Organic vs Conventional Food

Question: This assignment is like an opinion piece about what has affect me as me listen to the issues. I need to identify what I think is the issue or the problem with the approach currently being taken and the state what I think should be done and what I personally can do. Is about 1-2 pages . I really don't have time to do this assignment. Could you help please? Answer: In today's world, people have a lot of choices in foods they consume. Now people's choice is divided between organic food and conventional food. Some feel organic food is healthier while some trust convention foods only. Both varieties of food are now available in the market. Now the issue I think is to decide which food is best for us. An extensive debate exists whether eating organic food is good for health or not. Getting information about both types of food items will help me to get a clear idea. Organic foods are produced and processed without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. On the other hand, inorganic foods are produces using synthetics like fertilizers to produce finished products. I would like to identify the pros and cons of both food items and then decide which will be a better option for consumers (Paul Rana, 2012). Organic foods are genetically produced to get desired varieties of colorful and shiny fruits and vegetables. This food is devoid of any chemical food additives. This kind of food has fewer pesticides, and it is more nutritious too. Producers need to have special certification to label their food as organic. A few advantage of organic food is that organic farming process reduces pollution, promotes water and soil conservation, and so it is good for the environment (Bommarco et al., 2013). This type of agriculture generates less waste and requires less energy. It is good for consumers too as there are minimum exposure to pesticides and it is more nutritious too. But although many believe organic food is safer for health, still there is a lack of scientific evidence about the fact. I also feel that many people avoid it also because of the high cost. The cost is high due to increased production cost for producing such foods (Janssen Hamm, 2012). Inorganic foods use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but in this case, also producers can modify it at the genetic level to cross breed crops to produce strains with higher quality. A potential advantage associated with this kind of food is that it is synthetic materials helps to destroy molds toxins and bacteria. Many people also argue that trace amount of pesticides in inorganic food is less harmful than toxins present in organic food. There is also an argument that nutrient in organic food varies, but inorganic food contains a standardized level of nutrients. I think consumers rely on inorganic food because of its low cost and more yields, and it is cost effective (Bauer et al., 2013). So after analyzing the difference between both kinds of food, I can conclude that organic food is a better option if cost is not the factor for consumers. The inorganic food though reliable has a lot of risks involved. This is because chemical fertilizers in inorganic foods may have long-term harmful effects. It also causes damage to land as it makes the land non-fertile. So from consumers as well as producer perspectives, inorganic food is not safe. So, one should try to move to organic food for consumption as they are more nutritious too. Reference Bauer, H. H., Heinrich, D., Schfer, D. B. (2013). The effects of organic labels on global, local, and private brands: More hype than substance?.Journal of Business Research,66(8), 1035-1043. Bommarco, R., Kleijn, D., Potts, S. G. (2013). Ecological intensification: harnessing ecosystem services for food security.Trends in ecology evolution,28(4), 230-238. Janssen, M., Hamm, U. (2012). Product labelling in the market for organic food: Consumer preferences and willingness-to-pay for different organic certification logos.Food Quality and Preference,25(1), 9-22. Paul, J., Rana, J. (2012). Consumer behavior and purchase intention for organic food.Journal of consumer Marketing,29(6), 412-422.

Mahatma Gandhi Research Paper Example

Mahatma Gandhi Paper Essay on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu (Father of Nation), was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights, and freedom across the The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Bania[4] community In coastal Gujarat, and trained In law In London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the clvll rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians In South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent clvll disobedience that he developed. Returning to India In 191 5, he set about organlslng peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of â€Å"communalism† (I. e. basing polltlcs on rellglon) he reached out widely to all rellglous groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women’s rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ndinguntouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj †the independence of India from British domination. Gandhi led Indians in protesting the national salt tax with the 400 km (250 mi) Dandi Salt March in 1 930, and later in demanding the British to immediately Quit India in 1942, during World War II. We will write a custom essay sample on Mahatma Gandhi specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Mahatma Gandhi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Mahatma Gandhi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer He was imprisoned for that and for numerous other political offences over the years. Gandhi sought to practice non-violence and truth in all situations, and advocated that others do the same. He saw the villages as the core of the true India and promoted self-sufficiency; he did not support the industrialisation programs of his discipleJawaharlal Nehru. He lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn he had hand spun on a charkha. His chief political enemy in Britain was Winston who ridiculed him as a â€Å"half-naked fakir†. 6] He was a dedicated vegetarian, and undertook long fasts as means of both self-purification and political mobilisation. In his last year, unhappy at the partition of India, Gandhi worked to stop the carnage between Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs that raged in the border area between India and Pakistan. He was assassinated on 30 January 1948 by Nathuram Godse who thought Gandhi was too sympathetic to India’s Muslims. 30 January Is observed as Martyrs’ Day in India. The honorific Mahatma (â€Å"Great Soul†) was applied to him by 1914. [7] In India he was also called Bapu (â€Å"Father†). He Is known In India as the Father of the his birthday, 2 October, Is commemorated there s Gandhi Jayantl, a national holiday, and world-wide as the International Day of Non- Violence. Gandhi’s philosophy was not theoretical but one of pragmatism, that Is, practlslng his principles In the moment. Asked to give a message to the people, he would respond, â€Å"My life is my message BY vjshalRaJ1 freedom across the world. The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Bania[4] community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fghting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organising peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of â€Å"communalism† (i. e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of achieving SwaraJ †the independence of India from British domination. Gandhi led March in 1930, and later in demanding the British to immediately Quit India in 1942, Churchill,[5] who ridiculed him as a â€Å"half-naked fakir†. ] He was a dedicated Godse who thought Gandhi was too sympathetic to India’s Muslims. 30 January is to him by 1914. [7] In India he was also called Bapu (â€Å"Father†). He is known in India as the Father of the Nation;[8] his birthday, 2 October, is commemorated there as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and world-wide as the International Day of Non- Violence.

Religion in the Reign of Augustus Essay Example

Religion in the Reign of Augustus Essay Example Religion in the Reign of Augustus Essay Religion in the Reign of Augustus Essay in this manner it is introduced in the book of Livy ( Livy 2004 ) . So, the purpose of Augustus was to advance Rome as the bosom of the imperium. His programs included Reconstruction of some of the edifices of import from the spiritual point of position and the metempsychosis of the mythology and history of the metropolis. In the position of bookmans, the system began to work when the new name was taken by the emperor. As it is widely known, by birth he was named Gaius Octavius Thurinus. Then, after his male parent was dead, his granduncle Gaius Julius Caesar adopted him in 44 BC, so that he was besides officially called Gaius Julius Caesar between 44 and 31 BC. But when he defeated Mark Antony and received so much power, this official name was no longer plenty to reflect the outstanding position of Octavian. Some people even proposed to call him Romulus as the 2nd builder of Rome. But there was excessively much negative in the image of that hero and the option was necessary. In 27 BC the Senate gave him the honorific Augustus ( which was interpreted as the revered, respected, chosen one ) . Hence he became Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus. Bing a boy of the Godhead Julius, Divi Iulii Filius, Augustus was besides deified by people and accordingly led to the personal cult of the emperor ( Beard, North, an d Price 1988 ) . The name Augustus meant that he was favored by Gods to function the state of the Romans. The appropriate fable appeared. Harmonizing to it, when Augustus was steering the run for his 1st consulship, people saw 6 big vultures. And when Octavian was elected, 6 more vultures appeared. This auspice was typifying the backing of the religious higher forces and foretold that he was the minion to reconstruct Rome. Further on, old cults were modified and the new 1s were introduced. For illustration, if earlier festival devoted to the Lares was celebrated on the 1st of May, with Augustus it was obligatory o celebrate it besides on the 1st of August, likely in award of the Genius Augusti , bookmans suppose ( Zanker 1989 ) . While the Lares were seen as some obscure divinities ( sometimes understood as adored liquors of the dead ) , the Lares Augusti were presented as the ascendants of the emperor Augustus and the Spirit of Augustus was Genius Augustus himself. In this manner Augustus made the cults of his ain household general for the state, and from private cults they turned into common. From this, it was necessary to construct topographic points of worship at the hamlets in each ward. A. Price gives the illustration of a little memorial, approximately 3 metres high, 2 and a half metres broad, with a modest communion table. The five stairss led to it where there were images of the Genius Augus ti and the Lares Augusti to idolize them. In reconstructing the temples Augustus was besides really careful and active. For case, he reconstructed the temple of the Magna Mater. But in contrast with other temples built by him, this one was made non in marble but in the traditional coarse rock, rufa like most of the early Roman temples. Then, non far from this temple of the Magna Mater and at the same clip non far from his ain flats the emperor Augustus erected the temple of Apollo. The land it was built on was administratively his ain belonging. In 36 BC this topographic point was struck by the lightening. It was successfully interpreted as a good mark of God s will for some sacral edifice. Augustus announced it the public belongings and dedicated to Apollo. The temple eventually became one of the most impressive in the metropolis. It was decorated bountifully by sculptures of Danaus and 50 Danaids, his girls, placed between the columns in the front gallery of the temple. The door was carved with Hedera helix and bared the image of Diana and Apollo killing the Niobe s kids. The other side was decorated with the scene of the Gauls expulsed from Delphi. The best sculpturers from Greece made the figures of Apollo, Diana and their female parent Latona for the inside. The topographic point rapidly received a really high spiritual position, and even the old Sibylline Books were taken here from the temple of Jupiter as Sibyl got her gift of prophesy straight from Apollo. The historiographers reflect this outstanding fact in the manner that Augustus brought the temple non merely into the sacred boundaries of the metropolis but into his ain house, a individual house that holds three ageless Gods , by Ovid ( Jones 1951 ) . It was for the first clip in history that Godhead and human abode were combined ( the temple of Apollo, the shrine of Vesta and the castle of the Emperor ) , and it could nt assist working as a strong Godhead association for benefit of Augustus. Furthermore, the image of Apollo was changed significantly. He got the cardinal function on the new Rome of Augustus. And the narrative was told that he helped Augustus to get the better of Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC. In add-on, Augustus built one more temple dedicated to Apollo. It was situated in the City of Victory, Nikopolis, and gave birth to a great festival of Actian Apollo. In the centre of the new forum he founded the 3rd great temple. It was the temple of Mars Ultor, the first temple dedicated to the God of war in the pomerium. This chef-doeuvre was subsequently called the most beautiful edifice of the era, and it besides presents a successful combination of tradition and invention, of continuity and restructuring ( Galinsky 1998 ) . The temple symbolized Augustus military victory and Godhead protection of his land. Inside the temple there was a statue of Mars, and of Venus excessively, which stood there for the godly beginning of Caesar and Augustus. The figures of Aeneas, the male monarchs of Alba Longa and the Julii, Romulus, the boy of Mars, all in all 108 statues were doing up the image of Augustus beginning and showing him as a inheritor. Among the rites, introduced by the emperor, there was an ancient anthem where the name of Augustus was added. Now the name of Augustus must hold rung out to hearers clear as a bell amongst the arcane and venerable mumbo-jumbo ( Rives 2007 ) . At the same clip Augustus insisted he was non god, but merely the go-between for their will, and did nt overrate his function in the eyes of his people. The people were to believe in his supernatural mission themselves. His numen, or godly power was besides honored by public in Rome. There was no particular cult for praising Augustus as a life God, but about 6 AD Tiberius built an communion table near his house for piests to give to his numen. It was non accessible for common people and was non included to the official cult of ascendants. The affair is, this communion table was to signal that the emperor was non worshipped as Gods, but at the same clip stood for a mere distance between Augustus and the Gods. The fact that already by life Augustus was honored as a God was non plenty for him. To do the following coevalss retrieve and idolize his was his undertaking excessively. Although administrative reforms were non ceased, the princeps felt that his clip was pulling to the terminal, and in 13 AD he evened Tiberius with himself in all the constitutional rights. Then August placed the testament and other paperss in the temple of Vesta in Rome. In these paperss fiscal and military place of the Empire were briefly described and refined, though quite inexact and really partial political testament was given. This great papers, Res Gestae Divi Augusti ( The Deeds of the Divine Augusti ) reflected all his political calling, achievements, public benefactions, military and other workss and accomplishments. The governor was informed that after princeps Augustus had been buried and deified, the Senate should listen to his last will and testament and carry through it. So, his will was to denote that history Res Gestae with all his achievements to the Roman people. The texte of the history consisted of 35 paragraphs doing up four subdivisions and was engraved on two bronze pillars. These pillars were put in forepart of his mausoleum. But the Senate decided non to keep the entree to it to the people of Rome merely, and the transcripts were made for people of state. The governor likely summoned the occupants of the capital to the theatre or the market place to hear a reading of the text translated into Greek, Werner supposes ( Eck 2004 ) . Furthermore, the text Sn Latin and Greek was carved in rock on the walls of a temple to Roma and Augustus. When Augustus died, he was proclaimed to be immortal and a priestess Livia was assigned to execute sacred service for him. There was a adult male, Numerius Atticus, who swore that he saw Augustus go uping to heaven. The same was traditionally told about Romulus and Proculus. In add-on to shrine built by Livia and Tiberius, the shrines for the dead emperor of Rome were built all over the province, frequently by ain will of separate communities. In the temple of Mars they put a aureate image of Augustus to pay all the necessary awards. What is more, Livia organized a festival in the award of Augustus which is held even today. In this manner the first princeps of the Roman Empire created an appropriate public image of himself by reshaping rites, reorganising the spiritual landscape and unobtrusively pull stringsing heads of people. In fact, he ca nt be accused of that as he truly did much for his state in the consequence. In the regulation of Octavian Augustus the Roman civilization experienced a superb bloom, its aureate age ( Galinsky 1998 ) . The principate of Augustus the basic mottos of which were the reclamation of democracy and temperaments of ascendants, halting of wars and strives, was perceived by coevalss as a long-awaited delivering from civil strifes and wars that had been flooring Roman society for so long. Therefore the Roman values, half-forgotten spiritual ceremonials, legends about the heroism of ascendants , Roman myth ( i.e. legend about allegedly intended to Rome by Gods and destiny of Lordship over the universe ) were now in every manner underlined and became one of the basic su bjects for all cultural figures of that clip. The Roman myth was melted with the myth of August conciliator, Jesus from enduring, both myths became the caput rock of official political orientation of the Empire. All in all, Octavian Augustus was one of most gifted, energetic and intelligent swayers in the universe. Unusually tremendous work, prosecuting far-going programs on reorganisation and reclamation, which was conducted by him in every construction of the great Empire, assisted creative activity of the new Roman universe, in which all categories, up to the lowest, prospered due to the refined economical, political and cultural links and booming trade. The bossy government, set during his regulation ( with taking into history the mistakes of Caesar ) , replaced the Republic falling into decay though foremost there were a great figure of plotters and was doomed to the protracted being ( Raaflaub 1993 ) . He brought stableness, safety and public assistance unprecedented to greater portion of population for more than two centuries ; he provided endurance and care of political, societal and cultural bequest of the authoritative universe, both Roman and Greek, and provided a footing on which the seed of Christianity and Judaism were able to shoot while it was his age when Jesus Christ was born, and Israelite from a state-client was transformed into the Roman state. Bibliography Beard, M. , J. North, and S. Price. Religions of Rome. Cambridge: CUP, 1988. Eck, W. The Age of Augustus. Malden A ; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2004. Galinsky, K. Augustan Culture. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1998. Jones, A.H.M. The Imperium of Augustus , The Journal of Roman Studies 41, no.1 ( 1951 ) : 112-119. Livy, History of Rome, 29.19.11-13 ( tr. B. C. Craige. Roman Imperialism [ Malden A ; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing 2004 ] 267 ) Ovid, Fasti III.415-28 ( tr. M. Beard, J. North, and S. Price. Religions of Rome. [ Cambridge: Cup 1988 ] . 189 ) . Raaflaub, K.A. and M. Toher ( eds. ) . Between Republic and Empire: Interpretations of Augustus and His Principate. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1993. Rives, J. Religion in the Roman Empire. Malden A ; Oxford: Blackwell, 2007. Wells, C. The Roman Empire. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1992. Zanker, P. The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus ( Thomas Spencer Jerome Lectures ) . Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1989.

Organizational Analysis on the Army Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organizational Analysis on the Army - Essay Example This essay will examine the organizational structures of the United States army and examine how these structures have influenced the army’s performance both in the actions it has taken to help maintain America’s freedom and the freedom of citizens around the world. The Army, the land-based component of the American armed services, traces its origins back to the Continental Army that was founded by George Washington in the years before America won its freedom from the British. After fighting as a group in the War of 1812, the Army spent many decades helping to open up the West for American settlers and fighting skirmishes with Natives. The biggest crisis in the history of the Army was probably the American civil war which saw brother turn against brother and huge losses on both the Confederate and Union side. Many of the best generals in the Army, like Robert E. Lee fought on the Confederate side, and after the war a lot of work was required to repair the rift within the Army between the North and South. The Army had big successes, fighting valiantly, in the first and second world wars, and becoming the most powerful army in the world following this second conflict. It was able to fight victorious wars on two fronts. With the invention of the a tomic bomb, American military forces were second to none and the Army was more and more powerful. During the cold war the Army deployed on what were called policing missions—like Korea in the early 1950s—before the next big deployment in the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 70s. This was a difficult war: the Army had trouble adapting to the Viet Cong’s guerrilla tactics.1 The truth was the Army’s organization was not flexible, was too old fashioned to fight these kinds of non-conventional conflicts. There was also a great deal of rivalry between the different services within the Armed Forces. These rivalries created a great deal of problems when trying to prosecute a war in a

Communication Strategy in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Communication Strategy in Business - Essay Example All the audience wants to know is if or not the presenter has done sufficient homework to have them listen to him/her. Having said that, when a presenter is able to narrate a story, it not only involves the audiences more into the presentation, but also gives them the impression that the presenter knows what he/she is saying. The non-story like presentation makes the audiences feel drawn out, in reaction to which, they are reluctant to approve of the presentation. It is linked to business presentations because these presentations provide the audiences with a lot of room for questions. An effective business story is the one which has a certain start, discussion of interim events and a defined conclusion. Since it is a business story, so it has to explain the nature of business, the risks and opportunities encountered, the way they were managed, how the resources were arranged, what was the scope of work, the organization structure and the organizational culture and the profits made as well as the losses incurred. Being â€Å"in command† means that the presenter leads the presentation rather than the audiences taking the lead. It also means that the presenter knows and is experienced in the business. Q. 2 Answer: Weissman is right in his consideration of the story as of more value than the graphics. The audiences know that they are there just to raise the questions. Being in a position to challenge the arguments of the presenter, they fully exploit the presenter if he/she bores them with flashing slides, that don’t really make any detectable connection with one another. What they want is a detailed explanation of the challenges encountered by the presenter and the way he/she dealt with them. The audiences are smart enough to know that many presenters attempt to get away with the scintillating and gaudy effects while the content is really very shallow and just insufficient. By narrating the story, the presenter takes the form of a lecturer and the au diences become students. Naturally, a sense of respect for the presenter starts to cultivate in the audiences’ heart. I disagree with Weissman’s view that the effects of the slides are just to support the presenter and not the audiences. The various sizes of fonts and the background effects and the color combinations are fundamentally there to satiate the vision of the audiences. The audiences need the text to be clearly visible in the background, so that they may be able to read the content of the slide. Also, the audiences are very critical about each and every word of the content. The moment they feel that the presenter is trying to play with the words, they start arguing. A presenter who is able to narrate the story should display minimal content in the slides, should keep the charts and drawings very simple and the colors light. It doesn’t really matter if the slides have a low profile because it is fundamentally the presenter who is in charge. Q. 3 Answer: Although I agree that a presenter must always prepare properly, yet I do not agree that he must never apologize. There is no point for an individual not to be apologetic at any point in something as exposed to the public criticism as a presentation. If a presenter tends to defend his/her point when he/she is not really supposed to, it has a very negative impact on his/her impression in the audiences’ eyes. He/she is perceived to be stubborn and rude rather than understanding and kind.

Growth and Future of Private Equity Essay Example for Free

Growth and Future of Private Equity Essay 1. Overview of Private Equity Private equity is an important source of funds for start-up firms, and firms in financial distress. This type of funding has gained great significance in the past two decades and as such is a relatively new concept. It is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world of corporate finance with extensive applications across all industry segments. Businesses across the globe depend on capital investment for their growth and survival. The capital investment is generally raised through public issues, financial institutions, loans from banking institutions, mutual funds, and lease financing options available in the market. Investment in start-up business venture has high risks associated where business returns are uncertain. Private equity broadly refers to investment in companies that are privately owned. This form of investment generally uses funds raised from pension funds, financial institutions and wealthy individuals for investing in high growth businesses or for acquiring businesses with higher rates of return. â€Å"The private equity market involves large block transactions, which are privately negotiated, generally involving unlisted companies† (Business Standard publication). This type of investment is not listed in the stock exchange and has become popular financing instrument for new business ventures. This kind of investment broadly covers management buy-outs and buy-ins, development capital and venture capital. Management buy-ins and buy-outs In this case private equity funds are used to purchase the company or controlling stake in it using debt and equity capital. Development capital – This form of investment generally refers to money borrowed for development or growth purposes. Capital borrowed under this category can be used for any organizational purpose ranging from financing new lines of production to ensuring smooth completion of on going projects. Venture capital – This refers to investment in new business ventures that has promising growth potential and higher financial returns. Private equity firms establish funds that raise capital from investors who form limited partners. The private equity firms, referred to as the general partners invest this capital along with funds collected from banking and other commercial institutions to buy businesses that have significant growth and increased profitability potential. The general partners have certain guidelines for selecting a company or business for acquisition. A business that combines the ability to generate cash, and significant market value along with a strong managerial team to steer growth in the desired direction is an ideal investment option. The general partners objective is to infuse well-planned growth strategies backed by a strong team to improve the company’s performance and generate higher returns on investment. This is accomplished through strategic advice, market analysis, restructuring of existing operational framework, change management strategies and financing. They make money from the cash flow of the acquired business and then sell them for profitable gains. The relationship is generally of a short-term nature ranging from three to ten years of ownership after which the proceeds are used to acquire another business or finance another venture. Once the company has grown in terms of valuation and profitability it is sold to a larger company or floated on a stock market. The private equity investment has its own cycle that is extended through long periods of activity to support sustained business growth and gains. Private equity firms raise funds every three to five years to fund specific activities within the acquired business. The best time for acquiring a business is when the markets and prices are low. Similarly the ideal time for exiting or selling stakes in the acquired business is when the prices are high to maximize gains from proceeds. Investments within a company are usually held for several years to give time to the business to mature and reach a stage of high profits and market value. The private equity market constitutes of the organized market and the informal market. The organized private equity market includes professionally managed equity investments in unregistered securities of private and public companies. Specialized firms and institutional investors provide professional management services that build on the company’s assets and managerial talent. The private equity managers have large ownership stakes in the business and get actively involved in the overall management of the company. These businesses are profit-building machines for them that are nourished and nurtured to provide higher returns on investment. Once the businesses are established and reap profitable returns they are either listed for public offers in the market or sold to larger companies for higher gains. The organized private equity market has four major players comprising of private equity issuers, intermediaries, investors, and the agents or advisors. The issuers comprises of firms that cannot raise financing in the debt market or the public equity market. These firms are relatively younger in comparison to other firms in the market and they seek to raise capital for new product development or technology to show very high growth rates in the future. These firms are still in the research and development stage. In some cases firms with years of operation in the market venture out to new technologies or lines of service also come into this bracket for financing needs. This segment has assumed great importance in the private equity market with rising statistics and more private equity investors taking active interest in their potential growth capacity and highly profitable ventures. High yields and increasing returns are one of the most attractive features of this market segment. Intermediaries comprise of nearly 80 percent of private equity investments. This market sector mostly constitutes of limited partnership firms managed by independent partnership organizations or by affiliates of financial institutions. This segment also includes small business investment companies, or publicly traded investment companies that account for marginal share of the private equity market. Investors comprise of the public and corporate pension funds forming the largest investor groups accounting for 40 percent of global capital out standings. Public pension funds are the fastest growing group of investors and have overtaken private pension funds in terms of amount of private equity holdings. Endowments, foundations, bank holding companies, and high net worth individuals accounting for almost 10 percent each of the total private equity funds follow the pension funds. The other investors include insurance companies, investment banks, financial investors, and non-banking financial institutions. Agents and advisors form a significant section of the private equity market. They are mainly referred to as the information producers, who place private equity, raise funds for private equity partnerships, and evaluate the feasibility of the partnerships for the potential investors. Their sole purpose is to reduce the cost of information gathering that is required for private equity investment. They facilitate the search of companies in need of private equity funding, and institutional investors who are willing to enter into partnership agreement. They advise on the structure, timing, and pricing of private equity issues and assist in the process of negotiation between the two parties. Their role assumes greater significance in the context of financial investors who are unfamiliar with the local market or economy.   In the informal private equity market unregistered securities are sold to institutional investors, where the number of investors is larger and minimum investments smaller than the organized private equity market. Investors in this segment are mostly insiders in the company who have stake in the company. The companies that are financed through private equity funds benefit in terms of better management and increased efficiency since the investors take active interest in monitoring and improvising changes for better financial performance. The private equity firms have access to specialized management expertise for acquired businesses. Moreover, the private equity managers conduct extensive market research and analyze the feasibility of business ventures from every angle to draw risk assessment and opportunities before deciding on investment. This equips them with indepth market knowledge to make well-planned strategic moves that can reap higher productivity and gains for the private equity investors. The concept of private equity dates back to the year 1946 with the establishment of the American Research and Development Corporation with the sole objective of providing financing to new and start up businesses in the private sector. It was setup as an institution that provided finance as well as management expertise to ailing organizations. Since then the private equity market has witnessed a booming presence across the globe especially in the last 15 years. The sector has generated profits of more than $430 billion for their investors between the years 1991 and 2006. The recent corporate trends in the private equity market have shifted towards consolidations and buyouts. This is mainly attributed to seeking good investments by private equity firms and the benefits of cost advantage and minimizing risks across various channels of distribution. The private equity firms look for companies that are market leaders in terms of product and service offering having a strong management team and high barriers to market entry, attractive growth opportunities and profit margins. The growth of private equity funds is evident with increasing investment in large number of private companies as well as taking public companies private. Private equity has played an important role in economic development contributing to enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and improved performance of businesses in the private sector. The private equity market in India has also grown from US$20 million in 1996 to US$1.75 billion in 2004. The country is emerging as the major market for private equity investments. 2. Growth of Indian Economy The Indian subcontinent having population of over 1.1 billion, diverse cultures, religion, and languages has one of the largest and successfully running democracies in the world. Post independence it has been successful in eroding poverty and illiteracy to a great extent. The low per capita income combined with fewer manufacturing industries and a service sector at the base level had labeled the country as poor and underdeveloped. The economy was primarily agrarian and lack of facilities and infrastructure posed great difficulties in its progress. Initially the government controlled everything from banks to major industries. Facing such extreme situation the country has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world with an annual growth rate of 8% in the last three years. It is also seen as the destination for information technology and global process outsourcing. Increased foreign investments and growth in real per capita income has transformed the economy largely over the last decade. Now India is a rapidly growing economy experiencing a fast growth rate in the past few years. The path of economic development and progress that India has taken is spectacular and has emerged the new market for the world with immense growth potential. Various economists have predicted that India will become a major economic power in the years to come. This is largely attributed to the rising Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the countries and the major economic transformation that has taken place in the countries recently. The Indian economy had very poor growth rate post independence with a predominantly agrarian economy and underdeveloped manufacturing and service sectors. Rise in privatization of various sectors paved the way for economic progress in the subsequent years. The government sought to implement policies to ensure overall development of the manufacturing and service sectors. These measures brought about major changes in the industrial landscape and economic growth rate accelerated. The annual economic growth rate was 5.5% in the 1980s. Industrial growth rate was recorded at 6.6% annually and 3.6% in the agricultural sector. The 1990s witnessed a rapid change in the economic growth and development with the liberalization of the economy. A GDP growth of 9% was observed in the 2005-06 and 9.5% during 2006-07. With rising GDP and increased investment the economy is poised for enhanced growth rate. The economy was largely boosted by growth in tourism, financial sectors, and manufacturing industries. It is now the fourth largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. High growth rates in the industrial and service sector combined with a slump in the major economies across the world in the last few years have provided the Indian economy a boost. The mid 1990s saw a rise in the Information Technology sector in the country. The rapid penetration of computers and the Internet in nooks and corners of the country attributed largely to this rise. Moreover, the abundance of skilled professionals armed with latest technical know-how and the zeal to prove their abilities in this direction provided the necessary impetus. India soon became the hub of IT activities across the globe with surging demand for professionals from the country. Government reforms and policies provided the necessary infrastructure for the growth of this sector. This was a major achievement for the country. The growth in IT sector led to the rise in other associated service and industrial sectors contributing to overall development of the economy. Currently the service sector dominated by IT, financial services, and construction contributes more than 50% of the GDP. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is yet another arena contributing to overall economic development. This segment has attracted huge foreign investments into the country. A large portion of the Indian population comprises of young people. The educated young people have benefited the service sector with the availability of skilled labor and this contributed largely to the development of the country. Despite the slump in global economy that has hit hard some of the most developed economies like United States, Indian economy has remained immune to the effects of this recession. This is primarily due to the strong economic reforms adopted by the country. The low dependence of the economy on export trade is one of the reasons. The Indian economy is more driven by domestic demand than foreign investment. Moreover, the banking system has minimal exposure to foreign currency assets. This has rendered the economy relatively immune to the effects of the global slump. While other economies across the world are facing economic turmoil, India remains on steady footing. Being one of the fastest growing economies in the world India is attracting huge amounts of foreign investment. The total amount of foreign investment reached US$ 8.5 billion in the year 2006. Real GDP Growth Rate during 2003 to 2007   Ã‚   2003   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2004   Ã‚   2005    2006   Ã‚   2007 4.30% 8.30% 6.20% 8.40% 9.20% The chart shows the real GDP growth rate in percentage during the period 2003 to 2007. (Data collected from economywatch.com) The current GDP of the country is at 9.2% per annum that is quite an impressive figure. Growth of merchandise exports and rise in exports of services have strengthened the foreign reserves of the country. The major destinations for exports are United States, United Arab Emirates, and the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries). The active participation of India in international commerce has created enough opportunities for economic growth and development. The impressive growth rates and statistics predict the emergence of a strong economy in the coming future. Economists predict that the Indian economy will become a super economic power in the next two decades. Some of the major development indicators of Indian economy are summarized below: High rate of savings, almost 32% of the GDP and higher rate of investment – approximately 34% of the GDP indicate accelerated growth rate. A young population of the country is another factor contributing to the overall economic growth and development. Highly educated masses contributing to skilled labor force is yet another factor contributing to the rise in the IT and BPO sector. Economic growth has created huge employment opportunities that have helped in reducing poverty considerably. Economic reforms and policies adopted by the Government of India towards social upliftment with particular stress on education, health, and infrastructure has greatly assisted the process of economic growth. 3. Issues facing the Indian Economy India may be reckoned as the emerging economic power of the future, but it has its share of challenges that need to be overcome. Lack of adequate institutional and infrastructure facilities may create bottlenecks in the growth and development of the economy. Since independence the country has faced huge challenges in its way to modernization and political, economic and social growth. Impediments in the form of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, poor health facilities, and socio-cultural barriers posed grave problems in its road to development. The fast rate of growth aided by effective economic reforms helped in overcoming these challenges to a great extent. Poverty and illiteracy were reduced considerably with adequate measures adopted in the form of Five-year plans implemented by the successive governments. The upliftment of the masses by creating employment opportunities and provision for free and compulsory education for all across the country did have significant effect on the economy. Infrastructure also received considerable attention in the development plans resulting in the emergence of a new and modern India. In spite of tremendous progress India still faces major challenges that need to be overcome if the country wants to become a superpower in the near future. The issues and challenges faced by the Indian economy currently are given below: Sustaining a growth rate of 8% per annum for the consecutive five years will be one of the biggest challenges for the Indian economy. The entry of companies and business ventures into the Indian soil requires extensive paperwork and legal procedures. Most foreign companies find it a little intimidating to enter the Indian market due to these reasons. Relaxation and simplification of the entry procedures will definitely work in the interest of the Indian economy. The huge population density of the country affects the gross per capita income of the country. The country’s economy is primarily agrarian but with rapid industrialization and governments boosting the service sector, agriculture has taken a backseat. The government needs to boost this sector as well giving it a more organized look.   Providing proper infrastructure to attract large scale foreign investment is much required for sustainable economic growth. The economy faces widespread problem of electricity supply, proper roads, and communication channels that can affect the economy adversely. Extending proper health care to all is another important issue facing the country. Health care has definitely improved over the past few years but it still remains inadequate by world standards. Poverty is still posing a stiff challenge to the economic growth and development. Inequality of wealth distribution is quite high across the country. Education is yet another challenge faced by the country. The government needs to implement effective policies and reforms to increase the overall standard of living of the poorer section and provide basic amenities to them. Reducing income inequalities along with social reforms are much required for overcoming these discrepancies faced by the Indian economy. The foreign direct investment has become a key feature of growing economic development and the focus of national development strategies in almost all countries across the globe. It is considered an important economic growth indicator that assists boost in domestic capital, productivity, and employment. It is considered to be the lifeblood of any economy. The Indian Government has initiated several promotional efforts to attract more foreign direct investment into the country in the form of private equity. There are several trends that are reinforcing traditional patterns in foreign direct investment across economies that include access to natural resources, markets, and low-cost labor. Globalization and liberalization of the economy added to the attraction of private equity funds in to the country. In addition to these economic factors the expansion in information and communication technologies, and improvement in logistics has greatly shaped the Indian economic attractiveness to foreign investors. Private equity investors across the globe are increasingly shifting their focus to India. Big names in private equity market across the globe like Blackstone Group, Texas Pacific Group, Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts, Carlyle Group, Actis Partners and General Atlantic Partners have ventured into the Indian markets in search of higher returns on investment. 4. Growth Trends of Private Equity in India The market for private equity in India has emerged quite recently. The private equity market grew from a US$ 20 million in 1996 to US$ 7.5 billion in 2006. The country is now reckoned as one of the top ten destinations for private equity investments. Investors across the globe are eyeing the growing Indian market that offers extensive investment opportunities. Local and foreign investors are eyeing the domestic market investment opportunities with increased interest. The major sectors of investor interest are the IT and BPO sectors that continue to dominate the economy but manufacturing concerns are not far behind. Investors are taking avid interest in this rapidly growing market parallel to the Chinese economy that has shown immense potential in the past few years. The rise in entrepreneurship, skilled workforce, rising percentage of people with fluent English speaking capability and the country’s status as the world’s largest democracy have greatly contributed to its rising economy. The private equity market has risen both in terms of greater number of deals and greater number of firms’ capitalizing on this increasing opportunity. The Indian private equity market also saw an increase in exits and improved liquidity in the recent years. The Asian market has largely been perceived as difficult for exits in the private equity sector. Investors are wary of the fluctuating market trends and risk proposition involved in capitalization of their funds. Unlike the Asian market the Indian market has been strengthening over the years this has attracted the investors greatly. The increasing liquidity of the market has played in favor of these investors providing higher gains and returns from public offer deals and trade sales. As per K.P. Balaraj, the Managing Director and co-founder of West Bridge Capital Partners, â€Å"In India, the markets are in their third or fourth year of a bull run. The companies have a number of avenues to raise money at low cost. There’s a lot of liquidity in the debt system. The IPO markets and capital markets are very strong in India, and there’s lot of appetite overseas for Indian securities.† The Indian market has gained the investors’ confidence due to the stable environment and growth statistics that has worked to its advantage in the past few years. The foreign investment growth in the private equity market is seen as yet another boost to this finance segment contributing to a market capitalization of more than US$ 3.56 million in the year 2005. The private equity funds invest mostly in unlisted companies that have good growth potential and cash out option through public offers. In some cases the private equity firms invest in both seed capital and development ventures that have potential high rates of returns on investment. According to a study conducted by Venture Intelligence, a Chennai based research firm, â€Å"Private equity firms invested a record $7.46 billion over 299 deals in India during 2006,† that is three times greater the previous year figures. The biggest deal clichà ©d in 2006 involved Idea Cellular, the fifth largest wireless operator in India, raising a funding of $950 million from a group of private equity investors that included Providence Equity Partners, ChrysCapital, and Citigroup. Another important deal involved Kohlberg Kravis Roberts that paid $900 million for 85% stake of Textronics Software. Warburg Pincus’s $300 million investment in the year 1999 in Bharti Tele-Ventures the largest mobile service provider in India was subsequently sold in several stages for $1.6 billion. This is considered one of the most profitable private equity deals in the country to date. These high rates of returns and attractive gains lured many foreign private equity investors to the Indian market. The tremendous growth of the private equity market in the country is largely attributed to a combination of country-specific factors that distinguish the Indian environment in terms of investment opportunities from other emerging markets across the globe. These factors include: Sustained rapid economic growth of 8% per annum over the past five years consecutively. Rising domestic consumer market of India has given rise to potential business opportunities. A well-established public equity market of India has given rise to increasing breed of private equity investors in the country. The Mumbai stock exchange dating back to 1875 has more than 6000 listed companies recording extensive trading volumes comparable to no other exchange in the world. A highly educated population combined with widespread knowledge of the English language provides a distinctive advantage. The skilled workforce has resulted in the rising development of certain sectors like information technology, business process outsourcing, software development, pharmaceuticals, and automobile components. The country has one of the oldest and largest democracies in the world running successfully across decades. The stable political scenario combined with an effective legal framework has provided the economy with sound base for development and growth. The distinctive advantages mentioned above have created a huge market for private equity funds investors. Private equity firms are investing in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, infrastructure, media, and telecom sectors in India. India is the second largest market for private equity firms in Asia after Japan. It has surpassed China and Singapore with large amounts of investment in private equity and venture capital in the year 2006. (Source: Indiaopportunitiesfund.com) Research conducted by global research firm Evalueserve suggest that India will receive almost US$ 20 billion private equity funding by the year 2010 making it one of the top ranking countries in the world in terms of private equity investment. The lucrative Indian market has attracted foreign private equity investors in the past couple of years. As per a market analysis report released by Venture Intelligence the foreign capital investment reached US$ 2.2 billion in the year 2005 that increased to US$ 5.4 billion in the year 2006. The market research and analysis conducted by Evalueserve reveals that the Indian market needs an in-depth understanding and evaluation for the investors in private equity market to maximize returns. The investors need to conduct proper market research, adopt subtle managerial skills, and instill patience in order to maximize gains since the market is unique in many aspects. The research shows that there are over 366 firms currently operating in the private equity market in India and another 69 are in the process of starting funding operations. These private equity firms have targeted to raise funds totaling US$ 48 billion for investment between July 2007 and December 2010. This predicted growth statistics may face challenges in the face of economic slowdown in India or a liquidity crunch in the economy. The first firm to initiate private equity investment in India was the Risk Capital Foundation set up in the year 1975. Till the year 1995 very few financial institutions provided capital for investment in private equity or venture capital sector. These institutions were the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI), Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), and Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI Bank). A number of private equity firms started raising capital from various international and domestic sources to invest in business ventures in the country. This market trend gained momentum during the period 1996 to 2000. The total amount of investment in the private equity and venture capital segment rose from US$20 million in 1996 to US$ 80 million in the year 1997. The market attracted increasing investment from foreign as well as domestic players largely due to the boom in the information technology sector. A crash in the market during the period of 2000 to 2003 brought down the levels of investment. The total number of deals in private equity finance reduced from 280 in 2000 to 110 in 2001. The economy recovered in 2003 and the market growth rate accelerated from 8% GDP to 9% annually. 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Number of deals 5 18 60 107 280 110 78 56 71 146 299 Value of deals 20 80 250 500 1160 937 591 470 1650 2183 7460 (Source data: Private equity market in India Evalueserve Market research report 2007) Out of a total GDP of US$ 910 billion in India in the year 2006 approximately US$ 7.5 billion accounted for private equity investment. This amounts to 0.8% of the total GDP. A comparative analysis of the private equity investment in other developed countries reveal that the percentage spent on private equity is far below countries like United States and United Kingdom. Private Equity Investment as a percentage of Total GDP of some major economies: (Source: Evalueserve Market research reports 2007) A global stock market review conducted by Standard and Poor ‘s in May 2007 reveals that the Indian equity market has far surpassed the markets of emerging and developing nations for the past three months growing at a rate of 25.87 percent as opposed to other key economies that reported a growth rate of 13.83 percent. The Chinese market reported a growth rate of 16.82 while the Mexican market growth rate stood at 24.4 percent. The equity market in South Africa rose by 11.48 percent. It was observed that the Indian stocks were cheaper than the Chinese stocks. The appreciating rupee in India has led to higher capital inflow from foreign investors to the Indian economy and this is accounted for higher growth rate in the Indian economy. The increase in interest rates of banks across the globe has a positive impact on the Indian economy. This trend will result in reduced external borrowings and consequently the export segment of Indian companies will not be affected. Similarly other developments in the global economy has had very little or negligible effect on the Indian economy so far and this has proved conducive for the private equity market in the country. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has specified the regulatory framework for investment in private equity and venture capital segment in India. A foreign investor proposing for investing in the Indian private equity market needs to fulfill the following eligibility criteria and other requirements specified in the SEBI foreign venture capital investor guidelines: The applicant’s track record, competence, financial soundness, and experience in the related industry are evaluated. The applicant needs to obtain an approval by the Reserve Bank of India for making investments in the country. The applicant needs to be an investment company, trust, partnership, pension fund, mutual fund, endowment fund, charitable institution or any other entity incorporated outside India. The applicant can be an asset management company, investment manager, or investment management company incorporated outside India. The applicant must possess the authority to invest in venture capital or operate as foreign venture capital investor. Evaluate if the applicant is regulated by an appropriate foreign regulatory authority or is an income tax payer. Check if the Board has not refused the applicant a certificate. Check if the applicant is a fit individual with proven track record. Besides the above-mentioned eligibility criteria the SEBI lays down certain investment guidelines that need to be followed by the foreign investors: The foreign investor must disclose its investment plans and strategies to the SEBI. At least 66.67% of the investment funds must be invested in unlisted equity shares. Not more than 33.3% of the investable funds may be invested in: Subscription of initial public offer of a venture capital undertaking whose shares is not listed. Debt or debt instrument of a venture capital undertaking in which the investor has already made an investment by way of equity Preferential allotment of equity shares of a listed company, subject to a lock-in period of one year The equity shares or equity linked instruments of a financially weak or sick industrial company whose shares are listed. 5. Sector Wise Growth Trends in Private Equity Market The primary feature of growth in private equity market in India has been the increased domestic market investment opportunities that are dominated by both local and foreign investors. In addition to the increase in investment in Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing sectors a large number of deals have been made involving the domestic market in India with particular emphasis on the manufacturing sector. In the year 2006 the total investments in the private equity market ranged from IT and IT-enabled industries, to banking and financial services, insurance and health care sectors, engineering and construction to manufacturing. While the IT and IT-enabled industries accounted for more than a fifth of the total investment, the manufacturing sector attracted approximately $1 billion. Another significant sector receiving substantial private equity funding was the real estate sector that received almost $1 billion funding in 2006. But a greater portion of this amount was used to acquire physical assets. Shankar Narayanan, the Mumbai based Managing Director of Asia Growth Capital at the Carlyle Group states â€Å"We’re sector agnostic. Broadly we see two investment themes: One, the growth of outsourcing, whether IT, IT-enabled services, generic pharmaceuticals, clinical research, contract manufacturing, engineering and design or any other knowledge based service; and two, the huge infrastructure and consumption needs this growth fuels.† Most of the foreign investors are channeling funds to the Indian and Chinese market that have shown tremendous growth potential. These investors scale up the operations of the acquired firms and facilitate all-round transformation that spruces up the firm’s processing capabilities. It is widely felt that the family owned businesses in India that have so far been conducted in an orthodox traditional managerial approach can widely benefit from the private equity funding. The financial, strategic, and managerial support provided by these private equity-investing firms can transform the company’s operations to provide larger scales of operation and world-class business outlook. The various industrial sectors comprising of financial services, manufacturing industries, construction and information technology are attracting the foreign investors to India. In the year 2006 the service sector accounted for 55% of economic growth rate while the contribution of manufacturing and industries’ sector was 26% and the agriculture sector accounted for 19% of the overall economic growth in India. There are basically three industry sectors that are proving highly lucrative for the private equity investors in the country. These are broadly categorized as below: Hi-tech products and service sector comprising of the following segments: Information technology and software application development Business process outsourcing Knowledge process outsourcing Drug research and clinical research outsourcing Engineering services outsourcing Software and solutions related to e-commerce Telecommunication products and related services The market trend reveals that this sector will grow at approximately 22% per year during the next five years. The investment in this sector is of high value with higher rates of return. Service and retail sector that caters to the Indian domestic market needs including – Retail market of consumable goods Travel and hospitality sector (airlines, hotels) Health care (spas, hospitals) Entertainment (movie and television industry) Private education sector   This sector is expected to grow at approximately 19% per annum in the next five years. Products and services related to high-end manufacturing and infrastructure that includes automobiles, automotive components, electronic components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, real estate, and construction. The growth rate of this sector is expected to reach 19% annually in the next five years. The pie chart below gives an insight into the sector wise private equity investment trend in the past three years. The financial services received the highest foreign private equity funding totaling US$ 277.8 million that constitutes 19.8% of the total funds invested. The total funding in this sector including the domestic investment accounted for 32%. (Source: Thompson Financial) The next industry that received most funding in the private equity form was the consumer related sector totaling US$ 196.7 million. This was approximately 14% of the total foreign private equity financing. The overall financing in this sector was 23%. The Medical Health industry accounted for 16% of the total funding, with total foreign equity investment amounting to US$ 134.4 million, followed by construction accounting for 15% and the Internet related sector accounted for 14% of the total private equity investment including foreign and domestic sources. The graph below shows the breakup of domestic and foreign funds invested in the private equity market in India. As is evident from the graph the amount of foreign investment far exceeds domestic funds invested in the private equity market in India over the past five years. Private Equity investments in India – breakup of foreign and domestic investment over the past five years (Source: Thomson Financial) The private equity market is thriving due to the huge influx of foreign funds in the recent years. The appreciation of the rupee combined with a strengthening stock market and controlled inflation rates are responsible for the huge attraction that the Indian private equity market is having for foreign investments. Among recent activities in the private equity market in India is the acquisition of Hutchinson Essar Ltd, a cellular carrier by Reliance Communications facilitated by private equity players like Blackstone, Texas Pacific, and Kohlberg Kravis and Roberts with a funding of almost $10 billion. Private equity emerged as the single most largest investment segment in the year 2006 with private equity deals overtaking both foreign and domestic strategic investors. Private equity investment in India crossed the global average by 20 percent of investment as a proportion of total merger and acquisition deals accounting for 28 percent of total value of deals. 6. Problems Facing the Private Equity Market in India The rapid pace of economic growth in India has raised concerns regarding the stability of the economic environment. The economy poses certain risks and challenges to the emerging and developing market of private equity investment. The country’s population demographics present a confusing picture – 54% of its population is below 25 years of age that works in favor of the economic growth and development. But at the same time statistics reveal a large gap in income distribution. The economy is widely imbalanced in terms of income distribution. It has a large chunk of population still under the poverty lines and at the same time the number of high net worth individuals is increasing. Some of the important sectors of the economy like Information Technology and IT enabled services, telecom services, airlines services and construction services are experiencing shortage of skilled labors. Most of these sectors depend heavily on the human resource for survival and growth. With rising inflation and increasing wages the companies are finding it difficult to retain employees. Better pay packages are luring the skilled staff to hop companies and this has become a matter of grave concern for most organizations. Increasing attrition rates and rising wages are posing a serious challenge to existing companies and start-up business ventures. A few years back the economy was known for providing cheap and skilled labor but with rising inflation the wages have also gone up thereby increasing the cost to companies in addition to high levels of attrition. The rapid economic growth and rising GDP has resulted in increasing cost of commercial as well as residential property. The boom in real estate is reaping benefits for most landowners but the purchasing power of the people have not increased at the same rate. This might have a negative impact on the economy in the long run. The real estate prices will be forced to crash with lesser number of people being able to afford the rising prices. The crash in the real estate market will result in substantial losses for the investors. The Indian stock market is currently on a strong footage with number of companies listed in the Bombay Stock Exchange rising steadily. A market fluctuation might topple the stock market any time and this could lead to severe losses for the investors. Foreign investments in the Indian economy in the last four years have been on the rise and this is one of the major factors contributing to the overall development and progress. Short-term foreign institutional investors invested more than US$ 40 million in the country while long-term foreign direct investment was US$ 23 million in the last four years. The short-term investment can be pulled out in any moment of crisis and this could result in severe economic setback for the country. The rapid inflow of capital in the form of these short-term investments for purchasing equities and securities has no doubt strengthened the stock market, but an outflow of this capital will depress the stock market and cause the economy to fumble. The economy needs more of long-term foreign direct investment to stabilize growth. Lately the Indian rupee has appreciated by more than 10% with respect to the US dollar, 8% with respect to British pounds, 7% with respect to Euros and 11% with respect to Yen. On one hand this appreciation has benefited the economy by making imports cheaper and controlling inflation to a considerable extent. The price of crude oil has been kept in check in India due to this reason. On the other hand the valuation of exports has gone down and this has hit some of the small-scale exporters hard. Moreover the Indian goods have to compete with Chinese goods in the market that are relatively cheaper and has captured larger market share. Broadly the Indian economy presents high risks to investors in terms of possible depreciation of rupee, high inflation, policies adopted by the Indian government for further liberalization of the economy and the highly volatile nature of the Indian stock market. Since the markets present high risks to foreign investors in the Indian market, they expect higher returns as compared to investments made in other developed economies of United States and Europe. The private equity firms that invest in these developed countries for a period of five to seven years expect an average net annual return of 13% to 15%. But the private equity firms investing in India have a time frame of three to five years and expect an average net annual return of 25% to 27%. 7. Future Trends in Private Equity Market in India Several factors have contributed to the growth and rise of private equity market in India. Among these the most prominent is the stable economic and political environment of the country that has triggered economic growth and prosperity in the past few years. The Indian economy is witnessing increasing number of high net worth individuals with increasing assets. The country has a large number of family-owned businesses that present excellent opportunities for investment and growth. Most of these businesses are changing their operational structure to accommodate new and better technology for higher returns. Tatas, Ambanis, Wipro (Azim Premji), Birlas,   Singhs (Ranbaxy) and Bajajs are all family-run business. The Bombay Stock Exchange lists 47 companies that are partially or fully family-owned businesses with a total market capitalization of US$ 345 billion in the year 2007. The changing faces of the traditional modes of conducting business have created huge scope for investment. The existing modes of operations require re-modeling and re-structuring requires adequate investment. The family-run businesses lack effective management and vision to expand in the domestic and global market. The infusion of appropriate capital funds with strategic management moves and planning can create a huge difference in this type of business ventures. An investment in such companies can prove mutually beneficial for both parties. This has created a huge demand for private equity investment. Rising disposable income in the middle and higher income group has led to significant changes in their lifestyle. This has created markets for new sectors of commerce. One of the sectors affected by the changing lifestyle of these classes is the growth in domestic flight service sector. The country currently has 325 airplanes on the domestic route but this figure is projected to reach 750 by the end of 2010 that is expected to generate annual revenue of US$ 12 billion. The rise in this sector has created the need for more airline maintenance companies that are so few in numbers currently. Likewise it has also created market need for airline certification companies that will certify and check the audit requirements of the airplanes and the airlines companies. This is just an illustration of how emerging economic trends have given rise to new service sectors that require financing. Similar trends are visible in the food and beverage industry sector. Rising demand for quality processed food and beverages are slowly making their presence felt with changing tastes and lifestyles. The automobile industry is yet another industrial sector witnessing immense market growth potential. Finer tastes and longing for world-class cars engineered with latest technological specifications is changing the face of this industry. This sector is expected to generate revenue of US$ 165 billion by the end of the year 2016. E-commerce is yet another avenue of potential growth and development. The sector being in its nascent stages has a long way to go in the Indian market. Industries are slowly realizing the revenue and growth potential of this medium and are revising their existing strategies to exploit the advantages of increased market share and global outreach. The need for skilled professionals for the rising industries and opportunities presented by the growing economy has driven the educational institutes to adopt new strategies and expansion models to cater to changing market needs. More and more companies are entering this sector to satisfy the growing market requirements. The real estate and hospitality service sectors are also experiencing widespread changes owing to changing lifestyle and increased disposable income. Investment in this sector needs to be carefully examined and studied since the real estate prices in India are overpriced as compared to other economies in Asia. A growth in market demand has resulted in subsequent rise in demand for capital investment. Favorable economic conditions have lured private equity investors both domestic and foreign to start operations in India. The country’s extensive pool of skilled labors has produced excellent managerial and entrepreneurial talent who has ventured into new and promising business ventures. The private equity market in the country is still in its initial phases of development and hence promises immense scope and potential in the near future. The increasing interest of global firms in the Indian market has overcome the challenge of attracting more funds into the private equity sector. The real challenge now lies in extracting maximum value from these investments and retrieve higher gains. Government policies have raised the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in various sectors to attract more funds. The retail sector now has 51 percent foreign investment limit while in the telecom sector the FDI limit has been raised from 49 percent to 74 percent. Absolute ownership of foreign firms is allowed in some selected infrastructure sectors like development of new airports, petroleum, mining of coal and lignite, natural gas pipelines and mining of diamonds and precious stones. 8. Conclusion The impact of private equity funding on the country’s economy has been quite significant since this financing sector has added new dimensions to the booming industrial and service sector in India. The financing alternative available to the firms has not only assisted them in improving financial and market valuations but has also provided them with the necessary backing to fulfill expansion and diversification strategies to the existing line of products or services. Max Calderon, a senior partner of Apex Partners Worldwide, which is a $20 billion firm is of the opinion that the â€Å"drivers of the private equity investment in the Indian market include consolidation in fragmented industries, international expansion, increasing domestic market spend, and continued growth in value added services. â€Å" It is only recently that the private equity funds have adopted segmentation and specialization strategies in acquiring investment portfolios. Some of the private equity firms target early stage investment in technology or matured stage investment in manufacturing. The strengthening stock market is witnessing increased volumes of trading and this has eased the exit process for private equity funds investors. Multinational financial institutions like Citigroup Venture Capital, Barings and Westbridge Capital, Warbug Pincus and Actis Partners have taken strong interest in this emerging market. Global private equity players like Blackstone and Goldman Sachs have established permanent operations in the country to reap the benefits of this promising market. The key factor to successful operations in this market will depend largely on one sole factor – the right leadership and availability of a strong team of professionals. The private equity market requires adequate managerial talent for designing effective business strategies for successful acquisitions made by the investors. It is therefore essential that the private equity firms focus on specific industry sectors to build their professional expertise and specialized areas of operations. This builds on the firms’ value and potential for higher rates of returns over their invested funds. The private equity firms hence not only need to look into the experience and skill sets of the professionals they hire but also need to train them on the finer aspects of the business requirements. The team of executives need to take overall responsibilities of entire operations and functioning within the company and think as owners while devising strategies and business plans. An in-depth knowledge of the business and market area is an essential asset for this venture. Experienced professionals are hence much in demand and a valuable asset for this market segment. The private equity firms also need to conduct extensive and in-depth market research and analysis activity before investing in any company. The Indian economy presents a diverse and variable growth indicators across the geographical boundaries. An understanding of the existing socio-cultural and political environment of the region helps to understand better the market and consumer behavior pattern. The investors across the globe are increasing fund allocations for the private equity market in India. It is boom time for this market segment and the trends of growth will continue over the coming years with the adoption of adequate government policies and measures to ensure a strong market performance.   The private equity market is reaping benefits on the one hand from expanding into overseas market through acquisitions and on the other hand investing into private equity assets managed by global fund managers. Reference: What PE firms look for in Private Companies – Financial Executive Journal from British Council, December 2007 Private Equity: How long can the perfect storm last? Financial Executive Journal from British Council, September 2007 Think like private equity to enhance Financial Executive Journal from British Council, November 2007 Evalueserve Whitepaper – An indispensable guide to equity investment in India, Facts and Forecasts – September 2007 –   Market analysis report from www.evalueserve.com From BPO to buyouts, Indian private equity is booming – 2005 AVCJ Private equity report – India Private equity pushes into India, Africa Financial Executive Journal from British Council, January/February 2008 Indian Buyouts – A market report by Anthony O’Connor Journal from British Council, June 2006 Economics of private equity market – Stephen D. Prowse, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas – Economic review journal third quarter 1998 Recent developments in the private equity market and the role of preferred returns – Daniel Covitz and Nellie Liang, Board of Governors of Federal Reserve System, Washington DC   An overview of private equity: evolution of the asset class, rationale and considerations for investing and keys to success – James McGovern Review of the Economy 2007/2008 – Economic advisory council to the Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, January 2008 Our current perspective on private equity investing in India – Gopal Jain, Gaja Capital Partners Investing in India – Surging economy sees private equity investments soar by Arun Subramaniam – The Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2007 http://www.ventureintelligence.in/WSJ-01-07.pdf accessed on 30th March 2008   India’s economic star sectors: sliced and diced – an analysis on foreign private equity investments among India’s top industries – Thomson Financial www.thomson.com/financial   Private equity in India – adding human capital to the value creation recipe – Luis Moniz – Heidrick Struggles http://www.heidrick.com/NR/rdonlyres/BDE42EF8-E443-44D9-9B6F-48E69D67093D/0/HS_PrivateEquityIndia.pdf accessed on 31st March 2008 Private equity market in India http://www.indiaopportunitiesfund.com/private-equity-market-in-India.html accessed on 31st March 2008   India tops global market with 26% growth: SP – June 9, 2007 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/09/stories/2007060906500100.htm accessed on 30th March 2008   An introduction to Private equity http://www.bvca.co.uk/publications/guide/intro.html accessed on 30th March 2008 What is private equity? http://www.ipeit.com/pe.htm accessed on 30th March 2008   http://www.indiape.com/ accessed on 30th March 2008 http://www.idfcpe.com/pages/main1.html news articles accessed on 30th March 2008   http://www.privateequitycouncil.org/ Public Value: A primer on private equity 2007 – accessed on 30th March 2008   Economy watch – Indian economy overview http://www.economywatch.com/indianeconomy/indian-economy-overview.html accessed on 30th March 2008   http://news.indiamart.com/news-analysis/india-is-most-immune-18256.html accessed on 30th March 2008   Global research project on growth – India: Economic Growth, 1950 – 2000 by Shankar Acharya and Isher Ahluwalia http://www.gdnet.org/pdf2/gdn_library/global_research_projects/explaining_growth/India_complete_31Mar04.pdf accessed on 30th March 2008   The rise of Indian Economy: John Williamson http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/item/2006/0406/will/williamson_india.html accessed on 30th March 2008   Indian Economy – Section 1: Economy and Markets http://www.bseindia.com/downloads/IndianEconomy.pdf accessed on 30th March 2008   Private equity article: http://www.privateequityinfo.com/article.php accessed on 30th March 2008   Globalization of alternative investments – working paper volume 1 – the global economy impact of private equity report 2008 – World Economic Forum http://www.weforum.org/pdf/cgi/pe/Full_Report.pdf accessed on 30th March 2008   A coming of age for private equity Business Standard, 7 November 2007 http://www.mayin.org/ajayshah/MEDIA/2007/pe.html accessed on 30th March 2008

Comparing Philosophies of Donnes To His Mistress and Herricks Corrina

Comparing Philosophies of Donne's To His Mistress and Herrick's Corrina Going A-Maying  Ã‚   The seventeenth century in England produced two varying schools of poetic philosophy which included the metaphysical and the cavalier. While the metaphysical poets, comprised of the artists who followed John Donne's use of the metaphysical conceit, tended to reinforce the traditional forms of love and devotion, the cavalier poets, led by Ben Johnson, intellectualized the themes of their poetry. Both metaphysical and cavalier poets such as John Donne and Robert Herrick experimented with poetry of seduction, dramatic verse from a male lover attempting to persuade his beloved. Although both poets attempt to incite their mistresses, the methods of persuasion in Donne's "To His Mistress Going to Bed" and Herrick's "Corrina's Going A-Maying" differ in accordance with their different schools of poetic thought. Whereas Donne employs a lustful attitude, derogatory diction, and metaphysical conceits to harshly command sexual activity; Herrick utilizes a more intellectual and sensitive argument with his religious undertones, persuasive and playful diction, and personification of nature. The variation between metaphysical and cavalier poetry can be seen through differences in Donne's and Herrick's attitudes towards their mistresses represented by varying structure, diction, imagery, and religious language. Although both "To His Mistress Going to Bed" and "Corrina's Going A-Maying" contain many imperative sentences, their structural differences reflect Donne's feeling of superiority in spite of Herrick's admiration for his mistress. Donne's simple aabb rhyme scheme indicates his feeling that his mistress either cannot understand or does not des... ...gently rebuking Corrina for her inactivity. Although both Donne and Herrick employ imperative structures, sensual imagery, religious language and allusions to persuade their respective mistresses, Donne's superiority complex debases his mistress while Herrick's reverent attitude cajoles. Donne cares very little about his mistress evidenced by the lack of her name throughout the poem which resembles an urgent appeal. Conversely, Herrick's five stanzas and elaborate metrical structure indicate a planned appeal. Donne's lustful and solely physical approach contrasts sharply with Herrick's intellectual ploy in a complimenting and gently rebuking manner. The variance in the approaches of the poets is characteristic of their respective schools of poetic thought and illustrates the differences in approaches to poems of seduction by the metaphysical and cavalier writers.