Strengths And Weaknesses Of Etisalat

Strengths And Weaknesses Of Etisalat Emirates Telecommunication Corporation Etisalat was founded in 1976 as a joint-stock company between International Aeradio Limited, a British Company, and local partners. In 1983 the ownership structure changed United Arab Emirates government held a 60% share in the company and the remaining 40% were publicly traded. In 1991 the UAE central government issued Federal Law No. 1, which gave the corporation the right to provide the telecommunications wired and wireless services in the country and between UAE and other countries. It also gave the firm the right to issue licenses for owning, importing, manufacturing, using or operating telecommunication equipment. This practically gave Etisalat both regulatory and control powers, which completed the monopoly of the telecom giant in the UAE. In order to safeguard the countrys economic development, the law made provisions for the development of the telecommunication sector in the country. The increase of exchange lines from 36,000 in 1976 to more than 737,000 in 1998 was one of the important indicators of Etisalat networks growth and development. An important milestone was Etisalats commencement of international operations in January 2001, when under the brand name of Ufone it started operating out of Islamabad. Today Etisalat stands 140th among the Financial Times Top 500 Corporations in the world in terms of market capitalization, and is ranked by The Middle East magazine as the 6th largest company in the Middle East in terms of capitalization and revenues. The Corporation is the largest contributor outside the oil sector to development programmes of the UAE Federal Etisalat has also won accolades from across the region for its nationalization programme Etisalat Building in Abu Dhabi, UAE In addition to its telecommunication services provider and carrier units, Etisalat incorporates a number of additional non-telecom business units under the umbrella of Etisalat Services Holding LLC. These units support the companys operations and even provide services to other operators and organizations, namely: training and consultancy services(Etisalat Academy, SIM/smart card manufacturing and payment solutions (Ebtikar), data clearing house services (EDCH), peering/voice and data transit (Emirates Internet Exchange EMIX), call center Etisalat is a major investor in Thuraya (34.5%), a satellite geo-mobile communication systems provider. In 2006 Etisalat started a major restructuring program that resulted in the de-merger of many of its non-core business units operating under the telecoms centralized and direct management; core services were consolidated and streamlined, reflecting the companys shift from a technology-driven telecom to a customer-focused services provider. As part of the program, Etisalat has launched a re-branding campaign, releasing a new corporate logo and identity in May 2006. The restructuring culminated in the incorporation of Etisalat Services Holding LLC, which as of 2008 oversees the operation of Etisalats non-telecom business units with huge success stories . Etisalat International Investments Etisalat International Investments is the business unit of Etisalat that operates outside the UAE and manages the corporations stakes in telecommunications carriers in Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Iran, the Ivory Coast, Egypt, Niger, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The International Investments unit also manages Etisalats minor stakes in other telecommunications services providers, such as Sudatel (a mobile, fixed and Internet services provider in Sudan), and Qtel (Qatar-based telecommunications services provider). Mobily Saudi Arabia One of Etisalats first international investments was the bid to become the second mobile services operator in Saudi Arabia. Etihad Etisalat, a consortium led by Etisalat, won the 2G GSM license by offering USD $3.25 billion. Currently operating under the brand name Mobily, Etihad Etisalat offers Saudi Arabia subscribers conventional and 3.5G mobile telephony services, and has floated shares on the Saudi stock market. PTCL Pakistan Among the acquisitions of Etisalat in 2005 was a 26% management stake in Pakistan Telecommunications (PTCL) that was put on sale by the Government of Pakistan as part of a large privatization initiative. In order to outbid competitors (which included Singapore Telecommunications and China Mobile), Etisalat offered USD $2.56 billion for the stake. According to some analysts, the telecom has overpaid, as the bid went far beyond the estimated USD $2 billion value of the package. Etisalat Egypt In July 2006, a consortium led by Etisalat was granted the rights to develop Egypts third mobile network, with a winning bid of 16.7 billion Egyptian pounds (EUR à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.29 billion euro). The venture, Etisalat Egypt, competes with existing service providers Vodafone and Mobinil. On September 12, 2006, it was announced that the network would be built by Ericsson of Sweden, and Huawei of China, at a cost of approximately USD $1.2 billion. In 2007, at the Comms MEA Awards ceremony Etisalat was presented with the Best New Entrant award for its Egyptian operations. Award winners were selected by a panel of experts from KPMG, the Arab Advisors Group and Oliver Wyman, Dubai. Canar Sudan Etisalat is one of the founding partner companies of Canar Telecom, a fixed-line telecom services operator. In September 2007 Etisalat has raised its stake in Canar from 37% to 82% at an estimated cost of AED 584.17 million (USD $159 million). Canar was launched on November 27, 2005. The operator is reported to use NGN and Wireless Local Loop (WLL) technologies for its voice, data, internet and multimedia services. Canar is one of the first operators in Africa to use an NGN network core. EMTS Nigeria Etisalat signed an agreement to acquire 40% of and manage Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services, Nigerias fifth GSM operator. It is now operating with about 5 million Subscribers, and recently signed an agreement with Main One cable company to launch one of the first major broadband service in Nigeria. Zantel Tanzania In January 1999, Etisalat acquired a stake in Zanzibar Telecom (a Tanzania-based mobile operator) for USD $2.4 million (AED 8.8 million) and has subsequently increased the stake by 17% in July 2007. Since then, Zantel has introduced telcom services that are typical for the African region, such as mobile banking services for customers without access to banking facilities (Zpesa Mobile Banking). Atlantique Telecom/Moov West Africa In Africa, Etisalat acquired 50% of Atlantique Telecoms shares in April 2005. Based in the Ivory Coast, AT owns mobile operators in Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Central African Republic, Gabon and Ivory Coast. In 2007, Etisalat increased its shares in AT to 70% and again in May 2008, to 82%. AT group subscribers totaled 2.9 million at the end of 2007, which is a 107% increase from the previous year. Ivory Coast: Moov, is currently Ivory Coasts third-largest cell-phone operator with a 1.5 million customer base. In 2008 Moov Ivory Coast introduced the first nationwide cell-phone coverage, based on Thuraya satellite access technology. It is the first time that such a service has been offered in sub-Saharan Africa, outside South Africa. It was expected that the expanded coverage introduced by the satellite service would help boost Moovs customer base and even overtake France Telecoms unit Orange as the top telecom services provider in the country. Benin: Etisalat operates in Benin under the Moov brand. On 24 October 2007 the government of Benin has reassigned Telecels operating license to Etisalat. In February 2008, His Excellency Dr. Boni Yayi, President of Benin, honoured Etisalat chairman, Mohammad Hassan Omran during a ceremony to celebrate Etisalats efforts in developing and promoting the telecommunications sector in Benin. XL Axiata Indonesia Indonesia-based mobile services operator PT XL Axiata (formerly PT Excelcomindo Pratama) is Etisalats first acquisition in the Far East. In December 2007 Etisalat took a 15.97% stake after paying USD $438 million (AED 1.6 billion). At the time of the acquisition XL had 15 million mobile subscribers. Etisalat Afghanistan Etisalat Afghanistan is a newly established GSM operator, 100% owned by Etisalat. It was established in May 2006 after the UAE telecom won the license to operate the fourth mobile services provider in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Etisalats bid for the license was USD $1.2 billion (AED 4.4 billion) and services were launched in August 2007. Etisalat Afghanistan operates out of Kabul and as of March 3, 2010, the company has achieved 24 per cent market share in 27 provinces of Afghanistan. Etisalat Sri Lanka Etisalat acquired the Sri Lankan Operation of Millicom International Cellular (MIC), Tigo (Sri Lanka) on 16 October 2009. The acquisition was completed with a total enterprise value of 207 Million US$, out of which 155 Million US$ was in cash. Tigo (Sri Lanka) under the then brand name CELLTEL started operations in June 1989 on a Motorola TACS system and was the first cellular operator in Sri Lanka as well as South Asia. In January 2007, Millicom replaced the local CELLTEL brand with Tigo, their international brand. In February 2010, Tigo was rebranded as Etisalat. It competes with international operators like Dialog Telekom (Telekom Malaysia), Mobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom), Hutch (Hutchison) and Airtel (Bharti Airtel), using technologies GSM/EDGE and hopes to launch UMTS/HSDPA services over 900/1800 and 2100 MHz in 2011. Etisalat India In 2009 Etisalat has announced that its Indian unit, erstwhile Swan Telecom (owned by Dynamix Balwas Realty and Reliance Communications), headquartered in Mumbai, is renamed to Etisalat DB Telecom India Pvt. Ltd Telecom Renamed Etisalat Telecom India Pvt. Ltd. The business unit has been awarded Unified Services Access License in 15 circles Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai), Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. In April 2010 Etisalat began signal testing in Chennai [IND 922], Delhi NCR [IND 913], Maharashtra Goa [IND 919], Mumbai [IND 916] and Gujarat[IND 914]. In May 2010, Etisalat was in talks to buy 25% stake in Reliance Communications, but the deal was not finalised. In 2010, following the $39 billion 2G spectrum scam, Etisalat DB, the Indian subsidiary of the company, was stopped from buying a stake in a Chennai-based company due to objections raised by the Indias home ministry(MHA). Etisalat DB was not allowed to buy back the 5.27 per cent stake held by Chennai-based Genex Exim Ventures since the home ministry raised objections based largely on security concerns. The MHA had pointed out four issues that needed to be resolved before allowing the company to come into Etisalat DB, a company that got scarce 2G spectrum at allegedly throwaway prices, First, vice-chairman Shahid Balwa should not be involved in the operations of the company in any capacity, because of his connections with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, second, the MHA raised objections about the commercial relationship between the Dubai-based Etisalat Group and Chinas Huawei. The MHA suspects, Huawei has links with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army the countrys military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces and has the capacity to manipulate equipment supply, third, it raised objections about Etisalats presence in Pakistan and its connection with Pakistans intelligence agency ISI. Etisalat owns a 26% stake in Pakistan Telecommunications and has a subscriber base of 3 million in Afghanistan and fourth, the MHA has also expressed concerns about the telecom surveillance software Etisalat had used in a Blackberry service it had introduced in the UAE and recommended that the company should not be allowed to offer Blackberry services in India. b) Social; technological: Etisalat Etisalat UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and includes three regional offices Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Northern Emirates. Etisalat Company is owned by the UAE government and it is stipulated law that state, with seven out of 11 of the Board of Directors being government representatives, including the Chairman. Abu Dhabi Region Key positions: Etisalat Chairman: Mohamed Hassan Omran Etisalat A/CEO: Nasser Bin Abood Senior Vice President Marketing: Khalifa Al Forah Al Shamsi Group Senior Vice President corporate Communications: Ahmed Bin Ali Corporate Governance The General Assembly The General Assembly is composed of all shareholders of the Corporation. The General Assembly is entrusted with approving the Boards Annual Report on the Corporations activities and financial position during the preceding financial year. The Assembly is also entrusted with approving the report of the external auditors, discussing and approving the balance sheet and the profit and loss account for the previous financial year, appointing external auditors and approving the Boards recommendations regarding the allocation of profit. The General Assembly exercises all powers of the Corporation within the limits of the law and the Articles of Association. The Board of Directors The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) is managed by a Board of Directors presided over by the Chairman and consists of eleven members, including the Chairman, seven of whom are appointed by Presidential Decree to represent the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates, and the remaining Four elected by the 40% non-government shareholders of the Corporation. The term of the Board of Directors is three years, as applicable to each group of members according to the date of their appointment or election. The Board of Directors carries out the Corporations business and for that purpose, exercises all powers of the Corporation, except those reserved by Law or the Articles of Association for the General Assembly of the Corporation. The Executive Committee The Executive Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 20 of the Articles of Association. It is empowered to take decisions on behalf of the Board and/ or to make certain recommendations to it concerning particular matters. The Executive Committees functions and powers include organizational matters of the Corporation (such as overseeing statutory, organizational and employment matters and Corporate performance), planning and development (overseeing development plans and projects, and approval of the budget prior to submission to the Board), operations (reviews efficiency of service and lays down policies concerning investments of surplus funds), projects (sets the terms for the project agreements, approves relevant tenders over AED 50 million, and approves project overruns and variations over AED 10 million), procurement (approves purchases over AED 50 million), and investments (including international Investments and expansion projects). The Audit Committee Communicate Entertain Inform c) Internet services The number of Etisalats Internet subscribers reportedly stands at 1.02 million.[42] Some of the Internet services for home users that Etisalat offers include: 3G Mobile Internet access Broadband Internet services (Al Shamil[43] and eLife[44]) Prepaid and post-paid dialup Internet access Etisalat also operates iZone, a system of Wi-FI hotspots in central locations, such as shopping malls, restaurants, and sheesha cafes. iZone can be accessed by either purchasing prepaid cards (AED 15/hour, USD $4.5/hour), or if using an existing account with the operator (AED 3/hour for dial-up account holders, or AED 10/hour for broadband users). Dial-up and ISDN Internet access services are billed by the hour, whereas the domestic and residential cable and DSL connections have a fixed monthly rate depending on speed. Other Internet links, aimed at business users, have traffic utilization plans and relatively high rates when exceeding the allocated bandwidth quota. This has caused bad publicity for Etisalat and is a major source of criticism. Internet censorship Page Blocked Notice Etisalat operates an Internet content filtering system that blocks access to web resources. The web resources are claimed to be controversial or offensive (i.e. sexually explicit content, certain political and religious websites, anonymizers and proxies) or harmful (i.e. numeric IP addresses, known phishing or malicious websites, botnet command servers). The use of content filtering is mandated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates. The type of content that is restricted by Etisalat includes: Pornography, nudity and sexually explicit content. The entire Israel country code top-level domain (.il) Certain media-sharing websites Anti-Islamic websites. Websites criticizing the United Arab Emirates (such as UAEprison and Arab Times) Anonymous proxy sites (such as vtunnel, pzeg, etc.), Gay and Lesbian Rights websites (such as Gaydar, Mogenic etc.) Numerical IP address links (for example, http://10.11.1.1/),Voice over IP services providers websites (such as Skype, Vonage) There are claims that Etisalat breaks the rules of net neutrality by throttling peer-to-peer, gaming and other types of network traffic in order to reduce the load on its oversubscribed international links. The effect of this interference is most noticeable during weekends or periods of high network use. The overall efficiency of the country-wide content filtering is unclear, as many of the technologically savvy users have discovered tools and methods to bypass the content filter, such as using Tor. BlackBerry In July 2009, Etisalat pushed an update to BlackBerry devices operating on the telecoms national network, citing performance improvements. However, it was later discovered that the update contained eavesdropping software, developed by the US-based software development company SS8, which specializes in electronic surveillance. It is reported that the software enabled the company to monitor and forward communications on BlackBerry devices to their servers.[48][49] Research in Motion, BlackBerrys developer, acknowledged[50] that the patch was a form of spyware, and issued a removal patch on July 20. On December 27, 2009, both Etisalat and Du (telco) have been mandated by the UAE telecom regulator to start filtering BlackBerry users web access and block illegal content. Due to concerns with the security and the provisioning of legal interception for Blackberry non-voice services, on 1 Aug 2010, the Telecommunication Regularity Authority of the UAE instructed Etisalat that all Blackberry e-mail, internet and messenger functions must be suspended on 1 Oct 2010 d) The Operating Structure of the Corporation In 2009 Etisalat implemented a group structure to manage its international expansion strategy, protect value from the Corporations United Arab Emirates operations, secure value creation from its seventeen international operations, and to gain the trust of its stakeholders by putting in place a solid structure and governance and adherence to best practices. At the level of the United Arab Emirates, the Group organization structure features two autonomous Operating Units: Etisalat UAE Unit (which is entrusted with provisioning Licensed Telecom Services in the United Arab Emirates);and the Etisalat Services Unit (a wholly owned holding company entrusted with providing certain non-core, non-telecom services to the Corporation, as well as to third parties). The Group exercises and sets its various activities and responsibilities and sets its key corporate policies, prepares plans, and monitors the operational and financial performance of its operating companies, and reports the same to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee on a regular basis. e) Consolidated income statement before the year ended 31 December 2009 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income a) DU History The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) is a telecommunications company in the United Arab Emirates. Although Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company is its legal name, it was commercially rebranded as du in February 2006. The company has invested AED 2.4 billion in 2009 and added 1 million active mobile subscribers in 2009, bringing its subscriber base to 3.48 million. du offers fixed and mobile telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to individuals, homes and businesses, and carrier services for businesses. On February 11, 2007, du launched its own mobile service with call tariffs almost identical to those of Etisalat, thus eliminating any possibility of price competition between the two providers. Subscribers to du mobile services can be identified by the dialing prefix 055 b) Social; technological: DU Chief Executive Officer Osman Sultan Chief Financial Officer Mark Shuttleworth Chief Commercial Officer Farid Faraidooni Chief Technology Officer Yatinder Mahajan Chief Human Resources and Corporate Services Officer Fahad Al Hassawi Chief Strategy and Investments Officer Raghu Venkataraman Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Ananda Bose du is committed to operating according to global best-practice throughout all aspects of its business. While the company has continued to achieve exceptional results, the world has witnessed significant challenges against a backdrop of the financial crisis. The need for commitment to good governance has never been greater. du has operated under a strong corporate governance culture, since the company was founded. The board of directors Leading our corporate governance efforts is a Board of nine Directors, chaired by Ahmad Bin Byat, which meets on a quarterly basis. Meetings are structured to allow open discussion. All directors participate in discussing the strategy, trading and financial performance and risk management of the Company. In line with ESCA and international guidelines, the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive du board and committees In addition, the company has a number of Board Committees, including the Audit Compliance Committee, Remuneration and Nomination Committee, and an Investment Committee, which are responsible for monitoring, reviewing and making recommendations for their respective areas. audit compliance committee The Audit Compliance Committee consists of three directors and meets quarterly. The internal audit function of du has a direct reporting line into the Audit Compliance Committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing dus results and financial statements, reviewing the activities of internal auditors and monitoring compliance with statutory requirements. Audit compliance committee members: Ziad Galadari (Chairman) Younis Al Khoori Fadel Al Ali Remuneration and nomination committee The Remuneration and Nomination Committee meets as required and consists of three directors and is responsible for the assessment and recommendation of policy on executive remuneration and packages for individual executive directors. Remuneration and nomination committee members: Waleed Al Muhairi (Chairman) Abdulhamid Saeed Abdulla Al Shamsi Investment committee The investment committee, which is not an ESCA requirement, consists of four directors. Its main function is to evaluate the companys investment plans to ensure that shareholders will see an appropriate return on investment. It meets a minimum of four times per year. Investment committee members: Eissa Al Suwaidi (Chairman) Ahmad Bin Byat Jassem Al Zaabi Fadel Al Ali c) Key management decisions -DU Censorship: Unlawful websites Users who tried to access a blocked web page were initially redirected to dus first block page. As rendered in the Opera web browser In March 2008, Du began selectively blocking VOIP traffic, preventing customers from using the computer-to-phone functionality of VOIP systems. The blocking is justified on the grounds that computer-to-phone VOIP services are illegal under UAE telecom law. Both of the telecoms providers in the UAE derive a large proportion of their income from expatriates making expensive international calls to their home countries. However, a specific exemption in the telecom law permits the use of VOIP for computer-to-computer calls, and so it is still possible to access VOIP websites, download VOIP software, set up accounts and use the software to make computer-to-computer calls, both audio and video. If a computer-to-phone call is attempted, it will typically fail to connect unless a VPN is used (see below). On April 14, 2008, du started instituting the same widespread censorship of the web that has been practiced by Etisalat for some years. Any attempt to access content deemed inappropriate by the UAE censor results in a blocked page. As well as pornography, blocking includes blogs, forums and news articles that are critical of the UAE, as well as a proportion of sites that seem to be accidentally blocked as they have no obviously In March 2008, Du began selectively blocking VOIP traffic, preventing customers from using the computer-to-phone functionality of VOIP systems. The blocking is justified on the grounds that computer-to-phone VOIP services are illegal under UAE telecom law. Both of the telecoms providers in the UAE derive a large proportion of their income from expatriates making expensive international calls to their home countries. However, a specific exemption in the telecom law permits the use of VOIP for computer-to-computer calls, and so it is still possible to access VOIP websites, download VOIP software, set up accounts and use the software to make computer-to-computer calls, both audio and video. If a computer-to-phone call is attempted, it will typically fail to connect unless a VPN is used (see below). On April 14, 2008, du started instituting the same widespread censorship of the web that has been practised by Etisalat for some years. Any attempt to access content deemed inappropriate by the UAE censor results in a blocked page. As well as pornography, blocking includes blogs, forums and news articles that are critical of the UAE, as well as a proportion of sites that seem to be accidentally blocked as they have no obviously controversial content. d) Operational changes-DU Achieved record revenues of AED5.3 billion and profits of AED528 million in 2009 Added over 1 million active mobile subscribers, bringing total to 3.5 million at year end Exceeded mobile market share target, reaching 32% in third year of operation Invested AED2.4 billion on network and infrastructure development in 2009 to enhance capacity and coverage Continued to provide innovation, value for money and performance to all our customers Well positioned to achieve long term growth and sustainable profitability Listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) under the ticker code: du Date of listing: 22nd April 2006 Net profit at 31st December 2009: AED528mln Earnings per share: 0.066 du is an integrated telecom service provider, offering customers throughout the UAE the best in quality, innovation, and competitive pricing. During 2009 it added more than 1 million active mobile subscribers, proving that we have established ourselves as the operator of choice for the majority of new subscribers in the UAE market. DU offered fixed and mobile telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to individuals, homes and businesses, and carrier services for businesses. du is a rapidly-growing enterprise, with close to 2,000 staff, from over 60 countries, working to enhance and expand our range of service offerings. This wide variety of personnel allows us to mirror the rich cultural diversity of our nation, while being able to serve our customers in a number of different languages. Over 50% of senior management team and customer-facing staff are UAE nationals. Du is committed to provide opportunities for quality talent in a cosmopolitan working environment. e) Financial -DU Full Year 2010 results analysis Revenue Growth (AED Millions) Mobile Fixed Subscriber Growth (Thousands) Press Release du Announces Full Year 2010 Results Revenues exceed AED 7 billion with a 32% increase for the full year 2010 Net profit before royalty exceeds AED 1.2 billion with a 132% increase Dubai, 3 March 2011 Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2010, showing record revenues, and continued healthy customer additions. Highlights for the full year 2010: 856,000 net active1 mobile customers added during the year, taking the total at yearend to 4.3 million. Revenues reached AED 7,074 million, a 32% increase versus 2009 (AED 5,339 million). Gross margin grew by 31% year on year to AED 4,601 million versus 2009 (AED 3,507million). EBITDA2 grew 90% to AED 2,018 million versus 2009 (AED 1,064 million). Net profit before royalty increased by 132% year on year to AED 1,226 million versus2009 (AED 528 million). Net profit after royalty increased to AED 1,310 million from AED 264 million in 2009,following the announcement by UAE Federal Government that the royalty rate for the Company commences from 1 January 2010 and that royalty rate for the year ended 31December 2010 is 15%.3million). Task 3 Etisalat STRENGTHS Etisalat is a monopoly shared by DU in telecommunications which allows no competition whereby maximizing profits Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) is majority-owned by the Ministry of Communications (60%), with the remaining shares publicly-traded on the national stock exchange and held by UAE nationals. This report outlines the companys recent activities and corporate strategy Etisalat is a company established worldwide Etisalat is well developed company with wider penetration in UAE Etisalat weakness Etisalat investments globally is not direct hence they dont have direct control over these investments; hence they only get dividends which means they are a passive player not an active player. This will limit etisalats growth to advance in terms of commercials Etisalat is a monopoly

The Federal Court System :: essays research papers

The Federal Court System Chapter 18 Sections 3 and 4 I.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Supreme Court A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The supreme court of the United States is the only court specifically created in the constitution a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chief Justice of the United States b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Eight associate justices II.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Judicial Review A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1st asserted its power of judicial review in the classic case of Marbury vs. Madison in 1803 a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  aftermath of the stormy election of 1800 b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Provision of the Judicial Act of 1789, in which congress had created the federal court system. Law gave the Supreme Court the right to hear such suits in its original jurisdiction (not on appeal from a lower court). 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Court Refused Request B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marshall’s powerful opinion a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The constitution is, by its own terms, the supreme law of the land b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All legislative enactments, and all other actions of the government, are subordinate to and cannot be allowed to conflict with the supreme law c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Judges are sworn to enforce the provisions of the Constitution and therefore must refuse to enforce any governmental action they find to be in conflict with it III.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jurisdiction A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Original and appellate jurisdiction a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  from lower federal courts and from the highest State courts b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution spells out two classes of cases that may be heard by the High Court in its original jurisdiction 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  those to which a State is a party 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  those affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and councils B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Congress can implement the constitutional provision A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Court shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction over 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  all controversies between two or more States 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  all cases brought against ambassadors or other public ministers, but not consuls IV.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How cases Reach the Court A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6,000 cases are now appealed to the Supreme Court each year. Of these, the Court accepts only a few hundred for decision. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chosen according to â€Å"the rule of four†: at least four of its nine justices must agree that a case should be put on the Court’s docket. B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most cases reach the supreme Court by writ of certiorari 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  an order by the Court directing a lower court to send up the record in a given case for review 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Either party can petition the Court to issue a writ 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Cert† is granted in only a limited number of instances – typically, only when a petition raises some important constitutional question or a serious problem of statutory interpretation. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When certiorari is denied, the decision of the lower court stands in that particular case. a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All the denial means is that, for whatever reason, four or more justices could not agree that the Supreme Court should accept that case for review C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Few cases do reach the Court in yet another way, by certificate.

Information Technology and Modalisation of Organizational Behavior Essay

Information technology can alter an organizations capacity to act effectively and achieve its performance goals. The article analyses the shaping of organizational behavior and effectiveness around the use of information technology. There are various forms of competences and constraints presented in organizational behavior and the functions of informational technology systems. This article proposes a new framework for carrying out a qualitative analysis of information technology based organizational functioning in terms of social dimensions of behavior (Corea, 2006). The framework, in particular, aims to treat certain aspects of the constitution of organizational capacity or effectiveness such as: the way organizational performance in the use of information technology is shaped by conflicts or contradictions that arise in the course of action (Corea, 2006). The purpose of the author’s research is to expand the theorizing of information technology based practice and to work on a perspective that semiotic theory is not merely restricted to a study of communication, but encompasses the more global phenomena of social behavior or cultural practices (Corea, 2006). In order to enlighten individuals concerning behavior in information technology based practices Corea utilized work from Greimas, Orlikowski and Robey. Greimas, a French semiotician, wrote on the structural organization of human behavior. Greimas’ work encompassed more of a global phenomenon of social behavior or cultural practices. Greimas extended his interpretive paradigm to include the structure of social action, creating a general semiotic approach to all of culture (Corea, 2006).† Orlikowski and Robey originally brought to light the shaping of information technology based organizational activities from a behavioral standpoint, in relation to the significance or meaning that organizational actors ascribe to information technology systems and their features of use (Corea, 2006). Corea reviews theoretical understanding on the shaping of information technology based organizational effectiveness and the requirements for further development. The new framework Corea presents is then introduced and illustrated utilizing tables based on organizational modalisation and modalities of information technology capacity. The modalities of information technology captures the significant behavioral outcomes associated with the use of information technology systems. The framework Corea presented provided analytical tools that information system studies could adopt, to incorporate a more inclusive account of social dynamics, and highlight the inconsistencies or conflicts that pertain to the use of information technology and the shaping of organizational effectiveness in specific contexts. The research process in Coria’s article tends to be more qualitative. Corea explores analyzing the shaping of organizational behaviors and its effectiveness around the use of technology. His structure is more flexible as his analysis persists. The organization I work for would find these studies relevant. I am faculty in a cosmetology department but, we are a part of the technology division of campus. Being in the technology division organizational behavior and the effective use of information technology is an ongoing concern. The impact of technology on the department as a team is evaluated regularly to make the classroom more efficient as well as the department. For example, the instructors as a whole are learning a new system which will allow the dismissal of paper timecards to keep record of each student operations. This system will be amazing, but, half an hour out of class will be spent not interacting with student because of needing to input student operations each day. Organizational behavior and the effective use of information technology is still a work in progress, weighing the positive and negative repercussions.

The Horrors of Imperialism The Belgian Congo Essay

Imperialism is the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies. In 1870, the European powers took over the African Congo and enslaved the natives. Moreover, they were forced to work the land, so the Europeans could obtain the products they needed by using a cheap labor force to turn around and sell them at a profit. These products included such commodities as rubber, diamonds and coffee (A New World Order: Imperialism and World War I). Unfortunately, the people of the Congo were beaten, over worked, raped, and even killed by the European powers if they did not do their job correctly or if they refused to do their task entirely. Eventually,†¦show more content†¦The theory of social Darwinism was used to justify European imperialism. â€Å"It is an application of the theory of natural selection that says ‘only the strong survive’, to human issues that are social , political, and economic.† King Leopold II ruled the Congo from 1885 to 1908. â€Å"He ruled the Congo less as a colony but more as his own personal priority. He treated the native Congolese nearly as slaves and used the wealth of the Congo to grow his own personal wealth.† (http://drcimperialism.weebly.com/life-under-imperialist-power.html). Under his rule the people of the Congo were treated horribly. The Congolese experienced a humanitarian disaster consisting of enslavement, exploitation, and even extermination. Moreover, by the end of this era it was estimated that the population was cut in half. â€Å"Eventually international outrage forced Leopold to turn over his personal colony to the Belgian government.† (Esler 572) Nonetheless, during the years of Leopold’s rule imperialism thrived. Imperialism was a distorted inhumane way of the ruling of a country to transport goods and other needs. The African tribes were put through the most barbaric conditions known to man. And due to these conditions, the African society was changed forever. One of the many jobs the people of the Congo had to complete was extracting rubber from trees and bringing it back to the Europeans to sell it because many people around the world wanted to build productsShow MoreRelatedKing Leopold s Ghost Response Paper1444 Words   |  6 PagesGhost Response Paper With an estimated death toll of ten million people, King Leopold’s conquest of the Congo is recognized as one of the bloodiest holocausts in human history. The sheer brutality of this gruesome process triggered the world’s first international human rights movement. However, unlike the holocaust of Jews committed by the Nazi regime in mid-twentieth century Germany, the Belgian extermination of the Congolese has gone largely forgotten. In King Leopold’s Ghost, Adam Hochschild seeksRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Heart Of Darkness By Chinua Achebe1364 Words   |  6 Pagescaricature of Africa and African culture. In Conrad’s book, Marlow, a sea captain, is tasked with venturing into the center of the Congo, otherwise known as the Heart of Darkness, to retrieve a mentally unstable ivory trader named Kurtz. Marlow narrates his adventures with a tinge of apathy for the enslaved Congolese who are repressed beneath the foot of the colonizing Belgians. In Heart o f Darkness, the Africans are reduced to â€Å"savages† and cannibals with little or no moral values. It is Achebe’s argumentRead MoreJoseph Conrad s Heart Of Darkness1713 Words   |  7 Pagesis a sailor, and his voyage up the Congo River. His top priority is to meet Kurtz, a man who is known for his success of collecting ivory and his other captivating potentials. Marlow’s journey begins once he accepts a job with the Company, a Belgian organization concerned with trade within the Congo area (Conrad 9). However, Marlow is surprised by the widespread suffering and inhumanity of the natives when he arrives at his designated areas in Africa near the Congo. Marlow soon realizes that the Company’sRead MoreHeart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad1329 Words   |  5 Pagesbook is in Belgian Congo, which was the most infamous European colony in Africa. This is a story about the protagonist Marlow’s journey to self discovery, and his experiences in Congo. Conr ad’s story explores the colonialism period in Africa to demonstrate Marlow’s struggles. Along the way, he faces insanity, death, his fear of failure, and cultural contamination as he makes his was to the inner station. Conrad through the protagonist and antagonist life explores European imperialism and its effectsRead MoreTheme Of Imperialism In Heart Of Darkness1662 Words   |  7 Pagesas a Result of New Imperialism In the age of New Imperialism, European nations rushed to gain advantage over ruling Africa, most specifically Congo, to expand economic prospects under the guise that they were civilizing the natives of these areas. The negative impacts of Europe in the Congo are supported in the novel, Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, who employs his narrative to showcase how the drive for Imperialism stripped away the humane reasoning for colonizing the Congo, as the protagonistRead MoreEssay about Heart of Darkness1745 Words   |  7 Pagesinsight into the rise of European imperialism, the imperial history, its politics and evil activities in the colonized African tribes along the river Congo during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The Heart of Darkness is an exceptionally figurative classic novella established on Conrad’s own astounding experiences in central Africa during the colonial administration under King Leopold. The book narrates of the seaman Marlow’s literal journey in the jungle of the Congo River in his quest for theRead MoreThe Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad1471 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The â€Å"Heart of Darkness† authored by Joseph Conrad is a novella (writing that seems to be a novel and also a short story in scope and length) about European Imperialism in Africa and was published by J.M. Dent $ Sons, Ltd. The novella is written in parts, from part one to part three. Joseph Conrad born in Polish Ukraine started learning English when he was twenty-one years old, he has written several books like Almayer’s Folly in 1894, Lord Jim, Nostrum, and The Secret Agent. The writingRead MoreThe Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad1166 Words   |  5 PagesMeanwhile, race and ethnicity become one of the most popular topics of modern literature. The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad depicts a story of colonization took place in the Belgian Congo through Marlow’s perspective. In this book, the author portrays the European ideas of civilizing Africa as well as the ideas of imperialism and racism. Although Conrad refers darkness many times in the book, especially in the title, he did not give any clear statement what the darkness was and what aim is he approachedRead MoreThe Poisonwood Bible in the European Conquest in Africa1226 Words   |  5 PagesKingsolvers novel The Poisonwood Bible. Kingsolver portrays an American missionary Reverend Price and his family as they attempt to spread and make a significant impact on the people of the Belgian Congo, whom the Reverend describes as a place where he can save needy souls. American intervention in the Congo highlights few of the many results of attempting to revive a nation ridden of post-colonial damage, including the fusion of two cultures, the abuse of political power and, international perceptionRead MoreIn Search of the Unknown: Apocalypse Now1584 Words   |  6 Pagesworld worked under Imperialism. The movie, Apocalypse Now also correlates with the book, but this time the setting does not take place in the 19th century, but in the 20th century when United States was at war with Vietnam. Because of the two pieces sharing differences and similarities, the audiences are able to get a richer understanding of Conrad’s novella. Marlow tells his story that marked his life of his journey through the Congo River, which makes the main scenario be the Congo River in Africa

Role of Communication in Business - 1086 Words

Understanding the communication process in managerial position is very important. It guides the communicator in conveying the right message to the right recipient. The mode of communication determines the content of information channelled, and where the managers feel that the information is urgent; they will opt for the right means of communicating. According to the case study in consideration, effective communication leads to positive outcomes from the employees work. It boosts the loyalty displayed by workers towards their work positions and enhances transparency and freedom of expression. Communication process ensures information conveyed is complete and eradicates loss of meaning and misinterpretation from the information source to†¦show more content†¦In most management, employee motivation and empowerment is vital to growth of an organisation. In the case study, the company has invested in High Performance Work System (HPWS) that recognises the role of human capital an d its value in the operations of the company, thus they deserve appropriate incentives. The senior management protects employees from stress and anxiety through provision of takeover information. This has resulted to flexibility among workers and efficiency that add value by feedback within the organisation. According to the interview results in the case study, the company was conducting regular surveys to evaluate employee satisfaction with salaries. It is evident that employees are motivated through bonuses and a standard pay. Good incentives address employees’ needs in a satisfactory manner. The firm therefore spends a good amount of money putting into employees’ welfare in order to boost their performance and reward their efforts. Another financial area of control is within self-managed teams where members work in independent teams. Here, they devote their time and produce quality work and therefore less need for supervisors to monitor and control their performance . Incentives maximize employees’ feelings for empowerment and the urge for clean and productive work. The motivation bonus sparks creativity among workers and increases performance in a HPWS environment. The AustralianShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Business and Administrative Communication in an Organization1170 Words   |  5 PagesBusiness communication Introduction Communication is a connection established between people or places aimed at passing on a message or information to the target person. It is the exchange of information, opinions and ideas through speaking, writing, actions or symbols. The information being conveyed can be about a persons desires, needs, and his perception on a certain issue or some kind of knowledge. Communication may either be formal or informal, intentional or unintentional, oral or writtenRead MoreThe Role Of Communication Between Your Customers And Workers Affect The Outcomes And The Service Of Your Business1016 Words   |  5 PagesWhen someone mentions the word communication, one s thoughts are to turn to a newspaper, the radio, television, or another more common means of communication. One does not usually make the connection between communication and other institutions such as businesses. Good business, however, goes hand in hand with good communication. Good managers and professionals realize that the abili ty to communicate is not something to play around with, instead is a necessity that helps employees accomplish theirRead MoreQuestions On Common Business Communication Essay1567 Words   |  7 Pages Common Business Communication Problems â€Æ' BUS 100 Professional Communication Skills Semester 1, 2016 Common Business Communication Problems Presented By: Vishal Sharma – 11600767 Dipit Shrestha -11600745 Tutorial no. 2 Task = 2 kings Own Institute ABSTRACT COMMUNICATION , which is part of a function of management in business world plays a major role in functioning the business. In workfull environment ,our returns of services will not be accomplished without a good wayRead MoreBusiness Communication Trends673 Words   |  3 PagesBusiness Communication Trends Simone N. Gary COM/285 August 30, 2010 Gary Smith Business Communication Trends Communication plays a very important role in an organization. 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Organizational Behaviorial Case Study - 4431 Words

Organizational Behavioral Study for Adobe Systems Incorporated University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies Abstract Adobe Systems Incorporated is committed to innovation. In 1982, Chuck Geschke and John Warnock founded Adobe when they set out to solve the problem of getting text and images on a computer screen. In 1983 they launched Adobe Post Script and were embraced as industry visionaries and leaders. Adobe’s Portable Document Format or PDF provided solutions for businesses and allowed enterprises to use this format in a secure manner. Adobe Systems is the leading provider of graphic design, publishing, and imaging software for Web and print production. The research for this paper shows Adobe Systems Incorporated commitment to†¦show more content†¦This study contributes to highlighting and substantiating Adobes assertions. The study will identify the additional steps Adobe will need to take to build its competitive advantage and increase its market share. Adobe will also use the additional information provided by this study to increase the performance of the entire organization. The information obtained from this study will offer a wide variety of information from its current diverse work force. Gathering this information will also, help the organization understand if the operational structure currently used is effective enough to sustain growth or identify if a change in the way the organization operation needs to be made. In addition, this study will provide vital information as it pertains to the way the organization runs during both a stable and/or unstable environment. Understanding how the organization operates in either situation will offer information needed to make the proper adjustments during unstable periods so that there is little to no loss of market share due to unknown obstacles. When times are good this information will give the organization the right information to sustain during stable times and not let an upward spike in performance fall by taking advantage of good times. In the end, taking the right steps to use information from within a diverse workforce will have a continued benefit for any organization. The willingness to use the information in this study will show Adobe’sShow MoreRelatedThe Ethical Dilemma Involving Many Co Operations And It Is Trust3182 Words   |  13 Pagesconduct to employees by direct communication, support and making decisions. This paper will look at the various literature of how transformational, charismatic and authentic leadership, and decision making play a big part in ethical leadership. A case study of Enron will show the ethical dilemma the company faced with its leaders and also the different leadership styles they had which brought the company to its demise. 2. ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING Overview Ethical leadership is labeledRead MoreA critical analysis of Tanzanite I’s service recovery issue – A study related to Jain University’s2700 Words   |  11 Pages A critical analysis of Tanzanite I’s service recovery issue – A study related to Jain University’s international visit to Milan. Table of contents 1. Introduction 2 2. Literature review 3 2.1 Service Recovery Paradox 4 2.2 Customer Responses to Service Failures 4 2.3 Conceptual model 5 2.4 Impact of culture 5 3. Analysis 6 3.1 Failure Context 6 3.2 Magnitude of Failure 7 3.3 Recovery Attributes 7 3.4 Cross-culturalRead MoreThe Causes of Project Failure6643 Words   |  27 Pageslittle reason to adopt such a pessimistic view today, if we can gain knowledge about the nature and causes of project failure, we will improve our ability to implement projects. The primary purpose of this paper is to report the results of a recent study that was performed to determine if there exist patterns of causes of project failure depending on three contingency variables, 1) the way in which failure is defined, 2 ) the type of project being studied; and 3) the stage of the project’s life cycleRead MorePest in Brazil4902 Words   |  20 PagesINTUNES IN BRAZIL THE ITUNES ONLINE MUSIC STORE FEASIBILITY STUDY TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 INTRODUCTION 3 MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS 7 MARKETING MIX 5 HOFSTEDE MODEL ANALYSIS 6 BEHAVIORIAL IMPLICAITONS 7 CONCLUSION 8 INTRODUCTION The landscape of music industry sales has changed within the last 5 years with the changing technologyRead MoreApple Pricing Strategy9004 Words   |  37 PagesCASE STUDY: APPLE Chapter 7: Pricing Contents A. Understanding Pricing 4 1. Internal and External Considerations Affecting Price Decisions 5 1.1. Internal factors 5 1.2. External Factors 9 2. Setting The Price 10 B. Introduction to Apple 13 1. Product 14 2. Promotion 15 3. Place 16 4. Price 17 C. IPHONE 19 1. Introduction to iPhone 19 1.1 Main Features 19 1.2 Market share 20 2. Pricing Strategy of Apple’s IPhone 21 2.1 High Reference Pricing 21 2

Take money from thy verse Essay Example For Students

Take money from thy verse Essay At the risk of turning my own creeping anecdotage into a shortcut to perceptible truth, Im prepared to share a tale told me in Houston some months ago, a familiar tale, one might say, about a poet confronted by a mob. Seven young acting interns with Houstons Alley Theatre were scheduled to perform a mini-version of Shakespeares Julius Caesar at a local high school. Upon arriving there, they discovered that their performance had been canceled; the school, unable to raise money for their fee, couldnt in good conscience continue to sell $5 tickets to the students who, at any rate, werent buying them. Undaunted, the Alley troupe gave the performance as a benefit, no doubt suffering, as actors do, from the loving, lunatic disease known as The Show Must Go On. But hark, what discord followed: Actors usually know in a flashing instant when theyve lost even a fraction of their audience; in this case, however, they could scarcely hear their own voices, let alone the dialogue of their colleagues, since the teenagers had evidently decided that they had been dropped unwittingly into a giant living-room-kitchen in which the images on that strange, dimensional screen up ahead were meant only to be quaint accompaniment to brawls, catcalls and throwaway junk food. Its easy to round up the usual suspects in such cases TV as our primary educator, transforming public discourse into sound-bites and game shows, to say nothing of the truly lacerating disparities between Christian-Judaic claims on conscience and our national contempt for citizens outside the market economy of arms sales, drug traffic and banking scams. If painful problems can be reduced relentlessly to slogans and barely disguised calls to even more divisiveness, then its no wonder that imagination and all its wondrous uses are never an issue at all, or if they are, only when taxpayers are ready to be offended. Given the suspects, its possible to reserve a sneaking sympathy for that rowdy crowd, not exactly primed for a 16th-century dramatic poet who talks funny and dolls up actors in weird frocks. It may be moderately instructive, however, to consider what they missed by shouting their way through Julius Caesar. For a start, theres the thrilling story with enough inherent mayhem to satisfy anybodys cravings for enacted violence. True, sex is minimalist in the play, but surely JFK-addicts might be stopped cold, if only for the appointed hour, by Shakespeares wholly persuasive and partially accurate account of a genuine conspiracy to kill a popular boss. But what they also missed and the irony shouldnt escape us was an opportunity to turn their instinctive aggression into a more cultivated version: the bias against theatre shared by the best and the wisest, such as Vladimir Nabokov, for whom theatre was a barbaric form having to do with hev-nonny-no and that kind of thing. If its a matter of comparative barbarisms, the Houston kids are in good, even distinguished, company. To be fair to Nabokov, the source for that quotation is Martin Amis, who adds that he doesnt like theatre himself: Once youve seen Chekhov youre scouring the third division of gloomy Scandinavians, he says, as if Ibsen and Strindberg, masters of the barbaric form, should hang their heads in the presence of 20th-century British novelists. Amis, in turn, was responding to questions published last February in Britains Sunday Independent, asked of 20 reasonably well-known Londoners in the words of the interviewer, intelligent people, with no axe to grind. Her suspicion is that the number of people who never read novels, never go to the cinema, never listen to music, or never watch drama, light or otherwise, on television, is much as it ever was; but those who never go to the theatre, and dont feel bad about it, are on the increase. Her informal count is that, with the exception of the novelist Marina Warner, who claims to be seeing 24 plays each year, the average number of visits of the other 19 seems to hover between four and six. More fascinating than the statistics are the comments slipped in by enthusiasts and loathers alike, revealing a division between those who go to plays in order to be amused and those a distinct minority who go to be aroused. Theres the geneticist who finds that TV is a more efficient way of getting entertainment than watching a bunch of actors pissing around. Then Vogues editor weighs in with the observation that people dont necessarily like to be challenged in their evenings, especially, I have to suppose, if theyve been dozing over Vogue all day. Even the editor of Private Eye finds that going to the theatre is a bit too risky, really. One barrister, mercifully, says that too many theatres are playing safe. But more common is the view of Graham Swift, still another novelist harboring doubt, if not hostility, about the theatres capacity to be at the center of experience: That I once went more often is partly a reflection, he says, of my apathy and partly of the state of the theatre. Review of Theatre Performance EssayMy own fantasy is that American theatre artists will one day come together in order to mount a month-long work stoppage, particularly in New York and Los Angeles. Suddenly, theatres would be dark, and so, too, the restaurants, taxis and hotels, better still, the sympathy strikers in film and TV studios, the network anchors, all the technicians, would bring merciful silence to our airwaves. Everybody would soon be reminded that actors, just for one sub-species, have been trained for a theatre that scarcely exists while peddling their wares for auxiliary theatrical forms that have never once returned a dollar to the theatre for the rare gift of their exploited talents. At last, the public would make the connection between the practical presence of theatre as the generative force behind their casual entertainments and in New York at least the thousands of jobs that wouldnt exist without it. But there I go again; true to our condition, musing about money when, instead, I might be dreaming of occasions like the Royal Shakespeares recent performances of Sophocles Electra in Northern Ireland. One woman said of Fiona Shaws Electra: I thought of Mrs. Kelly whose son was killed on Bloody Sunday and how they would find her several years afterwards lying on his grave in the cemetery with earth smeared on her face. Another kept remembering the hunger strikers, and one man, weary of TV images of mothers and widows marching against retaliation, said, You forget what they must be feeling inside. Evidently, public event and intimate drama converge when nobodys talking about money. The readiness is all.