Trinidad And Tobagos Banking Industry Analysis

Trinidad And Tobagos Banking Industry Analysis The financial business in Trinidad and Tobago has fairly changed in the previous barely any years. This brought about the section of certain banks and the reemergence of others. This paper deliberately investigations the current vital situation of one of the significant banks, First Citizens (FC). First Citizens Bank is an individual from the First Citizens Group, which comprises of: First Citizens Bank Limited First Citizens Asset Management Limited First Citizens Trustee Services Limited First Citizens (St. Lucia) Limited First Citizens Securities Trading Limited Caribbean Money Market Brokers (CMMB) For the motivations behind this paper, First Citizens Banks current procedures that are being used to accomplish its objective are basically broke down alongside its inside and outside condition, which set up the powers that drives change and the key achievement factors that continues upper hand. Every one of these elements offer ascent to the SWOT investigation of the bank, which coordinates the bank assets and abilities to the serious condition in which it works. 1.2 Background FC Bank is the main indigenous bank of Trinidad and Tobago and was shaped in 1993 out of the amalgamation of three bombed monetary establishments in particular: The Workers Bank of Trinidad and Tobago 1989 Ltd, Trinidad Co-employable Bank Ltd and The National Commercial Bank Ltd. It is the third biggest bank in Trinidad and Tobago and the quickest developing. Throughout the years, FC Bank has gotten one of the locales driving and most powerful budgetary item and specialist co-ops. This position is additionally fortified by the obtaining of CMMB one year back. The authorities heartiness at the bank has advocated the business in innovation, imaginative item contributions and productivity, which earned them various honors, with the latest being World Finance magazine Best Bank, Trinidad and Tobago 2009. 2.0 DEFINING THE INDUSTRY The financial business is a piece of the Financial Services Sector, which is exceptionally managed by the Financial Act of Trinidad and Tobago. The Financial Services industry includes credit associations, venture banks, insurance agencies, common assets and so on. All the previously mentioned offers comparable administrations as retail banking according to a customary bank, yet the Commercial Banking Sector comprises of every single monetary organization allowed the Financial Services Act and affirmed by the Central Bank. There are various business banks endorsed by the Central Bank and enrolled under the demonstration, these include: First Citizens Bank Limited Republic Bank constrained (RBL) Illustrious Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT) Scotiabank Limited Citibank (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited First Caribbean International Bank Intercommercial Bank Bank of Baroda With the end goal of this paper, this would be characterized as the business and would be the premise on which investigation is made. 3.0 ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK 3.1 Vision, Mission and Objectives of First Citizens First Citizens vision is To turn into the most serious gathering in Trinidad and Tobago with an entrenched global nearness. While the mission is to manufacture a profoundly beneficial monetary administrations establishment famous for creativity, administration greatness and sound corporate administration. To accomplish the point FC centers around consistent improvement of frameworks and items, constructing a solid base of information and gifted specialists and making vital associations in key parts that increase the value of the establishment. The mission is supported by the fundamental beliefs, which help the representatives in the accomplishment of the mission. The basic beliefs are: Pledge to greatness Pledge to clients Pledge to uprightness Pledge to monetary quality Pledge to workers Pledge to consistent improvement The principle goal of the bank is to improve productivity with a significant spotlight on its arrival on value. The fundamental goal is bolstered by auxiliary destinations, which are: Utilizing Technology to make trust in the banks frameworks and methodology Lessening overheads costs while all the while expanding incomes Forcefully expanding resources, credits and reserve base Enlarging the scope of items and administrations essentially in the region of web and portable (electronic) banking Improving First Citizens chance administration Improving the Groups picture and administration quality Developing the human asset fitness These destinations are evaluated utilizing the parity scorecard, which sets explicit targets should have been accomplished so as to accomplish the associations goals. So as to accomplish the goals, each branch administrator, division and unit is required to create a decent score card, which in the long run wholes to the general directional scorecard. 3.2 Strategy All together for the vision, crucial goals of FC to become operational procedures must be actualized. Figure shows the arrangement of First Citizens procedures with its vision. The utilization of the gatherings balance has made procedure making and authoritative coordination mirror the top-down way where system is created and imparted. The banks existing methodologies is summed up utilizing Ansoffs Directional Matrix (see figure). From the Directional Matrix, FC Banks expansion methodology represents the Banks push into a more extensive and increasingly serious industry. This is shows that limits that different conventional banking from other kind of monetary administrations are being dispensed with, this is likewise a pointer of the business in its development stage (demonstrated in a later part). In spite of the fact that the technique is that of enhancement it includes an expansive market scope. The methodology includes utilizing innovation to give phenomenal client assistance particularly since FC is in every case first to showcase. It is the mechanical progression, that is the banks center competency and a few highlights (versatile retail location) gives it its particular ability. 4.0 THE DYNAMICS OF THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT All associations are inseparably connected with its outer condition, paying little mind to the nation to which it has a place. This affiliation impacts how the association works and the items or administrations gave. The outer powers may encourage or hinder authoritative execution and may shape limits with which the association can work. These powers shape how the association characterizes itself and how it verbalizes its objectives, goals and techniques. An examination of the outer condition helps with understanding the powers or factors that shape the association. 4.1 PEST Analysis Vermin examinations the outer large scale condition in which an association works, in light of political, prudent, social and innovative elements. These components are outside the ability to control of the association however should be considered in figuring the procedures of the association. Vermin Analysis for First Citizens The Political atmosphere of Trinidad and Tobago has remained very steady in the course of recent years. This has prompted usage of enactments that improved effectiveness and decreased costs (banking expenses) in the Banking division, yet have additionally diminished edges and charge salary. The most recent enactment executed is the Anti-illegal tax avoidance enactment, in which the greater part of the nations in this district is receiving. This law has looked to expand the straightforwardness of banks and endeavors to bring down the credit dangers of the nation in which the bill is executed. The financial business throughout the years has progressively advanced; this development has prompted the opening of the financial business (locally) or unwinding of section necessity for huge outside banks, for instance, the passage of the Bank of Baroda. This has prompted further broadening of the financial division that definitely breeds rivalry. Be that as it may, in spite of the fact that op position makes development, this undermines the benefit of the current banks in the market as bigger more promoted banks can undermine the nearby banks and abatement their market size. These remote banks work as misfortune pioneers to take piece of the pie and further lessening chance in a previously immersed advertise. Thus, as of late there have been reemergence of banks into the segment for example First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB). Besides, FC is possessed the administration which propose that there is moderate dynamic in the association notwithstanding, the legislature can be the primary borrower available. The universes economy, in the course of recent years, has encountered a downturn, which saw numerous nations GDP decrease that brought about assertion of downturn and the dive of oil costs, which unfavorably influenced the financial business of most nations. Nonetheless, all markers point towards progress in the economy however it might be moderate. The impacts of the economy has prompted banks lessening financing costs and expenses so as to decrease the measure of credit defaults and increment monetary movement trying to support the economy. The improvement of the economy will see item costs improving which will build incomes and monetary movement, which will grant a more noteworthy potential for loaning and obtaining by banks. Nonetheless, there is a danger of coming back to inflationary weights with going with expanding financing costs. The mal-impacts of the downturn has prompted expanded joblessness which expanded credit defaults, anyway there have been some renegotiating of adv ances trying to diminish defaults. As indicated by the Central Bank Governor, in the business area of the Guardian Newspaper, if the monetary development is more slow than before, banking organization will be compelled to unite to accomplish economies of scale. This decreases rivalry in an industry, in which rivalry breeds development and Socially, wrongdoing is viewed as a two edged blade since it makes an open door for banks to fund security organizations; be that as it may, it has prompted the exit of numerous entrepreneurs and in this way capital. A horror rate can hurt the countrys foreig

Assessment centre exercises

Appraisal focus works out Acquaintance Hiring the correct individual with tackle a specific activity is extremely critical to any association. Recruiting an inappropriate individual can without much of a stretch ruin the company’s believability and can even cost the organization a great deal of cash. For quite a while, most associations have depended on the conventional technique for meeting a candidate.Advertising We will compose a custom report test on Assessment focus practices explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is on the grounds that directing an individual meeting isn't just viewed as modest for the organization yet that it doesn't likewise require some investment. In any case, investigate has demonstrated that the conventional strategy for directing individual meetings can never again be depended upon to employ standout applicants. The utilization of appraisal focuses have generally been pushed for with most analysts contending that it is the main dependable choice strate gy that an organization can embrace to employ the most elite. Franks et.al. (1998) express that practically 60% of British associations have come about to appraisal focus practices for their choice procedure. In any case, how viable is the utilization of appraisal focus activities to enlist a certified competitor and is it the most reasonable strategy to test an applicant? The contention has evoked blended responses regarding the legitimacy of evaluation focuses with some contending that the focuses are not so much successful while others keep up that the utilization of appraisal focuses is the best innovation that occured for the business world. This paper is in this way planned for looking into some companion explored diary articles that appear to have an alternate interpretation of the issue. Writing Review Abraham, Morrison and Burnett (2006) contend that: ‘assessment focuses and conduct reproductions are among the best indicators of occupation execution and profession pro gress accessible to employers’ (p.383). This is ascribed to the way that the utilization of evaluation focus practices upgrade the aptitudes and the abilities of the representatives and it is one of the most fitting methodology to quantify their potential.Advertising Looking for report on business financial matters? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This has been made conceivable as the up-and-comer is required to introduce some type of proof to help their appropriateness claims (Jennifer and Duncan 2005). In their broadly looked into article, Abraham, Morrison and Burnett (2006) further contend that despite the fact that the productivity of evaluation focus practices have generally inquired about upon, it isn't yet clear how helpful they are in the business improvement. This is on the grounds that most examinations center around the adequacy of appraisal focuses and its job in representative advancement has not been a bided upon broadly. This leaves a wide hole on how powerful the technique is. Malde (2006) on his part addresses the legitimacy of evaluation focuses and its job. He presents a substantial contention that despite the fact that evaluation communities has generally been applauded, it doesn't generally satisfy his cases. In his article, he asserts that the appraisal community is careless enough as to not think about the interests of the competitor. He appear to offer a contrasting input on the adequacy of evaluation focus in general. He contends that despite the fact that the strategy for determination is truly outstanding to choose the best applicant, the interests of the up-and-comer ought to likewise be included in the process so as to close on the issue of adequacy. In his view, the interests of the applicant undertaking the activities ought to be placed into thought as that of the association. He contends that the exhibition of the competitor will undoubtedly decrease in future. F or what reason is this so? He underpins his contention by contending that simply like in the conventional appraisal gadgets that have prior been received, the up-and-comer is out to satisfy the determination assessors in order to land that position. With the economy crunch hitting the world, one will undoubtedly move to any tune played in order to get their direction. The interests of the up-and-comers are totally disregarded consequently prompting execution decrease in future when the applicant become familiar with what he is doing. In any case, Thornton and Gibbons (2009) appear to vary with the contention introduced by Malde. In their all around examined article, they express that: ‘the by and large appraisal rating in evaluation focus practice predicts execution later on in some predefined occupation or set of jobs’ (p. 171).Advertising We will compose a custom report test on Assessment focus practices explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is o n the grounds that the activities involved in the evaluation community harp on elements, for example, content representativeness. The assessor is especially enthused about the fittingness of the substance. This is made conceivable as the competitor is made to experience a few activities, for example, filling in polls and sharing knowledge tests while the assessors depend on a few different strategies to test the reasonableness of the applicant. The profession accomplishment of the competitor from the evaluation community practices has additionally been bantered upon. Jansen and Vinkenburg (2006) anticipated the viability of evaluation focus practices on the achievement of the applicant in future. In their examination, they inspected the pattern of achievement for a time of 13 years so as to survey the legitimacy and viability of the appraisal community in future vocation movement of the competitor. The creators depended on the time of section and residency as control measures and pa st investigations that had been led so as to determine the legitimacy of appraisal focus activities to choose an applicant and the achievement of that specific competitor in future. In spite of the fact that they presume that the technique was for sure compelling following quite a while of examination, they rush to bring up that the legitimacy design was to be sure unique. They contended that the evaluation place framework was progressively successful for competitors in their initial vocations and their legitimacy expanded throughout the years rather than those up-and-comers who were late in their profession lives. They likewise contended that the various kinds of procedures utilized in appraisal focuses can be a contributing component to the future accomplishment of the candidate.Advertising Searching for report on business financial aspects? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More It is hence apparent that various sorts of strategies applied in the appraisal places assume a major job to decide its legitimacy. The most well-known procedures applied incorporate meetings, in-bin works out, filling a poll, business games, initiative gathering conversation, projective tests, drawing self-portraying portrayals and paper and pencil tests. Luo and Meng (2005) holds the conclusion that the legitimacy of evaluation focus relies upon various reviewing measurements received in the determination procedure. In their investigation, they inspected the varying consequences for the legitimacy of evaluation focus utilizing the leaderless gathering conversations, pretending and in-bin works out. The leaderless gathering conversation is a method that requires the possibility to work in a gathering. The up-and-comers are given composed or spoken directions to be surveyed upon. The job of the assessor at this stage is to survey the quantifiable conduct of the competitors, for exampl e, how they keep in touch, their non-verbal communication or their association in the gathering. The leaderless gathering conversation is precarious as it calls for competitors who have incredible administration and relational abilities. The pretending or recreation method then again is the place the competitors are required to assume a specific job in an arranged scene to test their reaction to specific circumstances. This is to improve their pretending abilities in the association. The in-crate method is exceptional as it requires the contender to attempt a job in odd occasions and inside the most brief time conceivable. This estimates the dependability of the competitor in the association in the event that he is recruited. The three strategies were estimated more than once in various measurements (Luo and Meng 2005). The finish of the investigation was that the conduct capacity methods were more powerful than the mental characteristic procedures. This examination was upheld in a comparable finding that deliberate the effect of strategies on appraisal focuses. In their discoveries, Mark and David (2006) contended that however the utilization of different strategies assumed a major job in assessing the perfect contender for the activity, the adequacy of evaluation focus changed in the kind of strategy applied. By and by, explicit undertaking based methods have profoundly been appraised as to build the evaluations in evaluation focuses (Jackson, Stillman and Atkins 2005). The utilization of self-appraisal in evaluation focuses has additionally been pushed for in various investigations as a successful technique for assessment. Franks et.al. (1998) contend that: ‘Most of the exploration in this field has taken a gander at the adequacy of crude self-appraisals all alone and not simply the relative significance evaluation in contrast with different records of appraisal (p.124). In their article, they express that self-appraisal exactness can be resolved eith er through over-estimation, under-estimation and ideal precision of the applicant. This not just guide the self-awareness of the competitor yet in addition helps in the viability of the evaluation community result. It additionally improves mindfulness and learning of the up-and-comer. Conversation The legitimacy of evaluation focus practices is extremely basic to any association that desires to incorporate it in its determination procedure. In any case, it is obvious that most discoveries neglect to address the shortcomings of this technique and just focus on the qualities. In spite of the fact that the discoveries by Malde (2006) appear to veer off from the discoveries of other researc

Comparison/Contrast: Baroque and Rocco

Extravagant and Rococo were two imaginative developments that spread over the seventeenth and eighteenth hundreds of years with Baroque starting things out. Despite the fact that they were diverse period, both have stood the trial of time and the works that were created are as yet appreciated today. Rococo was the creative development begun in Italy in sixteen hundred and was upheld by the congregation on account of the strict topics that were the focal point of the centerpieces. Notwithstanding, Rococo was an intricate style that was well known in eighteenth century France. The commitments to craftsmanship made during these two periods were amazingly well known in their times.The Baroque time of the seventeenth century, concentrated on Christian strict subjects and the emotional happenings in their lives. The scenes were portrayed in unbelievable and great manners. The respectability in Italy considered Baroque to be and design as an approach to dazzle others. The more strict an ind ividual was could be appeared through the craftsmanship and in this way exhibited power. The engineering was great with focal yards for engaging just as reflection and love. Banquet halls and excellent flights of stairs commanded the homes.The craftsmanship and engineering was extravagant and elaborate. One specific painter that painted during the Baroque Period, however was not Italian and didn't utilize strict subjects was Diego Velazquez. His work of art of The Toilet of Venus is one of the main nudes painted during this period that exist. Most were demolished by the Spanish Inquisition, however Velazquez’s perfect work of art was spared from decimation. Despite the fact that the work of art must be viewed as strict on the off chance that one were taking a gander at a polytheistic culture, it can even now delineate the characteristic excellence of the bare body as made by God.Rococo resembled Baroque in that it was rich and definite. Be that as it may, Rococo was not const rained to strict topics. With the adjustment in rule to Louis XV, Rococo was the new style to beautify the royal residences. The insides were elaborate with the new utilization of the shell bend as an improvement. Truth be told the bend was utilized in the entirety of the artistic creations of the time just as the utilization of sensitive hues. Jean †Antoine Watteau was the ideal case of a craftsman who fused the entirety of the styles of the French roused imaginative movement.His painting The Embarkation for Cythera is an ideal case of this style. In it the hues are fragile to the point that occasionally the subjects are obscured instead of to make cruel lines. The subjects are intricately exhibited even on this excursion. Both the Baroque and the Rococo masterful periods were appeared in the video. As a result of the portrayals and models utilized, it was anything but difficult to see the distinctions of the two developments, yet in addition how one based on another. The data introduced was justifiable and educational.

Fraud, Deceptions, and Downright Lies About Easy Topics for Essay Writing Exposed

Fraud, Deceptions, and Downright Lies About Easy Topics for Essay Writing Exposed Therefore, the organization should offer to repair the paper until you're happy with the outcome. For instance, researching a wide topic like business management'' is difficult since there can be hundreds of sources on all facets of business administration. For your company rise and development, marketing is important. Hence marketing assignment writings can assist you in creating a substantial and powerful promotional plan for your company that could support your organization targets. The Birth of Easy Topics for Essay Writing Odds are you might do a poorly written paper which may force you to perform badly. Creating an essay might not be as hard as you believe. Work is performed under various Subjects each headed by means of a Referee. Students lead busy lives and frequently forget about an approaching deadline. Individuals also tend to relish reading about controversial topics. Therefor e, many students and employees decide to purchase cheap essay rather than writing it themselves. Online Tutoring is a perfect solution for such parents. Quite frequently, students do not understand how and where to begin writing. Business students looking for academic paper topics have a wonderful number of subjects to pick from. Needless to say, picking the ideal topic for your research paper is the initial and most vital step on the best way to writing the paper itself. It's possible to locate decent research paper topics without putting an excessive amount of effort into the search. Keep on reading, and you'll learn how to locate a great research paper topic to your liking with ample info on its account. You might be given the topic straight away by your professor, or maybe you be free to decide on the topic yourself. If you're writing a depression research paper and you don't feel quite certain where to begin, the following are a few topics that you might need to think about. Otherwise, a friend who's knowledgeable about science topics are sometimes a great resource, too. As long since it is linked to your distinct region of study, it ought to be guaranteed to be the correct topic for you. If you're at a college or university and you live on or around campus then you may benefit from face-to-face meetings. Finding the Best Easy Topics for Essay Writing The computer scans the proper spelling of a word, but it's a homonym with the incorrect meaning for your sentence. You aren't going to find two similar essays and assignments that eventually nobody can use any and all sorts of homework. One thing which you ought to keep in mind whilst writing character analysis is that you're not asked to write summary or review the book. Before the writing, it is essential to draw an outline sketch that wil l help you determine how you are going to plan your work in a logical sequence. Understand your topic well and make sure that you explain your points in easy and understandable language. Don't forget, your article should be cohesive, and a superb draft will help you in achieving it. Try out another topic and do the exact 5-minute writing test till you locate a topic you know it is simple to write on. Set the keyword in the initial 3-5 words and ensure your title is related to the content of the ezine article. Our writers make certain all your demands are met to get the standard of papers you want. The multiple topics could possibly be found, for instance, in the dissertation abstracts international database. Two sentences are usually enough. For instance, you won't use the identical language for an essay on murder which you would use for a humorous topic.

E Commerce Powerhouse Ebay Is Known Internationally As A...

E-Commerce powerhouse Ebay is known internationally as a leader in the market. The company was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995 in San Francisco Originally eBay went by the name Auction Web and was launched with the purpose of enabling site users/consumers with the ability to trade unique items with each other. Under eBay’s business model, of the time a seller would place an item on eBay’s site with a minimum bid set for the buyer and the duration specified for auctioning that item. The services were provided by eBay free of charge. The free services however, did not last long as the site quickly gained popularity and garnered a lot of web traffic. As interest in eBay and conducting business on the site began to grow eBay started†¦show more content†¦eBay, thereby had become one of the most visited sites on the web. With the company growing at an exponential rate Skoll and Omidyar knew that they need to garner venture capital. So, in 1997, Omidyar and Skoll approached the U.S venture capital firm Benchmark. They were able to broker a deal and Benchmark endowed eBay with $ 5 million with the stipulation that Benchmark be given a 22 percent stake in the company. With the help of Benchmark Omidyar and Skoll were able to bring onboard David Beirne and Robert Kagle to service operations, as well as Meg Whitman an MBA Harvard graduate as CEO for the company. As CEO of the Company, Whitman spearheaded the eBay Initial Public Offering (IPO) where the company sold over 4 million shares of the business to the public at $18 per share. With new found revenue and continued success, eBay decided to expand the scope of its business and acquired Butterfield Butterfield. Butterfield Butterfield is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious auction houses specializing in fine arts and irreplaceable collectables. Acquisition of Butterfield Butterfield allowed eBay to launch another segment of their business called eBay Great Collections’. EBay Great Collections’ abetted eBay in capitalizing on a very unique but very lucrative segment of consumers which was antique collectors. This deal between eBay and Butterflied and Butterflied also ushered in a brand new era of mega deals between eBay and several

St. Augustine s Confessions - 984 Words

Essay #2 Topic #3 Faith operates in a unique way by providing the average, the noble, or the distasteful with a means to understand the world we inhabit. However, our worldly experiences also operate as a means to understanding the complexities of our faith. For St. Augustine, faith provides more questions than answers, but consequently leads to his life as a bishop and eventually sainthood. For some, however, the Bible provides the answers to all the questions that go unanswered by common sense. In St. Augustine’s Confessions, Augustine is able to further understand himself and his faith in Christ by reflecting on anecdotes of his past. Conversely, the Bible’s use of etiology provides spiritual justification for physical realities. In St. Augustine’s Confessions, Augustine’s worldly experiences throughout his autobiography are crucial to his understanding of Christianity. Augustine reflects on his childhood experience of stealing pears from his neighbors to understand his sinful nature. Augustine struggles to understand his motivation for taking the pears when he knows that the pears are not necessarily better than those at his own home. He finally recognizes that this transgression is of the most wicked nature because he was sinning for the sake of sinning. â€Å"Now let my heart tell you what it was seeking there in that I became evil for no reason. I had no motive for my wickedness except wickedness itself†(29). By reflecting on a worldly experience, he is able to reach aShow MoreRelatedSt. Augustine s Confessions1914 Words   |  8 PagesSt. Augustine was a theologian and philosopher born in Africa to St. Monica. Although he is now known as a an incredibly influential Christian writer and thinker, his early years were defined by rebellion and discord that did not, in the least, reflect Christianity or the values that he is now known for supporting. 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For instance, in Confessions, the pear tree is depicted as a sin, a symbol of pleasure—Saint Augustine’s original sin. How so? Well, stealing the pears with his friends is Saint Augustine’s first memory of sinning. Saint Augustine sees a parallel connection between the pear tree and the tree of theRead MoreSt. Augustine s Confessions1607 Words   |  7 Pages Saint Augustine’s â€Å"Confessions† is an extremely important book, not only for the reason it is the very first, or one of the first spiritual biographies, but because Augustine was and continues to be one of the most important Christian theologians in history. His biography reflects his views on Christian scripture and theology as well as his personal journey on how he came to be a part of the Christian faith. 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In Book VIII.xi (29) the reader finds St. Augustine in a state of despair and anguish because of his ongoing internal struggle between his mind and body. Afterwards, he undergoes a surreal experience

Shakespeare, William The Taming of the Shrew Essay Example For Students

Shakespeare, William: The Taming of the Shrew Essay The Taming of the Shrew The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare is probably one of Shakespeares earliest comedies. Its plot is derived from the popular war of the sexes theme in which males and females are pitted against one another for dominance in marriage. The play begins with an induction in which a drunkard, Christopher Sly, is fooled intobelieving he is a king and has a play performed for him. The play he watches is what constitutes the main body of The Taming Of The Shrew. In it, a wealthy land owner, Baptista Minola, attempts to have his two daughters married. One is very shrewish, Katherine, while the other is the beautiful and gentle Bianca. In order to ensure Katherine is married, Baptistadisallows Bianca to be espoused until Katherine is wed, forcing the many suitors to Bianca tofind a mate for Katherine in order for them to vie for Biancas love. Many critics of theplay condemn it for the blatant sexist attitude it has toward women but closer examinationof the play and the intricacies of its structure reveal that it is not merely a story of howmen should put women in their place. The play is, in fact, a comedy about an assertive womancoping with how she is expected to act in the society of the late sixteenth century and of how one must obey the unwritten rules of a society to be accepted in it. Although the play ends with her outwardly conforming to the norms of society, this is in action only, not in mind. Although she assumes the role of the obedient wife, inwardly she still retains her assertiveness. Most of the plays humour comes from the way in which characters create false realities by disguising themselves as other people, a device first introduced in the induction. Initiallythis is accomplished by having Christopher Sly believe he is someone he is not and then by having the main play performed for him. By putting The Taming Of The Shrew in a play within a play structure, Shakespeare immediately lets the audience know that the play is not realthus making all events in the play false realities. Almost all characters in the play take on identities other than their own at some point of time during the play. Sly as a king, Tranio as Lucentio, Lucentio as Cambio, Hortensio as Litio and the pedant as Vicentio are all examplesof this. Another example of this is Katherine as an obedient wife. In The Taming Of The Shrew, courtship and marriage are not so much the result of love but rather an institution of society thatpeople are expected to take part in. As a result of the removal of romance from marriage, suitorsare judged, not by their love for a woman, but by how well they can provide for her. All suitorscompare the dowry each can bring to the marriage and the one with the most to offer wins the womans hand in marriage. This competition for marriage is like a game to the characters of the play. While discussing the courtship of Bianca with Gremio, Hortensio says He that runs fastest gets The ring (Act I, scene i, l. 140-141) likening receiving permission to wed Bianca to winninga race. In the game, however, women are treated like objects that can be bought and sold rather than as human beings. This is expected since the society is a patriarchal one. For example, Lucentio, Tranio and Petruchio are all defined with reference to their fathers and all the elderly authority figures, like Baptista and Vicentio, are men. The taming of Katherine is not a womensshrewishness being cured as much as it is a woman being taught the rules of the patriarchalgame. Katherine h as learned how to be assertive and with this knowledge is able to control men, and a woman controlling a man is considered against the rules of the game. The play ends with Katherine proving that she is truly cured of her shrewishness and is the most obedient of the three newlywed wives at the end of the play. This is demonstrated in her soliloquy when she lectures the other wives on the proper way in which a woman should behave: I am ashamed that womenare so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace, Or seek rule, supremacy, and sway, When they are bound to serve, love, and obey. (Act V, scene ii, l. 161 164) Although most critics interpret the play as being that of a woman finally acting the way in which she is supposed to act, it is difficult to believe that a character as vibrant and strong-willed as Katherine is changed so easily. Following with the device of false realities that Shakespeare set in place so early in the play, it would seem more logical that Katheri ne would simply be acting the part of the obedient wife in order to be accepted in the society in which she lives. Katherine can play a part very well and can even enjoy doing it. This is shown on the road to Padua from Petruchios house when Kate is forced to address Vincentio as a woman and says, Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet (Act IV, scene v, l. 37). The Taming Of The Shrew is a light-hearted comedy that is better seen than read. This is especially true since a lot of the humour in it is physical or slapstick humour which is possible only on stage. The complexity of the play is refreshing, as many of the modern plays of today are quite linearand do little to keep a readers attention. Another favourable aspect of it is the subplot involving Lucentio and Bianca which lends itself as the basis for many humourous moments, mostnotably between Lucentio, Hortensio and Bianca. The obvious sexist attitude of the play does not hinder it because of the reasons stated above. One must also take into account the attitudes of sixteenth century England and the fact that the play is a comedy and is not meant to be taken seriously.