Same Sex Unions Essays - Gender, Human Behavior, Human Sexuality

Same Sex Unions Essays - Gender, Human Behavior, Human Sexuality Same Sex Unions Book Review: Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe by John Boswell The question of same-sex unions and their legitimacy in many different societies is a topic that has been hotly debated for centuries. One society in particular is pre-modern Europe. Noted author and historian Dr. John Boswell looks extensively at the topic of same-sex unions in his book Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe. Dr. Boswell argues extensively in his book that the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches not only sanctioned unions between partners of the same sex, but actually sanctified them. This critique examines some specific aspects of the book, and analyzes them. Before an analysis of the Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe can be evaluated, its important to know a little about the author himself and what he stood for. Dr. Boswell was a professor at Yale University and Chairman of Yales history department for many years. He was an award winning scholar, author and historian. In addition to writing Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe he also wrote several other works such as Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality. Two of his greatest professional achievements included being a Woodrow Wilson Fellow and a Fulbright scholar. It is his extensive training as a Historian and an understanding of his own homosexuality that gave him unique insight into the writing of Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe. In Same Sex Unions in Modern Europe, Boswell takes a highly controversial position in saying that the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches actually sanctified same sex unions, while at the same time, presenting his viewpoints in such a way that any well educated historian would very carefully. He almost contradicts himself at several points in the book and mentions that his ideas are subject to debate among his peers. Boswell, in writing this book has essentially established a Premodern Europe where heterosexual marriage was largely ignored by pagans and discouraged by the church. Also, according to Boswell, men would essentially pair off in order to perform duties that were considered essential to society such as war, trade, education, friendship, etc. As Boswell puts it it is hardly surprising that there should been a Christian solemnizing same sex unions. I do not agree with him on this premise, although homosexuality has existed in animal species and in humans since the beginnings of our existence, how can he be so bold as to assume that the majority of these supposed pairs were homosexual? In my opinion that broad of a statement is like saying that any two men that shake hands or embrace must automatically be gay. There is a second specific point that I wish to point out with regards to medieval priest and the monastic life. Boswell points out in Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe that young boys caught performing homosexual acts were punished by being sent to a monastery. Was this meant as punishment to deprive these boys of their youth or to isolate them from the supposed forces that made them perform these acts? Boswell points out in any event, being placed with monks was likely to provide the best environment to locate other men romantically interested in their own gender. Thats all well and good, but he undermines his own thesis here. If the Christian Right of the time so vehemently supported same sex unions, then why would boys who engaged in same-sex acts be punished at all? Should not they be encouraged to be homosexual? Boswell not only mildly contradicts himself here, he goes a step further and practically destroys his own thesis. Through reading Same Sex Unions in Premodern Europe, relating it to my own experiences as a history major, and gay male, not to mention discussions in class, I do not believe that same sex unions were as heavily sanctioned in Premodern Europe by churches as Boswell would have us believe. It is my opinion that there have fluctuations between then and now as to exactly how much homosexuality is tolerated by the so-called mainstream society. There were places such as Ancient Greece where it was accepted and modern day liberal locations such as San Francisco, California that have a large gay/lesbian population. In both places both in the past

Definition and Examples of Exonyms and Endonyms

Definition and Examples of Exonyms and Endonyms An exonym is a place name  that isnt used by the people who live in that place but that is used by others. Also spelled  xenonym. Paul Woodman has defined exonym as a toponym bestowed from the outside, and in a language from the outside (in Exonyms and the International Standardisation of Geographical Names, 2007).  For example, Warsaw is the English exonym for  the capital of Poland, which the Polish people call  Warszawa.  Vienna is the English exonym for the German and Austrian Wien. In contrast,  a  locally used toponym- that is, a  name used by a group of people to refer to themselves or  their region (as opposed to a name given to them by others)- is called an endonym (or  autonym).  For example,  Kà ¶ln  is a German endonym while  Cologne  is the English  exonym  for  Kà ¶ln. Commentary Europes second-longest river is the Danubethe English exonym for  Donau (in German), Dunaj (in Slovak), and Duna (in Hungarian).Berber  derives from the ultimate exonym  (i.e. a name given by outsiders): the Greek word barbaroi, which mimicked the foreignness of a language by  rendering it as something akin to blah-blah. From it, we get barbarian, as well as Barbary (as in Barbary Coast, Barbary  Pirates, and Barbary apes). In current usage, many exonyms can be considered insensitive (Gypsy, Lapp, Hottentot) and preference is given to the endonym (Roma, Saami, Khoi-San).(Frank Jacobs, All Hail Azawad. The New York Times, April 10, 2012)  [T]he English language exonym Mecca has been shown to be unacceptable to many Arab experts, who are uncomfortable with any alteration to the toponym of the holy place Makkah.(Paul Woodman, Exonyms: A Structural Classification and a Fresh Approach, in Exonyms and the International Standardisation of Geographical Names, ed. by Adami Jordan, et al. LIT Verlag, 2007) Reasons for the Existence of Exonyms - There are three main reasons for the existence of exonyms. The first is historical. In many cases, explorers, unaware of existing place names, or colonizers and military conquerors unmindful of them, gave names in their own languages to geographical features having native names...The second reason for exonyms stems from problems of pronunciation...There is a third reason. If a geographical feature extends over more than one country it may have a different name in each. (Naftali Kadmon, Toponymy- Theory, and Practice of Geographical Names, in Basic Cartography for Students and Technicians, ed. by R. W. Anson, et al. Butterworth-Heinemann, 1996)-  English uses relatively few exonyms for European cities, especially ones it has come up with on its own ( not borrowed); this may be explained by geographic isolation. This could also explain the low number of exonyms that other languages use for English cities. (Jarno Raukko, A Linguistic Classification of Eponyms, in Exonyms, ed. by Adami Jordan, et al. 2007) Toponyms, Endonyms, and Exonyms - For a  toponym  to be defined as an  exonym, there must exist a minimum degree of difference between it and the corresponding  endonym... The omission of diacritical marks usually does not turn an endonym into an exonym: Sao Paulo (for So Paulo); Malaga (for Mlaga) or Amman (for Ê ¿AmmÄ n) are not considered exonyms. (United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names,  Manual for the National Standardization of Geographical Names. United Nations Publications, 2006)- If an important topographic feature is located or contained entirely within a single country, most good world atlases and maps print the  endonym  as the primary name, with the translation or conversion into the language of the atlas either in brackets or in smaller type. If a feature transcends political boundaries, and especially if it carries different names in the different countries, or if it lies outside the territorial waters of any one country- exonymisation or translation into the target language of the atlas or map is almost always resorted to. (Naftali Kadmon, Toponymy- Theory, and Practice of Geographical Names, in  Basic Cartography for Students and Technicians, edited by R. W. Anson, et al. Butterworth-Heinemann, 1996) Further Reading Name That  -nymNationality WordOnomasticsProper Name

A Respectable Actress Does Not Have a Blind Side Essay

A Respectable Actress Does Not Have a Blind Side - Essay Example Soundtracks for The Blind Side were written by Alan Wilson and performed by Canned Heat. The Blind Side features Michael Other, a homeless teenager who is adopted by a wealthy and conservative family in the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee. Michael is positioned as one of the most promising prospects in college football due to his natural athletic skills and the perseverant and unconditional support of his new family (IMDb). Michael Other (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager who has been running away from different host families in Memphis, Tennessee, is staying temporarily at one of his friend’s father sofas. Fascinated by Michael’s athletic skills and corporal features, and despite his academic insufficiencies, Burt Cotton (Ray McKinnon) helps Michael to get admitted to Wingate Christian School where he coaches. A friendly and smart little boy called Sean Jr. ‘SJ’ (Jae Head) approaches Michael at school while waiting for his mother to pick him up. Although t his is their first encounter, they meet once more when SJ’s father Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw) is driving the family home. Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) is moved by the image of ‘big Mike’ shivering in the cold while walking in direction to the school gym to spend the night, therefore, she asks him to stay at their comfortable house in the suburbs of Memphis. Gradually the Tuohy family becomes Michael’s new family. Leigh Anne is a multitasking, persuasive and strong-minded professional and house-wife, working from home as an interior designer. She is very inquisitive woman and when seeking to become Michael’s legal guardian, she finds out he was cruelly separated from his drug-addicted mother when he was seven years old. The brutal separation from his mother caused a strong impression on Michael, who eventually developed resilient ‘protective instincts’. The protective nature of Michael gives him the opportunity to become one of the mos t highly prospects in college football. Michael is a leader on the field. The only problem is that in order to be accepted at NCAA Division I scholarship, Michael should improve his GPA which he does with the help of some teachers and a personal tutor, Miss Sue (Kathy Bates), hired by the Tuohy. Leigh Anne makes it clear that she prefers the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) because she and Sean are alumni of this university; and, in a rather indirect and persuasive way, she convinces Michael to commit to Ole Miss. As a result both Michael and the family Tuohy become the subject of an investigation of the NCAA. During the interview to find out Michael’s reasons to choose Ole Miss, Michael understands the game played by Leigh Anne to influence him; he gets angry at her and decides to return to his mother. Michael comes back to the Tuohy family after Leigh Anne approaches him and asks to forgive her. The inquiry conducted by the NCAA does not progress because Michael is rela xed and able to overcome all the questions from the investigator. The Blind Side makes a stereotypical portrayal of American families and society. A white, middle-class family becomes the worthy protector of a poor, huge, illiterate black teenager. Both, Leigh Anne and Sean (a prosperous businessman) are the parents of a beautiful teenager Collins and

Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Media - Essay Example the formation of social media and the Internet. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship of Media and Middle East and how it has transformed in the past decades. Furthermore, the paper will discuss the emergence of social media as a major forum that has built people’s perspectives during and after the Arab Spring. In order to understand Middle East (the Arab specifically and comprehensively), the relationship of the media and the state’s culture and its politics should be understood. For more than forty years, mass media authority has built the region. Utilizing the numerous communications models, the centralized government of the region has perfectly ruled the mass media. It is evidenced through history that the Middle East had had rough relationships with its media. The Emirs of different Arab states due to Sharia Laws and other reasons shut down numerous media agencies. Despite the freedom given to the media, different media organizations including BBC were closed down in the Middle East as it was against the laws and Islam (Al-Obaidi). However, over the past few years, it has been noticed that the trend is transforming and the acceptance towards media across the Middle East is increasing. The shift has been observed since the beginning of the Arab Spring (Carrington). The events that took place in various countries of the Middle East from 2010 has transformed the way people think and believe. The role of social media in the Arab spring is dominating and its importance can not be denied as various scholars and researchers have shown that many revolutions started through social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. (Gelvanovska, Rogy and Rossotto). Despite the fact that these social media forums were banned in many countries of the Middle East for this particular reason, the Arab Spring continued and many governments were brought down

José Rizal Essay Example for Free

Josà © Rizal Essay Jose left Calamba for Binan to study under the instruction of Maestro Justaniano Aquino Cruz. His days in school were full of memories and It is where he develop his skills in painting and the arts of wrestling. He was also the best student in their school. Jose surpassed all the Binan boys. It contributed for the love of independence in Jose. At that tender age, he was able to control himself. Although he was struck by homesickness but diverted the feeling of nostalgia in developing talents and focused more in his academic studies. I remember when I was in my elementary years. Sometimes, I was left alone by my parents. I just use my time by coloring books and playing with my friends. This activity helps me in identifying colors and building harmonious relationship with others. December 1871 Jose went to Calamba, his home town, where he was welcomed home by his parents, brothers, and sisters. He also spent his Christmas in Calamba. He was given a chance to celebrate with his family the Christmas on 1871. He even shared his experience in Binan. Christmas and other holidays would be merrier when we spend it with our family especially when we exchanges jokes and stories. January 1872  The Cavity Mutiny flared up, followed by the execution of Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora on February 17th. Paciano was deeply affected with the execution of his friend. As a sympathy and protest against the injustice of Spanish authorities, he quit studies and went back to Calamba. This was the period when Jose’s determination to consecrate his life to combat the evil forces of his times despite of his tender age. As a Filipino, I too, is greatly affected by this event because it shows injustice and racial discrimination because Filipino priest were considered inferior and given limited assignments. They were not allowed to hold parishes. June 1872 The hero’s mother was accused and arrested on malicious charge that she aided her brother, Jose Alberto, in trying to poison Alberto’s wife. She was forced to walk on foot from Calamba to Santa Cruz. Jose Rizal experienced the injustice of the Spanish authorities. This event in his life was inculcated in his mind and opened his eyes to reality and dreamed to have equality between Filipinos and Spaniards before the law. This event shows how Spaniards manipulate justice for their own benefit. This will also leave a message to the reader not to trust anyone be June 1872 to 1873 Jose entered Ateneo Municipal. He was at first put at the tail of the class, but he was soon promoted and kept on being promoted so that at the end of one month he had attained to the rank of Emperor. At the end of the term he obtained marks of excellent in all the subjects and in the examinations. . He had reason to feel proud of his advancement; and so when he went home on vacation that year, he ran alone to see his mother in the prison and tell her the happy news. Jose shows that he can do better even when he is Second year in Ateneo (1873 to 1874) The second year, Jose had the same professor as in the previous year; but instead of lodging outside the City, he resided at No. 6 Calle Magallanes. At the end of the term he obtained a medal, and upon returning to his town, he again visited his mother in jail alone. This was three months before her release. Third year in Ateneo (1874-1875) Rizal family was happy because Dona Teodora was released from prison however, Rizal returned dissatisfied to his hometown because he only won one medal. He failed to win a medal in Spanish because his spoken Spanish was not that fluent. A Spaniard who delivered Spanish with fluency and right accentuation defeated him. He studied harder this year and regained his leadership composure and became an emperor again. Fourth Year in Ateneo (1875-1876) Rizal obtained five medals, which pleased him immensely because with them I could repay my father somewhat for his sacrifices. Last Year in Ateneo (1876-1877) Rizal was considered as â€Å"the pride of the Jesuits† because he was the most brilliant Atenean of his times.

The Anatomy of a Roller Coaster Essay -- Amusement Parks Rides Essays

The Anatomy of a Roller Coaster To adequately understand the relationship between physics and roller coasters, it is essential to first describe and explain the basic structure of roller coasters. In simple terms, a roller coaster is much like that of a passenger train. To explain, a roller coaster consists of a series of connected cars that move on tracks. However, unlike a train, a roller coaster has no engine, or rather a power source of its own. There are two major types of roller coasters, characterized mainly by their track structure. The tracks of wooden roller coasters are similar to those of traditional railroad tracks, as metal wheels of the roller coaster roll on a flat metal strip that is bolted to a sturdy running track made of laminated wood (How Roller Coasters Work). A majority of wooden roller coasters have the same wheel design as that of a train, where the inner part of the wheel has a wide lip that prevents the car from rolling off the side of the track. Additionally, wooden roller coasters also have another set of wheels that run underneath the track, keeping the cars from flying up into the air. Wooden coaster tracks are braced by wooden crossties and diagonal support beams; the entire track structure rests on an intricate lattice of wooden or steel beams (How Roller Coasters Work). With the wooden roller coaster structure, designers can combine hills, twists, and turns into an infinite variety of course la youts. In wooden roller coasters, however, the exhilarating motion is mainly up and down. The second type of major roller coaster, based on tubular steel tracks, was introduced in the 1950s. Consisting of a pair of long steel tubes, this particular track structure is supported by a sturdy, l... ...), roller coaster designers incorporate tight fits and near misses to create the sensation that the rider is traveling through the structure at out-of-control speeds. In review, in relation to the anatomy, basic workings, and sensations found in roller coasters, physics definitely plays a critical role. More specifically, without the laws of physics, or rather the incorporation of physics, roller coasters would be unknown to the world of entertainment. With the incorporation of physics, roller coaster designers have been able to create better, faster, and more unimaginable thrills with complete accuracy and safety. As mentioned previously, although physics is found in essentially every facet of life, I would like to believe that the majority of entertainment-seeking enthusiasts are grateful that the application of physics isn’t simply restricted to the classroom. The Anatomy of a Roller Coaster Essay -- Amusement Parks Rides Essays The Anatomy of a Roller Coaster To adequately understand the relationship between physics and roller coasters, it is essential to first describe and explain the basic structure of roller coasters. In simple terms, a roller coaster is much like that of a passenger train. To explain, a roller coaster consists of a series of connected cars that move on tracks. However, unlike a train, a roller coaster has no engine, or rather a power source of its own. There are two major types of roller coasters, characterized mainly by their track structure. The tracks of wooden roller coasters are similar to those of traditional railroad tracks, as metal wheels of the roller coaster roll on a flat metal strip that is bolted to a sturdy running track made of laminated wood (How Roller Coasters Work). A majority of wooden roller coasters have the same wheel design as that of a train, where the inner part of the wheel has a wide lip that prevents the car from rolling off the side of the track. Additionally, wooden roller coasters also have another set of wheels that run underneath the track, keeping the cars from flying up into the air. Wooden coaster tracks are braced by wooden crossties and diagonal support beams; the entire track structure rests on an intricate lattice of wooden or steel beams (How Roller Coasters Work). With the wooden roller coaster structure, designers can combine hills, twists, and turns into an infinite variety of course la youts. In wooden roller coasters, however, the exhilarating motion is mainly up and down. The second type of major roller coaster, based on tubular steel tracks, was introduced in the 1950s. Consisting of a pair of long steel tubes, this particular track structure is supported by a sturdy, l... ...), roller coaster designers incorporate tight fits and near misses to create the sensation that the rider is traveling through the structure at out-of-control speeds. In review, in relation to the anatomy, basic workings, and sensations found in roller coasters, physics definitely plays a critical role. More specifically, without the laws of physics, or rather the incorporation of physics, roller coasters would be unknown to the world of entertainment. With the incorporation of physics, roller coaster designers have been able to create better, faster, and more unimaginable thrills with complete accuracy and safety. As mentioned previously, although physics is found in essentially every facet of life, I would like to believe that the majority of entertainment-seeking enthusiasts are grateful that the application of physics isn’t simply restricted to the classroom.

Public Education Essay

A free public education is one of the many aspects of American culture that makes it one of the most desirable countries in which to live.   In fact, education in America has been a standard duty of the government, particularly the states, since public schools were begun in the days of the pilgrims and pioneers.   Unfortunately, as the years progressed, education became more complex and more rigidly structured. Conversely, achievement seemed to lag behind the acceptable level.   Therefore, learning for learning’s sake was replaced by the trend towards higher and higher standardized test scores.   Bush’s No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandate pushed schools and teachers into greater accountability processes.   Schools created scripted curriculum guides that left little room for creativity.   The competitive march towards the highest scale score was on!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Unfortunately, to the school systems, its employees and its students, failure to march properly carried stiff penalties.   Schools faced a variety of sanctions if scores did not rise to the appropriate level or at the appropriate rate.   First, schools faced state or even federal intervention. Evaluative and prescriptive teams would enter the schools to mandate changes in policy, curriculum and even staffing.   Another obstacle was parental choice.   For the wealthier, private schools have been an alternative to lagging public schools for years, but in the early 1990s, the school voucher plan made this option viable to a wider spectrum of families.   Ultimately, the voucher propositions never passed the state legislatures (Pipho, 1994). A few years later, charter schools developed outside the sphere of both public and private schools.   These charter schools developed as a way to reform schools and received funds from private organizations and business.   The idea took off even though researchers are quick to note that charter schools have done little to raise test scores (Vine, 1997)   Lastly, the idea of merit pay directly appealed to the pocketbooks of teachers and administrators by offering monetary reward for good scores.   While observers feel it is wrong to base a teacher’s pay just on his test scores, researchers feel that â€Å"because the amounts involved are relatively small, it’s worth experimenting†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Keller, 2006).   Each of these new options moved American education closer and closer to the idea of privatizing schools.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The privatization of schools has now expanded to include the realm of educational consulting.   These high-paid individuals are hired by the school systems to aid individual schools in planning strategies for curriculum, classroom management, discipline, finance, and teacher recruiting, to name a few (Sheffer, 2002).   In 1994, the Minneapolis school system became the first to hire a consulting firm to run their district.   In California, the state superintendent of public instruction was a man who had a background in business as a consultant who helps financially ailing corporations (Pipho, 1994). In 1997, Phyllis Vine reported that twenty-eight states had passed legislation to provide for the hiring of management companies.   In the last nine years that number has grown, with both positive and negative reactions from the customers.   Teachers complained that the new curriculum was too restrictive and gave them no freedom to teach what they wanted.   The consultant responded by asserting that restrictiveness was needed to get the teachers, kids and schools back on track (Hayden, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The decision to link private business to school systems does make sense for some.   Sheffer notes that â€Å"the obvious similarities between academic work and consulting are the emphasis on analytic thinking, writing and the focus on research† (2002) Thus, more and more states are turning to educational consulting firms to help them refocus on their educational goals.   On such state is Mississippi.   Mississippi, as a state, has typically been at the bottom of lists comparing states’ educational achievements.   In the 2005 Smartest State rankings published by Morgan Quitno Press, Mississippi fell two spots from the previous year to 49th   (â€Å"Vermont,2005†). Spencer, (2004), attempts to explain the state’s low achievement and scores by pointing to the socioeconomic and achievement gaps between white students and minority students.   Even in younger grades, the black and Hispanic subgroups lagged behind the white students in language and reading.   In middle school, the gap widened alarmingly.   Ninety-six of white students scored at proficiency or better in language, and 94% scored at this same level in reading. But Hispanic students’ numbers were 9 percentage points lower in both areas than whites, while black students were 8 points lower in language and 19 points lower in reading.   He goes on to note that the problem got progressively worse in the 1990s.   Overall, by high school, â€Å"only one in 50 Hispanic and black 17-year-olds can read and gain information from specialized text-such as the science section of a newspaper – compared to about one in 12 white students† (Spencer, 2004). Yet, when education officials like Randy McCoy, who is the Tupelo Superintendent, are confronted with these figures, they are quick to point out that students of all races do well and students of all races do not do well.   The fear seems to be that teachers will be accused of teaching students of different races differently.   Yet, Mike Walters, who is a former Tupelo Superintendent, agrees that the achievement gap is due to a difference in expectations. He points to the strongest teachers and notes that their students, regardless of race and socioeconomic status, achieve.   Walters offers, â€Å"We are not expecting students to achieve, and expectations are everything† ( Spencer, 2004).  Ã‚   The Tupelo district is about 65 % white with most students from lower income homes.   Its scores have held steady in the low 80% passing range with an odd surge into the mid 90s in 2003 (â€Å"Mississippi DOE Test Data†).   JBHM has recently started working with the Tupelo Municipal schools. (â€Å"Experience,† n.d.). One way Mississippi is trying to combat their ailing system is by restructuring its testing program.   In September of 2000, the Mississippi Board of Education (MBOE) approved State Board Policy IHF-1.   IHF-1 changed the graduation requirements beginning with the freshman class entering in 2000.   Among the requirements was to pass the subject area test English II, generally administered in the 10th grade.   Thus, the first available scores for the class entering in 2000 were recorded in 2001 (â€Å"MBOE,† 2000).   This group was expected to graduate in 2004. Another way is by hiring a local educational consulting group to help them work with curriculum.   Former Tupelo Superintendent, Mike Walters is now a consultant with the JBHM Education Group in Jackson.   JBHM is a general consulting agency that also operates the JBHM Education Group, LLC.    This group was opened in 2000 as â€Å"an educational management services company with a mission of assisting school communities in their efforts to better organize themselves, and, in turn give the families the support needed to ensure the success of their children† (â€Å"Services,† n.d.).   According to the group, the consults go into the schools and analyze the areas of need as specified by the hiring body.   They then, if directed, design a curriculum fashioned after Robert Marzano’s â€Å"viable curriculum,† one of his eleven factors of student achievement (Marzano, 2003) JBHM’s mission was developed by Mike Walters and cofounder Gary Bailey.   It is simply â€Å"to enhance a school’s ability to prepare children for success† (Vickers, 2005. p. 3).   JBHM has focused recently on developing curriculums for algebra, biology, English, United Sates history and middle school math.   Walters says, â€Å"These are highly-structured, full-blown plans that start with day one and go through the end of the school year† (Vickers, 2005, p. 3) JBHM, as of their most recent website posting, serves 34 school districts in Mississippi.   The do work in other states, including their contract deal of March 2006 totaling 1.6 million dollars to work with the Caddo School District in Louisiana (Brumble, 2006).   They achieved this contract by boasting statistics that ninety percent of the schools they assisted showed a rise in test scores (Brumble, 2006).   Undoubtedly numerous Mississippi schools are on this list. According to the Mississippi Board of Education Agenda from September 10, 2004, a contract was approved with the JBHM Education Group to â€Å"assist in providing technical assistance to implement the school improvement process in Priority Schools (â€Å"MBOE,† 2004).   As explained in a news release dated December of 2004, â€Å"Schools that do not meet achievement goals or show expected academic improvement receive a ranking of Level I (Low Performing) with the lowest of these deemed ‘Priority Schools’ †Ã‚   (â€Å"Town Meetings†¦, 2004). Part of the new Board Policy IHF-1 makes passing the English II test required for graduation for the graduating class of 2004, who were first tested in 2000/2001 school year. These first scores were used for developing scale scores, according to the Mississippi Statewide Testing Program website. The English II test, which replaces the previous language and reading tests mentioned in earlier, has been consistently difficult for low achieving schools in Mississippi.   Betty Rose Breazeeale, the Lamar County testing coordinator, agreed by saying that she recognized the need to work on the English II, adding that â€Å"It is our lowest score, and I think that’s a statewide problem† (Mees, 2005).   According to the Mississippi Department of Education Subject Area Content Test website, the English II test   measures knowledge of language conventions, reading comprehension and effective writing skills†¦The test consists of two separate administration:   English II Multiple Choice and English II Writing†¦The 85 multiple-choice, passage-based items are divided into two sections:   Language Conventions and Reading Comprehension.   The writing test includes four writing prompts – two narrative mode prompts and two informative mode prompts.   Students will select and respond to one of the narrative prompts and one of the informative prompts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even though the MBOE approved the contract for JBHM to consult in Priority Schools statewide in 2004, some districts had already contracted its services well before then.   These districts paid for the services themselves through grants or other local funding mechanisms.   The Tunica school board hired JBHM Education Group for the 2000/2001 school year (Hayden 2002).   The Hinds district is actually featured on the JBHM Education Group website, boasting its rise in scores from 2001 to 2003.   Others, like the North Bolivar and Neshoba joined the club as a result of the Priority School initiative administered by the MBOE.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   All scores on the English II tests may be compared to the figures reported on the Mississippi Statewide Testing Program website administered by the MDOE.   They report figures for 2002 as 70% passing the multiple choice reading and 84% passing the narrative/informative writing test.   In 2003 these percentages rose to 78 and 94 respectively, and settled into 85% and 84% narrative/89% informative for 2004.   It should be noted that in 2004, the state began reporting the writing portion of the test as two separate scores, listing the narrative first, then the informative.   Analysis seems to indicate that scores dropped slightly when this shift took place with the greater drop being in the narrative score (â€Å"MDOE Test Data†). One of the first schools to take advantage of the JBHM consultants, the Hinds AHS school is worthy of its spot on the JBHM website.   Hinds County School District is a fairly large district.   Hinds AHS is described as a rural, integrated school with an average to below-average socio-economic base (â€Å"Hinds AHS,†Ã‚   2006). Beginning with passing rates at only 18% on the English II multiple choice test and 40% on the writing portion when JBHM came aboard, they jumped to 22%   and 55% respectively in one year and, from there, to 77% and 92% respectively in the second year ( â€Å"MDOE Test Data†) . For the county itself, which contains seventeen high schools in the area of Clinton,   Mississippi, the scores went from passing rates of 72% (reading) and 75% (writing) in 2001 to an 81% in reading and a an 83% in writing (â€Å"Mississippi Test Data†).   In the JBHM-operated school (Hinds AHS), more remarkable gains were noted, while other high schools showed less of an improvement.   It is hard to deny Hind AHS’s phenomenal rises in English II scores.   They started out well below the rest of the county and ended up with a passing rate higher than the district average. The Tunica district, an even more rural, plantation area of Mississippi has a past that is â€Å"rooted in Tunica’s plantation lifestyle and its racial separatism. Tunica is a tiny white island in a majority black county† (Parker, 2002).   Ã‚  Rose Fort High school, associated with JBHM since the onset of the new testing requirements, is comprised of extremely poor black students with only 1 % white and 1% other racial students (â€Å"Rose Fort High,† 2006).   JBHM director Mike Walters recognizes how Tunica’s social issues are reflected in its education when he says, â€Å"Tunica is in a community-building stage right now.   They are divided racially still.   You can’t just dump money in a community like that and expect things to happen.   It’s going to take a long, long time. (Hayden 2002).   Despite its circumstances, however, this single Tunica high school has also made some significant gains in English II scores.   The data was not recorded for 2001, but the 2002 scores of 33% passing on the multiple choice portion and the 57% passing on the writing portion jumped to 54% and 83% respectively in only one year (â€Å"MDOE Test Data†).   Again, the advances are astounding. Lamar school district also serves a rural county.   It, like Tunica, far exceeds the state average of students on free and reduced lunch, which is generally the yardstick for measuring the socioeconomic population of a school.  Ã‚   The only difference is that students in Lamar are predominantly white.     Only one high school of the four reflects a more integrated population (â€Å"Lamar High Schools, † 2006).   Their English II scores have shown growth as well.   The reading and writing scores have risen from the 87 and 89 percent passing to highs of 92 and 95 percent passing in two years with an odd dip in the reading multiply choice scores in 2004. (â€Å"MDOE Test Data†).   Even though Lamar began in a less desperate situation, its gains with the help of consultants are also significant.   Though the percentage gain seems less impressive, most educators realize that gains like this are harder to achieve as students scores improve and that each subsequent gain is definitely cause for celebration. Neshoba school district located in Philadelphia, Mississippi, is a more integrated district that has shown gains through the use of consulting.   Classified as a small town district, the students in Neshoba’s four high schools are more integrated than those in Lamar or Tunica . While more students than the state average qualify for free or reduced lunch, they are socioeconomically better off than Lamar or Tunica students (â€Å"Neshoba County,† 2006). Paid for by a NCLB grant, JBHM began consulting in Neshoba County for the current, 2005/2006, school year to aid primarily with English II and Algebra I in its high schools (Edwards, 2006). The county’s English II scores in 2002 were 67% passing in reading and 76 % passing in writing.   The scores rose in 2003 to 85% and 89% respectively, but then in 2004 rose to an 89% in reading but fell to 86 % in writing (â€Å"MDOE Test Data†).   Some schools fared worse than others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The system hopes to post scores in the 90s with the consulting firm if the teacher can get on board.   Joey Blount, principal of Neshoba Central High School, admits to Edwards that the presence of the consultants and the frequent observations make his teachers nervous.   â€Å"Anytime you’ve got people coming to observe your work, it’s going to be an uncomfortable situation† (Edwards, 2006).   Superintendent for curriculum and instruction Beth Jackson concurs.   â€Å"Change can be very difficult for a lot of people, but in some areas we needed change.   We weren’t happy with our test scores.   I think they (the teachers) realize we needed to change, but some are better at it than others (Edwards, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Likewise, the administrators in Moss Point and Meridian Schools are also impressed.   Tressie Harper, Moss Point Superintendent, is proud of the gains made in her students’ English II scores.   Moss Point has been working with JBHM since 2003 and in that time has noticed a steady increase in reading scores from 55% in 2002 to 60% in 2003 to 63% in 2004 (Vickers, 2005 and â€Å"MDOE Test Data†) to 75% in 2005 (â€Å"Moss Point High School,† 2005). As in Neshoba and Lamar, the writing scores seemed the most erratic rising from 74% to 91% to 71% to 75% in the same four years (â€Å"MDOE Test Data† and â€Å"Moss Point High School,† 2005).   Perhaps this could be explained by the aforementioned change in the reporting of writing test scores in 2004.   It is possible that the focus of the test shifted slightly at that point as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Likewise, the single Meridian high school shows similar improvement in English II with a three year rise in percentage passing scores from 2002 to 2004 from 57 to 74 to 77.  Ã‚   The writing scores showed a similar rise (â€Å"MDOE Test Data†).   Sylvia Autry, Meridian Public School Superintendent claims that she has worked with several educational consultants and that JBHM has been the â€Å"most focused† (Vickers, 2005, p. 3).   Both Moss Point and Meridian are characterized by a slightly higher black than white student body with the majority on free and reduced lunch (â€Å"Moss Point High School, † 2006)   and â€Å"Meridian High School†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   North Bolivar is another recent addition to JBHM’s client list.   A year ago, the MBOE asked the Governor to deem the North Bolivar School District a state of emergency.   This designation is reserved for school districts that have over half of the schools meeting Priority School status.   State Superintendent Hand Bounds issued to investigations and concluded that the students’ needs were not being met (â€Å"Mississippi Board†¦,† 2005). North Bolivar is an exceptionally poor small town district which is 97% black.  Ã‚   Its reading scores have barely reached 80% (â€Å"MDOE Test Data†).   Score released in 2006 will tell whether or not JBHM will be successful there.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Clearly JBHM consulting or any consulting agency is not necessary for all school districts.   Wealthier more urban areas such as Jackson and Laurel counties consistently post English II scores in the high 80s high 90s.   However, when one compares the multiple choice   scores of Hinds AHS (77% reading), whose population is significantly more challenging based on socioeconomic factors, to Jackson’s (85% reading) , the aforementioned achievement gap appears to be closing. The exact role that JBHM plays in this factor is undetermined since all factors cannot be factored in statistically.   For example, the threats of school closings and consolidations due to a lack of funds plague systems across the country as will as in Mississippi.   One mother in Lamar district commented about the dip in Lamar’s 2004 reading scores; â€Å"They [the students and teachers)] went through so much with the school closings†¦Everybody here was upset. The teachers were upset. If it weren’t for that fear, the scores probably would have been just as good as last year [2003]† (Mees, 2005). In addition, the 2005 hurricane season devastate education in many parts of Mississippi. About 160,000 students in 271 public schools in 44 school districts in the path of the hurricane have been impacted, said Steve Williams, special assistant to the state superintendents. State Superintendent Bounds said that some schools were unable to have classes for 2-3 months.   Some schools were completely destroyed (Hayden, 2005).   Clearly this crisis would impact test scores at all levels.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One thing is clear.   Schools are in need of support services from somewhere.   Initial data seems to indicate that consulting firms, while not the perfect answer, do provide the structured support that some schools need.   Their exorbitant costs will be prohibitive for some school districts, but perhaps with grant programs, they may still benefit from their services.   As the first decade in 2000 pulls to a close, school reform will be steadily underway.   The extent of the change and the consultant’s role in it remain uncertain, but hopeful. References Brumble, Melody. (2006).   â€Å"Caddo School Board Debates Merits of Consulting Proposal.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Shreveport Times.   Retrieved March 29, 2006 from www.shreveporttimes.com/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20060321&Category=NEWS†¦. Edwards, Jeff.   (2006).   â€Å"Neshoba Schools Employ Consultant to Improve Scores.†Ã‚   The   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Neshoba Democrat.   Retrieved March 28, 2006 from www.neshobademocrat.com/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   print.asp? ArticleID=12190&SectionID=2&Subsectional. â€Å"Experience.†Ã‚   JBHM Education Group, LLC.   Retrieved on March 26, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.jbhm-edgroup.com/experience Hayden, Cathy. (2002). â€Å"Schools and More Money:   Plenty of lessons learned.†Ã‚   The Clarion- Ledger. Retrieved on March 29, 2006, from http://orig.clarionledger.com/news/0210/14/m01.html. Hayden, Cathy.   (2005).   â€Å"Angry Parents Want Shelby Schools Chief Fired.† The Clarion-Ledger.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved March 30, 2006 from http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20051113/NEWS/511130388/1†¦. â€Å"Hinds AHS.† (2006).   SchoolTree.Org.     Retrieved March 30, 2006, from,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://mississippi.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html Keller, Bess. (2006).   â€Å"Florida Ready to Demand Bonuses Based on Test Scores.†Ã‚   Education   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Week.   Retrieved March 30, 2006 from http://www.edweek.org/agentk-12articles2006/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   02/22/24fla.h25.html?print=1. â€Å"Lamar High Schools.† (2006).   SchoolTree.Org.     Retrieved March 30, 2006, from,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://mississippi.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html Marzano, Robert J.   (2003). â€Å"11 Factors.†Ã‚   What Works in Schools.   Retrieved March 30, 2006   from   http://www.whatworksinschools.org/factors.cfm. Mees, Reuben. (2005).   â€Å"Area Schools Show Mixed Results on Tests.† Hattiesburg American. Retrieved March 29, 2006, from http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050818/NEWS01/50 8180301/1002&template=printart. â€Å"Meridian High School.† (2006).   SchoolTree.Org.     Retrieved March 30, 2006, from,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://mississippi.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html â€Å"Mississippi Assessment and Accountability Reporting System.† (2006)   Mississippi Department of Education.   Retrieved March 30, 2006,   from http://orsap.mde.k12.ms.us:8080/MAARS/indexProcessor.jsp. Mississippi Board of Education.   (2000).   Graduation Requirements. (State Board Policy IHF-1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New Graduation Requirements).   Retrieved March 29, 2006, from http:///www.mde.k12. Ms.us/ACAD/ID/newgrad.html. Mississippi Board of Education. (2004).   Agenda. Jackson, MS:   4th Floor Boardroom Central High. â€Å"Mississippi Board of Education Approves Asking Governor to Declare State of Emergency in   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   North Bolivar School District.† News Release. (2005). Mississippi State Board of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Education.   Jackson, MS:   Communications Dept. MBOE. â€Å"Mississippi Department of Education Test Data Retrieval System.†Ã‚   (2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mississippi Department of Education.   Retrieved March 29, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/ACAD/TD04/S9D3LST.HTM. â€Å"Moss Point High School.† (2005).   Great Schools.Net Retrieved March 28, 2006 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/achievement/ms/649 â€Å"Moss Point High School.† (2006).   SchoolTree.Org.     Retrieved March 30, 2006, from,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://mississippi.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html â€Å"Neshoba County.† (2006).   SchoolTree.Org.     Retrieved March 30, 2006, from,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://mississippi.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html Parker, Laura.   (2002). â€Å"Abandoned Education:   Tunica’s schools struggle with leftovers and neglect.†Ã‚   APF Reporter 18 (2).   Retrieved March 30, 2006 from www.aliciapatterson.org/APF1802.html Pipho, Chris. (1994). â€Å"Taxes, School Boards, and Higher Education.†Ã‚   Phi Delta Kappan 75 (5),   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   358-359. â€Å"Rose Fort High.† (2006).   SchoolTree.Org.     Retrieved March 30, 2006, from,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://mississippi.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html Sheffer, Hadass.   (2002).   Careers in Educational Counseling.†Ã‚   The Chronicle of Higher   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Education.   Retrieved March 28, 2006, from http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2002/06/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2002062801c/printable.html. â€Å"Services.†Ã‚   JBHM Education Group, LLC.   Retrieved on March 26, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.jbhm-edgroup.com/services Spencer, Mack.   (2004).   â€Å"Achievement Gap.†Ã‚   Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved March 30, 2006 from http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   =59381&pub=1. â€Å"Town Meetings Scheduled for Priority Schools† News Release. (2004). Mississippi State Board   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of Education.   Jackson, MS:   Communications Dept. MBOE. â€Å"Vermont Named Smartest State.† (2005).   Results of the 2005 Smartest State Awards.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved March 30, 2006, from http://www.morganquitno.com/edpress.htm Vickers, Harriet S. (2005) â€Å"Educational Consultant Business Sees Fast-Paced Growth:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ‘Employees have bought into our mission,’ says JBHM Education Group president.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mississippi Business Journal 27 (19), 3. Vine, Phyllis.   (1997).   â€Å"To Market, To Market†¦The School Business Sells Kids Short.† The Nation 265 (7), 11-16.

Organisation Study

INTRODUCTION The Organization Study undertaken as a part of the curriculum has completed at Handicraft Development Corporation in Trivandrum. This study provides the opportunity to expose the student to an organization and its operational conditions. This study also aims at having a better understanding of various departments and its function. Organization study helps to know overall functions of a concern. This is a detailed study of the organization, product profile, service profile, organizational hierarchy, various departments and their functions.This study proved to be fruitful by familiarizing us to the organization and at the same time it also helped us to create practical awareness. The Handicraft Development Corporation is to be selected for undergoing the organizational study for the following reasons: †¢Trivandrum Handicraft Development Corporation is the head office. †¢In this organization has goodwill in general public. †¢Handicrafts have a major role in T ourism Sector. 1. 2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY †¢To understand the flow of authority and responsibility in the different departments of the organization. To assess the overall efforts adopted by the company in order to satisfy the consumer demand. †¢Find out the overall services of the organization to the customers. 1. 3 METHODOLOGY Primary data was collected by conducting formal and informal interviews with the employees and by observation. Secondary data was collected through the company documents, magazines, books and by the use of internet. 1. 4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY The study is intended to attain a firsthand experience of the overall running of an organization.A detailed analysis of each of the activity performed by the departments is beyond the scope of the study. It also provides a chance to see the practical constrains faced by the managers while putting theory in to practical. 1. 5 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY †¢Time was Insufficient to the completion of the project. â € ¢It has chances of guarded and biased response from the reliable source. †¢Busy time schedule of the employees. 1. 6 CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction chapter contains the objective, methodology, scope of the study, limitation of the organization study and cauterization. Chapter 2: Industry Profile In this chapter includes industry profile of Handicraft Development in india. Chapter 3: Company Profile Company profile includes the complete profile of the organization. Strategic indent and also innovative products are included. Chapter 4: Organization Structure Chapter 5: Analysis Objective wise Detailed and complete analysis is to be included in this chapter. This chapter mainly analysis secondary data has been collected. Chapter 6: SWOT Analysis In this chapter includes the findings from the analysis and give proper suggestions for recovering the find problems.Proper solutions are given for the findings and concluded with the solutions. Chapter 7: Findings, conc lusion and suggestions INDUSTRIAL PROFILE Handicrafts industry is a major area of employment generation in the State. Coconut Shell carving, straw picture making, cane work, bamboo and reed weaving, ivory carving, bell metal casting, screw pine and mat weaving are the major handicrafts in the State. Handicrafts Development Corporation and Artisans Development Corporation are the major promotional agencies of the industry.The Handicrafts Development Corporation is procuring and marketing handicraft products through its 19 Kairali emporia spread all over India. Kerala's traditional handicrafts varieties are a class of its own. The artisans of Kerala carve in wood, design in jewellery and makes idols in metal. The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other woods. The life size models of Kathakali and the models depicting boat race of Kerala are Kerala's own master pieces.The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing pose and the various lamps (vilakku) which are very essential for every ceremony of malayalees. Aranmula kannadi is another traditional art work in bell metal. The artisans of Kerala are at their best in making screwpine woven articles, beautiful lamp shades and other articles from bamboo reeds. A variety of products ranging from buttons to flower vase out of coconut shell. Kora mats are very popular and are used for prayer and sleep. Articles made out of buffalo horn and Kathakali masks, straw pictures etcare some of the popular items of Kerala.Handicrafts based on various kinds of wood, coconut, palm etc. are major attractions. The State agencies for the development of handicrafts industry include Handicrafts Co-operative Apex Society, Artisans Development Corporation, Bamboo Corporation and Handicrafts Development Corporation. 2. 1 HANDICRAFT INDUSTRY Handicraft, more precisely expressed as artisanic handicraft, sometimes al so called artisanry, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools.It is a traditional main sector of craft. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion; such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicraft goods. Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts is a matter of intent: handicraft items are intended to be used, worn, etc, having a purpose beyond simple decoration.Handicraft goods are generally considered more traditional work, in traditional non-industrial and transitional societies created as a somewhat more necessary part of daily life, while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In Britain in the late nineteenth century, however, the Arts and Crafts Movement was not a matter of hobbies, but of creating useful as well as creative work for people, using natural materials and traditional techniques. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap. . 2 HANDICRAFTS IN THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT The history of handicrafts in areas generally now comprising India and Pakistan is an old saga. To peep in to the traces of Indian handicrafts we need to go back almost 5000 years. The first references to handicrafts in the Indian subcontinent can be found from the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC-1700 BC). The craft tradition in India has revolved around religious beliefs, local needs of the commoners, as well as the special needs of the patrons and royalty, along with an eye for foreign and domestic trade.These craft traditions have withstood the ravages of time and numerous foreign invasions and continue to flourish till date owing to the assimilative nature of Indian culture and broadmindedness of the handi craftsmen to accept and use new ideas. The Indus valley civilization had a rich craft tradition as well as a high degree of technical excellence in the field of pottery making, sculpture (metal, stone and terracotta), jewelry, weaving, etc. A lot of material information from excavations at Harappa, Mohen-jo-daro, etc. substantiates the craft tradition of the Indus valley civilization.The craftsmen not only catered to all the local needs but surplus items were sent to ancient Arabian cultures via ancient sea routes. Handicraft is the art of creating products using raw and indigenous materials. It develops the skills and creative interests of students towards a particular craft or trade. The basic training provided in a specific craft prepares the students to become competent craftsmen and artists who can contribute to the establishment of cottage industries, thus contributing to the economic growth of the country. 2. 2. 1 STATE EMPIRESThe concept of state was ushered by the rise of t he Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC. It is said that during the time of Ashoka, 84,000 stupas were built in India, including the world famous Sanchi Stupa, which has beautiful stone carving and relief work done on it. Numerous sculptures from Bharhut, Mathura, Amravati, Vaishali, Sanchi, etc. show female figures adorned with an array of jewelry, which continues to inspire contemporary jewelry making. The iron pillars of Vaishali (Bihar) and Delhi, created during the time of Emperor Ashoka, are a marvel in the field of metallurgy. 2. 2. 2 POST MAURYAN AGEThe period between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD was a period of political turmoil as a result of foreign invasions from central Asia. The impact of these intrusions can be seen in the Buddhist sculptures from Taxila, Begram, Bamiyan, Swat valley, etc. which show a high degree of Greek influence. The depiction of Buddha, having curly hair and wearing draperies, until date is the result of this Greek influence. The scu lpture of the Kushan king Kanishka from this period depicting him wearing leather boots and a heavy warm coat amply reflects the influence of the central Asian Culture on Indian craftsmanship.Jewelry, sculpture, textile making, leather products, metal working, etc. were the main handicrafts that inherited these foreign influences and assimilated them in accordance with the Indian milieu. 2. 2. 3 GUPTA AGE The Gupta (AD 320-647) age is referred to as the classical period in Indian history. The points in the field of craft include the rock cut temples of Ellora and the Ajanta murals. These murals give us a realistic view of the lifestyle of that time. The craftsmen of this period, under royal patronage excelled in jewelry making, woodcarving, sculpture, stone carving and weaving. 2. . 4 MEDIEVAL INDIA The Medieval period of Indian history in the context of handicrafts showed a marked shift from north India to the Deccan and southern parts of the country, though the handicraftsmen unde r the Delhi Sultanate period flourished in the field of pottery, weaving, wood carving, metal working, jewelry, etc. The contribution of the Cholas and the Vijaynagar Empire in the field of bronze sculpture, silk weaving, jewelry, temple carving is beyond parallel. The fine example of stone carving from central India can be seen in the form of the Khajuraho Temples, built by the Chandelas.Rich and ornate wood and stone carving can be found in medieval temple of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa. 2. 3 LIST OF HANDICRAFT TRADES †¢Assemblage– collage in three dimensions †¢Beadwork ?Bone carving buffalo, camel, elephant bone carving. ?Cabinet making ?Chip carving †¢Collage possibly involving seeds, fabric, paper, photographs and/or found objects †¢Crochet †¢Embossed aluminum or silver †¢Gardening †¢Buffalo horn carving, Rhino horn carving. †¢Knitting †¢Lath art †¢Parquetry †¢Metalwork †¢Mosaic †¢Needlework †¢Pottery and Ceramics †¢Pressed flower craft — uses real flowers and leaves †¢Puppetry †¢Quilting – also reference Quilt and Art quilts Saddlemaking †¢Scale model †¢Sewing †¢Shoemaking †¢Spinning †¢Stained glass †¢Wood burning, carving, turning, working 2. 4 INDIAN HANDICRAFTS INDUSTRY India is one of the important suppliers of handicrafts to the world market. The Indian handicrafts industry is highly labour intensive cottage based industry and decentralized, being spread all over the country in rural and urban areas. Numerous artisans are engaged in crafts work on part-time basis. The industry provides employment to over six million artisans (including those in carpet trade), which include a large number of women and people belonging to the weaker sections of the society.In addition to the high potential for employment, the sector is economically important from the point of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition, and h igh potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country. Although exports of handicrafts appear to be sizeable, India’s share in world imports is miniscule. It is a sector that is still not completely explored from the point of view of hidden potential areas. India, a country with 28 states and 18 languages and more than 1500 dialects offers an enormous range of handicrafts from each of the states.Major centres in Uttar Pradesh are Moradabad also known as the â€Å"Peetalnagari† (City of Brass), Saharanpur for its wooden articles, Ferozabad for Glass. The North Western state of Rajasthan has to offer the famous Jaipuri quilts, Bagru and Sanganer printed textiles and wooden and wrought iron furniture from Jodhpur. The coastal state of Gujarat comes with embroidered articles from Kutch. Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh is famous for its Lace and Lace goods. But this is only a small part of the total product range. India offers much more. 2. 5 HANDICRAFTS CLASSIF ICATIONHandicrafts are classified into two categories: 1. Articles of everyday use 2. Decorative items The craftsmen use different media to express their originality. The diversity of the handicrafts is expressed on textiles, metals – precious and semi-precious, wood, precious and semi-precious stones, ceramic and glass. 2. 5. 1 TEXTILE BASED HANDICRAFTS: Hand printed textiles including block and screen printing, batik, kalamkari (hand printing by pen) and bandhani (tie and die) are used in products ranging from bed-covers to sheets, dress material to upholstery and tapestry.The famous embroidered articles of silk and cotton often embellished with mirrors, shells, beads, and metallic pieces are also found in India. Embroidery is done too on leather, felt and velvet etc. This segment of the industry accounts for almost half a million strong employment in addition to a large number of designers, block makers, weavers and packers involved in the trade. 2. 5. 2 CLAY, METAL AND JE WELLERY: Brass, copper, bronze, bell metals are used for a variety of wares and in a variety of finishes.Scintillating ornaments are available in a wide range of patterns, styles and compositions. Made from precious metals, base metals, precious and semi-precious stones; these ornaments have traditional as well as modern styles. 2. 5. 3 WOODWORK: Wooden articles in India range from the ornately carved to the absolutely simple. One can find toys, furniture, decorative articles, etc. bearing the art and individuality of the craftsman. India is known particularly for its lacquered wood articles. 2. 5. 4 STONE CRAFT: The intricately carved stoneware made of marble, alabaster or soapstone, etc. inlaid with semiprecious stones carry on the heritage of Indian stone crafts. 2. 5. 5 GLASS AND CERAMIC: Glass and ceramic products are a fast upcoming segment in the handicrafts from India. The age-old production process of mouth-blowing the glass instills a nostalgic feeling. The varied shapes o f ceramic and glass in a number of colours, would appeal to Western aesthetics while retaining the Indian touch. 2. 5. 6 CRAFT CONCENTRATION AREAS: A wide range of handicrafts are produced all over Indian artmetalware / EPNS ware, wood carvings and other wooden artwares, imitation jewellery, andprinted textiles, shawls as artwares, embroidered goods, lace and lace goods, toys, dolls, crafts made of leather, lacquerware, marble crafts etc. Although it is difficult to limit a specific place for the particular craft, the following places are listed for their particular crafts. Art metal ware:Moradabad, Sambhal, Aligarh, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, Rewari, Thanjavur, Madras, Mandap, Beedar, Kerala & Jagadhari, Jaselmer Wooden Art wares:Saharanpur, Nagina, Hoshiarpor, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jagdalpur, Bangalore, Mysore, Chennapatna, Madras, Kerala & Behrampur (WB)Hand printed Textiles & Scarves:Amroha, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Farrukhabad, Sagru & Sanganer Embroidered goods:Kutch (Guja rat), Jaisalmer, Baroda, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Agra, Amritsar, Kullu, Dharmshala / Chamba & Srinagar Marble & Soft Stone Crafts:Agra, Madras, Baster, Jodhpur Papier Mache Crafts:Kashmir, Jaipur Terracotta:Agra, Madras, Baster, Jodhpur Zari & Zari Goods:Rajasthan, Madras, Baster Imitation Jewelry::Delhi, Moradabad, Sambhal, Jaipur, Kohima (Tribal) Artistic Leather Goods:lndore, Kolhapur, Shanti Niketan (WB) Organisation Study CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT I have taken up this project work as a part of my degree in ‘Bachelor of Business Management Course, so to relate the theoretical studies with that of the practical work done in the organization. I have done my project work in the Calicut tile co. In 1879 the Calicut tile co. was incorporated and the circumstance leading to the information of the company is narrated under. The co. was started in 1878 at feroke; the town of clay industries. The founder of the co. was Mr. Soma Sundharan Chettiyar, the great millionaire from Ceylon.And then company was taken over by Mr. V. S. Nadarasa Mudhaliyar from Mr. Soma Sundhara chettiyar. In 1982 the present management takes the co. now there are 8 partners for the co. and mainly two partners are managing the co. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY * To study the general organizational functions and various department of the company. * To understand the growth of tile industry in India. * To study the production department and its performance. * To study the performance of the organization. * To suggest measures for the development of the CTCMETHODOLOGY A report on the descriptive study conducted at the calicut Tile co. , Feroke, Kozhikode is a project work that depends heavily on data collection particularly through observation the source of data are primary and secondary PRIMARY SOURCES * Observation * Consolation with the managers of various departments like production, HR etc. SECONDARY DATA * Report from various departments. * Report from other external magazines and internet. * Policy manuals. LIMITATION * The major constraint was the duration of the study was only 21 days. Couldn’t spend much time with top executives because of their busy schedule. * Due to absences and hesitation to talk openly by the employees it was difficult to collect accurate data. CHAPTER II INDUSTRIAL PROFILE INDUSTRIAL PROFILE Shelter is one of the basic requirements of man. C lay is one of the cheapest raw materials to satisfy this basic requirement of man. For a very long time man has been using clay for building purpose. Clay is basically an administrative mineral with an exclusive property of mould ability in the presence of water embankments etc.After reinforcement with straw, coir, fibers, bamboo, splinters, of woods sharing. It was rather accidental observation that clay when subjected to heating (firing) developed red color along with high strength and stability. Development of this process led to the production of clay products. In South India the German Basel Mission has performed a very important role in developing roofing tile industry or the Mangalore pattern roofing tiles. In the present scenario, roofing tiles have become a vital part of housing construction activity.By the end of 60’s most of the house used roofing tiles fur their houses. The last decade of the century however showed more interest towards concrete roofs and tile mar ket was down, however it again picked up business as decorative tile walls and floor tiles are in great demand now. The Latin word tegula and its French derivative tile mean quite precisely a roof tile of baked clay. The English tile is less precise, for it can in addition be used of any kind of earthenware slab applied to any surface of a building.The word ‘ceramics’ comes from the Greek word ‘keramos’ meaning pottery: it is related to an old Sanskrit root meaning to burn but was primarily used to mean ‘burnt stuff’ The demand for tile is thus improving when compared to the previous years; other clay products are also gaining importance in the market. However some of the tile manufacturing companies have reached saturation stage of its sales. They have to make changes in overall system of production and distribution to enhance the sales THE INDUSTRY IN KERALARoofing tile industry in India has an age of almost 150 years. In India Mangalore patt ern roofing tile factory was first established in the year 1865 by Basel Mission (German Missionaries) who copied the pattern of French tiles as in Marseilles. However first tile factory in Kerala was set up in the year 1844 by German Missionaries and it was named as â€Å"Common Wealth Trust Limited† or â€Å"COMTRUST†. Hundreds of factories came in to existence in South West cost of the country. Since then the industry has completed approximately one and quarter century of useful service to country.The numerous rivers and backwaters of Kerala provided cheap transport and so it is quite natural that a number of factories have opened at Kollam, Calicut, Trissur and alluva. Thus employment was generated. The abundance of clay was the other factor which contributed for rapid expansion of tile industry in this part of state A review of growth of tile industry in Kerala would suggest the following stages of development. These stages are * Period of First World War * Inter war period * The post second war period Towards the end of 19th century the pioneer factory at Kollam and Calicut was established.The pros iteration of tile factories, especially in Trissur may be considered as the second stage in the development of tile industry in Kerala. It’s considered that third stage is the period which small entrepreneurs became conscious of quality and started introducing machineries. This is partially due to the development of local engineering industry. As a result of mechanization could be implemented at a faster rate. The factories established in the first stage of the development in Calicut district was conceived of superior quality due to better technological process and uality control techniques The second stage of development witnessed a rapid growth in the number of tile factories mainly in trissur district. Local availability of quality clay and large managerial returns for the investment can be probable reasons for such a change. Their work ing started almost as a collage industry and not many changes has taken place as the time passed. The technological advancement that has taken place in the other industry has made no impact on the tile industry.The only forward step that have taken in the replacement of mechanical process is by replacing press, which they could increase the production capacity to 2 to 2. 5 times in an average. Even that change is yet to come in Kollam district. In a large number of units intermittent kilns are still use where high rate of fuel consumption is observed. In Trissur area majority of units have started on a small scale and number of chambers of kiln are limited. But subsequent introduction of revolving press has necessitated increasing the capacity and few more champers was added PROLEMS FACED BY CLAY INDUSTRYFor the last few decades the company has enjoyed a very inscriptive market in the country especially in the Southern states. In olden days industry was in Kerala and South Kerala, d istricts of Karnataka States. However conditions have completely different now. Tile factory have mushroomed through the country with much encouragement and support from the respective Government. The old traditional markets are fast dwindling and will soon disappear altogether in the very near future. Even manufacturing good clay-building material to cater to local markets is also having many problems.The company has to face keen completion from manufactures of concrete blocks and locally available. Late rite stones which are now mechanically cut and finished and are being sold at very low rate in the markets when compared to clay bricks. Apart from these, the main critical problems faced by the industry are the non-availability of good quality clays. Moreover there are environmental and ecological problems faced by tile industry and which are bound to de-stabilize the manufacturing operations consequently lead to loss of production in the year to come.Firewood, the fuel required f or the industry is also becoming scared with the present forest policy of the government and at present industry has to depend on plantation firewood like rub wood and other alternative fuels, for firing their kilns. The demand for roofing tile is steadily on the degrees because of the change in lifestyle of the people. While in olden days people used to construct houses by using timbers, the present tendency is to go for roofs. This has drastically affected the demand for Mangalore roofing tiles.If the industry is to survive man publicity has to be given for the products manufactured by the industry, enlightening the advantage of using Mangalore tiles over stopped concrete roofs which would have a good thermal insulation and also increase the life of these structures. While on the other hand, the industry is suffered with few problems relating to raw materials, environment etc. On the other hand there is likely to be a slump in the market for clay product brought out of industry. T he situation has to be analyzed and steps taken to meet the challenges, in light of these numerous problems being controlled by the tile industry.It is necessary that, government should take steps and try to solve the problems of this industry, which is one of the labor intensive industries in India CHAPTETR III COMPANY Profile COMPANY PROFILE| NAME| Calicut Tile Company| MANAGING PARTNER| Mr. MuhammadMr. M. A Abdhul Azeez| YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT| 1878| BANKERS| S. B. T Palayam| FINISHED PRODUCTS| Roofing tilesFlooring tilesBricksVentilator bricks| BRAND NAME| Queens Brand| MAIN MARKET| Tamil NaduKarnataka| NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES| Around 300| GENERAL MANAGER| K. M. Salman| The Calicut Tile Company is the pioneer of clay manufacturers in India.It is started way back in the year 1878. It’s still honored as the ‘first among the best of tiles company ’situated near the historical sea fort of Calicut at Feroke ,the companies name is indelibly printed in the industrial his tory of the company. CTC was founded by Mr. Somasundharam Chettiar a great millionaire from Ceylon. At first only roofing tiles were produced due to non-availability of better raw materials and machines. CTC was taken up by Mr. Nadaraja Mudhaliar. They constructed new building and purchased new machineries for producing more roofing tiles. The company becomes famous by the middle of 1970’s.Now the company is family owned partnership. The company was taken by the present owners in 1982. Providing a profitable as well as a beautiful alternative to concrete roofing, the company re-defined the aesthetic concepts about buildings, with its high quality classy QUEEN BRAND terracotta products unique in its stunning varieties of products. QUEEN BRAND is not just a brand name in the market but a trendsetter, leveraging the expertise earn through a legacy of more than 100 years experience. We have fetched big shares in Bahrain, UK, and Qatar markets apart from the domestic ones.The firs t company to bring a lot of innovative tile products, we the CTC has been a revolution through centuries. QUALITY STANDARDS CTC have been awarded the ISO certification recently by Moody International, an US based quality certification of great repute. A daring visionary behind the terracotta revolution, the company imparted geographical significance to Feroke which later came to be known as cradle of clay tile industry In a world that is Turing rapidly to techno friendly, CTC offer an alternative –bio friendly environment where you can inhale life, appealing to your eyes and soothing to your souls.QUEEN BRAND tile products promise you a world of endless imaginations. The most accepted eco-friendly, cost effective and aesthetically pleasing solution to home roofing and floorings, these classy clay products have by now earned International fame and recognition. Tested weather proof and water proof QUEEN BRAND terracotta tiles appear in a range of models applicable to floorings, roofing and ceiling sand as ventilator bricks and building blocks. Producing tiles with quality that confirms to standards set has been the aim of CTC and all its endeavors have been to this end.It’s a tradition that keeps pace with the changing world and changing needs. CAPACITY Presently the company have around 300 employees where 230 of them are permanent and have an annual production of more than 85 lakhs, the company was equipped with excavator, mixed high speed roller, number of revolving press etc for manufacturing tiles and Hoffman Kiln, one with 28 champers and other with 24 champers and each champers having a capacity of 3000 tiles. Now the company had acquired modern technologies for manufacturing tiles. Chain conveyer system was introduced for conveying wet tiles from the press to the kiln and to stock yard.A separate section for manufacturing ventilator bricks and hourdies was erected NATURE OF BUSINESS CARRIED OUT Nature of business means type of business being carried out. It includes the products of the company and weather the business is manufacturing or sales. If it is a manufacturing company what kind of products are being produced in the company. If the company’s main function is sales what it sells and how it is being sold, that is weather it does a wholesale or retail business The CTC does both manufacturing and sales. It produces all sorts of building material made of clay.Its products includes the following ROOFING TILES FLOORING TILES VENTILATOR BRICKS BUILDING BLOCKS In CTC, production takes place as well they sell it to the retailers and wholesalers and also directly to the customers from the company’s sales outlet PARTNERS OF THE COMPANY CTC is a partnership firm consisting of two managing partners and they are Mr. Muhammad and Mr. M. A Abdul Aziz. Other partners are Mr. M. A Abdul nazar Mrs. M. A Rukhiya Mrs. M. A Soubeena Mrs. M. A Asiya Mrs. M. A Salina Mrs. M. A Najeena Mr. M. A Abid Mr. M. A Ramshid Mr. M. A Rajay Mrs. M. A Nargees Mr. M.A Hareer KEY TO SUCESS Key to success is designing and producing products that meet the market demand. In addition to this the company also ensures total total consumer satisfaction. If these goals are achieved it will become a profitable sustainable company. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMPANY It is an industry with more than 130 years of experience Engaged in the production of wide range of products It has a capacity to meet huge requirements any point of time Highly experienced management with perfect knowledge about market and its products. QUALITY POLICY OF THE COMPANY ATMOSPHERIC HARMONY: Terracotta tiles created a rhythemetic harmony with the atmosphere where it is used. Its natural elements are harmful to arthritis patients. The tiles also add elegance to the concrete buildings and act as a heat insulation aid, that is why even five star hotels are turn in to clay tiles. ECO-FRIENDLINESS: In CTC innovative and energy saving manufacturing technologies a re used to manufacture eco-friendly products combining economy with ecology. The beautiful glazes of terracotta tiles are softer and more sensitive to scratches and wear and tear than tiles made from normal porcelain or ceramic material.Our clay roof tiles allow for ongoing ventilation that extracts the moisture that otherwise could cause mild dew, rote and overtime the collapse to substructure. VARIETY: We provide different plain tiles and pan tiles. Architects, Builders and roofing specialists etc with their join efforts produces different varieties of tiles according to the requirements of consumers DURABILITY * There are still number of tile roofed building that are 100 years of old where you find a few concrete building leaks within few years. Clay roof tiles are some of the most environmental friendly building material.This is due to long life expectancy that they are made of natural product and can be disposed off fully. NATURALITY Terracotta floorings, ceilings and wall cove rings, is designed with bright natural flair unlike any other things. QUEEN BRAND products are made attractive, colorful, and long-lasting in a functional aesthetically pleasing way. We offer carefully designed precision made roofing tiles comparable only to top quality porcelain product as ceramic floor tiles. FLEXIBILITY QUEEN BRAND tiles are designed for ease of use and versatility. For instance by means of pioneering concept for tile overlap allowing flexible tile to tile fit.As a result tile can be laid simply and quickly, saving time and labor cost. Each and every QUEEN tile is baked by a life time guarantee. PLANT LOCATION Calicut Tile Company is honored as the first among the best of tile companies. The plant is in the town of Feroke is connected with national highway 17. The factory is situated near the Chaliyar River. All infrastructure facilities are available near the company. ORGANISATIONAL CHART CHAPTER IV DEPARTMENTAL STUDIES PRODUCTION Department PRODUCTION DEPARTMEN T Clay is an important raw material used for tiles the quality of tiles depends up on its clay.Therefore the clay is tested before taking it for the production. There are mainly two types of clay namely plastic clay and lean clay. The tested clay is thoroughly mixed by using a machine called excavator. With the help of excavator the clay is sliced. After slicing, the clay is collected using the excavator in tray called trolleys. The sliced clay is then pushed into box feeder. Box feeder consists of 3 chambers and both type of clay will be there at first two chamber and both of this is mixed along with the sand in the 3rd chamber. Then the clay is moved into pan mill.Pan mill performs the crushing of clay and grinds together the different types of clay. Here the clay is crushed well using water. Clay in the form of flakes is passed into hi speed roller one. High speed roller one is an extension of pan mill and the clay is crushed well and then it is move to the high speed roller two where the clay is crushed further and reduce the time module or small pebbles contained in the clay. Then the clay is moved into de-airing pug mill and main purpose here is to remove the air content from the clay otherwise it would lead to breakage after it becomes in to a tiles.The clay is cut and passed to the press where different dice are available and the different shapes or types arise. Different types of tile formed are roofing tiles, flooring tiles, ventilator tiles, building tiles etc. In the press where roof tiles are formed with the help of a trimmer tiles are properly shaped and finished. The slabs are rubbed with oil which is a mixture of kerosene and rice-burn oil before putting into the press so as to dice smooth. The waste clay is recycled. The name of the clay, factory trade mark etc are marked on the tiles by providing necessary impression on the dice.Now the pressed tile contains 25% of water. To reduce the water content of green tile, it is dried in the open air where natural air ios able to enter directly. Artificial drying using external heating system is also rarely used. The tiles required to be dried for around 6-7 days during summer and 10-15 during rainy season. The well dried tiles are placed in the chamber of Hoffman kiln for baking. The kiln consists of different layers where the tiles can be put and heat is made possible to enter into it. Fire wood is used as fuel for burning at a temperature of 800 degree.The kiln works 24 hours a day through out and even on holidays. As the temperature is reached at a required level in one chamber, the fixing will be moved to the next chamber. After that the chamber is cooled and emptied. The burned tiles are moved to an open place where or nearer to kiln yard. Then it is moved to the stock yard where tiles are stocked. Different grade or classes are given to the tiles according to their quality and they are stored separately. It is from the stock yard, the tiles are dispatched according to the order placed. Here comes the end of the production process.PAN MILL PROCUREMENT OF TESTED CLAY DESPATCHING AGAINST ORDER SORTING AND STOCKING SPACE FOR DRYING HIGH SPEED ROLLER DE-AIING PUG MILL TILE FURNISHING TILE PRESSER BOX FEEDERS CLAY EXCAVATION ROLLER I ROLLER II KILN CHAMBER PRODUCTION PROCESS CHART PURCHASE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE DEPARTMENT Purchase department is one of the important departments in CTC. This department deals with 6the purchase of raw material such as purchase of clay fire woods, store good etc and the main function of the department is to invite tenders and quotation for purchasing raw material.Tenders are invited and they select those tenders which quotes the suitable price for the product. They just do not verify the price of raw material but also ensure about the quality of the product purchased. The main duty of the purchasing manger is to: Ensure continuous availability of raw material so that production doesn’t get stopped To reduce ultimate cost of finished product To ensure quality of raw material and there by quality of production Now we can look some of the important raw material which is purchased by the purchase department. CLAY Clay is one of the most important raw materials used for production.There are mainly two types of clay, plastic clay and lean clay. Before purchasing clay, purchase department takes the specimen of clay and test it using in different methods, like sand content test, burning test, and by the usual observations. Company usually collects clay fro the field of Mavoor, Cheruvadi, Karod, Edevanna, Areacode etc. FIREWOOD Fire wood is purchased from sub contractors of Irutty, Kodiyathur, Mavoor, Nilambur etc. The fire wood purchased from keep in it top of the kiln. The fire wood is unlocked in the firewood yard only after visual observation by firewood supervisor.From the above it’s clear that purchase department is one of the strong and back bones of CTC and its effective functioning is very m uch important for overall performance of CTC. WATER Water is one of the essential element of the tile it’s also essential for manufacturing. Water is prowled from the well and it’s purchased rarely. OIL AND KEROSENE It is another item as that of water which is less frequently purchased by the purchase department. Rice bran oil and kerosene In the ratio 2:10 are mixed and applied on the plugged slabs to avoid sticking of slabs each other.Kerosene is also used as fuel in generator. MARKETING DEPARTMENT MARKETING DEPARTMENT The marketing department of CTC is well developed and computerized. The main duty of this department is marketing and sales of queen brand. As we know that is one back bone of a business enterprice. The marketing department has its own value. It is controlled by sales manager and executive sales. DUTIES OF SALES MANAGER Responsibilities of various sales related decision like supplying the right quantity and quality product at right time. Management of cash receipt and paymentProper direction to the executive’s sales regarding collection of duties from customers and other related matters. Keeping proper records for purchase of fire wood. ACTIVITIES UNDER MARKETING DEPARTMENT Marketing activities are carried out and field sales executives explore the potential for sales of the product Appointing dealers Sales promotion activities like sponsorships, radio, banners & boards, calendar, trade fairs etc. Now the company has around 200 dealers all over India and they have or are mainly located in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION The CTC adopts mainly 3 major channels of distribution their channels are as given below; Manufacturer Customers Manufacturer Dealer Customer Manufacturer Dealer Agent Customer QUALITY POLICY TO CONSUMERS 1. To provide dependence products that consistency meets customer’s expectations first time, on time, every time. 2. To recognize through systematic review pro cess that all over products and commitments are expression of quality 3.To constantly strive to achieve optimum customer satisfaction through on time delivery and defect fire parts with acceptable quality level by continuously improving our process and practices to the almost satisfaction of all our clients 4. To strive pure goals aimed at achieving excellence in the product that consistently meets or exceed customer expiations. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT INTRODUCTION Human Resource department is concerned with the management of human resources. It is the sense of getting things done through people, is an essential part of every managers responsibilities. Many organizations find it useful.Many organizations find it useful to set up a specialist section to provide an expert service in the performance of HR functions. Today no member in the organization disagrees that â€Å"people are more valuable asset in the organization but in reality in many organization it is fou nd that this most valuable resources remains undervalued, undertrained, underutilized Fast changes are taking place in the business enterprise. An organization must have the ability to absorb these changes at a rapid rate than in the past, not simply to prove its competency alone but to justify its existence in the dynamic business world as well.All organization weather large or small must ensure themselves that they have the competent people capable of accepting these challenge. Personnel Management is â€Å"concerned with people dimensions in management. Since every organization is made of people, acquiring their service, developing their skills motivating them higher level of performance and ensuring that they continue to maintain their commitment to the organization are essential to achieve their organizational objectives.This is true regardless the type of organization, government, business education, health, recreation or social action â€Å" In CTC employees are recruited m ainly through personnel interview, recommendation of present employee and through medium of publicity. OBJECTIVES OF CTC To establish and maintain good working atmosphere in the organization. Each employee is given certain objectives and give them amble support to achieve it. To achieve the goals of organization through human excellence. To maintain and increase the level of effectiveness of employers and there by their effective utilization.To provide motivation to the employees to work for the success of the organization. To have a better personnel structure in the organization that is the personnel department. PERSONNEL POLICIES AT CTC Pvt. Ltd. * Satisfied customers and motivated employees are of vital importance to CTC. The past 130 years is a good personnel policy followed by the firm it is seen not good or harmonious industrial relation maintained by the firm. The main three types of policy are staffing policy, wage and salary administration policy and the promotional policy. Other important personnel policies are below Each employee shall: * Understand his or her role. * Take responsibility. * Develop his/ her competence knowledge, skills and ability. * H. R STRUCTURE OF CTC Number of workers in CTC is around 300 which includes permanent and casual workers, among them 50 are skilled workers who are well trained and is called foreman. Attendance register are maintained in the factory to record the time spend by each worker in the factory, it also distinguish normal time from overtime. The working hour of the company starts from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.But the kiln works for 24 hours a day and the operator for kiln is 4 shifts of 7 hours each. Convenient timing has made workers happy in the factory. Overtime workers have been paid double of wages of that day. This is done as they don’t want to spent for recruitment and training of new workers. If in the case of death, casual workers are selected as permanent workers. In administration level there are around 10 office staffs like production manager, personnel manager, finance manager etc. Wage calculations are fully computerized for fast result.The control of the organizational activities are in the hands of top level management, they are responsible for entire functions of the concerned persons. The total number of working days of CTC is around 305 days. Each worker is allowed a holiday during the week. The workers are not required to work on the first of the week that is Sunday. Within the production process there are many departments where employees are classified, they are CLAY FIELD In clay department, at a time there should be 21 employees. Their main duty is to load different type of clay. The main duty s to take the clay in to the excavator where the clay is sliced and their duty ends at the door step of press. The employees in the clay department are given a fixed remuneration of 6000 per month and they have to work for 8 hours a day. PRESS FIELD Here there sh ould be almost 11 employees who have to work hand in hand to achieve the target. Their work starts where the work of clay department ends. Their duty to receive the clay coming out of roller and put in to the press for making it as slabs and to other press where the slabs are press in to particular tiles from where the shape of tile is formed.Remuneration package is time rate and is paid 6000 per month for 8 hours a day. CHICK DEPARTMENT The duty here is to dry the pressed tile, that is to take the tile from press to the region where tiles are dried under direct sun light. Here 6 workers are working at a time and piece rate system is followed here for payment of wage. An employee should take 1400 tile which is treated as one work and for one work 200 rupees is paid. KILN DEPARTMENT At a time there will be 8 people working in a kiln, and it consists of two kilns which contain 28 and 24 rooms respectively.Here also piece rate system is followed and loading of 3000 tile is regarded as one work. BURNING SECTION It’s closely related with kiln department. It is the only one section were 24 works work is carried out. It is from here the kiln is burned. Their main duty is to regulate heat content according to the requirement of tile. Here mainly there are two workers who work on shift basis. They are given a fixed salary per month and double salary for working during holidays. REPAIRS SECTION Here repairs of machinery take place. Machines of the company are repaired within the firm.Here there are 7 workers including a foreman. They have a fixed remuneration. OTHERS There are certain workers who concentrate on loading of dried and finished tile to store rooms. There is no fixed number of employees in this work and depends up on requirement. They are also paid in piece rate form. Some workers are placed in those sections of bringing firewood which is required for burning. Here at present 9 workers are there and piece rate system is followed and for one work they are paid 230 rupees. There is a pottery department where one employee is working for the last 27 years.If he designs 5 tiles per day it is treated as one work and salary is given according to that. EMPLOYEE WELFARE The CTC employees receive multiple welfare facilities. Company provides all the possible facilities and amenities to the workers. Since file industry is labour oriented industry every problem connected with the workers will adversely affect the production and the reputation of the company. The management of this company thoroughly understands that and tries to solve all the problems connected with workers. Various labour welfare activities made by mgt to workers are; I. CanteenThe company is running a very good canteen inside the factory. With the help of this canteen the workers can save 85% of their food expense, that is, the company is providing subsidized food to their employees. II. Increment Every year increment of salary is given to the employees after their retire ment. The minimum service required for getting gratuity is 5 years. Computation of gratuity: Gratuity = Salary x Service x 15/ 26 Other than this the company provides contribution to ESI, PF providing annual leaves and casual leaves, home appliance loan, bonus, etc†¦ PROBLEM FACING THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Though the company is well maintaining its relations with the unions and employees still the personnel department faces a few problems. However most of the problems are effectively bought under organized by various techniques as participation management system used in CTC. * Manpower of human resources may be thought of as the total knowledge, skills and creative abilities, talents and attitude of the total workforce of the organization. Management should consider the fact that of all M’s of management (Men, Money, Machinery, Materials, Methods and Minutes).The most important and the most complex resources are the humans. Hence, men are the most valuable asset of an or ganization rather than money or any physical equipment. Only human resource can ensure the effective utilization of all other resources to lead the business activities in to a success. * * * * * * * * * HOLIDAY WITH PAY IS 26th January Republic Day 14th April Vishu 1st May World Workers Day 15th August Independence Day 2nd October Gandhi Jayanthi 25th December ChristmasShivarathri Good Friday Milady sheriff Onam Navami Id-ul-fither CHART & DIAGRAMS 1. Different posts occupied by the employees in the organization. POSTS| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Manager| 3| 7. 5| Supervisor| 6| 15| Forman| 8| 20| Workers| 23| 57. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Out of the total employees more than 50% of them are unskilled workers who directly engage in the production of tiles. So, of the total population more than half of them are workers. 2. Number of year worked by the employee in the company? NUMBER OF YEARS| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE| Below 8| 4| 10| -16| 3| 7. 5| 16-24| 16| 40| Above 24| 17| 42. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: The pie diagram indicates that more than 80% of employees are with long term service. This indicates that labor turnover in the organization is not that high and is under control. 3. Have you received any special incentive till now? INCENTIVES| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Yes| 18| 45| No| 22| 55| Total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Out of the total employees in the organization 45% of them says or agrees that they had received incentive, while others contradicts to the statement and says ‘no’ to the question. . Are you satisfied with the present salary? SATISFIED| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Yes| 22| 55| No| 18| 45| Total| 40| 100| Table [ 1 ] Interpretation: The diagram indicates that almost half of the employees are satisfied with the salary and while others are not satisfied with the salary given. So management has to consider these factors well. 5. How do you rate the promotional policy adopted in the organization? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| 02| 05| Good| 14| 35| Average| 18| 45| Poor| 06| 15| Total| 40| 100| Interpretation:From the diagram it’s clear that as a whole, promotional policies are satisfactory since only 15% are not at all happy with the promotional efforts. Management should adopt such policies so that these 15% employees also show a positive sign. 6. Are you satisfied with the terms and conditions of the job? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Not at all| 06| 15| Up to a level| 24| 60| Fully| 10| 25| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: The diagram shows that employees are more or less satisfied with the terms and conditions of the job. Dissatisfaction level is comparatively lower. 25% is fully satisfied which is a good sign. . What is your opinion about relationship with management? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Friendly| 06| 15| Moderate| 28| 70| Strict| 05| 12. 5| No opinion| 01| 2. 5| t otal| 40| 100| Interpretation: 70% of the employees say that there is moderate relationship between employees and management. So the company is not following an autocratic type of structure. Here the chance of formation of informal organization is limited. 8. According to you which is the best motivating factor? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Monitory| 15| 37. 5| Non monitory| 06| 15| Both| 19| 47. | total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Since more than 50% of employees are unskilled workers, they can be primarily motivated with monitory incentives. From the diagram it is clear that employees give priority to the mixture of monitory and non monitory factors. 9. Have you received any fringe benefits from the company? | NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Yes| 19| 47. 5| No| 21| 52. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: From the diagram response is 47. 5% says ‘yes’ and rest stays with ‘no’. Company mainly provides fringe benefits to skilled and off ice staffs rather than to the semi skilled workers. 0. Are your grievances fully satisfied by the company? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Not at all| | | Up to a level| 32| 80| Fully| 08| 20| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Since the relationship between management and employees are good their grievances are also satisfied to an extent. No one in the company is fully disappointed with the company. 11. How do you rate the safety and security measures adopted in the organization? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| 10| 25| Good| 18| 45| Average| 10| 25| Poor| 02| 05| total| 40| 100|Interpretation From the survey conducted it is clear that the company gives much importance for the safety and security measures and 70% of the population is very much happy with the companies policies and only 5% of them is dissatisfied. 12. Are you satisfied with the retirement schemes of the company? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Highly satisfied| 12 | 30| Satisfied| 22| 55| Dissatisfied| 06| 15| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: The company provides almost all retirement benefits provided by similar companies like provident fund, gratuity etc. rom the graph it’s clear that there is a mixed response from the part of employers. 13. Are you active in trade union activities? R ATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Active| 14| 35| Passive| 08| 20| Neutral| 18| 45| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: From the graph it is clear that participation of employees towards trade union activity is neutral, but it may not be so accurate as sample taken is small and employees may not reveal the truth. 14. What is your opinion about canteen facility? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| -| -| Good| 07| 17. | Average| 14| 35| Poor| 19| 47. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: It is an area where management has to keep their eyes open as majority of employees are not happy with the canteen. So they should try to take s teps to improve the conditions. 15. What is your opinion about sanitary facilities? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| -| -| Good| 06| 15| Average| 21| 52. 5| Poor| 13| 32. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: This is another area where management has to look up on, as employee satisfaction is a key area for the success of an organisation.CHAPTER VI PRODUCT PROFILE CHAPTER VI SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT ANALYSIS Identification of SWOTs is essential because subsequent steps in the process of planning for achievement of the selected objective may be derived from the SWOTs. SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. STRENGTHAn industry with one thirty years of experience and highly experienced management. Wide range of products. Focus on producing high quality tiles. Ability to meet huge requirements any point of time. Better superior-subordinate relation. WEAKNESS: Accounting methods are not scientific. Less focus on marketing activities. Transportation totally depends on private vehicles. Cost of tiles is little high as compared to other states. Conventional practice of fixing clay is used. OPPORTUNITIES: Go out for innovation. Opportunities for diversification of product. Try new technologies. * THREATS:Problem of absenteeism. Clay is not available readily Firewood and other fuel used for burning become costly and its availability is limited. Strikes lockouts effect the continuity of production process and there by overall productivity of firm. * CHAPTER VI FINDINGS & SUGGESTIONS FINDINGS * CTC concentrates on production of tiles. Product of CTC is of high quality. Compare to other firms, price of CTC is lower. Employees are satisfied with the terms & conditions of the job as well as with the management. Productivity has increased in a slow rate. Less concentration on marketing of products.Since it is an organization with more than 100 years experience, it enjoys high degree of goodwill. Shortage of raw materials, firewood etc is great threat to the company. * SUGGESTIONS Demand for the product is high but the availability is low, so try to increase the production. Better salary should be given to employees so as to gain their confidence. Company should increase promotional efforts. Firm should concentrate on adding diversity to the product and then only it can with stand in the market. Reduce cost of production by using modern technologies Step should be taken to improve canteen and sanitary facilities.Find out an alternative source of energy for production. CHAPTER VII CONCLUSION CONCLUSION Calicut Tile Company, Kerala’s first tile company has really created revolution in this field. The QUEEN BRAND terracotta product s developed by CTC which really set the standards in the industry are widely acceptable to different culture, climate, and architectural tastes around the world. World is changing and modernization will have to be incorporated in every phase of working of the company and ways will have to be found to cope with competition and overcome the barriers of innovation.To conclude, management of CTC should make past emphasis and work effectively to supplement formal structures to tackle issues like product launching and cost reduction. BIBLIOGRAPHY BIBLIOGRAPHY Marketing Management : Philip Kotler Marketing Management : A. Vinodh H R management : Mammoria Personnel management : Edwin. B. Flippo Company Records Website : www. calicuttilecompany. com www. google. com