Google launches ‘Latitude’

NEW YORK: Google has developed a new service called Latitude that will mean mobile phone users will be able to track the movements of their friends and family.

Those using the Latitude tool will be able to see exactly where their contacts are on a detailed map, using their own phone or computer, and then watch as they move along streets.

However, the launch has raised concerns about security.

It is expected that the feature, called Latitude, will prove popular with parents who want to keep tabs on the whereabouts of their children without having to call them, and with groups of friends trying to meet in busy city centers or at musical festivals.

Latitude plots the position of mobile users by finding out which phone masts or wireless Internet hot spots they are close to. This technique, known as triangulation, has long been possible and is used in court cases to place a defendant at the scene of a crime.

The service can even provide directions to help mobile users navigate their way through the streets to meet their friends.

Stock Exchange

A stock exchange, securities exchange or (in Europe) bourse is a corporation or mutual organization which provides "trading" facilities for stock brokers and traders, to trade stocks and other securities. Stock exchanges also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of securities as well as other financial instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividends. The securities traded on a stock exchange include: shares issued by companies, unit trusts and other pooled investment products and bonds. To be able to trade a security on a certain stock exchange, it has to be listed there. Usually there is a central location at least for recordkeeping, but trade is less and less linked to such a physical place, as modern markets are electronic networks, which gives them advantages of speed and cost of transactions. Trade on an exchange is by members only. The initial offering of stocks and bonds to investors is by definition done in the primary market and subsequent trading is done in the secondary market. A stock exchange is often the most important component of a stock market. Supply and demand in stock markets is driven by various factors which, as in all free markets, affect the price of stocks (see stock valuation).
There is usually no compulsion to issue stock via the stock exchange itself, nor must stock be subsequently traded on the exchange. Such trading is said to be off exchange or over-the-counter. This is the usual way that bonds are traded. Increasingly, stock exchanges are part of a global market for securities.
The role of stock exchanges
Raising capital for businesses
The Stock Exchange provide companies with the facility to raise capital for expansion through selling shares to the investing public.
Mobilizing savings for investment
When people draw their savings and invest in shares, it leads to a more rational allocation of resources because funds, which could have been consumed, or kept in idle deposits with banks, are mobilized and redirected to promote business activity with benefits for several economic sectors such as agriculture, commerce and industry, resulting in stronger economic growth and higher productivity levels and firms.

Facilitating company growth
Companies view acquisitions as an opportunity to expand product lines, increase distribution channels, hedge against volatility, increase its market share, or acquire other necessary business assets. A takeover bid or a merger agreement through the stock market is one of the simplest and most common ways for a company to grow by acquisition or fusion.

Redistribution of wealth
Stocks exchanges do not exist to redistribute wealth. However, both casual and professional stock investors, through dividends and stock price increases that may result in capital gains, will share in the wealth of profitable businesses.


Creating investment opportunities for small investors
As opposed to other businesses that require huge capital outlay, investing in shares is open to both the large and small stock investors because a person buys the number of shares they can afford. Therefore the Stock Exchange provides the opportunity for small investors to own shares of the same companies as large investors.

Government capital-raising for development projects
Governments at various levels may decide to borrow money in order to finance infrastructure projects such as sewage and water treatment works or housing estates by selling another category of securities known as bonds. These bonds can be raised through the Stock Exchange whereby members of the public buy them, thus loaning money to the government. The issuance of such bonds can obviate the need to directly tax the citizens in order to finance development, although by securing such bonds with the full faith and credit of the government instead of with collateral, the result is that the government must tax the citizens or otherwise raise additional funds to make any regular coupon payments and refund the principal when the bonds mature.

Barometer of the economy
At the stock exchange, share prices rise and fall depending, largely, on market forces. Share prices tend to rise or remain stable when companies and the economy in general show signs of stability and growth. An economic recession, depression, or financial crisis could eventually lead to a stock market crash. Therefore the movement of share prices and in general of the stock indexes can be an indicator of the general trend in the economy.

STRATEGIC PRICING OF NEW PRODUCTS.

skimming pricing:
one strategy is called skimming pricing,in which the initial product price is set high,and short-term profit are reaped on the new product.the initial market will be small,due in part to the high initial price.this pricing approach often is used for unique products,where there are people who "must have it"whatever the price.as the product gains acceptance and its appeal broadens,the price is lowered gradually.eventually the product is pricing is priced in a range that appeals to several kinds of buyers.

penetration pricing:
An alternative initial pricing strategy is called penetration pricing,in which the initial price is set relatively low.by setting a low price for a new product,management hopes to penetrate a new market deeply,quickly gaining a large market share.this pricing approach often is used for products that are of goods quality,but do not stand out as vastly better than competing products.

TYPES OF PRICING.

cost-plus pricing:
such a pricing approach often is called cost-plus pricing,because the price is equal to cost plus a markup.depending on how cost is defined,the markup percentage may differ.

Reture-on-investment pricing:
A common approach to determining the profit margin in cost-plus pricing is to base profit on the firm's target return on investment (ROI).

Making Money Online

Online Article by: Susan Ward

Interested in starting an online business? A successful online business can truly be a dream come true, giving you both an income and the ability to work at home.
But like any other business, starting an online business that will be successful takes planning and effort. The very first step, even before you write your business plan, is to figure out how you're going to make money online. Obviously, you're going to sell products or services, whether they be stuffed toys or nutritional information. But what online business model are you going to use to entice customers to buy what you're selling?
Here are seven different online business models for you to choose from so you can get started making money online.

1) Ecommerce Site
The classic ecommerce site, designed to make money online by selling products, has both an online catalogue and a shopping cart. You can set up your own online store from scratch or choose one of the many complete online store solutions to start an online business.

The great advantage of using a "prefab" online store to make money online is that hosting, Internet merchant accounts and the ability to accept payments online is often included in your online store package.

Tricks to Success: multiple payment options, attractive, easy-to-use catalogue

2) Sales Letter Ecommerce Website
Like the infomercials on TV, these websites make the pitch, focusing on educating potential customers on the benefits of the products or services being sold. Unlike television infomercials, this type of online business model is long on copy and short on pictures.
As a website visitor, you can often recognize this way to make money online at a glance; the copy often begins with a question directed at the potential customer (such as "Would you like to increase your sales by fifty percent?"), and involves a lot of scrolling as benefit after benefit is revealed, usually backed by testimonials from satisfied customers. Time-limited and special Tricks to Success: sincerity, well crafted copy

3) eBay Auction Model
This is a variation of the first online business model. But instead of using an ecommerce site to make money online, you use someone else's. Although eBay Stores are available, you don't actually need one to sell products through eBay - you can sell online by using eBay's auction system.

The eBay auction model is especially attractive to people just starting an online business. People who want to make money online often use the eBay auction system as a cheap and easy way to get started and test demand for the products they want to sell. Then, if things go well, they move on to an online store through eBay or some other provider, or develop one themselves.
Tricks to Success: well crafted copy, good product photos, excellent feedback

4) Stand-Alone Blog
Blogs are popping up all over the 'Net like mushrooms on a damp forest floor. The beauty of blogs is that anyone can self-publish their work online easily and cheaply. While many blogs exist just to get a person's thoughts and ideas out there, others are attempts to make money online.
The standard online business model for blogging is to run ads on the blog pages. Google AdSense, for instance, is a popular choice. There are, however, other ways to make money online through a blog.

Tricks to Success: having an engaging voice, being part of the blog community

5) Service Business Website
The typical service business website, properly done, combines a portfolio with persuasive copy. To make money online, a good service business website has to answer the question "Why should you hire this person to do that?"
Often, what's being sold is the talents and skills of an individual, but these are difficult to show online so the mainstays of service business websites are biographies and testimonials. (Photo) samples of a person's work may be included if possible. If you're starting an online business of this type, soliciting testimonials from satisfied customers as a first step.
It's become almost standard for those seeking to sell their services online to offer prospective customers free content, such as a newsletter, email tips or ebook. These are, of course, great ways to get to collect customer data and stay in touch.
Some service business websites also sell products, typically the books and/or tapes of the individual involved, but sometimes other things.
Tricks to Success: powerful testimonials, personalization and professionalism

6) Info-Site
It is a website that focuses on presenting information, often on a specific topic.

Info-sites are predicated on the theory that enough people will be interested in the information to seek it out, visit the website and support it by clicking on or buying something.
While some info-sites make money online by selling their content, through subscription or syndication, others make money through advertising and/or affiliate programs. Some info-sites also include an ecommerce component, directly selling products related to the information the site provides. A gardening info-site, for example, may also sell gardening tools.
If the info-site business model interests you as a way to make money online, don't be discouraged by the size of some of the sites that I've used as examples. An info-site doesn't have to be huge to be successful.
Tricks to Success: strong, engaging content

7) Brochure Site
The brochure site is basically an online business card. It presents the name of the business, some information about the products or services the business provides and contact information. People interested in learning more are asked to call, visit and/or sometimes to fill out an online form.
The brochure site is the online business model least likely to make money online in and of itself. Such a site is best suited as an adjunct to a business with a strong offline presence. Many small businesses use this kind of website as a Internet billboard for their customers, providing yet another way for their customers to get basic information about their business such as phone numbers or directions to their premises. The website is actually part of the business's customer service rather than a money making venture in itself.
As an online business model, the brochure site does excel as an event registration site. Businesses and government agencies often create separate brochure sites for specific conferences or trade shows.
Tricks to Success: having other sites and/or channels set up to direct traffic to the brochure site

You Don't Need to Stick to Just One Online Business Model
When you're putting your online business plan together, you need to be aware that you don't have to stick to just one online business model at a time - and you may make more money online.

Credits:

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/onlinebusiness/a/onlinebizmodels_2.htm

HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS

Deal with your anxiety:
Try to determine the source of your test anxiety. If it stems from a lack of preparation on your part, your anxiety is considered a rational response. However, if you believe that you are prepared for the test, but are still panicking or overreacting, this may be an irrational response. Either way, it can be very helpful to know how to work with their effects.

Prepare for those tests and assignments:
This is the best way to minimize anxiety. Here are a few tips for preparing for an exam:

• Avoid cramming for a test. Cramming can produce high levels of anxiety and is not helpful in trying to learn a large amount of material.

• Instead of trying to memorize all of the intricate details from an entire semester’s worth of notes and readings, try combining everything and learning the larger, main concepts first.

• When studying, try to create questions that could possibly be asked on the test. Try integrating ideas from lectures, notes, books and other readings.

• If it is impossible for you to cover all of the material for the test, choose one portion that you know you will be able to cover and present well.

Change your attitude:
It can help to change the way you think about taking tests. A test will not predict your future success or determine your self worth. Changing your attitude can actually help you enjoy studying and learning. Here are some ways you can work on changing your attitude:

• Remind yourself that it is only a test and there will be others. 

• Reward yourself when the test is over.

• Think of yourself in a positive way. Think of all the hard work you have done already or think of what you do know. 

• Plan ways to improve next semester

Don’t forget the basics:
Don’t forget about yourself and what you need. This means thinking of yourself as a total person, not just as a test taker.

• Maintain proper nutrition and exercise, and continue some of your social or recreational activities. It is ok to take a break once in a while.

• Make sure you get plenty of sleep. You can’t function at your best if you are tired.

• Do something relaxing when you feel adequately prepared.

Again, try to do something relaxing before the test. Cramming minutes before can produce anxiety. Get to the test early. This way, you can pick out your seat away from anxiety-ridden classmates and other distractions. Now, you’re ready to take the test…Good luck!

INNOVATION

The term innovation means a new way of doing something. It may refer to incremental, radical, and revolutionary changes in thinking, products, processes, or organizations. A distinction is typically made between Invention, an idea made manifest, and innovation, ideas applied successfully. In many fields, something new must be substantially different to be innovative, not an insignificant change, e.g., in the arts, economics, business and government policy. In economics the change must increase value, customer value, or producer value. The goal of innovation is positive change, to make someone or something better.

Innovation is an important topic in the study of economics, business, technology, sociology, and engineering. The word "innovation" is often synonymous with the output of the process. However, economists tend to focus on the process itself, from the origination of an idea to its transformation into something useful, to its implementation; and on the system within which the process of innovation unfolds. Since innovation is also considered a major driver of the economy, especially when it leads to increasing productivity, the factors that lead to innovation are also considered to be critical to policy makers.