Oh how it seemed like the future... a car with no driver. That was the premise behind Knight Rider, the old TV show which had KITT the car that could drive itself. Now however, fact looks like following fiction.
A new bill to bring driverless cars to roads in California has been signed. State governor Jerry Brown backed legislation on Tuesday, and said: "Today we're looking at science-fiction becoming tomorrow's reality".
The bill was signed at the headquarters of Google, which has been testing a fleet of 12 autonomous computer-controlled vehicles for several years, which some may have seen on Stephen Hawking's New World TV show.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin said self-driving cars would be "far safer" than those driven by humans.
Other major car manufacturers, including Audi, Ford and Volvo also have their own driverless car programmes!
How quickly they will become a mass market product and reach UK shores, who knows? But a driverless car that perhaps in future could be electric or run on solar power would transform the world as we know it.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Ryder Cup could be a pot of gold for Scotland in 2014
Scotland could generate five-times the £20m it is paying to host golf's showpiece Ryder Cup in 2014, it has been claimed.
A Scottish government delegation is in Chicago for this year's event, to promote sport, trade and culture ahead of the 2014 contest at Gleneagles.
The efforts are aimed at attracting as many golf fans to Scotland as possible.
Sport Minister Shona Robison said the overall economic boost from the Ryder Cup could top £100m.
With the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow in 2014 as well, it promises to be one of the most memorable and hopefully proftable years for Scottish sport.
A Scottish government delegation is in Chicago for this year's event, to promote sport, trade and culture ahead of the 2014 contest at Gleneagles.
The efforts are aimed at attracting as many golf fans to Scotland as possible.
Sport Minister Shona Robison said the overall economic boost from the Ryder Cup could top £100m.
With the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow in 2014 as well, it promises to be one of the most memorable and hopefully proftable years for Scottish sport.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Consumer demographics - China and her ageing population
Found this superb article on China by the BBC:
China's population is ageing. By 2050 more than a quarter of the population will be over 65 years old and younger generations face an unprecedented burden of care.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the government advocated a "later, longer, fewer" lifestyle, encouraging people to marry later, have wide gaps between children and fewer children overall. It also instated the controversial one-child policy. These were attempts to curb population growth in a bid to help modernise the economy.
Chinese women are having fewer children, but having a smaller generation follow a boom generation - and longer life expectancies - means that by 2050, it is expected that for every 100 people aged 20-64, there will be 45 people aged over 65, compared with about 15 today.
For the full feature visit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19630110
China's population is ageing. By 2050 more than a quarter of the population will be over 65 years old and younger generations face an unprecedented burden of care.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the government advocated a "later, longer, fewer" lifestyle, encouraging people to marry later, have wide gaps between children and fewer children overall. It also instated the controversial one-child policy. These were attempts to curb population growth in a bid to help modernise the economy.
Chinese women are having fewer children, but having a smaller generation follow a boom generation - and longer life expectancies - means that by 2050, it is expected that for every 100 people aged 20-64, there will be 45 people aged over 65, compared with about 15 today.
For the full feature visit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19630110
India's Supermarket Crisis Deepens
Opposition parties and trade unions in India are staging a day-long strike over plans to open the country's retail sector to global supermarket chains. Workers blocked railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states, and the opposition strongholds of Calcutta and Bangalore were virtually shut down.
The reforms are essential to revive India's slowing economy, ministers say.
"Multinational companies will destroy the economic and social fabric of the country and will adversely impact traders, transporters, farmers and other sections of retail trade," Praveen Khandelwal, the head of the group, was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.
The Government's plan is aimed at reviving a flagging economy, as well as avoiding the threat of a downgrade in India's credit rating, but small shops fear they will be put out of business.
A Delhi-based trader Deepak Sethi said shopkeepers would lose business if foreign supermarkets were allowed into India.
"These big companies can attract customers by selling at cost prices. That means people here are going to lose jobs. Shops like ours will be hit the most."
Under the government's proposal, global firms - such as Walmart and Tesco - will be able to buy up to a 51% stake in multi-brand retailers in India. Multinational retailers already have outlets in India, but at present they can sell only to smaller retailers. This decision allows them to sell directly to Indian consumers.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the reforms would "help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times".
The reforms are essential to revive India's slowing economy, ministers say.
"Multinational companies will destroy the economic and social fabric of the country and will adversely impact traders, transporters, farmers and other sections of retail trade," Praveen Khandelwal, the head of the group, was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.
The Government's plan is aimed at reviving a flagging economy, as well as avoiding the threat of a downgrade in India's credit rating, but small shops fear they will be put out of business.
A Delhi-based trader Deepak Sethi said shopkeepers would lose business if foreign supermarkets were allowed into India.
"These big companies can attract customers by selling at cost prices. That means people here are going to lose jobs. Shops like ours will be hit the most."
Under the government's proposal, global firms - such as Walmart and Tesco - will be able to buy up to a 51% stake in multi-brand retailers in India. Multinational retailers already have outlets in India, but at present they can sell only to smaller retailers. This decision allows them to sell directly to Indian consumers.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the reforms would "help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times".
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
China and Japan island row escalates
$345bn of trade is under threat between Japan and China. Several major Japanese companies have suspended operations in China after attacks on shops and car dealerships. Shares fell in Tokyo on Tuesday. The Japanese government has asked Beijing to do more to protect Japanese businesses.
Tokyo had asked Beijing via diplomatic channels to take necessary steps to protect Japanese interests and prevent further damage to Japanese companies in China.
Nissan Motors shares dropped 5% in Tokyo, Uniqlo-owner Fast Retailing fell 7% and Honda Motors was down by 2.5%.
The protests in China is linked to controversial islands that both China and Japan claim known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. China claims sovereignty over these islands, which Japan has recently purchased.
Tokyo had asked Beijing via diplomatic channels to take necessary steps to protect Japanese interests and prevent further damage to Japanese companies in China.
Nissan Motors shares dropped 5% in Tokyo, Uniqlo-owner Fast Retailing fell 7% and Honda Motors was down by 2.5%.
The protests in China is linked to controversial islands that both China and Japan claim known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. China claims sovereignty over these islands, which Japan has recently purchased.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia
Corporate Social Responsibility conference for Asia was held this year in Bejing.
The summit had the following aims:
- Greater emphasis by the government to regulate CSR. A growing number of laws and regulations contain CSR elements and requirements
- Rising popularity of social media. This has facilitated public discussion on social and environmental issues
- Stakeholder expectations are increasingly sophisticated and clearly articulated
- Rising employee expectations. A new generation of employees knows its rights and expects them to be met
- Greater awareness of business impact on the environment
- Expanding awareness by consumers of their rights
For more information please visit the website:
http://csr-asia.com/summit2012/index.php
The summit had the following aims:
- Greater emphasis by the government to regulate CSR. A growing number of laws and regulations contain CSR elements and requirements
- Rising popularity of social media. This has facilitated public discussion on social and environmental issues
- Stakeholder expectations are increasingly sophisticated and clearly articulated
- Rising employee expectations. A new generation of employees knows its rights and expects them to be met
- Greater awareness of business impact on the environment
- Expanding awareness by consumers of their rights
For more information please visit the website:
http://csr-asia.com/summit2012/index.php
Company Profiles - Irn Bru
History
Irn-Bru is a Scottish carbonated soft drink, for long advertised as "Scotland's other national drink" (next to Scotch whisky).It is produced in westfield Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire by A.G. Barr of Glasgow, since moving out of their original Parkhead factory in the mid-1990s, and at a second manufacturing site in Mansfield, England. In addition to being sold throughout the United Kingdom, Barr's Irn-Bru is available throughout the world and can usually be purchased where there is a significant community of people from Scotland. Innovative and sometimes controversial marketing campaigns have kept it as the number one selling soft drink in Scotland, where it competes directly with global brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
United STATES
Irn-Bru and Diet Irn-Bru have been formulated since 2002 by A.G. Barr plc to meet the regulations for food colouring of the U.S. Foo and Drug Administration (FDA). Ponceau 4R used in the UK formulation is prohibited by the FDA. Barr uses alternative food and drink colourants manufactured by a U.S. company approved by the FDA. The product labelling also meets U.S. labelling standards on nutritional information and bar code. Compliant Irn-Bru is solely imported by Great Scot International in Charlotte, North Carolina, who supplies distributors and retailers throughout the U.S. It is only supplied in 500 mL
By Mark and John
Company Profiles - Starbucks
15 million people in Ethiopa depend on the coffee sector; this generates 60 % of the wealth. So starbucks keep them afloat.
Starbucks helped differentiate Ethiopan coffee from coffees from other countries. It strengths their confidence of the coffee growing and exporters of the country.
This means theres an increasing demand for Ethiopian coffee in the worldwide market.
Increases the income and living stanards of the coffee producers.
Increased the price of coffee.
Starbucks have increased the amount theyre paying for the coffee beans by 60% to help them out.
Through Fairtrade the small-holder families and farmers can get better incomes for their hardwork.
This allows their children a good opportunity to go to school. And hold onto their land.
For every coffee they sell a litle profit goes to the Fair Trade. When other major companies would not.
By Laura, Alanah and Rebecca
Starbucks helped differentiate Ethiopan coffee from coffees from other countries. It strengths their confidence of the coffee growing and exporters of the country.
This means theres an increasing demand for Ethiopian coffee in the worldwide market.
Increases the income and living stanards of the coffee producers.
Increased the price of coffee.
Starbucks have increased the amount theyre paying for the coffee beans by 60% to help them out.
Through Fairtrade the small-holder families and farmers can get better incomes for their hardwork.
This allows their children a good opportunity to go to school. And hold onto their land.
For every coffee they sell a litle profit goes to the Fair Trade. When other major companies would not.
By Laura, Alanah and Rebecca
Company Profiles - Nike
Who are Nike?
Nike is an International Corporation
They make a whole load of sportswear and trainers.
Although they are an American based company, most of their goods are made in sweatshops in developing countries.
Where are the Sweatshops Located?
Most of Nike’s sweatshops are located in the following countries;
South Korea
Vietnam
Taiwan
China
Indonesia
Sweatshops
Within China and Vietnam, the workers in the sweatshops are forbidden from forming independent trade unions.
This helps Nike out as it means there are no groups or organisations fighting for better rights on behalf of the workers.
The Reason For Sweatshops
These sweatshops save Nike a lot of money due to the very lenient labour laws in the chosen countries.
Due to these laws, Nike were able to force 8 year old kids to work a nine hour shift making trainers and goods for the European market.
Nike are currently working alongside the governments of these countries to make labour laws stricter.
By Craig
Yamaha in India
Yamaha in India
By Nicky and Cara
Benefits for workforce of Yamaha in India
To better relate to the local people Yamaha are planning to produce scooters which are very popular in India. This is because their rivals have abandoned production leaving many people without transport.
This also allows the workforce to earn more money as profits are increased
costs
The only cost is the small increase in pollution and there MAY be some poor working conditions but this is made acceptable as the scooters are epic!!!
Yamaha
Yamaha is a Japanese corporation who produce many different products including:
Motorbikes, scooters, guitars, drums, pianos, keyboards and recording technology. They are very diverse in their productions.
By Nicky and Cara
Benefits for workforce of Yamaha in India
To better relate to the local people Yamaha are planning to produce scooters which are very popular in India. This is because their rivals have abandoned production leaving many people without transport.
This also allows the workforce to earn more money as profits are increased
costs
The only cost is the small increase in pollution and there MAY be some poor working conditions but this is made acceptable as the scooters are epic!!!
Yamaha
Yamaha is a Japanese corporation who produce many different products including:
Motorbikes, scooters, guitars, drums, pianos, keyboards and recording technology. They are very diverse in their productions.
India to allow foreign supermarkets in
A key political ally is to meet on Tuesday to decide on whether or not to withdraw from the Indian government. The Trinamool Congress party has demanded that the government scrap its decision to open up India's retail sector to global supermarket chains.
India's opposition parties have called for a nationwide strike on Thursday to protest the decision. Delhi's plan is aimed at reviving a flagging economy, but small shops fear they will be put out of business.
Last year, the government was forced to suspend a similar plan amid protests.
International firms such as Walmart and Tesco will now be able to buy up to a 51% stake in multi-brand retailers. Analysts say the government has reintroduced the measure in an effort to revive a flagging economy.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: "I believe that these steps will help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times."
India's opposition parties have called for a nationwide strike on Thursday to protest the decision. Delhi's plan is aimed at reviving a flagging economy, but small shops fear they will be put out of business.
Last year, the government was forced to suspend a similar plan amid protests.
International firms such as Walmart and Tesco will now be able to buy up to a 51% stake in multi-brand retailers. Analysts say the government has reintroduced the measure in an effort to revive a flagging economy.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: "I believe that these steps will help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times."
Boots expands into China
Alliance Boots, one of Europe's biggest pharmacy chains, has agreed a deal to buy a stake in a Chinese firm as it looks to expand in the country.
Boots said it will acquire a 12% stake in Nanjing Pharmaceutical Company Limited, for 560m yuan ($88m; £56m).
China, the world's second-largest economy, is home to more than 1.3 billion people, making it an attractive destination for foreign firms. Nanjing is the fifth-biggest pharmaceutical distributor in China.
Boots, which first entered the Chinese market in 2008, said that it was aiming at a 20-30% share of the Chinese pharmaceutical distribution market.
Source: BBC Business News
Boots said it will acquire a 12% stake in Nanjing Pharmaceutical Company Limited, for 560m yuan ($88m; £56m).
China, the world's second-largest economy, is home to more than 1.3 billion people, making it an attractive destination for foreign firms. Nanjing is the fifth-biggest pharmaceutical distributor in China.
Boots, which first entered the Chinese market in 2008, said that it was aiming at a 20-30% share of the Chinese pharmaceutical distribution market.
Source: BBC Business News
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