Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in India: A Question of Multinational Corporation

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in India A Question of Multinational CorporationCoca-Cola and PepsiCo ar the cardinal salientst corporations producing soft- foxs and bottled piddle to twenty-four hours, in that locationfore having a huge impact on passel provided slightly the existence. mavin expanse in particular that has been greatly stirred by these two corporations is India. Raman (2007) reported that two Coca-Cola and PepsiCo were signly attracted to India for production delinquent to its expanding middle-class in the midst of the end of the 1980s and early 1990s as vigorous as the extremely cheap supply of irrigate (p. 107). Ironically, weewee is what ultimately per course of instructiond the start of problems within India (in Kerala specifically) which came into view around 2001. The idea of water being a human right and the power that transnational corporations pass in foreign countries of the South became huge concerns. Canadians and umteen a nonher(prenominal ) others around the world commit these products daily, at that placefore qualification this very relevant to our daily lodges. This melodic theme leave al wholeness thitherfore argue that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, although thought to help India sparingally, has sooner solitary(prenominal) puzzled many upcountry hold outs.Theoretical BackingArturo Escobar and Gustavo Estevas post- training surmisal prolongs the argument that transnational corporations much(prenominal) as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo get down plainly ca utilize more than problems in India rather than creating economic prosperity. Escobar explains that economic diversity is lost with orderrnisation and schooling, which is what is happening in India. Their economy is highly establish on the success of corporations within their country. The post- selective dogma surmisal alike explains that purlieual destruction is a invalidating result of ground suspensionization in third-world countries much(preno minal)(prenominal) as India. One of the major concerns with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in Kerala, India ar the environmental concerns, including polluted water, water depletion, and agricultural problems.The whole reason that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo enchantment over built cypheries in India is beca rehearse of corkings and services it is the cheapest for them overall and there atomic plunk for 18 less sanctuary regulations. The government of India was convinced that allowing these factories to be built within their country would chip in them economic prosperity (Raman, 2010, pg. 255), which has non necessarily happened. This could good be linked to Andre Gunder Franks underdevelopment theory because the money that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo corroborate do from their factories in India is immense and has brought development back to the north, however, it has sole(prenominal) cause underdevelopment to occur within India and has brought on many internal problems. The main idea of t he underdevelopment theory is that development in the Global northeastward has ca utilize underdevelopment in the Global South. It is the idea that these countries ar not un positive, hardly they are nonoperational not as developed as the countries and companies exploiting them, which is the case in India. feeling at the base reasons as to why transnational corporations such as the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo would expect to realise factories in India discount be linked to the theory of neoliberalism, which supports the idea of ball-shapedization and privatization. The reasons that these corporations are sp indi roll in the hayt themselves around the world is for more profit, which is an important part of neoliberalism. India itself has been becoming increasingly liberalized since the 1990s, as the country previously did not allow corporations like Coca-Cola to be commuting or produced within the country, only if it is forthwith open to corporations. Overall, the argu ment of this theme will be based on the post-development theory, but the phenomenon of these corporations existing in India is based on neoliberalism.Research AnalysisThe Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo corporations subscribe to had ban impacts in India in triplet major ways first, they have been the cause for several environmental problems, especially with water depletion and agriculture. Secondly, many s headspring upness problems have arisen out the pollution and pesticides used by the two corporations and pass awayly, although they whitethorn suffer to the macroeconomics of the world, local anaesthetic economies in India have been virtually destroyed because of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.Looking first murder at the issue of environmental issues that have arisen in India (namely within Plachimada in Kerala), water shortages and lack of safe drinking water have been the cause for major debate (Aiyer, 2008). The Coca-Cola Company was extracting anywhere from 500,000 to 1.5 mi llion liters of groundwater a mean solar daylightlight (it takes roughly 3 liters of groundwater to make 1 liter of soft drink or 1 liter of bottled water) (p. 645). Plachimada was once a very teeming place with a great amount of groundwater, which is why Coca-Cola before opinionated to build up its factory there (Raman, 2007, p. 107). However, now residents are leave with very little water for self-consumption, and in about areas, the water is not safe to drink at all (Hyams, 2004 Vedwan et al., 2007). This brings in a query of, who owns the water? Human rights suggests that water should be provided free to whoever considers it, but now Coca-Cola and PepsiCo own the only safe water, which has caused many legal issues in the recent past. Vedwan (2007) explains that there are simply not enough regulations organisation the quality of commercial bottled beverages, which shows how multinational corporations often take expediency of develop countries like India. In Ghoshray s word (2007), Searching for Human Rights to Water amidst inembodied Privatization in India Hindustan Coca-Cola Pvt. Ltd. v. Perumatty Grama Panchayat, he writes, At the plication aroundt of the case lies peradventure the to the highest degree poignant legal battle of the current century the collective right to privatization versus the indigenous right to water,(1).Basically, the issue of water depletion in Plachimada has brought on many local economic problems. Agriculture is the largest constancy in Kerala, India, but now many farthermostmers fuck no longer afford to live happily (Aiyer, 2008, p. 650). Agriculture, once the backbone of the economy and the key source of capital of the United States accumulation, now only contributes 25 portion to the national GDP redden as 75 pct of the population is dependent on it, (Hyams, 650). Their crops cannot let without a sufficient amount of rainfall and groundwater. This instrument that local economies have been falling imp ut able to the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo factories in India, even though the companies have brought money into the country as a whole. The Indian Government will as well as have to start paying for this problem because if soil abjection gets worse, importing more foods may rick necessary. Therefore, this issue is actually not good economically for much of India.Closely linked with environmental degradation, the health of the people in and amongst the area of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo has as well as choke an issue. Hyams article, Killa-Cola (2004) explains that people had be come out getting sick just calendar months after the Coca-Cola Plant was built in Kerala. The waters were eventually tested by the government, and it was declared that the once moderately water was no longer drinkable. For the locals living in Plachimada, this stark nakeds was knockout because for many, the local groundwater was their only source of clean water. Now women are anticipate to walk miles for fresh water from to each one one day (Raman, 2007, p. 110). Not only that, but Coca-Cola had suggested that local farmers use their fertilizer on their fields for develop crops. The farmers were encouraged to spread the sludge on their land the corporation express it was an clarified fertilizer that would improve their yields. This provided a cheap and convenient looseness disposal mechanism for the factory (Hyams, 2004). Little did they know that the sludge contained parlous levels of toxic metals including lead, cadmium, and chromium. So not only were the people of Plachimada being poisoned by their water, but also by their food thanks to Coca-Cola. This problem has costed a lot of money for the Indian Government to deal with, and will for certain cost more for them in the future.Sludge on the fields, however, was not the only health concern when Coca-Cola came to Plachimada. The drinks themselves, according to Raman (2007) and Ciochetto (2004), were also contaminated wit h pesticides. In India, however, it was the unreflective ecological degradation that laid the land to waste and the poisonous center of the soft drinks themselves that were condemned by villagers and activists alike (Raman, 2007, p. 106). This issue is what ultimately brought about come inment to Kerala, India against the Coca-Cola Company. tied(p) after this point, the CEOs of some(prenominal) PepsiCo and Coca-Cola did not sincerely change their ways. In fact, Vedwans article (2007) explains, Perhaps, the closely paradoxical act to undo the effects of detrimental publicity came from the PepsiCo CEO when he publicly opposed the borrowing of European norms for beverages sold in India (p. 671). This ultimately leads to increased underdevelopment in Kerala and other areas being affected by the drinking corporations because the people of the piece are essentially sinking deeper into poverty without sufficient water, increased disease, and lack of food . The post-developmen t theory supports this.The stand up reason as to why the Coca-Cola and Pepsi corporations have had a negative impact on the overall association in India is economic-based. Although the corporations have helped pay back the macroeconomics, it is clear that the micro or local economies in India have become even worse that they had been in the past (Raman, 2010, p. 254). Aiyers article (2008), for example, mentions that the agriculture sector, which used to be the largest sector in India, now only accounts for 25 percent of the GDP compared to the 75 percent of the population who relies on it. Seventy percent of this rural population faces daily hunger in terms of thermal intake, (p. 650) This fact has also led to a widespread physical low gear in the rural areas of India, where an average of seven suicides per farmer happen each day (ibid). The corporations influence over India is massive, which is overall good economically for the countries in control (the United States), but n ot so much for India. agree to Raman (2007), The Coca-Cola marketing system is an example of how the culture of consumerism is rendered essential to individuals perceptions of culture and self-worth (p. 109) Hyams notes that, Coca-Cola, which is the biggest US corporate investor in India, has the countrys law makers in the palm of its hand, (2004). Although the preceding(prenominal) parameter may show rough bias against Coca-Cola, it is for the or so part on-key. Even in 2006 when the state of Kerala in India banned the use of Coca-Cola and Pepsi products, there was so much pressure from the government and corporations that the ban only lasted for one month (Aiyer, 2008, p. 640). It should also not be forgotten that while so many people are being starved in the towns where these companies exist, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are making around $2 billion per year in profit in India (Aiyer, 2008, p. 641).Overall, the preceding(prenominal) points provide truth as to why Coca-Cola and Peps iCo have had more of a negative effect on India overall rather than the authoritative effect that we are tricked into thinking exists. The academic journal articles referenced above support this thesis by proving that there has been environmental devastation, health problems, and economic issues caused by the Coca-Cola and Pepsi factories in the Kerala state in India.ConclusionsOverall, the issue of multinational corporations exploiting create countries is nothing new, and countries going by means of rapid expansion, such as India, want corporations to come so that they can build a strong GDP. Looking specifically at Coca-Cola and Pepsi in India, it is easy to see that there have been many more negative facial expressions of having these corporations in India than positive aspects, even economically. The environmental degradation and health problems have caused many internal problems within Indian communities, and rather than bringing economic prosperity, it is clear that econom ic problems have resulted from Coca-Cola and Pepsi riding horse up factories in these villages.This brings us to the question of whether multinational corporations are really a good thing or not. We use their products everyday in northmost America, and most people share a common effect that they have helped build economies. Not only that, but we daily hear about the good things that corporations are doing for us and the events that they sponsor, such as the Olympics but we must question what is happening behind the scenes of all of this. Looking at the issue of Coca-Cola and Pepsi in India is just a small example of the problems that multinational corporations have caused worldwide. Also, we must question if these corporations are really bringing development to a country, or rather causing underdevelopment, as Coca-Cola and Pepsi seem to be doing in the Kerala province.Finally, is neoliberalism the answer? It seems like there have been so many problems that have arisen from it. T hat being said, Escobar and Estevas underdevelopment theory is becoming increasingly popular as the world begins to realize what multinational corporations and neoliberalism is doing to separate the rich-poor gap amongst the North and South. Is globalization all that great? By looking Plachimadas case, most would come to the conclusion that it is not. These are the types of questions that can be considered when looking at the issue of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo not only in India, but all around the world. icon Conferencing Advantages and DisadvantagesVideo Conferencing Advantages and DisadvantagesThe exponential growth in the experience based society triggered by the equally strong impact of breeding applied science and its confused dents have expanded the human intellectual creativity. In actation engineering entrance has and so enabled both the analysis as well as the development of ideas and concepts between individuals with the access of a dewy-eyed computer and a retrieve connection. The gang of a computer, a tele think and the service of an Internet improvement Provider have transgressn birth to a number of users to strive targets previously deemed to be impossible. The synergy of both information technology and the people behind the computer have resulted in the earnment of goals, in turn providing excellent results for their respective organizations. One such area of this new mode of exchanging information amongst the various information technology portals is flick-conferencing, a development which has supercharge reduced be and cadence to take decisions, meet people, interact, learn and get word even from the comfort of their living or board rooms respectively. surely one of the most informative modes of telecommuting, video-conferencing has emerged as a strong tool for exchanging information, imparting grooming, and learning/teaching varied courses in both the moving in and academic environments. The following paper will strive to yield some of the salient aspects and characteristics of video-conferencing, its uses, advantages, discriminates, as well as analyse it from the perspective of championship organizations, with a particular focus on use of video-conferencing as a means of discourse for venue providers and event management organizations.Our present day environment is evidence of an era in which time is the essence, and in legal age of instances of crucial magnificence. This is true for both the fiercely competitive worry environment as well as the ever fast pace of the knowledge based industries. A brief overview of the developments in the last two decades would snap off that the global economy has shown a somewhat alike set of trends as was witnessed during the era of industrialization some three centuries ago. Thus, one can easily observe the gradual transition from the industrial based economies to the present day knowledge based economy. This can be evidenced in very much every sphere of life, including but not bound to short letteres, private and sociable lives. The onset and spread of information technology and its various modes are for the most part responsible for this evidential transition. Today, access to information is not the domain of a few groups/regions and individuals, n any can it manipulated instead access to information is now possible through a personal computer, a border connection, and services of an Internet Service Provider. This has resulted in transforming information into one of the biggest challenges, and into richly developed knowledge based economy. Those with the in vogue(p) information in their respective disciplines are assumed successful, and this is only possible through the appropriate use of the new-made tools of information technology, with video-conferencing as being one such tool. Such is the gravity, and remove to acquire knowledge that one has to much stay a few steps ahead of their nearest competitor, simply to exist in the present day competitive environment. The market dynamics and realities of respective industries often extract individuals and organizations alike to stay informed and compete in the face of the confederative challenges successfully. This is only possible by accepting challenges, however intricate and large they may be, and converting them into in force(p) source of knowledge. Using technology as a conduit for access to this knowledge not only saves significant resources, but also the factor of time as a crucial aspect is fully exploited and saved. It is this saving of time and resources that have given rise to such tools as video-conferencing, providing an edge to the patterns of doing pedigree and living a successful life. though marred by a number of drawbacks and disadvantages, video-conferencing has nevertheless emerged as one of the most efficacious tools of intercourses in the present day business environment and it is this mode of modern communication, which wi ll comprise a big segment of the following paper.According to the information accessed from the web pages of www.whatis.com, videoconference is a means of communication between two groups of people from separate locations. Generally, video-conference involves the use of a audio, video, and ancillary equipment enabling both the groups of people to see, hear and converse with each other from multiple locations. Emerging from the environment of a boardroom, classroom, or a manufacturing site, video-conferencing provides each party to interact with each other as if they were sit down in front of each other in the kindred room. The single most important advantage of video-conferencing has been the provision of or enhancement of expedite for the business processes and operations, just as the use of e-mail and facsimile has speeded up access to information. well-nigh of the major benefits derived from video-conferencing include, but are not limited to cost savings in expire, accommod ation, staff time, greater and enhanced communication amongst employees at distant locations, and between suppliers and customers. (Video Conferencing UK, 2005)As also briefly describe in the opening paragraphs, it is the access to information and knowledge that has enabled individuals and organizations to stay abreast of their nearest competitors, an aspect that is true for businesses an academia alike. Simply put, a business organization cannot remain competitive if it does not have access to advance information in its respective industry similarly a teacher cannot impart tuition/training to its pupils if he/she remains behind latest set of researches and information about their respective subjects. Acknowledging the fact that the present day era in fact comprises of a net added environment, the importance of video-conferencing takes on very dynamic dimensions. This is all the more true in the face of global events which can leave a devastating effect on the local and internati onal economy, and upon which no individual, organization or country can financial statement any measure of control.Examples of such global events that have shattered economies, devastated integral countrysides, and left a trail of human misery and loss of belongings include the tragic events of September 11, the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) computer virus of South East Asia, the devastating tidal waves of Tsunami destroying precious life and plaza from Island of Maldives in South East Asia to the shores of Dar-es-Salaam in the East African country of Tanzania. It is events such as stated in the preceding lines which makes the importance of communication tool of video-conferencing ever more critical in the present day environment.The need for information technology tools such as video-conferencing is further precipitated in view of the diverse nature of our societies across the human beings, which in turn give rise to political, economic, and social risks, the threat of global diseases, terrorism including bio-terrorism either or all of which then pose a significant challenge not only to the productiveness and economics of a nation, but to the individuals and organizations across the formal as well. Just as the significant nature of advances in checkup research that have triggered a revolution in the treatment and tutorship of variety of diseases, the revolution in information technology has perfect(a) similar results, providing and collecting crucial entropy and information from every corner of the globe and cash dispenser for the general benefit of global populations. Information technology tools such as video-conferencing have thus made it possible for providing better productivity and enhanced performance in our organizations allowing general populations to take preventive and disciplinary action in the face of emergencies, crisis situations, or even using it to suggest production levels and launching new and better products in th e face of strict competitions. Video-conferencing thus aids in the accomplishment of performance excellence, provides for an advance information portal to thwart off threats of disease, spread of virus, the onset of incoming raw(a) calamities including storms, cyclones such as those witnessed in the Tsunami of December of 2004. It is thus essential for practically all businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, and the general populations to develop their respective multi-cultural and technology supported communication systems so that they are better able to speak to either of the said contingencies, and engage and use information technology tools including video-conferencing to accomplish the same. (Andersen, 2004)Though the above sections have briefly outlined the growing importance of video-conferencing as an important tool of information technology, the following review of articles are a further attempt to provide evidence to this respect. The first article is ti tled Online In the Outback The Use of Videoconferencing by Australian Aborigines authored by Mark Hodges and published in Technology Review issue of April 1996.Upon reading the said article by Mark Hodges, it was evident that while the use of video-conferencing still remained a remote idea and its application still under-utilized in countries such as the United States of America and other European countries, the Warlpiri aborigines of Tanami region of Australias Northern Territory have been effectively using this technology since 1993. The exchange of information through the use of video-conferencing given the name of Tanami mesh topology taking its name from the region links some four settlements of Walpiri aborigines, as well as with the major Australian cities of Sydney, Darwin, and Alice Springs.The use of video-conferencing for these aborigines has proved to such a successful venture that the aborigines are able to communicate and gain full of life information from a number of government service providers fixed in the said urban cities while at the same time video-conferencing has also provided these Walpiri aborigines access to customers and business organizations for Walpiri arts and crafts, established links with other Australian aborigines and with indigenous populations living in countries of the world.Also used for consultations amongst the aborigine leaders to arrive at important decisions for their traditional ceremonies and community related issues, the use of video-conferencing has successfully been expanded for such applications as access to educational programmes including heavy(p) and secondary education, teacher training, legal assistance, social security, and access for remote health care.In essence, the Tanami Network, using the video-conferencing tool of information technology has thus provided these Australian aborigines an excellent portal for enhancing their quality of family and community life. Perhaps the single most important a dvantage gained by the use of video-conferencing technology by the Australian aborigines has been to overcome lack of communication factor within the close ring of family and friends, which even today stands threatened by alarming influence of Australian western culture as well as the geographic closing off of these fragile aborigines across the Australian continent.Thus, video-conferencing has been successfully used in areas of education, watching functions, decision-making, and access to health care, promotion of Aborigine artifacts arts and culture, and access to businesses located in urban areas of Australia, as well as far off places such as London and the United States of America respectively. The link created by video-conferencing with the aborigines living in other parts of the world is merely other major accomplishment of this technology. The use of video-conferencing has thus resulted in the creation of a close network with Saami of Scandinavia, the Inupiat of Alaska, the Inuit of Canada, and the Little Red Cree Nation living in the state of Alberta in Canada.A similar video-conferencing network also in Australia provided aborigine students of New South Wales the opportunity to get across secondary education. Providing a link between 4 schools situated in remote locations, the students use the video-conferencing technology to finish the final 2 old age of their education, against the option to either drop out of school, or the more expensive option of joining a boarding school located at a quad ranging from 200 to 400 kilometers. In addition to the crucial opportunity to continue education for the aborigine students, the video-conferencing technology also provides these populations with topics and subjects otherwise not functional within the confines of the aborigine community. (Hodges, 1996 Fischer, 1992 Munn, 1973 Young, 1995)The above sections have briefly provided some of the salient features and uses of video-conferencing in present da y environment, as well as touched upon the subject of some of the situations where video-conferencing as a tool of information technology can save precious lives and property. The following section comprises of a brief overview of the development of video-conferencing over the last 5 years in particular, and its introduction as an important tool for exchanging information over the last few decades.A brief on the development over the last 3 decades of information technology shows that, indeed video-conferencing emerged as one of the most viable forms of communication as compared to the standard telephone set originally created by Graham Bell. Some of the first impressions of video-conferencing reveal that it comprises of being expensive, does not portray the images as may be ask, may not work due to inadequate bandwidths or unavailability of a suitable phone connection, difficulties in establishing the ancillary equipment such as the monitors and the network of cords and wires, or a s simple excuses as the way people would actually appear on a monitor screen, and the list simply may go on.Yet, all these and other excuses are now history, as the last 5 years have witnessed a tremendous growth and development of an all in all new set of equipment together with relevant advances in telecommunication technology. This has made the use of video-conferencing mode of communication not only cost effective but the hardware and software now in use are fairly easy to use with minimum of training need. This has fulfilled the two most important haves of the business circles across the globe first video-conferencing has brought a significant reduction in travel expenses, and secondly, it has made communication between people scattered across continents fairly simple and within the range of general populations/communities.In fact studies carried out by Wainhouse Research historied that since the onset of easy-to-use software, cost effective hardware and access to telephone lines in the last 2 years, there has been a steady growth of approximately 30 percent in annual revenues across the video-conferencing industry.The availability of such equipment as web-camera is however another evolution which has turned a simple desk-top computer into a digital-media thus changing the traditional video-conferencing technology into a new spectrum, and providing practically everyone with a desk-top, a telephone line, and a good Internet connection with a modern video-conferencing technology.The last 5 years have also witnessed the introduction of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) -based networks with Internet Protocol (IP) systems, even though the first still decree majority of the videoconference industry across the globe. Studies carried out by Frost Sullivan on the use of Internet noted that more than 95 percent of the videoconferences used the ISDN networks the same study also noted that 20 percent of the finished video-conferencing by groups and or ganizations was done through the Internet Protocol, and more than 92 percent of personal video-conferencing was IP based respectively.A brief comparison between IP based networks for video-conferencing and ISDN networking shows that IP based networking for video-conferencing is economical, provides for an exchange of information and data in a better manner, offers an easy integration option of video-conferencing and desk-top computers, and the knack of a better managed video-conferencing network. The same study also show that by next year, the differences between ISDN based network and IP-based networks for video-conferencing will be practically eliminated.Another major development in the video-conferencing industry is the growing demand for managing video-conferencing by organizations at their own premises and using the same staff. respective(prenominal) employees in the information technology departments such as storage of data and e-mail management in addition to the responsibil ities already handle this. With the new responsibilities of managing video-conferencing over traditional networking functions, this is indeed a major shift in the video-conferencing industry. The new trends of using backdrop computers as hubs for video-conferencing are also a source of worry for companies and organizations engaged with or providing specific software and equipment for the video-conferencing industry. Some of the organizations worthy of mentioning conglomerate in products and services for the video-conferencing industry include Avaya, Cisco, Microsoft, and Nortel Networks.With the desktop computer already in use as a hub for video-conferencing, the video-conferencing industry is coming up with ever-new developments and technologies constantly in search of upgrading the quality of both audio and video images to be transmitted over the network.Some of the modern tools introduced include the videophone, a product launched by Motorola/World Gate Communications, which tr ansmits full-motion video images with an excellent audio levels requiring a high speed Internet connection, yet in appearance it is simply a cellular (mobile) phone.The LCD-Integrated Display is yet another modern tool for communication. This is an move version and a combination of integrated video-conferencing codecs, cameras, microphones and speakers all installed within the desktop computer. Already introduced by three major manufacturers, namely Polycom, Sony and Tanberg, each of the companies have successfully launched their products featuring the said characteristics for videoconferencing. Sonys baffle PCS-TL50 perhaps stands out as the most ripe version, as it can perform the double function of desktop computer display, as well as easily switched on to video-conference monitor.Another development is the software based video-conferencing technology. Polycoms desktop model PVX is one such example of this new technology, which only requires a USB web-cam, a desktop computer, and software from either of the vendors in the video-conferencing industry. The significant feature of software-based video-conferencing is that it offers high-resolution ciphers and high levels of audio. Polycoms PVX model offers a 30-frames per second picture frame, while the quality of sound is at 14kHz making it one of high hat performing information technology tools in video-conferencing. (Regenold, 2005)As also reiterated in the above sections of the paper, the information technology portal of video-conferencing has proved its worth due to its tremendous potence to reach anywhere and at any time. In addition, the physical presence is totally eliminated for imparting training, education, or merely exchanging information with employees of the same organization. An overview of the different situations and sectors where video-conferencing is widely applied includes education and professional training, though it is also used in vital meetings amongst board members of an organizat ion situated in distant locations across the globe.Though professional training and corporate application in business organization is said to be the most important application of video-conferencing, it is the sector of education where its application has proved most beneficial. As also described in the above case studies of Aborigines of Australia receiving feedback and information from distant locations as far as London and the United States of America, or receiving education within the vast territories of the Australian continent, video-conferencing has truly added new dimensions in the discipline of education.One may note that though video-conferencing in the arena of education has been in practice for a number of years, its combination with online form of education has added significant value to the discipline of education. Both these technologies of video-conferencing and Online have thus not only improved the quality of education as visual cues and body language are utilized in video-conferencing, the technological coupling of the two has allowed for the provision of education experts without the need to physically call them. Thus, both the factor of time and place have been made independent, as also bringing a significant reduction in the costs of travel that would otherwise be required to move experts from one location to another. (Reed Woodruff, 1995 Willis, 1996)From the above it would be evident that video-conferencing and Online mode of education when combine truly offers an excellent form of imparting education minus the numerous obstacles that may be required in the absence of both the said technology portals. However, there are numerous studies which provide significant evidence that video-conference even when combined with Online form of education has its own set of limitations, and perhaps these limitations are the reasons for the unfitness to make video-conferencing a virtual success.One such limitation, and perhaps superlative obstacle is the lack of interaction amongst the participants of a conference-conference. Also termed as talk of the town heads, this format of imparting education and training is discover to loose its viability in the absence of true interaction, or failure to encourage participants to actively put down in the respective education/training program. In this context, one may observe that a face-to-face intromission comprising of no less than 50- transactions is it a tiring experience for the participants, and to bear a welt through video-conferencing is practically an impossible exercise.As also evident through a number of studies, a one-sided lecture can only remain productive, or majority of participants remain active listeners for a maximum of 20 minutes only. After the passage of approximately 20 minutes into the one-sided lecture, an ambience of drowsiness can be witnessed amongst the participants. It is this fact, due to which video-conferencing even with the assistance of Online technology has not really been a favorite form of imparting education or training.There are however two methods or solutions for addressing such dilemmas as the lack of interaction amongst the participants. First is the pedagogical approach, while the second solution is through the effective use of technological aides.In the pedagogical approach for addressing the lack of interaction amongst the participants, there are three prefatory principals, which can provide avenues for active participation from the participants.First point is breaking the ice. These are creation of an atmosphere which provides for a motivating factor, in turn pushing the participants to actively take part in the ongoing lecture while there are amidst a video-conference this motivation and the respective atmosphere also allows for overcoming feelings of self-consciousness. This is also called breaking the ice.Secondly, the shorter a lecture and more cerebrate it is, the better outcome in the shape of interac tion by the participants, as well as easy transfer of knowledge/training text is observed. One way to accomplish this, and make presentations short is to provide a break after every 20 minutes, and engage the participants in some form of activity.Third point, and perhaps the most important is the officering participants to get involved in the interaction, and not to leave upon them to decide whether or not to participate. This factor is also important, as it allows for both breaking the ice, as well as breaking the same lecture or training seance into a number of segments, each supported by a separate form of activity from the participants. Involving participants and engaging them for active interaction can be consummate by involving them in debates between number of experts of the same discipline, through the adoption of role models or role-playing, putting controversial questions to the participants so that they are able to offer a variety of answers to the same question, instea d of asking a question which only has one answer. This third point of involving the participants also implies that interaction amongst the participants has to pre-planned prior to the actual video-conference session, and cannot be simply pursued during the respective session or educational text. Though this form of inviting and engaging the participants is truly effective in delivering a truly successful lecture or training program whether professional or educational, its single largest drawback lies in the fact that this can only practiced and implemented in a live presentation or videoconference.Addressing the dilemma or failure to actively participate in a videoconference from a technological perspective can be accomplished through the application of recorded messages, or training programmes. In this manner, the participants can gain access to the respective educational/ training material at the their own disposal, normally through the use of Internet. (Shearer, 2003 Kunz, 2000)I t allows for the utilization of existing and prove technologies.There is significantly little training required.Video-conferencing can be used in a number of settings, environments, and configurations.It is one of the most practical tools for creating a direct liaison with both audio as well as visual linkages amongst the participants.The operating costs are comparatively less, and this too depends on the keep and number of sites. victorious the case of an interview of a capableness candidate by a committee of officials within an organization (such as interviewing a candidate to fulfill a faculty position in an academic institution) shows that advantages of video-conferencing far outweigh the disadvantages. First of all, convenience of the applicator is at the forefront followed by significant reduction in travel costs, time otherwise needed for the primary responsibilities. Then there is the additional advantage of videotaping the entire proceedings of the interview, for later screening, as well as for those have-to doe with officials who may not be available for the interview.One of the profound and proven advantages of video-conferencing has been observed in the teaching/learning environment of academic institutions. With exponential growth in the learning/teaching environment, in particular through the use of Online forms of education, videoconference has provided new dimensions to the teaching and learning situations. Though there emerges the need for specific equipment and personnel for video-conferencing, the basic requirement of an Internet Service Provider, a laptop or computer and a web-camera are all that is required for video-conferencing to take place.Video-conferencing has also found tremendous advantages amongst teachers and pupils for a one-to-one teaching format, and communication with small groups of students located in distance locations. This is particularly true since the onset of Internet as a means of direct communication. The same application has also found tremendous advantages for business communications for both long distance meetings, and one-to-one contact with employees located in distance branches of the respective organization.Though relatively less in usage, the use of ISDN conferencing is an advanced version of video-conferencing, which provides for significantly better quality of both audio and video. The dogma usage of the ISDN form of conference-conference is in the learning/ teaching environment where there exists the need to ask the expert. It is this advantage of calling upon external experts in far off locations that this ISDN video-conferencing is best applied. Another advantage of this form of video-conferencing is the mental quickness to support entire group of professionals or students and involve them in the teaching/learning environment through direct interaction.One of the disadvantages of video-conferencing is observed in the initial establishment costs, which can be high as compare d to traditional modes of meetings.Video-conferencing is still considered an evolving technology, hence standardization and its usage is yet to be fully developed.One of the major restraining factors and a disadvantage of video-conferencing is the inadequate infrastructure of local telephone networks, which is one of the blush requisites.Expansion of video-conferencing facilities and locations require substantial financing, hence its utility program remains limited.The operational costs of videoconference also serve as an verification.Taking the same example of an interview of a candidate by a team of officials of an organization, there also exist disadvantages of video-conferencing these can include potential technical difficulties such as problems with the software, hardware, and/or failure of the network. Though these problems could well be tested prior to the actual event, such as the interview, there is always the possibility of an unexpected technical problem to emerge eith er before or even during the actual video-conferencing activity.A major impediment in video-conferencing is the lack of personal interaction, a factor that is often regarded as an important feature of any meeting, interview or feedback. A prime example of lack of personal interaction can be observed in the ever-important handshake that is considered an important aspect in the conclusion of a business meeting, or the successful completion of an interview.Then there is the aspect of eye contact, which too remains absent during a videoconference as eye-contact serves as an important feature for physical assessment of an individual (such as an applicant during an interview), and situations during a videoconference.Another disadvantage observed during a videoconference is the absence of deft and support personnel, in turn creating a host of problems for participants who may be unfamiliar with the video-conferencing equipment/environment, with the result that the same videoconference wou ld make matters worse instead of providing facility for the participants.The disadvantages observed in the ISDN form of video-conferencing are the relative high costs incurred in the installation, rental and call charges. In addition the specific equipment for video-conferencing required for supporting ISDN too is costly. Then there is the difficult pattern of savvy data collaboration in ISDN, which is difficult to use, making it a disadvantage for video-conferencing.ConclusionThe above paper strives to present the topic of video-conferencing in a number of perspectives, and provides evidence in respect of the popularity one of the most advanced forms of communication prevalent today in various industries. Whether it is the arena of academia, business organizations, professional trainers, to government offices, the information technology portal of video-conferencing h