The Private Finance Initiative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

The Private Finance Initiative - Essay Example The basic premise behind the concept was to involve private players in service provision hence lessening the burden on the government. It was also meant to bring a touch of professionalism that is common in the private sector in provision of public services. The entry of Britain in the European Union also played a significant role in the starting of this scheme. New EU laws put a cap on government expenditure resulting from both internal and external debt. These laws consequently put a major strain on government expenditure on public projects such as new schools, roads and hospitals. Technical experts therefore resulted to PFI in order to expedite the provision of essential public services. In some circles the scheme was also known as the Private-Public partnership or simply the PPP. While the scheme was designed to ensure efficient provision of public services and reduce government borrowing from the public sector, it drew some criticism in some quarters. Some economic experts and political scientist pointed holes at the idea saying that it was a blatant display of government inefficiency. There was also fear that providers of these public services may be motivated by profits and end up providing mediocre services. In public finance, the government provides public goods since unlike private players; it is not motivated by profits. ... As noted earlier the Private Finance Initiative was the brainchild of the conservative government then led by John Major. It was billed as the most cost effective means of service provision to the public. As expected this attracted the wrath of the then opposition labour party who accused the government of engaging in unplanned privatisation of key government services. Courtesy of some wheel dealing and backroom consultations the labour party warmed up to the idea and consequently the Private Finance Initiative was implemented. In spite of its initial opposition to the idea, the labour went ahead to adopt PFI when it eventually swept to power under the stewardship of the youthful leader Tony Blair. The chancellor Gordon Brown who was one of the most vocal opponents of the scheme beat a hasty turn around and became scheme's number one supporter. The chancellor praised the scheme pointing out that it was due to PFI that over 150 new schools were built, 40 new hospitals constructed and a dozen road and rail projects constructed within a very short span of time. Economists at the treasury also argued that it was due to PFI that the government had spent more on capital projects and there was less public borrowing by the state. PFI was well manifested in London as it was responsible for the building of the ultramodern London Underground system. Mayor Ken Livingstone was forced to eat humble pie and support the project after its success. Akintole et al (2003) points out that Private Finance Initiative was one of the thorny issues in the labour government. There was the usual criticism that public assets were managed by private individuals in a questionable manner for a very long period of time. It was also quietly pointed out that some highly important

Starbucks Companys Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Starbucks Companys Marketing Plan - Essay Example The objectives are as follows: Starbucks is now a household name and is continuing to delve into other areas such as joining forces with large companies (Dreyers Grand Ice Cream, Pepsi-Cola, Hear Music, Tazo Tea Company, Kraft Foods, etc. to continue branching out. Euromonitor International : Global Company Profile (2004) reports,"It aims to position its outlet as customers "third place", a location where the customer feels able to relax free from the pressures of either work or home Starbucks's main objective is to establish Starbucks as the most recognised and respected brand in the world. To achieve this, the company plans to continue to rapidly expand its outlets, to grow retail sales of its bottled drinks and ice cream and introduce new products and expand distribution channels." By licensing agreement, it has joined forces with other huge businesses. By placing itself everywhere and developing customer loyalty by providing what they want and need (in many areas). Having customers who are loyal to a certain brand is the key to a company's success. When a company can obtain customers who are loyal to its brand, this is extremely advantageous as the customers are the ones who will do the advertising and the selling. The company does not have to work as hard. The advantages of positioning Starbucks as a lifestyle product and joining forces with other companies were many. Gaining a competitive advantage by not just selling a product but selling a community; a place where people could have a sense of belonging. By touching people's emotions, they were able to hit right at the heart, where people are moved, and decisions are easily made based on emotions and what touches them. Their customers were made to feel special and a part of an elite group surrounded by others like them as those who purchased the coffees, other products (such as holiday items), and music could share the same social lifestyle. It is more than just a mere cup of coffee that they were getting. It is a lifestyle, a community, a way of life, and the "customers' third location". In today's world, there

There are four topics, so you can choose from them Essay

There are four topics, so you can choose from them - Essay Example Better so, than live to be disgraced and looked askance at† (Book III). Achilles on the other hand participates for the glory that this war is going to bring him, even if it means his death. The motivation of Hector is selfless, while the motivation of Achilles is selfish. Hector holds the position of a traditional hero with the Trojans and is their undisputed leader looked upon with respect. â€Å"When Hector heard this he was glad, and went about among the Trojan ranks holding his spear by the middle to keep them back, and they all sat down at his bidding†. (Book III). On the contrary Achilles is a feared warrior in his camp, but at loggerheads with Greek kings Agamemnon, who want his presence on the battlefield as a motivation for the Greek army, which can be seen from this speech of Achilles to Agamemnon â€Å" You are steeped in insolence and lust of gain. With what heart can any of the Achaeans do your bidding, either on foray or in open fighting? I came not warring here for any ill the Trojans had done me. I have no quarrel with them. They have not raided my cattle nor my horses, nor cut down my harvests on the rich plains of Phthia; for between me and them there is a great space, both mountain and sounding sea†. (Book 1). Throughout the book Homer paints Achilles in a near godly fashion. The human ingredient of fear is absent in Achilles and this makes his acts of bravery and valiance beyond the means of a mere human. On the other hand Hector is seen in the as a human with all its failings including fear. Event in life cause fear, but how fear is conquered even at the pain of death makes a human a hero. The scene of the killing of Hector by Achilles brings this out to the forefront. Hector alone outside the walls of Troy runs away from Achilles demonstrating the human characteristic of fear. He however overcomes it to come