Was Andrew Jackson Democratic Essay Example for Free

Was Andrew Jackson Democratic Essay Throughout time changes have been made to our country’s government in hopes of improving it, and reducing the flaws it has. Andrew Jackson made changes to our country in hopes of increasing its chances of longevity; however his methods in doing so are to this day very controversial. While Andrew Jackson was known as â€Å"the people’s president† his methods for improving America were quite ambiguous, and the concept of Jacksonian democracy is highly criticized. Andrew Jackson made contributions to our country while holding office; however his tactics were anything but democratic. Growing up on the frontier Andrew Jackson was the first president to not grow up wealthy, later in his life it proved to be useful in trying to appeal to voters, which proved to be successful. Yet in the race for presidency, even though he had won the votes, he did not win the election; John Quincy Adams, with the help of Jackson’s enemy Henry Clay, became president. In the next election to come Andrew Jackson had proved to be more successful, in acquiring the role of the president, both Jackson, and his ally Martin Van Buren, created a political organization, in what is now known as the democratic party. All seemed well, and politically Andrew Jackson had not made a mistake yet, However although he was known as a man of the people, Jackson believed in and promoted slavery. Jackson owned a plantation named The Hermitage. The Hermitage was a huge self-sufficient plantation that raised cotton and relied on the labor of African American men, women, and children. On his plantation there was rigorous labor that his slaves preformed daily. Due to the hard work of Jackson’s slaves, he continued to profit, and allowed him to acquire more land, thus he bought more men women and children to work his land, and help continue prosperity the Jackson family. Moreover, Andrew Jackson was skilled in military tactics; however he used his knowledge to take millions of acres of land from Native Americans. In 1814 he commanded the U.S. military forces that defeated a faction of the Creek nation. In their defeat, the Creeks lost 22 million acres of land in southern Georgia and central Alabama. As president, he continued to try and acquire more Indian land for white settlers who wanted to grow cotton, much like him. In 1830 Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act which allowed the government to move the Indians out of cotton rich land, and into Indian  reservations out west. This travel took a toll on many of the tribes, and the journey the Indians took came to be known as the â€Å"Trail of Tears†. In addition, there was the Supreme Court case of Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, where the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cherokee Nation. This ruling of the Supreme Court did not stop Jackson and his followers from driving the Cherokees off of their land, which people viewed unconstitional from Jackson’s part. Furthermore, Jackson was also known for many â€Å"injustices† while holding office, and criticized for expanding the power of the presidency. He was also known for rewarding his political supporters with government jobs. When it was brought up to his attention, he responded by claiming he was replacing aristocrats with the common man. Jackson stated To the victor go the spoils, and thus created the spoils system in government. Lastly, Jackson was portrayed as a sort of tyrant by his enemies, they even named him â€Å"King Andrew the First,† this was due to Jackson having the most vetoes out of all the presidents that came before him. With so many vetoes on Jackson’s part sometimes it seemed difficult to get anything done. His denial of a bill to re-charter a Second Bank of the United States was a significant event in Jackson’s term. To conclude, While Andrew Jackson did have a few positive outcomes for our country while he was president, it doesn’t ensure that he was completely democratic. In fact, his actions were quite opposite of democratic views. He did not respect Native Americans or African Americans. He used His military background to assist in the removal of Indians from their land, so that white Americans can raise cotton, while the Indians were moved westward so that they would not make obstacles for white colonists who wanted to expand. And he contributed in the creation of the spoils system. Andrew Jackson did strengthen the two-party system, he was not completely democratic. Work Cited â€Å"Jacksonian democracy and modern America† USHistory.org 06 Nov 2014 http://www.ushistory.org/us/23f.asp â€Å"Slavery at the Hermitage† Thehermitage.com 06 Nov 2014 http://www.thehermitage.com/mansion-grounds/farm/slavery â€Å"Trail of Tears† History.com 06 Nov 2014 http://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears â€Å"Jacksonian Democracy† History.com 06 Nov 2014 http://www.history.com/topics/jacksonian-democracy

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Example for Free

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Starbucks is a premium coffee wholesaler which has strayed from its original service of coffee. The advent of newer technology has diminished the Starbucks experience. Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairmen, sent a memo on February 14, 2007 addressing this problem to the president and chief executive officer of Starbucks, Jim Donald. In the memo, Schultz voiced his opinion on how the rapid expansion of Starbucks is causing him to revaluate the company’s values between how it operated when it began and where it is heading in the future. Starbucks isn’t the same neighborhood store as it was when it was established and no longer shows the passion for coffee that they had in the beginning. â€Å"I have said for 20 years that our success is not an entitlement and now its proving to be a reality. Lets be smarter about how we are spending our time, money and resources. Lets get back to the core† (Schultz). Along with its expansion, Starbucks has been trying to utilize new technologies to improve the product they sell to consumers. Starbucks changed their espresso machines from manual to automatic to speed up service and efficiency. These machines â€Å"blocked the visual sight line the customer previously had to watch the drink being made, and for the intimate experience with the barista† (Schultz). People no longer have that intimate connection with the people making their coffee, or to the finished product. The employees are also more disassociated from their work because of these new machines that speed up production. Starbucks also incorporated flavor-locked packaging to supply the demand for fresh roasted coffee. This is a great service to the customer because it keeps coffee grounds or beans fresher longer, yet the effectiveness of the flavor-locked bags contributed to the loss of aroma, â€Å"perhaps the most powerful non-verbal signal†, in Starbucks (Schultz). The romance of Starbucks is lost with these improvements and the unforgettable scent is lessened along with its heritage. Starbucks is still a coffee-loving company, and consumers are still receiving the coffee delicacies they want, but at what cost to tradition. https://sites. google. com/site/hollymadalyn/writing/Starbucks-Research-paper SYNOPSIS Starbucks Corporation, originally founded in 1971, but purchased by Howard Schultz in 1987, is the market leader in selling gourmet coffee (Starbucks, 2008). Starbucks main objective is to establish itself as the most respected and recognized coffee brand in the world (Fact Sheet, 2008). Starbucks has accomplished this objective and experienced much success through their competitive strategy of clustering several stores within the same community and through their distinctive competencies of roasting and selling the quality coffee while providing high quality customer service. The question is, can Starbucks continue their market share growth with rising competitors? Should they focus more on their international operations? Can they continually reinvent themselves to maintain their strong brand image in the long run? PROBLEMS. †¢ Overall economic downturn can affect Starbucks’ market share if management neglects to address competitors’ strategies with lower priced offerings as consumers are becoming more conservative in spending their discretionary income. †¢ Loss of identity and authenticity focused upon the foundational Starbucks experience, which, if unaddressed by management, can result in dissatisfied customers, loss of sales, and decreased market share. †¢ Considering the economy and increasing domestic competition within the U. S. , Starbucks must address their less profitable international operations. SWOT ANALYSIS[1] INDUSTRY EVALUATION In the past two decades, the coffee industry has experienced a significant increase in the demand for premium coffee. Today, about one in five Americans drinks some type of espresso-based coffee drink each day. The average yearly coffee consumption per capita in the U. S. is around 4. 4Kg. Among these coffee drinkers, the average consumption is 3. 1 cups of coffee per day, with men drinking approximately 1. 9 cups per day, and women drinking an average of 1. 4 cups per day (Coffee Research [continues].

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: An Overview

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: An Overview Substructures are anything constructed below DPC or ground floor level for example foundations or cellar floors on social housing or even tunnels for commercial use. Substructure legislations include the town and country planning legislation, Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 and COSHH. The Town and Country Planning legislation means that the towns and developments will be planned appropriately and safely bearing in mind fellow housing owners that may be affected by any developments. Planning is necessary to ensure that the buildings and the environment is safe, secure and happy amongst the public. Local authorities are responsible through their planning committees to decide whether a new building or an alteration to an existing building is needed and suitable. Planning permission is not always required, for example internal alterations or work which does not change the appearance of the outside of a property does not require planning permission. Extending or altering the shape of a building, planning permission will be required and if failed to apply for or have a planning application you may risk having the building demolished by the council or planning committee. Some developments even make sure that other property owners are happy by keeping fencing a certain he ight and shape for them not to contact planning permission. Some old fashioned houses may also be affected by this legislation as you may not be legally allowed to put a new, modern, contemporary house in an old, vintage village or near any other old existing houses as it does not fit in or the neighbours may have objected. This legislation applies before construction as you have to apply for planning permission before a building is built to see whether it fits in, it is safe and suitable for the location and the public however during construction it also applies as housing developers apply for planning permission on site for temporary roads or compounds to help planning committees keep the existing properties safe and happy too. The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 means that you should promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety in places of work. It protects employees and the public from work activities that may cause danger to them in that very moment or in the future. Everyone must abide by the act or you may be prosecuted for not doing so if someone has an injury because of you. The act means that the employers have a duty of ensuring that there employees are safe and secure within the work place. Depending on the type of work place you must wear protection, for instance if the job is construction related the employer must provide you with PPE like a hard hat, steel toe cap boots and a hi-vis. They must also ensure that all your equipment and materials are safe, handled well and have had recent services and lastly they must provide you with training, supervision or simply a site induction which includes details of your job, the health and safety on site and the site rules. Site managers or your employer must provide a written safety policy or risk assessment and depending on your age a young persons risk assessment. Employees objectives are to take care of their own health and safety, and that of others, cooperate with their employer and not to interfere with anything provided in the interest of health and safety. A HSE is a health and safety executive, this person observes and monitors the site under strict instructions and guidelines under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. If the HSE are unhappy they are allowed to shut the site down completely. They have the right to have entry, close the site, see documents and take copies, size substances and ask questions. They even produce an improvement or prohibition notice. Both employers and employees may face prosecution if the site is unfit by the HSE. This act applies before construction as the employer has to provide everyone with PPE, inspect the site to see if it is safe before construction star ts and set up risk assessments and first aid boxes however during construction this applies as the employer doesnt want any accidents or illnesses on site, they would like the PPE to protect their workers, the equipment to be safe, serviced and used well, the fences to protect the public and the vehicles have reversing sirens to protect everyone. COSHH stands for the control of substances hazardous to health. COSHH covers any chemicals used on site for instance adhesive glues or paint thinners. Every chemical that is used on site must have a risk assessed by the site manager on behalf of the COSHH act. The regulations recommend that you do a risk assessment, decide what precautions are needed for example PPE, prevent or control exposure for example dust masks or gloves, ensure that control measures are maintained and used, monitor exposure through measurements, carry out regular health tests for example blood tests, prepare plans and procedures if an accident was to occur and ensure the employees are properly informed and trained usually by the HSE. A prime example of a hazardous substance is asbestos which is now banned due to the harm it does to your body when inhaled. The fibres within the material are the parts of the asbestos that are dangerous. Some products require careful control like the extraction of asbestos like s ome foam product instillations. This act applies before construction as the site manager needs to know if there is any products already on the site that may need to be removed or a risk assessment done for them however during construction it still applies as the chemicals and materials brought on site during the build may be hazardous too and may need to be risk assessed. Superstructures are all the elements visible above the substructure level for example a multi storey building, a social house or even a sky scraper. Superstructure legislations include Building regulations, RIDOR and Construction design management regulations 2008. Building regulations apply in England and wales and these promote standards for most aspects of a buildings construction process, energy efficiency in buildings, the needs of all people even including the disabled. The regulations apply to most new buildings, and many alterations of existing buildings, whether domestic, commercial or industrial. The types of work that do need to comply with the building regulations is the erection or extension of a building, the installation or extension of a service or fitting which is controlled under the regulations, an alteration involving work which will temporarily or permanently affect the on-going compliance of the building, service or fitting with the requirements relating to structure, fire, or access to and use of buildings, the insertion of insulation into a cavity wall and the underpinning of the foundations of a building. All buildings within this list must meet the requirements as they are for danger purposes for example a fire escape and air supplies for the combustion for some appliances. The main requirements come in 14 parts: Part A Structure Part B Fire safety Part C Site preparation and resistance to moisture Part D Toxic substances Part E Resistance to the passage of sound Part F Ventilation Part G Hygiene Part H Drainage and waste disposal Part J Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems Part K Protection from falling, collision and impact Part L Conservation of fuel and power Part M Access to and use of buildings Part N Glazing safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning Part P Electrical safety This regulation applies before construction as the planning department need to put in the fire escapes e.t.c.. however during construction it still applies as the building regs managers or the HSE may test the products to see if they meet the standards. RIDDOR stands for reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations. RIDDOR covers deaths, major injuries; accidents resulting in an over-three-day injury, diseases, dangerous occurrences and gas accidents. If an accident did happen an accident investigation must be done as it is a legal requirement under the RIDDOR regulations. If a member of public is hurt or killed the HSE must be informed. Over three days injuries must be reported to the HSE too. When you report the injuries under RIDDOR you must issue the date and time, a brief description of what happened, put the name and address of the person injured and the date and method of reporting. The injuries listed as RIDDOR are fractures other than fingers, thumbs or toes, amputation, dislocation of shoulder, hip, knee or spine, loss or sight temporarily or permanently and chemical or hot metal burns to the eye that is penetrating. This regulation applies before construction as the site manger may need to write o ut methods of what to do in the event of certain injuries however during construction this will carry on as the site manager may need to write a report after an injury or inform the HSE. Construction design and management regulations 2008 aim to reduce the large numbers of serious, fatal accidents and cases of ill health which occur in construction. CDM places responsibilities on key members such as the design and management teams to keep the projects running safely and smoothly. CDM duties are to select and appoint a planning supervisor and principal contractor that will both allocate adequate resources for health and safety, be satisfied that the designers and contractors arrange for work to be done smoothly and safely, provide the planning supervisor with information on health and safety and ensure the health and safety files are up to date and construction starts and ends well. This regulation applies before construction as the planning, contractors and site managers need to organise whos doing what and when however during they must all make sure it is running as they planned without any health and safety risks.

The Coco Mademoiselle Perfume Commercial Essay -- Marketing, Post Femi

The ideal post-modern woman is a collage of charm, grace, beauty, strength and independence. This ideal is what Keira Knightley epitomizes in the Coco Mademoiselle perfume commercial. A far cry from the original feminist movement which was entrenched in politics this post-feminism created a realm where woman sought all the riches of the feminist movement but shunned the feminist title (Goldman 1992, 130). Keira is presented as a beautiful independent woman, who is free from the hold of men and sexually liberated. However, through close examination, it is clear that her independence is in relation to her power over the men in the commercial. Further, this power is simply power over the man whom she wishes to seduce. The commercial begins with Keira slipping into her loft in the early morning, wearing only a men’s white dress shirt and black hat. She looks past the camera, never making eye-contact. Keira is presented as the super-woman which Goldman (1992) describes as â€Å"sublimely self-confident and secure, poised, effortlessly beautiful, [moving] with a style and grace called ‘presence’... independent and successful; liberated, yet feminine and romantic; modern, yet traditional at the same time† (107-108). By looking past the camera Keira becomes the subject of envy. This envy can only be achieved by distance, we look to her but she does not look back at us, her demeanour signifies confidence, which we watch but do not have a connection to (Goldman 1992, 118). Throughout the ad, Keira exudes a confidence in a playful yet mature way. This confidence, however, rises from her relation to men. At the beginning of the commercial she is dressed in a way that implies she has just left her lover’s room. So the ‘presence’ which she hold... ...desire for control leads to a fetishization of the female body. This fetishization in turn lends itself to the consumption of commodities (Goldman 1992, 113), as the perfect femme fatal is impossible to achieve outside of a James Bond movie. This all for control over men, which ironically shows that if so much emphasis is placed on control of men, are woman really in control? The feminist movement was aimed at gaining equality between sexes, yet we have raped this movement of all its political meanings. Women have objectified themselves in order to gain power over men, while pursuing freedom from the objectification of men. This Chanel commercial clearly demonstrates how woman objectify themselves in order to show a form of control over men. This need for control actually shows women’s failure to justify their position in society separate of its relation to men.

Everything Hidden :: Knowledge Papers

Everything Hidden Questions that seem to have only one answer Things hidden can be known by following clues. We know in practice how this is done and I have explained in some detail what goes on in this rather complicated but interesting process (see for example Essay 2). But what about things not hidden. Can things not hidden be known? My question here is not how things not hidden can be known, but merely whether they can be known. If I ask how things not hidden can be known I will receive diferent answers. For example some wil say things not hidden are known by the senses. The senses reveal to us what these things are; that's why they are not hidden. But others will say no; the senses do not reveal; they hide, they deceive. The mind reveals; the mind lets us know what the real things are; things that are not hidden are known directly by the mind. There are many answers to the question how things not hidden can be known, but this is not the question I am asking. The question I am asking is whether things not hidden can be known. With the question how things not hidden can be known there are many answers. But it is diferent with the question whether things not hidden can be known. With this question there seems to be only one answer. Things not hidden, of course they can be known—this I think is what most people wil say. They may not agree among themselves how things not hidden can be known but they wil agree things not hidden can be known. If things not hidden cannot be known what can be known? To the question whether things not hidden can be known there is only one answer. Or so it seems. There is another question which seems to have only one answer: Is there anything not hidden? To this question the only answer seems to be of course there are things not hidden. We may disagree as to what these things are and how they are known, but it seems there must be some things that are not hidden. It is not possible that there is nothing not hidden. If there is nothing not hidden it means everything is hidden. How is it possible that everything is hidden? If everything is hidden how can we know anything?

Do We Care? :: New Criticism Literature Essays

Do We Care? Many different forms of critical theory focus on the text, the circumstances surrounding the text, or the author, without acknowledging the subjective nature of literature. New Criticism proclaims that the â€Å"essential components of any work of literature, whether lyric, narrative, or dramatic, are conceived to be words, images, and symbols, rather than character, thought, and plot† (Abrams 246). New Historicism â€Å"is grounded on the concepts that history itself is not a set of fixed, objective facts, but, like the literature with which it interacts, a text which needs to be interpreted† (249). Psychological criticism â€Å"deals with a work of literature primarily as an expression, in fictional form, of the state of mind and the structure of personality of the individual author† (263). In these forms of critical theory, the response of the reader is less important than the author, the text, and whatever symbolism might be found in the text. While igno ring the importance of reader-response may be justified in academia, it also holds true that without the reader, the need for literature would not exist. What specific properties lend value to literature? Though style and structure are important components and should not be completely disregarded, the meaning of the text is dependent upon the individual reader, and as such, is highly subjective. In her essay, Contingencies of Value, Barbara Herrnstein Smith states, â€Å"the value of a work – that is, its effectiveness in performing desired/able functions for some set of subjects – is not independent of authorial design, labor, and skill . . . that what may be spoken of as the ‘properties’ of the work – its ‘structure,’ ‘features,’ ‘qualities,’ and of course, its ‘meaning’ – are not fixed, given, or inherent in the work itself but are at every point the variable products of some subject’s interaction with it† (Richter 148). This brings up an interesting point: if the reader’s interaction with the text proves to be less tha n what the reader expected or wanted, does it negate the value of the text as literature? And does the educational and cultural background of the reader have any kind of effect on this process? Smith believes it does: . . . there are many people in the world who are not – or are not yet, or choose not to be – among the orthodoxly educated population of the West: people who do not encounter Western classics at all or who encounter them under cultural and institutional conditions very different from those of American and European college professors and their students.

Project Report on Bamboo

Chapter-1 PREFACE A growth oriented Entrepreneur will always be in search of opportunities, which can generate income, enhance long-term value and command recognition and respect in the society. Looking at the present upbeat atmosphere in the NE Region for development of industry, thrust by Government of India for the development of environment friendly alternate resources and last but not the least, the spectacular progress made by China in the bamboo based industry – The KOTHARI group has decided to put up a unit in Guwahati to manufacture Bamboo Flooring, Board & related products.During the exploratory phase, we reviewed reports & journals published by forest department / NGOs on Bamboo resource in NE Region, visited & discussed with the Bamboo growers, met with machinery manufacturers in India & abroad, attended seminars, studied market for flooring and its development potential, consulted technocrats from India and abroad about the possibility of making flooring in India using India Bamboo. We received encouraging response and could feel the potential. Now we are determined to put up project and this report provides details on various aspects of the same.Chapter-II PROJECT AT A GLANCE PRODUCT : Bamboo Flooring & Bamboo Panel Boards. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Bamboo flooring/board is the newest and most revolutionary products in the flooring and interior decoration concept. The unique Bamboo grain provides an exotic oriental beauty to the interior of any room, and the high quality of Bamboo compared to wood guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment. Bamboo Flooring and Bamboo Board is also the most environment friendly construction material available.Although Bamboo looks and behaves like a superior hardwood, it is actual a grass. Unlike wood forests, which take decades to regenerate, the Bamboo groves only take a few years to renew themselves. As consumer (especially in developed markets such as North America, Europe and Japan) become increasingly environment c onscious, this has become a strong marketing aspect of Bamboo products. Bamboo’s natural versatility is suitable to a variety of environments. The finished product is all-around coated and protected against insects and fungus.It is suitable for all residential and commercial installations- in bedrooms, living room, kitchens, offices, schools and hospitals. PRODUCT FEATURES : Bamboo Flooring & Boards are made from 100% renewable resource, which saves precious timbers. Apart from this, it has so many salient features- Incredible tensile strength.Light weight . Excellent appearance. Harder and more stable than wood. Easy to install. Creates friendly atmosphere for Asthma & Allergy patients. Excellent insulator of heat/cold. Environment friendliness Water- resistant. Numerous uses. MARKET POTENTIAL : The demand for Bamboo Flooring & Bamboo Panels are expending from South- East Asian Countries to European and American markets.The international market for bamboo flooring is esti mated at Rs. 750 cores and it is expending at a rate of 50% p. a. Current trends in the interior decoration industry are ‘back to nature’ i. e. away from synthetics and towards more natural products such as wood / bamboo. Due to health reasons, wood/ bamboo floors are taking away the market share from carpets (bamboo floors are hypo-allergenic and as a consequence, do not suffer from dust mite infection like other floor coverings. In addition, wood sources are becoming increasingly depleted and the consumer is becoming environmentally conscious, the market for bamboo products has increased exponentially- for flooring, paneling, and a variety of products limited only by the imagination such as doors, frames, table tops, gift items, photo frames etc. Market response to Bamboo flooring is more than encouraging particularly for its look, strength and high-class protective coating. With support from international agencies and technical experts we are very optimistic about ac hieving quality standards.INDIAN SCENARIO: With booming construction activities, scope for interior decoration activities has increased substantially. Of late, growth in use of marble and granite is reducing as Interior decoration industry always looks for new products. There have been imports of wooden and laminated floors but prohibitive duties and resultant landed price is restricting growth of such alternative products. In the domestic market, the size of the organized flooring market has been estimated at Rs. 1500 crores for all type of flooring. As the supply creates its own demand nd if the Bamboo flooring can capture even 6-7 % of the market for flooring, it will mean a market of Rs. 100 Crores to being with and it is likely to grow at a rate of at least 15% per annum. Source: INBAR Report Our initial market survey has given has us all the reasons to be excited about huge potential not only for flooring but also for wall panels where there is absolutely no new product since last decade. Moreover, a product made in India will have better acceptability to larger cross section of price sensitive India consumers.PROPOSED CAPACITY : Bamboo Flooring / Panel 60000 Mtr2 / p. a. LOCATION : Export Promotion Industrial Park, Guwahati. CAPACITY UTILISATION : 1st Year 70% p. a. 2nd Year 80% p. a. 3rd year & onwards 90% p. a. COST OF PROJECT : (Estimated) (Rs. n Lakhs) (a) Land & Development 19. 68 (b) Building 51. 76 (c) Plant & Machinery 245. 52 (d) Misc. Fixed Assets 57. 10 (e) Preliminary Expense 0. 0 (f) Preoperative Expenses 49. 29 (g)Technical Know how & training 15. 91 (h) Margin for Working Capital 26. 07 (i) Contingencies 24. 81 MEANS OF FINANCE Contribution by the Promoters: Equity by promoters 97. 3 Grant from NEC 50. 00 Contribution by the Funding Agencies: (i) Technology Development Assistance from TIFAC 245. 00 (ii) Term Loan by Institution 98. 31 490. 44 Guarantee: Apart from above, Guarantee in favour of Government of India to the tune of Rs. 0 La cs for import of machines under EPCG Scheme at concessional Customs duty. Subsidies and other incentives of capital nature have not been considered while deciding means of finance. The same can be directly reimbursed of loan. PROFITABILITY The profitability projections are as follows: [III year / normal year of operation] (Rs. in Lakhs) Sales Proceeds 494. 0 Cost of Sales 338. 18 Gross Profit Before financial expenses 155. 92 Financial Expenses 34. 59 Depreciation 28. 53 Operating Profit 92. 0 Profit After Tax 91. 18 Note: Incentives such as transport subsidy etc. have not been considered in the cost of production. The same can be directly reimbursed (as and when due) to the lending institutions as per-payment of loans. This will improve working of the company substantially. Chapter –III INTRODUCTION Flooring plays a vital role in the total appearance of any house /shop / building, whereas, very little emphasis was given in improvement and innovation of flooring materi al in India.Since last few years the awareness about the importance of flooring has increased amongst Indian consumers and now there is a visible shift from conventional cemented or mosaic flooring to Granite, Marble, Italian Marble, and Glazed Ceramic Tiles etc. for many advantages over traditional flooring. Of late, due to ease in import, demand for wooden flooring and laminated flooring is also increasing. Since most of these products are imported hence higher cost and we are sure environmental awareness will always keep Bamboo flooring ahead of wooden flooring.There is huge market potential of Bamboo Flooring and Boards in India as well as abroad. As per the ‘Country Report India’ prepared by International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) on Bamboo Value-added industry, size of the domestic organized flooring market has been estimated at Rs. 1500 Crore for all types of premium flooring. Architects are of the opinion that since supply creates its own demand, it would be possible for Bamboo Flooring to capture 6-7 % of the market. This will result in a domestic market size of Rs. 100 Crore to begin with.Growth of the industry is estimated at 15% in the Indian market. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT AND USES World over Wooden Flooring is considered to be more up market compared to cement, marble, tiles etc. It enhances the warmth of any house and complements the decor of room. However with scarce timber resources and increasing environmental awareness people are shifting towards Bamboo Flooring, which is equally attractive and technically better than Wooden Flooring. The natural grains of Bamboo show up clearly and look very attractive. It looks very unique, elegant, and serene.The flooring is resistant to moisture, pressure, and scratch. It is flexible and lasts longer than wood. It also acts as sound and heat insulator. Bamboo flooring/board is the newest and most revolutionary product in the flooring and interior decoration industries. The uni que Bamboo grain provides an exotic oriental beauty to the interior of any room, and the high quality of Bamboo compared to wood guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment. Bamboo Flooring and bamboo board is also the most environmental friendly construction material available.Although Bamboo looks and behaves like a superior hardwood, Bamboo is actual grass-unlike wood forest, which take decades to regenerate, the Bamboo groves only take a few years to renew themselves. As consumers (especially in developed markets such as North America, Europe and Japan) have become increasingly environmentally conscious, this has become a strong marketing aspect of Bamboo. Bamboo’s natural versatility is suitable to a variety of environments. The finished product is all-around coated and protected against damp, insects, and fungus.It is suitable for all residential and commercial installations – in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, showrooms, hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, discotheques etc. Standard Bamboo flooring is manufactured as an all around tongue and groove board; a variety of sizes can be produced, the most popular being 900 mm X 90mm X 15mm, 600mm X 90mm X 15mm. Among the many possible lamination, the most common are protected with 3-layers of UV coating. COMPETING PRODUCTS Marble Granite Wooden Flooring Carpet PVC Flooring Ceramic Tiles Laminated Flooring ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO FLOORING ) Bamboo is harder than various species of wood. It is 25% harder than oak, 23% harder than Rock Maple. So it is more stable. Tensile strength of Bamboo is 28000 psi, which is even more than steel. ii) Bamboo floors are hypoallergenic and as a consequence, do not suffer from dust mite infection like other floor coverings. It creates friendly atmosphere for Asthma & Allergy patients. iii) It is an excellent insulator. So in cold climate it helps by keeping the room temperature warm, and in air-conditioned atmosphere, it helps in power saving by maintaining room temperature. v) Bamboo flooring is U. V. Coated, which is very hard, scratch resistant, moisture resistant. v) It is easy to maintain. It can be easily cleaned with vacuum cleaner. vi) It has got excellent appearance. vii) It is lightweight and easy to install. viii) Bamboo flooring are impregnated with chemicals which makes it termite proof. ix) It is made from 100% renewable resource, which saves precious timber. So it is environment friendly too. THE LOCATIONAL ADVANTAGES The proposed unit is to be set up in the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP), Amingaon ,Guwahati.We have considered different factors while selecting the site and found that there are various advantages of putting up the unit in Guwahati. Some of them are as under- a) Availability of raw as material: Due to high volume and low weight, any Bamboo related production has to be near the source. Major raw material, Bamboo is abundantly available in and around Guwahati. Bamboo can be procured from farmers in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Agartalla and North Bengal. b) Availability of Skilled Manpower: The local people of Assam have gained natural skill of Bamboo craft.They understand bamboo vary well. For these reasons, it will be much easier to train a local person. c) Availability of Land: This unit requires a converted shed of 8000 sq. ft. and additional space for storage utility and for future expansion. AIDC has confirmed availability of required land at EPIP, Amingaon. d) Availability of Utilities: Power: Uninterrupted power supply is available to all the units set up in EPIP. This will be an advantageous situation. Water: Water is also easily available. Steam:Steam will be required for manufacturing of Bamboo Flooring, which is planned to be produced by putting up a coal-fired boiler. Good quality coal is available from Meghalaya at a very economical price. e) Availability of Transport: EPIP, Amingaon is located adjacent to Guwahati dry port. All the dispatches to overseas market can be booked from there itself. Moreover, Guwahati is well connected by rain and road links with other parts of the country hence; transportation of finished product & raw material will have no difficulty at all. f) Subsidies & Incentives:Government of India & Governments of Assam is giving various incentives and concessions for the new unit put up in Assam such as Sales Tax exemption. Excise exemption, Income tax exemption, and various other subsidies. g) Infrastructure facility: Guwahati, the proposed location of the unit, is the capital city of Assam which has got all the required amenities such as schools, hotels, hospitals, colleges and other entertainment facilities. Chapter –IV RAW MATERIAL BAMBOO AN INTRODUCTION As the name suggest, the Bamboo Flooring are manufactured using Bamboo. Bamboo is an immensely useful and highly renewable natural resource.It has been used by people – most notable in Asia – since time immemorial, and its remarkable versatility as raw material is attested to in our day by a list of products which is as long as that of the 1,573 known bamboo species. From food, folder, fencing and fuel to flooring and furniture to flutes, fishing rods and even false teeth, bamboo products are used by an estimated 2. 5 billion people, or almost half of the world’s population. Although we in India are using Bamboo in various application but not much has been done for technical improvement of the manufacturing process of various products made by Bamboo.Comparatively a lot of research has been done in China to make better products. Value addition to Bamboo has been negligible in India. Bamboo, the world’s most useful plant, is a very large grass rather than a tree, yet has a timber-like quality when used as a construction material. It is the fastest growing plant in the world and certain species can reach heights of over 100 feet at rates of up to 5 centimeters per hour. It is harvested for commercial usage after three to five year s.This botanical cousin to rich and corn has over 1,000 species of varying sized and characteristics makes it amazingly versatile it may be used for building whole houses, furniture, cases, baskets, screens, farm tools, fishing rods, windmill blades, boat building, record needles, paper, kites, blowguns, polish, diesel fuel, scales, food, medicine, chopsticks, incense sticks, musical instruments, blinds, concrete reinforcement, plastic reinforcement, scaffolding, cables, both substitutes, piping, bike frames, various other structures and a host of other durable, useful, crafted items. Bamboo is also used for brewing beer.An Edison light bulb in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. has a bamboo filament, which is still capable of burning after more than a century. The bamboo cable-supported Min Bridge in Szechwan is over 1,000 years old. BAMBOO AND ITS USES China: In a remarkably short span of time, the bamboo sector in China has transformed technologically and structurally . The last decade has seen China emerge as a pioneer in bamboo utilization and a market leader offering a variety of new products and processing techniques. The latest development in China has been the usage of bamboo as a viable replacement for wood.Bamboo mat boards have been acknowledged as an excellent substitute for plywood. Rapid growth of the bamboo plywood industry has instilled a new vibrancy in the sector. Bamboo has also been used to substitute plastics, steel and cement in new application in construction of houses, and manufacturing of furniture and agricultural tools and implements with application of sophisticated design, knowledge and use of improved composite technologies. Bamboo has an important industrial role in paper & pulp manufacturing in China. With a large and expending market, China is the world leader in bamboo shoot production and consumption.Growth of significant scale in China bamboo sector has been possible through coordinated research and its applicati on, incentive regimes, provisioning of support services, changes in agro forestry practices, and the fostering of close linkages with markets. Other Southeast Asian Countries: In other Southeast countries, however, apart from Thailand, which now boasts of bamboo shoot export equivalent to that of China, there has been little or on progress. It is still only the rural poor who continue to be principal users of bamboo. In Bangladesh, 80-90 % of rural houses are constructed from bamboo, as are many rural dwellings in India.Philippines, Nepal and Thailand. South America: In South America, bamboo utilization is small compared to Asia, except in localized areas. A large bamboo specie – Guadua anaustifolia, has been used for a housing programme in Costa Rica through a large-scale internationally funded bamboo project. All Central American countries have shown interest in this project. South Africa: Bamboo is valued in Kenya for soil stabilization. It is used to some extent in constr uction and fuel. India: In India, the principal usage of bamboo is in the paper industry, as scaffolding in construction material or in the handicrafts sector.Among other uses, bamboo splits or wholes are used as a fencing material and for making various types of tool handles, ladders, and scaffolding. Splits as well as slivers types of tool handles, ladders, and scaffolding. Splits as well as slivers are used to make a wide range of products such as baskets, the core of incense-sticks, kites and toys, flutes and a large number of handicraft items. They are used to make cages for poultry, drying, packaging, and transport of grains. Bamboo slivers are woven into mats and used to manufacture mat boards. However there is very limited value addition that takes place on these products.Also, since there is no automation in the manufacturing process, the manually made products are often of non-standard sizes. The majority of these products are consumed and sold at the local market-level on ly. The bulk utilization of bamboo in industry is in the manufacture of paper & pulp. The 13. 47 million tones of bamboo harvested annual gets utilized industrially in paper mills, as scaffolding in fencing, for internal consumption in bamboo-growing householders, handicrafts and miscellaneous items like incense-sticks, ladders, ice-cream sticks, agricultural implements etc.Again, no reliable estimates of quantities are available for any of these items. The estimate of consumption in each of the above categories is based on primary information and on an analysis of the industry size and growth rates. Paper: The total production of paper in India is 205 million tones. Paper industry experts have indicates that 25% of the raw material requirement of the industry is currently met through bamboo. Hence, the quantity of wet bamboo required for this is 2. 5 million tones (4 kg of wet bamboo is needed to produce 1 kg of paper. )Internal Consumption: According to the survey among grower hou seholds in the NER, internal consumption for fencing, baskets, temporary structure, fishing rod etc. is 10% of the harvest. Of 13. 47 million tones, this translates to 1. 35 million tones approximately. Scaffolding: The value of scaffolding is 0. 1% to 0. 5% of the total value of the construction industry. The total value of the construction industry in India comprising the residential, commercial, industry and infrastructure segments is currently estimated as Rs. 292,000 crore. Assuming 0. 25% value of bamboo scaffolding in the residential and commercial segments and 0. % in industrial and infrastructure construction, the total value of bamboo used for scaffolding is Rs. 340 crore (for 3. 4 million tones-price of one tone of bamboo is Rs. 1000) Handicrafts: About 5. 9 million tones of bamboo is utilized in commercial consumption in the paper industry and for scaffolding purpose. Taking a ratio of 3. 2 for commercial to internal consumption and making of handicraft, etc. the figure arrived at is 3. 9 million tones. Of this, 1. 35 million tones are used for internal consumption, leaving a balance of 2. 55 million tones, which is used for handicraft.These include baskets for decorative as well as packaging purpose (for carrying fruits, vegetables and livestock, etc. ), sericulture trays, mats, wall coverings, and furniture items such as stool, chairs, tables etc. Miscellaneous: Bamboo is also used for incense-sticks, ice-cream sticks, toothpicks, chopsticks, agricultural props in field, implements and tools, ladders, lathis, walking-sticks, fishing rods, boat masts, bows and arrows, flag poles, paddles, kites, fire crackers, etc. Agrabatti (Incense-stick): About 1,000,000 million incense-sticks are produced annually.Since 1000 sticks weight 1 Kg, the weight of 1,000,000, million sticks is 1 million tones. The weight of bamboo in 1 million tones of incense-sticks amounts to 0. 33 million tones. To produce 1 Kg of bamboo sticks, for incense-sticks, 2 Kg of bamboo is needed. Thus 0. 67 million tones of bamboo is consumed by the incense-sticks industry. Ladder: The construction industry is currently valued at Rs. 292,000 crore, if 0. 02% is attributed to ladders used for construction the value of the ladder industry is in the reign of Rs. 58 crore which is equivalent to 0. 29 million tones of bamboo.As per Hindu custom, biers are used to carry the dead to the cremation ground. The death rate is currently 7. 8% which amounts to 7. 8 crore deaths per year. If bamboo biers are used in 5% of the cases, there would be a requirement of 400,000 bamboo annually, which is equivalent to 0. 08 million tones of bamboo (assuming 20 Kg bamboo per bier). The total bamboo consumed in ladder production is 0. 37 million tones. Other Application: Ice-cream sticks, chopsticks, toothpicks, agriculture props, implement and tool handles, walking sticks and lathis, boat masts and paddles as well as fishing rods, etc. onsume at least another 0. 93 million tones of bam boo annually. The total consumption of bamboo for miscellaneous purposes thus amounts to 1. 97 million tones. Illegal Exports: Of the total harvested quantity of 13. 47 million tones, 11. 77 million tones are used as described in the foregoing. The balance 1. 7 million tones could be attributed to the illegal trade between the NER and neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar). BAMBOO STOCK POSITION [1995 TO 2001] Experts suggest that 150 million tones of bamboo was available in the year 1995.There are limits to the regeneration of bamboo since it can be regenerated only to the extent of the harvesting that takes place. The growing stock of bamboo is 150 million tones, of which 2. 35 million tones harvested from private forest can be assumed to depleted every year from forest. The current net availability of bamboo is 133 million on as â€Å"as-is basis†. However, all of this is not in usable from. There are certain factors that have to be used to discount the quan tity of available bamboo. CHARACTERISTIC OF BAMBOO CULMSThickness of the culms: The culm of the bamboo is hollow in most cases and its wall thickness varies across species. Different species of bamboo have different wall thickness. A few species of bamboo, however, are solid. The general properties of the bamboo culm vary according to its anatomical, chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics Bamboo is particularly strong at the node where there is an inner disc called septum, which connects the outside walls, strengthening the stalk and separating it into compartments. Bamboo is widest at ground level, but is quite consistent in diameter throughout its length.Anatomical structure of the culms: The bamboo culm consists of two epidermal layers, the inner one is thicker and highly lignified while the outer one is covered by a cutinised layer with a wax coating. The outside portion of the culm wall is dense, containing about 5 percent silica. It has an exterior waterproof film o n the softer interior portion as well. The cells in the culm are axially oriented in the inter-nodal region and provide transverse interconnections in the nodal region. There are no radial cell elements and therefore, lateral movements of nutrients or liquids is greatly hindered.The internodes of almost all bamboo species have a culm wall of varying thickness surrounding a large cavity called a lacuna. The density of bamboo varies from 500 to 800 Kg/m3, depending on the moisture content. It increases progressively from the central to the peripheral parts of the culms. Chemical characteristics of the culms: The culm are consists of about 50% parenchyma, 40% fibar and 10% conducting tissues with some variation depending upon species. The major chemical constituents of a bamboo culm are cellulose; hemi cellulose and lignin while minor constituents are resins, tannins, waxes and inorganic salts.The chemical composition various with species, condition of growth, age, season, and part of the culm. The nodes contain less water-soluble extractives, pentosans and lignin but more cellulose than internodes. The silica content is high in the epidermis, very little in the nodes and none in the internodes. The nodal portion of a clum has tower hemi hemi cellulose content, but a higher content of extractives, pentosans, lignin and ash than the inter nodal portion. As a result the node is not elastic enough for splitting or for making strips and matting.Bamboo culms for weaving are therefore chosen from species that are easy to split and are not old enough to be brittle (preferably below two years). Physical characteristics of the culm: One aspect of the structure of bamboo is noteworthy: unlink wood it does it does not have any â€Å"rays† (the dark spots on the surface). Rays transport and store food, mostly sugar, but they weaken the material. Consequently, bamboo is stronger than wood, especially in shear. The wall thickness and length of the bamboo makes it natura lly durable. The basal portion is therefore more durable than the top.Bamboo possesses very high moisture content, which various with age and the season of felling. The moisture content also various from bottom to top and from the innermost layers to the periphery, and decreases with age. The shrinkage is related to wall thickness and culm diameter. Mechanical characteristics of culms: Bamboo is known for its high tensile strength. To reach its optimum strength there is an age of maturity for each species. In air-dry bamboos depending on the species, the moisture content various from 7 to 18%, specific gravity from 0. 428 to 0. 17, fiber stress at elastic limit from 16 to 120 N/mm2 modules of rapture from 33 to 160 N/mm2, modules of elasticity from 3 to 22kN/mm2 and compression strength parallel to grain from 26-78N/mm2. The Physiological Structure of Bamboo: The vegetative parts of a bamboo plant consist of roots, rhizome, culm, culm-sheaths, branches, and leaves. Roots: The profus e, fibrous roots from a dense network in the soil. Rhizome: The basal portion of the culm, which grows horizontally under the soil surface with short internodes, is called the rhizome. In its natural habitat, the bamboo plant grows from seeds or rhizomes.Unlink trees bamboo does not have a central trunk; the rhizomes provides the foundation. The extensive rhizome system stores the nutrients required for the plant’s rapid growth. The rhizome branches out from the root facilitate the vegetative propagation. This reproductive characteristic makes bamboo an â€Å"active spreading plant† which â€Å"unless inhibited will extend growth over a large area†. There are two types of rhizome system namely Sympodial and Monopodial. In the sympodial system, the apex of the rhizome gives rise to a shoot that grows into a culm, the woody stem of bamboo. These culms grow together as clump.In the monopodial system, the lateral bud from each internode develops into a clum or a rhi zome. As the apex of the rhizome grows horizontal to the ground at a distance from one another. Culm: A shoot of bamboo is usually hollow except at the nodes, which are often swollen. A young shoot is protected by a number of sheaths, which fall off as the shoot grows into a mature culm. In the hollow inner area, there are some horizontal partitions called diaphragms. On the outside these partitions have a ring around the culm. The diaphragm and the ring outside together from a node. Branches grow from these nodes.The part between two nodes is called an inter-node. The internodes of most bamboos are hollow, that is, they have a cavity. The wall of the culm is simply the clum wall. Chapter V MARKET POTENTIAL The Bamboo Flooring is becoming popular because of its better look and superior quality over other flooring materials. THE INDIAN SCENARIO The materials commonly used for flooring in India are Granite, Marble, Mosaic, Cemented floor etc. Since last few years, wooden flooring has also becoming popular in India. These different types of flooring are available in wide range of prices starting from Rs. 0 per sq. ft to Rs. 700 per sq. ft. The use of wooden is increasing particularly for application in offices & showrooms, banquet halls, discotheques, hotels, restaurants, conference rooms etc. There is a myth among the consumers that it is not suitable for Indian climate whereas wooden flooring is considered to be very convenient and it also helps in power saving particularly in the air-conditioned atmosphere. The consumers are required to be educated about the advantages of these flooring. Bamboo flooring has not yet been introduced in the Indian market.But considering its advantages over Wooden as well as bring shift from some of premium flooring presently available in the market. Bamboo flooring which is less expensive than other premium flooring is scratch & moisture resistant because of high quality U V Coating, there should be good demand for the product in India. As per the Country Report: India published by International Network for Bamboo And Rattan (INBAR) on Bamboo Value-added Industry, the total market for Bamboo flooring in India has been estimated at Rs. 200 Crores which is likely to grow at a rate of at least 15% per year.THE INTERNATIONAL SCENARIO There is an export potential, which can be realized for bamboo-based flooring. There is Rs. 750 Crores market for Bamboo flooring which is growing at a rate of 50% per annum. Indian companies can trap this growing demand. China is a major player in the filed of Bamboo flooring. They have been constantly researching on the manufacturing technique of Bamboo flooring & related products and hence they have an edge. However, for India companies, it will not be a problem to compete technically with China considering developed wood working industry in India.Moreover the species of Bamboo available in India are also considered better for manufacturing of Bamboo flooring because these are h arder than the species available in China. Chapter VI TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY TECHNICAL KNOWHOW Although not much been done in India respect to technicalities of Bamboo Flooring manufacturing. We feel Indian machinery manufacturers will have no difficulties in providing most of the machines by modifying there existing machines as per process requirement. Moreover, well-developed wood working machinery industry in India will be an additional advantages.All the basic machines required for this project are either readily available in India or needs little modification to make them suitable for this specific application only very few finishing machines are proposed to be imported from Taiwan/Europe. In 2001, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) established Cane & Bamboo Technology Center (CBTC) in Guwahati which helps in implementation of Bamboo & Cane related project, delivers technical assistance and arrange for training of man power required for this project.The U nited Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assisted â€Å"Cane and Bamboo Technical Up gradation and Networking Project†, covering the seven North Eastern States of India. The Cane and Bamboo Technology â€Å"Project† is a sub-programme of the large Technology Management Programme (TMP). The Development of Science and Technology, Government of India is the Executing Agency for the TMP. While the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the assigned Implementation Agency. The CBTC acts as the secretariat and coordination body of the Network and is the conduit for the network’s linkages.OBJECTIVES: The Cane and Bamboo Technological Up technologies and Networking Projects envisages the following as its major areas of interest: Identification, adaptation and dissemination of technologies for economic enhancement of craftspeople small entrepreneurs in the Cane and Bamboo Sector of North East India. Strengthening existing institutions by enhancing their networking capacities and linking them with specialized institution in India and abroad through the Cane and Bamboo Technology Center (CBTC).Enhancing access of craftspeople and small entrepreneurs to improved technology and knowledge thereby promoting employment opportunities and income generation ROLE OF THE CBTS: The CBTS is expected to play multiple roles, which constitute: Acting as a repository of information and technologies Playing out the role of a coordinator of sub-programme activities Being a vehicle for the sharing of information amongst resource and support institution, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and villagers. Acting as a platform for networking amongst constituent elements of the sectorPerforming as a catalyst to enhance the scale and depth of economic activity in the sector FOCUS AREAS: Generally speaking, the primary and secondary areas of focus are firstly, on promoting poverty eradication and sustainable livelihoods, and secondly on generation of sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities. The main focus areas are: The need to evolve and promote a better understanding of the sector Set agenda for coordinated R & D activities, strengthen institutions and agencies and create coordination mechanisms for the sectorReview the regulatory and access regime-in forest areas, for agro-forestry and at the household/homestead level Disseminate technologies and knowledge Provides support services for the sector MANUFACTURING PROCESS The process for manufacturing of Bamboo Flooring can be divided into three parts: 1. Making of Bamboo Strips: a) Straight, 4-5 years matured Bamboo is cross cut into the required length. b) Out-side knots are removed. c) Bamboo is put through a splitting machine to split the strips of required width. d) Inside knots and outside skin is removed. ) Strips are boiled and treated in a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide and boric acid to remove sugar, starch, mildew, and pests. f) Strips are put in Impregnation pla nt where chemicals are injected under high pressure to protect the same from insect/pest attack for lifelong. g) After open drying, the strips the same are further dried in a Kiln to bring down the moisture level to 8-10%. h) For giving darker brownish shade to final products, strips can be given Carbon treatment by putting the same under high heat/pressure causing coloration impregnated throughout the sticks. ) Each strip is then passed through Four-side planning machine to get accurate rectangular shape. 2. Making of Bamboo Board: After thorough sorting, i) Strips are cut into the required length in the sizing machine. i)Glue is applied in the Gluing machine. i) Glued strips are assembled together into rough board. i) These rough boards are given required pressure in Hot Press (specially designed for this process). i) Boards are put into a Chilling Press for something till the temperature comes down to normal. i) One surface of duly pressed boards is finished on Planing machine. . Making of Bamboo Parquets: a) The specific size of Bamboo boards is passed through a rip saw to make one side plain. b) The side tongue & groove is milled into the board. c) The board is passed through a cutting and shaping machine where the end tongue & groove is milled. d) The parquet is passed through a wide belt sander for the top sanding. e) UV Basecoat is sprayed on the bottom and side of the parquets to make it moisture resistant and then again through a roller coater for top coating of UV Basecoat. f) Painted parquet is passed through U. V. Curing machine for hardening of the chemical (coat). ) It is again passed through a wide belt sander for smoother sanding. h) The above process (e, f & g) is repeated again for better finishing. i) U. V. finishing coat is applied on the Parquets through Roller Coating machine. j) Parquets are passed through U. V. Curing machine for hardening. k) Each and every parquet is thoroughly inspected and the same is packed in the corrugated boxes . Process flow has been shown in the next Sheet. EFFLUENT TREATMENT There will not be any Water/Air/Sound pollution. It has been proposed to install. Dust collectors for the collection of Dust generated in the process.The Bamboo dust can later be used for manufacturing of Particle Board. Similarly Dust collector & Chimney will be installed with the coal boiler. AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIAL The major raw material required for this project is Bamboo, which is abundantly available of bamboo in India, particularly in North East Region. India has the second largest reserve of bamboo in the world out of which NE Region accounts for 54% In NE Region, apart from the Bamboo available in the forest, there is a tradition to grow bamboo in the homestead, garden, field barriers etc.AVAILABILITY OF MACHINERY Different machines required for the primary processing of bamboo are available in India. Other machine such as Strip Sizing Machine, Gluing Machine, Bamboo Board Joining Machine. One Side Pla ner, Rip-Saw etc. are available in India particularly for wood working however, the same can easily be modified to make them suitable for this specific application. Some important finishing machines such as Five Side Grinding Machine, Double end Cutting Machine, Wide Belt Sanders, U V Coating Machine etc. Are being proposed to be imported.Wherever possible, we have opted for the Indian machines so that after-sales services and spares can be made easily available as and when needed and it will also reduce the cost of the project and thereby reduces the financial burden. We are ensuring better machines without compromising the quality. Selection of the plant and machinery has been done considering different stages of manufacturing process and balancing the capacity. PROPOSED PLANT CAPACITY The manufacturing capacity of the proposed plant will be 60000 meter2 per annum. This is the minimum viable capacity. The same can be increased in shorter duration.It is unlikely for a new unit to a chieve maximum capacity utilization in the initial years of operation owing to various factors like stability in process coordination, training of working, supply of required quality of raw material and consumables etc. therefore, all the calculation have been made of 70%, 80%, 90% capacity utilization in 1st, 2nd, & 3rd year onward respectively. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS The Bamboo flooring are available in different styles, colours, finished and sizes, which are as under- A) styles: I Horizontal: Bamboo strips are joined horizontally. II. Vertical:Bamboo strips are joined vertically. B) Colours: Coffee 7 Natural There can be different shades from normal to dark brown. C) Finish: Matte & Glossy. Other finish such as semi-gloss, 65:35 Matte & Gloss etc. can also be made as per the market demands. D) Sizes: 900 mm X 90 mm X 15 mm. 600 mm X 90 mm X 15 mm 900 mm X 90 mm X 12 mm 600 mm X 90 mm X 12 mm These are the sizes commonly sold in the market but Parquets can be manufactured in diffe rent sizes and thickness. MAN POWER REQUIREMENT Total requirement of manpower can be broadly divided into two categories: 1. Technical Personnel:The technical personnel include engaged in production, maintenance, running of utilities and services facilities etc. These can further be categorized as: a) Factory Staffs b) Workers Chapter VII ECONOMIC VIABILITY h) Land & development: The plant is proposed be put up in Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP), Amingaon, guwahati, developed by AIDC. We have already approached AIDC for availability of land and they have assured us land as per our requirement on long-term lease (60 years). Various other expenses on site development such as land leveling, boundary wall, internal roads, etc. ave been considered while calculating the total cost of land and site development. The details of which are shown in the table below- h) Building: A covered shed of 8000 sq, ft. will be required for smooth operation of the plant. Apart from this, a semi pu cca shed will be required for preliminary Bamboo processing and space will be required for administration, storage, utilities etc. We have planned the layout for the building considering different areas of operation, safety regulation, provision for ventilation, free movements of men and material etc.The building construction cost has been estimated based on the offers received from local builders. The total cost of building is estimated at Rs. 51. 76 Lacs as explained in the Table below- c) Plant & Machinery: The selection of Plant & Machinery has been done based on the offers received from various machinery suppliers, their technical competitiveness, price, after-sale service simplicity of operation, efficiency of the machine, guarantee etc. The total cost of Imported & Indigenous Plant & machinery are shown in the Tables on the next sheet. d) Miscellaneous Fixed Assets:Apart from the main plant & machinery, various other equipment will be required such as Boiler, D. G. Set, Compr essor, material handling equipments, fire fighting equipments, furniture & fixtures, office equipments etc. We have worked out the requirements of such equipments, the details of which are as under: e) Preliminary & pre-operative expenses: This includes the expenses for company formation, interest during construction period, initial expenses on traveling, communication and other basic expenses during the pre-operation period. Total preliminary expenses are Rs. . 30 Lacs and preoperative expenses has been estimated at Rs. 49. 29 Lacs. f) Contingencies: Provision has been made towards contingencies in the total cost of project. The details of which is as under: g) Technical Know-how & Training: The total cost for Technical Know-how, Training of technical personnel & consultants’ fee has been estimated at Rs. 15. 91 Lacs. The detailed calculation has been shown in the next table. h) Margin money for working capital: The total requirement of working of capital is estimated at Rs. 6. 07 Lacs. The detailed calculation of requirement of Working capital has been shown in the next table. SOURSES OF FUNDS The total long-term fund requirement of the proposed unit is estimated to be Rs. 490. 44 Lacs, which is proposed to be financed as under: Subsidies & other incentives of capital nature have not been considered while deciding means of finance. The same can be directly reimbursed to the finding institutions towards repayment of loan. We seek equity participation from institutions for reducing interest outgo at least for a period of 3-5 years.The same can be brought back by the promoters at mutually agreed terms. TOTAL COST OF MANUFACTURING: It has been calculated by calculating cost of raw material, salary & wages, power & fuel, consumables, repair & maintenance, factory overheads etc. These calculations are based on certain assumption during the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd years & onwards of operation has been assumed to be 70%, 80%, & 90% respectively of the installed capac ity. The installed capacity of the proposed unit is estimated at 60000 meter2. the cost of various items has been calculated as per the prevailing rates in the market.Incentives such as transport subsidy, D. G. Set subsidy etc. have not been considered. The same can be directly reimbursed, as and when received, to the lending institutions as prepayment of loan. This will improve the working of the cost of manufacturing estimated for the next 10 years. RAW MATERIAL: Bamboo is the main raw material for making Flooring. We have worked out requirement of Bamboo after considering wastage. Farmer have to be educated to harvest our required quality of Bamboo which may take some time.It is therefore estimated that in the 1st year of operation we shall have higher wastage. Such wastage will gradually reduce. We shall have incentive scheme to encourage farmers for regular flow of homogeneous quality of Bamboo. This will lead to lower wastage, reduced cost of production and smooth operation on the machine. We assume after 3rd year we shall get advantage of regulated supply of Bamboo clums. CONSUMEABLE AND STORES: This includes Glue, U V coating material, various chemicals for pre processing of bamboo, packing material, stores & spares etc.Requirement of the same at 100% capacity utilization has been shown below: POWER: The total annual requirement of the proposed unit works out to 791900 KVA at installed capacity. Calculation of requirements of power and cost has been shown as under: FULE: The total annual requirement of Coal for running the boiler has been worked out at 1408 MT per annum at installed capacity. Calculation of requirements of Coal and cost has been shown as under: SALARY & WAGES: The requirements of Skilled, Semi skilled and unskilled labour has been orked out as per the production process and machine hours. The requirement of Technical & Supervisory personnel & their total Salary & Wages has been calculated in the Table on the next sheet. We have also es timated an annual increases of 5% in the Salary & Wages and have also provided for Fringe benefits @ 25% of Salary & Wages. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE: The repair and maintenance of the capital assets has been taken at 1%, 2%, & 3% of the total cost of fixed assets in the 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year & onwards respectively.FACTORY OVERHEADS: Overheads such as Rent and Taxes, Insurance, miscellaneous expenses have been considered on best judgment basis to make adequate provision in the total cost of production. These have been estimated at Rs. 13. 74 Lacs in the first year of operation. We have also made a provision of increase in this cost @ 10% per annum. ESTIMATE OF COST OF SALES, AND PROFITABILITY The estimate of cost of sales, realization & profitability for the next 10 years of operation has been shown as under: ADMINISTRSTIVE & SALES SALARY:The requirements of Administrative & Sales personnel & total Salary & Wages has been calculated as under: We have also estimated an annua l increase of 5% in the Salary & Wages and have also provided for Fringe benefits @ 25% of Salary & Wages. ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEADS: Adequate provision has been made for administrative overheads and estimated at Rs. 12. 83 in the subsequent years. SELLING OVERHEADS: Being a consumer product planned sales promotion and regular advertising will be essential apart from organizing sales meet and participation in fairs.Total sales expenses have been estimated at Rs. 33. 68 Lacs in the first year of operation. This includes 7% of sales realization of finished goods towards advertisement & publicity and balance towards miscellaneous sales expenses. A provision of an annual increase of expenses at 10% has been made in the subsequent years. PRODUCTION SALES REALISATION: Calculations of the sales realization are based on the prevailing selling price of the product in the international market. The details of sales realization at 100% capacity utilization are as under: INTEREST:Interest on term loans for capital investment and bank borrowing for working capital has been worked out as under: Working capital from Bank – 15. 00% Term loan from Financial Institution – 15. 00% Technology Development Assistance from TIFCA – 4% The details of repayment of term loan and interest thereon have been shown in the next two tables. FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS Various financial projections calculated for the proposed unit which confirm the economic viability of the project, are: . CASH FLOW STATEMENT: The cash estimates for 10 years are given in the table below- 2. BREAK-EVEN ANALYSIS The details working on break-even point has been shown in the table below: We have taken the figures of 3rd year of operation i. e. optimum year for the purpose of calculating break-even point. 3. UNIT COST OF PRODUCTION: Total Works Cost of Sales, Contributing & Net Contribution of each square meter/Square feet has been shown in the table below: 4. BALANCE SHEET: Project Balance Sheet for n ext 10 years of operation is as under: SWOT ANALYSISStrengths: Vast Bamboo source for commercial exploitation at competitive price. Local people with skill to make Bamboo handicraft will be suitable for this project. Same set of machines can produce other related products such as ceiling boards, door panels, wooden flooring etc. Weakness: There is no defined goal or policy for encouraging planned bamboo cultivation. Wastage will be higher in the initial phase. Farmers have to be educated for maintaining quality requirements. Opportunities: The usage of wood is on an increases but wood resources are declining in India.Moreover the Supreme Court has banned felling of timber in North East region resulting in closure of plywood units. Wood import can be reduced if Bamboo-based products. Threats: Bamboo Flooring industry is well established in China. Their product is already acceptable in the international market. We will have to compete with them in future. There can be shortage of part icular of Bamboo after flooring, which is likely to take place between 2003-2007. Poor infrastructure in the North East. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS Sensitivity Analysis gives an indication of how sensitive the project is to changes in certain assumptions.This analysis has been carried out to see how the profitability would change if there is certain change in the factor concerned. This sensitivity shows the effect of increases and reductions in raw material price, capacity utilization, selling price, publicity expenses and the profitability shows the impact of that particular factor. PEST ANALYSIS The following analysis gives an overview of the environment in which the Bamboo flooring industry will have to operate. We have analyzed the Political, Economic, Socio-cultural and Technological environment for the industry.POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT I Finished Product Even if Bamboo flooring is imported at ‘0’ duty from China, the landed cost is quite high compared to our proposed selli ng price. The local selling price in Nepal market is also quite high due to higher Bamboo procurement price to them. Hence we do not see any threat from imported Bamboo Flooring. We may however have to compete with the other Bamboo Flooring manufacturers in the country but that would also add to overall market growth and awareness of the product. II Import Duties on ConsumablesImport duty on consumables is also very high. The only consumable, which is required to be imported at the initial stage, is U V coating. Cost of U V Coating to the total cost of production is 3. 50% only (including duty), hence it will not significantly affect the profitability. III Other Levies Since this unit is being put up in Assam, products will be exempted from Sales tax & excise duty. Thus it will be at an advantageous position as compared to any other unit, which may come up in other parts of the country. IV Ban on falling of Trees Supreme Court of India banned felling of trees in NE Region.This will make wooden flooring a costly substitute. In the recent years, Government of India is giving all thrust for adding value and creating awareness about uses of Bamboo. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT I Disposable Income of the Population With the sustained growth in the GDP of approximately 5-6% in the last few years there has been a high rate of growth in the disposable income of the Indian households. The NCAER data reveals that the middle (annual household income between Rs. 62,000 and 86,000) and the high (annual household income higher than Rs. 6,000) income segments have growth at a compounded average growth rate of 13% and 17% respectively between 1989-90 and 1993-94. This increases demand for the luxury products. II Availability of Easy Housing Finance Housing finance has picked up substantially in India as the rate of interest for housing loan has been reduced substantial. It has gone down to as low as 10%. Moreover there are other income tax advantages too for the investment made in ho using. Hence the construction industry is bamboo. This will in turn boost demand for various products that obviously includes flooring material.As is evident from above Tables, India has about 157. 2 million households of which about 52 percent fall in the low income (upto Rs. 20. 000) category; a further 20 percent mane purchasing power of about Rs. 9,000 p. a. constitute another 12% of total. Conclusions drawn from the NCAER data is of great significance from the point of view of the purchasing power of the consumer. When compared with the data from the previous estimates it appears that the upper middle and high-income segment of the population has been growing faster. Since a major chunk of demand for this sector is expected to get larger in the near future.Within the upper middle and high-income segment, the rural households are growing at a far more impressive rate than their urban counterparts. Roughly about 137 million people belong to upper middle and high-income categories i. e. income of Rs. 34,500 p. a. This is a fairly large size indicating that the marketing of ‘niche’ products can be the promising area. II Lifestyle Changes With more and more workingwomen in the Indian families, there participation in decision making at home is increasing. Women are always expected to be connoisseur of rich test & beauty.Bamboo flooring being user friendly, easy to clean & maintain shall get attention of women and help shift from other flooring materials. The Indian families are on the lookout for alternate ways to do household chores. Also declining supply of household workers has led to demand for products, which required less maintenance. Bamboo flooring does not required mopping, cleaning etc. It can be easily cleaned with Vacuum Cleaner. This will have an impact on the mental makeup of women in particular & in the urbanized in general. III Health Consciousness Pollution is one of the main reasons for Asthma and Allergy.People with these disease s have started avoiding woolen / synthetic carpets because these diseases these carpets become the storehouse of dust mites, which aggravates their problem. Part of the market for carpet will definitely shift towards Bamboo flooring. TECHNOLOGICAL I Life Cycle Every product has lifecycle. With technological department everyday new products are introduced in the market, but customers prefer the product, which meets their requirement. Bamboo flooring, which looks better & makes one feel better will create its own niche market.Being a natural product, it is unlikely to loose its charm for long time to come. II New Development Manufacturing of Bamboo flooring is comparatively a new technology. There is likely to be continuous research on the subject and regular improvement in all aspects of manufacturing. The areas, which require attention, are a) Saving on wastage b) Further mechanization c) Better & economical coating material d) Alternative uses. This will result in better flooring a t a reasonable price. So it will further gear up to meet any challenge from any new products.