States was the single nation able to achieve higher than 50% in accurately state out that antibiotics do not eradicate viruses. 3. Why constructing a scientifically society? Generally the public perceive scientific literacy brings positive effects to the society. However, there are only few reasons for advocating scientific literacy being highlighted by the public (Thomas Durant, 1987). In this part, a number of familiar points of view will be suggested in support of scientific literacy. These arguments for promoting scientific literacy, which are based on Thomas and Durant (1987) and Shortland (1988) can fundamentally be grouped into a macro and micro view. In the macro view, the first common reason for advocating scientific literacy is the bond between scientific literacy and the economic well-being of a nation. It is believed that national wealth relies on the nation s capability in competing successfully in international markets. Meanwhile, the international competitiveness depends on the national research and development policy and programmes. Highly developed countries will be able to capture investor from other countries due to its ability to provide quality supply of scientist, engineers, and highly-trained personnel to conduct research and development. In the same time, to exploit minor niche markets. However, only nations whose general public possess a proper level of scientific literacy will be able to sustain the environment. In addition, scientific literacy will facilitate individuals to contribute more intelligently and efficiently in the productive sector of the economy (Walberg, 1983). Therefore, scientific literacy can b e regarded as an essential human capital that manipulates the economic well-being of a nation in various factors. In addition, associated to the economic perspectives, a higher level of scientific literacy among the population will promote greater support for science itself. This is due to the injection of new recruits that attracted to science (Shortland, 1988, p. 307). Another factor in which society benefit from the influence of greater scientific literacy is the public s expectations of science. The better and clearly the public comprehend about the objectives, developments, and capacity of science, the less likely the public will be to receive unrealistic anticipations of science. While unrealistic hope may result in loss of confidence and eventually withdrawal from being scientifically literate. In other words, this also prevents the public from being easily con or believing untrue myths. Prewitt (1983) supported this argument by emphasizing on democratic practice in a nation. An effective government will only be constructed by voter that is scientifically literate so they able to make meaningful involvement, engage with political processes, and participate in suitable social change. There is also an argument in the context of science and culture. Thomas and Durant (1987) quoted that [t]he general health of a nation in which science is practiced depends on the effective integration of science in the wider culture. According to Thomas and Durant, the science is being perceived by the public as the essence of technicality and specialization. The separation of science from the wider culture may lead the general public fail to understand the science properly as it contradicting from their origin culture and practices. Such as religion that are often contradicting with science since the emergence of science or Renaissance period in the Europe. In consequence, the public ma y feel fear in accepting science in their society and creating confusion. Hence, increasing scientific literacy of the public would create a suitable environment for the public to be productive and healthy. In the micro view, scientific literacy reflects on individuals. It is believe that improved understanding of science and technology is beneficial to individuals living in a science and technology orientated society (Thomas Durant, 1987). Personal decisions, such as diet, smoking, healthcare or safety in the home and at work, should be aided by reasonable level of scientific literacy so that decision made will be useful. Extensive knowledge on the foundation of science and facts enable the individual to indentify and reject pseudo-scientific information. An unaware public is exposed to misleading information on, for example, medicine. (Royal Society, 1985) With the widespread scientific literacy among the public, it will create a citizen that is confident and capable to deal with science and technology related matters that arise in their daily life effectively. The employment issue of the people is the very important area that will benefit with scientific literacy. As the economy becoming more knowledge-based, the demand of quality human resources is increasing at the same time and also an important economic asset of modern science and technology societies (Brooks, 1991). Therefore, individual with adequate knowledge will be in a advantageous position to exploit new and better job opportunities. In the same time able to take full advantage in developing technical skills in work place (Thomas Durant, 1987). During the World War 2, the Nazi Germany slaughtered about 6 million Jews under the command for Adolf Hitler (Holocaust Encyclopaedia, n.d.). The Holocaust was an organized, state-funded discrimination and massacre of about six million Jews by the Nazi regime. They believe that Jews are Untermenschen (inferior people) and should be eliminate. The Nazi racial ideology of inferior people is an example of non-scientifically proven theory. The poor scientific literacy among the Nazis caused the death of millions in concentration camps. Given that the Nazis able to view and justify the idea of inferior people the Jews should had survived the massacre. In addition, Locke (n.d.) quoted all men are created equal in his view and all men have the rights to pursuit their happiness. His statement also supported by the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson in The Declaration of Independence. Miller (2002), who had been assessing the scientific literacy of society for over 30 years, emphasizes the significance of civic scientific literacy in present society that depends heavily on the invention and usage of science and technology. He strongly believes that in the future or now the society requires a population that is reasonable knowledgeable in the field of contemporary scientific and technological topics so that the democratic process will be able to function at the correct behavior. In a democracy, the public will have both indirect and direct influence on the formation of public policy. During elections, citizens elect their desire politicians and vote on individual ballot items. Meanwhile, the ballot choices could include issues that related to science, such as pollution, recycling, natural resources, energy, and endowment for research and education. There are several factors that will influence a public opinion and justification. Such as education, environment, poli tics, and individual experiences. While such factors are influential, when politics clash with scientific issues, fundamental scientific literacy is a must for an informed decision making process. Science does not always offer simple answers and might call for a complicated understanding of terms and ideas to interpret. Political debate, rather always rephrases scientific issues to the worthlessness. Only an audience with the ability to comprehend and to filter the information being feed or bombarded able to form well considered judgments. There are number of solid reasons for promoting scientific literacy for both the general public and the individual good. The purpose for promoting scientific literacy is not only reliant on the benefits, but is also influenced by ideological and philosophical reflection (Champagne Lovitts, 1989). Therefore, promoting scientific literacy would bring greater benefit for the current and future generations and propel the humanity towards a better future and technology. 3. How to create a scientifically literate society? The world is now increasingly influence by the expansion of science and technology. Hence, achieving scientific literacy is vital as an educational outcome for the development of society. This increasing demand of scientific literate communities requires them to engage, deal with ideas and applications of science. In order to address this important question, clarifying the idea of scientific literacy and construct a common comprehension toward the idea is essential. Citizens that are scientifically literate will be able to utilize their knowledge in science to meet their social and personal demands (Murcia, 2005). Without an acceptable level of scientific literacy, they might unable to understand and appreciate the fundamental of science, its interaction with society, roles, values, and shaping of humanity s future. The science is a continuing developing discipline and borderless hence being scientific literate may only need a minimum understanding on the ideas. These concepts will endure rapid change and have impact on the society throughout at least for few years. For instance, the genetic research is a field that constantly changes with events such as stem cell research and cloning. So, what is the most effective method to engage the society in scientific literacy and eventually encourage them to contribute in the development of scientific literacy? In order to incorporate the way of thinking, the assumptions and values inherent in the building of scientific knowledge, understanding of nature of science is an essential part of scientific literacy. Hence, Murcia Schibeci (1999) proposed a set of themes that would represent a promising view of nature of science, which is also consistent with the contemporary science philosophy and practice. 1. Scientific knowledge has an impermanent position and should not be accepted as absolute truth. 2. New scientific knowledge is formed as a product of creativity and imagination joined with techniques of scientific inquiry. 3. Science develops through ongoing research and critical questioning. 4. Science is active and ongoing, not a stagnant gathering of information. 5. Scientists and the scientific community usually exhibit the professional standards of openness of mind and integrity. The themes suggest that scientific results and knowledge should be considered critically and not perceived as the rigid fundamental of science. Thus, science is essentially a vibrant, human activity that conducts through critical questioning and constant research tied with reasonable imagination. First of all, engaging an individual attention, desire and interest to find out more about daily activity of science interacting with society is a crucial step toward developing scientific literacy. Real world investigations will provide opportunities for instilling scientific literacy as they able to see different forms of knowledge from various fields that would relate to each other. Through connected and interrelated study activities, the values and assumptions underlying the scientific literacy and how the science will interacts with the society concept will be explicit. Natural curiosity can be the driving force in learning essential foundational habits such as observing, investigating, measuring, questioning, using scientific language to describe experiment and constructing informed decisions based on scientific ideas. Through making informed decisions, individual will tend to build introductory understandings of the vibrant, creative and tentative nature of scientific research. In this way, they would develop critical thinking or questioning skills to appreciate the role science that in need for solving personal problems or dilemmas. Reading and interpreting non-fiction science content is also an integral section of context in instilling scientific literacy. Through reading simple newspaper articles related science or applications of science in daily life will enact an individual curiosity of the science in it. Science in the media will create an important motivation for investigation as it will exhibit the dynamic personality of scientific knowle dge and the call for critical questioning. Meanwhile, individual will create awareness in evaluating information and claims that are being made by the author. Murcia (2005) supported this view that individual will gain stimulus for inquiring, questioning and participate in discussion about the topic critically when introduced to scientific related articles. Figure 5: Sources used for attaining science information. (National Science Foundation) Figure 5 is a study on resources used for obtaining scientific materials. Options consider are internet, books, television, magazines and newspapers. The internet clearly shows a dominant percentage among the options for both the year 2001 and 2004. The internet is a reliable and efficient alternative in promoting scientific literacy. Due to its versatile characteristic, internet can be used in everywhere provided an internet connection and a computer or any electronic devices that is capable of internet browsing. The tremendous growth of internet over the years also serves as a reason why internet is worth to consider. In addition, as an increasingly important researching tool, it is user-friendly, interesting and covers wide area of material. The internet also allows distance learning technology and able to bring large audiences around the world together. Hence, it can also strengthen the relationship between outside institutional and formal education. Most importantly, internet is a tool that able to aid the community in learning and spreading of scientific literacy materials. Hence, creating a website or forum which focuses on discussing scientific issues and problem will attract people to visit and contribute their opinions regarding to specific issues. Increasing the public awareness on the issues is important as well. The media, researchers, research institution, university and industry as well have a role to play. They must ready to communicate and engaging in debate on scientific issues in a professional manner and comprehensible for the public as well. Their honest explanation on the benefits and limitations of scientific issues will clarify the public and increases the scientific literacy. In order to do so, relevant information must be made available to the public in the easiest way as possible. Internet is the perfect candidate for the job. Creating a database of press release, images, background information, details of events and science journal for the public is a way of creating awareness in scientific development. Alpha-Galileo is an example of internet service that provides tailored information to the media. Apart from that, organizing international forum, including online forum will facilitate the exchange of informati on and popularize scientific issues. Democracy needs citizens to have a certain technical and knowledge to be part of it. Besides, a pool of scientists and engineers are essential in creating a social-economic development and improvement. It is therefore necessary to induce scientific knowledge to young children. Meanwhile, encouraging them to embark on a scientific career and provide necessary aids. Also, not to neglect individual who has started on scientific career. Approving endowment for research and development will certain promote the development scientific research sector. This also helps them to retain their enthusiasm and motivation in conducting tedious research. Education system itself is a vital factor that influences the scientific literacy of a society. Therefore, teaching method in school must be reviewed because the impact on the student will directly reflect how they behave after completing education. Hence, teaching method must be designed to stimulate interest such as establishment of innovative projects. Experts views on policy should be convincing but the public opinion must not be neglected. A dialogue with the citizen will create a mutual understanding between the official and public and foster quality policy. Though information gathered from different stakeholders including media, citizens, research organizations and enterprises the authority will able to see the general idea. Producing gender equality in science is vital as well in promoting scientific literacy. In the history of science, research often fails to take specific needs of women into consideration. According to European Commission, female represent 50% of the student population but only 10% is in senior position in academia and industry. This may due to conservative way of thinking in the population upbringing. However, the rapid growth in scientific and technological progress can create serious ethical question that would concern every individual. These questions may also have the potential implications for future generations also. Therefore, a systematic information facility on ethical issues in science is needed. This facility will provide information on legislation, codes of conducts, debates and practices. Meanwhile, the researchers must have integrity in conducting research. They should use good scientific practices including research integrity. Providing model courses and training modules will raise the awareness of researcher in field of ethics also. 4. The impact of science in the business world (scientific management). In scientific management, the principle object of it is to secure the maximum prosperity for the employer and employee. The prosperity does not only consist of wages but more importantly is the development of each employee to his condition of maximum efficiency. In a traditional type management process, the success of a business depends almost completely on the initiative of the employee. Taylor (1911) outline that the initiative of employee is obtain with total uniformity under the old system in his work of scientific management.

Defending A Mans Honor :: essays research papers

Defending a Man’s Honor   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main male characters in Shakespeare’s play Othello kill their wives in order to defend their own honor. In the period setting of the play, to show honor, women are expected to be subservient to their husbands. The characters Iago and Othello reflect this attitude toward their respective wives, giving them reason to feel just in killing these women. Iago kills Emilia because she dishonors him by revealing his manipulation of Othello and Cassio. Othello strangles Desdemona because of imagined infidelity, which makes him look like a fool. Both men have different ideas of honor, perceive their own honorable status differently, have different relationships with their wives, and different feelings of remorse. Ultimately they both kill their wives to defend their own honor. Proud, noble, and brave warrior Othello is well respected and his military skills and adventures are widely known. He is charismatic, charming, self-reliant and well traveled. These personality traits made Desdemona fall in love with him, and by these, he measures his honorability. His measures his self-worth by the way he is perceived by others. That is the main reason why he perceives Desdemona’s alleged infidelity as ruining his honor. It makes him look like a fool and he feels that he has been taken advantage of because he is unwise and unfamiliar with the devious sexual practices of Venice women. Othello is also very trusting. Of course, the question is why he believes Iago and doubts his wife. He believes â€Å"honest Iago† without question because Iago had served in the army with him and is generally regarded by all to be an honest man. The feelings of being an outsider and insecure in his social status are Othello’s character flaws and Iago to takes advantage of these Achilles heals. For Iago, deception, manipulating, and killing are second nature. It doesn’t occur to him that he will be caught and he doesn’t have any conscience about what he has done. These characteristics show that Iago is self-absorbed and out for himself. He is also greedy and jealous and plots to make everyone around him unhappy, while seeking position and honor. High position and honor starts his hatred of Othello. Iago sees Othello as being beneath him because of his race, but having all the glory and honor that he covets. The final straw, Cassio being made lieutenant over him, makes him take action and plot his revenge. Defending A Mans Honor :: essays research papers Defending a Man’s Honor   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main male characters in Shakespeare’s play Othello kill their wives in order to defend their own honor. In the period setting of the play, to show honor, women are expected to be subservient to their husbands. The characters Iago and Othello reflect this attitude toward their respective wives, giving them reason to feel just in killing these women. Iago kills Emilia because she dishonors him by revealing his manipulation of Othello and Cassio. Othello strangles Desdemona because of imagined infidelity, which makes him look like a fool. Both men have different ideas of honor, perceive their own honorable status differently, have different relationships with their wives, and different feelings of remorse. Ultimately they both kill their wives to defend their own honor. Proud, noble, and brave warrior Othello is well respected and his military skills and adventures are widely known. He is charismatic, charming, self-reliant and well traveled. These personality traits made Desdemona fall in love with him, and by these, he measures his honorability. His measures his self-worth by the way he is perceived by others. That is the main reason why he perceives Desdemona’s alleged infidelity as ruining his honor. It makes him look like a fool and he feels that he has been taken advantage of because he is unwise and unfamiliar with the devious sexual practices of Venice women. Othello is also very trusting. Of course, the question is why he believes Iago and doubts his wife. He believes â€Å"honest Iago† without question because Iago had served in the army with him and is generally regarded by all to be an honest man. The feelings of being an outsider and insecure in his social status are Othello’s character flaws and Iago to takes advantage of these Achilles heals. For Iago, deception, manipulating, and killing are second nature. It doesn’t occur to him that he will be caught and he doesn’t have any conscience about what he has done. These characteristics show that Iago is self-absorbed and out for himself. He is also greedy and jealous and plots to make everyone around him unhappy, while seeking position and honor. High position and honor starts his hatred of Othello. Iago sees Othello as being beneath him because of his race, but having all the glory and honor that he covets. The final straw, Cassio being made lieutenant over him, makes him take action and plot his revenge.

Government Economic Policies and Business Essay

(a) The government used fiscal policy to increase public spending. This implies that a rise in taxation also took place. The rise in taxes meant that people had less money to spend, i.e. less disposable income. As a result, they were unable to buy as much. This caused the demand of certain products to decline. As a result, the respective companies made less profit. This meant that they were unable to produce as much (also to avoid excess supply). This led to companies cutting jobs. The cut in jobs increased unemployment, which meant people had no job, so they had no income, therefore they were unable to spend, which makes the demand fall further, and so on. (b) The government had used fiscal policy to boost the economy. In Japan, the fiscal policy was used to fund the games industry, to create more jobs, in order to increase the income and therefore, increase spending by the people in those jobs. However, we can see from the graphs that retail sales in Japan in 1997 were dramatically falling. A cause for this was the GDP which also hit an all time low in Japan. This meant that people did not have the money to spend, therefore, from the evidence available we can say that Japan’s fiscal policy was unsuccessful. (c) The country’s budget provides an opportunity not only to take an overview of the macro-economy, but also to make changes to the incentive structures created by different taxes. The chancellor has many objectives to consider at budget time. One of these objectives may be to increase taxes on polluting fuels (e.g. petrol) so as to discourage their use. This can be controlled by the fiscal policy, which, in this case would involve increasing taxes on such fuels. This may come as a direct tax on the petrol, or more indirectly by increasing the road tax on bigger vehicles. Provided that such polluting fuels are used to the same extent, this would generate higher tax revenue for the government which can then be used to increase public spending, such as building hospitals, which would not only result in better healthcare, but it would also create jobs, which would mean that people would be earning, allowing them more disposable income, and thus influencing spending power, which may in fact be another objective of the government.

Green Banking

Introduction: Deforestation, dissertation, flood, soil erosion, siltation, sedimentation, river bank erosion, increased evaporation, Co2 emissions, rising sea-level, displacement, cyclones, salinization, arsenic contamination are most burning word in the present world. And all words are related natural disaster and climate change. Because, climate change is the most complicated issue the world is facing. Across the globe there have been continuous endeavors to measure and mitigate the risk of climate change caused by human activity.Another name of this attempt is â€Å"Sustainable Development† to us. The process of sustainable development involves all sectors in the economy – Government, NGOs, corporate, citizens and, of course, the financial sector. Our beloved mother land Bangladesh is one most affected country by this climate change. And Bangladesh banking industry is ahead one step from other financial institutions for taking endeavors to measure and mitigate the ri sk of climate change caused by human and banking activity. This activity is familiar in banking industry with title of â€Å"Green Banking†. 1. Green Banking: Green banking in general refers to the efforts of the Banking sector to keep the environment green and to minimize greenhouse effects through rationalizing their strategies, policy, decisions and activities pertaining to banking service, business and in-house operational activities. Green banking may be seen as a component of the global initiative from Banks end to save environment. Green banks or environmentally responsible banks do not only improve their own standards but also affect socially responsible behavior of other business. 1. 2 Rational of the Study:The success of a program like BBA is determined by how successfully the student of this program implemented in the practical life, which they learned from the program. Universities take many steps to make bridge between the academic knowledge and actual business w orld event of BBA students. Bangladesh banking industry is ahead one step from other financial institutions for taking endeavors to measure and mitigate the risk of climate change caused by human and banking activity. In Bangladesh there are many banks to do Green Banking among our domestic banks.The world is now become globalize so we have to sustain in the competitive world. We must take the competitive advantage that’s why we cannot avoid the environment while doing business. That’s why I feel very much interest in Green Banking. And it has another importance to me that is implementation of my educational knowledge and theoretical knowledge to the practical. 1. 3. 2 Specific Objectives: 1. 3. 1 General Objective: 1. 3 Objective of the Study: The objectives of the report are in lies with the objective of Project work.The prime goal of Project work is to provide a theoretical and practical experience to the student and to generate an opportunity to match the theoretic al concepts with real life situation. As stated above to deal with these objectives this report has been primarily divided into two parts. The objectives are: The general objective of this report is to fulfill the partial requirements of the BBA program and making me competent to cope with corporate culture through observing the general banking and remove the gap between practical world and theoretical knowledge.The specific objectives of this report is to I. To get comprehensive knowledge on overall banking industry of Bangladesh. II. To gather comprehensive knowledge on banking functions. III. To get vast knowledge about Green Banking. IV. To learn the major areas and products of Green Banking. V. To learn initiatives for promoting green banking at home and abroad. VI. To identify Green Banking policy. VII. To identify the necessity of Green Banking for Banking Industry. VIII. To identify the steps of Bangladesh Bank for Green Banking. 1. 4 Scope of the Study:We know that Banglade sh is the most preferable playground to play with people life for natural disaster. Deforestation, dissertation, flood, soil erosion, siltation, sedimentation, river bank erosion, increased evaporation, Co2 emissions, rising sea-level, displacement, cyclones, salinization, arsenic contamination are most burning word in the present world. And all these words are related natural disaster and very suitable to accommodate in our country. That’s why, Green Banking open a new era for Bangladesh banking industry to create a positive image, increase market value and contribute for developing the country.In our country Banks’ are the major of welfare driven economy and promoter of balanced growth in a country like Bangladesh which has a poverty stricken contemporary economic background. So Banks’ have a great opportunity to implement their mission, objectives very easily through green banking. By adopting a comprehensive green banking policy, installing new green banking products, considering green banking strategies at time of loan disbursement, developing program for the clients, mass people, and stakeholders to create awareness among them about the environment a bank can easily practice green banking.Bangladesh Bank the central bank of Bangladesh is already placed an order on February 27, 2011for the banking industry. Dhaka Bank Ltd. , Shahjalal Islami Bank, Mutual Trust Bank Ltd. , AB Bank Ltd. , Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. , National Bank Ltd. , Uttara Bank Ltd. , Rupali Bank Ltd. , Jamuna Bank Ltd. , Brac Bank Ltd. , United Commercial Bank Ltd. , Basic Bank Ltd. , along with Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. , are famous for practicing green banking in Bangladesh. It is obvious that every study has some limitations. The study I have made is of great importance and require me huge work.While conducting I had to face a number of problems, which called limitations of my report. Those limiting factors that hampered my smooth workings to prepare this rep ort are as follows: * Lack of time: The time period of this study is very short. We had some weeks in my hand to complete this report, which was not enough. So I could not go in depth of the study. * Insufficient data: There is a great lacking of numerical data about green banking. Some desired information could not be collected due to confidentiality of business. *Other limitations: I have lacking of previous experience in this concern. And many practical matters have been written from my own observation that may vary from person to person. 1. 5 Methodology of the study: 1. 5. 1 Methods of data collection: Methodology is the study or theoretical analysis of particular working methods. Adoption of methodology is an important factor in performing any study. If the methodology of the study is properly adopted and the study runs properly according to the methodology, the study is supposed to be successful.The following represents the methodology of the study. * Conceptualization: Conce ptualization is the way of developing concepts about the thesis topic and its related topics and its related matter the study follows a procedural approach in order to get complete picture of concentration of different banks initiatives to green banking in worldwide and in Bangladesh. * Theoretical Framework: This report theoretical framework is focused on the insight of the current process theories and techniques in related to practicing green banking to get sustainability.It emphasizes the green banking policy, green banking strategies, green products and probable key opportunities of the products. And their inter relationship with making the environment green. 1. 5. 2 Sources of Data: * Primary Sources: The â€Å"Primary Sources† are as follows- i. Face-to-face conversation with the respective officers and staffs of the Branch. ii. Informal conversation with the investment clients. * Secondary Sources: The â€Å"Secondary Sources† of data and information are: i. Ann ual Report (Last five years) of different Banks’. ii.Periodicals published by Bangladesh Bank. iii. Various books, articles, compilations etc. regarding green banking functions, and the policies. 1. 5. 3 Data processing and analysis: Collected data and information both from primary and secondary sources were analyzed in the. Raw data from the survey have collected and edited and then classified and edited and then classified according to the objectives. I have used some techniques for the purpose of analysis. These are: * Theoretical analysis * Graphical analysis * Tabular analysis 1. 5. Preparation of the report: Following steps are associated with the preparation of this thesis: I. Representations of the assembled data through graph II. Preparation of the draft report III. Preparation of the final report 1. 5. 5 Flow Chart of the study Methodology: Conceptualization Developing Theoretical Framework Fixing Goals and Objectives Data Collection Primary Data Secondary Data Rela ted Organization Identification of the Potential Problem Data Organization Data Processing, Interpretation and Analysis Findings Recommendations Report PresentationLiterature Review: A comprehensive literature study was done to gain an exact scenario of the present status of green banking. During the literature survey relevant information was collected from a number of books journals, magazines, reports, government and non-government documents and other printed materials from the concerned financial and non-financial institutions. A very little study was conducted with the intensity of the green banking till today, although green banking is a burning issue and very crucial phenomena for the present world banking industry.Green (1989) revealed that a bank's responsibility extends to Government, customers, shareholders, staff, and the community. Companies do have ethical responsibility, but it is not protected by limited liability from the consequences of their actions. A company's re cord and the perception of its ethics affect its reputation and ensure long-term success or failure. Further, he concluded that as we face increasingly complex and conflicting issues, our commitment to ethical behavior would be tested. Hitt, Keats and DeMarie (1998) identified strategic challenges and discontinuities encountered by firms in 21st century.They analyzed that to build and maintain competitive advantage, requires a new types of organization, leaders for survival and global market leadership. It was concluded that success in 21st century organization would depend on building strategic flexibility like exercising strategic leadership, building dynamic core competencies, focusing and developing human capital, effectively using new manufacturing technologies and implementing new organization structures and culture. Therefore, the responsibility of banks in this scenario should be reviewed so that changes of 21st century can be effectively controlled.There is a strong need fo r re-inventing the role of banks as Jeucken (2001) has compared three world regions Europe (24 banks), North America (6 banks) and Oceania (Japan and Australia; 4 banks) for the period of 1998 to 2000. He analyzed and focused some important differences between regions, countries, and banks with regard to sustainable banking. The methodology was entirely based on studying environmental and annual reports of banks. He concluded that 53 percent of the banks adopt a defensive position towards the environment issue.Still, a large group of banks do not see the role, which they can play a sustainable development. Sahu and Rajasekhar (2005) addressed and analyzed certain questions regarding bank credit to the agricultural sector and impact of the closure of rural bank branches on the provision of credit to agriculture by analyzing the data on the total outstanding credit provided by the scheduled commercial banks to the agricultural sector during the period 1981 to 2000 and concluded that p rofit-oriented norms persuaded commercial banks to neglect the agricultural sector, provision of a credit subsidy reduce the supply of agricultural credit.Lyne, Nielson, and Tierney (2009) evaluated and analyzed10, 000 Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) loans from 1980 to 2000. They found that (MDBs) dramatically increased social lending for health, education, and safety nets after 1985. Yet the great powers’ social policy preferences remained relatively static from 1980 to 2000. This contradicts the conventional view that powerful states control International Organizations (IOs). They argued that highly institutionalized IOs like MDBs require a complete model of possible member-state coalitions encompassing the preferences of all member states—not just major powers.McMichael (2009) questions the Bank's new vision, arguing that ‘new wine in old bottles’ will continue to supply affluence rather than ‘feed the world’ and sustain its agricultu res, especially at a time when land is being commandeered for luxury foods (e. g. the livestock complex, all-season vegetables and fruits) and bio-fuels, neither of which feed the poor. Ironically, the reproduction of poverty remains the Bank's main source of legitimacy. Goyal and Joshi (2011) studied a sample of 19 bank mergers (post liberalization) based on umber of branches and geographical penetration in the market. Apart from financial aspects, they observed some emerging issues like employees’ perception, branch size, customer perception, communication, change management strategies, and human resource management. These issues can be settled when a bank implements certain social and ethical policies. Weber and Remer (2011) described Social Banking as a way of value-driven banking that has a positive social and ecological impact at its heart, as well as its own economic sustainability.Most of the Social Banks came out of the crisis much stronger and bigger than they were before. In addition, none of the Social Banks had to be bailed out with public funds. This increasingly attracts the interest not only of clients searching for safe and sensible ways to deposit their funds but also of conventional banks that begin to understand the potential of a more socially oriented approach towards banking. It is a matter of awareness, which compel us to have some views from a different outlook.Bearing in mind the various functions of a bank and current scenario, now it is high time to understand the role of banks in 21st century. Therefore, this study is conducted to understand the various roles and responsibilities of banks in order to strive more effectively and efficiently against some current issues, which has already attracted the attention of the world. Following are the objectives to uncover the issues: * To understand the various roles and functions of Banks. * To know various emerging issues of 21st century in Banking Industry of India.The synopsis of my report literature review is Green Banking; the focus is on satisfying existing needs in the real economy and the society; also taking into account their social, cultural, ecological, and economic sustainability. In the repercussion of the crisis, many people felt that green banking is more caring for the overall progress of society than traditional and mainstream banking. It is assumed that green banking may provide important lessons for the banking and financial sector to avoid further crises in the future. 2. 1 Nature of the Research: Research is the systematic investigation into existing or new knowledge.It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories. The goal of the research process is to produce new knowledge or deepen understanding of a topic or issue. This process takes three main forms: I. Exploratory Research: An exploratory study is undertaken when not much is kno wn about the situation at hand or no information is available on how similar problem or research issues have been solved in the past. II. Constructive Research: Constructive research tests theories and proposes solutions to a problem or question.III. Empirical research: Empirical research tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence. The literature review of this report is saying us a very little study was conducted with the intensity of the green banking till today, although green banking is a burning issue and very crucial phenomena for the present world banking industry. So, definitely my this report research type is exploratory research because, An exploratory study is undertaken when not much is known about the situation at hand or no information is available on how similar problem or research issues have been solved in the past.Green Banking: Global warming, which is one of the most burning & discussed issues, has the worst impact on the climate of the planet a s a whole. The rapid change in climate will be too great to be adapted by the eco-systems, since the change have already made direct impact on biodiversity, agriculture, forestry, dry land, water resources and human health. As such, issue of global warming calls for a global response. Due to unusual weather pattern, rising greenhouse gas, declining air quality etc. ociety demands that business also take responsibility in safeguarding the planet. The key areas of environmental degradation cover air pollution, water pollution, surface water scarcity, encroachment of rivers, improper disposal of industrial, medical and house-hold waste, deforestation, loss of open space, loss of biodiversity and many other issues. In response to increasing awareness over climate change, environmental degradation, urgent measures for sustainable development have been addressed by some of the stake holders all over the world.Banking system hold a unique position in an economy that can affect production, business and other economic activities through their procedure for financing activities which would in turn contribute to protect environment/climate from pollution. Moreover, efficiency in energy use, water consumption and waste reduction may significantly contribute for operating cost of many of the large banks of the country.Projects/Businesses those include waste prevention and resource efficiency systems in a wide range of sectors including community, commercial and business organizations – such as shopping centers, regional airports, hospitals, construction, farms, a university, public organizations, and educational organizations are receiving enhanced attention these days. Green finance as a part of Green Banking makes great contribution to the transition to resource-efficient and low carbon industries i. e. Green industry and green economy in general.Green banking is a component of the global initiative by a group of stakeholders to save the climate/ environment. Gree n banks or environmentally responsible banks do not only improve their own standards but also affect socially responsible behavior of other businesses. 3. 2 Why Green Banking: 3. 1 What is Green Banking: * * Green Bank means * An ethical bank * A socially responsible bank * A sustainable bank. * Green Banking is to support: * Innovative green products * Activities those are not hazardous to environment and help conserve environment. To help safeguard the planet from * unusual weather pattern; * rising greenhouse gas; * Declining air quality. * For ensuring green economic growth: economic growth which is sustainable. * To meet one of the Millennium Development Goals: Ensure Environmental Sustainability. 3. 3 Definitions of Green Banking: 3. 3. 2 The Broad focus: 3. 3. 1 In general focus: Green Banking is like a normal bank' which considers the entire social and environmental factors; it is also called as an ethical bank' Ethical banks have started with the aim of protecting the envir onment.Green banking refers to the efforts of the Banking sector to keep the environment green and to minimize greenhouse effects through rationalizing their strategies, policy, decisions and activities pertaining to banking service, business and in-house operational activities. Green banking may be seen as a component of the global initiative from Banks end to save environment. Green banks or environmentally responsible banks do not only improve their own standards but also affect socially responsible behavior of other business. Green banking can benefit the environment either by reducing the carbon footprint of consumers or banks.Either works, some with paper. Either a bank o (a consumer can conserve paper and benefit the environment. Ideally, a green banking initiative will involve both. Online banking is an example of this. When a bank’s customers go online, the environmental benefits work both ways. Green banking means combining operational improvements and technology, a nd changing client habits. 3. 3. 3 The definitions derived from specialists: * Sherman stresses (Key Differentiator of Green Choice Bank, Chicago): â€Å"With green banking, what sets leaders apart from the rest is†¦ ow you invest back in the community, so we are trying to develop loan products and deposit products that reward good environmental choices * Todd Larson (Community investing guide, green America): â€Å"a green bank is a logical extension of -socially responsible investing. † * Sherman Stresses, (Key Differentiator of Green Choice Bank, Chicago): â€Å"With green banking, what sets leaders apart from the rest are†¦ how you invest back in the community, so we’re trying to develop loan products and deposit products that reward good environmental choices†. Todd Larson (Community investing guide, green America): â€Å"A green bank is a logical extension of socially responsible investing. † * Justin Pritchard (columnist, about com): â⠂¬Å"Green Bank is a bank focusing on sustainability. It is bank like others but they are to claim the â€Å"green banking† niche, and they hope to excel by serving companies and individuals interested in green business. For the most part, the bank will work with businesses that find ways to do more and use less†. * Pravakar Shahoo (Author, Green Banking in India): The banks should go green and play a pro-active role to take environmental and ecological aspects as part of their lending principle, which would force industries to go for mandated investment for environmental management, use of appropriate technologies and management systems†. * Geoff Green wade, President and CEO, Green Bank (Houston): â€Å"Green banking means combining operational improvements and technology, and changing client habits†. * Stacy Ayiers (Author, Green banking-a new resource bank): â€Å"Specific banks designed to aid environmentally-conscious businesses and consumers with bet ter incentives and loan rates.Despite the changes in our economic system in business caused by the housing market, these banks are willing to work with companies who want to empower sustainability†. 3. 4 Conceptual derivation of Green Banking: : Americans are starting to turn to eco-friendly banking as a way to help reduce the carbon footprint from their normal banking activities. This movement away from branch and paper banking is being led by green banks that believe in social responsibility. The discussion around environmental management in financial institutions has until now largely taken place in industrialized countries.However, in view of the financial globalization and ever increasing environ-mental regulations, many financial institutions operating in developing and emerging countries are pressed to better manage risks arising from environmental liabilities. Besides credit and market risks, damage to an institution’s reputation often represents an important dr iver for international banks. Domestic players – including microfinance institutions may have different incentives, among others to contribute to local development, but they play an equally important role.Empirical research since 1990 concluded that banks were not interested in their own environmental situation or that of their clients. We are witnessing certain changes and growing awareness in the field of financial sector like; environmental investment funds, loans, green banking, global banking, rural banking, agri-banking, social banking and ethical banking. * Social Banking: In Social Banking, the focus is on satisfying existing needs in the real economy and the society; also taking into account their social, cultural, ecological, and economic sustainability.In the repercussion of the crisis, many people felt that social banking is more caring for the overall progress of society than traditional and mainstream banking. It is assumed that social banking may provide import ant lessons for the banking and financial sector to avoid further crises in the future. According to Institute for Social Banking, â€Å"Social Banking describes the provision of banking and financial services that consequently pursue, as their main objective, a positive contribution to the potential of all human beings to develop, today and in the future†.Benedikter (2011) defines Social Banks as â€Å"banks with a conscience†. They focus on investing in community, providing opportunities for the disadvantaged, and supporting social, environmental, and ethical agendas. Social banks try to invest their money only in endeavors that promote the greater good of society, instead of those, which generate private profit just for a few. He has also explained the main difference between mainstream banks and social banks that mainstream banks are in most cases focused solely on the principle of profit maximization whereas, social banking implements the triple principle of profi t-people-planet.Social banks care about making a profit, but equally for promoting human and environmental well-being. It is this triple principle that they follow when they decide to whom to lend money, and for what purpose. It means that social banks consider social and economic â€Å"sustainability† when making financial decisions. â€Å"Sustainable† investments and lending practices are ones that produce a better quality of life for the greatest possible amount of people, and whose effects endure over time and continue to produce a multiplicity of positive effects long after the initial investment.Now-a-days, social banks are becoming cultural power as social banking includes the concepts of humane and humanist in financial activities. * Ethical Banking: The Cooperative Bank (UK) offers its customers home energy rating on purchases of consumer durables. The purpose is to enable them to better understand how energy efficient a property is and how to make improvement s. Moreover, bank's mortgages include carbon-offset features. Every year that a customer holds a mortgage, the bank offsets a fifth of the carbon dioxide emissions arising from a typical household's energy consumption.Following customer consultation in 2003, offset money were used for reforestation in Uganda, a Bangladesh project that trains local people to build energy efficient stoves and a Bulgaria project supporting micro-hydro electricity generation. Citizens Bank (Canada) allows its customers to choose between a variety of VISA cards that benefit Oxfam Canada, Amnesty International or their philanthropic Shared Interest program by donating $0. 10 to not-for-profit initiatives worldwide every time their VISA card is used. This enabled Citizens Bank to donate thousands of dollars to Doctors.These are only a few of the wide range of services available at different ethical banks. * Agri-Banking Alston (2004) argued that international and national events like globalization, interna tional policy manipulations such as the US farm bill, and national policy, are having a major impact on agricultural production in Australia. It is more likely that these issues are acting to continue and exacerbate a trend towards reduced viability for farm families evident in economic and social trends since at least the 1950s.It was further argued that social aspects of agricultural production in Australia noting social trends and drawing attention to the changing social relations of agriculture. It was concluded that there is dominance of farm families, the role of corporate agriculture, ethnic diversity, the importance of women, and the practice of farm transfers. Punjab National Bank’s (PNB) Corporate Social Responsibility Report (2010) shows that agriculture and farmer’s related initiatives are taken by PNB increased lending to agriculture, weaker sectors and women; which results in impacting their lives through income generation.Moreover, the report shows that the Bank has established two trusts viz. , PNB Farmers Welfare Trust and PNB Centenary Rural Development Trust. These trusts are involved in running training centers which imparts training in farming and also other non-farm activities. PNB Farmers’ Welfare Trust was established in the year 2000 for welfare of the farmers, women and youth in rural areas. Under the aegis of the Trust, 8 Farmers’ Training Centers (FTCs) have been made operational at villages.Apart from this Mobile Van is being used at FTC Sacha Khera for providing off-site training on improved package & practices of agricultural crops & allied activities, soil testing and Jatropha cultivation. In addition, the van is acting as an information kiosk. * Rural Banking: Ramachandran and Swaminathan (2002) examined the effect of financial sector reform on rural banking and rural credit transactions in India. They reviewed the trends in selected indicators of rural banking at the national level over the last 30 years.Moreover, they used longitudinal data for a village in Tamil Nadu to examine changes in patterns of indebtedness and credit transactions among landless labor households. They concluded that the exploitation of landless labor households in the credit market has intensified with the introduction of financial reforms and lastly, the policy was envisaged as an alternative to the formal credit sector in the countryside. Burgess and Pande (2005) evaluated the impact of a large state-led bank branch expansion program in India on rural poverty between 1977 and 1990.They used deviations and regression analysis and found that branch expansion into rural unbanked locations in India significantly reduced rural poverty. * Global Banking: Miller, S. R. and Parkhe, A. (2002) conducted empirical test of the liability of foreignness in the global banking industry, using Fitch–IBCA Bank Scope data for the period 1989–96 and their findings strongly support the liability of foreignn ess hypothesis. Further, the data showed some evidence that the X-efficiency of a foreign-owned bank is strongly influenced by the competitiveness of its home country and the host country in which it operates.Moreover, it was found that in some environments U. S. -owned banks is more X-efficient than other foreign-owned banks in some environments, but less X-efficient in others. Mathur, N. D. (2009) has identified a visible trend that growing integration of economies and the markets around the world is making global banking a reality. The use of Internet banking has widened frontiers of Global Banking and it is now possible to market financial products and services on a global basis. Like other industries, banking has become more global. Banking stands out, however, in its legal form and reliance on cross border positions.Banks run special risks in lending abroad. McCauley, McGuire and Peter (2010) have shown that some banking systems are international in their organization while ot hers are multinational, and that the multinational model can be operated with a greater or lesser degree of centralization. While much work remains to be done in assessing the performance of various banking models during the crisis, it does appear that local assets proved more stable under stress. Cross-border claims and liabilities proved less stable. These findings hold even if account is taken of the series break represented by US securities irms becoming reporting banks, exchange rate changes and distortions from mergers and acquisitions, some of which resulted from the crisis itself. * Other Issues: Banks, usually take help of various Information Technology (IT) based channels to provide their banking and other services. For this purpose, they are in need to provide continuous and frequent information about their services. We can use IT as a strong means to fulfill our objectives social and ethical banking. The IT based banking services are as follows: Mobile Banking is a new a nd emerging concept.Large numbers of people are still not aware about usage of mobile banking. In this, one's mobile phone is used to conduct banking transactions. The popularity of Online Banking is significantly increasing day by day. It is a term used for performing various transactions, payments, and account statements etc. with the help of Internet. Relationship Managers, mostly for private banking or business banking, often visit customers at their homes or businesses. Video banking is a term used for performing banking transactions or professional banking consultations via a remote video and audio connection.Video banking can be performed via purpose built banking transaction machines (similar to an Automated teller machine), or via a Video conference enabled bank branch clarification. * 3. 4. 1 Flow Chart of conceptual derivation of Green Banking: Green Banking: There are some major concerns about environmental issues. Therefore, organization need to pay attention to their o utputs whether they are violating environmental issues or not. At Triodos Bank, it is believed that profit should not be earned at the expense of the world's most pressing environmental problems.That is why they finance organizations from organic food and farming businesses and pioneering renewable energy enterprises, to recycling companies and nature conservation projects. Citizens Bank of Canada has lowered its interest rate on loans for carbon emission cars. These kinds of efforts will surely motivate other banks to promote green banking and consequently in long run environmental issues can be resolved. Agri Banking Rural Banking Global Banking Social Banking Ethical Banking Other Issues Green Banking 3. 4. 2 Green Banking: A New Eco-Friendly Concept in Banking Arena:Green banking is a component of the global initiative by a group of stakeholders to save environment where, sustainable development has emerged as a new paradigm of development in response to the current discourse of development that over-exploits natural environment for economic prosperity. The sustainable development can best be achieved by allowing markets to work within an appropriate framework of cost efficient regulations and economic instruments. One of the major economic agents influencing overall industrial activity and economic growth is the financial institutions such as banking sector.The banking sector influences the economic growth and development in terms of both quality and quantity, there by changing the nature of economic growth. Banking sector is one of the major sources of financing investment for commercial projects which is one of the most important economic activities for economic growth. Therefore, banking sector can play a crucial role in promoting environmentally sustainable and socially responsible investment (SRI). Banks may not be the polluters themselves but they will probably have a banking relationship with some companies/investment projects that are polluters or could be in future.Banking sector is generally considered as environmental friendly in terms of emissions and pollutions. Internal environmental impact of the banking sector such as use of energy, paper and water are relatively low and clean. Environmental impact of banks is not physically related to their banking activities but with the customer’s activities. Therefore, environmental impact of bank’s external activity is huge though difficult to estimate. Moreover, environment management in the banking business is like risk management.It increases the enterprise value and lowers loss ratio as higher quality loan portfolio results in higher earnings. Thus, encouraging environmentally responsible investments and prudent lending should be one of the responsibilities of the banking sector. Further, those industries which have already become green and those, which are making serious attempts to grow green, should be accorded priority to lending by the banks. This method o f finance can be called as â€Å"Green Banking†, an effort by the banks to make the industries grow green and in the process restore the natural environment.This concept of â€Å"Green Banking† will be mutually beneficial to the banks, industries and the economy. Not only â€Å"Green Banking† will ensure the greening of the industries but it will also facilitate in improving the asset quality of the banks in future. Internationally, there is a growing concern about the role of banking and institutional investors for environmentally responsible/socially responsible investment projects. Banking and other financial institutions are more effective towards achieving this goal for the kind of intermediary role they play in any economy and for their potential reach to the number of investors.Environment is no longer the exclusive concern of the government and the direct polluters, but also the other partners and stake- holders in the business like financial institution s such as banking institutions can play a very important role in fostering linkage between economic development and environmental protection. To substantiate, quality of service, the implementation of environmental conservation measures, support to the deprived section of the society, concern about the quality of life and nature are the basic principles that the financial institutions are relying on in their business strategy in recent years.The banking operation targets a certain long-term rate of return on their credit and investment. Therefore, it is of importance to the banking sector to follow certain environmental evaluation of the projects before financing. There are studies showing positive correlation between environmental performance and financial performance (Hamilton, 1995; Hart, 1995; Blacconiere and Pattern, 1993). Thus, it is imperative for the financial institutions in the present context to consider environmental performance in deciding whether to invest in companie s or advise clients to do so.The formation of different rules for environmental management like resource conservation, clean water act, clean air act, toxic substance control act are also viewed as potentially significant contributor to the recent increase in environmental liability for banking institutions. Adoption of these principles will offer significant benefits to financial institutions, to consumers and also the stakeholders. There have been attempts to adopt sustainable development strategies from various quarters at international level.Multilateral agencies, international consortiums, multilateral financial and development institutions have been advocating for environmental standards and strategies to evaluate investment projects. In the recent years, the international organization for standardization (ISO) has issued series of comprehensive guidelines for incorporating environmental protection and pollution prevention objectives into industrial activity worldwide, known c ollectively as ISO 14000. It would certainly give the much needed impetus for the banking industry to expand the use of environmental information in their credit extension and investment decisions.In this backdrop, the paper aims to discuss the issues of sustainability in Banking and how banks can play a role for sustainable growth and development, particularly in the Bangladesh context. The state of environment in Bangladesh is rapidly deteriorating. The key areas of environmental degradation cover air pollution, water pollution and scarcity, encroachment of rivers, improper disposal of industrial medical and house-hold waste, deforestation, and loss of open space and loss of biodiversity. In addition, Bangladesh is one of the most climate change vulnerable countries.In line with global development and response to the environmental degradation, financial sector in Bangladesh should play important roles as one of the key stake holders. In response to the above, urgent measures are r equired by stake holders for sustainable development and thereby save the planet. Banks hold a unique position in an economic system that can affect production, business and other economic activities through their financing activities and thus may contribute to pollute environment. Moreover, energy and water efficiency and waste reduction are of high concern for many big banks.Green banks or environmentally responsible banks do not only improve their own standards but also affect socially responsible behavior of other business. 3. 4. 4 Green Banking & Environmental Risk Management Interrelationship: 3. 4. 3 Green Banking & Sustainable Growth: Sustainable development meets the need of present generation without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs. The key to sustainable development is to ensure broad-based inclusive economic growth, with: * Promotion of natural resources; Preservation of regenerating capacity of ecological system; * Avoidance of envi ronmental risks on future generations. Banking sector can play an intermediary role between economic development and environmental protection. Green Banking & Environmental Risk Management (ERM) move together to care for: * Environmental problems * Poverty & environment * High consumption patterns * Health and environment * Moral obligation 3. 4. 6 Scope of Green Banking: 3. 4. 5 Purpose of Green Banking:The purpose of Green Banking Policy will be to ensure necessary measures to protect environmental pollution while providing service or financing customers as well as to improve in-house environment management through efficient use of various resources at Head Office, Branches and other link offices. This policy document will be applicable for issues related to Green Banking with respect to activities of the Bank and its customers that have impact on the environment. 3. 4. 7 Benefits of Green Banking: Apart from enrichment of the external environment, Green Banking may also help impr ove the performance of the Bank in the following ways: Basically Ethical (Green) banking avoids as much paper work as possible and rely on online/electronic transactions for processing so that you get green credit cards and green mortgages. Less paperwork means less cutting of trees. * Creating awareness to business people about environmental and social responsibility enabling them to do an environmental friendly business practice. * Green (Ethical) banks adopt and implement environmental standards for lending, which is really a proactive idea that would enable eco-friendly business practices which would benefit our future generations. When you are awarded with a loan, the interest of that loan is comparatively less with normal banks because ethical banks give more importance to environmental friendly factors – ecological gains. Natural resources conservation is also one of the underlying principles in a green bank while assessing capital/operating loans to extracting/industr ial business sector. * Improve the image of the Bank by showing and serving its commitment to the environment. * Significantly reduce operational cost due to less consumption of office stationeries, energy and water. Enhance productivity as well as efficiency of the employees through skilled & optimum usage of technology. * Reduce possible health hazards by installing eco-friendly equipments. * Save significant portion of Forestry by reducing paper usage * Lessen emission of Green House Gases (GHGs) through making less corporate travelling through teleconferencing as well as arranging transport pool for the employees. * Help develop customer’s consciousness on environment by arranging awareness development program * Reduce the extent of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) if investment goes to less risky projectsThe Initiatives for Promoting Green Banking: 4. 1 Ethical Initiatives and Community Involvement: Numerous banks (as well as some conventional banks) create initiates that all ow the banker to contribute to organizations that have positive societal environmental impacts either in the local community or in developing countries. For example the Cooperative Bank (UK) offers customers â€Å"a free Home Energy Rating on all house purchases, enabling them to better understand how energy efficient a property is and how to make improvements. Additionally, all of the bank's mortgages include carbon-offset features.Every year that a customer holds a mortgage the bank offsets a fifth of the carbon dioxide emissions arising from a typical household’s energy consumption following customer consultation 2003 offset monies were used for reforestation in Uganda, a Bangladesh project which trains local people to build energy efficient stoves and a Bulgaria project supporting micro-hydro electricity generation. Whereas the Citizens Bank (Canada) allows its customers to choose between a variety of VISA cards that benefit Oxfam Canada Amnesty International or their ph ilanthropic Shared interest program by donating $0. 0 to non-for-profit initiatives worldwide every time their VISA card is used. This enabled Citizens Bank to donate $24,800 to Doctors without Borders/ Medicines Sans Frontiers in 2007. These are only a few of the wide range of services available at different ethical banks. Many also have lower interest loans for low emission cars (ex. of low emission car initiative put forth by citizens Bank). Ethical banks excel in community involvement, as do other financial instructions such as credit unions. Community involvement is not limited to ethical banks as conventional banks also partake in such actions.The following are a few examples of community involvement done by ethical banks, credit unions, and conventional banks: * Affordable housing projects (ex. Van city ; Citizens bank) * Many banks/credit unions try to increase financial literacy and consciousness for environment in the community * Financially support community events (for e x. each year TD Canada trust donates to a local cause). The role of Green banking in Environmental Management. The world has seen much focus on economic progress and mankind has made giant steps in its journey through time.The side effects of the development process have’ however, also been equally enormous-loss of biodiversity' climatic change' environmental damage, etc. Social issues such as, poverty alleviation have also become more important as the world has progressed economically’ Banks play an important role in development of an economy. The economic reforms totally have changed the banking sector. The banking sector forming a portion of the financial sector primarily works as a financial intermediary generating money supply.The banks should go green and play a pro-active role to take environmental and ecological aspects as part of their lending principle, which would force industries to go for mandated investment for environmental management' use of appropriate technologies and management systems. Banks that are serious about sustainable development put principles at the heart of decision-making' Fundamental issues such as how deals are done and loans are made, in searching proactively for opportunities and even in establishing and adhering to policy frameworks that deliberately preclude involvement in certain investments.For example, an investment in a factory that pollutes heavily (and passes on the costs to the society at large) will generally have a higher financial rate of return than a factory that invests in expensive pollution control technology' as a result showing a lower rate of return. A Green Banking movement such as less paper is good for the environment where Customers make paper less deposits, withdrawals and remittances. Going green through I. No paper statements (statements and charges summaries will be delivered electronically Via Internet Banking) II.Fewer letters to open (Bank will call or email us for service reasons wherever possible rather than write to us) III. No cheque book or paying-in book for our current account. IV. No paper-based marketing. The Bank can concentrate on Nature and environment by projects in the field of renewable energy (wind energy & hydro-electric projects), organic agriculture across the entire value chain including health food shops and environment technology such as recycling companies and nature conservation projects.As environmental issues gain greater attention, pressures are being placed on all industries, including financial services, to implement â€Å"green† initiatives. Like Resource conservation through cash recycling, double-sided statement print-outs’ electro mobility. 4. 2 International Initiatives for Green Banking: The financial sector’s glowing adherence to environmental management system is attributed to the direct and indirect pressures from international and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), multilateral agencies an d in some cases the market through consumers.In the early 1990s, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) launched what is now known as the UNEP Finance initiative (UNEPFI). Some 200 financial institutions around the globe are signatories of this initiative statement to promote sustainable development living the framework of market mechanisms toward common environmental goals. The objective is to integrate the environmental and social dimension to the financial performance and risk associated with it in the financial sector.As the commitment of this UNEPFI statement goes, sustainable development is regarded basic to the sound business management. It advocates for a precautionary approach towards environmental management and suggests integrating environmental considerations into the regular business operations, asset management, and other business decisions of the banks. IFC's environmental unit was established in 1991 for reviewing each project for environmental assessment.Simi larly, the US Export-Import Bank regularly reviews while financing exports on the ground whether they are environmentally sound. It will be noteworthy to mention that Netherland-based ABN-Amro bank has developed certain Reputational Risk Management (RRM) policies to identify, asses and mange non-financial present within it business engagements- Similarly, some of the big international banks like ABN Amro, Deutsche, Standard Chartered, HSBC Bank etc. look at environment issues discussed under Kyoto Protocol.Going further, the Dutch Government has made a formal request to barks in achieving sustainable development. The dialogue between banks and government was established in 1999 to initiate policies for environmental improvements through the development of new financial products and services. Similarly, Earth (FOE) and the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) challenged the industry with high-profile campaign that highlighted cases in which commercial banks were -bankrolling disasters in 2000 in the US.In 2002, a global coalition of NGOs formed a network named Bank Tract’ to promote sustainable finance in the commercial sector. This coalition came up with a resolution constituting six principles promoting environmental protection and social justice by banks and this is popularly known as â€Å"Collevecchio Declaration†. The six principles that this declaration advocated included commitments to sustainability no-harm responsibility, accountability, transparency and sustainable market, and governance.More than 200 organizations have endorsed this declaration and urged the banks to incorporate these commitments into their business operation The declaration states that -Finance and Commerce has been at the center of a historic detachment between the world's natural resource base, production and consumption. As we reach the boundaries of ecological boundaries of the ecological limit upon which all commerce relies, the financial sector should take its share of responsibility for reversing the effects this detachment has produced.All these concerns for sustainable finance or green finance have compelled the banking institutions to devise a common and coherent set of environmental and social policies and guidelines that can be used to evaluate the projects. A small group of banks along with IFC carne together to initiate the process of designing the common guidelines in October 2002 and came up with a guidelines in June 2003 that is known as Equator Principles with 10 leading commercial banks adopting these voluntary set of principles.This equator principle was subsequently updated and the new revised sets of principles are hunched in July 2006. The coverage of projects being financed is expanded in this revised set of principles by lowering the finance threshold from $50 million to $10 million presently 46 financial institutions from 16 countries with business operation in more than 100 countries have embraced this equator principle, So this principle has become a common standard of project finance that imported environmental and social issues in project finance.The activities of the equator banks (banks adopting equator principles) are being reviewed by NGOs worldwide and are being published whenever it is realized that they are not committed to Equator Principle. IFC along with the Financial Times has initiated Sustainable Banking Award' since 2006. More than 104 financial institutions out of 151 entries from 51 countries have made it to the final lists of award 2007. The number of banks applying was up by more than 100 percent compared to the previous year’s 48 banks from 28 countries.All the international initiatives towards integrating environmental concerns into business operation of banks are voluntary in nature and are meant to a common good of a better ecosystem Voluntary commitment has its own shortcoming in a competitive market. Unless the market for green money will increase, the lenders will al ways have an incentive to increase their social commitment and prioritize the commercial interest in the short run. So demand for green money is a precondition of green banking if it will be voluntary.A Government legislation that makes banks accountable for the misdeeds of their clients will help promotes green banking. 4. 2. 1 Global initiatives: Durban Climate Conference: Governments agreed to adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change by 2015. Key Decisions: * Green Climate Fund to be made available to developing countries by 2012. * Adaptive capacities of the poorest and most vulnerable countries to be strengthened. * Technology Mechanism to become fully operational by 2012. * Web-based registration of developing country mitigation actions seeking financial support. . 3 Domestic Initiatives for Green Banking: : Though be late, Bangladesh is now aware that global warming is an issue that calls for a global response. The rapid change in climate will be too great to allow many eco-systems to suitably adapt, since the change have direct impact on biodiversity, agriculture, forestry, dry land, water resources and human health. Due to unusual weather pattern, rising greenhouse gas, declining air quality etc. society demands that business also take responsibility in safeguarding the planet.Green finance as a part of Green Banking makes great contribution to the transition to resource-efficient and low carbon industries i. e. green industry and green economy in general. Green banking is a component of the global initiative by a group of stakeholders to save environment. The state of environment in Bangladesh is rapidly deteriorating. The key areas of environmental degradation cover air pollution, water pollution and scarcity, encroachment of rivers, improper disposal of industrial medical and house-hold waste, deforestation and loss of open spaces and loss of biodiversity.In addition, Bangladesh is one of the most climate change vulnerable countries. In line with global ; development and response to the environmental degradation, financial sector in Bangladesh can play important roles as one of the key stake holders. In response to the above, urgent measures are required by stakeholders for sustainable development and thereby save the planet. Banks hold a unique position in an economic system that can affect production, business and other economic activities though their financing activities and thus may contribute to protect environment.Moreover, energy and water efficiency and waste reduction are of high concern for many big banks- Green banks or environmentally responsible banks do not only improve their own standards but also affect socially responsible behavior of other business. 4. 3. 1 Bangladesh Bank's Earlier Initiatives: Bangladesh Bank (BB) is well aware of the environmental degradation situation as mentioned above and has already given time to time directions to all scheduled banks.Commercial Banks are now required to e nsure necessary measures to protect environmental pollution while financing a new project or providing working capital to the existing enterprises. Banks have been advised to facilitate their clients with utmost care in opening Letter of Credit (L/C) for installation of Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) in the industrial units. Banks have been advised to finance in Solar Energy, Bio-gas, ETP and Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK) in brick field under refinance program of BB.A comprehensive guideline on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been issued where banks have been asked to concentrate hard on linking CSR at their highest corporate level for ingraining environmentally and socially responsible practices and engaging with borrowers in scrutiny of the environmental and social impacts. Banks have been brought under the purview of E-commerce with a view to providing the customers with online-banking facilities covering payments of utility bills, money transfer and transactions in local c urrency through internet as well.Considering the adverse effects of Climate Change, banks have been advised to be cautious about the adverse impact of natural calamities and encourage the farmers to cultivate salinity resistant crops in the salty areas, water resistant crops in the water locked and flood prone areas, drought resistant crops in the drought prone areas, using surface water instead of underground water for irrigation and also using organic fertilizer, insecticides by natural means instead of using chemical fertilizer and pesticides. 4. 3. 2 Commercial Banks’ Attention to Green Banking:Bangladesh Bank governor urged the chief executive officers of the country’s banks to pay attention to green banking, by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Central bank has a fund named -Renewable Energy Fund. Only two banks have so far taken the opportunities offered by the fund. The central bank governor made the request at the launching ceremony of the Environmental Risk management Guidelines. BB urged the banks and financial institutions to keep climate change and environmental considerations as priorities in their activities.The Impact of a deteriorating climate on financial institutions and business enterprise have driven the creation of the Environmental Risk Management Guidelines, encouraging banks and FIs to adopt risk management practices to safe guard against these inevitable environmental concerns. Detailed guidelines on green banking were Issued on February 27,2011 in which banks have been advised to give more emphasis to help environment by eliminating paper uses saving gas and carbon emissions, and reducing printing costs and postage expenses.Banks shall comply with the instructions stipulated in the detailed guidelines on Environmental Risk Management in consideration of a part of the Green Banking Policy. The comprehensive guidelines were developed by Bangladesh Bank in collaboration with IFC and with input f rom Bankers Association of Bangladesh and financial sector stakeholders and have been issued to all financial institutions in the country. The Major Area & Products of Green Banking 5. 1 The Major Areas of Green Banking: : Green banking can benefit the environment either by reducing the carbon footprint of consumers or banks.Either a bank or a consumer can conserve paper and benefit the environment. Ideally, a green banking initiative will involve both. Online banking is an example of this. When a bank’s customers go online, the environmental benefits work both ways. Other examples of what Green Bank Report considers forms of green banking on the consumer side include: * Green Deposits: Banks can offer higher rates on CDs, money market accounts, checking accounts and savings account if customers opt to conduct their banking activities online. Green Checking – converting checking accounts to online banking * Green Money Market Accounts – converting savings accoun ts to online banking * Green CDs – bonus rates for online banking * Green